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Dan Clark Audio E3Image © Amazon

Dan Clark Audio E3

77/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Good value

$2,300
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated price check
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Dan Clark Audio
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wireless
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2023

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound9.2
Value8.1

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Dan Clark Audio E3 is a high-end closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a spacious, reference-grade sound signature with refined tuning and strong technical performance. Its 76mm driver and advanced acoustic design make it a top contender in its price class, though it benefits from a capable amplifier to reach its full potential. With a comfortable fit and premium build, it's aimed at discerning listeners seeking a closed-back alternative to open-back reference models.

What works

  • Reference-level clarity and detail
  • Spacious soundstage for a closed-back design
  • Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
  • Advanced 5th-gen planar driver and tuning system
  • Competitive with more expensive flagship models

What doesn't

  • Requires a good amplifier to sound its best
  • Heavy at 455 grams
  • No detachable cable or balanced option in stock form
  • High price point limits accessibility

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

Specifications

Audio - Dan Clark Audio E3
Driver76 mm planar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Driver size76 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance27 Ω
Sensitivity90 dB/mW

What the reviews said

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

headfonics.com

91

Headfonics says the E3 is about as close as closed-back planar headphones get to a reference-level experience, with spacious sound, lively tuning, and very good comfort. It also notes that the headphone still benefits from a capable amplifier because it is not especially easy to drive.

Read the full review

audio46.com

Audio46 concludes that the E3 is Dan Clark’s most accomplished closed-back in its class. The review presents it as a premium headphone that combines refined sound with strong overall performance.

Read the full review

bloomaudio.com

Bloom Audio’s review argues that the E3 is among the best closed-back headphones available and competitive with more expensive options. It emphasizes the headphone’s balanced performance and strong engineering.

Read the full review

techpowerup.com

TechPowerUp highlights the E3’s fifth-generation driver and AMTS tuning system as key reasons for its performance. The review frames the headphone as technically advanced and built around modern acoustic design choices.

Read the full review

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.

23:53

Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphone Review - The Generalist

GadgetryTech13.6K viewsSep 2024

The reviewer praises the Dan Clark Audio E3 as a highly capable closed-back planar headphone with excellent bass extension, clean midrange, and overall neutral tuning that closely follows the Harman curve. While it lacks some excitement and has a minor comfort issue with jaw pressure, the build quality, accessories, and performance make it a strong all-rounder for the price.

15:11

Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT

Super* Review13.5K viewsApr 2024

The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the Dan Clark Audio E3, finding it far superior to the more expensive Stealth and Expanse models. He praises its excellent imaging, clarity, and vocal-focused tuning, though he notes some aesthetic and bass attack shortcomings. Overall, he loves the E3 and considers it a standout closed-back planar.

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

What owners say

A sample of buyer reviews, quoted as written. They aren't verified and they don't feed the HearWiki score - that comes from published reviews only.

Dan Clark Audio E3 s retired my Sennheiser HD 820 s...

Exceptional feels like an understatement. My HD 820 s are going back into a box. My setup? Schiit Mimir + Jotenheim 2.

Don t recommend unless you have powerful amp

Not good it must take a powerful amplifier to run this headphone mine clearly didn t work now im out 2k.

Best Closed-Back headphones I own

I wanted to get a good pair of closed-back headphones for a while now. After some research and experimentation, I came across these, and they fit right below my max budget. I absolutely love these.Read more

Best Closed Back I ve Ever Used

I ve had these for about 5 months now. Closed back headphones are for when you don t want everyone else to hear the music you re playing, or for when you want to hear your music and not all the noiseRead more

via Amazon customer reviews

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.