Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio E3
86Outstanding
$2300
Full review dataDan Clark Audio E3 vs Yamaha Yh-4000: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Yamaha Yh-4000 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Yamaha Yh-4000 - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
Yamaha Yh-4000
88Outstanding
$2500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Dan Clark Audio E3
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Yamaha Yh-4000
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio E3 | Yamaha Yh-4000 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2300 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | planar |
| Driver size | 76 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 5Hz-70kHz |
| Impedance | 27 Ω | 34 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 97 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | no | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Quick charge | none | - |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | none | none |
| Transparency mode | No | No |
| Companion app | No | No |
| Custom EQ | No | No |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | none | none |
| Voice assistant | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 455 g | 320 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Call noise reduction | none | - |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio E3
The Dan Clark Audio E3 is a premium closed-back planar headphone that aims for reference-level performance, combining spacious and lively sound with excellent comfort. It is a technically advanced model featuring a fifth-generation driver and AMTS tuning, though it requires a capable amplifier to perform at its best. Overall, it is considered one of the top closed-back options available, rivaling far pricier competitors.
- Pro:Spacious, natural soundstage for a closed-back
- Pro:High comfort for long listening sessions
- Pro:Advanced planar driver and tuning tech
- Con:Requires a strong amp due to low sensitivity
- Con:Limited to wired, analog connections
- Con:No built-in controls or smart features
Yamaha Yh-4000
The Yamaha YH-4000 is a premium open-back planar headphone that prioritizes exceptional detail retrieval and a natural, airy soundstage. Its lightweight build and plush comfort make it easy to wear for long sessions, while the robust construction and balanced connection cater to discerning audiophiles. It's a high-end choice for those seeking a transparent, composed listening experience without digital extras.
- Pro:Outstanding detail and clarity across the frequency range
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Excellent transient response with low distortion
- Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
- Con:No noise isolation or ANC due to open-back design
- Con:Lacks built-in controls or app support
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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