Dan Clark Audio Stealth Review, Interview, Measurements
Nov 22, 2024 at 10:20 AM Post #6,107 of 6,136
Stealth definitely rewards a higher quality chain. I think if more people treated the Stealth like a Susvara in terms of feeding it good quality gear and power, they'd realize it's not lacking in the dynamics department.
Definitely agree. I am more than impressed with the Stealths. After adding the clamp kit, dynamics and slam increased dramatically. It’s beautifully tuned. Very balanced. Also that low distortion is apparent when comparing them to the Susvara.

I think it misses a tiny bit of air in the upper treble. And note decay could last longer. Other than that it’s perfection. Also soundstage seems like an open back to me. It might not be super wide but has realistic pin point imaging while other headphones with wider soundstage sometimes do not.
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 10:24 AM Post #6,108 of 6,136
On the HM1 and 23R (and to a lesser extent the TT2) it had notably better slam than the Dave, adi-2 and mha200. But still very lacking compared to other headphones.

Don't get me wrong, I liked and was very impressed by the stealth in other areas. It's a very good headphone and clearly it's got some serious advantages. But the perceived macrodynamics/impact are a serious weak point imo.
I say add more clamping force. Completely changes the dynamics/slam for me.
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 10:46 AM Post #6,109 of 6,136
Been looking into a transportable setup but honestly it will be by my bedside. Less cables etc would be best.

Thinking of just getting a TT2 instead of Mojo2 + Cayin C9ii or Hugo2 + 23RM.

I know people liked the CMA15 or HM1 better but how’s the Stealth off the TT2 for a 2nd tier chain? Should I run off the back XLR?
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 10:59 AM Post #6,110 of 6,136
Been looking into a transportable setup but honestly it will be by my bedside. Less cables etc would be best.

Thinking of just getting a TT2 instead of Mojo2 + Cayin C9ii or Hugo2 + 23RM.

I know people liked the CMA15 or HM1 better but how’s the Stealth off the TT2 for a 2nd tier chain? Should I run off the back XLR?

There is a special synergy with Chord and the Stealths as Dan Clark mentioned. The TT2 would be a very nice bedside rig. If you don't need portable, I personally wouldn't bother with the battery powered amps. If your goal is power and headroom, you've listed some nice options that are great desktop/bedside solutions. The nice thing about Mojo2/Hugo2 though is you have the option to be portable if you want. Don't forget the Anni in your list of possibilities.
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 11:07 AM Post #6,111 of 6,136
Been looking into a transportable setup but honestly it will be by my bedside. Less cables etc would be best.

Thinking of just getting a TT2 instead of Mojo2 + Cayin C9ii or Hugo2 + 23RM.

I know people liked the CMA15 or HM1 better but how’s the Stealth off the TT2 for a 2nd tier chain? Should I run off the back XLR?
A 2nd hand RME ADI-2 can be found for ~600 (pro for 1k which has balanced out). I've been listening to the pro with the Stealths this past week and it's really a fantastic all-in-one, and small enough to bring anywhere you need good music. Can even be powered from a 12V battery.
I say add more clamping force. Completely changes the dynamics/slam for me.
Just wish DCA would've spread more awareness about the seal sensitivity.. so many people sleeping on this great headphone.
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 11:22 AM Post #6,112 of 6,136
I say add more clamping force. Completely changes the dynamics/slam for me.
How much does the increased clamping force affect the soundstage? This would be my main concern. Thanks.
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 11:31 AM Post #6,113 of 6,136
After adding the clamp kit, dynamics and slam increased dramatically. It’s beautifully tuned.
Yes, even if you think that you dont have problems with seal and have full subbas extension adding more clamp improves things a lot.
It has to sit on your head very very tightly.

Weakest part of the design.
 
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Nov 22, 2024 at 12:04 PM Post #6,115 of 6,136
Nov 22, 2024 at 12:11 PM Post #6,116 of 6,136
How much does the increased clamping force affect the soundstage? This would be my main concern. Thanks.
I didn’t notice a difference honestly.
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 12:18 PM Post #6,117 of 6,136
They
How much does the increased clamping force affect the soundstage? This would be my main concern. Thanks.
You can always put it back to stock if you don’t like the changes.

They send it to you for free. I added 4 washers which they recommended as max. I feel one can go higher. Maybe 6?

That being said, it was a b**tch to install. The screw is plastic and not magnetic.
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 12:20 PM Post #6,118 of 6,136
A 2nd hand RME ADI-2 can be found for ~600 (pro for 1k which has balanced out). I've been listening to the pro with the Stealths this past week and it's really a fantastic all-in-one, and small enough to bring anywhere you need good music. Can even be powered from a 12V battery.

Just wish DCA would've spread more awareness about the seal sensitivity.. so many people sleeping on this great headphone.
I remember I used to own one before. Remember it was highly detailed but a little sterile. Is this still the case?
 
Nov 22, 2024 at 2:30 PM Post #6,119 of 6,136
I remember I used to own one before. Remember it was highly detailed but a little sterile. Is this still the case?
The perception of sterile varies by person but yes it's dead neutral with a presentation that makes it easy to pick apart every nuance but a bit less of an "in the room" experience.
Any shortcomings are greatly improved with HQPlayer but that's the opposite of a transportable setup of course.
However for the money I think it's an excellent pairing with the Stealth, also because you can dial the shoutiness down a bit, give it some extra air up-top or boost the 100hz region if you want more punch.
 
Nov 24, 2024 at 9:09 AM Post #6,120 of 6,136
I pack my


I pack headphone gear, Mackbook Pro 16 and iPad Pro in my Tumi Esports Pro Large Backpack. i keep the cable in its case with adapters. I can carry an open and closed back with me. I usually take my DCA Stealth and Expanse or the Diana V2 and my Focal Bathys (used when on the plane) with me. I just place it on top my carry on bag and I’m good to go. Then use my sling bag when carrying to where I’m going to sit and listen to music or setup in hotel room or cabin on the ship.

So as long as you have a good backpack your good.
Just curious if bringing a TT2 might be easier?
 

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