Dan Clark Audio Stealth Review, Interview, Measurements

[JLoud]

I just got a new CFA3 from HeadAmp and it pairs very well with the Stealth. I do think the clean, dynamic sound of the CFA3 plays to the strengths of the Stealth. I add a bit of mid bass EQ to the Stealth but don’t really feel it needs more sub bass. Of course individual tastes differ and if you like it, go for it. The Stealth seems to handle EQ just fine.

 

[Spawn300Z]

Been running Stealth off the Envy. Seems like SS might be a better pairing but still liking it.

I noticed folks mentioned that the bass is better on the Stealth vs the Susvara. I didn't notice this to be the case with my setup. My Susvara has more slam and increased amount than the Stealth. I think it is very hard to find an amp that conveys what the Susvara is capable of.

Been listening to the Stealths for the last few days non stop. In the first miniutes they didn't impress me a lot but now I am noticing how engaged I become with the music. Although, Susvara's sound better to me than the Stealths, I think I am more engaged with the music on the Stealths. Having more fun.

They are great for me for my use cases. When wife comes into the office, when kids are outside my office making loud noises, etc.

If I can change things, I would decrease the midrange energy. Sometimes they can come off slightly shouty at higher volumes. Also, I would like the mid bass hump to be a bit bigger to get some additional slam.

I have some broken in pads and have ordered the clamp kit. Plan to increase clamp maybe 2x. Should I get new pads? Thanks all.

Because the Stealth has to be fitted to your head properly to really hear what they are capable of. But I would never say they are better than the Sus

 

[Somatic]

Put on the Susvara back on after several days of the Stealth and now the susvara sounds more "distorted". I can hear the low distortion from the Stealths. Back to listening to them.

Anyone mess around with aftermarket cables? Saw some prefer pure silver. Anyone try a goo pure copper cable? I like the Susvara with a nice copper cable. Gives it heft and still retains a clean image.

 

[theveterans]

Deleted. I thought I was on Susvara thread.

Vivo cables are pretty good though, but if you want more dynamics, definitely opt for hybrid cables

 

[Somatic]

Deleted. I thought I was on Susvara thread.

Vivo cables are pretty good though, but if you want more dynamics, definitely opt for hybrid cables

VIVO cables are hybrid as well? Is it hard to find a cable that outperforms it? Looking for Increased clarity, increased dynamics, slight increased treble extension.

 

[theveterans]

VIVO cables are hybrid as well? Is it hard to find a cable that outperforms it? Looking for Increased clarity, increased dynamics, slight increased treble extension.

Vivo is Silver plated copper. I don't think that's hybrid since the wires are the same for the whole cable assembly. Why not try the Noir Hybrid HPC first

 

[Rasuti]

VIVO cables are hybrid as well? Is it hard to find a cable that outperforms it? Looking for Increased clarity, increased dynamics, slight increased treble extension.

Found silver paired well for the Expanse, id imagine hybrid or full copper would fit better for the stealth, but silver may work well too for extension, clarity and dynamics. Wywires platinum my rec for copper, build is ok though, forza also a good budget choice for hybrid and full copper, maybe lavricables for silver.
After switching from vivo to either the platinum or my hapa knot, I disliked how the vivo sounded. IMO I don't think its hard to find a cable that can outperform it, its a very nice looking, feeling and ergonomic cable, however.

 

[plumpudding2]

I have some broken in pads and have ordered the clamp kit. Plan to increase clamp maybe 2x. Should I get new pads? Thanks all.

As others mentioned fresh pads are a bit stiffer, slightly broken in pads will be shaped to your head and give the best seal. I wouldn't replace them until they start flaking.

Anyone mess around with aftermarket cables? Saw some prefer pure silver. Anyone try a goo pure copper cable? I like the Susvara with a nice copper cable. Gives it heft and still retains a clean image.

I really like Lavricables Grand for all my headphones, but I buy cables mostly for looks, ergonomics and peace-of-mind.

I noticed folks mentioned that the bass is better on the Stealth vs the Susvara. I didn't notice this to be the case with my setup. My Susvara has more slam and increased amount than the Stealth.

I'm curious how this impression will evolve once the clamp kit arrives and you get a proper, crinkly seal

 

[rlawry]

I use a Synergystic Research Foundation cable for my Stealth and it makes the Stealth slightly more detailed and spacious but leaner and with a tad less bass. It is also much stiffer than the stock Vivo cable which is really a good stock cable.

 

[Somatic]

Ok, installed the clamp kit. Max 4 washers. I'm sure one could add more if they want. Still less clamp than the LCD5 vice grips.

This made a huge difference. Bass has much much more authority. Increased slam. Mid range slightly less forward. Overall more balanced. These are amazing. Big upgrade for me.

Now a nice 3rd party cable and I will be done.

Edit: Also I am hearing the inherent distortion in the Susvaras now lol

 

[Daniel Johnston]

Been running Stealth off the Envy. Seems like SS might be a better pairing but still liking it.

That’s my experience as well. I’ve settled on the Ragnarok 2 with Freya N tube buffer.

 

[Somatic]

Do we have a consensus on what the best amp would be for the DCA Stealth?

 

[plumpudding2]

Do we have a consensus on what the best amp would be for the DCA Stealth?

Myself and a few others over at the Zaehl HM1 thread have praised that pairing, the HM1 is incredibly dynamic and really makes the Stealth come alive.

I really like the HPA4 which follows the Stealths philosophy of 100% clean sound and for me it delivers exactly that but some find it sterile/thin.

When the Stealth first launched DCA actually went to shows and paired it with Ampsandsound Nautilus and Red October, to give a bit of heft and body for the people who perceive Stealth as overdampened. In that respect your envy is up there with the best tube amps

 

[Somatic]

Any reason why a "Harman" headphone can't be EQ'd to more "neutral"? Many people with "neutral" headphones use amps/DACs/EQ to tailor the sound to their liking.

I like the fact that the Stealth can be EQ'd to my particular taste and music genre. For fun, I cranked the lower bass on the Mojo 2 listening to trance and EDM. The Steaths took it in stride with crazy present, non distorted bass. The reverse should be true as well. So, essentially the Harman tuning is irrelevant if the headphone (like the Stealth) can take EQ without distorting.

Mojo2 can't handle loud volumes without distorting. Especially with EQ. I can only add maybe +2db in mid bass if +4db and loud volume it will distort. This is with music with a lot of low end.

That being said, you can still have it rather loud without getting distortion but if you try to push it further it all comes apart with massive distortion. I'm surprised you maxed the sub bass with zero distortion.

 

[rlawry]

IMO it is really difficult to reach a consensus on what produces the "best sound" for anything subjective. I for one seem to have a different take on what sounds best as it seems many like the sound of tube amps, which on the face of it add some warmth and bass weight on the Stealth but this is often too much on other headphones. The weirdo that I am, I love the speed, detail, transparency, spaciousness, and natural timbres of the Benchmark HPA4 amp. Others find this combo too lean and hyperdetailed. I think you will have to find a way to audition these phones with different front ends to find the one perfect for your tastes.