Audeze CRBN2 vs Dan Clark Audio Stealth: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Dan Clark Audio Stealth comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Dan Clark Audio Stealth - Great overall at around $4499.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Dan Clark Audio Stealth leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Audeze CRBN2
Dan Clark Audio Stealth

HearWiki score

Sound

9.3

Value

4.0

5.7

Price (USD)

$6,000

$4,500

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Audeze CRBN2 (2022) against Dan Clark Audio Stealth (2021). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

CRBN220221 yr newer
Stealth2021

Specifications

CRBN2Stealth

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $6,000; $4,500
HearWiki score: 75; 78
Released: 2022; 2021
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 2× 120 mm electrostatic; 76 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: electrostatic; planar
Driver size: 120 mm; 76 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 40 kHz; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: 580 Ω; 23 Ω
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW; 90 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 480 g; 415 g
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: -; No
Connector: -; 4.4 mm balanced
Balanced connection: -; Yes
Model code: 217-EX-1121-00; -

Specification comparison of Audeze CRBN2 vs Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Spec	Audeze CRBN2	Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$6,000	$4,500
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	78 / 100 Great
Released	2022	2021
Audio
Driver	2× 120 mm electrostatic	76 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	electrostatic	planar
Driver size	120 mm	76 mm
Drivers per side	2	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 40 kHz	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	580 Ω	23 Ω
Sensitivity	100 dB/mW	90 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	480 g	415 g
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	-	No
Connector	-	4.4 mm balanced
Balanced connection	-	Yes
Model code	217-EX-1121-00	-

What reviewers said

Audeze CRBN2

The Audeze CRBN2 is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that builds on its predecessor with enhanced low-end impact and a smoother, more refined tonal balance. It requires a powerful dedicated energizer to perform at its best, and its treble is slightly laid-back rather than aggressive. This wired, high-end model is aimed at serious listeners seeking top-tier resolution and comfort in a reference-grade setup.

Pro:Improved bass impact and slam
Pro:Smooth, refined tonal balance
Pro:Excellent comfort for long sessions

Con:Requires a powerful external energizer
Con:Treble presence is somewhat relaxed
Con:Very high price point

Dan Clark Audio Stealth

The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a remarkably refined and natural sound signature, backed by strong technical performance and flagship-level build quality. It excels in clarity and detail while maintaining a smooth presentation, though it requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential, especially in the bass. As a wired-only model with balanced connectivity, it targets audiophiles seeking top-tier closed-back performance.

Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
Pro:Natural and smooth tonal balance
Pro:Flagship-grade build and accessories

Con:Requires ample amplifier power
Con:Premium price point
Con:No wireless or ANC options

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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