Flagship Electrostatic Headphones Dan Clark Audio CORINA Now Available at Dr.Head!
The latest release from the Californian company Dan Clark Audio—the flagship electrostatic headphones CORINA—is now available for testing and purchase at Dr.Head! We invite you to experience them firsthand, but in the meantime, let us share our first impressions.
The CORINA headphones are built on the foundation of the award-winning 2018 model VOCE. CORINA features upgraded 88mm drivers with more uniform diaphragm tension for improved linearity and better channel matching. Additionally, it incorporates the innovative Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS), which first appeared in the company’s recent planar headphones, STEALTH and EXPANSE.
High End headphones:
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: synthetic leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather, microfiber
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Brand: Dan Clark Audio
The lowest frequency, Hz: 10
The highest frequency, kHz: 20
Headset type: stereo
Brand: Dan Clark Audio
Headphone type: wired
Headset type: stereo
Brand: Dan Clark Audio
Headphone type: wired
In terms of form factor, CORINA closely resembles VOCE, but with several important changes. Like the STEALTH and EXPANSE headphones, the headband is now self-adjusting, and the earpads are hybrid. The outer part of the earpads is made of leather, while the inner part is suede. Although the headphones have become heavier, weighing in at 465 grams (compared to 330 grams for VOCE), the increased contact surface of the headband and earpads allows CORINA to distribute weight and pressure on the head more effectively. For comparison: the Audeze CRBN weighs almost the same (470g), while the top models from STAX are 20-30 grams lighter. Subjectively, in terms of comfort, the new Dan Clark Audio model at least matches, if not surpasses, its main competitors.
To power the headphones, a special Stax Pro Bias (580V) format amplifier is required. We were particularly impressed with the sound of the Dan Clark Audio CORINA paired with the Stax SRM T8000 amplifier.
The stereotypical sound of electrostatics is often characterized by a focus on high frequencies, while the lower part of the spectrum tends to take a back seat. The airy and open sound with a vast soundstage is particularly appreciated by listeners of classical and acoustic music, but it is less appealing to fans of modern rock or electronic music. However, in recent years, electrostatic headphone manufacturers have been striving to achieve a more modern sound while retaining their unique characteristics. Dan Clark Audio has successfully achieved this with CORINA.
VOCE delivers a more traditional and bright electrostatic sound. The AMTS technology in CORINA helps to manage any excessive energy in the high frequencies, maintaining detail while slightly smoothing the sharp highs and allowing the mids to shine. The bass in the new model is significantly more solid, adding drive and dynamics to the overall picture. CORINA sounds smoother and warmer than VOCE, while still remaining generally neutral.
The tuning of CORINA is quite close to the CRBN—Audeze’s first electrostatic headphones. Both models stand out from most electrostatics with their rich and powerful bass, but in our opinion, Dan Clark Audio’s bass sounds more massive and deeper, adding weight to the lower mids. CRBN emphasizes the lower high frequencies, highlighting high-pitched vocals. CORINA's treble boost starts a bit later and adds presence to percussion. In terms of soundstage, the models are comparable, but CRBN, by emphasizing vocals, draws attention to the center. CORINA builds a more evenly distributed soundstage from edge to edge.
High End headphones:
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: synthetic leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather, microfiber
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Earpads material: leather
Headphone type: wired
Kind of headphones: over-ear
Brand: Dan Clark Audio
The lowest frequency, Hz: 10
The highest frequency, kHz: 20
Headset type: stereo
Brand: Dan Clark Audio
Headphone type: wired
Headset type: stereo
Brand: Dan Clark Audio
Headphone type: wired
Dan Clark Audio has created truly unique electrostatic headphones. CORINA will appeal to those who were not captivated by the typical electrostatic sound, and for fans of this class of headphones, they will be an interesting addition to their collection with an alternative character.
