Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones Awards

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones

E3 is Dan Clark Audio's complete redesign of the iconic Ether C Flow closed-back headphones. E3's striking black and blue design aesthetic, ergonomic shape and Gorilla Glass 3-clad cups are just a taste of the exciting upgrades to our midrange lineup.

E3 is a closed-back headphone that delivers DCA's signature open-back listening experience with all the benefits of closed-cup isolation. E3's superb isolation creates an inky-black background that highlights the incredible realism created by the combination of our patent-pending Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) and all-new 5th-generation driver. The result is a superbly smooth tonal experience, rich in detail, with a huge, wide-open soundstage free of any sense of "cup."

Altogether E3 delivers the kick of a mule when called upon to rock, yet teases out the finest nuances of your most detailed recordings. Naturally, E3 is as comfortable as DCA's other headphones. DCA's acclaimed self-adjusting headband and ergonomics simply make extended listening a joy.

By unleashing top-of-the-line sound and comfort at midrange prices, DCA has set a new standard in midrange headphone performance, making E3 one of our most exciting projects to date, making unrivaled TOTL performance accessible to a much larger audience.

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones Front and Side Views

Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)

A critical feature of E3 is the enhanced AMTS tuning system, previously found only in our TOTL multi-award-winning Stealth, Expanse, and Corina headphones. E3 not only brings this exceptional technology to a more affordable headphone, it does so with a new mode of implementation.

All headphones are subject to high-frequency standing waves which can make treble sound harsh, fatiguing, or synthetic. AMTS is a patent pending inline device placed between the transducer and ear that integrates waveguides, diffusion control, and resonators into one compact structure that eliminates these standing waves while giving us complete control of the high-frequency response profile.

DCA's AMTS tuning architecture is "not one size fits all," it is custom-tuned for each headphone to deliver the ultimate headphone listening experience.

For E3 we developed a new mode of deployment that departs from prior implementations. We won't bore you with the details, other than to say that the AMTS in E3 delivers a superbly rendered top-end that will surprise and delight, with a tone that is simply remarkably lifelike.

Of course, while AMTS renders high frequencies with a refreshingly smooth, accurate, and detailed delivery across all genres, bad recordings will probably still be bad, we're just humble magicians, not grand wizards!

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones AMTS Diagram

Planar Driver Performance Revisited

E3's all-new 5^th generation planar-magnetic driver delivers the smoothest, richest, and most detailed experience we could create to date. Its innovative diaphragms are made on an all-new tensioning system for a more uniform and consistent performance, lower distortion, and enhanced consistency.

Extensive R&D was spent optimizing E3's planar driver. New diaphragm materials combined with highly optimized V-Planar knurling deliver low distortion throughout the listening range, with levels of detail heretofore found primarily in the top-of-the-line electrostatics.

Unlike many headphones where "detail" is created through exaggerated high-frequency energy, E3's new drivers coupled with AMTS deliver exceptionally high resolution without the fatiguing distortions and rough frequency response users may be used to.

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones Planar Driver

"What are those holes in the glass"?

That would be the Dual-Mode Bass Port, yet another DCA innovation for E3. While it's not unusual to find a bass port on a closed headphone, our ingenious dual-mode port delivers unrivaled control of the bass frequency response, creating a superbly balanced, impactful bass experience that is full of power yet free of bloat or midrange creep.

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones Dual Mode Bass Port

Ok, Enough Geek-Talk, How Does it Sound?

E3's 5th-generation driver and AMTS deliver an amazing balance of delicacy, nuance, and explosive dynamics that will have you reaching for all your favorite recordings, and cranking it up. And it's not just about the tone and timbre; E3s soundstage is stunningly expansive, it's all enveloping and can compete with even the finest open headphones in depth, width, and imaging.

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones Ear Cups

Comfort is Still King

At Dan Clark Audio the ergonomic design is of paramount importance. After all, what good is a great sounding headphone if you can only wear it for 30 minutes? E3 takes advantage of every ergonomic trick we've developed, including the acclaimed self-adjusting headband suspension system from Stealth and Expanse, as well as the convenient and stylish folding gimbals that make E3 a conveniently compact travel headphone.

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones Comfort

Why Gorilla Glass?

The E3 is a stunning looking headphone, from the stitched headband to the all new Gorilla Glass 3 finish on the cups. Gorilla Glass 3 is a thin sheet of alkali-aluminosilicate that makes the glass stiffer and more scratch and break resistant, and the styling of the pattern under the glass evokes the mesh of an open-back headphone, a design cue to highlight the exceptionally open-back listening experience E3 delivers.

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones Gorilla Glass

And Now for the Exciting Close!

We've gone all-in with E3 to deliver the most exciting possible sonic experience, regardless of price, and combined that with an exciting new look and attention to comfort that make E3 the most exciting headphone we've released to date.

Equally satisfying with all genres of music, E3s soundstage, punchy bass, silky midrange, utterly smooth highs, and layers of detail will keep you engaged for days on end. Never fatiguing the E3 will have you revisiting your entire music library to experience your music like never before. The E3 is just too much fun!

Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed Back Planar Headphones In The Box

In The Box

DCA E3
Your Choice of VIVO Cable
Carrying Case
Carrying Bag
Quick Start Guide
Certificate of Authenticity
Dan Clark Audio Warranty

Specifications

Weight: 455g
Impedance: 27ohms
Sensitivity: ~90 dB/mW
Distortion: < 0.1% ref 80dB White Noise

FAQ

What is the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)?
AMTS is a patent-pending technology placed between the driver and ear to control high-frequency sound waves. It eliminates standing waves that cause harsh or fatiguing treble, delivering smooth, accurate, and detailed sound.
What makes the E3’s planar driver special?
The E3’s 5th-generation planar-magnetic driver uses an all-new diaphragm tensioning system for improved performance, lower distortion, and enhanced consistency, offering high-resolution sound without exaggerated treble or fatiguing distortion.
What is the Dual-Mode Bass Port?
The E3’s Dual-Mode Bass Port is a unique feature that controls the bass response, providing powerful, balanced bass without bloating or impacting the midrange.
How does the E3 compare to open-back headphones?
The E3’s design delivers an expansive, open soundstage that rivals top-tier open-back headphones, providing wide imaging and depth while maintaining the isolation of a closed-back design.
Is the E3 comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes, the E3 includes Dan Clark Audio’s self-adjusting headband suspension system and folding gimbals for comfort and portability. The lightweight design (455g) ensures extended listening comfort.
Why does the E3 feature Gorilla Glass?
The E3’s cups are covered in Gorilla Glass 3, known for its scratch resistance and durability. The glass finish also enhances the aesthetic, evoking the look of an open-back mesh pattern.
What comes included with the E3?
The E3 comes with a custom carrying case, detachable cables, and the magnetic bass port covers for protection.
What are the technical specifications of the E3?
The E3 has an impedance of 27 ohms, sensitivity of ~90 dB/mW, and distortion levels below 0.1%. It weighs 455 grams.
What is the sound profile of the E3?
The E3 offers a balanced sound profile with punchy bass, smooth midrange, and detailed highs. It’s designed to deliver engaging, lifelike sound across all genres.