Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
88Outstanding
$4499
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Stealth vs Focal Utopia 2022: 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.
Our pick: Dan Clark Audio Stealth - Outstanding overall at around $4499.
Over-Ear
Focal Utopia 2022
88Outstanding
$4999
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Focal Utopia 2022
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Stealth | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $4499 | $4999 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | 76 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | - | 5Hz-50kHz |
| Impedance | 23 Ω | 80 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 104 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 415 g | 490 g |
| USB-C | 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 Utopia 2022
This premium open-back flagship pairs a refined dynamic driver with a robust, luxurious frame, delivering exceptionally detailed and transparent sound. While it's an evolutionary step from its predecessor rather than a complete overhaul, the improvements in refinement and articulation make it a top-tier choice for discerning listeners. Its steep price and open-back nature, however, limit its appeal to dedicated audiophiles with deep pockets.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Articulate, well-defined bass response
- Pro:Superb build quality and premium materials
- Con:Very expensive price tag
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Included unbalanced cable is relatively short
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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