I have had my E3s for a week now and I can't keep them off my head! They sound absolutely incredible. Best sounding headphones I have ever experienced.
Thank you so much for your in depth review. You have given me a better picture of these headphones than I was able to get from other reviews. I have started with the Audeze LCD-2C and Ananda OG, they are very different (LCD forward mids, and Ananda slight recessed mids), at first I was all about the LCD as it brought the singer closer. But recently I went back to the Anandas and find them pleasing as well, with a more spacious ethereal presentation. Of course we all want everything, bass, vocals, highs, spatial effects, and realism. In the end for me, my end game headphone will emphasize balance, detail and bass. Still searching, but not sure this is the one - thanks again! p.s. LCD2C and Ananada OG are both great cans.
I wish that Mr Speakers switch to simple 3.5mm especially considering their headphones are some of the lightest & most portable 3.5mm has 10000x more lighter smaller options available also cable connectors are far less bulky than this lemo style connector. Also I wish you covered how is the isolation especially because it has vents. Also how was the sound leakage. Because that the main thing i look for in a closed back. Otherwise I will always get an open back anyways.
Glad I found this channel. Had been lusting after a pair of MEZE Liric headphones for ages, as I really want a great pair of closed back headphones (within budget limitations as always) and I had thought they might fit the bill until I saw your review of them and now these E3’s. Personally I really enjoy an engaging, super detailed and exciting listen rather than a preference for ‘smoothness’. I have several sets and, unsurprisingly my favourites are open backed cans but these are a no go for listening within ear shot of the family - So the quest is to find the best closed back cans I can afford that don’t feel quite so ‘in your head’ as closed backs often do. Not sure I can justify spending as much as the Stealths cost here in the UK though, so maybe these should be on my list for a listen to decide. Much appreciate your videos, though am looking forward to watching your videos on the updated MEZE Liric version 2 to see if or how that changes this decision process 🤔
If you want to trial something really close to the Stealth, try the Aeon Noire. I have both and while the Stealth is indeed a tad better, the Aeon Noire is a solid 95% of the way there.
It’s a shame that you didn’t have an Aeon 2 Noire on hand. That’s been the star of the DCA closed backs to me. The Stealth is better but the Noire is close enough to make spending the 4x for the Stealth a waste.
It is gorilla time 🐵 I tried AEON Noir Closed Back last time and personally I don't really like Dan Clark's tuning, it is a little boring to my ears but I could appreciate the design, the interesting technology and the comfort of Dan Clark headphones.
fantastic thorough review! just got a pair of these E3 and feel my modest Topping headphone amp is not doing the trick of making them sing... do you (or any of your viewers) have a suggestion for an affordable powerful transparent amp (don't want the E3 presentation to be changed by the amp). my budget for the amp can't go beyond $500. thanks to anyone for the input...
Schiit ships around the world. The problem arises if you are in a country that is not 110-120V, or 220-240, such as Europe. In the latter case, they may not have enough stock of components to make 230V versions, or in the case of Mjolnir, it requires different transformers. I have to use a transformer with much of their gear, as I'm in Japan.
Your comment about listening to the headphones or the music reminds me of someone once saying, "When I listen to Glenn Gould play Bach, I hear Gould, not Bach."
That was Seymour Bernstein, saying he never really liked Gould, but that he thought Kissin was a modern prodigy. From the documentary "Seymore: An Introduction" - by Ethan Hawke. I only remembered cause I play piano too, so I see all the piano docs I can! Lol I've had the E3 for about 5 months now. Still love them, but for classical nothing will top my Beyer dt1990's, but the two trade blows for me in different areas. That may change once I get a decent fully powered tube amp and a premium dac for them.
I've had a 6 month journey and gone though about a dozen headphones Meze, Focal, Hifiman, ZMF and finally ended up with these and couldn't be happier. I have a Xduoo TA22 which I like a lot but I think that the E3 could profit from a bit more power so I ordered a Flux Labs FA-10 from Ukraine. Now my dilemma is what DAC and whether it makes a difference between Bifrost 2, Chord Quest, Aeres II, Topping D90 or Soekris 2541. If anyone can help out here I'd appreciate it. Thanks Bob
I think there is a confusion between analytic and monitor. Monitor Headphones for musicians are designed to reproduce the original sound as untouched and authentic as it is absolutely possible. What audiophiles understand as "analytic" has nothing to do with an Monitor sound. Analytic sounding headphones often have lowered lower mids and pushed trebble/upper mids to make everything sound clear and detailed but not even similar to how the song is supposed to sound. It is forcefully changing the sound which is the exact opposite of an monitor. An monitor is designed to monitor the sound, to know if everything sounds as it is supposed to sound and especially for artists to give them feedback to judge their performance. As ""Analytic"" headphones change the sound, they can not be used for monitoring as you have no idea how it really sounds because the sound is changed. More and more (if not most) studios these days switch to In-Ear Monitor as they provide the most accurate sound with an very high amount of isolation which makes it even better to judge the performance. So if you want an very good high-end Monitor, you would need something like the Sony IER-M9, Westone Mach 70/80, Shure SE846, FitEar TG335, Vision Ears VE6/8 or similar. In the Over Ear Headphone world, one of the best Monitors is probably the Audeze LCD-X But these all are real Monitors, that means they represent the sound as true to the original as possible which means, for most songs, warm and not ""analytical"" and so quite far from what audiophiles expect. An musician would, for sure, call these highly analytical because the reveal every detail, but they do not push certain areas what causes these details to sound artificial obvious and that is, what most audiophiles want.
They look very cool, I just wished my ears and head would accept a closed back, everytime I throw one on it becomes unbearable to me, too much air pressure in my head.
Thanks for the review! What do you think about running a Hugo 2 through a schitt amp like the magni or lokius to get more power? H2 seemed to lack on the e3, not able to push it to its capabilities...
I purchased the E3, absolutely amazing headphones, I'm using it with the RME ADI 2 DAC FS. Is it worth to get the Blue Dragon cable? Does it improve some sound quality ? I never bought custom cables for my previous headphones Any advices are welcome, thank you
These or HD800?????????????... the closed isolated sound option might be sorely missed at some stage and wish I had it, OR, is the soundstage and the listening *experience* that much better on 800s that I'd be sorely disappointed when sitting at home that I didn't get the HD800.. Say for example listening to John Barry..
I got the HD800s a month ago. Today I bought the E3. I think they'll compliment each other, as they each have very different strengths. HD800 for gaming mostly, some types of music. E3 for mixing/mastering/edrumming, and also some types of music.
If I already have Stellia headphones, should I sell and get anything else like the E3? I would only get like $1500 for it used in my estimation. And I’m not sure the use case for Stellia is often enough for me to justify keeping it. The Stellia is not quite portable, for which I’d rather use high end IEMs. It’s not quite what I would use at home as I live alone, I’d rather use a Utopia Gen 3 or a high end planar magnetic. So I am left with occasional use and gaming and podcasting. Should I sell?
@@Currawong Ah right, thanks for that. Do you know if both the Stealth and E3 could be obnoxious to people nearby on trains, planes etc.? Is the Aeon 2 Noire any better? They have a nice compact form-factor so for many it's important to consider if they are suitable for travel.
I'll never understand how people listen to jazz or acoustic instruments through neutral headphones like what DCA makes. A bass shelf does not save their sound signature for me. They deaden the delivery, no dynamics [drums and plucked instruments sound veiled, dead, and digital compared to how they are supposed to sound live]. Was hoping their newer offerings might move beyond this, but I guess that sound signature works for some genres that are popular. Anyway, appreciate the review nonetheless!
I’m happy with my Aeon DCA headphones if powered by an RME ADI-2 DAC/amp in high power mode. They need a powerful amp otherwise they sound like typical headphones. Bass is incredible. Not sure what you’re powering them with to come to that conclusion.
The dynamics of a track are more determined by the driver than the frequency response ace these are said to be better than other dca headphones. For another neutral headphone with big dynamics see the focal elex/clear
@johnlehew8192 I have same adi 2 dac, it does not improve anything. I play acoustic guitars, have for 20 years, that is my reference. I'm also not the only one to complain about this issue, but anyways, if they work for your music that is all that matters.
I've heard quite a few reviewers call them an upgrade. I never owned the Aeon 2 Noire but have listened to them a couple times and borrowed a pair for a week...and now I own E3's and I'd have to say I agree. Similar, but more detail, sound more open, and no worries about the tuning cloth things. Hope this helps!
Easily replaceable. Yes, there's sound leakage. I forgot to mention that in the video. I've used the Stealth on a bullet train, which is about as noisy as inside a modern jumbo jet, and it's do-able but not ideal.
I don’t think so. The Arya’s all have that Hifiman Treble Dhelf whereas this Headphone has some peaks in the treble but they’re mostly under the harman target, not above like the Organic. However for Closed Back, these might be the best under $2K after hearing the many reviews about it
Depends how much money you want to spend. I'd say an amp at least a handspan wide, like the Lyr and Jotunheim on the rack next to me. They do seem to scale with better gear though, if you have good-quality recordings especially.
If they exist, they are sold as a "padded headphone holder" but you can't get them any more, sadly. They used to be sold as a Sennheiser headphone holder.
There is no such thing as a neutral headphone there is as a flat headphone. Everytime a person moves his or her head the 🎧 changes frequency response. Spending money on headphones is a waist of time these manufacturing companies lied to the consumers a lot as to make a lot of cash from them.
😂 people spend 6k on headphones that does not deliver what the consumer ask is very unsatisfactory. Nobody says the same about 1 headphone ex.look at all the reviews on the Susvara v1 none says samething. Everyone's head is different no to person have the same shape head. Headphone reviews are very contradictory and it's foolishness. These theory aka lies they put out to get people to buy foolishness.
@@zoide-777Notthing is wrong with Topping. Great stuff for the $ spent. I've dabbled in the 50, 70.and 90 series. In my case .. I loved the 70s and 90s. But not the 50s
I have had my E3s for a week now and I can't keep them off my head! They sound absolutely incredible. Best sounding headphones I have ever experienced.
what was your previous headphones ?
Now I am just waiting for the open back version! Greetings from Denmark
Snup en Stealth, du kan ikke høre at det er en lukket headphone.
Thank you for the comprehensive review as usual.
Thank you so much for your in depth review. You have given me a better picture of these headphones than I was able to get from other reviews. I have started with the Audeze LCD-2C and Ananda OG, they are very different (LCD forward mids, and Ananda slight recessed mids), at first I was all about the LCD as it brought the singer closer. But recently I went back to the Anandas and find them pleasing as well, with a more spacious ethereal presentation. Of course we all want everything, bass, vocals, highs, spatial effects, and realism. In the end for me, my end game headphone will emphasize balance, detail and bass. Still searching, but not sure this is the one - thanks again! p.s. LCD2C and Ananada OG are both great cans.
The picture looks good this time Amos
Thanks. Note to self: Don't experiment with HDR in the same library as your main work.
Can we expect a Utopia 2022 review as you've had them for some time 👀
I wish that Mr Speakers switch to simple 3.5mm especially considering their headphones are some of the lightest & most portable 3.5mm has 10000x more lighter smaller options available also cable connectors are far less bulky than this lemo style connector.
Also I wish you covered how is the isolation especially because it has vents. Also how was the sound leakage. Because that the main thing i look for in a closed back. Otherwise I will always get an open back anyways.
Great points!
Merry Chirstmas!
Glad I found this channel. Had been lusting after a pair of MEZE Liric headphones for ages, as I really want a great pair of closed back headphones (within budget limitations as always) and I had thought they might fit the bill until I saw your review of them and now these E3’s. Personally I really enjoy an engaging, super detailed and exciting listen rather than a preference for ‘smoothness’. I have several sets and, unsurprisingly my favourites are open backed cans but these are a no go for listening within ear shot of the family - So the quest is to find the best closed back cans I can afford that don’t feel quite so ‘in your head’ as closed backs often do. Not sure I can justify spending as much as the Stealths cost here in the UK though, so maybe these should be on my list for a listen to decide. Much appreciate your videos, though am looking forward to watching your videos on the updated MEZE Liric version 2 to see if or how that changes this decision process 🤔
Have you also tried the Aeon 2 (Noire)?
I was setting myself up to trial and get a pair of Stealth as I really need a pair of closed back and look at what DCA drop on my lap.
If you want to trial something really close to the Stealth, try the Aeon Noire. I have both and while the Stealth is indeed a tad better, the Aeon Noire is a solid 95% of the way there.
It’s a shame that you didn’t have an Aeon 2 Noire on hand. That’s been the star of the DCA closed backs to me. The Stealth is better but the Noire is close enough to make spending the 4x for the Stealth a waste.
That's called "the law of diminishing returns".
this is how i feel about the yamaha hps... it gives great insight into the music
It is gorilla time 🐵
I tried AEON Noir Closed Back last time and personally I don't really like Dan Clark's tuning, it is a little boring to my ears but I could appreciate the design, the interesting technology and the comfort of Dan Clark headphones.
Comfort should never be underestimated.
Merry Christmas!
It’s on order. Will be comparing against the LCD-5s.
How did they compare to the LCD5?
fantastic thorough review! just got a pair of these E3 and feel my modest Topping headphone amp is not doing the trick of making them sing... do you (or any of your viewers) have a suggestion for an affordable powerful transparent amp (don't want the E3 presentation to be changed by the amp). my budget for the amp can't go beyond $500. thanks to anyone for the input...
A Schiit Jotunheim maybe?
@@Currawong thanks for the suggestion... isn't the Jotunheim a too warm presentation ? ...looking for a neutral not sterile sound...
I'm always amazed at how much Schiit he has, especially knowing how hard they are to get outside of the US.
Schiit ships around the world. The problem arises if you are in a country that is not 110-120V, or 220-240, such as Europe. In the latter case, they may not have enough stock of components to make 230V versions, or in the case of Mjolnir, it requires different transformers. I have to use a transformer with much of their gear, as I'm in Japan.
@@Currawong I assumed you were in Currawong.
Merry Christmas!
Your comment about listening to the headphones or the music reminds me of someone once saying, "When I listen to Glenn Gould play Bach, I hear Gould, not Bach."
That was Seymour Bernstein, saying he never really liked Gould, but that he thought Kissin was a modern prodigy. From the documentary "Seymore: An Introduction" - by Ethan Hawke. I only remembered cause I play piano too, so I see all the piano docs I can! Lol I've had the E3 for about 5 months now. Still love them, but for classical nothing will top my Beyer dt1990's, but the two trade blows for me in different areas. That may change once I get a decent fully powered tube amp and a premium dac for them.
I've had a 6 month journey and gone though about a dozen headphones Meze, Focal, Hifiman, ZMF and finally ended up with these and couldn't be happier. I have a Xduoo TA22 which I like a lot but I think that the E3 could profit from a bit more power so I ordered a Flux Labs FA-10 from Ukraine. Now my dilemma is what DAC and whether it makes a difference between Bifrost 2, Chord Quest, Aeres II, Topping D90 or Soekris 2541. If anyone can help out here I'd appreciate it. Thanks Bob
I like analytical monitor sounding headphones
I think there is a confusion between analytic and monitor.
Monitor Headphones for musicians are designed to reproduce the original sound as untouched and authentic as it is absolutely possible.
What audiophiles understand as "analytic" has nothing to do with an Monitor sound. Analytic sounding headphones often have lowered lower mids and pushed trebble/upper mids to make everything sound clear and detailed but not even similar to how the song is supposed to sound. It is forcefully changing the sound which is the exact opposite of an monitor.
An monitor is designed to monitor the sound, to know if everything sounds as it is supposed to sound and especially for artists to give them feedback to judge their performance.
As ""Analytic"" headphones change the sound, they can not be used for monitoring as you have no idea how it really sounds because the sound is changed.
More and more (if not most) studios these days switch to In-Ear Monitor as they provide the most accurate sound with an very high amount of isolation which makes it even better to judge the performance.
So if you want an very good high-end Monitor, you would need something like the Sony IER-M9, Westone Mach 70/80, Shure SE846, FitEar TG335, Vision Ears VE6/8 or similar. In the Over Ear Headphone world, one of the best Monitors is probably the Audeze LCD-X
But these all are real Monitors, that means they represent the sound as true to the original as possible which means, for most songs, warm and not ""analytical"" and so quite far from what audiophiles expect. An musician would, for sure, call these highly analytical because the reveal every detail, but they do not push certain areas what causes these details to sound artificial obvious and that is, what most audiophiles want.
They look very cool, I just wished my ears and head would accept a closed back, everytime I throw one on it becomes unbearable to me, too much air pressure in my head.
Holo Audio has released its new Cyan 2 Discrete DAC. Would you review this new gear? There has been no reviews of it yet
Are these better than MM500 for studio duties as in mixing and mastering ? The transparency you mentionning seems spot on for this usage.
many cowboy junkies recording have an enormous amount of deep base, did you listen to trinity sessions ? you can hear the airco humming in the studio
Should I buy stealth or save some money and get e3?
Ignoring closed vs open, if Empyrean 2 is S-tier, can you say around which tier you'd put the E3?
I wouldn't say the Empyrean 2 is S-tier.
@@Currawong would u say the E3 is a tier or two below empyrean 2?
G Day! Great headphones review videos as always, would you say the Gorilla Glass is fingers print magnets? thanks.
Yup! I had to keep wiping off the fingerprints for the camera, which makes them look worse than they really are.
Sennheiser HD 820? #GorillaGlass
Thanks for the review!
What do you think about running a Hugo 2 through a schitt amp like the magni or lokius to get more power?
H2 seemed to lack on the e3, not able to push it to its capabilities...
A Magni has inferior amplification to the Hugo 2. You'd want a Mjolnir for a proper upgrade.
I purchased the E3, absolutely amazing headphones, I'm using it with the RME ADI 2 DAC FS.
Is it worth to get the Blue Dragon cable?
Does it improve some sound quality ?
I never bought custom cables for my previous headphones
Any advices are welcome, thank you
i've definitely experienced headphones that were "revealing" to a fault almost.
These or HD800?????????????... the closed isolated sound option might be sorely missed at some stage and wish I had it, OR, is the soundstage and the listening *experience* that much better on 800s that I'd be sorely disappointed when sitting at home that I didn't get the HD800.. Say for example listening to John Barry..
I got the HD800s a month ago. Today I bought the E3. I think they'll compliment each other, as they each have very different strengths. HD800 for gaming mostly, some types of music. E3 for mixing/mastering/edrumming, and also some types of music.
would the RME ADI 2 DAC would be okay for E3 ?
If I already have Stellia headphones, should I sell and get anything else like the E3? I would only get like $1500 for it used in my estimation. And I’m not sure the use case for Stellia is often enough for me to justify keeping it. The Stellia is not quite portable, for which I’d rather use high end IEMs. It’s not quite what I would use at home as I live alone, I’d rather use a Utopia Gen 3 or a high end planar magnetic. So I am left with occasional use and gaming and podcasting. Should I sell?
Really great review. You might have cost me $2k. I will try to forget. Thank you.
Hey Currawong, why have you never reviewed a Abyss product?
No particularly special reason, other than that because I'm in Japan, I don't get a chance to get to CanJam and ask them.
@@Currawong how about Yamaha 5000 and Final D7000? You're in Japan, hopefully that should make it easy to get them for review
How much weight do gorilla glass add? Seems uncalled for. A plastic would have been a better choice IMO.
Or carbon fiber considering the price.
Any thoughts on these vs Liric since they're so close in price?
I ran out of time to shoot a Liric comparison, but the E3 are considerably better out of my main system.
Currawong Thanks Much !.......
Do they leak sound with the bass ports and all?
They aren't particularly isolating to begin with, much like the Stealth.
@@Currawong Ah right, thanks for that. Do you know if both the Stealth and E3 could be obnoxious to people nearby on trains, planes etc.? Is the Aeon 2 Noire any better? They have a nice compact form-factor so for many it's important to consider if they are suitable for travel.
How does it compare to the he1000se?
I haven't seen him use anything but the Susvaras from Hifiman for some time, or ever if memory serves~
I'll never understand how people listen to jazz or acoustic instruments through neutral headphones like what DCA makes. A bass shelf does not save their sound signature for me. They deaden the delivery, no dynamics [drums and plucked instruments sound veiled, dead, and digital compared to how they are supposed to sound live]. Was hoping their newer offerings might move beyond this, but I guess that sound signature works for some genres that are popular. Anyway, appreciate the review nonetheless!
I think these will do better with acoustic music, but I like DCA cans because you can hear what DACs and Amps do to the music
I’m happy with my Aeon DCA headphones if powered by an RME ADI-2 DAC/amp in high power mode. They need a powerful amp otherwise they sound like typical headphones. Bass is incredible. Not sure what you’re powering them with to come to that conclusion.
The dynamics of a track are more determined by the driver than the frequency response ace these are said to be better than other dca headphones. For another neutral headphone with big dynamics see the focal elex/clear
@johnlehew8192 I have same adi 2 dac, it does not improve anything. I play acoustic guitars, have for 20 years, that is my reference. I'm also not the only one to complain about this issue, but anyways, if they work for your music that is all that matters.
I wish audiophiles would make up their mind... Are y'all chasing neutrality or not?
❤
Where can I find those screws you were talking about to up the clamp force on the stealth?
From the manufacturer.
How do these compare to the Aeon 2 Noire?
I've heard quite a few reviewers call them an upgrade. I never owned the Aeon 2 Noire but have listened to them a couple times and borrowed a pair for a week...and now I own E3's and I'd have to say I agree. Similar, but more detail, sound more open, and no worries about the tuning cloth things. Hope this helps!
Ear pads are replaceable? And is there any sound leakage when used in public places or in flight?
Easily replaceable. Yes, there's sound leakage. I forgot to mention that in the video. I've used the Stealth on a bullet train, which is about as noisy as inside a modern jumbo jet, and it's do-able but not ideal.
Does the Hugo 2 power these properly?
Are these brighter than Arya Organic? Thx
I don’t think so. The Arya’s all have that Hifiman Treble Dhelf whereas this Headphone has some peaks in the treble but they’re mostly under the harman target, not above like the Organic. However for Closed Back, these might be the best under $2K after hearing the many reviews about it
Nope, just by going with the frequency response measurements published on both headphones, the Arya Organic are quite a bit more bright than the E3
Great review, thank you as always. What knife do you use in the unboxing? What power amp is required to get the best out of these headphones?
Depends how much money you want to spend. I'd say an amp at least a handspan wide, like the Lyr and Jotunheim on the rack next to me. They do seem to scale with better gear though, if you have good-quality recordings especially.
@@Currawong Many thanks for your gracious reply and good advice. Much appreciated, Sir.
It seems like Dan Clark Audio headphones keep getting heavier with each new release 🙁
They aren't what I'd call heavy.
Which headphone stand is that with the clamp where the Expanse was sitting on?
If they exist, they are sold as a "padded headphone holder" but you can't get them any more, sadly. They used to be sold as a Sennheiser headphone holder.
Color!😂
What's the name of the Effect Audio cable?
CODE23
@@CurrawongMuch appreciated!
Why was the first upload taken down?
I forgot to turn off a HDR setting that screwed up the colour balance.
Reupload?
Yes. A setting screwed up the colour in the first one.
If your kids are near by and dont respect your gear. its a no no. Luckily thats not me.
So ugly. Stealth look 1000x better. Need E3 sound quality/signature with Stealth design
There is no such thing as a neutral headphone there is as a flat headphone. Everytime a person moves his or her head the 🎧 changes frequency response. Spending money on headphones is a waist of time these manufacturing companies lied to the consumers a lot as to make a lot of cash from them.
😂 people spend 6k on headphones that does not deliver what the consumer ask is very unsatisfactory. Nobody says the same about 1 headphone ex.look at all the reviews on the Susvara v1 none says samething. Everyone's head is different no to person have the same shape head. Headphone reviews are very contradictory and it's foolishness. These theory aka lies they put out to get people to buy foolishness.
Please, does the Topping D90 le make a big difference in sound compared to the Topping D30 pro and the Topping L50. Have a nice day
I wouldn't buy anything Topping for preference.
What's wrong with Topping gear?
@@zoide-777Notthing is wrong with Topping. Great stuff for the $ spent. I've dabbled in the 50, 70.and 90 series. In my case .. I loved the 70s and 90s. But not the 50s