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Dan Clark Expanse Headphone Review
- Thread starter amirm
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solderdude
Grand Contributor
Another cable could increase comfort and looks and maybe a more appropriate length.
Note that the replacement cable must be 4 wire and low resistance.
solderdude
Grand Contributor
It would be kind of a shame to use a nutube with this headphone as it will certainly degrade performance.
Also the max. 5.2V (balanced) out is a bit on the low side if you want an impressive sound.
Also it is unclear if that voltage can be reached in 20ohm but I would not bet on it.
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thank you. I am looking at Forza Audio which is quite reasonable. I don't mind dropping a little more but got disappointed after buying the black dragon from moon audio for my stellia which I didn't like.
I wouldn't mind adding more color to the Sound. While generally sensitive to treble I find myself enjoying dialling it up a couple of points on the RME ADI-2 DAC which is hooked up to my Mac Pro. I increase the bass a bit too.
any suggestions?
I wouldn't mind adding more color to the Sound. While generally sensitive to treble I find myself enjoying dialling it up a couple of points on the RME ADI-2 DAC which is hooked up to my Mac Pro. I increase the bass a bit too.
any suggestions?
solderdude
Grand Contributor
ADi2 DAC is fine. You could always add a higher power amp to the RME as it is not designed to deliver a lot of power into low imp. headphones. (4V in 20ohm)
I have a toppingA70 Pro but don't love it (using the original cables with 4.4mm) hence the RME with Single-ended (Hart Cable).
I've read mixed reviews of tubes on this amp with either those who love it or those who say it distorts the sound.
any suggestions under GBP 1,500. I could stretch it but prefer to keep it lower but do want to maximise the amount I spent on the Expanse.
I've read mixed reviews of tubes on this amp with either those who love it or those who say it distorts the sound.
any suggestions under GBP 1,500. I could stretch it but prefer to keep it lower but do want to maximise the amount I spent on the Expanse.
solderdude
Grand Contributor
My thoughts, no experience with any of the mentioned articles but science/logic says: Oor can drive the Expanse just fine. Certainly on balanced out.
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@Dan Clark @amirm I bought RME ADI-2 DAC FS based on your recommendations. I see on another post that with this headphone amplifier the DCA Slealth is well driven.
On the other side you tested the Expanse with RME ADI-2 Pro. As I understand Expanse is more demanding in term of amplification power, my RME ADI-2 DAC FS will be sufficient enough?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
On the other side you tested the Expanse with RME ADI-2 Pro. As I understand Expanse is more demanding in term of amplification power, my RME ADI-2 DAC FS will be sufficient enough?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
there are some strong recommendations I got on another site for the PRO SE for the Expanse.
The Expanse is driven well by the RME and the PEQ settings on their new PC/MAC app is excellent! changing the settings really bought the Expanse to life IMO. I am able to drive it with high gain at a listening volume of -23ish. -16 for loud and from there it gets too loud.
if you have an RME ADI-2 I’d suggest playing with the EQ settings as well.
are you wearing it in the suggested position which is down and the to front (pic in the box) ?
Benesyed
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I'm not sure, I just felt a lot of jaw clamp force
Grobbelboy
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I don't know why you would specifically need a Benchmark HPA4 but, using no EQ, I would say that the Stealth remains the better HP. The excessive midbass bump that the Expanse employs just steers away too much from "neutral" for my liking. It works for certain tracks but anything that already has enough bass/lower mids in its mix just starts to sound muddy. I feel that the Stealth handles the higher frequencies a bit better too, with a slightly tamed 3KHz peak and the upper frequencies a bit more extended.
I don't have a great ear for soundstage, so perhaps that would be something that the Expanse wins out on if you're that way inclined, but to my ears the spatial qualities of the Stealth are fantastic already.
I don't have a great ear for soundstage, so perhaps that would be something that the Expanse wins out on if you're that way inclined, but to my ears the spatial qualities of the Stealth are fantastic already.
DJBonoBobo
Major Contributor
Did you consider the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE? Much better features, also a lot of power.
fabien.56
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DJBonoBobo
Major Contributor
Yes, i do. Tested Expanse and Stealth at home for a week, kept the Stealth.
From what i understand, MT48 is a bit limited for the Stealth or Expanse. "Normal" compressed music should be ok most of the time, but if you want to listen to quiet or HDR recordings i think you will reach the limit of the MT48.
I have the ADI-2 DAC (not 2/4) and listen most of the time below -30dB.
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