Dan Clark Audio creates high-performance headphones designed for serious music lovers. What started as one engineer’s passion project has become one of the most respected names in the headphone world. Every model is engineered and assembled in the U.S., with careful attention to sound quality, comfort, and long-term value.
From the award-winning ÆON line to the flagship STEALTH, Dan Clark Audio headphones are known for their detailed sound, smart design, and all-day wearability. With patented technologies like V-Planar™ and TrueFlow™, they deliver music that feels open, natural, and deeply engaging, without adding weight or distortion.
The Story Behind Dan Clark Audio
Dan Clark Audio started in 2012 under the name MrSpeakers. Founder Dan Clark had spent years in engineering and tech, but his real love was always music. After working on loudspeaker design in the 1990s, he got into the headphone world by modifying existing models for fun, and better sound.
Those early experiments led to the Alpha Dog, the world’s first 3D-printed headphone. It solved a common problem: how to make closed-back headphones sound open and full without losing isolation. The success of the Alpha Dog helped fund his first fully in-house design, the ETHER, and things took off from there.
By 2019, the brand had evolved into Dan Clark Audio. Today, they design and build everything in the U.S., with a full line of award-winning headphones known for comfort, clarity, and technical innovation. Dan now holds multiple patents, and the company has earned recognition from top audio reviewers, publications, and global headphone enthusiasts.
Headphone Technology and Engineering
V-Planar™ Technology
Found in all ÆON and ETHER models, V-Planar drivers use a creased diaphragm that moves more air with less distortion. This design enhances bass response while maintaining a clean and detailed sound, even at higher volumes.
TrueFlow™ Motor Design
Planar headphones often suffer from unwanted turbulence caused by right angles in the magnet structure. TrueFlow technology fixes this by filling in gaps between magnets with a perforated surface. The result: smoother airflow, stronger dynamics, and better resolution.
Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)
Exclusive to the STEALTH, AMTS is built into the driver path to eliminate harshness and open up the soundstage, without sacrificing the benefits of a closed-back design.
Titanium Headbands and Custom Damping
Dan Clark Audio also holds patents for its lightweight, hingeless headbands and asymmetric damping systems. These features improve comfort, reduce weight, and allow each headphone to be tuned with incredible precision.
Dan Clark Audio's Flagship Models
Here are Dan Clark Audio’s best-known headphones, each one engineered for serious performance, comfort, and longevity:
Model
Type
Highlights
STEALTH
Closed-back planar
Flagship model with AMTS, 4th-gen driver, and a wide, immersive soundstage
VOCE
Electrostatic
Large 88mm driver, extended bass, silver-plated cable, built in cleanroom
ETHER 2
Open-back planar
Titanium and carbon fiber build, ultra-lightweight at 290g, 3 ear pad sets
ETHER C Flow
Closed-back planar
Top-rated isolation, great comfort for long sessions and travel
ÆON 2 Closed
Closed-back planar
Folding gimbal design, 2nd-gen motor, light and compact for portability
ÆON 2 Open
Open-back planar
Same frame as Closed model, but with a more open soundstage
ÆON 2 Noir
Closed-back planar
Black finish and perforated pads for a brighter sound signature
What Sets Dan Clark Audio Apart
Each Dan Clark Audio headphone is thoughtfully designed and assembled, not just for how it sounds, but for how it feels to wear. With a focus on long-term listening comfort and detailed audio reproduction, these headphones have earned a loyal following among discerning listeners.
Some reasons why Dan Clark Audio stands out:
Designed and built in California with a focus on quality and consistency
Uses patented technologies like V-Planar and TrueFlow to improve sound accuracy
Lightweight, ergonomic builds for hours of comfortable use
Widely praised by hi-fi reviewers, engineers, and headphone communities
Why Choose Dan Clark Audio at Audio Art Cable
At Audio Art Cable, we go beyond simply stocking headphones. We help you find the one that fits your system and listening style. As an authorized Dan Clark Audio reseller, we’ve worked directly with these models and understand how each one performs.
Here’s what you can expect when you shop Dan Clark Audio with us:
Authorized expertise and personal guidance on every model
Honest recommendations based on your gear and preferences
Competitive pricing and fast, reliable shipping
A curated lineup of Dan Clark’s top headphones and accessories in stock
Let us help you get the most out of your next headphone upgrade.
FAQs About Dan Clark Audio Headphones
What makes planar magnetic headphones different?
Planar magnetic headphones use a flat diaphragm with embedded conductors, suspended between magnets. This design allows for faster, more controlled movement of the diaphragm, which results in accurate, low-distortion sound. Dan Clark Audio takes it further with their patented V-Planar™ and TrueFlow™ technologies, improving detail, dynamics, and soundstage.
Are Dan Clark Audio headphones comfortable for long sessions?
Yes. Dan Clark Audio puts a strong focus on comfort across all models. Lightweight materials like titanium, carbon fiber, and aluminum are paired with ergonomic headbands and soft ear pads. Even the larger headphones like ETHER 2 and STEALTH are designed for long-term wear without pressure or fatigue.
Which model is best for travel or noisy environments?
The STEALTH, ETHER C Flow, and ÆON 2 Closed are excellent choices for travel or noisy spaces. These closed-back models offer strong passive isolation, with ETHER C Flow rated as one of the best in its class. They block external sound while keeping your music from leaking out.
How do I tune or swap pads on the ETHER 2?
ETHER 2 comes with three different ear pads, each offering a distinct tuning profile. Swapping pads is simple and tool-free, just remove the current pad and snap the new one into place. This allows users to customize both the sound signature and comfort in seconds.
Do these headphones need a headphone amp?
While some models like the ÆON 2 can run on portable devices, all Dan Clark Audio headphones perform best with a quality headphone amplifier. Using a proper amp brings out their full detail, dynamics, and low-end response. Electrostatic models like VOCE require a dedicated electrostatic amp.
Have Questions About Dan Clark Audio? Let’s Talk.
Not sure which model fits your system or listening style? We’re happy to help.
At Audio Art Cable, we offer personal guidance on every Dan Clark Audio headphone we carry. Contact us anytime to talk through your setup, preferences, or upgrade ideas, no pressure, just thoughtful support from people who care about great sound as much as you do.