Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio E3
86Outstanding
$2300
Full review dataDan Clark Audio E3 vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the ZMF Tessidera comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: ZMF Tessidera - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
ZMF Tessidera
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
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio E3 | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2300 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 27 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | no | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Quick charge | none | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Voice assistant | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 455 g | 570 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | 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
ZMF Tessidera
The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
- Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
- Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
- Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
- Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
- Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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