Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Ether C Flow
84Great
$1799
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Ether C Flow vs STAX SR-009D: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009D comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: STAX SR-009D - Outstanding overall at around $2640.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009D
88Outstanding
$2640
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Dan Clark Audio Ether C Flow
Sound8.5
Value7.0
STAX SR-009D
Sound9.5
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Ether C Flow | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1799 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | single-ended planar magnetic | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Driver size | 71 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 23 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 390 g | 594 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Ether C Flow
The Dan Clark Audio Ether C Flow is a premium closed-back planar headphone that refines the original Ether C formula with added immediacy and musicality while retaining a neutral, detailed character. It offers excellent build quality, comfort, and a balanced sound that works well across genres, though it stops short of being class-leading in raw dynamics or bass impact. For listeners seeking a high-resolution, closed-back option with controlled bass and impressive speed, this is a compelling choice despite its premium price.
- Pro:Refined, engaging sound with good detail retrieval
- Pro:Excellent build quality and comfortable fit
- Pro:Neutral-to-slightly-U-shaped tonal balance suits many genres
- Con:Dynamics and imaging are good but not exceptional
- Con:Bass could use more punch and speed
- Con:No active noise cancellation at a high price point
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity audio with an exceptionally wide frequency response and transparent, detailed sound. Its open-back design and push-pull driver technology deliver a refined, airy presentation, but it demands a dedicated amplifier and a significant investment. This is a statement piece for audiophiles seeking the utmost in technical performance, not a casual listening device.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency range (5Hz-42kHz)
- Pro:Premium build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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