
Dan Clark Audio Stealth vs Focal Stellia: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Dan Clark Audio Stealth comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Stealth | Focal Stellia |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $4499 | $2999 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | 76 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | - | 5Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 23 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 106 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Codecs | - | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 415 g | 435 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a highly refined, natural sound with impressive technical performance. It stands out among closed-back models for its clarity, detail, and smoothness, though it requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential, particularly for bass response. Its flagship-level build quality and included accessories further cement its status as a top-tier option.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Natural, smooth tonal balance
- Pro:Flagship build quality and accessories
- Con:Very power-hungry; needs a strong amp
- Con:Bass impact may be limited without ample power
- Con:Very high price point
Focal Stellia
The Focal Stellia is a premium closed-back headphone that pairs a beryllium dynamic driver with a luxurious build, delivering outstanding clarity, detail, and separation across a wide frequency range. It is easy to drive from standard sources, making it a versatile high-end option, though its neutral tuning may not always deliver the most lively or emotionally engaging sound. Its price and weight position it firmly in the flagship category for serious listeners.
- Pro:Excellent detail and instrument separation
- Pro:Easy to drive from most devices
- Pro:Luxurious, well-crafted build
- Con:Very expensive for most buyers
- Con:Neutral sound can feel uninvolving at times
- Con:Heavier than many competitors
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.
