Dan Clark Audio Corina Reference Electrostatic Headphone

Our Take

Dan Clark's Corina makes the case for rich, emotional sound from an electrostatic headphone. It's huge 88mm driver does require more power. We recommend our Blue Hawaii SE amplifier to really make the Corina sing.

Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)

Headphones are subject to standing waves in the higher frequencies, which can make instruments like strings, cymbals, even vocals sound unrealistic and fatiguing. AMTS is Dan Clark Audio’s patent-pending inline device located between the transducer and ear. AMTS integrates waveguides, diffusion control, quarter-wave, and Helmholtz resonators into one compact structure to eliminate standing waves, dramatically improving system performance.

Diffusion elements reduce standing wave formation while resonators act as both precision and broadband filters to smooth and shape the frequency response from the midrange through the highest frequencies. With AMTS the upshot is high frequencies are rendered with a refreshingly smooth, accurate, and detailed delivery across all genres.

New Voicing

By reducing the emphasis on higher frequencies typical of many electrostatic headphones, VOCE delivered a new take on the electrostatic headphone could sound. With a wider and deeper soundstage, a stronger bottom end and a smoother, richer midrange, Corina delivers a fun yet lifelike tone, with sumptuous vocals, and bass that really kicks. Unlike many electrostatics, Corina is even fun with electronica and rock.

New Driver Fabrication Process

In order to ensure the highest consistency between units, Corina’s 88mm driver is made with a new tensioning system which increases diaphragm tension and uniformity of tension for more consistent, better matched drivers. These drivers are then carefully matched to ensure excellent soundstage and imaging.

Ear Pad Matching

New ear pads have been developed with enhanced ergonomics, including a synthetic suede surface for the face contact, avoiding sweat and “hot spots” common to headphones.

There’s more to ear pads than just their comfort, though. As most listeners know, ear pads can affect the sound of headphones, dramatically.

While drivers can be precision matched ear pads, which involve welding or stitching fabrics and use of foams, have always limited the actual tolerances of the headphone. All Corina new and replacement ear pads are delivered as matched pairs to further tighten the tolerances between the left and right channels and reduce unit to unit variances.

Multiple Comfort Enhancements

Corina utilizes the new self-tensioning headband design from our flagship Stealth and Expanse headphones, for an incredibly comfortable yet hassle-free fit. Paired with the new ear pads and using our signature titanium alloy headband design, Corina is incredibly comfortable to wear.

New Industrial Design

Dan Clark Audio has always taken pride in industrial design and Corina is no exception, with its striking new grey finish and sculpted grill Corina is as much a delight to the eyes as it is to the ears.