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Dan Clark Audio Expanse vs STAX SR-007S: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-007S comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: STAX SR-007S - Outstanding overall at around $2390.

Score breakdown

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

STAX SR-007S leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Dan Clark Audio Expanse
  • STAX SR-007S
HearWiki score
74
83
Sound
9.2
9.5
Value
5.8
7.2
Price (USD)
$4,500
$2,390

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The STAX SR-007S is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Expanse2022
  • SR-007S20253 yr newer

Specifications

ExpanseSR-007S
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$4,500
$2,390
HearWiki score
74
83
Released
2022
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
76 mm planar magnetic
2× electrostatic
Driver type
planar
electrostatic
Driver size
76 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
-
6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance
26 Ω
145000 Ω
Sensitivity
90 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.x
-
Codecs
SBC, aptX HD, LDAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
none
Weight
418 g
430 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
XLR
-
Balanced connection
Yes
-

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Expanse

The Dan Clark Audio Expanse is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that aims for a balanced, natural sound signature rather than an overtly colored one. It combines high-end build quality with strong comfort, though it demands a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. It is best suited for dedicated listening setups, as it lacks wireless features and noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Excellent technical performance and balanced tuning
  • Pro:High-quality build and premium materials
  • Pro:Comfortable for extended listening sessions
  • Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform optimally
  • Con:No wireless or noise-canceling features at this price
  • Con:Heavy weight may be noticeable during long sessions

STAX SR-007S

The STAX SR-007S is a refined electrostatic flagship that builds on the classic Stax formula with updated internals and comfort-focused earpads. It delivers a spacious, highly detailed soundstage with warm bass and clear treble, all while maintaining a smooth, airy presentation. This wired, over-ear design is a perfectionist's choice for those seeking an evolutionary upgrade in high-end audio.

  • Pro:Spacious and precise soundstage
  • Pro:Warm, deep bass with clear highs
  • Pro:Improved comfort and reduced earcup resonance
  • Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
  • Con:Very high impedance limits portability
  • Con:No built-in controls or wireless features

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonDan Clark Audio ExpanseSTAX SR-007S