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Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CXImage © Amazon

Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX

54/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Poor value

$900
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated price check
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Dan Clark Audio
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
-
Released
2020

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound6.9

The Drop Ether CX is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone designed by Dan Clark Audio for Drop, featuring low distortion and a well-tuned frequency response that benefits from EQ for sub-bass and treble enhancement.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX is a wired, closed-back planar magnetic headphone engineered for very low distortion and technical clarity. Its stock tuning leans neutral-to-bright with modest bass, but it responds exceptionally well to EQ, rewarding listeners with detailed, dynamic sound when paired with sufficient power. The open-sounding presentation and strong imaging make it a compelling choice for analytical listening, though its XLR connection and lack of onboard controls demand a dedicated setup.

What works

  • Exceptionally low distortion and clean technical performance
  • Responds very well to EQ, allowing tailored sound
  • Open, spacious presentation for a closed-back design
  • Strong soundstage and imaging accuracy
  • Textured midrange and crisp treble detail

What doesn't

  • Stock tuning lacks sub-bass and treble energy
  • Bass quantity is modest without EQ
  • Requires powerful amplification to perform fully
  • XLR-only connector limits source compatibility

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX
Driverplanar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Drivers per side1
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance23 Ω
Sensitivity92 dB/mW

What the reviews said

4 source(s) feeding this product's score.

audiosciencereview.com

The reviewer calls the Drop Ether CX a very well engineered closed planar headphone with exceptionally low distortion. They found the stock tuning a bit lacking in sub-bass and treble energy, but said it responds well to EQ and recommended it strongly with equalization.

Read the full review

headfonics.com

The Ether C is described as one of the most satisfying closed planar headphones the reviewer had heard, with an unusually open presentation for a closed design. The review also notes strong soundstage and imaging, while suggesting the bass can be light in stock form compared with some rivals.

Read the full review

headphoneer.com

This review describes the Ether CX as a neutral-to-bright closed planar with deep, high-quality bass, crisp treble, and a textured midrange. The reviewer concludes that with enough power it delivers tight, dynamic, and detailed sound, though the bass quantity is modest.

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headphonist.com

The reviewer presents the Ether CX as a closed-back planar with a fairly high-end feature set and a sound that aims for clarity and detail. The review emphasizes its technical performance and includes the stock specs, but no numeric rating is provided in the excerpt.

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What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

24:18

$900 What's In The Box? Closed Back! Plus Meat Loaf Remembered ------- Dan Clark Audio Drop Ether CX

Director's Garage2K viewsJan 2022

The reviewer unboxes the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX closed-back planar headphones, noting their solid build with carbon fiber cups and comfortable fit, though the ear cups are shallow. He appreciates the sound signature from a prior audition and the included accessories, but finds the yokes and headband somewhat cheap-feeling. Overall, he seems positive about the purchase, especially given the sale price.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.