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Dan Clark Audio Expanse vs HIFIMAN Susvara

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The Expanse is 32 g lighter, at 418 g against 450 g.

The Susvara needs 7 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The Expanse lists for $1,500 less.

Dan Clark AudioDan Clark AudioExpanse

$4,499.99

HIFIMANSusvara

$6,000

Side by side

ExpanseSusvara
Driver
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic
Diaphragm
4th-generation v-Planar diaphragm, DCA's largest to date; material not published
Nanometer Grade film under 1 micrometer thick, gold-coated conductor
Driver size
76 mm x 51 mm
Not published
Enclosure
Open-back
Open-back
Weight
418 g
450 g
Expanse is 32 g lighter
Impedance
26 ohms
60 ohms
Sensitivity
~90 dB/mW
83 dB
Power for 110 dB
100 mW, 1.61 V
501 mW, 5.48 V
Susvara needs 7 dB more
Drive
Moderate drive
Demanding
Frequency response
Not published
6 Hz – 75 kHz
Made in
United States
China
Released
2022
2017
List price
$4,499.99
$6,000
Expanse is $1,500 less
Materials
Carbon fibreAluminiumTitaniumLeather
WoodLeatherEngineered films
Both use leather

From each maker’s published figures; sources are on each headphone’s page. Power for 110 dB is worked out from sensitivity and impedance.

Amplifiers that drive both

How the matching works

Each of these has 10 dB or more in reserve above a loud 110 dB peak on both headphones, so one amplifier serves either.

Build a setup with the Expanse →Build a setup with the Susvara →

Where to buy the Expanse

List $4,499.99

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

Where to buy the Susvara

List $6,000

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

More head to head