In the present day, Marcus critiques the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO, the most recent open-back AMTS-equipped planar magnetic headphones within the firm’s AEON Sequence. They’re priced at $1299.99.
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Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO Evaluate
Abstract
The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO is a wonderful benchmark for open-back planar headphones at this worth level.
It does issues just a little in a different way from the closed-back X, eschewing the widely high-contrast, extra explosive sound of the previous for a smoother, extra agreeable sound signature that pairs with a far wider vary of amplifiers.
Professionals
Wonderful tuning stability that only a few headphone amplifiers will ‘dislike’.
‘Child EXPANSE’ design accents make it stand out greater than the closed again model.
Light-weight and really snug to put on.
Cons
Wants an amplifier with good output energy.
As positive as there’s a Dan Clark Audio closed-back headphone launched, the open-back model isn’t far behind. And that’s exactly the case right here with the closed-back NOIRE X popping out in early 2025, adopted by the brand new NOIRE XO open-back model.
There’s a worth distinction between the 2; they aren’t precise matches. The NOIRE XO retails at $1299.99, which locations it a rung beneath the E3 however a bit above the $999.99 closed-back model.
I discovered the NOIRE X glorious worth, righting among the faults I had from the unique closed-back AEON 2 NOIRE, a pre-AMTS mannequin launched just a few years in the past.
I nonetheless have the even older AEON 2 open-back within the workplace from 2020, so I’m eager to listen to how rather more the NOIRE XO affords over the unique, plus the way it differs from all the opposite NOIREs at present obtainable on this evaluate.
Options
As with the X, the NOIRE XO is a mid-tier planar headphone, however this time it has an open-back acoustic design and incorporates DCA’s AMTS expertise.
Additionally, in step with the X is the improved 62mm x 34mm single-ended planar magnetic driver with the most recent iteration of DCA’s V-Planar Know-how, in addition to the trademark light-weight design options such because the Nitinol headband, padded strain strap, and the teardrop cup type issue.
DCA has but to launch the same open-back model of the E3, so the following step up within the open vary of headphones is the flagship EXPANSE, and fact be informed, its exterior does look just a little like a ‘child EXPANSE’.
The NOIRE XO can also be the primary AEON open-back to incorporate DCA’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, or AMTS expertise, so unique AEON 2 open-back house owners can put away their tuning pads if they’re upgrading.
Now, I’ve gone by way of the technical aspect of AMTS many occasions earlier than, so I’ll skip the inside workings of those extremely programmable honeycomb wedges.
The extra related facet of NOIRE XO AMTS implementation is the declare that it measures virtually true to the Harman Goal Curve from one finish of the Frequency spectrum to the opposite.
Maybe extra so than the NOIRE X due to the shortage of closed cup resonance.
From the assorted measurements I’ve seen and been equipped with, I might say the NOIRE XO comes fairly near reaching that objective, extra so than many different competing headphones.
The NOIRE XO is barely much less environment friendly than the X at 16Ω over 13Ω however in any other case supplies the same sensitivity ranking of SPL of 94 dB/mW. That doubtless means it nonetheless wants a good amplifier to acquire an optimum efficiency.
Design
The NOIRE XO type issue is unmistakably AEON in measurement and form, however the all black end and recessed honeycomb open-back cup plates appear like they’ve been drawn from the flagship EXPANSE.
It doesn’t have fairly the identical body complexity because the EXPANSE cup rings, however the aesthetic is analogous and provides extra character over the shiny black plates of the NOIRE X.
It additionally has a pleasant tactile really feel to it whenever you run your fingers over the cups, and they’re additionally a lot much less fingerprint-friendly than the closed-back model.
The NOIRE XO’s trademark folding articulation is at all times a superb characteristic of the DCA headphone lineup.
It nonetheless amazes me how compact these headphones can get whenever you fold them. I can’t consider a headphone out there at the moment that may scale back its measurement in such a dramatic method.
And it’s a silent system, which means no flex noises or squeaks. A sworn statement to a few of these refined design modifications first seen within the NOIRE X, such because the improved half-gimbal headband joint block, which is thicker and stronger than the older NOIRE model.
Different areas of the NOIRE XO design which have additionally been drawn from the flagships embrace the brand new strain strap system, comparable in some ways to the EXPANSE however simply trimmed down in measurement.
The older AEON 2 collection strap was a skinny development, completely practical, however with much less reminiscence retention and padding, with poorer assist in comparison with the brand new model.
The NOIRE XO strap feels extra premium, with a wider type issue, contoured reminiscence foam, and a branded stitched end on the higher. It feels firmer on the pinnacle than the older design and requires no guide adjustment to appropriate the becoming.
Consolation
As at all times with these AEON type elements, the NOIRE XO match and luxury on my head are glorious. I’ve little or no to complain about right here, as they match my head virtually completely.
They’re just a little heavier than the NOIRE X at 408g over 385g, but it surely’s negligible, and I doubt you’ll discover a distinction when they’re in your head.
What you may discover, nevertheless, is the slight discount in lateral strain from the closed-back model. The NOIRE XO appears to have a lowered stage of pressure within the strain strap, maybe a barely completely different form to the strain strap, giving it a looser really feel on the aspect of my head.
I believe the X model has tighter clamping to extend the isolation efficiency, which isn’t required with the open-back NOIRE XO. This has allowed DCA to lean again on clamping, producing an much more snug carrying expertise.
The NOIRE XO additionally has the brand new, deeper hybrid Alcantara artificial suede and Japanese protein leather-based ear pads first seen on the X. To date, they’ve confirmed to be extra sturdy than the older AEON pads, which suffered from a little bit of reminiscence foam sag and roll over time.
In addition they have a wider contact floor than the older pads and supply a firmer however extra snug really feel on the aspect of my head for longer listening intervals, sans sweat buildup.
Inventory Cable
My NOIRE XO pattern got here with a single ‘Dummer’ cable terminated with legacy hirose connectors and a 4.4mm balanced jack.
You can too change the jack to SE or XLR relying in your desire or improve to the better-performing VIVO model for a further $200-$250, relying on the size of the cable.
The NOIRE XO inventory DUMMER cable is a 6-foot silver-plated OFHC with Kevlar shielding and rubber sheathing and terminated with easy-locking hirose connectors.
It isn’t as flashy because the VIVO’s nylon jacket end, however it’s a light-weight and sturdy cable. The dealing with management is superb with no twisting or reminiscence retention and nil microphonics.
Packaging & Equipment
The NOIRE XO packaging is DCA constant and largely unchanged from the NOIRE X proper all the way down to the NOIRE branding on the entrance of the carry case.
The folding functionality of the NOIRE XO permits DCA to supply a reasonably compact field for transport in comparison with the competitors. That features these dinky little carrying instances they’ve been refining for years now.
The NOIRE X headphones are saved in a compact zipped carry case with simply sufficient house and no extra to maintain the folded headphones securely in place.
Sadly, there’s little room for anything, together with the cable. If there have been a method to combine a cable cover or a recessed compartment within the base of the case, that may be excellent.
Other than some obligatory protecting foam layering contained in the field, the NOIRE XO unboxing is frugal. You get some guarantee leaflets and the cable in a velvet black pouch, and that’s it.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my sound impressions and really useful pairings.
