For those of us who have been deeply involved in the Head-Fi space for almost a decade, Dan Clark’s success in the headphone category is rather amazing. What started as “Mr. Speakers” — basically one guy modifying Fostex headphones into something that sounded dramatically better — has turned into one of the premier high-end headphone brands in the world. Dan Clark Audio is still a small company but with an enthusiast’s perspective that includes attending every CanJam and Head-Fi event around the globe if possible. Dan puts engineering ahead of everything and it’s hard not to be impressed with his products.
Several years ago, Dan Clark Audio entered the electrostatic headphone market with the release of the award-winning VOCE ($3,300). Dan doesn’t like to rest on his past achievements and has announced that a new flagship electrostatic headphone called the CORINA will be introduced at CanJam NYC 2023 for $4,499.
The Audeze CRBN is no longer alone.
Incorporating DCA’s Advanced Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) CORINA is their first electrostatic headphone featuring their industry-leading Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System AMTS technology first introduced with their groundbreaking Stealth and Expanse headphones. With AMTS, frequency response is significantly smoother throughout the midrange and high frequencies, free of annoying “peaks and holes” for a smoother, more complete, accurate, and enjoyable listening experience.
AMTS allows DCA to re-imagine the voicing of CORINA to deliver the most natural midrange heard in an electrostatic to date. From powerful bass to the incredibly rich and well balanced mids and highs, CORINA claims to deliver an incredibly smooth and lifelike experience, full of electrostatic resolution yet free from the high-frequency emphasis/glare common to many electrostatic headphones.
New Voicing
By reducing the emphasis on higher frequencies typical of many electrostatics headphones, VOCE delivered a new take on the electrostatic headphone could sound. With a wider and deeper soundstage, a stronger bottom end and a smoother, richer midrange, Corina is sad to offer a fun yet lifelike tone, with sumptuous vocals, and bass that really kicks — even with electronica and rock.
New Drivers
In order to ensure the highest consistency between units, Corina’s 88mm driver is made with a new tensioning system which increases diaphragm tension and uniformity of tension for more consistent, better matched drivers. These drivers are then carefully matched to ensure excellent soundstage and imaging.
Ear Pad Matching
New ear pads have been developed with enhanced ergonomics, including a synthetic suede surface for the face contact, avoiding sweat and “hot spots” common to headphones.
There’s more to ear pads than just their comfort, though. As most listeners know, ear pads can affect the sound of headphones, dramatically.
While drivers can be precision matched ear pads, which involve welding or stitching fabrics and use of foams, have always limited the actual tolerances of the headphone. All Corina new and replacement ear pads are delivered as matched pairs to further tighten the tolerances between the left and right channels and reduce unit to unit variances.
Comfort Enhancements
Corina utilizes the new self-tensioning headband design from the company’s flagship Stealth and Expanse headphones, for a comfortable yet hassle-free fit. Paired with the new ear pads and a DCA’s signature titanium alloy headband design, Corina should be comfortable to wear.
Price & Availability
Dan Clark Audio CORINA Reference Electrostatic Headphones will be available late-March for $4,499 at headamp.com in a grey.
Related reading: See more coverage from CanJam NYC 2023
MadMex
February 25, 2023 at 2:22 pm
Are you crazy enough to spend $4,500 on headphones should be the headline same as was written up for the Devialet Mania for a paltry $800? Who’s the bigger dummy at 4500 or 800?
Ian White
February 26, 2023 at 11:49 am
Based on the size of the crowd at CanJam NYC yesterday…a lot of people are willing to spend that and more.
There were at least 2,000 people in the room yesterday and the enthusiasm was palpable. Something You don’t get at regular hi-fi shows.
Ian White
MadMex
March 1, 2023 at 6:28 am
You’re outta your mind, figuratively speaking. CanJammers no have that kind of money for headphones. When you sober up you’ll see crowd size means nothing, minus the palpability. Haha. Maybe I’m not sober. Best
Ian White
March 1, 2023 at 11:32 am
MM,
You would be very surprised about what they own. And what they are willing to spend.
Ian White
Truther
March 14, 2023 at 7:39 pm
Id consider buying it and I don’t make that much annually, its part of the hobby of finding what you like~ ELectrostats arent for everybody, and technically a good stereo headphone setup is the same as a really well treated room setup which would prob cost just the same as well.
Truther
March 14, 2023 at 7:37 pm
Cant wait to see measurement data for it, Dan usually sends one out to ASR to measure as a loaner and review. Hopeing to see that this will be the first “bassy” Electrostat.