Short answer: the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. It ranks #54 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $696.78; the HIFIMAN HE6se V2 ranks #67, rated 4.1/5, and costs $803.14, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX: Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 86 with a 2.20 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. The tradeoff: Sub-bass is 5.7 dB short at 30 Hz, so deep bass lacks rumble.
Why pick the HIFIMAN HE6se V2: A preference score of 84 with a deviation of only 2.19 dB shows a smooth, well-controlled response, and low mids sit within 2 dB of target. The tradeoff: Sub-bass is roughly 4 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the lowest rumble is missing.
Buy the Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HIFIMAN HE6se V2 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 86 with a 2.20 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
Amazon $696.78 eBay
A preference score of 84 with a deviation of only 2.19 dB shows a smooth, well-controlled response, and low mids sit within 2 dB of target.
Amazon $803.14 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dan Clark Audio Ether CX | HIFIMAN HE6se V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $696.78 | $803.14 |
| Ranked | #54 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #67 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 23 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | 83.5 dB |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (430g) | 1 lbs (470 g) |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 84 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.20 dB standard deviation | 2.19 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.06 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.18 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 56 Hz (-5.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 32 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Frequency Response | - | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Dan Clark Audio Ether CX compares with other leading options: