Dan Clark E3 Headphone Review

[Dan Clark]

Is the Grace m900 sufficient to drive the E3?

No, power is definitely low. From their specs here https://gracedesign.com/products/monitor-controllers/m900 it looks like it'd only put out about 145mW around 27 ohms, that's just too low unless you only listen at relatively low levels. Generally we recommend at least 500-750mW at 32 ohms, more if you like to listen loud sometimes.

 

[staticV3]

No, power is definitely low. From their specs here https://gracedesign.com/products/monitor-controllers/m900 it looks like it'd only put out about 145mW around 27 ohms

perhaps you misread the specs?

 

[Dan Clark]

perhaps you misread the specs?
View attachment 333718

Hm, not sure what to tell you... I had been on the right page but the specs were way worse, somehow I must have landed on a different product...

Not sure, but anyhow, yes, that's plenty of power unless you like it LOUD.

 

[quattro98]

Hm, not sure what to tell you... I had been on the right page but the specs were way worse, somehow I must have landed on a different product...

Not sure, but anyhow, yes, that's plenty of power unless you like it LOUD.

Thanks. There’s both a high power and low power mode since it can be connected to a separate power supply vs only USB powered. There are two sets of specs. I figured it would be fine, but a wanted to check.

 

[Dan Clark]

Thanks. There’s both a high power and low power mode since it can be connected to a separate power supply vs only USB powered. There are two sets of specs. I figured it would be fine, but a wanted to check.

hahahaha trick question!

The perils of reading spec pages too fast!

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

@Dan Clark how would you compare detail/resolution of E3 vs Stealth/Expanse?
Can we think about similarities?

 

[Dan Clark]

@Dan Clark how would you compare detail/resolution of E3 vs Stealth/Expanse?
Can we think about similarities?

They are close but Stealth and Expanse tease out a little more low level detail. As Stralth and Expanse have slightly lower distortion levels. the three headphones will have a family resemblance with smooth amd balanced midrange and easy transitions across the octaves without major discontinuities. Stealth is a bit smoother than E3 but E3 has a bit more treble energy for a bit more shimmer. E3s bass is also a bit more forward For a bit more of a fun sound. The tonal differences are relatively small, for the most part within a db or so.

 

[Chagall]

Does anybody know if the headband (leather part, not the metal wires) is removable on E3?
Maybe if it's possible and not too much hassle, I'll try to replace the stitching.

And can anyone recommend a good XLR cable (Europe), I think E3 will come only with 6,3 mm or should I just get DCA XLR cable?

 

[Grobbelboy]

Most websites selling the Stealth and Expanse in EU also offered multiple cable options (often including XLR), so I don't expect this to be different with the E3.

 

[staticV3]

And can anyone recommend a good XLR cable (Europe), I think E3 will come only with 6,3 mm

Even on European retailers, you can choose between different cables at no additional cost:

 

[Klonatans]

I'm tempted to give it a try as a portable headphone, but I'm not sure my Lotoo PAW 6000 digital audio player will be able to drive it properly.

 

[Chagall]

Even on European retailers, you can choose between different cables at no additional cost:
View attachment 334468

Huh, it seems Thomann doesn't. They don't yet offer E3, but you can't choose a cable with Stealth or Expanse.
Thank you for the info. 2,5K...damn

 

[staticV3]

I'm tempted to give it a try as a portable headphone, but I'm not sure my Lotoo PAW 6000 digital audio player will be able to drive it properly.

According to Reference Audio Analyzer, the Lotoo PAW 6000 can output about 2.15Vrms at 27Ω, via its 4.4mm Balanced output:


Amir measured the E3's sensitivity at 100dB/V @425Hz, or about 104dB/Vrms @<100Hz due to the inherent bass shelf.

That means that the PAW 6000 can drive the E3 to about 110dB SPL Peak, which is plenty loud enough IMO.

For reference, my usual listening volume of ~85dB SPL Peak is just 20% as loud as you can play with the PAW 6000 + DCA E3.

 

[Klonatans]

According to Reference Audio Analyzer, the Lotoo PAW 6000 can output about 2.15Vrms at 27Ω, via its 4.4mm Balanced output:
View attachment 334469 View attachment 334470

Amir measured the E3's sensitivity at 100dB/V @425Hz, or about 104dB/Vrms @<100Hz due to the inherent bass shelf.

That means that the PAW 6000 can drive the E3 to about 110dB SPL Peak, which is plenty loud enough IMO.

For reference, my usual listening volume of ~85dB SPL Peak is just 20% as loud as you can play with the PAW 6000 + DCA E3.

Thank you for the data and explanation provided!

 

[Klonatans]

Huh, it seems Thomann doesn't. They don't yet offer E3, but you can't choose a cable with Stealth or Expanse.
Thank you for the info. 2,5K...damn

If you are in Germany, Projekt Akustik have E3 with an option to select a cable of your choice: https://www.projekt-akustik.de/dan-clark-audio-e3

 

[Chagall]

If you are in Germany, Projekt Akustik have E3 with an option to select a cable of your choice: https://www.projekt-akustik.de/dan-clark-audio-e3

No, I'm in Croatia so didn't know about that store. Thanks

 

[SlothRock]

Curious if these still have the glued pads for a multi thousand dollar headphone or if DCA finally found a proper pad implementation?

 

[dougq]

Curious if these still have the glued pads for a multi thousand dollar headphone or if DCA finally found a proper pad implementation?

It is the same type as Expanse / Stealth. I don't know that I would just consider it glue, but some form of adhesive(that can be reused a few times).
Others can chime in but I have heard that developing a proper working pad to headphone connection while maintaing a seal is not simple, and probably even more so in regards to a closed headphone. I'm not sure I see the issue as if a user replaces a pad, it should be a one and done thing for a few years.

 

[Robbo99999]

It is the same type as Expanse / Stealth. I don't know that I would just consider it glue, but some form of adhesive(that can be reused a few times).
Others can chime in but I have heard that developing a proper working pad to headphone connection while maintaing a seal is not simple, and probably even more so in regards to a closed headphone. I'm not sure I see the issue as if a user replaces a pad, it should be a one and done thing for a few years.

Any people here know how much of a hassle it is to replace the glued on pads? I mean maybe it's not much of a hassle. Any room to get the process wrong (easily)?

 

[Ahmonge]

Any people here know how much of a hassle it is to replace the glued on pads? I mean maybe it's not much of a hassle. Any room to get the process wrong (easily)?

I did it for my Aeon 2 Noires. Easy and fast; no hassle.