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Dan Clark Expanse Headphone Review

Rate this headphone:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 10 2.6%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 13 3.4%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 67 17.5%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 293 76.5%

  • Total voters
    383
Just hang it from the nitinol wires instead of the padded headband. Probably find one that rubberized or something to prevent scratches and keep it from sliding off too easily.
Yes that's also a good option.
I just put my on the table and that's it.
I use additional black mouse pad between table and headphone to prevent any scratches.
 
thanks so much. need to find some tall stands now. if not on stands is it ok to lay headphones down on a table
 
Yes that's also a good option.
I just put my on the table and that's it.
I use additional black mouse pad between table and headphone to prevent any scratches.
I presume you're placing them with the connects pointing upwards where the back of the headphones is in contact with the mousepad?
 
Apparently the Expanse uses a special kind of elastomer that doesn’t fail over time like regular consumer elastics, so, trusting that, I’m hanging mine on a Room's Audio Line FS headphone stand:

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Apparently the Expanse uses a special kind of elastomer that doesn’t fail over time like regular consumer elastics, so, trusting that, I’m hanging mine on a Room's Audio Line FS headphone stand:

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That's a pretty serious headphone. From the perfect embroidery, the special synthetic fabric used for the headband and the metals used for the hinges and cups and those nice connectors it's one fine build.
 
That's a pretty serious headphone. From the perfect embroidery, the special synthetic fabric used for the headband and the metals used for the hinges and cups and those nice connectors it's one fine build.
Thanks. I notice a topping in the picture. What else are you using. I'm using a topping myself
 
Thanks. I notice a topping in the picture. What else are you using. I'm using a topping myself

That picture is from a few months ago and I have since switched to a different set-up (still Topping). I now have a E70 DAC with the A90 Discrete amp, connected fully balanced with XLR, which drives the Expanse as well as you can wish for. I'm solely using the low gain setting and even with a -4 dB pre amp for EQ, I never get anywhere near max volume.
 
I've tried a90d L70 and A70 pro with Expanse/Stealth.
Each of these were just amazing driving these headphones.
 
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I have the A70Pro with the RS8 connected using 4.4mm to the CR08 and then XLR to the A70 Pro. Very much agreee in that -4.0dB is sufficiently too loud! The cable on the expanse is nice - super light while feeling substantial.
 

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are you using the plastic insert that they ship in when placing them or only using them when in the case?
Only when in the case.
I did this to get out compression of the pads, as you fold them without the 'spacer' there is w lot of force crushing the pads. In the long run it might be not good for their longevity.
 

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Then you should buy a speaker tube amp that can do 15-25W in 8ohm and use the speaker outs into a balanced connector.

The Expanse will work fine on the mojo2, just not really loud but moderately loud should not be an issue.
what speaker tube amp would you reccomended or specific headphone one?
 
None, I am not a tube amp guy (ironically).
When you want 'tube warmth' and believe in that and you want enough voltage to drive the Expanse you would need a tube amp that can supply enough voltage.
A 15-25W tube amp (in 8 ohm) should do the trick.
Or use some tube buffer with a powerful headphone amp for instance.

I am sure some tube guys can help you further.
 
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None, I am not a tube amp guy (ironically).
When you want 'tube warmth' and believe in that and you want enough voltage to drive the Expanse you would need a tube amp that can supply enough voltage.
A 15-25W tube amp (in 8 ohm) should do the trick.
Or use some tube buffer with a powerful headphone amp for instance.

I am sure some tube guys can help you further.
I am very much looking for that 'tube warmth'. I have the C9 but would prefer something which goes a little further. any suggestions from any one would be really appreciated :)
 
Hello All,

A month or so ago a pair of Dan Clark Expanse Headphones were delivered to my door. I am going to call them the new standard curve headphones aka reference headphones I am going to measure them with the standard GRAS 45CA test hammer and a newly constructed "Test Mallet".

The test hammer has the standard rubber ears and electronic ear drums. When I get around to it I will post a photo.

The test mallet is constructed with 3/4 inch plywood with a layer of 3 mm closed cell rubber glued to opposite sides with Listen SCM 3A microphones placed through the plywood and closed cell rubber sheets.

The software is the APx500 v8.0, The analyzer is a APx555, you know the stuff you are used to seeing.

This is testing with the microphones inside the the headphone space without any ears, real or rubber. Just SCM microphones inside the headphones

This is measurements made with Lab Grade technology.

Thanks DT

 
You will end up with VERY different measurements and will have to compensate both to a similar target. I assume Harman or want to have a go with other targets as well ?
How are you planning to calibrate the FP ?

Panning to do seal measurements too ? When you do they won't follow Harman anymore.

In the end you will have 2 FP measurements. One made acc. to a standard and one not adhering to any standard using a mic that was not intended to be used that way.

Why not buy the 4128/5128 and see what you can do with that :)
 
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