Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
84Great
$2199
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Ether 2 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
Sound8.5
Value6.5
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2199 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar magnetic | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 71 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 289 g | 570 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
The Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that stands out for its exceptionally light 289g build, making it comfortable for extended listening. It delivers a linear, intimate sound with strong separation and imaging, and is relatively easy to drive thanks to its low 16-ohm impedance. This model represents a refined step up in the lineup, appealing to those seeking a high-end, reference-quality experience without excessive weight or amplification demands.
- Pro:Ultra-light 289g design for comfort
- Pro:Linear and refined sound signature
- Pro:Strong imaging and separation
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Intimate soundstage rather than expansive
- Con:High price point
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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