In a system with ample power and excluding the cost differences are there SQ reasons why the E3 might be preferred compared to Stealth? I like the Steath and am open to improvement.
These are my initial impressions relative to DCA Stealth. Super early days with the E3.
Sound Signature: The sound of E3 is a familiar one and as soon as I heard it I recognized immediately that just like the Expanse, and Stealth, these are headphones probably best understood and relished for what they don't do as opposed to what they do. With a lot of headphones I've listened to with idiosyncratic tunings, you walk away mostly with an impression of the dogmatic views (pardon the harman tuning irony) the headphone has imparted onto the music. With E3 and Stealth they seek ultimately to render a faithful reproduction of the music. The E3 being a bit more candid and vivacious, very matter of fact, and the Stealth being a bit calmer, diplomatic and polished. This distinction becomes more apparent in their treatment of different frequencies.
Treble: The E3 has more illuminated high frequencies, and renders the periphery of instruments and vocals in a very articulate and intelligible way making the overall signature a tad analytical, but still striking a good balance with a sense of naturalness as well. In contrast, the Stealth’s have a more relaxed upper treble leading to a more natural presentation. While some might perceive the E3 as more detailed because of the heightened treble, I think the Stealth is the more inherently detailed or resolving of the two. This is rather evident on the HM1 and WA23 amps than when I listen via Hugo 2. This is one of the remarkable things about the Stealth, being so highly resolving yet paradoxically relaxed about it. Those who think Stealth might be a bit dark in the treble may welcome the new energy the E3 brings to this area. Whilst it's not egregiously bright like the Hifiman Audivina, it does seem like it might be fatiguing long term. Will check back on this in a week. The clarity here on E3 is superb, the Stealth is still a bit ahead here as that blackhole through which the sound effortlessly emerge is even more capable of providing a heightened sense of space between the instruments.
Midrange and Bass: In terms of midrange, the E3 seems even more neutral in tone than the Stealth to me. I think the Stealth portrays textural details more vividly, and does so with slightly better refinement. The added refinement I hear in the midrange of the Stealth I think is key because despite it being quite revealing it manages to somehow make bad recordings still relatively palatable. The E3 is less apologetic to my ears. Stealth also conveys the varying timbre of the musical instruments more acutely. The mid-bass on the E3 is slightly more impactful, adding a richness to male vocals and a sense of immediacy and tactility to the sound. The Stealth has cleaner and more emphasized sub-bass.
Overall Experience: The synergy with E3 and my tube amp, WA23 Luna, is remarkable. It's also really good on the HM1, but I use it in Class A mode. The Stealth is remarkably adept at revealing textural nuances without losing its refined character. The E3 is closely matching the Stealth, but in a more matter of fact way. The E3 is an exceptional value and very strategically positioned in the line up. This is an easy recommendation because the differences, while subtle, might even lead some to prefer it over the Stealth. My preferences still have Stealth at the top, but will report back after a week or so of primarily listening to the E3.