Dan Clark Audio Stealth

Dan Clark Audio's flagship closed-back headphone

The result of four years of development, the STEALTH is Dan Clark Audio's reference closed-back headphone and the closed counterpart to the Expanse. It combines a 4th-generation V-Planar planar magnetic driver with the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS™), which debuted on this model.

A closed-back that sounds like an open-back

All headphones suffer from standing waves in the treble, which make cymbals, strings and vocals sound harsh or artificial. AMTS, placed between the driver and the ear, combines waveguides, diffusion control and resonators to eliminate them. The result: smooth, detailed highs, a very neutral tonality and a wide, deep soundstage comparable to the best open-back headphones. The bass is tight, fast and reaches very low. With the isolation of a closed-back, it is as relevant a tool for critical studio listening as for hi-fi.

4th-generation driver

• Motor optimised by simulation (FEA and CFD) for high dynamics and low distortion
• New diaphragm tensioning system, for great consistency from one unit to the next

Comfort and build

• Self-adjusting headband with padded strap, even pressure
• Suedine and protein leather earpads
• Bonded carbon and aluminium earcups: maximum rigidity for minimum weight
• Folding gimbals and compact carrying case
• Designed and hand-assembled in San Diego

VIVO cable included

The STEALTH comes with the high-end VIVO cable in silver-plated OFHC copper, with the termination of your choice from 7 versions:

• 6.35 mm jack (2 m or 3 m): the standard for headphone amps and audio interfaces.
• 4-pin XLR (2 m or 3 m): balanced, for desktop headphone amps.
• 4.4 mm or 2.5 mm (1.1 m): balanced, for portable players and DAC/amps.
• 3.5 mm (1.1 m): unbalanced, for smartphones, dongles and portable DACs.

With its modest sensitivity, the STEALTH deserves a headphone amplifier with plenty of power in reserve.

Specifications

• Type: closed-back over-ear, planar magnetic
• Driver: 4th-generation V-Planar, 76 x 51 mm
• Impedance: 23 Ω
• Sensitivity: approx. 90 dB/mW
• Weight: 415 g
• Contents: headphones, VIVO cable (termination of your choice), carrying case, certificate of authenticity, manual