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Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX vs Verum 2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Verum 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Verum 2 - Outstanding overall at around $499.

Score breakdown

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

Verum 2 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX
  • Verum 2
HearWiki score
54
85
Sound
6.9
8.9
Value
-
9.0
Price (USD)
$900
$500

Specifications

Drop Ether CX2
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$900
$500
HearWiki score
54
85
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
planar magnetic
105 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
-
105 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
23 Ω
8 Ω
Sensitivity
92 dB/mW
96 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
none
-
Voice assistant
-
No
Weight
440 g
450 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Pad material
-
fabric
Connector
XLR
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes
Call noise reduction
-
No

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX

The Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX is a wired, closed-back planar magnetic headphone engineered for very low distortion and technical clarity. Its stock tuning leans neutral-to-bright with modest bass, but it responds exceptionally well to EQ, rewarding listeners with detailed, dynamic sound when paired with sufficient power. The open-sounding presentation and strong imaging make it a compelling choice for analytical listening, though its XLR connection and lack of onboard controls demand a dedicated setup.

  • Pro:Exceptionally low distortion and clean technical performance
  • Pro:Responds very well to EQ, allowing tailored sound
  • Pro:Open, spacious presentation for a closed-back design
  • Con:Stock tuning lacks sub-bass and treble energy
  • Con:Bass quantity is modest without EQ
  • Con:Requires powerful amplification to perform fully

Verum 2

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

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

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