Dan Clark Audio Stealth Planar Magnetic Headphones
Vanish into the music: reference-grade detail, closed‑back convenience
Stealth turns a private listening space into a world-class control room. Its patent‑pending acoustic metamaterial system and 4th‑generation planar drivers deliver a refined, low‑fatigue presentation with sub‑bass authority, holographic imaging, and vanishingly low distortion—without giving up the isolation, portability, and comfort you need for long sessions. Designed and hand‑built in San Diego, Stealth is the closed‑back that invites you to forget the gear and fall into the performance.
Why Audiophiles Choose This Product
- Primary Benefit: Neutral, ultra‑clean sound with deep, linear sub‑bass, smooth treble, and superb front‑to‑back imaging—widely praised for clarity, balance, and low listening fatigue.
- Technical Benefit: AMTS (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System) sits between driver and ear to tame high‑frequency resonances and smooth the response; drivers are matched to ±0.25 dB with THD <0.03% (20 Hz–20 kHz).
- Practical Benefit: 415 g with an auto‑adjusting strap, soft vegan suede/protein‑leather pads, and folding gimbals for a compact travel case—built for extended comfort and real portability.
- Compatibility Benefit: Wired, low‑impedance design (23 Ω) with low sensitivity (~86–87 dB/mW) works best with a capable headphone output or dedicated amp from your DAC/streamer, laptop rig, or studio interface.
- Unique Benefit: Among closed‑backs, Stealth is recognized for open‑back‑like spatial precision and composure, credited to its AMTS and 4th‑gen planar driver platform. Community and pro measurements highlight extremely low distortion and excellent isolation for a closed design.
What’s Included
- Main Product: Dan Clark Audio Stealth closed‑back over‑ear planar magnetic headphones (Model: ST00‑1).
- Primary Accessory: VIVO super‑premium headphone cable, 2 m (standard 6.35 mm/1⁄4" plug).
- Secondary Items: Zippered hard travel case.
- Documentation: Manual and certificate of authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Wired over‑ear closed‑back planar magnetic | Dual‑entry cable; folding gimbals |
| Driver | 76 × 51 mm single‑ended planar magnetic (4th gen) | Large diaphragm for dynamics with low distortion. |
| Acoustic System | AMTS (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System) | Controls HF resonances; smoother, cleaner treble. |
| THD | <0.03% (20 Hz–20 kHz; ref. 1 kHz @ 94 dB) | Exceptionally low distortion for fatigue‑free listening. |
| Driver Matching | ±0.25 dB (20 Hz–10 kHz) | Consistent L/R balance for imaging accuracy. |
| Impedance | 23 Ω | Easy electrical load; benefits from a quality amp due to sensitivity. |
| Sensitivity | ~86–87 dB/mW | Prefer a capable desktop amp or strong DAP output. |
| Headband | Nickel‑titanium with auto‑adjusting strap | Even weight distribution; quick, fuss‑free fit. |
| Baffle/Cups | Carbon fiber with carbon/aluminum structure | High stiffness with low mass. |
| Earpads | Synthetic suede and protein leather (vegan) | Soft seal for comfort and isolation. |
| Cable/Earcup Connector | Dual Hirose 4‑pin to 6.35 mm TRS (VIVO cable) | Alternate terminations available from dealers. |
| Weight | 415 g (without cable) | Light for its class; excellent long‑session comfort. |
Professional Recognition
- Awards/Lists: Stereophile Recommended Components (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) highlighted Stealth’s “clear, finely detailed, and extremely well‑balanced” sound and low‑fatigue presentation.
- Reviews:
- Stereophile’s Gramophone Dreams praised Stealth’s balanced tonality and standout portrayal of female vocals.
- Head‑Fi measurements and impressions note extremely low harmonic distortion and clean spectrograms, supporting its technical excellence.
- StereoNET lauded comfort, portability, and build, emphasizing the travel‑friendly folding design and supplied case.
- Heritage: Designed and hand‑built in San Diego, California, reflecting Dan Clark Audio’s engineering‑first approach and meticulous assembly.
- Innovation: AMTS metamaterial acoustic module and v‑Planar driver forming a patented/ patent‑pending platform focused on resonance control and diaphragm linearity.
The Bottom Line
Stealth is the rare closed‑back that satisfies the reference listener and the everyday listener alike: it measures beautifully, images precisely, travels easily, and stays comfortable hour after hour. If you’re seeking a quiet‑room experience without the open‑back compromises, Stealth delivers a neutral, sophisticated tuning that lets you disappear into the music and stay there.
Notes for Headphone Buyers
- Connectivity: Wired only (no Bluetooth/wireless). Standard 6.35 mm termination; balanced and portable‑friendly terminations are available from dealers.
- Sound Signature: Neutral/reference‑leaning with smooth highs and extended sub‑bass; excels at long, low‑fatigue sessions.
- Comfort: 415 g with a self‑adjusting strap and soft pads for extended listening; folds into an included travel case.






























Reviews
There are no reviews yet.