Dan Clark NOIRE X Headphone Review

[Theriverlethe]

I am using Amir's EQ, with added bass shelf with no issues (Its a small 1.0 DB adjustment with low Q at 30 Hz) used on all of my amps (Element II, Topping A30 Pro and even iFi Uno) but also I do not notice any sound differences with glasses vs. no glasses with the Noire X (thin frame) these aren't big bass monsters, but they produce textured quality bass imo.

OP, do you have the option to use EQ?

I don't think EQ'ing up the bass is a good idea if he's looking for a neutral reference while mixing.

 

[justmusic]

Do you wear glasses?

Yeah, I wear glasses, but I know that glasses might affect the seal, so I take them off when comparing the headphones.

Without glasses, they sound a little better with the upper/mid bass (Definitely improved!), but there have been a couple of times that the sub bass made me almost nauseous with how much power it had. Felt like a vacuum combined with a pressure chamber - the power is there, you just need to find it.

That's so cool. I want to experience that feeling but I can't find in my Noire X. The low end sounds thin and less deep.

OP, do you have the option to use EQ?

Yes, but I could only use EQ in the DAW, with Pro Q4. Honestly, I was hoping to get a pair of headphones with bass that doesn't require much EQ and has a more accurate overall frequency response. That's why I wanted to choose it and replace my R70X. I've been using R70X with EQ for mixing and listening to music, but EQ can introduce phase issues. Therefore, I was looking for a closed-back headphone with bass that doesn't need much adjustment. However, I didn’t expect the bass to be weaker than R70X, so now I’m trying to confirm if my Noire X itself is defective or if this is just how it is.

Thank you.

 

[Theriverlethe]

Here are some thoughts about the EQ.
Please report your findings, positive or negative!

Notes about the EQ design:

• The average L/R is used to calculate the score.
• The resolution is 12 points per octave interpolated from the raw data (provided by @amirm)
• A Genetic Algorithm is used to optimize the EQ.
• The EQ Score is designed to MAXIMIZE the Score WHILE fitting the Harman target curve (and other constrains) with a fixed complexity.
  This will avoid weird results if one only optimizes for the Score, start your journey here or there.
  There is a presentation by S. Olive here.
  It will probably flatten the Error regression doing so, the tonal balance should be therefore more neutral.
• The EQs are starting point and may require tuning (certainly at LF and maybe at HF).
• The range around and above 10kHz is usually not EQed unless smooth enough to do so.
• I am using PEQ (PK) as from my experience the definition is more consistent across different DSP/platform implementations than shelves.
• With some HP/amp combo, the boosts and preamp gain (loss of Dynamic range) need to be carefully considered to avoid issues with, amongst other things, too low a Max SPL or damaging your device. You have beed warned.
• Not all units of the same product are made equal. The EQ is based on the measurements of a single unit. YMMV with regard to the very unit you are trying this EQ on.
• I sometimes use variations of the Harman curve for some reasons. See rational here and here
• NOTE: the score then calculated is not comparable to the scores derived from the default Harman target curve if not otherwise noted.

Good L/R match.

I have generated one EQ, the APO config file is attached.

Score no EQ: 88.1
Score Amirm: 91.9
Score with EQ: 97.7

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I tried this on my Noire X. Not gonna lie, it sounds godawful. Reduces presence and really brings out sibilance I didn't even notice was in the track.

 

[Rayman30]

I tried this on my Noire X. Not gonna lie, it sounds godawful. Reduces presence and really brings out sibilance I didn't even notice was in the track.

I use Amir's EQ, then I add this.

30 Hz (Low Shelf) +4 DB, 1.0 Q
9000 Hz (Peak) -0.5 DB 1.0 Q

Adds some low end, reduces sibilance.

 

[Cyberagent]

Or listen without EQ.

 

[Theriverlethe]

I use Amir's EQ, then I add this.

30 Hz (Low Shelf) +4 DB, 1.0 Q
9000 Hz (Peak) -0.5 DB 1.0 Q

Adds some low end, reduces sibilance.

Some low end?!? We're already tracking slightly above Harman here.

 

[Rayman30]

Some low end?!? We're already tracking slightly above Harman here.

When comparing my Noire X to my 2021 LCD-X (Amir’s EQ) the difference in bass output is massive, even with my added bass shelf to the Noire X it doesn’t output as much bass, could be my head shape im not sure.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

I really liked the Noire x. But in direct comparison with the HE6SE, it suddenly sounded inhibited and powerless

 

[Theriverlethe]

When comparing my Noire X to my 2021 LCD-X (Amir’s EQ) the difference in bass output is massive, even with my added bass shelf to the Noire X it doesn’t output as much bass, could be my head shape im not sure.

I'm wondering if the giant Audeze and Hifiman resonant cavities invalidate the Harman curve by leading to more bone conduction. Noire X sounds pretty neutral to me but obviously there's very little bass physicality from headphones.

 

[Theriverlethe]

I really liked the Noire x. But in direct comparison with the HE6SE, it suddenly sounded inhibited and powerless

Were they volume-matched? HE6SE tracks 5dB below Harman curve in the bass, with a midrange elevation, upper midrange recess and significant treble spike.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

Yes, the He6se were on Harman Target

 

[Rayman30]

Unfortunately it seems like my unit has a slight channel imbalance on the right channel. I did order them open box, but noticed a slight disturbance where the image was not coherent and not on center line, I used a DB meter on my iPhone (Not very scientific I know) but I tried placing the microphone side down on the driver, and used a pink and white noise generator off the internet to show a +1DB Increase on the right side. Using this same crude method, I tested my Audeze and Sennheiser and they were matched. No matter what angle, different amps, switching the cable around, I consistently get +1DB increase on the right channel.

I reached out to the seller, who said they are out of stock. I got a great deal, $780 or so, but the options they provided me was I can either send it to DCA for repair, or an outright return. Gotta say, I am a bit disappointed, but I need to figure out which option is better.

 

[Robbo99999]

Unfortunately it seems like my unit has a slight channel imbalance on the right channel. I did order them open box, but noticed a slight disturbance where the image was not coherent and not on center line, I used a DB meter on my iPhone (Not very scientific I know) but I tried placing the microphone side down on the driver, and used a pink and white noise generator off the internet to show a +1DB Increase on the right side. Using this same crude method, I tested my Audeze and Sennheiser and they were matched. No matter what angle, different amps, switching the cable around, I consistently get +1DB increase on the right channel.

I reached out to the seller, who said they are out of stock. I got a great deal, $780 or so, but the options they provided me was I can either send it to DCA for repair, or an outright return. Gotta say, I am a bit disappointed, but I need to figure out which option is better.

That's a pity. The good thing is that now you've quantified the channel imbalance you could crudely fix it by bringing the right channel down by 1dB. Yes, it doesn't fix the imbalance that might not be even through the whole frequency response, because maybe just some parts of the frequency response are showing an imbalance, but I suppose it would at least average out the overall loudness to be equal in both cups. But yeah, you don't want this happening in expensive high quality headphones!

 

[Rayman30]

That's a pity. The good thing is that now you've quantified the channel imbalance you could crudely fix it by bringing the right channel down by 1dB. Yes, it doesn't fix the imbalance that might not be even through the whole frequency response, because maybe just some parts of the frequency response are showing an imbalance, but I suppose it would at least average out the overall loudness to be equal in both cups. But yeah, you don't want this happening in expensive high quality headphones!

It happens, it seems more prone to occur with boutique planar headphones. I originally purchased my Noire X from Gramophone on Amazon, I have purchased other sets from them and their customer service has been amazing. I was able to snag the Noire X for $778 open box, having returned a Focal Azurys (Did not care at all for that one) Gramophone offered 2 options since they were out of stock 1. Return the headphones or 2. Contact DCA. I did not want to burden them anymore, so I contacted DCA which gave me a prepaid mailer, I went ahead and shipped them out today.

 

[Robbo99999]

It happens, it seems more prone to occur with boutique planar headphones. I originally purchased my Noire X from Gramophone on Amazon, I have purchased other sets from them and their customer service has been amazing. I was able to snag the Noire X for $778 open box, having returned a Focal Azurys (Did not care at all for that one) Gramophone offered 2 options since they were out of stock 1. Return the headphones or 2. Contact DCA. I did not want to burden them anymore, so I contacted DCA which gave me a prepaid mailer, I went ahead and shipped them out today.

Good good.

 

[zerolight]

Does the Apogee Duet 3 deliver enough power to drive the Noire X? I use the Apogee as my recording interface, and it would be nice not to need an additional amp in the mix when I flip from using my 880pros when playing guitar to the Noire X (or something else) when simply listening to music.

 

[solderdude]

Does the Apogee Duet 3 deliver enough power to drive the Noire X? I use the Apogee as my recording interface, and it would be nice not to need an additional amp in the mix when I flip from using my 880pros when playing guitar to the Noire X (or something else) when simply listening to music.

Alas ... Apogee does not publish any specs that will tell you anything about the output power in such unusually low impedance (13 ohm) headphones.
I also could not find independent measurements nor was this info in the Julian Krause charts.

The Duet 3 has no problem driving high impedance headphones like the DT880 but low impedance ones might not be well suited.

Going of specs from the Boom the max. output current may well be around 90mA so around 100mW in 13ohm.
With an efficiency of 84dB/mW this means you could potentially reach 102dB peaks. (so 80-90dB average depending on the DR rating)

 

[zerolight]

Alas ... Apogee does not publish any specs that will tell you anything about the output power in such unusually low impedance (13 ohm) headphones.
I also could not find independent measurements nor was this info in the Julian Krause charts.

The Duet 3 has no problem driving high impedance headphones like the DT880 but low impedance ones might not be well suited.

Going of specs from the Boom the max. output current may well be around 90mA so around 100mW in 13ohm.
With an efficiency of 84dB/mW this means you could potentially reach 102dB peaks. (so 80-90dB average depending on the DR rating)

Thanks. I had a Boom before and the Duet 3 seems to have more power, it's certainly got higher dynamic range on its inputs. But I guess (if I buy a pair) I need to budget for a cheap amp like one of those from Schiit to feed from the Apogee. I didn't love the Aeon X (open or closed) but that too could have been an amp issue (I can't recall what interface they were connected to - probably the Boom).

 

[solderdude]

The duet can supply a higher output voltage in high imp. headphones.
Hard to predict how it will work with low imp. headphones.

 

[archerious]

Thanks for the nice review, Amir!

A couple of things to note about the headphone:

1) There are new ear pads, with an Alcantara suede finish on the contact surface for improved comfort
2) NOIRE X includes our self-tensioning headband
3) Ear pads are enhanced to reduce potential for foam rolling, to extend usable pad life and enhance comfort
4) Numerous driver updates to improve consistency and performance

I thought it'd also be interesting to post some results from the 5128, with the diffuse-field and Harman EQ points used as a "Harman-style" reference. I will publish a larger post with analysis and commentary comparing the GRAS and 5128 later. The target curve in the 5128 measurement was derived by applying Harman Curve EQ points to the B&K diffuse field compensation curve. It is interesting to note just how close the NOIRE X fits this curve, and also where there are some real differences relative to the GRAS in measured results. There are interesting implications for this in setting EQ, which I'll discuss in the technical post.

View attachment 409763

For a different view on THD I thought people might enjoy this, measured 85dB @1KHz on the GRAS. Note at 4KHz THD goes as low as 0.006%!

View attachment 409764

Lastly, here's a beauty shot for those who like these...

View attachment 409765

Is it true that the earpads on DCA use double-sided adhesive tape?

I ask because I often change my earpads every year, but I worry about messing up the double-sided adhesive.