Dan Clark E3 Headphone Review

[Somafunk]

Darn those pesky clairvoyants!

Ha, you don’t know it yet but just wait for your new headphone release next Xmas………..I see…..I see…….I see a Dan Clark ultra portable with Bluetooth.

 

[patoulol]

I've got good news for you. The new Noire X is probably pretty close to the E3 for half the price.

Is that true?

 

[Chagall]

Is that true?

On the measurement rig - sure! In practice you would have to try both to see how close they are for you, what is the fit like and is the E3 worth more.

Personally, I EQ my E3 because it is too forward and bright for my ears, also I add some warmth in the upper bass/mids. Noire X looks to be even more bright with more sparkle, but it has some warmth in the bass compared to E3 - so not sure, although I would EQ it also.

 

[tt33]

Hey guys, just registered after lurking on this thread for a while.

I was looking to buy a pair of closed back cans after I sold my HD660s due to open backs not suiting my situation. I first bought wireless Focal Bathys to cover both work calls and music but wasn't impressed with neither aspect.
Then I started looking for a proper pair of closed for music. After a lot of research, based on comments on this thread and other reviews, I bought a pair of E3s blind.

I have them only for a couple of days, and I am very impressed!
I'm running them with Aune S17Pro Evo amp and Chord Qutest DAC, streaming via Roon.

They are hard to drive for sure. I tried them first with my Naim NAC332 preamp and how they call it their integrated 'state of the art headphone amp', but it was comical how bad it sounds.
Obviously, I then bought the Aune and I high gain them for a very pleasant experience. Only running them properly for a day or so and volume on Aune is now around 35 (of 63).

Not EQing them, but I'm interested in Roons OPRA EQ. I see there's 3 presets for E3. Anyone tried those?

 

[Chagall]

Hey guys, just registered after lurking on this thread for a while.

I was looking to buy a pair of closed back cans after I sold my HD660s due to open backs not suiting my situation. I first bought wireless Focal Bathys to cover both work calls and music but wasn't impressed with neither aspect.
Then I started looking for a proper pair of closed for music. After a lot of research, based on comments on this thread and other reviews, I bought a pair of E3s blind.

I have them only for a couple of days, and I am very impressed!
I'm running them with Aune S17Pro Evo amp and Chord Qutest DAC, streaming via Roon.

They are hard to drive for sure. I tried them first with my Naim NAC332 preamp and how they call it their integrated 'state of the art headphone amp', but it was comical how bad it sounds.
Obviously, I then bought the Aune and I high gain them for a very pleasant experience. Only running them properly for a day or so and volume on Aune is now around 35 (of 63).

Not EQing them, but I'm interested in Roons OPRA EQ. I see there's 3 presets for E3. Anyone tried those?

OPRA EQ is just a convenient way to EQ headphones in ROON. You will get the same result if inputting values manually. But manual has an added benefit, because you can adjust EQ to your liking.

And yes, E3s are phenomenal!

 

[tt33]

OPRA EQ is just a convenient way to EQ headphones in ROON. You will get the same result if inputting values manually. But manual has an added benefit, because you can adjust EQ to your liking.

And yes, E3s are phenomenal!

Ah ok so better to do it manually. Thanks Chagall

 

[Jimbob54]

Ah ok so better to do it manually. Thanks Chagall

Yes, I'd start with @oratory1990 suggested eq and play around with the bands he suggests tweaking for different areas of the FR https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/edy1...o-E3.pdf?rlkey=mbgnwieany9q3p60jlvhqjxxa&dl=0

 

[tt33]

Yes, I'd start with @oratory1990 suggested eq and play around with the bands he suggests tweaking for different areas of the FR https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/edy1...o-E3.pdf?rlkey=mbgnwieany9q3p60jlvhqjxxa&dl=0

Great stuff, thanks for sharing @Jimbob54 !

 

[BrooklynNick]

OPRA EQ is just a convenient way to EQ headphones in ROON. You will get the same result if inputting values manually. But manual has an added benefit, because you can adjust EQ to your liking.

You can also use OPRA (Headphone EQ in the Roon UI) and apply a PEQ over it. That might be easier for a lot of people. For example, I use the OBRA EQ for my DCA Expanse headphones and give a bit of a bass boost on top.

 

[Chagall]

You can also use OPRA (Headphone EQ in the Roon UI) and apply a PEQ over it. That might be easier for a lot of people. For example, I use the OBRA EQ for my DCA Expanse headphones and give a bit of a bass boost on top.

That's a good point, just be sure to counter the boost with some negative pre-amp.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

Is the E3 a worthwhile upgrade compared to the Noire X?

 

[Jimster480]

Is the E3 a worthwhile upgrade compared to the Noire X?

Depends on how much money you want to spend. These new headphones are all quite expensive compared to the older ones. Personally from my Aeon Gen 1 to the Stealth.... I wouldn't pay the difference. Instead I bought an amp with tone controls so I can add in the bit of missing bass when I want it. Otherwise they both sound very close to each other.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

I would only have to invest 700 € to trade in the Noire X for the E3

 

[staticV3]

Is the E3 a worthwhile upgrade compared to the Noire X?

Be aware that the E3 has a lot less treble:

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

It interesting that there's a noticeable dip between 100 and 200 Hertz on the 5128 system, compared to the Noire X.
A friend reported that the Noire X also has its advantages, namely a faster bass.

These mental games and ideas...
But I'm very happy with the Noire X...

 

[TA21]

Is the E3 a worthwhile upgrade compared to the Noire X?

I think the E3 is overall more refined than the Noire X, and a noticeable step up in many aspects. The E3 also has a more open and spacious sound, while the Noire X has a more closed-in presentation.

However, the E3 are more difficult to drive, and do not work or perform their best with many portable devices or "regular" devices (versus proper headphone amps). The Noire X works better with portable devices. The Noire X is smaller in size. It also has a few improvements Dan Clark came up with since the E3. For example, you'll notice the cord input jacks on the Noire X are recessed into the cups, but stick out on the E3.

I personally prefer the E3 over the Noire X. Except I would go with the Noire X if I planned to use the headphones with portables or "regular" devices.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

Given my listening habits, I need a lot of power. Even with the Noire X.
Now i have the Loxjie D40 Pro, so power isn't a deciding factor.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

Be aware that the E3 has a lot less treble:
View attachment 439594

The 45CA presents a different picture.
The bump around 100 Hz, familiar from the Stealth and Expanse, is present on both.
Likewise, the range around 10-13 kHz is much more similar, than on the 5128.
So, in this case, I go with the 45CA system.

 

[thewas]

The 45CA presents a different picture.

The B&K 5128 is closer though to an average ear from geometry and acoustic impedance, but maybe you are lucky and your is closer to a 45CA.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

So, as far as the E3 measurement goes, I'm suspicious of the 5128. This dip between 100-200Hz...