Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
78Great
$4,500
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Stealth vs Focal Utopia: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Utopia comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Utopia - Outstanding overall at around $4999.
Over-Ear
Focal Utopia
81Outstanding
$5,000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Utopia leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Dan Clark Audio Stealth
- Focal Utopia
HearWiki score
78
81
Sound
9.3
9.7
Value
5.7
5.8
Price (USD)
$4,500
$5,000
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
Focal Utopia (2022) against Dan Clark Audio Stealth (2021). These are 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.
- Stealth2021
- Utopia20221 yr newer
Specifications
StealthUtopia
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $4,500
- $5,000
- HearWiki score
- 78
- 81
- Released
- 2021
- 2022
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 76 mm planar magnetic
- 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- planar
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 76 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- 5 Hz - 23 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral
- Impedance
- 23 Ω
- 80 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 90 dB/mW
- 104 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 415 g
- 490 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a remarkably refined and natural sound signature, backed by strong technical performance and flagship-level build quality. It excels in clarity and detail while maintaining a smooth presentation, though it requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential, especially in the bass. As a wired-only model with balanced connectivity, it targets audiophiles seeking top-tier closed-back performance.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Natural and smooth tonal balance
- Pro:Flagship-grade build and accessories
- Con:Requires ample amplifier power
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:No wireless or ANC options
Focal Utopia
The Focal Utopia is a premium open-back wired headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking reference-grade neutrality. Its 40mm beryllium driver delivers exceptional detail, low distortion, and a finely tuned high-frequency response, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening. While its performance is class-leading, the steep price positions it as a luxury investment rather than a practical everyday option.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Very low distortion with a neutral, accurate sound signature
- Pro:Premium build quality and detachable cable design
- Con:Extremely high price point
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity
- Con:Heavy weight (490g) may be tiring during long sessions
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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