Dan Clark Audio Stealth vs STAX SR-X9000: 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-X9000

HearWiki score

Sound

9.3

9.8

Value

5.7

4.0

Price (USD)

$4,500

$6,200

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

Both shipped in 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
SR-X90002021

Specifications

StealthSR-X9000

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $4,500; $6,200
HearWiki score: 78; 76
Released: 2021; 2021
Availability: Still sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 76 mm planar magnetic; 2× electrostatic
Driver type: planar; electrostatic
Driver size: 76 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 5 Hz - 42 kHz
Impedance: 23 Ω; 145000 Ω
Sensitivity: 90 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 415 g; 432 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -
Balanced connection: Yes; -

Specification comparison of Dan Clark Audio Stealth vs STAX SR-X9000
Spec	Dan Clark Audio Stealth	STAX SR-X9000
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$4,500	$6,200
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	76 / 100 Great
Released	2021	2021
Audio
Driver	76 mm planar magnetic	2× electrostatic
Driver type	planar	electrostatic
Driver size	76 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	5 Hz - 42 kHz
Impedance	23 Ω	145000 Ω
Sensitivity	90 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	415 g	432 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
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-X9000

The STAX SR-X9000 is a flagship electrostatic headphone designed for audiophiles seeking extreme transparency and resolution. It delivers a spacious, three-dimensional soundstage with exceptional detail retrieval, making it ideal for critical listening. Note that it requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, adding to its substantial overall cost.

Pro:Outstanding detail and transparency
Pro:Large, precise three-dimensional soundstage
Pro:Fast transient response and realism

Con:Requires separate driver unit
Con:Very high total system cost
Con:No active noise cancellation

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

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