Dan Clark Audio VOCE HEADPHONES

VOCE is an electrostatic headphone designed to deliver uncompromising electrostatic resolution and clarity with bass output that extends deep into the subsonic. Very light and comfortable, with an extremely large soundstage and a neutral voicing VOCE is our most accurate headphone.

Overview:

VOCE is Dan Clark Audio’s electrostatic headphone. VOCE is designed to deliver exceptional sound and to be compatible with all Stax Pro (580V) bias amplifiers. VOCE’s key features include:

1) 88mm driver for extended and rich bass that extends down to 10Hz

2) Super-thin metal stators for enhanced resolution

3) Custom round, flexible and microphonic-free silver-plated copper cable terminated with machines Teflon and aluminum plug. The cable is also user-detachable from the headphone for simpler maintenance (note: this is not for daily cable changes) as well as the option to use 3rd party cables.

4) Convenient and attractive storage box with built-in headphone stand

5) All metal construction, less than 330gr for extended comfort

6) Tuning filters for customized listening experience

7) Field-serviceable driver module

8) Fully dust-sealed drivers Important notes on electrostatic headphones: -Electrostatic headphones must be used with an appropriate electrostatic amplifier or energizer (energizers connect to the outputs of a loudspeaker amplifier) to operate. -Many electrostatic headphones make a “zip” sound when the headphone is put on or removed. This is the sound of the charged driver touching the stator, and due to the electric fields, sticking briefly to it before releasing. Due to VOCE’s very large driver size the driver may be more prone to this than some other electrostatic headphones. As the stator is insulated this will not cause damage to the driver, and should be considered normal operation.

More Details:

VOCE is designed and built in San Diego, CA and comes with the following innovative features:

• Super-large 88mm diaphragm for extended low frequency output
• 2.4 micron driver, optimized for stability and resolution
• Fully dust-shielded driver
• Ultra-thin metal stators for superior sound
• Dan Clark Audio’s signature NiTinol memory metal headband for exceptional comfort, light weight and durability
• Detachable* custom fabricated silver-plated copper cable that is non-microphonic, round and super-supple, yet low capacitance
• Proprietary machined Teflon amplifier plug with machined aluminum housing, gold plated solid copper pins and a machined aluminum headphone connector**
• 580V “Pro-bias” compatible for use with any Stax-pro compatible amplifiers
• Italian Napa leather ear pads
• Vat-dyed US made leather headband

In the spirit of avoiding waste and making packaging functional, our attractive shipping box is actually a hardwood headphone stand and case which serves as a stylish and functional way to store a VOCE (or any) headphone.

Box features include:

• Real walnut hardwood
• Hinged clear acrylic front doors with magnetic fasteners
• A built-in integrated headphone stand
• A convenient front-slot for the cable so the headphones may be left plugged-in while stored

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

First, if you are new to electrostatic headphones it’s essential to understand that they require dedicated electrostatic energizers or amplifiers. Energizers are typically more cost effective, while dedicated amplifiers deliver a higher level of performance.

Energizers take the output of a loudspeaker amplifier and increase the voltage swing, while adding the required bias voltage. Electrostatic amplifiers typically are dedicated to electrostatic headphones, though Malvalve produces a universal headphone amplifier that can also work witih planar magnetic and dynamic headphones.

Second, it is not uncommon for electrostatic headphones to make a “ripping” or “zipping” sound when the diaphragm contacts the stator (this is sometimes called a “stat fart,” or something similar). This typically occurs when putting the headphone on, or taking it off, or if you press on the headphone cup while listening. This is considered normal behavior and is not indicative of a problem with the headphone, unless the diaphragm doesn’t release (which causes audible distortion).