Dan Clark Audio AEON RT Review (closed headphone)

[ririt]

The Qudelix 5K has a max power of 85 mW at 33 Ohm via its balanced input. I recall your team preferred the Btr 5 I’m not sure what the max power at 33 Ohm is for it.

Sorry,but according the test performed by Amir, 85 mW seems to be the power at 33 Ohms power via its unbalanced input (high gain). Balanced input seems to be about 230mW...

 

[Fish17]

Sorry,but according the test performed by Amir, 85 mW seems to be the power at 33 Ohms power via its unbalanced input (high gain). Balanced input seems to be about 230mW...

That’s much better than 85 mW I thought I was in the balanced section! I’ll update my post based on the specs the BTR has a similar 240 mW.

 

[ririt]

That’s much better than 85 mW I thought I was in the balanced section! I’ll update my post based on the specs the BTR has a similar 240 mW.

Now the question is: are 240mW sufficient for the Aeon closed heaphones?

 

[Fish17]

Now the question is: are 240mW sufficient for the Aeon closed heaphones?

Hopefully @Dan Clark gets back to you. I think it’s fantastic that the creator of these is part of this community! Definitely says a lot about his company.

I know Dan mentioned this is a previous post on this forum, when they tested the Aeons the BTR5 was preferred by everyone so I’m inclined to think yes.

 

[Dan Clark]

The Qudelix 5K has a max power of 210 mW at 33 Ohm via its balanced input. I recall your team preferred the Btr 5 which is 240 mW. I also recall you mentioning your tests did not include the 5K.

EDIT: Updated based on Ririt’s feedback and my incorrect reading of Amir’s tests lol.

We haven't tested the Qualix but I really liked the little BTR5, and running lossless in DAC mode it was a real solid bang for the buck.

 

[Dan Clark]

Now the question is: are 240mW sufficient for the Aeon closed heaphones?

It was for me, but I very rarely go over 85dB for more than a couple of minutes as I wish to keep my hearing... If you practice safe-listening levels it's more than enough, including some overhead to turn it up (within reason for a small device like this).

 

[ririt]

It was for me, but I very rarely go over 85dB for more than a couple of minutes as I wish to keep my hearing... If you practice safe-listening levels it's more than enough, including some overhead to turn it up (within reason for a small device like this).

Thanks Dan Clark for this feedback, it is really convincing! I do not intend to lose my ears in the coming months!

 

[SeaNNyT]

How do these or the Aeon 2 Closed compare to say the Ananda and LCD2f in technical capabilities? Two of the higher end planars I have tried, but didn't keep due to weight and comfort issues. I really want planar, but lighter than what Audeze offers. I also just want something that can really do detail and resolution on those two planars levels. Dynamics just don't wow me as much after hearing solid planar speed. Tonality isn't really a concern either as I software EQ, which is why I still considered the LCD2f good.

 

[pwjazz]

I wear glasses too. There's a simple trick I use that works fine with reading/desk glasses: I put the headphones on first and tuck the arms into the very top of the ear pad, allowing the ear pad to seal. There's a small angle to the glasses but not enough to affect function for me.

Thanks! BTW, the industrial design of your headphones is top notch, it puts most of the stuff from the big name outfits to shame. I've toyed with building my own headphones in small quantities, and finding a good balance between durability, aesthetics and weight, while keeping parts cost reasonable, is no joke. Hats off to you!

 

[j^j=e^-pi/2]

@Dan Clark : What's the lead time? Might want to order a set.

 

[SonicallyDeaF]

Hey guys, can someone please confirm if the liquid spark amp can and will sufficiently power the DCA Aeon RT. Thanks in advance!

 

[ririt]

Hey guys, can someone please confirm if the liquid spark amp can and will sufficiently power the DCA Aeon RT. Thanks in advance!

See below the review made by Amir about the Liquid Spark.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...of-monoprice-liquid-spark-headphone-amp.5224/
It should be fine to drive the Aeon RT!

 

[Veri]

See below the review made by Amir about the Liquid Spark.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...of-monoprice-liquid-spark-headphone-amp.5224/
It should be fine to drive the Aeon RT!

Might drive it into distortion if you listen really loud though. The Aeons are a rough load.

 

[ririt]

Might drive it into distortion if you listen really loud though. The Aeons are a rough load.

Interesting comment. What would be your recommendation as the « ideal » headphone amp for the Aeon RT?

 

[Veri]

Interesting comment. What would be your recommendation as the « ideal » headphone amp for the Aeon RT?

I'd prefer a true solid state solution like magni heresy, atom or L30, in that order of power delivery. A THX 789/887 should be very good, too.

 

[Music1969]

Interesting comment. What would be your recommendation as the « ideal » headphone amp for the Aeon RT?

SMSL SH-9 for any headphone I'd say.

No channel imbalance.

 

[Dan Clark]

@Dan Clark : What's the lead time? Might want to order a set.

We're in stock so it's usually just a day or two. We *finally* caught up to orders...

 

[SonicallyDeaF]

Might drive it into distortion if you listen really loud though. The Aeons are a rough load.

See, that is what I was thinking. LS could probably power the cans, but not really reach it's full potential.

 

[SonicallyDeaF]

SMSL SH-9 for any headphone I'd say.

No channel imbalance.

I was looking at the sh-8, do you think that will suffice?

 

[RHO]

Still haven't found a conclusive answer to this: Are these (DROP Aeon closed X)the same or ar they a different product?