RANKING
36
Rank 36 out of 55 Summarized in this category
Rankings based on:
• Pros-to-cons ratio
• Number of reviews
• Category average
Dan Clark Audio
E3
around $1999
i
All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.
Image source:
165 Pros
70%
14 reviews (2h 39m)
72 Cons
The Dan Clark Audio E3 closed-back planar magnetic headphones deliver an impressively open and detailed soundstage, often compared to open-back models. Reviewers consistently praise the E3's exceptional imaging, clarity, and vocal presentation, with a mid-forward tuning that highlights micro-details without harshness. The innovative planar driver...
69%
85 vs 38
Sound Quality
86%
19 vs 3
Comfort
88%
7 vs 1
Features
0%
0 vs 13
Connectivity
56%
14 vs 11
Design & Style
Reviewer verdict
Across 14 YouTube reviews, the Dan Clark Audio E3 earns an Index score of 3.8/5, ranking #36 among Over-Ear Headphones. Reviewers most often praise its sound quality, other, comfort, while the most common criticisms concern sound quality, connectivity.
The E3 is repeatedly praised for its exceptional sound quality, with 85 mentions highlighting a wide, immersive soundstage, precise imaging, and detailed, natural mids and vocals. Many reviewers (dozens) also applaud its controlled, punchy bass and smooth, non-fatiguing treble, calling the overall tuning balanced and technically accomplished for a closed-back headphone. Comfort, portability, and build details such as a compact foldable design and Gorilla Glass panels are frequently noted (around 19–27 mentions across comfort, design, and other categories), reinforcing that listeners find the E3 easy to wear for long sessions and refined in finish. Across reviewers the E3 is characterized as one of the best-sounding closed-back headphones they’ve heard, offering open-like spatial qualities while retaining isolation and low distortion.
Criticisms concentrate mainly on sound signature tradeoffs (38 mentions) where some reviewers find the E3 a touch cool, slightly bright or analytical in the treble, and occasionally lacking the emotional warmth or thicker low-end slam some listeners prefer. Connectivity and usability issues are common (13 mentions), with many reviewers calling the E3 power-hungry, difficult to drive without a strong amp, and annoyed by proprietary/short cables and connector choices. A smaller but recurring set of reviewers note aesthetic and build complaints (about 11 mentions) centered on the glossy glass surfaces, fingerprint-prone finishes, and color choices, and a few mention heft and glued pads as minor comfort/build concerns.
Analysis based on 14 YouTube reviews (2h 39m of video) with 165 pros and 72 cons extracted.
Pros (165)
Sound Quality (85)
- it definitely has one of the best soundstages i've heard in headphones close back it is able to show you a large stereo field that feels very present in your head ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 3:28
- the spatial imaging makes the music float properly in the distance ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 3:40
- the soundstage does a phenomenal job of immersing you in the performance ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 3:49
- the vocals truly shine Within These headphones even harsh vocal sounds came through evenly allowing for unrivaled clarity ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 4:36
- the E3 stood out to me for their detail and realism allowing me to listen closely and pick up on all the nuances with in my music ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 5:25
- this combination results in a more uniform and consistent performance lower Distortion and enhanced consistency ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 2:32
- the low end of these headphones is pretty Punchy clear and dynamic creating a smooth low frequency response ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 3:12
- nothing of the dan Clark e3 is disappointing its design is quite impeccable and compact and the sound is what you expect from a Premium Close Back headphone giving you a very open Sound Stitch its execution is very fluid ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 5:48
- the E3 has a lively and realistic Sound Stage giving smooth frequency response that makes little details pop ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 6:08
- these might be some of the most dynamic headphones that I've personally listened to thus far ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 3:35
- the mid-range is very detailed and expressive making instruments feel full with great resonance ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 4:04
- you get an expansion in the midrange and treble which creates a very ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 3:54
- the e3 uses an innovative technology using a fifth generation planar driver and combining it with a new tension system for its diaphragm this configuration aims to eliminate noise and improve efficiency ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 1:44
- The small holes in the glass are a Dual Mode base port that offers unmatched control over the bass creating a punchy and balanced experience full of power but without overloading the midrange ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 2:46
- the e3s are very smooth across the frequency range providing a consistent steadiness throughout my listening experience ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 4:43
- the midrange is lush and expressive you can hear each instrument with body and transparency ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 4:37
- gloriously balanced from top to bottom ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 8:19
- the base and low end was extremely crisp and detailed making me really enjoy the realistic Sound Stage of the e3s ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 3:51
- the bass doesn't have an immediate attack or a conventional impact its main objective is to give you balance details and a level volume this results in a more dynamic bass that is clean that resonates smoothly across the spectrum there is enough vibration in the sub bass and body to make this range feel full ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 4:06
- the high-end of the e3s sound tight without being bright they also blend well with the upper mids resulting in a smooth high frequency range ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 4:53
- the timbre of the mids seems very smooth, very calm the notes take their time to resonate in space ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 4:52
- the e3s overall provide an open back listening experience with impressive depth but still have the isolation and intimacy of a closed-back headphone ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 5:07
- deviations are the smallest I have heard on any headphone yet tested ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 6:23
- the vocals came through very clearly and were definitely center stage ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 4:24
- there is a small boost in the upper mids that highlights those frequencies but they do so in a smooth and transparent way ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 4:42
- the high-end isn't bright or abrasive but adds a nice shine to the sound signature ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 5:02
- impressively balanced in each range from low base to Upper trible ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 3:53
- did a marvelous job ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 7:24
- lower base ranges are also outstanding ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 10:13
- a major achievement ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 10:06
- flattest frequency response of the headphones I've tested ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 3:04
- exceptional frequency balance ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 2:49
- e3's deviations are smaller than most ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 4:04
- instrumental and vocal sounds seem accurate they sound like real instruments played in real space across the frequency spectrum ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 6:37
- lowest instrumental coloration I've heard from any headphone ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 10:08
- the orchestra and the piano were more spaced apart I could hear the full size of the orchestra now in a way that I couldn't hear as well from the Veritas ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 10:59
- absolutely fantastic headphone ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 12:58
- technically very very strong particularly in that Imaging and focus type space ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 7:02
- immediately giving me that greater sense of space again ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 10:55
- enhances the bass response making them a fantastic choice for those who prefer Punchy and well-defined lows ▶ Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) @ 0:51
- that's a really good thing I'm not sure how they're pulling it off but these things sound WI to me than a few of my open backs ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 5:54
- how well this headphone resolves ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 11:48
- if you do like to get into the details if you like to hear pinpoint placement of everything that's where they really shine ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 6:50
- the DCI Stealth at the other end which are just phenomenal technically and they're still a very very good listen ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 12:09
- closed back planner magnetic drivers which provide a superbly detailed and immersive listening experience ▶ Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) @ 0:40
- headphones image ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 6:30
- in terms of things like Imaging Focus sound separation sense of Sound Stage space within a closed back I don't think you can beat it ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 8:36
- delivers a balanced and natural sound signature the mids are rich and detailed while the highs are crisp without being overly sharp making these headphones suitable for a wide range of music genres ▶ Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) @ 1:14
- these things are fast there's a nice snap to Drums ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 6:56
- the first Dan Clark audio headphone I can remember that gets the bass right, there's excellent presence there's slam when you want it and the base extends nicely into that sub ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 8:56
- for sound this is the best I've heard from the house of Dan Clark ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 17:53
- stealth has a clear Edge there and a significant Edge ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 9:05
- the technicalities of the mix were clear from the stealth ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 11:06
- offers a balanced and immersive listening experience with excellent noise isolation ▶ Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) @ 6:09
- one of the strengths in the stealth so they consistently deliver an excellent sense of the size and the shape of the Sound Stage ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 6:23
- DCA E3 sounds magnificent ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 0:20
- trumpet which is incredibly well focused in the mix ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 6:33
- biggest standout for me with the stealth…is that they do separation and focus of images extremely well ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 6:42
- these things impress the hell out of me they really behave more like an open back ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 5:49
- these things punch and slam nicely if you have a track with some thump in the bottom end these things will light you up ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 7:52
- wonderful sense of space ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 6:16
- Mark knopfler's guitar comes in it's very clear very articulate there's lots of texture and Clarity from that guitar ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 6:36
- musical fits the E3 as an adjective just fine ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 7:39
- The Dan Clark E3 headphones boast a more natural and acoustic presentation than a Noir X ▶ Top 5 Premium Closed-Back Headphones Worth Your Money in 202 @ 1:15
- Reverb extends out impressively wide especially for a headphone encased in glass ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 6:16
- like being able to hear a darker background in my music ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 5:10
- amazing they sound really rich full with really nice deep base ▶ BEST HIGH END HEADPHONES FOR PS5 XBOX AND PC 2024 #review @ 1:00
- magical mids because this is a mid forward headphone ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 9:36
- amazing closed back headphones, the detail retriever on those headphones are amazing ▶ BEST HIGH END HEADPHONES FOR PS5 XBOX AND PC 2024 #review @ 9:23
- the sound here on The Dan Clark audio E3 is fantastic ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 5:22
- the way that it puts vocals forward and really does just draw attention to the the the vocals and also pull out the micro contrast and texturing in vocals without being strident at all in the treble that is what this headphone does really well ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 6:51
- beautiful wide Sound Stage ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:04
- the base in the E3 I would say is satisfying like there's plenty of amounts of it ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 7:28
- image separation which this thing does outstanding job of for a closed back headphone and maybe even remove the for a closed back headphone this thing just has really strong Imaging separation between sounds and Clarity ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 6:06
- easiest sounding headphones to listen to on the go ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:19
- don't sound like a closed back headphone ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 10:32
- fast enough to give you the texture ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:40
- I love the way that this thing is tuned cuz it's very much a vocal focused tuning ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 6:31
- wider than most open backs ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:10
- great sense of airiness ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:43
- super precise sharp Imaging ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:51
- superbly well balanced ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:35
- beautiful Rich vocals ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:45
- easily the best sounding closed back headphones ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 10:24
- right amount of Base ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:38
Other (27)
- subbase frequencies provide more than enough depth ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:44
- upper mids feel incredibly Dynamic ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 7:01
- great balance between transparency and refinement within the highs ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 7:11
- I like how these headphones look with the sleek black finish with the royal blue stitching that pops ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 0:45
- trible Peaks feel extremely crisp in the highs and are supported by a slight sens of Radiance ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 7:18
- receive somewhat of an open back sound experience while paying for a mid-range close back price ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 7:52
- the housing's backs are made of Gorilla Glass 3 which is a thin sheet of alumino silicate that makes the glass stiffer and much harder to scratch or break ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 0:51
- the Dual mode Port delivers impressive control of the bass response providing impactful bass that's balanced ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 1:34
- resolution and Distortion control have been greatly refined ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 4:07
- huge improvements in consistency as well as a smoother frequency response ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 4:21
- creates a base experience that provides plenty of impact but never compromises in balance while also eliminating most mid-range creep and blow ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 5:45
- light-hearted total balance ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 5:08
- mids offer an energetic snap and firm delivery that is supported by a good amount of body ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:55
- the Gorilla Glass 3 is very strong so you don't have to worry about scratching it or just straight up shattering it ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 1:08
- higher frequencies felt realistically rendered and gave a high definition impression ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 3:37
- greatly refined control within the bass frequencies ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 5:40
- low end provides fantastic transparency and minimal saturation which AIDS in creating an accurate and natural tonal delivery ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:46
- a design cue to highlight the open back listening experience you get from the E3 ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 1:18
- instruments maintained a rich tone that never lost resolution ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:30
- highs feel very fast and fluid ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 7:05
- one of the most open sounding closed back headphones ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:15
- heavy based elements felt just as lifelike and accurate as the improved higher frequencies ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 3:54
- low end feels incredibly fast tight and well controlled ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:37
- vocal Els being given a great amount of texture ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 7:07
- delivers improved consistency but also achieves much lower distortions as well as deliver a more uniform performance ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 4:30
- extremely precise imaging ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:28
- neutral color ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:42
Comfort (19)
- in terms of comfort these headphones completely seal the ear offering isolation with minimal pressure ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 3:03
- ear pads provide a great deal of depth ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 2:11
- impressed with the clamping force of this adjustable headband ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 1:44
- should be able to cover the entirety of the ear pretty comfortably ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 2:14
- DCA continues to deliver great comfort and portability ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 1:41
- appears to be very malleable so you should be able to achieve a comfortable fit ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 1:47
- moderate pressure ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 1:32
- quite comfortable with very soft pads ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 1:22
- completely circum oral ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 1:35
- can't think of another closed back that manages to balance a level of enjoyment…it's still very enjoyable for extended listens ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 13:22
- the ear cups are so so flush they could fit any ear size ▶ BEST HIGH END HEADPHONES FOR PS5 XBOX AND PC 2024 #review @ 1:28
- Comfort is Paramount with the E3 featuring plush ear pads and a lightweight design that ensures long listening sessions without discomfort ▶ Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) @ 0:59
- it's very light ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 5:15
- the Comfort first and oh my the mes headphones are about the only headphone I would rank higher as far as as comfort, they're very light but effective in the clamp pressure the pads are gushy cushy and supple ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 2:56
- i'm surprised of the lightness of this headphone ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 5:50
- the pads are nice and roomy ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 4:41
- the pads are nice and roomy sort of front to back top to bottom uh and even in in terms of depth ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 4:45
- this suspension strap which generally I think distributes the weight quite well and it's not an especially heavy headphone ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 1:57
- I don't find this this clamp to be uncomfortable at all ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 4:39
Design & Style (14)
- it also gives the headphones a shine and makes the e3 stand out from other headphones at this price point ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 2:37
- compact case ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 1:03
- smooth unfolding mechanisms ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 1:30
- wraps and forms around the shape of the headphones perfectly ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 1:05
- hard shell case has very little give ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 1:13
- fold up to make the large ear cups easier to manage ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 1:14
- these things have that danam Clark party trick of folding themselves up into a pretzel for transportation ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 3:16
- very nice look at that carbon fiber very nice ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 4:57
- very nice case uh very similar to the case of the aeon too close ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 2:15
- it's beautiful ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 5:17
- they come it also lets it fit into this little carry case that it comes with uh which is super compact ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 2:23
- the other benefit of this little headband mechanism is that it does actually fold up which is kind of cool makes this a little bit more portable a lot more portable than your average headphone ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 2:13
- I love the way that Dan Clark does these headbands very minimal ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 1:35
- portable form factor that's easy to carry around everywhere ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 12:00
Features (7)
- that statement is definitely accurate these headphones don't require too much power to drive ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 3:02
- everything about these the fact that they're compact they fold up they isolate well they're super comfortable the fact that they're technically so strong and then also they're still enjoyable ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 13:58
- used it heaps for everything from editing to video watching to just pure musical enjoyment and it's absolutely fantastic in that sense ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 13:30
- excellent performing headphone ▶ My Favorite Headphones At Every Price! - End of 2024 Edition @ 11:03
- easy to drive you could plug them directly into your PlayStation controller or your Xbox controller and you'll get amazing audio ▶ BEST HIGH END HEADPHONES FOR PS5 XBOX AND PC 2024 #review @ 11:05
- one of the best technical Clos backs out there ▶ My Favorite Headphones At Every Price! - End of 2024 Edition @ 11:21
- so you have the tuning pads here uh i think this can help lessen the treble or the bass ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 2:33
Build Quality (6)
- You have the same suspension headband as many of the brand's other models these materials have worked for almost all of the headphones in their catalog ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 1:27
- the e3 has a glass surface called gorilla glass 3 which is rigid and resistant to scratches and breaks ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 2:26
- the build quality is robust combining durability with an aesthetic appeal that exudes sophistication ▶ Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) @ 1:07
- nice ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 4:11
- this is a good connector, very sturdy ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 3:31
- build quality materials and stuff in this thing are fantastic like it's just got nice premium materials all the way around ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 1:30
Noise Isolation (4)
- the e3's isolation and low Distortion gave off basically no background noise making it easy to sit and listen for hours ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 5:39
- excellent noise isolation ▶ Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) @ 0:49
- love the isolation ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 5:08
- isolation is pretty strong ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 4:14
Value for Money (3)
- offers this technology and an affordable headphone ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 2:08
- a well-priced excellent sounding headphone with comfort that gives you all day wearability ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 16:27
- $2,000 planer magnetic closed back that's everything I ever wanted to hear from a Dan Clark head phone ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 0:55
Cons (72)
Sound Quality (38)
- temper your expectations in regards to the type of sound experience you'll receive ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 8:01
- the highs seem to have a bit more amplitude Compared to the rest of the frequencies this can cause these frequencies to stand out more in the mix ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 5:11
- you don't get precise positioning ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 3:47
- you don't feel speed in the performances rather you feel a very relaxed and serene timbre ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 4:57
- space and height felt a bit contained ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 6:11
- sometimes I wanted a bit more impact out of the drums ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 3:58
- that relaxed and calm timbre that we felt in the mids and in the bass you definitely don't feel it Here giving more clarity to instruments in this range it seems that the highs have an extension and are more accentuated in the mix ▶ Dan Clark E3 @ 5:29
- I felt like everything else kind of sat in the back of the mix and I personally like when the low end kind of sits with the vocals and gives it just a little bit more impact ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 4:26
- I personally would like a bit more thickness out of the low end at times ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 5:16
- I think the lack of thickness in the low end is what gives these headphones such intricate attention to detail ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 5:33
- mid base perhaps from 70 to 90hz has a tiny depression that makes some music a bit less Dancy ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 4:59
- I do wish that the low end was more upfront in the sound signature the Bas seems to sit more in the background which allows for heightened Dynamics but lacks that thump and thickness ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 3:16
- upper base is shaded on the neutral to cool side ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 5:12
- they're not quite as emotionally engaging as something that Veritas ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 12:24
- some tents and vocals are slightly thin suggesting a possible minor dip or shelf in the 1 to 3K region ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 5:45
- whole band or orchestra can at times sound a little bit light or maybe some people would call it a touch bright ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 7:16
- can occasionally sound a smidge bright on trents ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 6:02
- overall balance is tipped slightly in a direction the cool direction ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 10:21
- a lot of variation ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 1:27
- they tend to focus you a lot on the textures and details rather than the harmonic richness and fullness of the sound ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 7:17
- at lower levels sounds just slightly muted ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 8:57
- they could get a bit splashier or fatiguing on the wrong set of ears ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 10:34
- overall balance may be a bit too analytical ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 6:53
- if there's one area that may get the E3 into trouble with some enthusiasts it's going to be the treble because it's completely unveiled and wide open up top ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 10:17
- closed backs while they can be excellent are definitely a victim to one of the biggest problems in headphones ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 7:03
- doesn't quite win me over emotionally ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 8:49
- it was coming at the expense of that lushness and richness which this track absolutely should have ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 11:08
- people I know who have had a very different experience ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 0:25
- problem that closed backs face ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 4:08
- tonality could be a little bit richer and warmer for my tastes ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 15:00
- people have such varying opinions on these closed packs ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 6:58
- it's just a little bit leaner than I'd like from that pure enjoyment and engagement point of view ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 7:53
- closed backs just suck because they have Reflections inside of these cups ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 3:11
- almost any other clothes back headphone on the market you could ask three different people how they feel about it and all three people give you a different answer ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 0:30
- once you put it on a different head it's going to vary significantly because of that high acoustic impedance ▶ Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) @ 3:35
- this headphone falls into the less forgiving category of poor recorded material ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 11:57
- sound signature is just a little bit better suited for my personal taste ▶ My Favorite Headphones At Every Price! - End of 2024 Edition @ 11:13
- the bass on this is not bad say it's maybe a little bit soft in its attack ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 7:12
Connectivity (13)
- need a little more level and a big amp to really strut their stuff ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 9:03
- thirsty folks for a portable cloth back man you're going to need to strap a pretty good sized amp on your back to Power these things ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 5:23
- they're not the easiest thing to drive you do need an amplifier with a fair bit of power for these ▶ DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the fir @ 14:14
- the supplied cable is Too Short ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 4:29
- I can't because these things are so damn difficult to drive ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 16:59
- the headphone cable proprietary Dan Clark connectors that no one and I mean no one else uses ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 4:08
- from what i heard this is a very demanding headphone, very power hungry ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 3:49
- don't like the proprietary connectors it's inexcusable to me ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 17:38
- this is what they complain with aeon 2, uh very proprietary uh connector ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 3:15
- don clark audio i wish you have shipped it with a 4.4 cable so balance cable ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 3:59
- although i worry uh my dap can't drive this one so i still have to bring my amplifier that makes it less portable ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 6:02
- my only complaint is that it's on a 3.5 with a 6.3 adapter ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 3:44
- going to need to power them with a proper highes audio player capable of giving a serious amount of output power ▶ Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) @ 11:23
Design & Style (11)
- not a fan of the black and blue Aesthetics seen on the headband ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 1:42
- not very fond of the overall design of these headphones ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 7:39
- not a fan of the color choice for these ear cups ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 2:00
- relatively dull design ▶ Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark A @ 8:04
- not entirely thrilled with the outward appearance of these things, I do prefer the subdued approach of the Dan Clark audio expanse ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 3:38
- flashy Gorilla Glass that's a fingerprint magnet and well the pattern here is a bit busy ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 3:47
- some wish they could just ma made this one matte black so it will be a more scratch resist uh sides ▶ Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! @ 5:04
- it collects fingerprints because because of that big glass pad ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 4:29
- less impressed with the Aesthetics of the E3 I don't think this is the most attractive headphone out there ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 3:10
- I don't like the the the blue text that is really hard to read um up against this gray honeycomb ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 3:37
- mostly it just really does come down to this honeycomb pattern here on the outside ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 3:20
Build Quality (3)
- I don't really know how I feel about glass being a part of these headphones ▶ Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review @ 1:04
- headphone pads now these are glued in presumably with Gorilla Glue because these things are stuck and stuck good ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Review @ 3:57
- build quality ▶ My Favorite Headphones At Every Price! - End of 2024 Edition @ 11:09
Comfort (3)
- Comfort ▶ My Favorite Headphones At Every Price! - End of 2024 Edition @ 11:07
- weigh about 455 grams which is roughly a pound so they are maybe just on the heavy side of average ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review @ 1:04
- pretty heavy ▶ BEST HIGH END HEADPHONES FOR PS5 XBOX AND PC 2024 #review @ 1:34
Features (1)
- probably both the best not the best one of the better and the worst aspects of this headphone ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 1:28
Noise Isolation (1)
- I can't hear myself very well which is both a good thing and a Bad Thing depending on how you're planning to use this thing ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 4:18
Value for Money (1)
Microphone Quality (1)
- I wouldn't use this for video calls ▶ Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT @ 4:21
Review sources
- Flagship Performance Without The Flagship Cost | Dan Clark Audio E3 Review by Audio46 Headphones - Headphone Superstore — 30 pros, 6 cons
- Dan Clark Audio's E3 Review by MajorHiFi — 22 pros, 6 cons
- Dan Clark Audio E3 Review by Director's Garage — 15 pros, 11 cons
- Dan Clark Audio E3 Planar Headphones Review by THE ABSOLUTE SOUND — 15 pros, 10 cons
- DCA Stealth Review Correction - What went wrong with the first review? by Passion for Sound — 17 pros, 7 cons
- Dan Clark Audio E3 REVIEW! Unexpectedly GREAT by Super* Review — 14 pros, 8 cons
- Dan Clark E3 by Audio46 en Español — 15 pros, 4 cons
- Aeon 2 Noire Closed Back Headphone Unboxing! by Aaron Paul — 8 pros, 6 cons
- Raghav's Top 4 "Perfect" Headphones (2024) by Headphone Zone — 12 pros, 2 cons
- Why do closed backs suck? (but I still love them) by DMS — 3 pros, 8 cons
- Top-Tier Audio: Best Wireless Headphones Under $2000 (2025) by Musical Instrument — 7 pros, 0 cons
- My Favorite Headphones At Every Price! - End of 2024 Edition! by Joshua Valour — 2 pros, 3 cons
- BEST HIGH END HEADPHONES FOR PS5 XBOX AND PC 2024 #review by CRIPTOCOLORLIGHTS Tech — 4 pros, 1 cons
- Top 5 Premium Closed-Back Headphones Worth Your Money in 2025 | Moon Audio by Moon Audio — 1 pros, 0 cons
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dan Clark Audio E3 worth buying?
Based on 14 independent YouTube reviews, the Dan Clark Audio E3 scores 3.8/5 with 165 positive and 72 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #36 in the Over-Ear Headphones category.
What do reviewers like most about the Dan Clark Audio E3?
The most praised aspects are sound quality, other, comfort — Sound Quality (85 mentions), Other (27 mentions), Comfort (19 mentions).
What are the most common complaints about the Dan Clark Audio E3?
Reviewers most frequently criticize sound quality, connectivity — Sound Quality (38 mentions), Connectivity (13 mentions).
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