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Dan Clark Audio ExpanseImage © Amazon

Dan Clark Audio Expanse

74/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$4,500
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Dan Clark Audio
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wireless
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2022

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound9.2
Value5.8

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Dan Clark Audio Expanse is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that aims for a balanced, natural sound signature rather than an overtly colored one. It combines high-end build quality with strong comfort, though it demands a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. It is best suited for dedicated listening setups, as it lacks wireless features and noise cancellation.

What works

  • Excellent technical performance and balanced tuning
  • High-quality build and premium materials
  • Comfortable for extended listening sessions
  • Detailed and emotionally engaging sound
  • Works well with balanced XLR connections

What doesn't

  • Requires a powerful amplifier to perform optimally
  • No wireless or noise-canceling features at this price
  • Heavy weight may be noticeable during long sessions

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

Specifications

Audio - Dan Clark Audio Expanse
Driver76 mm planar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Driver size76 mm
Drivers per side1
Impedance26 Ω
Sensitivity90 dB/mW

What the reviews said

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

audiowords.net

84

Audiowords aggregates multiple expert takes and characterizes the Expanse as one of the best-measuring open-back headphones among the sources it surveyed. Its overall consensus is strongly favorable toward the headphone’s technical performance and tuning.

Read the full review

headfonics.com

93

The reviewer describes the Expanse as technically excellent and emotionally engaging, with a balanced natural tone, strong comfort, and high-end build quality. They also note that it is power-hungry and does not pair equally well with every solid-state amplifier.

Read the full review

headfonia.com

Headfonia’s review highlights the Expanse as a flagship planar that sounds balanced rather than aggressively colored, and it praises the design and comfort. The review also warns that the headphone needs substantial power to perform well.

Read the full review

stereonet.com

StereoNET presents the Expanse as a strong showing from Dan Clark Audio, emphasizing its high-end performance and premium execution. The review is positive overall, though the search snippet does not provide a numeric score.

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.

28:03

Transform Your Sound Experience With The Game-changing Dan Clark Audio Expanse Headphones!

Currawong40.9K viewsSep 2022

The reviewer finds the Dan Clark Audio Expanse to be a technically impressive open-back flagship that uses AMTS technology to reduce distortion and improve clarity. They note it requires powerful desktop amplification due to low sensitivity and impedance, but when properly driven, it delivers a highly accurate and detailed sound. The design is praised for comfort, repairability, and portability, though the reviewer implies it is not for portable use.

10:12

Is EXPANSE the best open back headphone?? Or...

The Headphone Show32.4K viewsOct 2022

The reviewer finds the Dan Clark Audio Expanse to be a well-built, comfortable, and objectively excellent headphone with strong Harman target adherence, but subjectively disappointing due to a closed-back feel, congested sound, lack of dynamics, and some treble harshness. They prefer the cheaper Aeon Noir and recommend the Expanse mainly for those who value comfort and objective tuning over engaging technicalities.

36:13

Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Review: Interview, Measurements, Impressions

headfi20.5K viewsSep 2022

The reviewer interviews Dan Clark about the new Expanse open-back flagship headphone, discussing its AMTS technology, design, and tuning. They provide initial impressions, noting its wide and airy soundstage that avoids the diffuse quality of some competitors, and highlight its unique ability to sound open while isolating more than typical open-backs. The overall impression is positive, with the reviewer praising its technical achievements and sound quality.

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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