Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Expanse
86Outstanding
$4499
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Expanse 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 Expanse
Sound9.0
Value6.0
STAX SR-009D
Sound9.5
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Expanse | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $4499 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Driver size | 76 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | - | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 23 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.x | none |
| Codecs | SBC, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 415 g | 594 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Expanse
The Dan Clark Audio Expanse is a premium planar magnetic open-back headphone that delivers a technically refined yet musically engaging sound signature, with a balanced and natural tuning that avoids excessive coloration. Its build quality and comfort are top-tier, but it demands a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. While it offers wireless convenience, it lacks modern codec support and multi-device pairing, making it a niche choice for wired critical listening.
- Pro:Excellent technical performance and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Premium build quality with exceptional comfort
- Pro:Engaging, emotionally immersive sound presentation
- Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform optimally
- Con:Limited wireless functionality with only SBC codec support
- Con:No multipoint pairing for seamless device switching
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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