Dan Clark Audio VOCE Electrostatic

Dan Clark Audio has priced the Voce fairly aggressively at $3,299, indicating that they’re confident in the product they’re putting out. As an alternative to the Stax SR-009, the Voce is a moderate success, in my view.

Where the Voce falls slightly flat is in its bass response, which isn’t as tight or articulate as it could be. Its driver is also a bit over-damped, making it less dynamic than other similarly-priced electrostats.

On the other hand, its mid-forward tuning makes it unique among modern summit-fi electrostatic headphones. And, in my view, it boasts sufficient resolution and staging ability to demand a high price.

For those looking for a headphone that offers precise detail in tandem with a laid-back, relaxed, “easy” sound signature, the Voce should be on your radar.

The VOCE is something different in the world of stats cans and it presents a signature that I believe a lot of people will want to try as an alternative to the prevailing stats sound.

I have tried a fair few in the last 10 years and the VOCE is the first I have heard that shies away from the abundance of perceptible treble detail and instead opts for something a bit softer, perhaps more analog in its delivery.

If you have been tempted by that quick paced, delicate but detailed presentation of stats then the VOCE will seem a little less resolving in that regard but I also find it a bit more natural sounding as a consequence.

You may also find the very coherent voicing of the VOCE to be just that easier to get along with for a wider range of genres. I have found myself using the VOCE a lot more for rock, folk and concert materials than the 007 MK2.

I can’t fault the build quality also of the VOCE. I love how MrSpeakers have really gone for weight reduction by using a lot of their known R’n’D from the Ether and AEON line. It is one of the lightest and comfiest stats cans on the market today.

The tuning pads are a nice addition but honestly, I find going stock without the pads to offer the best compromise between clarity and smoothness. The shipping box, well that’s crafty and a very nice touch indeed.

Overall, the VOCE is up there with the rest of the stats “crew” and a real quality option for those who want electrostatics but a far more organic or natural sound.