Dan Clark is amazing and designs absolutely stunningly great headphones. A lot of the other OEMs could learn a lot from him. Great interview and channel!
Excellent video, love hearing Dan's perspective regardless if I agree with him or not. I do wish there was some discussion over the lack of dynamics with DCA headphones even in comparison to other planar magnetic headphones. I felt like with the Aeon Noire that Dan has one of the best tuned headphones out there provided you're okay with the severe lack of dynamic contrast. I'm curious whether or not this is feedback DCA has considered and either want to focus on tuning or feel it's otherwise irrelevant. Definitely prohibitive for me given the cost of these headphones.
The lack of dynamics was for me the biggest downside of the Noire and the reason to send the noire back. I think it makes sense what he explains that the closed back sounds more open and the open more closed. That was my impression with the Noire. The positive effect is a open sounding closed headphone, but the negative effect is the lack of dynamic and lack of bass. You can measure the bass, but without dynamics the bass has no impact and feels empty. This is a shame because the design and the build is really good. I would like to have a DCA closed that sounds like a closed headphone and more narrow soundstage but with more impact, dynamics and more bass. My impression of the first impressions of the expanse and the reviews of the stealth is that these have the same problems as the lower models like the Noire. The other big downside is that alls DCA are hard to drive. This is a pity because of the portable design.
@@_kardus I'm using the term to refer to the sense of impact from music and sounds, so the degree to which something punches/slams/kicks/snaps and you feel or other perceive a sense of that impact. Some dynamic headphones give a very strong sense of percussive impact while some are more laid back. Planars in my experience (just speaking for myself) don't seem to convey as much (quantity) impact or dynamic contrast as dynamic drivers but they can still have plenty of punch and a sense of slam if driven to full capability. DCA headphones don't seem to have much if any impact from the sound hitting your ears. I'm assuming it's due to his driver design and the fact his headphones are so lightweight but I'm curious if he feels adding some note weight and percussive impact would negatively impact the sound he's going for with these headphones. Try a pair of DCA headphones then try a ZMF or Focal. You'll immediately understand what's missing and for some, I get it, it's not an issue. But for me, over time I severely missed having that sense of impact in my music.
@@pythagoras6938 It seems a lot headphones that have poor distortion have great dynamics... Maybe all the peaks, resonances gives these dynamics? Maybe amp or a dac is not dynamic enough?
Sennheiser's fame passed long years ago. They're still milking their old products like HD600/650/800S and not making any new and good headphones while other brands are like Dan Clark investing new technologies and making good products. On the other hand Chinese brands are really improving themselves and they're literally dominating IEM market.
Thanks for including comparisons to other similarly-priced headphones, including the Meze Elite. I already have and love my Meze Elite. Based on your comments and my preferences, I don't think I need to try the Expanse.
While I felt the Stealth was technically proficient, Dan tends to like more of a reference signature. For me the best the Stealth's sounded was with an ampsandsound Nautilus, but while it was better for me, it never conveyed the energy of the performance like a Susvara could do or even a ZMF. I'm interested in trying the Expanse to see if he added a little more energy in it and see how it compares to the LCD-5 which I feel would be the closest competition.
Is there anything that wouldn't sound amazing on a Nautilus lol? And the Expanse is more laid back and "balanced" compared to the shouty, honky forward mids of the LCD-5. I'd say the resolution and detail are on par with the LCD-5. Not really comparable to a Susvara though. I can't wait to hear the ZMF Caldera. Even if the level of detail isn't the same as the Expanse/LCD-5 (I've heard its just as good, and that it's not quite is good), I hope it's at least a little more than the Verite with a little more slam, and the same speed and transients. A planar with ZMF's house sound just sounds wonderful to me. My VC's are probably my favorite overall headphone now.
I really like a red stitching and foam and everything better 😌 ☺️ I'm definitely ordering mine in red if it comes in red Stitching and And that cloth phone whatever it is whatever is in red 2 as a option if possible
If I'm hearing him correctly, this headphone will allow me to listen to music loud even if some music is loud when it comes to high frequencies? If I'm right, that would be lovely cause some songs i love but cant listen to loud, cause the highs hurt my ears
If you look at the measurements treble frequencies are a little bottom from Harman target and especially there isn't any peak around 8 kHz which means they would not hurt your ears. On the other hand headphones like any Beyerdynamic headphones are have above very high treble frequencies than Harman target and there are huge peaks around 8 kHz thats why they're ear piercing trashes.
EQ is discussed less often because a large part of the community actively dislike it and many reviewers/channels are moving away from discussing it as well. Madness I say.
Jude nothing to do with headphones but, I was born and raised in Portland OR, and my grandmother worked for the Dehen Knitting company as a seamstress in the 1960s, and yes she's very good at knitting and making clothing, she made my moms wedding dress.
"the intent of the artist or producer". What is the intent? does the artist have a specific chain of equipment to reproduce the intent? How many recordings are intended to be played on headphones, vs loudspeakers? Tube or ss amps? Delta sigma or R2R? Dynamic, planar, estat? all of these variations will alter the sound.
I'd love an affordable Stealth with forged carbon closed cups, as opposed to the more expensive carbon weave. Perhaps in a large IEM design similar to Audeze's LCDi4.
Bro I can't wait till somebody offers these drivers but for a fraction of the price. The over-ear planar market is oversaturated with overly-expensive sets, if only there's was enough of an audience to encourage competition.
Waiting for apple to democratize audiophile headphones. Small Companies are going crazy with their pricing and the price to incremental performance just doesn’t represent value. Apple spatial audio through AirPods max blows most audiophile headphones out of the bath water from a sound experience (not quality) pov. Apple: please update your wireless codec to transmit up to 24/192 sq.
yeah my ears tend to hate upper mids, anything from 2-5k usually gets turned down on EQ and seeing that range as the highest peak... I'm hesitant to consider even trying open back planars now
@@TheSergio1021 the vast majority of all planars from iems to headphones, including open backs have a recessed upper midrange. the neutral non recessed midrange is only a new phenomenon with very few select headphones like sundara and stealth/expanse...
Fail to believe any pair of headphones could be worth $4000 for the average working man. This upper-audiophile thing is just entertainment for rich boys. If you can afford it, fair plays.
![ถามตรงๆ กับ อาจตุพร ทำไม ประเทศไทย ใครเป็นนายก ก็โดนด่า พอออกเเล้วคนคิดถึง!!?? l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3YFLMXxBGAs/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm already intrigued by the looks of it as much as by the technical aspects.
Just in case anybody is wondering, yes, the EXPANSE will definitely be at CanJam SoCal 2022, which is happening this coming weekend! 🥳
Yessssss
@@sebastienchiu3508 like oooh you will buy it!!
Dan Clark is amazing and designs absolutely stunningly great headphones. A lot of the other OEMs could learn a lot from him. Great interview and channel!
This is one rising star of an individual and a company.
Can’t wait to experience this, love the Stealth
I want one of these painted with Vantablack.
What a week, Monday the DCA EXPANSE and on Friday the new Utopia.
Interesting. Reminds me a little of the KEF meta speaker concept. Thanks for sharing. 🙏
Look forward to hearing this at CJ.
Excellent video, love hearing Dan's perspective regardless if I agree with him or not. I do wish there was some discussion over the lack of dynamics with DCA headphones even in comparison to other planar magnetic headphones. I felt like with the Aeon Noire that Dan has one of the best tuned headphones out there provided you're okay with the severe lack of dynamic contrast. I'm curious whether or not this is feedback DCA has considered and either want to focus on tuning or feel it's otherwise irrelevant. Definitely prohibitive for me given the cost of these headphones.
The lack of dynamics was for me the biggest downside of the Noire and the reason to send the noire back. I think it makes sense what he explains that the closed back sounds more open and the open more closed. That was my impression with the Noire. The positive effect is a open sounding closed headphone, but the negative effect is the lack of dynamic and lack of bass. You can measure the bass, but without dynamics the bass has no impact and feels empty.
This is a shame because the design and the build is really good. I would like to have a DCA closed that sounds like a closed headphone and more narrow soundstage but with more impact, dynamics and more bass.
My impression of the first impressions of the expanse and the reviews of the stealth is that these have the same problems as the lower models like the Noire. The other big downside is that alls DCA are hard to drive. This is a pity because of the portable design.
@@_kardus I'm using the term to refer to the sense of impact from music and sounds, so the degree to which something punches/slams/kicks/snaps and you feel or other perceive a sense of that impact. Some dynamic headphones give a very strong sense of percussive impact while some are more laid back. Planars in my experience (just speaking for myself) don't seem to convey as much (quantity) impact or dynamic contrast as dynamic drivers but they can still have plenty of punch and a sense of slam if driven to full capability. DCA headphones don't seem to have much if any impact from the sound hitting your ears. I'm assuming it's due to his driver design and the fact his headphones are so lightweight but I'm curious if he feels adding some note weight and percussive impact would negatively impact the sound he's going for with these headphones.
Try a pair of DCA headphones then try a ZMF or Focal. You'll immediately understand what's missing and for some, I get it, it's not an issue. But for me, over time I severely missed having that sense of impact in my music.
@@pythagoras6938 It seems a lot headphones that have poor distortion have great dynamics... Maybe all the peaks, resonances gives these dynamics?
Maybe amp or a dac is not dynamic enough?
@@_kardus sounds constipated even if it has an evem response curve and quite resolving esp in the midband..
Wow these are some of the best looking hifi headphones out there
How many different headphones have you seen?
Didnt know Dan Clark is such a genius 😮. You expect such inovations from Sennheiser, but i guess big players are resting on their laureals.
They did just release the IE series, which is really good and innovative
He's an electrical engineer after all
Sennheiser's fame passed long years ago. They're still milking their old products like HD600/650/800S and not making any new and good headphones while other brands are like Dan Clark investing new technologies and making good products. On the other hand Chinese brands are really improving themselves and they're literally dominating IEM market.
Was just in Detroit (born and raised) and living in Cali...Love the look of these and look forward to hearing them.
LOVE what Dan says about target curves, distortions and sound intended by artists!
Thanks for this Jude, much appreciated
Funny they are called Expanse, since they look like something the protomolecule would build :-) I dig this.
Great review. Thank you 😎👍
I am super excited for the Astell & Kern announcement. Hopefully a successor to the SE180.
Hearing Jude somewhat compare it to the HD 800 S makes me wonder how well it would work for gaming considering that’s like the gold standard.
I find anything that is low distortion is preffered for gaming since low thd gives this pop and drama.
Thanks for including comparisons to other similarly-priced headphones, including the Meze Elite. I already have and love my Meze Elite. Based on your comments and my preferences, I don't think I need to try the Expanse.
While I felt the Stealth was technically proficient, Dan tends to like more of a reference signature. For me the best the Stealth's sounded was with an ampsandsound Nautilus, but while it was better for me, it never conveyed the energy of the performance like a Susvara could do or even a ZMF. I'm interested in trying the Expanse to see if he added a little more energy in it and see how it compares to the LCD-5 which I feel would be the closest competition.
Is there anything that wouldn't sound amazing on a Nautilus lol? And the Expanse is more laid back and "balanced" compared to the shouty, honky forward mids of the LCD-5. I'd say the resolution and detail are on par with the LCD-5. Not really comparable to a Susvara though. I can't wait to hear the ZMF Caldera. Even if the level of detail isn't the same as the Expanse/LCD-5 (I've heard its just as good, and that it's not quite is good), I hope it's at least a little more than the Verite with a little more slam, and the same speed and transients. A planar with ZMF's house sound just sounds wonderful to me. My VC's are probably my favorite overall headphone now.
Is the Expanse as hard to drive as the Stealth?
hope DCA can do a Ether style Expanse for easier pad rolling
Holy shit the FR tho
Are those Auteur pads on the Atrium?
560s are better than 800s
I really like a red stitching and foam and everything better 😌 ☺️ I'm definitely ordering mine in red if it comes in red Stitching and And that cloth phone whatever it is whatever is in red 2 as a option if possible
If I'm hearing him correctly, this headphone will allow me to listen to music loud even if some music is loud when it comes to high frequencies?
If I'm right, that would be lovely cause some songs i love but cant listen to loud, cause the highs hurt my ears
Use something like the ADI-2 Dac that has loudness compensation, cheaper than The Expanse that's for sure.
not quite, Dan was just saying that the frequency response is smoother
@@sand9577 thanks
@@dnalekaw4699 if it’s smoother then doesn’t that mean it won’t hurt my ears when I listen to loud music, and high frequencies hit?
If you look at the measurements treble frequencies are a little bottom from Harman target and especially there isn't any peak around 8 kHz which means they would not hurt your ears. On the other hand headphones like any Beyerdynamic headphones are have above very high treble frequencies than Harman target and there are huge peaks around 8 kHz thats why they're ear piercing trashes.
EQ is discussed less often because a large part of the community actively dislike it and many reviewers/channels are moving away from discussing it as well. Madness I say.
I wanna see the a meta material voce, we might finally get a bassier estat
Jude nothing to do with headphones but, I was born and raised in Portland OR, and my grandmother worked for the Dehen Knitting company as a seamstress in the 1960s, and yes she's very good at knitting and making clothing, she made my moms wedding dress.
Listened to these at CanJam and they somehow sounded even less dynamic than my Aeon Closed X...
It’s weird to see the guy use math as it’s…copyrighted..it’s not, coming from a mathematician! 😊
The price lol. Get some Speakes….
"the intent of the artist or producer". What is the intent? does the artist have a specific chain of equipment to reproduce the intent? How many recordings are intended to be played on headphones, vs loudspeakers? Tube or ss amps? Delta sigma or R2R? Dynamic, planar, estat? all of these variations will alter the sound.
gear with low distortion, system with flat response.
Intent is to hear it live. Neutral transducers will get close to emulating that quality
I'd love an affordable Stealth with forged carbon closed cups, as opposed to the more expensive carbon weave. Perhaps in a large IEM design similar to Audeze's LCDi4.
Aeon Noire is really great
second on the Aeon Noire
Bro I can't wait till somebody offers these drivers but for a fraction of the price. The over-ear planar market is oversaturated with overly-expensive sets, if only there's was enough of an audience to encourage competition.
Very damn cool.
Hey Jude, please switch to a 4K workflow for TH-cam.
Waiting for apple to democratize audiophile headphones. Small Companies are going crazy with their pricing and the price to incremental performance just doesn’t represent value. Apple spatial audio through AirPods max blows most audiophile headphones out of the bath water from a sound experience (not quality) pov.
Apple: please update your wireless codec to transmit up to 24/192 sq.
Stealth is already a bit mid centric for me, and the new expanse’s upper midrange looks even more pronounced
yeah my ears tend to hate upper mids, anything from 2-5k usually gets turned down on EQ and seeing that range as the highest peak... I'm hesitant to consider even trying open back planars now
@@TheSergio1021 the vast majority of all planars from iems to headphones, including open backs have a recessed upper midrange. the neutral non recessed midrange is only a new phenomenon with very few select headphones like sundara and stealth/expanse...
Fail to believe any pair of headphones could be worth $4000 for the average working man. This upper-audiophile thing is just entertainment for rich boys. If you can afford it, fair plays.
Ok, I tried.
DC has come a long way from the Alpha Dogs.
First! 🤣