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Dan Clark Audio in the news
Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphone – A Star is Reborn
|| November 26, 2024
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphones
The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X is an update to the iconic Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 NOIRE integrating Dan Clark Audio’s state-of-the-art Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) with an improved driver. Featuring a dramatic black-on-black aesthetic, improved ear pads, a self-adjusting headband, and Gorilla Glass 3 clad cups the NOIRE X is designed to set a new standard in midrange headphone performance, comfort, and value.
The Headphone Show
It just got better... DCA Noire X - Review
18-10-2024
Dan Clark Audio has returned with the Aeon Noire X, a new version of what was arguably their best value headphone (Aeon 2 Noire), now featuring Dan's proprietary AMTS technology. How does it stack up to the original, though?
Dan Clark NOIRE X Headphone Review
|| November 26, 2024
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphones
This is one high quality and gorgeous headphone. It is more compact and lighter than my daily driver, the DCA E3 which I appreciate. It comes with a very flexible and nice (silicone?) cable with just the right length for desktop use.
Audiophile Heaven
Dan Clark Expanse Headphone Review
// 18-10-2024
Dan Clark Audio or DCA or DC Audio is one of the world’s most popular headphone designers and manufacturers, being a driving force behind new driver tech development, and has been in business since 2012 when the company was founded as Mr. Speakers by Mr. Dan Clark.
DAN CLARK AUDIO E3 HEADPHONES REVIEW
|| May 21, 2024
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphones
This week, Tom Martin reviews the impressive, planar magnetic Dan Clark E3 headphones.
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphone Review
| 13 April 2024
Dan Clark Audio E3 The Dan Clark Audio (DCA) E3 are definitely the best closed-back Tom has ever heard, but it really does look like they tick so many boxes that they might well qualify as his favourite ever studio headphone for mixing. .
DAN CLARK AUDIO E3 HEADPHONES REVIEW
|| Apr 11th, 2024
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphones
The Dan Clark Audio E3 is already a popular set and well on its way to being one of the best-selling products from the San Diego-based audio brand ever. In fact, it's so popular that they had a hard time fulfilling all the orders piling in after the initial round of reviews, so much so that I was glad Headphones.com had a spare unit available that I could examine.
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphone Review
2024
The sound quality is superior to that of representatives of the same or even a higher price segment ,regardless of the design. You can hardly pay a closed-back headphone a greater compliment.
Note : that the PDF file was translated, albeit imperfectly
Dan Clark E3 Headphone Review
// 13th March, 2024
The Dan Clark Audio brand emerged at the end of 2019, having previously made a name in the head-fi world as MrSpeakers over the preceding seven years. The man himself got a BSc in Engineering and an MBA and then started work as a loudspeaker design consultant for several high-end audio companies.
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphone Review
| 9 Feb 2024
Dan Clark Audio E3 E3 plan arm magnetic closed-back headphones this is.
Dan Clark Audio Expanse Review
Feb 08, 2024
The Dan Clark Expanse achieves the actually impossible: with its breathtaking openness and phenomenal airiness and freedom of his reproduction, he expands the infinity that is already closed in his Brother “Stealth” impressed. This is made possible by the combination of open design and magnetostatic Sound conversion, which the Californians have optimized with a lot of know-how.
Dan Clark Audio E3 review
| 04-02-2024
Dan Clark Audio guarantees the development of high-quality headphones. When it comes to high-end planar drivers, the Stealth and the Expanse, as closed and open flagships, represent the spearhead of Dan Clark Audio's planar magnetic headphone portfolio in terms of price. The closed headphones are now being supplemented with the E3 in the “mid-price segment”. I listened carefully to how it positioned itself at the top.
Dan Clark CORINA - Golden Analog Award REVIEW
|| January 14, 2024
Dan Clark CORINA
Dan Clark Audio CORINA must receive a distinction - these are top-of-the-line headphones, and radically cheaper than the most expensive ones. It's true that they are not easy to satisfy with a track, but when they do, their warm and refined sound, with greater richness than is usually the case with electrostats, stronger bass and higher acoustic pressures, together with Warwick Acoustic and Audeze CRBN, sets a new trend for this type, referring in style to dynamics and planars
DCA STEALTH CLOSED BACK PLANAR HEADPHONES REVIEW
| 14 Jan 2024
DCA Stealth Planar Closed back Headphones The true flagship? And the best on the market right now? These and many others will be addressed in this in-depth analysis.
DAN CLARK AUDIO E3 HEADPHONES REVIEW
|| 19. January 2024
Dan Clark Audio E3 Headphones
The new E3 features their 5th generation driver along with their patent-pending AMTS tuning system to create a new closed-back model that aims to deliver an open-back-like sound with musical accuracy.
Dan Clark Audio E3 review
| 12-31-2023
Like the STEALTH and the EXPANSE , the DAN CLARK E3 also has the unique and patent-pending acoustic metamaterial tuning system, which has already helped the Americans' two TOTL models achieve audiophile heights.The AMTS eliminates high-frequency standing waves using specific waveguides, diffusion control and resonators and also specifically linearizes the frequency band of the respective headphone model.
“ 2023 Electrostatic Headphone of the Year”
|| December 11, 2023
Dan Clark Audio CORINA
The CORINA delivers everything for me in transparency and never falters in any area, and it is the best I have heard this year. Dan Clark’s CORINA is an easy recommendation for anyone wanting the very best in transparency and musicality
Dan Clark Audio Stealth review: Writers' Choice Award
| 12-06-2023
Already very impressed with the Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 headphones that retail for $2299, I was curious to hear if paying nearly double that price for the $3999 Dan Clark Audio Stealth planar headphones would really be an improvement.So, I reached out to Dan Clark Audio, and I'm certainly glad I did!
Dan Clark Audio Corina Review:
| 04/12/2023
Dan Clark Audio has always taken pride in our industrial design innovations and CORINA is no exception. With a striking grey finish and elegantly sculpted grill, CORINA is nothing short of stunning.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth review: Best Picks 2023
| Nov 13, 2023
Known as MrSpeakers until 2019, Dan Clark founded the eponymous Dan Clark Audio (DCA) brand in 2012. Dan has been in the audio business for a few decades now and we first got a taste of the brand's work in the form of the Drop + DCA Aeon Closed X—a set of closed-back planar magnetic.
Dan Clark Audio Corina Review:
The Source Audio Video Design Group |22/10/2023
Dan Clark Audio Corina Reference Flagship Electrostatic Headphones! DCA Corina.
Dan Clark Audio CORINA Electrostatic Headphones Review
VSG | Jun 16th, 2023
The CORINA bucks this trend by not only being the best overall sounding e-stat I've had my ears on, but arguably also the best overall set of headphones period.The CORINA is not Dan Clark's first foray into the wacky world of e-stat headphones, with the Electrostatic having taken that spot and still continuing to be sold today.
Dan Clark Audio Corina Review:
| 22/05/2023
We got to listen to a lot of great gear at the show but the unit that impressed me most is the Dan Clark Audio Corina electrostatic headphone. We haven’t gotten the chance to review it yet, but I will try to make that happen.
DAN CLARK AUDIO CORINA ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE
Marcus | May 15, 2023
The Dan Clark Audio CORINA has a very smooth tone and a surprisingly weighty sound signature for an electrostatic headphone. The resolution is there, and the detail is typically electrostatic in terms of articulation but this is a planted sound with more emphasis on the bass and mids rather than a heady sparkle or heavy treble overtones.
DAN CLARK AUDIO CORINA ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE
Frank Iacone | May 15, 2023
When Andy Regan called me and asked me to review the new Dan Clark Audio CORINA Reference Electrostatic Headphone, I was so grateful, yet I had no electrostatic headphone amplifier.
I knew that most electrostatic headphones sound excellent with the Headamp Blue Hawaii and would be a great fit with the CORINA for this audition. Thankfully, Justin Wilson, CEO of HeadAmp, promptly shipped me the legendary EL34-based masterpiece.
Audiophile Heaven
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow RT review
//10-26-2022
Hardest Headphones? More like hardest to drive from their price bracket, but also some of the best sounding, so I’m excited for this review! The Aeon Flow RT costs about 500 USD, and will be compared to iBasso SR-2 ...
The Audiophile World
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire Review
March 30, 2023
A gift from a friend who was not in attendance at the Los Angeles Orange County Audio Society Gala 2022; this is my first experience with Dan Clark Audio products and it won't be the last. It is simply an elegantly designed and engineered closed-back planar magnetic headphone for under $1000.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth review: Best Picks 2023
// Feb 15, 2023
The thanks to Clark Audio Stealth presents itself as a completely closed magnetostat, but provides all the advantages of an open headphone. First of all, this succeeds through its magnetostats: they ensure a clear, transparent, fresh, highly dynamic reproduction, a wonderfully open, spatial illustration and an extremely plastic representation
Dan Clark Headphone Review
// 06.02.2023
The way mastering is executed at MOFI caused a lot of excitement among audiophiles and Analog, the magazine of the German Analogue Audio Association, made mastering the cover story. And here, one of the best mastering professionals, Christoph Stickel, has his say.
Dan Clark Expanse Headphone Review
// 20th January, 2023
Dan Clark Audio has followed its flagship closed-back Stealth headphones with an open-backed version called the Expanse. However, we are told that this is much more than the result of simply swapping closed cups for open ones.
Dan Clark Audio Expanse Review
// September 19, 2022
A well-recognized name among audiophiles, Dan Clark Audio released a premium closed-back, over-ear headphone called Stealth to much critical and consumer acclaim. About a year later, Dan Clark Audio has recently released its open-back alternative to Stealth: the Expanse.
Dan Clark Expanse Headphone Review
// 27 12, 2022
I was impressed by Dan Clark Audio's Stealth, but when I tested the Expanse, I wasn't sure which of the two I got prefer. Here is Christoph Stickel's opinion on the subject:
Dan Clark Audio Expanse Product of the Year
// November 21, 2022
Musicality is the most important aspect of any performance and the EXPANSE has a sound rarely if ever heard from any planar design. No matter what played the EXPANSE made the experience memorable. I found myself listening into the wee hours of the morning.
Dan Clark ETHER CX Review:
SEP 24, 2022
The majority of planar magnetic headphones available today have an open-back design, but if you plan to use them in a busy location, you might prefer a closed-back model like the Drop + MrSpeakers Ether CX Headphones.
Dan Clark AEON RTX Review:
SEP 24, 2022
If you’re willing to spend a little more on a pair of comfortable, high-quality headphones, the DROP + Dan Clark Audio Aeon Headphones are a solid choice.
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed Review
// Dec 15th, 2022
Dan Clark Audio has been responsible for some of the more innovative engineering in the headphones space of late, including the use of novel metamaterials in his flagship Stealth and Expanse headphones, but there have been some root technologies developed over the years that have gone into his ÆON—henceforth referred to as Aeon for easier typing—series of headphones. In particular, I'd draw your attention to the DCA Aeon RT that the first-party model the Drop + DCA Aeon Open/Closed X sets are analogous to, in the same manner the Sennheiser HD 650 was for the Drop x Sennheiser HD 6XX. Today we examine the Aeon Closed X planar magnetic headphones that aim to offer a wide soundstage coupled with a warm audio signature and a highly comfortable fit, without breaking the bank.
Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Review:
// December 21 2022
The Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE is one of those rare headphones that can elicit both an emotive response from a purely listening perspective and an admiration for its technical capability at the same time.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth review: Editor's Choice Award 2022
The American headphone manufacturer has managed to construct a closed magnetostatic headphone at the very highest top class level, which comes across as an open headphone and offers a high level of wearing comfort thanks to meticulous workmanship. Highly refined constructions such as the v-Planar technology and the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System guarantee the very highest sound enjoyment. Consequently, the STEALTH convinced in the review by its spatial reproduction, precise depth staggering and detailed imaging of the signals, which provided a natural balanced sound image. You don't hear something like that every day.
Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Review:
// December 06 2022
It’s finally time for the Headfonia 2022 Awards. This is the most awaited article of the year, the one which readers and companies always anxiously wait for. This is the article in which we award the best gear of 2022. First up are Berkhan and my own selections!.
Dan Clark Audio Æon 2 Noire Review
// August 24, 2022
Given how saturated this market has become, a product must be seriously special to win StereoNET's coveted wired headphone gong.Dan Clarke Audio's Aeon 2 Noire is precisely this, a triumph of design that meets every criterion for a top-tier product.
Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Review:
// December 06 2022
This part with the essential comparisons was done with the Nirvana and ENVY amplifier and the Aquarius DAC by Musician. The headphones all were connected in balanced mode.First up is the EXPANSE’s co-flagship, the closed-back Stealth. While both headphones share the same design language and headband section, they are substantially different in the cups section. The EXPANSE is smaller in width than the Stealth, but they clearly share the same base design externally.
Dan Clark Audio Expanse Review
// September 19, 2022
Expanse really cannot be overstated. It’s rare for me to feel like a headphone truly has it all, but Dan Clark Audio completely knocked it out of the park this time.
Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Review: Interview, Measurements, Impressions
// September 12, 2022
As open-back headphones go, there’s nothing quite like the new Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE. While it was developed and built using the platform and technologies pioneered on the closed-back STEALTH, the EXPANSE brings entirely unique qualities to open-back headphone voicing and design. We talk with Dan Clark about the EXPANSE, show you measurements (and measurement comparisons), and provide subjective impressions and comparisons.
Dan Clark Expanse Headphone Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
// September 12, 2022
This is a review, listening tests and measurements of the Dan Clark Expanse open-back planar magnetic headphone. It was loaned to me by the company and costs US $3999.
Dan Clark Audio Expanse Planar Magnetic Headphone – Open Horizons
// September 12, 2022
The soulful EXPANSE is a creative marvel with its ability to disappear. Comfortable to wear for marathon listening sessions it delivers everything you could want in reference transducers. Together with my reference Lina system, it’s headphone listening at its best.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth review: Closed headphones with a great sound
// June 21, 2022
After four years of development, the Dan Clark Audio Stealth has been commercially available for a few months. In the following paragraphs, you can find out how the headphones, which are anything but inexpensive, perform in the sound test.
$4000 for The Best Portable Headphones. The Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Currawong // June 30, 2022
Thank you to Dan Clark for sending a pair of these over to review. As one of the best pairs of high-end headphones you can buy in 2022, they have interesting new technology in them. But will you like the result?
Dan Clark Audio ÆON 2 Over-Ear Headphones
// Robb Report
Are you skeptical about whether or not pricey headphones actually sound better? Spend some time with this pair of cans from Dan Clark Audio. They may lack some of the features you’ll find on more accessible mainstream headphones—like a remote, mic and noise cancellation—but they pump out superlative audio that sounds so clear and natural: You may just notice details in songs that you never heard before. Lightweight and comfortable, you can wear them for a whole afternoon without getting a headache.
Dan Clark Audio ÆON 2 Over-Ear Headphones
// November 30, 2021
Are you skeptical about whether or not pricey headphones actually sound better? Spend some time with this pair of cans from Dan Clark Audio. They may lack some of the features you’ll find on more accessible mainstream headphones—like a remote, mic and noise cancellation—but they pump out superlative audio that sounds so clear and natural: You may just notice details in songs that you never heard before. Lightweight and comfortable, you can wear them for a whole afternoon without getting a headache.
TEST: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
// January 18 2022
When I could only listen to the Stealth, the top model from Dan Clark Audio, for half an hour in October, I was completely blown away. A lot of headphone fans should have felt the same way. Because it took until Christmas before a copy was available for a detailed test. Does stealth fascinate you for a long time?
TEST: DAN CLARK STEALTH
// November 28, 2021
Here I am. And today I'm testing the new DAN CLARK STEALTH for you. And according to mastermind Dan Clark, these closed headphones from San Diego in particular should actually mark the future standard in terms of audio reproduction with ideal ergonomics in terms of wearing comfort.
Event: Golden Analog Awards for 2021
// January 27 2021
This year, a lot of headphones have been judged, many of them great. Dan Clark's new flagship did not leave others behind, but it also did not let it be passed. At a price of twenty thousand (who would have recently thought that this one would be lower than others?) It gives the highest precision of the musical image, especially the precision of the bass. Headphones extremely detailed, extremely resolving and extremely expressive, also extremely deeply penetrating the structure of harmony and individual sonic characteristics. With fantastic comfort and closure, meaning good insulation with no restrictions at all, they deserve a medal like few others.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth Headphones Review
// January 13, 2022
Dan Clark Audio Stealth Headphones
There was a time when headphones were very much the poor relation of loudspeakers. What was the point of them, asked audiophiles in the nineteen seventies, when you could throw money at a serious pair of full size, three-way speakers and feel your bass as well as hear it? Only an eccentric clique kept the exotic headphone fire burning – most likely running Stax electrostatic earspeakers, which were hardly representative of the breed.
TOP GEAR 2021 AWARDS – BEST CLOSED HEADPHONES
// December 26 2021
The detail is very much there but it is delivered in a very natural manner that makes the Dan Clark Audio Stealth a very enjoyable listen. Given how hard it is to tune closed backs to get an accurate and pleasing tonal character that should be taken as a bit of a home run from the DCA team.
“2021 CLOSED-BACK HEADPHONE OF THE YEAR”
// November 23, 2021
Dan Clark Audio Stealth Headphones
There is a reason that every headphone that Dan Clark has designed has made it into our Products of the Year Awards, they are simply that good. I have been for most of my adult life a very staunch Electrostatic Headphone (and speaker) fan and several years ago at an Electrostatic Headphone shoot out (featuring headphones in the $50k bracket) and found the Dan Clark Audio Electrostatic to be the finest sounding headphone I have ever heard, and it has remained my favorite headphone ever since.
DAN CLARK AUDIO STEALTH REVIEW
// October 17 2021
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is the company’s new flagship closed-back planar magnetic headphone using AMTS technology. It is priced at $3999.
Disclaimer: The Dan Clark Audio Stealth sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank the team at Dan Clark Audio for giving us this opportunity.
“DAN CLARK AUDIO STEALTH HEADPHONES REVIEW ”
// October, 7 2021
Dan Clark Audio Stealth Headphones
Having recently reviewed and been amazed by the Aeon 2 Noire from Dan Clark Audio, previously known as Mr Speakers, I was tempted to listen again with what is their best and newest headphone, the £4100 “Stealth”. Retaining the tear-drop shape of the Aeon this planar magnetic headphone is hand-built by Dan and his team in sunny San Diego, California, and the culmination of four years of hard thinking and technical exploration.
DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON 2 NOIRE HEADPHONE REVIEW
// September 8 2021
The Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire is the third iteration of the company’s Aeon line of headphones. Unlike its stablemates, the Aeon 2 and the Aeon 2 RT which come in both open and closed back versions, the Aeon 2 Noire is available only as a closed-back set of cans. It shares many of the same unique design features as the other models including the same handsome styling and planar driver technology, but its tuning is said to have a notable difference that helps the Aeon 2 Noire stand apart.
“…the Holy Grail of closed headphones.”
// August 19 2021
Dan Clark Audio Stealth Review, Interview, Measurements
Having built their business on designing and manufacturing moderately priced high-end headphones, it was only a matter of time before Dan Clark Audio would stage an assault on the higher end of the high-end market. Today's the day that happens, with the launch of the Dan Clark Audio Stealth. Key to the all-new Stealth's sound is a patent pending innovation called AMTS.
Dan Clark Stealth Review (State of the Art Headphone)
// August 19 2021
kind enough to share with me a couple of samples which I have been testing and playing with in the last couple of weeks. It costs US $3999
The price made me think this was a giant headphone but I was shocked how it was packed in a very small case when folded:
Everything is soft touch and buttery smooth as you hold the headphone. Fit is very comfortable for me and I have no complaints to report.
Review: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
// August 24 2021
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth Headphone Reviewed. The newest headphone from Dan Clark Audio is none other than a new flagship, priced right around the latest shelf created for high end audiophile headphones, $4k. That’s expensive, but DCA has also included quite a bit of new tech and thought into the headphone as well: so do we have a new competitor in the $4k class?
DAN CLARK AUDIO STEALTH PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONE – REDEFINING FLAGSHIP
// August 25, 2021
I have related my history with Dan Clark Audio headphones ad nauseam so I will spare you the details this time, but there is a reason why three of my reference headphones are Dan Clark Audio products (MrSpeakers when I acquired them).
While the ETHER2 is my preferred daily use headphone due to its comfort and extreme resolution, the ETHER C Flow 1.1 remains my choice for testing tonal balance and sub-bass response, and the AEON open is my budget headphone of choice, and of course, the Electrostatic remains my all-time favorite headphone period, well, up to today at least. Introducing the Dan Clark Audio Stealth Planar Magnetic Headphone.
DAN CLARK AUDIO ÆON 2 NOIRE HEADPHONES
// July 06, 2021
Once upon a time in a land before globally life altering virus events, I vaguely remember my scant headphone listening time as merely a fun change of pace to my beloved loudspeaker set up. Interesting how a one-time dalliance is now a mental health necessity in my house which stuffed tight with a full time working wife, two elementary-aged daughters, and a fluffy pandemic puppy. I don’t think it is a quantum leap to see why I was champing at the bit when I got wind that the new closed back Æon 2 Noire headphones from Dan Clark Audio were heading my way.
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire Review
// March 24, 2021
The Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire planar headphones feature metallic black paint as well as a perforated ear-pad option for a ‘Harman Curve’ friendly sound. It is priced at $899.
Disclaimer: The Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank the team at Dan Clark Audio for giving us this opportunity.
Dan Clark Audio ÆON 2 Noire | Review
// March 21, 2021
DAN CLARK AUDIO. I associate this company - formerly MrSpeakers - with ÆON Flow. And I'm definitely not the only one. The ÆON has countless fans and rightly so. In addition to the first and second generation and the DROP special model, the Noire is the latest iteration of the ÆON. Has DCA changed anything besides the look? Look - and listen - let's take a look at the Noire!
Dan Clark Audio AEON RT Review (closed headphone)
// Jan 15, 2021
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Dan Clark ÆON RT closed back headphone. It was kindly sent to me by the company for testing and costs US $500. > In a sea of similar looking headphones, the ÆON RT manages to distinguish itself with a uniqe shape:
This makes the cup smaller which can be good for travel although I find that it almost touches the top of my ears. Clamp pressure is a tad high for my head causing a bit of strain after a few hours of use. The pads feel soft and luxurious. A set of filter pads are supplied that get mounted inside to control the level of high frequencies. A white pad with one notch comes installed. I took it out as it attenuates too much of the high frequencies and likely causes some slight comb filtering as well.
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 - Product of the year 2020
// December 23, 2020
With fine build, superlative comfort and excellent accessories, this exotic new £900 pair of hi-fi headphones gets off to a strong start, but it’s the planar magnetic drivers that really do the business – plus that undeniably sweet styling. Available in a choice of open or closed back, it’s one of the best headphone designs around right now that doesn’t require a second mortgage. The delicate yet detailed sound is exquisite.
TEST: Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Closed
// July 8, 2020
Bisher waren bei mir nur offene Kopfhörer zum Test zu Gast. Das ändert sich jetzt mit dem Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 closed. Diese zweite Generation des AEON ist weniger als Weiter- und eher als Neuentwicklung auf Grundlage der beim Ether 2 gesammelten Erfahrungen zu verstehen. Die Erwartungen sind dementsprechend hoch.
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 Over-The-Ear Headphones
// February, 2020
From their humble beginnings of modifying Fostex T50RP headphones, to developing patented V-Planar technology and eventually creating ground up electrostatic headphones, MrSpeakers has continued to push the envelope while staying grounded to their roots. Now with their latest flagship offering, the Ether 2, Dan Clark Audio (previously named MrSpeakers) aims to cement their legacy in the world of headphones. Let's take a look and listen...
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 System Review
// November 21, 2020
The Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 System is a series of specially designed protein leather and suede pads that alter the performance of the main headphones. They are priced at $179.98 for all of them at the checkout when buying your Ether 2 or $89.99 each.
Disclaimer: The Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 System sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Dan Clark Audio for giving us this opportunity.
To read more about Dan Clark Audio products we reviewed on Headfonics click here.
Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2020 which you can read up on here.
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Open Headphone
// December, 2020 <
There are a lot of headphones in the $750 to $1000 price range. At $899.99 the DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON 2 HEADSETS would be a top choice among the many headsets I’ve heard at similar price points. For portability, they are, by virtue of their innovative and fresh design, at the head of the pack. I’ve heard a lot of impressive headphones over the years. Some are standouts, most are very good. The Dan Clark AEON 2 Headphones are standouts. In terms of audio, it checks all the boxes.
The Dan Clark AEON 2 Headphones are standouts. In terms of audio, it checks all the boxes. They equal any headphone I have heard at or well above this price range. In terms of comfort and design, they are the best headphones I have experienced. The folding of the headband to keep it close to the transducers is a small stroke of genius that makes you want to take the Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 headphones along on your next trip.
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 System
// December 1, 2020
Once again we have reached that time of year when we look back at what was truly amazing. While there have been many trials and tribulations this year, we are still able to look back and pick out many wonderful highlights and is our won’t we award the best of the best with our annual Product of the Year designations, so without further ado, let me present to you.
DAN CLARK AUDIO ETHER 2 PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONES SYSTEM
Regular readers will know that the Dan Clark Audio ETHER2 Planar Magnetic Headphones are my go-to reference open-backed headphone especially for judging resolution. Simply stated, they are the fastest non-electrostatic headphone I have heard with the added bonus of greater dynamic range and a more linear tonal balance than electrostatics, particularly on the bottom end. I won’t pretend that I have not been a fan of Dan Clark’s headphones from the beginning, well not the beginning beginning. I first met Dan Clark at AXPONA when I was working for a headphone amplifier manufacturer. My friend Bruce Ball brought a pair of MrSpeakers (the former name of Dan Clark Audio) Alpha Dogs to the booth for me to listen to. I was so impressed that I was prompted to go over and meet Dan at which point he handed me a different pair of headphones to listen to, saying that it was his first fully in-house built headphone including the drivers, the ETHER.
I was completely blown away, it was the best sounding headphone I had ever heard, and subsequently, Dan blew me away repeatedly as he produced seven new models over a period of about 3 years, each a significant improvement over the last, culminating in the ETHER2 which I reviewed HERE, and as noted above has been my reference headphone ever since (Note: Dan has since released two new headphones under the Dan Clark Audio moniker; the AEON 2 open and AEON 2 closed which I have not had the opportunity to hear due to COVID-19).
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 System
// September 26, 2020
If I had to distill Dan Clark’s headphone designs down to one thing, I would say he had impeccable taste as to what neutral really can be. Dynamics, sure. Resolution, of course. But it is his choice of tuning that keeps bringing me back to his playback for my more reference needs in editing and producing. The total sum of his work is a fair starting point that pulls a lot together in a way that feels most correct for the most situations. Dan Clark Audio for giving us this opportunity.
DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON 2 REVIEW
Frank Iacone //
Andy Regan, called me to ask if I would review the new AEON 2 Closed-back headphone. The changes Dan Clark made to the original AEON are extensive with a new driver and a revolutionary new industrial headband. The driver structure that was flipped 180 degrees and the magnet removed.
The new driver design streamlined the flow elements converting them to a single construct. The new AEON 2’s superior driver damping increased resolution and frequency response to improve clarity and performance.
Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2
Richard Barclay // August 24, 2020
Spending time with MrSpeakers’ debut open-back headphone in 2015 convinced me that high-end earspeakers could rival the listening experience that had previously been the preserve of full-range loudspeakers in a well-appointed room. The extended frequency response, speed, detail retrieval, expansive soundstage and on-head comfort of the original Ether made it the most immersive headphone I’d encountered at that time. I later discovered Dan Clark had founded MrSpeakers in 2012 to create headphones that provided a full sensory experience instead of simply delivering high quality audio. Convinced that every aspect of a headphone is key to the pleasure of listening, Dan took a holistic approach by designing each mechanism from the ground up to ensure there were no areas of deficiency to spoil the perception of being completely absorbed in the music.
Hel Yea Gaming Bundle with DCA, Schiit & Antlion Audio
hat’s in a name? In the case of some hi-fi manufacturers it’s clear from the off precisely what their speciality is: Chord Company and Hi-Fi Racks perhaps being the most obvious examples. But when your chosen monicker is MrSpeakers and you only make headphones, perhaps.it’s time for a re-think. Consequently, the San-Diego-based company has opted for the name of its founder – Dan Clark – to avoid confusion.
DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON 2 OPEN HEADPHONES REVIEW
// July 8, 2020
Dan Clark Audio answers with a resounding “yes” with its newly designed AEON 2 open and closed-back headphones. The AEON 2 headset I’m reviewing here is the open-back model. It combines very high quality with long term comfort, not something I can say about every headset I’ve reviewed over the years. The AEON 2 headsets are a continuation of the original AEON headset, which has been highly praised in audiophile circles.
From Wirecutter. © 2020 The Wirecutter, Inc. All rights reserved. Used under license.
The Best Everyday Audiophile Headphones
// March 12, 2020
If price isn’t as much of a factor in your decision, the best closed-back (or sealed) headphones we’ve heard that don’t cost a few thousand dollars are the Aeon Flow 2 Closed headphones from Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers).
Hel Yea Gaming Bundle with DCA, Schiit & Antlion Audio
hat’s in a name? In the case of some hi-fi manufacturers it’s clear from the off precisely what their speciality is: Chord Company and Hi-Fi Racks perhaps being the most obvious examples. But when your chosen monicker is MrSpeakers and you only make headphones, perhaps.it’s time for a re-think. Consequently, the San-Diego-based company has opted for the name of its founder – Dan Clark – to avoid confusion.
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Closed Back Headphones Review
// May 12, 2020
“One of the most impressive closed-back headphones I auditioned last year came from Dan Clark Audio – the AEON Flow Closed. Back then, the company was known as MrSpeakers but changed its name to reflect its intended future direction. I was firmly impressed, as this design had some key differences that separated it from an average set of planar magnetic headphones. It ended up setting a high bar for what I have come to expect from this type of design. And now along comes this new edition, sporting some fundamental physical changes and important internal upgrades, landing at $1,595 locally.“
Hel Yea Gaming Bundle with DCA, Schiit & Antlion Audio
// May 11, 2020
Alongside high fidelity listening, I have been known to do a little bit of gaming. I’m not a hard core player by any means, but I do enjoy a bit of laid back key pressing for the sake of pushing some pixels around. So when Dan Clark Audio asked me if I would like to hear their newest combo deal for gamers, the idea left me quite intrigued. So, this is a review of the Hel Yea Gaming Bundle by Dan Clark Audio with the Schiit Audio Hel USB interface and Antlion Audio ModMic Uni.
AEON2 HEADPHONES FROM DAN CLARK
// May 07, 2020
“What the Aeon 2 headphones do is not to emphasise any one frequency. They, in fact, threaten to please all the people, all of the time. Which is perfectly shocking, let me tell you. “
DAN CLARK AUDIO HEL YEAH HOME OFFICE, GAMING, VIDEO AND MUSIC BUNDLE! REVIEW
// May 6, 2020
I suspect those unfamiliar with Dan Clark Audio or Schiit Audio will be overwhelmed with how good a $650 system can sound. This system gives you everything you would demand from a $1,500 system (other than access to sample rates over 192kHz, which in Schiit’s philosophy are superfluous due to the dearth of actual software recorded in those sample rates) in sound quality, dynamic range, tonal balance, detail, imaging, soundstage, and musicality.
Dan Clark Audio Æon Flow 2 Closed Headphones
Over the last decade, Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers) has grown from a company that sold modded Fostex products to one of the most respected names in high-end headphones. But when I interviewed Clark for my March column, I realized I hadn’t reviewed any of his headphones since the Mad Dog Alphas, a Fostex-based model from 2012. I decided to correct that oversight by checking out the Æon Flow 2 Closed headphones ($899.99, all prices USD), a recent model to which an interesting new option has just been added.
DAN CLARK AUDIO: AEON 2 OPEN-BACKED HEADPHONES – A FANTASTIC UPGRADE TO A CLASSIC!
// February 20, 2020
When the original Aeon open-back headphones were released a number of years ago, they took the personal audio world by storm by offering flagship audio quality and for prices that would allow you to keep your left kidney. Upon initial inspection, the Aeon 2 headphones look quite a bit like their very handsome predecessors the Aeon. But initial looks can be deceiving as the folks at Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers) have made some major changes to the drivers and their corresponding orientation, plus the headband is now collapsible to allow for even more portability and ease of taking them with you on the road. Just like their predecessors these headphones are both solidly put together and quite light on your head. The carrying case offers both a very handsome storage option and offers a smaller form factor to make it easier to take them on the go. The included cable is both audiophile-level quality in terms of materials and constructions, but easily rolls up and stores in the carrying case; talk about the best of both worlds. Overall, the total package offered by Dan Clark Audio is off the charts; especially when performance enters the picture, but more on that later.
Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers) announces AEON 2 headpone, alongside Linear Tube Audio (LTA) | CAF 2019
// November 23, 2019
MrSpeakers has been a well known in the headphone community for some years now. But who is this “Mr. Speakers”, and where are the darn speakers? To answer bluntly, it’s Dan Clark — that is mister MrSpeakers — and there are no speakers. Not one actual loudspeaker has ever been in the MrSpeakers product lineup. Dan Clark established the original MrSpeakers brand many years ago after earning an Engineering degree. After graduation, he enjoyed positions at Apple, contributing to the early market requirements for Apple Quicktime, as well as development of early MPEG chipsets for set top cable boxes.
Fairaudio's Favorite Award
2019
If you describe these over-ear headphones in just two words, they were probably: effect-free and music-friendly. In particular, the deep, yet neutral bass, the reference-like organic mids and the three-dimensional space ensure that you are suddenly connected to the music. Tip: Be sure to experiment with the additional ear cushions offered , we recommend the velor variant.
Earvolution
// April 5, 2019
With the Ether 2, MrSpeakers has succeeded in developing a very sophisticated, neutral, honest and enjoyable headphone. Its seamlessly balanced performance should make every music lover absolutely happy who does not want to hear hi-fi effects but wants to enjoy music holistically. Without ever distracting from the center of the music with tweeters or booming basses, the Ether 2 effortlessly combines the legendary creaminess of an Audeze LCD-2 with the liveliness of a studio earpiece like the AKG K812.
A short film about the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2
// Dec 23, 2019
I review in-depth the 2nd iteration of Dan Clark's Aeon portable headphones and I came away mighty impressed. Find out why!
Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Review
Dec 16, 2019
The newly rechristened Dan Clark Audio, formerly Mr. Speakers, has been hard at work on more than a name change. The popular Aeon Flow headphones have received what Dan Clark Audio calls more than an update, but a significant upgrade. The driver motor now bears a much greater similarity to the Ether 2, with the magnets flipped 180 degrees to remove any motor elements from between the ear and driver. There are further improvements such as a carbon fiber baffle, improved damping scheme and for the portability-minded listener, a new folding mechanism. That’s a fair amount of changes, so let’s take a closer look at what Dan has cooked up with the new Aeon 2 Open Back.
REVIEW: DAN CLARK AUDIO – AEON 2
// Dec 19, 2019
DC Audio, previously known as MrSpeakers, just launched their new 899$ Aeon 2 headphones. The successor to the acclaimed Aeon. Will this one be as popular?
Disclaimer: The Aeon 2 was kindly provided by DC Audio free of charge. I only had to pay for the import costs. DC Audio is not affiliated with Headfonia and not a site advertiser. Many thanks for the generosity and opportunity.
A short film about the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2
// Nov 4, 2019
MrSpeakers don’t make loudspeakers — that much is obvious to head-fi scenesters already hip to the company’s stellar reputation as a manufacturer of musically insightful planar-magnetic headphones. But it’s not so obvious to newcomers who would, quite rightly, query the logic of such an ass-backwards company name.
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 – First Contact
// Nov 2, 2019
Out with the old and in with the new, and in more way than one. This is not just the formal launch of the AEON 2 but the formal launch of the Dan Clark Audio AEON 2. Yes indeed, MrSpeakers is no more and “DC Audio” is the new brand under which all formerly MrSpeakers product lines will be sold. This is a new company to go along with a new headphone launch.
The AEON 2: It's The End Of MrSpeakers - Head-Fi TV
// Nov 1, 2019
Mr. Speakers Ether 2 Review – My Favorite Flagship
// Apr 30, 2019
I’ve been looking forward to writing this review since I got these headphones.
While there are community members and reviewers who like to flirt with questions like ‘the best headphone ever’ and other superlatives, I find myself more drawn to gear that is quietly exceptional for its intended purpose.
MrSpeakers Ether 2 advances the art of headphone design
// Apr 27, 2019
I've lost count how many MrSpeakers headphones I've reviewed, but their Ether 2 is the headphone maker's biggest leap forward. First because it's the world's lightest planar magnetic, over-the-ear headphone, and the sound is deliciously clear, but not to the point it ruthlessly reveals recording flaws. As flagship high-end headphones go it's a midprice design, the Ether 2 runs $1,999 in the US, £1,900 in the UK, and AU$2,900 in Australia.
MrSpeakers Ether 2 Review
// Feb 24, 2019
Rarely do flagship headphones pop out of nowhere and bedazzle in technical competence and superb tuning. Often, this is an evolutionary process building on previous efforts, treating triumphs and mistakes as two sides of the same learning coin.
Perhaps more than anyone, MrSpeakers had trodden this path from the Mad Dog in 2013 to the Ether series launched in 2015. Hard to believe how quick that evolution was in just over 2 years.
Since the Ether line launched, MrSpeakers focused on maximizing the Ether sound with their TrueFlow technology as well as trickling down the tech into the cheaper AEON series.
MrSpeakers Ether 2 Over-The-Ear Headphones
"When factoring in their $2000 price while most competitors ask two to three times for their offerings, which puts the Ether 2 in a league of its own."
ETHER 2 and AEON Open AND Closed Win Editor’s Choice Awards
2018 is rapidly coming to a close and with it, the window to highlight some of, what I feel, were the most impressive components and headphones that I experienced this year.
Not everyone will agree with the choices – some will love the picks, others will not – or they will talk about what they'd have included in the price range and that's OK.
To each their own. I hope you enjoy this list and it is able to help you in some way.
Headfonia Awards Best Headphone: MrSpeakers – Ether 2
I finished my review of the Ether 2 by saying it‘s a wonderful headphone to come home to. One that makes me forget all the stress from work and the busy life in a big city. Words I will stand by. The Ether 2‘s comfort is unmatched, with its super low 290 Grams of weight and a comfy headband construction the Ether 2 stays on my ears for hours.
It has a wonderfully detailed and transparent sound, that makes listening to music one hell of fun. I can kick back and be wowed with the MrSpeakers. I‘m discovering some of my favorite tracks in a new way. At the price of 2000 USD it also comes in a good bit cheaper than most of today‘s flagship models.
MrSpeakers ETHER 2 – Life In Colour
“…if all you want to hear is music in its purest, most unadulterated form, the ETHER 2 truly sits at the top without close contest."
REVIEW: MRSPEAKERS ETHER 2 – HONEY
// Dec 12, 2018
MrSpeakers is one of the few companies that started out doing modifications to existing products, namely the Fostex T50RP. Mike has reviewed this special headphone back in 2012.
With the gaining popularity of their Mad Dog headphones, MrSpeakers has financed their own Research and Development department and to manufacture their own planar magnetic drivers.
Dan Clark, founder of MrSpeakers, has been in the audio scene for a long time, working in various fields, from retail to development. Dan’s products have always been passion-driven, he wanted to build headphones that excel in audio quality, but won’t break a certain price. His mindset is, that there can be great sounding headphones at any price point.
HEADPHONE.GURU’S 2018 PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR AND WRITERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
// Dec 1, 2018
2018 Electrostatic Headphone System Product of the Year: MrSpeakers Electrostatic & HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition
By overcoming the basic shortcomings of electrostatic headphones, limited bass response and limited dynamic range, the MrSpeakers Electrostatic have fulfilled the promise of electrostatic drivers producing a quality of sound unachievable with other driver technologies. But that “Holy Grail” of audio reproduction is not achievable without the musicality and power reserves provided by the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition, which is why we have awarded this well deserved joint award to both manufacturers for achieving purity of sound otherwise not attainable. My hat’s off to HeadAmp and MrSpeakers for producing the best sound in a Personal Audio system I have yet to hear and congratulations on a job well done.
2018 Open Back Headphones Product of the Year: MrSpeakers ETHER2
Okay, Open Back Headphones was the most fiercely contested category for Product of the Year spilling over into the Writer’s Choice Awards as a result, but the MrSpeakers ETHER2 represents a new bar for planar magnetic headphones, achieving almost electrostatic performance in detail and resolution while retaining efficiency and dynamic range that electrostatics can only dream of. So it is with no reservation that we award MrSpeakers with this well earned award.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER C FLOW V1.1 UPGRADE KIT REVIEW
// Dec 7, 2018
The price of entry to flagship headphones of late is increasingly ‘taxing’ on the wallet. I remember when the Audeze LCD-2 first came out at $999 about 8 years ago and people gulped. Now it is hitting $4-6000 for the likes of the Utopia and Susvara.
Thankfully, the sound quality on most of these summit-fi headphones are pretty darn good and getting better all the time. However, to get better you have to sell your old headphone and buy a new one. That can be an expensive and risky exercise.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER2 OPEN BACK ORTHODYNAMIC HEADPHONES – HOW HIGH IS UP
// Nov 20, 2018
Since MrSpeakers first introduced the ETHER headphones, Dan Clark has been on a path of constant improvement, introducing new products every few months. First there was the ETHERs, then the ETHER Cs, then the ETHER Flows & ETHER C Flows, then the AEON Flow Closed, then the AEON Flow Open, then the epic Electrostatic setting a new standard for electrostatic headphones, then just recently the 1.1 upgrade for the ETHER Flows & ETHER C Flows and now the ETHER2 Open Back Orthodynamic Headphones. This is not simply an upgrade to the ETHERs, but a completely new headphone sharing elements of both the AEON and the Electrostatic as well as the ETHER and offering performance in a planar magnetic headphone approaching that of the Electrostatic headphone.
Aeon Flow Closed
// Nov 1, 2018
Fresh and light. About 10 years ago and particularly in the US, the magnetostatic driver enjoyed a renaissance when Audeze introduced their LCD series headphones. This new-again breed elevated especially the bass which traditional dynamic drivers often had trouble reproducing correctly. One price to pay was high weight based on construction. And it's precisely here where Dan Clark, founder and mastermind of the also American headphone house MrSpeakers, has whittled away already for eight years and counting.
The Best of Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018
// Nov 1, 2018
The Ether 2s weigh only 10.23 ounces (290gm). According to Brent, that’s only about 26% heavier than Sony’s MDR-7506 dynamic headphones, introduced in 1991 and a favorite ever since for professional monitoring, and 2.68 ounces (76gm) lighter than the original Ether headphones, which were pretty light to begin with. To get the Ether 2s lighter than the originals, MrSpeakers redesigned and replaced almost every component part, including the type of driver used. Big and light appeals to me -- I definitely want to try a pair.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER FLOW 1.1 AND ETHER C FLOW 1.1 – THE BEST GETS BETTER
// Oct 2, 2018
MrSpeakers ETHER Flow 1.1 and ETHER C Flow 1.1 Almost from my beginning as a writer for Headphone.Guru the MrSpeakers ETHER C Flow has been my reference headphone, and before that it was the ETHER C and before that it was the ETHER (I’d like to say that before that it was the Alpha Dog, but I was introduced to the Alpha Dog minutes before I was introduced to the ETHER, so before that it was a pair of STAX II servo static headphones that I haven’t had for several decades). MrSpeakers is known for two things (beyond just great sound) innovative design and epic mods.
MRSPEAKERS AEON FLOW HEADPHONES REVIEW: SONGS OF ICE AND FIRE
// July 30, 2018
Two summers ago, I wrote to let you know about the exceptionally articulate MrSpeakers Ether Flow headphones. Little more than a one-man band based in San Diego, MrSpeakers gave us a delightful story to go with its superb products: it was the plucky upstart that went from modding existing headphones to creating its own with just a few good ideas and the passion to live and breathe headphones. The only problem with the $1,800 Ether Flows, however, was that you couldn’t afford a pair even if you stopped eating avocados for a decade.
MRSPEAKERS Electrostatic HEADPHONES/HEADAMP BLUE HAWAII SPECIAL EDITION ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER – PERSONAL (AUDIO) BEST
// April 6, 2018
Two years ago I wrote my first article for Headphone.Guru, my coverage of CanJam SoCal 2016, and at that show, Dan Clark (of MrSpeakers) first showed his prototype electrostatic headphone. For me, it was the most exciting thing at the show, and I immediately put in for a review sample. At every show I have attended since then, he has shown an improved version of that original headphone, and now I have a production sample of that headphone in my hand along with the epic HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition Tube Hybrid Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier.
CANJAM SOCAL 2018 – ANOTHER BANNER YEAR
// April 16, 2018
CanJam SoCal 2018 - Since my first CanJam SoCal about five years ago, it has been my favorite Personal Audio show, and CanJam SoCal 2018 is no exception to this rule, chocked full of up and comers and movers and shakers offering exciting new products. And once again Ethan, Jude, Brian and the gang have made an outstanding effort providing one of the best forums for enthusiasts and audiophiles to experience the best that Personal Audio has to offer, with offerings from 56 vendors and according to Ethan a conservative estimate of over 2200 attendees.
MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Open Headphone Review
// March 5, 2018
It has been a constant trajectory of upward growth for Dan Clark and MrSpeakers headphone products. Only a few years out from modding T50RP headphones and his collection of original sonic creations has grown from a single model to more than eight, spanning costs from $3k for his Electrostatic down to the subject of today’s analysis, the newly-opened AEON Flow ($799).
MrSpeakers AEON Flow Open-Back Headphone Review
// January 9, 2018
MrSpeakers created the first 3-D printed production headphone back in 2013. I purchased the Alpha Dog and was impressed with the magic MrSpeakers’s founder, Dan Clark, was able to perform with Fostex T50RP drivers. The adjustable bass was a welcomed feature and it was the first time I’ve ever seen tuning dots (called “Doggie Treats”).
MrSpeakers AEON Flow (open) | a polished sculpture
// January 6, 2018
An unboxing and review of the Mr. Speakers AEON Flow Open by Youtuber Damir Franc.
Headphones of the Year: MrSpeakers Ether Flow
// Dec 28, 2017
There are many headphones on the market. Many claim to do various things, like directional audio, or multi channel processing. Others claim to increase your spatial sense in the air around you. In search of the best headphones—within reason—we came across a pair from an unlikely candidate: MrSpeakers.
Located in San Diego, California, MrSpeakers is small and isn’t as widely known as say, Sennheiser, or Audio-Technica, or Beats (lol), but that's what makes the company great.
Best Closed Headphone 2017
I am delighted that MrSpeakers choose to showcase their Flow technology at what we now define as mid-fi pricing. The race to the top has been a concern for me for a while and those with tighter budgets relatively speaking should be given the chance to sample some stellar flagship technology.
REVIEW: MR. SPEAKERS AEON – OPEN AND CLOSED!
// Dec 29, 2017
Looking back on the last several years, I have realized my greatest audiophile regret: upgrading my Mad Dog headphones. I had the Mad Dog 3.2 from Mr. Speakers, and I loved them to death. Neither the treble nor bass were really well extended, and it was quite warm, but hell, I could put them on and just drift away into my own mind. I simply enjoyed the hell out of them. I got greedy, of course, and upgraded them to Alpha Dogs. Now, the Alpha Dogs were great headphones, and objectively “better”, but I just didn’t have the love for them I did the Mad Dogs. I eventually sold them, and have regretted it ever since. I almost bought another pair before they were discontinued, but stayed my hand. While this is only tangentially related to the review at hand today, I wanted to take this opportunity to get this off my chest.
AEON Open AND Closed Win hifi+ Awards
THE HI-FI+ AWARDS 2017
MrSpeakers ÆON is said to use most of the technologies and to offer much of the performance of the bigger ETHER headphones at the much more domestically-chummy cost of just £799.99, which goes some way to explain MrSpeakers’ marketing tag-line for the model: “No Compromise Sound & Comfort; Affordable Price” The closed-back planar magnetic ÆON Flow has recently been joined by the open-backed ÆON Flow Open (review pending).
HEADPHONE.GURU’S 2017 PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR AND WRITERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
// Nov 27, 2017
2017 was an exceptional year for new product designs. The innovative creations by masterful designers keep reaching new heights in personal audio. The year was filled with so many magnificent products and companies that were so inviting, that this year that it was difficult to pick the best in design and sound. We salute all the manufacturers who submitted their products for review this year and we are excited about the products that are coming for next year.
MR. SPEAKERS ÆON FLOW OPEN - REVIEW
by Leacroft Green // November 2017
The first impressions I had of the AFO had me smiling from ear to ear. I think this is the best tuned headphone I have heard from Dan easily and as mentioned above, the best tuned open back planar I have heard besides the LFF Code-X. I haven’t been a fan of the Ether line but this one is special. After a while the soundstage started to bother me a bit but not enough to change my mind from wanting to purchase one. A lot of people have been wanting the Sennheiser HD650 balance but with a different driver type and I recommend trying this one to quench a little of that thirst.
Review: MrSpeakers Ether Flow
// December 08, 2017
Conclusion: I really enjoy the Ether Flow with a lot of the rock music I listen to; they have great but controlled impact, a detailed midrange and well extended highs. They are well balanced with a little added impact, the sound is dynamic and fun and they are a great all rounder if you have the money.
Mrspeakers Aeon Flow Open Review
by GrippeSC2 // December 4, 2017
My experience with the new planar from Mrspeakers, and comparisons to other headphones. - Youtube Review
MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Open Planar Magnetic Headphones
// Nov 17, 2017
"...best headphone under $1000..."
I'll admit feeling the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed look a bit alien to my eyes when first I saw it. Now that it's been on my desk for a few months I find it quite appealing. Not so much for it's looks—don't get me wrong, I quite like the look—but more because I've come to appreciate the comfort of them. No surprises when the Aeon Flow Open showed up...they were right at home on my head. Good thing too, they'll be spending a lot of time there.
MRSPEAKERS AEON FLOW OPEN BACK ORTHODYNAMIC HEADPHONES – THE GAUNTLET LAID
by Gary Alan Barker // Nov 1, 2017
So imagine you heard that your favorite vintner, who had recently introduced a new and excellent budget red wine, that favorably competed with the best vintages, was releasing a new white wine. And so you contact the vintner to get a sample, and what you receive instead is champagne. This was my experience with the new MrSpeakers AEON Flow Open headphones (hence forth the original AEONs will be known as the AEON Flow Closed).
THE ÆON BY MRSPEAKERS
. // October 1, 2017
The AEON is rated at 13-ohms and 93dB sensitivity rating. Do not get too sidetracked by the low resistance rating, whilst it is a big positive for me the key is the 93dB efficiency rating because that will determine the likely ideal match up and thus how well the AEON sounds.
MrSpeakers Aeon Headphones Review
Steve Guttenberg // Aug 31, 2017
I meet a lot of audiophiles who flat out refuse to give headphones a chance. They go on about the headphones they bought in college when Michael Jackson released Thriller and won’t even try the new breed of ’phones. This one here, the MrSpeakers Aeon, might be the headphones that turn them around. The complete package—the sound, the shape, the smooth feel of the carbon fiber earcups, the luxuriously thick earpads, and best of all, the price—might win over even the most curmudgeonly of resistors.
MrSpeakers Aeon Headphone Review - A new Epoch?
. // July 21, 2017
MrSpeakers is one of those small companies which gets some big attention; not content with their excellent Ether models, they're back with another design! The MrSpeakers Aeon is a slight departure from the norm, as MrSpeakers has elected to go with some teardrop-shaped earcups for this one. Perhaps they're designed to match the tears currently falling down our cheeks.. but are they tears of pure frisson, or rage?
Best Of 2017 Blue Note Equipment Awards
MrSpeakers ÆON Headphones
Best Of 2017 Blue Note Equipment Awards // September 2017
A good closed back headphone is hard to find. Finding a top-flight closed-back headphone at an affordable price, well that's a very tall order indeed. MrSpeakers set out to change that with ÆON – a closed headphone that offers flagship-worthy performance for the down-to-earth price of $799. In our World Premiere review, Enjoy the Music.com reviewer Dave Hanson noted just how exceptional the ÆON was in terms of sonic balance, design and value:
"With the ÆON, I think MrSpeakers has found a balance that will satisfy fans of both ETHER headphones. While the ÆON maintains much of the nice sub-bass extension and heft of the ETHER-C, there is now a bit more warmth in the midbass region, which adds a welcome sense of weight to drums, guitars and vocals. Bass is tight and articulate in both regions, and I was easily able to distinguish between different low-register sounds during complex passages in the music. All things considered, it may very well be a better all-‘rounder than its bigger brothers in the bass region, just in terms of serving every kind of music well.
MRSPEAKERS ÆON PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONES
by Chris Martens // Aug 29, 2017
The San Diego-based firm MrSpeakers has earned a reputation as a manufacturer of world-class headphones and not – as the name might suggest – loudspeakers. Over the past two years MrSpeakers product design efforts have centred on creating an expanding range of upper-tier (and often award-winning) ETHER-series planar magnetic headphones, which range in price from £1,475 to £1,700. Given this history, we have come to think of MrSpeakers as an upscale brand.
Exceptional sound quality with any genre
By Lester Hio // Aug 16, 2017
The Aeon headphones from headphone cult favourite MrSpeakers are the company's latest in its line of planar magnetic headphones, which differ from the more common dynamic driver headphones that make up the majority of consumer products.
Planar magnetic headphones generate sound by passing an electrical current through larger magnets than those in dynamic drivers, hence making them bulkier and heavier. But the trade-off is worth it, as the Aeon headphones display exceptional sound quality that sounds amazing with any genre you can throw at it.
Mr Speakers Ether C Headphones
By Janine Elliot // March 10, 2016
At £1250 with the standard cable or £1350 with the Premium cable, the Mr Speakers Ether C headphones certainly fall into the high-end price bracket, but will they deliver on sound quality? Janine Elliot finds our for Hifi Pig. I’ve been listening to new ground-breaking headphones since, well, Sennheiser 414s. Every time the intention was that they were better than the one before, otherwise there would be no point. All I had heard before these were closed back, heavy and tight fitting ‘head vices’ that had bass, middle and no definition for my young 20kHz ears to benefit from.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER FLOW OPEN-BACKED PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONES
by Chris Martens // Feb 07, 2017
In 2015 the California-based firm MrSpeakers launched two world-class planar magnetic headphones: the open-back ETHER and the closed-back ETHER C (reviewed in Hi-Fi+ issue 135). Laymen and veteran headphone enthusiasts alike reacted favourably to both ETHER models and both went on to win widespread critical acclaim (in fact, Hi-Fi+ gave the ETHER C its Closed-Back Headphone of the Year award). Given the continuing ‘buzz’ surrounding the initial ETHER models, many assumed it would be a good, long while before MrSpeakers saw any need to revise these two award winning designs. “If it ain’t broke,” as the old saying goes, “don’t fix it.”
MrSpeakers Introduces AEON Over-Ear Sealed Headphone
By Tyll Hertsens // Jan 30, 2017
Yesssssss!
I've kvetched quite a bit about the need for some killer headphones in the $500-$1000 price range. Seems like headphone makers just jumped by that price category in an ever more intense race to the top...of your willingness to break your wallet. Looks like we're going to get some relief from MrSpeakers.
The newly announced AEON is a sealed, over-ear, planar magnetic headphone that will be sold for $799. I've only had a couple of days to listen and measure, but I'm impressed. The AEON will definitely get a review.
MrSpeakers ÆON Review
by Dan Browdy // February 1, 2017
MrSpeakers has been on a bit of a roll lately. From humble beginnings modifying the headphones made by other companies, Dan Clark has grown MrSpeakers into a pillar of the industry. With the recent release of the Flow updates to the popular ETHER and ETHER C, MrSpeakers has improved two of the best headphones in their respective markets. However, as happy as people are with the ETHERs, many long-time supporters of MrSpeakers have been waiting for them to return to their roots and introduce a model in a more affordable price bracket than the $1799 flagships. Now we have the new MrSpeakers ÆON. Priced at $799, this closed-back can appears to be just what fans have been waiting for. After spending some time with it, I’m certain it will bring in a whole load of new Mr. Speakers fanatics as well.
The Best Open Back Headphone I’ve Tested So Far!
By The PC Enthusiast // Feb 28, 2017
Headphones are very interesting and quite mysterious in their own way. You’ll never know how they sound like or if you’ll like how they sound, not until you tried them. Late last year, I got a couple of new audio gear and was able to test and listen to what I think is the best open back headphone I’ve listened to (so far) – the MrSpeakers ETHER Flow Planar Magnetic headphone. That’s right, today I’ll be sharing to you my experience with this $1,800 headphone. Sound quality and audio performance is simply fantastic and definitely top notch; I love the sound signature and craftsmanship is just superb. Frankly speaking, most of the expensive headphones, specially flagship or TOTL headphones, are expected to have great sound quality and performance. But what sets the Ether Flow unique from the rest is what you’ll find out in this review. Also, if you’re in the market looking for the best open back headphone and budget is not a factor, please continue reading my MrSpeakers Ether Flow review below and find out if this is the right headphone for you.
MrSpeakers ÆON Over-The-Ear Stereo Headphones
The ÆON is very possibly MrSpeaker's headphone masterpiece.
Review By Dave Hansen // March 2017
How many over-ear headphones can you name priced between $499 and $999? You would think there would be more, but there really aren't many these days. While there has been a flood of flagship-level megabuck headphones over the past couple of years (to go with the usual selection of sub-$500 fare), it seems many manufacturers somehow forgot about the middle. So like many other personal audio enthusiasts, I was extremely interested when the venerable MrSpeakers announced they would be filling the vacuum with their attractively-priced $799 ÆON over-ear headphone.
MRSPEAKERS AEON CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES – ONE FOR THE AGES
BY GARY ALAN BARKER CLOSED BACK, HEADPHONES // APRIL 3, 2017
Over the last year and a half or so, there has been an explosion of high performance headphones in the coveted just under a thousand dollar price bracket, and MrSpeakers is the most recent high-end manufacturer to throw their hat in the ring.
Or I should say return to the ring, as not so long ago they were a heavy hitter in the category with their highly praised Fostex T50RP based Mad Dog and Alpha Dog headphones. As I understand it, it was Fostex’s decision to change the sound of the T50RP that inspired MrSpeakers to develop the ETHER series headphones using drivers of their own manufacturer (rather than doing a complete revoicing of the T50RP), something we must all thank Fostex for, as MrSpeakers has been on fire, producing five new headphones in the last two years; the ETHER, the ETHER C, the ETHER Flow, the ETHER C Flow, and now the AEON.
THE ETHER C FLOW BY MRSPEAKERS
By Marcus // December 28, 2016
Change can sometimes be evolutionary and yet dramatic at the same time. However, when MrSpeakers suggested I upgrade my “Writer’s choice of 2015” Ether C headphone to the new $1799 Flow edition citing a major (read dramatic) enhancement to the sound plus a brand new (read evolutionary) design, I resisted for a while.
MrSpeakers makes world-class headphones
By Vlad Savov // September 28, 2016
Artisanal craftsmanship. You’ll have heard this phrase bandied about by every bozo with a half-baked idea and a crowdfunding account, but today I want to tell you about a true 21st century example of it. There’s a small company in sunny San Diego, California, that engineers and produces some of the world’s best headphones, designing every single component from the ground up, and refining and improving through the age-old method of trial and error. It works with genuine materials, it has genuine goals, and it’s powered by the genuine passion of genuine music enthusiasts. Its founder is Dan Clark, an engineer whose history in designing audio equipment lends the company its name, MrSpeakers..
April 2016: ETHER C is a World Class Headphone
ETHER C joins Innerfidelity’s Wall of Fame!
March 2016: CNET Says ETHER C Takes it to the Limit
As the hours rolled by the Ether C kept surprising me, from one recording to the next they all sounded nice; the music always drew me in.
March 2016: Mad Lust Envy’s Gaming Guide Reviews ETHER C
Spoiler alert: “…if I was in the market for a closed headphone at this price range, I honestly wouldn’t even consider anything else.”
March 2016: ETHER Electrostatic Preview
“This will, without a doubt, be a top-tier model to watch carefully…”
PRESS
Dan Clark Audio in the news
Dan Clark Audio Hel Yeah! Review
// July 8, 2020
The Dan Clark Audio Hel Yeah! bundle consists of a revised and improved AEON FLOW RT, Schiit Audio’s HEL DAC/Amp, and an Antlion ModMic. It is priced at $649.99
Disclaimer: The Dan Clark Audio Hel Yeah! gaming bundle sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank the team at Dan Clark Audio for giving us this opportunity.
Hel Yea Gaming Bundle with DCA, Schiit & Antlion Audio
hat’s in a name? In the case of some hi-fi manufacturers it’s clear from the off precisely what their speciality is: Chord Company and Hi-Fi Racks perhaps being the most obvious examples. But when your chosen monicker is MrSpeakers and you only make headphones, perhaps.it’s time for a re-think. Consequently, the San-Diego-based company has opted for the name of its founder – Dan Clark – to avoid confusion.
From Wirecutter. © 2020 The Wirecutter, Inc. All rights reserved. Used under license.
The Best Everyday Audiophile Headphones
// March 12, 2020
If price isn’t as much of a factor in your decision, the best closed-back (or sealed) headphones we’ve heard that don’t cost a few thousand dollars are the Aeon Flow 2 Closed headphones from Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers).
Hel Yea Gaming Bundle with DCA, Schiit & Antlion Audio
hat’s in a name? In the case of some hi-fi manufacturers it’s clear from the off precisely what their speciality is: Chord Company and Hi-Fi Racks perhaps being the most obvious examples. But when your chosen monicker is MrSpeakers and you only make headphones, perhaps.it’s time for a re-think. Consequently, the San-Diego-based company has opted for the name of its founder – Dan Clark – to avoid confusion.
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Closed Back Headphones Review
// May 12, 2020
“One of the most impressive closed-back headphones I auditioned last year came from Dan Clark Audio – the AEON Flow Closed. Back then, the company was known as MrSpeakers but changed its name to reflect its intended future direction. I was firmly impressed, as this design had some key differences that separated it from an average set of planar magnetic headphones. It ended up setting a high bar for what I have come to expect from this type of design. And now along comes this new edition, sporting some fundamental physical changes and important internal upgrades, landing at $1,595 locally.“
Hel Yea Gaming Bundle with DCA, Schiit & Antlion Audio
// May 11, 2020
Alongside high fidelity listening, I have been known to do a little bit of gaming. I’m not a hard core player by any means, but I do enjoy a bit of laid back key pressing for the sake of pushing some pixels around. So when Dan Clark Audio asked me if I would like to hear their newest combo deal for gamers, the idea left me quite intrigued. So, this is a review of the Hel Yea Gaming Bundle by Dan Clark Audio with the Schiit Audio Hel USB interface and Antlion Audio ModMic Uni.
AEON2 HEADPHONES FROM DAN CLARK
// May 07, 2020
“What the Aeon 2 headphones do is not to emphasise any one frequency. They, in fact, threaten to please all the people, all of the time. Which is perfectly shocking, let me tell you. “
DAN CLARK AUDIO HEL YEAH HOME OFFICE, GAMING, VIDEO AND MUSIC BUNDLE! REVIEW
// May 6, 2020
I suspect those unfamiliar with Dan Clark Audio or Schiit Audio will be overwhelmed with how good a $650 system can sound. This system gives you everything you would demand from a $1,500 system (other than access to sample rates over 192kHz, which in Schiit’s philosophy are superfluous due to the dearth of actual software recorded in those sample rates) in sound quality, dynamic range, tonal balance, detail, imaging, soundstage, and musicality.
Dan Clark Audio Æon Flow 2 Closed Headphones
Over the last decade, Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers) has grown from a company that sold modded Fostex products to one of the most respected names in high-end headphones. But when I interviewed Clark for my March column, I realized I hadn’t reviewed any of his headphones since the Mad Dog Alphas, a Fostex-based model from 2012. I decided to correct that oversight by checking out the Æon Flow 2 Closed headphones ($899.99, all prices USD), a recent model to which an interesting new option has just been added.
DAN CLARK AUDIO: AEON 2 OPEN-BACKED HEADPHONES – A FANTASTIC UPGRADE TO A CLASSIC!
// February 20, 2020
When the original Aeon open-back headphones were released a number of years ago, they took the personal audio world by storm by offering flagship audio quality and for prices that would allow you to keep your left kidney. Upon initial inspection, the Aeon 2 headphones look quite a bit like their very handsome predecessors the Aeon. But initial looks can be deceiving as the folks at Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers) have made some major changes to the drivers and their corresponding orientation, plus the headband is now collapsible to allow for even more portability and ease of taking them with you on the road. Just like their predecessors these headphones are both solidly put together and quite light on your head. The carrying case offers both a very handsome storage option and offers a smaller form factor to make it easier to take them on the go. The included cable is both audiophile-level quality in terms of materials and constructions, but easily rolls up and stores in the carrying case; talk about the best of both worlds. Overall, the total package offered by Dan Clark Audio is off the charts; especially when performance enters the picture, but more on that later.
Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers) announces AEON 2 headpone, alongside Linear Tube Audio (LTA) | CAF 2019
// November 23, 2019
MrSpeakers has been a well known in the headphone community for some years now. But who is this “Mr. Speakers”, and where are the darn speakers? To answer bluntly, it’s Dan Clark — that is mister MrSpeakers — and there are no speakers. Not one actual loudspeaker has ever been in the MrSpeakers product lineup. Dan Clark established the original MrSpeakers brand many years ago after earning an Engineering degree. After graduation, he enjoyed positions at Apple, contributing to the early market requirements for Apple Quicktime, as well as development of early MPEG chipsets for set top cable boxes.
Fairaudio's Favorite Award
2019
If you describe these over-ear headphones in just two words, they were probably: effect-free and music-friendly. In particular, the deep, yet neutral bass, the reference-like organic mids and the three-dimensional space ensure that you are suddenly connected to the music. Tip: Be sure to experiment with the additional ear cushions offered , we recommend the velor variant.
Earvolution
// April 5, 2019
With the Ether 2, MrSpeakers has succeeded in developing a very sophisticated, neutral, honest and enjoyable headphone. Its seamlessly balanced performance should make every music lover absolutely happy who does not want to hear hi-fi effects but wants to enjoy music holistically. Without ever distracting from the center of the music with tweeters or booming basses, the Ether 2 effortlessly combines the legendary creaminess of an Audeze LCD-2 with the liveliness of a studio earpiece like the AKG K812.
A short film about the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2
// Dec 23, 2019
I review in-depth the 2nd iteration of Dan Clark's Aeon portable headphones and I came away mighty impressed. Find out why!
Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Review
Dec 16, 2019
The newly rechristened Dan Clark Audio, formerly Mr. Speakers, has been hard at work on more than a name change. The popular Aeon Flow headphones have received what Dan Clark Audio calls more than an update, but a significant upgrade. The driver motor now bears a much greater similarity to the Ether 2, with the magnets flipped 180 degrees to remove any motor elements from between the ear and driver. There are further improvements such as a carbon fiber baffle, improved damping scheme and for the portability-minded listener, a new folding mechanism. That’s a fair amount of changes, so let’s take a closer look at what Dan has cooked up with the new Aeon 2 Open Back.
REVIEW: DAN CLARK AUDIO – AEON 2
// Dec 19, 2019
DC Audio, previously known as MrSpeakers, just launched their new 899$ Aeon 2 headphones. The successor to the acclaimed Aeon. Will this one be as popular?
Disclaimer: The Aeon 2 was kindly provided by DC Audio free of charge. I only had to pay for the import costs. DC Audio is not affiliated with Headfonia and not a site advertiser. Many thanks for the generosity and opportunity.
A short film about the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2
// Nov 4, 2019
MrSpeakers don’t make loudspeakers — that much is obvious to head-fi scenesters already hip to the company’s stellar reputation as a manufacturer of musically insightful planar-magnetic headphones. But it’s not so obvious to newcomers who would, quite rightly, query the logic of such an ass-backwards company name.
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 – First Contact
// Nov 2, 2019
Out with the old and in with the new, and in more way than one. This is not just the formal launch of the AEON 2 but the formal launch of the Dan Clark Audio AEON 2. Yes indeed, MrSpeakers is no more and “DC Audio” is the new brand under which all formerly MrSpeakers product lines will be sold. This is a new company to go along with a new headphone launch.
The AEON 2: It's The End Of MrSpeakers - Head-Fi TV
// Nov 1, 2019
Mr. Speakers Ether 2 Review – My Favorite Flagship
// Apr 30, 2019
I’ve been looking forward to writing this review since I got these headphones.
While there are community members and reviewers who like to flirt with questions like ‘the best headphone ever’ and other superlatives, I find myself more drawn to gear that is quietly exceptional for its intended purpose.
MrSpeakers Ether 2 advances the art of headphone design
// Apr 27, 2019
I've lost count how many MrSpeakers headphones I've reviewed, but their Ether 2 is the headphone maker's biggest leap forward. First because it's the world's lightest planar magnetic, over-the-ear headphone, and the sound is deliciously clear, but not to the point it ruthlessly reveals recording flaws. As flagship high-end headphones go it's a midprice design, the Ether 2 runs $1,999 in the US, £1,900 in the UK, and AU$2,900 in Australia.
Impressions: The HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Electrostatic Special Edition Headphone Amp & MrSpeakers Electrostatic Headphones
// Mar 27, 2019
I can't say what they might do for you, but I can testify what they did for me. If this is the sort of transformational experience that you're looking for with headphones, then hear me: You must investigate the union of the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii and the MrSpeakers Electrostatic Headphones.
MrSpeakers Ether 2 Review
// Feb 24, 2019
Rarely do flagship headphones pop out of nowhere and bedazzle in technical competence and superb tuning. Often, this is an evolutionary process building on previous efforts, treating triumphs and mistakes as two sides of the same learning coin.
Perhaps more than anyone, MrSpeakers had trodden this path from the Mad Dog in 2013 to the Ether series launched in 2015. Hard to believe how quick that evolution was in just over 2 years.
Since the Ether line launched, MrSpeakers focused on maximizing the Ether sound with their TrueFlow technology as well as trickling down the tech into the cheaper AEON series.
MrSpeakers Ether 2 Over-The-Ear Headphones
"When factoring in their $2000 price while most competitors ask two to three times for their offerings, which puts the Ether 2 in a league of its own."
ETHER 2 and AEON Open AND Closed Win Editor’s Choice Awards
2018 is rapidly coming to a close and with it, the window to highlight some of, what I feel, were the most impressive components and headphones that I experienced this year.
Not everyone will agree with the choices – some will love the picks, others will not – or they will talk about what they'd have included in the price range and that's OK.
To each their own. I hope you enjoy this list and it is able to help you in some way.
Headfonia Awards Best Headphone: MrSpeakers – Ether 2
I finished my review of the Ether 2 by saying it‘s a wonderful headphone to come home to. One that makes me forget all the stress from work and the busy life in a big city. Words I will stand by. The Ether 2‘s comfort is unmatched, with its super low 290 Grams of weight and a comfy headband construction the Ether 2 stays on my ears for hours.
It has a wonderfully detailed and transparent sound, that makes listening to music one hell of fun. I can kick back and be wowed with the MrSpeakers. I‘m discovering some of my favorite tracks in a new way. At the price of 2000 USD it also comes in a good bit cheaper than most of today‘s flagship models.
MrSpeakers ETHER 2 – Life In Colour
“…if all you want to hear is music in its purest, most unadulterated form, the ETHER 2 truly sits at the top without close contest."
REVIEW: MRSPEAKERS ETHER 2 – HONEY
// Dec 12, 2018
MrSpeakers is one of the few companies that started out doing modifications to existing products, namely the Fostex T50RP. Mike has reviewed this special headphone back in 2012.
With the gaining popularity of their Mad Dog headphones, MrSpeakers has financed their own Research and Development department and to manufacture their own planar magnetic drivers.
Dan Clark, founder of MrSpeakers, has been in the audio scene for a long time, working in various fields, from retail to development. Dan’s products have always been passion-driven, he wanted to build headphones that excel in audio quality, but won’t break a certain price. His mindset is, that there can be great sounding headphones at any price point.
HEADPHONE.GURU’S 2018 PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR AND WRITERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
// Dec 1, 2018
2018 Electrostatic Headphone System Product of the Year: MrSpeakers Electrostatic & HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition
By overcoming the basic shortcomings of electrostatic headphones, limited bass response and limited dynamic range, the MrSpeakers Electrostatic have fulfilled the promise of electrostatic drivers producing a quality of sound unachievable with other driver technologies. But that “Holy Grail” of audio reproduction is not achievable without the musicality and power reserves provided by the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition, which is why we have awarded this well deserved joint award to both manufacturers for achieving purity of sound otherwise not attainable. My hat’s off to HeadAmp and MrSpeakers for producing the best sound in a Personal Audio system I have yet to hear and congratulations on a job well done.
2018 Open Back Headphones Product of the Year: MrSpeakers ETHER2
Okay, Open Back Headphones was the most fiercely contested category for Product of the Year spilling over into the Writer’s Choice Awards as a result, but the MrSpeakers ETHER2 represents a new bar for planar magnetic headphones, achieving almost electrostatic performance in detail and resolution while retaining efficiency and dynamic range that electrostatics can only dream of. So it is with no reservation that we award MrSpeakers with this well earned award.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER C FLOW V1.1 UPGRADE KIT REVIEW
// Dec 7, 2018
The price of entry to flagship headphones of late is increasingly ‘taxing’ on the wallet. I remember when the Audeze LCD-2 first came out at $999 about 8 years ago and people gulped. Now it is hitting $4-6000 for the likes of the Utopia and Susvara.
Thankfully, the sound quality on most of these summit-fi headphones are pretty darn good and getting better all the time. However, to get better you have to sell your old headphone and buy a new one. That can be an expensive and risky exercise.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER2 OPEN BACK ORTHODYNAMIC HEADPHONES – HOW HIGH IS UP
// Nov 20, 2018
Since MrSpeakers first introduced the ETHER headphones, Dan Clark has been on a path of constant improvement, introducing new products every few months. First there was the ETHERs, then the ETHER Cs, then the ETHER Flows & ETHER C Flows, then the AEON Flow Closed, then the AEON Flow Open, then the epic Electrostatic setting a new standard for electrostatic headphones, then just recently the 1.1 upgrade for the ETHER Flows & ETHER C Flows and now the ETHER2 Open Back Orthodynamic Headphones. This is not simply an upgrade to the ETHERs, but a completely new headphone sharing elements of both the AEON and the Electrostatic as well as the ETHER and offering performance in a planar magnetic headphone approaching that of the Electrostatic headphone.
Aeon Flow Closed
// Nov 1, 2018
Fresh and light. About 10 years ago and particularly in the US, the magnetostatic driver enjoyed a renaissance when Audeze introduced their LCD series headphones. This new-again breed elevated especially the bass which traditional dynamic drivers often had trouble reproducing correctly. One price to pay was high weight based on construction. And it's precisely here where Dan Clark, founder and mastermind of the also American headphone house MrSpeakers, has whittled away already for eight years and counting.
The Best of Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018
// Nov 1, 2018
The Ether 2s weigh only 10.23 ounces (290gm). According to Brent, that’s only about 26% heavier than Sony’s MDR-7506 dynamic headphones, introduced in 1991 and a favorite ever since for professional monitoring, and 2.68 ounces (76gm) lighter than the original Ether headphones, which were pretty light to begin with. To get the Ether 2s lighter than the originals, MrSpeakers redesigned and replaced almost every component part, including the type of driver used. Big and light appeals to me -- I definitely want to try a pair.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER FLOW 1.1 AND ETHER C FLOW 1.1 – THE BEST GETS BETTER
// Oct 2, 2018
MrSpeakers ETHER Flow 1.1 and ETHER C Flow 1.1 Almost from my beginning as a writer for Headphone.Guru the MrSpeakers ETHER C Flow has been my reference headphone, and before that it was the ETHER C and before that it was the ETHER (I’d like to say that before that it was the Alpha Dog, but I was introduced to the Alpha Dog minutes before I was introduced to the ETHER, so before that it was a pair of STAX II servo static headphones that I haven’t had for several decades). MrSpeakers is known for two things (beyond just great sound) innovative design and epic mods.
MRSPEAKERS AEON FLOW HEADPHONES REVIEW: SONGS OF ICE AND FIRE
// July 30, 2018
Two summers ago, I wrote to let you know about the exceptionally articulate MrSpeakers Ether Flow headphones. Little more than a one-man band based in San Diego, MrSpeakers gave us a delightful story to go with its superb products: it was the plucky upstart that went from modding existing headphones to creating its own with just a few good ideas and the passion to live and breathe headphones. The only problem with the $1,800 Ether Flows, however, was that you couldn’t afford a pair even if you stopped eating avocados for a decade.
MRSPEAKERS Electrostatic HEADPHONES/HEADAMP BLUE HAWAII SPECIAL EDITION ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER – PERSONAL (AUDIO) BEST
// April 6, 2018
Two years ago I wrote my first article for Headphone.Guru, my coverage of CanJam SoCal 2016, and at that show, Dan Clark (of MrSpeakers) first showed his prototype electrostatic headphone. For me, it was the most exciting thing at the show, and I immediately put in for a review sample. At every show I have attended since then, he has shown an improved version of that original headphone, and now I have a production sample of that headphone in my hand along with the epic HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition Tube Hybrid Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier.
CANJAM SOCAL 2018 – ANOTHER BANNER YEAR
// April 16, 2018
CanJam SoCal 2018 - Since my first CanJam SoCal about five years ago, it has been my favorite Personal Audio show, and CanJam SoCal 2018 is no exception to this rule, chocked full of up and comers and movers and shakers offering exciting new products. And once again Ethan, Jude, Brian and the gang have made an outstanding effort providing one of the best forums for enthusiasts and audiophiles to experience the best that Personal Audio has to offer, with offerings from 56 vendors and according to Ethan a conservative estimate of over 2200 attendees.
MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Open Headphone Review
// March 5, 2018
It has been a constant trajectory of upward growth for Dan Clark and MrSpeakers headphone products. Only a few years out from modding T50RP headphones and his collection of original sonic creations has grown from a single model to more than eight, spanning costs from $3k for his Electrostatic down to the subject of today’s analysis, the newly-opened AEON Flow ($799).
MrSpeakers AEON Flow Open-Back Headphone Review
// January 9, 2018
MrSpeakers created the first 3-D printed production headphone back in 2013. I purchased the Alpha Dog and was impressed with the magic MrSpeakers’s founder, Dan Clark, was able to perform with Fostex T50RP drivers. The adjustable bass was a welcomed feature and it was the first time I’ve ever seen tuning dots (called “Doggie Treats”).
MrSpeakers AEON Flow (open) | a polished sculpture
// January 6, 2018
An unboxing and review of the Mr. Speakers AEON Flow Open by Youtuber Damir Franc.
Headphones of the Year: MrSpeakers Ether Flow
// Dec 28, 2017
There are many headphones on the market. Many claim to do various things, like directional audio, or multi channel processing. Others claim to increase your spatial sense in the air around you. In search of the best headphones—within reason—we came across a pair from an unlikely candidate: MrSpeakers.
Located in San Diego, California, MrSpeakers is small and isn’t as widely known as say, Sennheiser, or Audio-Technica, or Beats (lol), but that's what makes the company great.
Best Closed Headphone 2017
I am delighted that MrSpeakers choose to showcase their Flow technology at what we now define as mid-fi pricing. The race to the top has been a concern for me for a while and those with tighter budgets relatively speaking should be given the chance to sample some stellar flagship technology.
REVIEW: MR. SPEAKERS AEON – OPEN AND CLOSED!
// Dec 29, 2017
Looking back on the last several years, I have realized my greatest audiophile regret: upgrading my Mad Dog headphones. I had the Mad Dog 3.2 from Mr. Speakers, and I loved them to death. Neither the treble nor bass were really well extended, and it was quite warm, but hell, I could put them on and just drift away into my own mind. I simply enjoyed the hell out of them. I got greedy, of course, and upgraded them to Alpha Dogs. Now, the Alpha Dogs were great headphones, and objectively “better”, but I just didn’t have the love for them I did the Mad Dogs. I eventually sold them, and have regretted it ever since. I almost bought another pair before they were discontinued, but stayed my hand. While this is only tangentially related to the review at hand today, I wanted to take this opportunity to get this off my chest.
AEON Open AND Closed Win hifi+ Awards
THE HI-FI+ AWARDS 2017
MrSpeakers ÆON is said to use most of the technologies and to offer much of the performance of the bigger ETHER headphones at the much more domestically-chummy cost of just £799.99, which goes some way to explain MrSpeakers’ marketing tag-line for the model: “No Compromise Sound & Comfort; Affordable Price” The closed-back planar magnetic ÆON Flow has recently been joined by the open-backed ÆON Flow Open (review pending).
HEADPHONE.GURU’S 2017 PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR AND WRITERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
// Nov 27, 2017
2017 was an exceptional year for new product designs. The innovative creations by masterful designers keep reaching new heights in personal audio. The year was filled with so many magnificent products and companies that were so inviting, that this year that it was difficult to pick the best in design and sound. We salute all the manufacturers who submitted their products for review this year and we are excited about the products that are coming for next year.
MR. SPEAKERS ÆON FLOW OPEN - REVIEW
by Leacroft Green // November 2017
The first impressions I had of the AFO had me smiling from ear to ear. I think this is the best tuned headphone I have heard from Dan easily and as mentioned above, the best tuned open back planar I have heard besides the LFF Code-X. I haven’t been a fan of the Ether line but this one is special. After a while the soundstage started to bother me a bit but not enough to change my mind from wanting to purchase one. A lot of people have been wanting the Sennheiser HD650 balance but with a different driver type and I recommend trying this one to quench a little of that thirst.
Review: MrSpeakers Ether Flow
// December 08, 2017
Conclusion: I really enjoy the Ether Flow with a lot of the rock music I listen to; they have great but controlled impact, a detailed midrange and well extended highs. They are well balanced with a little added impact, the sound is dynamic and fun and they are a great all rounder if you have the money.
Mrspeakers Aeon Flow Open Review
by GrippeSC2 // December 4, 2017
My experience with the new planar from Mrspeakers, and comparisons to other headphones. - Youtube Review
MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Open Planar Magnetic Headphones
// Nov 17, 2017
"...best headphone under $1000..."
I'll admit feeling the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed look a bit alien to my eyes when first I saw it. Now that it's been on my desk for a few months I find it quite appealing. Not so much for it's looks—don't get me wrong, I quite like the look—but more because I've come to appreciate the comfort of them. No surprises when the Aeon Flow Open showed up...they were right at home on my head. Good thing too, they'll be spending a lot of time there.
MRSPEAKERS AEON FLOW OPEN BACK ORTHODYNAMIC HEADPHONES – THE GAUNTLET LAID
by Gary Alan Barker // Nov 1, 2017
So imagine you heard that your favorite vintner, who had recently introduced a new and excellent budget red wine, that favorably competed with the best vintages, was releasing a new white wine. And so you contact the vintner to get a sample, and what you receive instead is champagne. This was my experience with the new MrSpeakers AEON Flow Open headphones (hence forth the original AEONs will be known as the AEON Flow Closed).
THE ÆON BY MRSPEAKERS
. // October 1, 2017
The AEON is rated at 13-ohms and 93dB sensitivity rating. Do not get too sidetracked by the low resistance rating, whilst it is a big positive for me the key is the 93dB efficiency rating because that will determine the likely ideal match up and thus how well the AEON sounds.
MrSpeakers Aeon Headphones Review
Steve Guttenberg // Aug 31, 2017
I meet a lot of audiophiles who flat out refuse to give headphones a chance. They go on about the headphones they bought in college when Michael Jackson released Thriller and won’t even try the new breed of ’phones. This one here, the MrSpeakers Aeon, might be the headphones that turn them around. The complete package—the sound, the shape, the smooth feel of the carbon fiber earcups, the luxuriously thick earpads, and best of all, the price—might win over even the most curmudgeonly of resistors.
MrSpeakers Aeon Headphone Review - A new Epoch?
. // July 21, 2017
MrSpeakers is one of those small companies which gets some big attention; not content with their excellent Ether models, they're back with another design! The MrSpeakers Aeon is a slight departure from the norm, as MrSpeakers has elected to go with some teardrop-shaped earcups for this one. Perhaps they're designed to match the tears currently falling down our cheeks.. but are they tears of pure frisson, or rage?
Best Of 2017 Blue Note Equipment Awards
MrSpeakers ÆON Headphones
Best Of 2017 Blue Note Equipment Awards // September 2017
A good closed back headphone is hard to find. Finding a top-flight closed-back headphone at an affordable price, well that's a very tall order indeed. MrSpeakers set out to change that with ÆON – a closed headphone that offers flagship-worthy performance for the down-to-earth price of $799. In our World Premiere review, Enjoy the Music.com reviewer Dave Hanson noted just how exceptional the ÆON was in terms of sonic balance, design and value:
"With the ÆON, I think MrSpeakers has found a balance that will satisfy fans of both ETHER headphones. While the ÆON maintains much of the nice sub-bass extension and heft of the ETHER-C, there is now a bit more warmth in the midbass region, which adds a welcome sense of weight to drums, guitars and vocals. Bass is tight and articulate in both regions, and I was easily able to distinguish between different low-register sounds during complex passages in the music. All things considered, it may very well be a better all-‘rounder than its bigger brothers in the bass region, just in terms of serving every kind of music well.
MRSPEAKERS ÆON PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONES
by Chris Martens // Aug 29, 2017
The San Diego-based firm MrSpeakers has earned a reputation as a manufacturer of world-class headphones and not – as the name might suggest – loudspeakers. Over the past two years MrSpeakers product design efforts have centred on creating an expanding range of upper-tier (and often award-winning) ETHER-series planar magnetic headphones, which range in price from £1,475 to £1,700. Given this history, we have come to think of MrSpeakers as an upscale brand.
Exceptional sound quality with any genre
By Lester Hio // Aug 16, 2017
The Aeon headphones from headphone cult favourite MrSpeakers are the company's latest in its line of planar magnetic headphones, which differ from the more common dynamic driver headphones that make up the majority of consumer products.
Planar magnetic headphones generate sound by passing an electrical current through larger magnets than those in dynamic drivers, hence making them bulkier and heavier. But the trade-off is worth it, as the Aeon headphones display exceptional sound quality that sounds amazing with any genre you can throw at it.
Mr Speakers Ether C Headphones
By Janine Elliot // March 10, 2016
At £1250 with the standard cable or £1350 with the Premium cable, the Mr Speakers Ether C headphones certainly fall into the high-end price bracket, but will they deliver on sound quality? Janine Elliot finds our for Hifi Pig. I’ve been listening to new ground-breaking headphones since, well, Sennheiser 414s. Every time the intention was that they were better than the one before, otherwise there would be no point. All I had heard before these were closed back, heavy and tight fitting ‘head vices’ that had bass, middle and no definition for my young 20kHz ears to benefit from.
MRSPEAKERS ETHER FLOW OPEN-BACKED PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONES
by Chris Martens // Feb 07, 2017
In 2015 the California-based firm MrSpeakers launched two world-class planar magnetic headphones: the open-back ETHER and the closed-back ETHER C (reviewed in Hi-Fi+ issue 135). Laymen and veteran headphone enthusiasts alike reacted favourably to both ETHER models and both went on to win widespread critical acclaim (in fact, Hi-Fi+ gave the ETHER C its Closed-Back Headphone of the Year award). Given the continuing ‘buzz’ surrounding the initial ETHER models, many assumed it would be a good, long while before MrSpeakers saw any need to revise these two award winning designs. “If it ain’t broke,” as the old saying goes, “don’t fix it.”
MrSpeakers Introduces AEON Over-Ear Sealed Headphone
By Tyll Hertsens // Jan 30, 2017
Yesssssss!
I've kvetched quite a bit about the need for some killer headphones in the $500-$1000 price range. Seems like headphone makers just jumped by that price category in an ever more intense race to the top...of your willingness to break your wallet. Looks like we're going to get some relief from MrSpeakers.
The newly announced AEON is a sealed, over-ear, planar magnetic headphone that will be sold for $799. I've only had a couple of days to listen and measure, but I'm impressed. The AEON will definitely get a review.
MrSpeakers ÆON Review
by Dan Browdy // February 1, 2017
MrSpeakers has been on a bit of a roll lately. From humble beginnings modifying the headphones made by other companies, Dan Clark has grown MrSpeakers into a pillar of the industry. With the recent release of the Flow updates to the popular ETHER and ETHER C, MrSpeakers has improved two of the best headphones in their respective markets. However, as happy as people are with the ETHERs, many long-time supporters of MrSpeakers have been waiting for them to return to their roots and introduce a model in a more affordable price bracket than the $1799 flagships. Now we have the new MrSpeakers ÆON. Priced at $799, this closed-back can appears to be just what fans have been waiting for. After spending some time with it, I’m certain it will bring in a whole load of new Mr. Speakers fanatics as well.
The Best Open Back Headphone I’ve Tested So Far!
By The PC Enthusiast // Feb 28, 2017
Headphones are very interesting and quite mysterious in their own way. You’ll never know how they sound like or if you’ll like how they sound, not until you tried them. Late last year, I got a couple of new audio gear and was able to test and listen to what I think is the best open back headphone I’ve listened to (so far) – the MrSpeakers ETHER Flow Planar Magnetic headphone. That’s right, today I’ll be sharing to you my experience with this $1,800 headphone. Sound quality and audio performance is simply fantastic and definitely top notch; I love the sound signature and craftsmanship is just superb. Frankly speaking, most of the expensive headphones, specially flagship or TOTL headphones, are expected to have great sound quality and performance. But what sets the Ether Flow unique from the rest is what you’ll find out in this review. Also, if you’re in the market looking for the best open back headphone and budget is not a factor, please continue reading my MrSpeakers Ether Flow review below and find out if this is the right headphone for you.
MrSpeakers ÆON Over-The-Ear Stereo Headphones
The ÆON is very possibly MrSpeaker's headphone masterpiece.
Review By Dave Hansen // March 2017
How many over-ear headphones can you name priced between $499 and $999? You would think there would be more, but there really aren't many these days. While there has been a flood of flagship-level megabuck headphones over the past couple of years (to go with the usual selection of sub-$500 fare), it seems many manufacturers somehow forgot about the middle. So like many other personal audio enthusiasts, I was extremely interested when the venerable MrSpeakers announced they would be filling the vacuum with their attractively-priced $799 ÆON over-ear headphone.
MRSPEAKERS AEON CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES – ONE FOR THE AGES
BY GARY ALAN BARKER CLOSED BACK, HEADPHONES // APRIL 3, 2017
Over the last year and a half or so, there has been an explosion of high performance headphones in the coveted just under a thousand dollar price bracket, and MrSpeakers is the most recent high-end manufacturer to throw their hat in the ring.
Or I should say return to the ring, as not so long ago they were a heavy hitter in the category with their highly praised Fostex T50RP based Mad Dog and Alpha Dog headphones. As I understand it, it was Fostex’s decision to change the sound of the T50RP that inspired MrSpeakers to develop the ETHER series headphones using drivers of their own manufacturer (rather than doing a complete revoicing of the T50RP), something we must all thank Fostex for, as MrSpeakers has been on fire, producing five new headphones in the last two years; the ETHER, the ETHER C, the ETHER Flow, the ETHER C Flow, and now the AEON.
THE ETHER C FLOW BY MRSPEAKERS
By Marcus // December 28, 2016
Change can sometimes be evolutionary and yet dramatic at the same time. However, when MrSpeakers suggested I upgrade my “Writer’s choice of 2015” Ether C headphone to the new $1799 Flow edition citing a major (read dramatic) enhancement to the sound plus a brand new (read evolutionary) design, I resisted for a while.
MrSpeakers makes world-class headphones
By Vlad Savov // September 28, 2016
Artisanal craftsmanship. You’ll have heard this phrase bandied about by every bozo with a half-baked idea and a crowdfunding account, but today I want to tell you about a true 21st century example of it. There’s a small company in sunny San Diego, California, that engineers and produces some of the world’s best headphones, designing every single component from the ground up, and refining and improving through the age-old method of trial and error. It works with genuine materials, it has genuine goals, and it’s powered by the genuine passion of genuine music enthusiasts. Its founder is Dan Clark, an engineer whose history in designing audio equipment lends the company its name, MrSpeakers..
April 2016: ETHER C is a World Class Headphone
ETHER C joins Innerfidelity’s Wall of Fame!
March 2016: CNET Says ETHER C Takes it to the Limit
As the hours rolled by the Ether C kept surprising me, from one recording to the next they all sounded nice; the music always drew me in.
March 2016: Mad Lust Envy’s Gaming Guide Reviews ETHER C
Spoiler alert: “…if I was in the market for a closed headphone at this price range, I honestly wouldn’t even consider anything else.”
March 2016: ETHER Electrostatic Preview
“This will, without a doubt, be a top-tier model to watch carefully…”