Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Review

Dan Clark has just released its latest closed-back headphone, the E3, promising a new generation of driver technology and a level of skill and musicality that sets a new standard for the brand in this price range.  Building upon the success of classic best-sellers, like the ol’ Aeon Flow and Ether Flow, what can we can we expect from the E3 in terms of tuning and performance?

What's in the Box?

• E3 Closed-Back Headphone

• Cable with Choice of Termination

• Hard Carrying Case

• Leather Pouch

• Warranty

• User Guide

Look and Feel

With its blue-stitched headband and upgraded Gorilla Glass 3 finish on the cups, the E3 introduces a fresh aesthetic while staying true to the brand's design principles. Gorilla Glass 3, known for its thin yet robust properties, adds durability by resisting scratches and breaks (although I wouldn’t test it). The honeycomb pattern beneath the glass reminds us of the mesh design of open-back headphones, emphasizing the fact that the E3 should sound open. Finally, maintaining Dan Clark’s compact and no-hassle build, the E3 incorporates the same self-adjusting headband suspension system found in the Stealth and Expanse, along with folding yolks for easy portability. 

In terms of fit, I found these cans perfectly comfortable to wear. The clamping force was snug but not too tight, and the ear pads felt roomy and isolating. 

Design

The E3 features the AMTS tuning system previously exclusive to the brand’s more expensive models, like the Stealth and Expanse. Bringing this technology to a more affordable range, the E3 implements the tuning system with a new 5th generation planar-magnetic driver. With new diaphragms on a fresh tensioning system, the drivers are said to deliver lower distortion and enhanced control. The Dual-Mode Bass Port, another DCA innovation, gives the E3 extra control over the bass frequency response, aiming to produce a balanced and punchy sound without any bleed. We’ll see if these promises hold up.

I didn’t find the E3 too hard to drive. In fact, a powerful player, like the Astell & Kern Kann Ultra, should give you enough juice for on-the-go use. Still, I think to get the most out of these cans, a small desktop amp would be optimal.

Sound Impressions

Soundstage

I remember Dan Clark’s older models tending to produce a pretty focused soundstage, and this sometimes tends to be the case here. While there is definite scale to the stereo field, the space still feels somewhat contained, especially in terms of height. Still, the E3 is certainly their most open-sounding closed-back model in its class to date.

While the E3 may only approximate the soundscape of an open-back headphone, the sound bubble still feels entertainingly holographic, given nuanced play between elements across all fields. And certainly, thanks to the the fantastic level of separation and imaging precision, elements feel pristinely defined and spaciously distanced from one another. Overall, instruments maintain a richness tone that never loses resolution, even when placed at the furthest points of the stage. And this quality injects color and vibrancy of the soundscape.

Sound Impressions

Low-End

The bass is fast, tight and well-controlled. But don’t expect tons of juicy meat on the bone. The bass is also somewhat reserved, maintaining a neutral color and moderate presence in the mix. Purists may be attracted to the leaner, more restrained feel in the low-end, while those who enjoy a warmer and more powerful bass may be left thirsty for more punch on certain tracks. The sub-bass frequencies are just as tempered in color, even though you can feel adequate depth. Certainly, this neutral low-end profile is in line with many of the classic Dan Clark models.

All that said, listening to The Beatles’ Come Together, the bass had adequate presence to drive the intro to the song. And as the we creep up the frequency range, the bass becomes a touch more confident. Furthermore, the speedy and tightly contained feel of bass injects plenty of energy and funk into most pop tracks, while rock mixes had sufficient warmth in the low-end to give the song legs.

Given the fantastic transparency and minimal saturation, the E3 offers probably the most natural and accurate tonal delivery I’ve heard in while. Strings in this range are especially impressive, revealing ample texture and timbral subtleties. Still, there is nothing boring or sterile about this low-end; it has its own distinctive musical character that becomes more nuanced the more accustomed you get to the sound.

Mids

Here’s where things a get a little more lively, as the midrange offers some energetic snap and snare impact with its firm and fast delivery. You’ll also get a good amount of body here, since the low-mids are given plenty of attention. The upper mids, while dynamic, avoid sitting forward. The result is a comprehensive and easy-listening midrange, that also feels potent and entertaining.

But the midrange not only offers good energy. It’s incredibly skilled at conveying a movingly emotional musical performance. And this becomes apparent when listening to acoustic tracks, especially. In part, thanks to the somewhat lean profile and impressive resolve, acoustic guitars, for example, are handled delicately and sound intricate, while the highly realistic and detailed presentation creates an intimate connection with the vocalist.

Highs

The highs are deliciously fluid. String note progressions flow gracefully and vocals sound textured, yet velvety at the same time. Certainly, the E3 has found the perfect balance between transparency and refinement in the highs. While still natural, the high frequencies aren’t as light as I expected. In fact, there’s a some good substance here, creating a rich topping to an all-encompassing but sometimes slender profile. And while you will hear a touch of sparkle, the treble peaks are more crisp than they are radiant. Generally, I found the highs pretty forgiving with exception of one or two Miles Davis moments. But I was able to listen for long periods without any discomfort.

Summary

The E3 is unquestionably Dan Clark’s most skillful closed-back headphone in its class. And if you’ve previously owned one of the brand’s older models, like the Aeon Flow or Ether Flow, you’ll no doubt notice the advancements that have been made with respect to its soundstage and overall delivery. Fast, super transparent and intricate, it’s hard not to fall in love with this immaculate sound signature. The bass may not be substantial enough for many, but for those who like a thoroughly realistic and emotive sound, the E3 delivers it in spades.

You can buy the Dan Clark Audio E3 at Audio 46.