Dan Clark Audio Stealth vs STAX SR-009S: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Dan Clark Audio Stealth comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Dan Clark Audio Stealth - Great overall at around $4499.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

Dan Clark Audio Stealth leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Dan Clark Audio Stealth
STAX SR-009S

HearWiki score

Sound

9.3

9.2

Value

5.7

4.3

Price (USD)

$4,500

$3,290

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 Dan Clark Audio Stealth 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.

Stealth20213 yr newer
SR-009S2018

Specifications

StealthSR-009S

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $4,500; $3,290
HearWiki score: 78; 67
Released: 2021; 2018
Availability: Still sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 76 mm planar magnetic; electrostatic
Driver type: planar; electrostatic
Driver size: 76 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 5 Hz - 42 kHz
Impedance: 23 Ω; 145000 Ω
Sensitivity: 90 dB/mW; 101 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 415 g; 441 g
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -
Balanced connection: Yes; -

Specification comparison of Dan Clark Audio Stealth vs STAX SR-009S
Spec	Dan Clark Audio Stealth	STAX SR-009S
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$4,500	$3,290
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	67 / 100 Good
Released	2021	2018
Audio
Driver	76 mm planar magnetic	electrostatic
Driver type	planar	electrostatic
Driver size	76 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	5 Hz - 42 kHz
Impedance	23 Ω	145000 Ω
Sensitivity	90 dB/mW	101 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	415 g	441 g
USB-C	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

STAX SR-009S

The STAX SR-009S is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that delivers exceptional transparency, speed, and detail, making it a top-tier choice for discerning listeners. Its refined, slightly warmer tuning than the original SR-009, combined with a spacious soundstage and precise imaging, offers a highly immersive experience, though it demands high-quality source material and dedicated amplification. It stands among the best in its class, with only a few newer models potentially edging it out.

Pro:Exceptional detail resolution and speed
Pro:Wide, open soundstage with precise imaging
Pro:Comfortable fit with large earcups

Con:Very revealing, unforgiving of poor recordings
Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
Con:High price point limits accessibility

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

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