Short answer: the Dan Clark Audio E3. It ranks #1 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.9/5, at $2,299; the Warwick Acoustics Bravura ranks #45, rated 4.1/5, and costs $2,395, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Dan Clark Audio E3 is the better-sounding choice. In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 101, with response held within about 1 dB of the Harman target from sub-bass through the upper mids. The tradeoff: The upper treble is uneven, with a 5.6 dB dip near 9.9 kHz followed by a 5 dB peak near 11.9 kHz, which can make cymbals and sibilance sound slightly uneven.
The case for the Warwick Acoustics Bravura: A preference score of 85 in oratory1990’s measurement, with low mids within 0.2 dB of target so vocals, piano and strings sound natural and uncolored. Watch for: It is electrostatic and needs a dedicated electrostatic energizer; it will not run from a phone or standard headphone amp.
Buy the Dan Clark Audio E3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Warwick Acoustics Bravura and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dan Clark Audio E3 | Warwick Acoustics Bravura | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,299.00 | $2,395.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #45 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 101 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.05 dB standard deviation | 1.91 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-6.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Electrostatic |
| Impedance | 27 ohms | - |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | - |
| Weight | 1 lbs (455 g) | 0.9 lbs (403 g) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x single-ended electrostatic (3570mm² diaphragm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 10Hz - 60kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
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- Dan Clark Audio E3 vs Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000
- Dan Clark Audio E3 vs AKG K812
- Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 vs Warwick Acoustics Bravura
- AKG K812 vs Warwick Acoustics Bravura
- HIFIMAN HE6 vs Warwick Acoustics Bravura
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Dan Clark Audio E3: $2,299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 101, with response held within about 1 dB of the Harman target from sub-bass through the upper mids. Bass from 20 to 200 Hz sits less than 1 dB above target, so kick drums and bass guitar have full weight without bloom. A 27 ohm impedance and 90 dB/mW sensitivity are easy enough for a decent headphone amp, and the closed back keeps sound in and outside noise down.
Cons: The upper treble is uneven, with a 5.6 dB dip near 9.9 kHz followed by a 5 dB peak near 11.9 kHz, which can make cymbals and sibilance sound slightly uneven. At 455 g it is heavy for long sessions, and planar drivers at this sensitivity perform best from a proper amp rather than a phone. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.
Full Dan Clark Audio E3 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.05 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 101 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 27 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (455 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -1.0 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,224 Hz | +1.1 dB | 0.87 |
| Peak | 2,683 Hz | -2.0 dB | 3.34 |
| Peak | 471 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.01 |
| Peak | 91 Hz | -0.5 dB | 2.36 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 167 Hz | +0.8 dB | 2.72 |
| Peak | 3,979 Hz | -0.6 dB | 4.28 |
| Peak | 5,845 Hz | -1.1 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 112 Hz | -0.3 dB | 2.53 |
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Warwick Acoustics Bravura: $2,395.00 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: A preference score of 85 in oratory1990’s measurement, with low mids within 0.2 dB of target so vocals, piano and strings sound natural and uncolored. The response is smooth through the midrange, and its relaxed treble (about 4 dB under target from 6 to 10 kHz) stays easy to listen to for long sessions. It rates level with the AKG K812 and above the HIFIMAN HE1000se.
Cons: It is electrostatic and needs a dedicated electrostatic energizer; it will not run from a phone or standard headphone amp. Sub-bass falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz and an 8.3 dB dip near 6.3 kHz dulls cymbals, so bass-heavy and bright recordings lose some impact. At 403 g it is heavy, and the open back leaks sound.
Full Warwick Acoustics Bravura review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.91 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Electrostatic |
| Drivers | 1 x single-ended electrostatic (3570mm² diaphragm) |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 60kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-6.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (403 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.8 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 606 Hz | -2.6 dB | 1.18 |
| Peak | 74 Hz | -5.2 dB | 1.45 |
| Peak | 7,673 Hz | +1.9 dB | 0.18 |
| Peak | 1,097 Hz | -3.8 dB | 5.72 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,464 Hz | +2.2 dB | 3.07 |
| Peak | 4,978 Hz | -1.8 dB | 3.76 |
| Peak | 205 Hz | -0.8 dB | 2.12 |
| Peak | 6,414 Hz | +3.0 dB | 5.94 |
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