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Dan Clark Audio Ether 2Image © moon-audio.com

Dan Clark Audio Ether 2

59/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Pricey for what it is

$2,200
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Dan Clark Audio
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2018

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound8.0
Value5.0

The Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone, released in 2018, known for its extremely light weight and warm, musical sound signature. It features a proprietary TrueFlow driver and swappable ear pads for customizable tuning.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for audiophiles seeking a reference-grade listening experience. Its ultra-light 289g frame and 71mm TrueFlow driver deliver a linear, intimate sound with strong separation and imaging, while the low 16-ohm impedance makes it easier to drive than many planars. This wired, passive model prioritizes comfort and refined tonality over features like ANC, positioning it as a top-tier choice for critical listening at home.

What works

  • Exceptionally lightweight at 289g for extended comfort
  • Highly linear and refined sound signature with excellent imaging
  • Low impedance makes it easy to drive from a variety of sources
  • Premium build and updated planar driver technology
  • Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades

What doesn't

  • No active noise cancellation or wireless functionality
  • Intimate soundstage rather than expansive or airy
  • High price point limits accessibility
  • Protein leather pads may require careful maintenance over time

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

Specifications

Audio - Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
Driver71 mm planar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Driver size71 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance16 Ω
Sensitivity92 dB/mW

What the reviews said

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

headfonics.com

88

Headfonics describes the Ether 2 as a major step up from the original Ether, with a very linear low end to midrange and an overall presentation that is more intimate than expansive. In the reviewer’s view, it delivers strong separation and imaging and earns an 8.8 reader score.

Read the full review

enjoythemusic.com

Enjoy the Music calls the Ether 2 a significant achievement and recommends it strongly for listeners seeking a reference-quality headphone. The review emphasizes its refined sound and positions it as a very strong choice in its category.

Read the full review

headphones.com

The review frames the Ether 2 as an ultra-light open-back planar headphone and publishes core specifications rather than a numeric score. It presents the model as a premium, technically distinctive design focused on low weight and planar performance.

Read the full review

hifichoice.com

Hi-Fi Choice highlights the Ether 2’s extremely light 290g build and presents it as comfortable both physically and sonically. The review suggests it is worth auditioning for listeners who want an easygoing, high-end open-back planar headphone.

Read the full review

moon-audio.com

Moon Audio summarizes the Ether 2 as Dan Clark Audio’s flagship open-back planar magnetic headphone and notes that it is easy to drive relative to many planars. The piece emphasizes its updated TrueFlow driver, low impedance, and high-end positioning.

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.

The consensus

Mixedacross 2 videos

Reviewers agree the Ether 2 has exceptional build quality and is extremely lightweight and comfortable, with a smooth, detailed sound that suits relaxed genres like pop and electronic.

Reviewers liked

  • Exceptional build quality
  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable
  • Smooth, detailed sound with good imaging

Reviewers flagged

  • Unusual or overly smooth tuning that lacks dynamics or bite
  • Midrange can sound boxed-in or congested
  • Not ideal for energetic or acoustic music
15:43

ETHER 2 | $2000 of High Fidelity Build!

Joshua Valour20K viewsAug 2019

The reviewer finds the Ether 2 exceptionally well-built and comfortable, but considers its sound signature unusual and ultimately unappealing. While the treble and bass are decent in isolation, the midrange feels boxed-in, dynamics are lacking, and the overall presentation sounds miniature and congested, making it a poor fit for energetic music despite excelling with relaxed genres.

11:22

DCA Ether 2 - The Most Comfortable Headphone Ever!

MrAyrit2K viewsFeb 2023

The reviewer finds the DCA Ether 2 to be exceptionally well-built and the most comfortable headphone they've ever worn, with a lightweight design and premium materials. However, they find the sound tuning too smooth and laid-back for their preference, lacking top-end bite for acoustic music, though it works well for pop, electronic, and hip-hop genres. Ultimately, they plan to sell it because the tuning doesn't match their music tastes, despite acknowledging it's technically worth the 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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Mentioned in articles

Where the Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 comes up in our guides and explainers.

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.