Dan Clark NOIRE XO Headphone Review

[staticV3]

In what circumstances is this better than the X?

Whenever you have a quiet listening environment and don't need noise isolation.

 

[Psycher1]

Can you consider adding a "Glasses" test to see how those might affect headphones? I have some of their cheaper closed backs but I have found that glasses (and my long hair) significantly affect bass response. If I take the time to ensure they really seal, it sounds like a completely different headphone. Open back won't have the same problem, but for what it's worth, data is still data and I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one to appreciate this.

 

[amirm]

Can you consider adding a "Glasses" test to see how those might affect headphones?

I don't know how to create a repeatable and defensible test for it. As is, it is hard to get a headphone seated on the stand properly. Adding glasses would really complicate this. That said, I do realize the need is there so will think about it.

 

[sharock]

HD800s (with Maiky76's EQ) vs DCA XO?

 

[Chagall]

HD800s (with Maiky76's EQ) vs DCA XO?

If HD800s is EQed and XO isn't, I would bet on the headphone with EQ.

 

[Phenoez8]

I have been using my noire x and it's the best headphone I have ever bought. I'm sure this is great too.

 

[patoulol]

When you look at the price point of the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet, I have a hard time understanding the positioning of this new release DanClark

 

[Chagall]

When you look at the price point of the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet, I have a hard time understanding the positioning of this new release DanClark

And what was the price of Arya Stealth at release?...$1599? A year ago, it was $1000.

Compared to the new Arya Unvailed $1500, DCA XO is positioned correctly IMO. And that's not to say that it's not expensive.

 

[patoulol]

And what was the price of Arya Stealth at release?...$1599? A year ago, it was $1000.

Compared to the new Arya Unvailed $1500, DCA XO is positioned correctly IMO. And that's not to say that it's not expensive.

I had forgotten this detail, yes you are right

 

[375HP2482]

@Dan Clark wrote it here:

Dan Clark NOIRE XO Headphone Review

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the Dan Clark NOIRE XO headphone. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $1,299. The mesh on the sides and general material feel is excellent and embue a feeling of luxury. The cups are slightly more compact than my everyday...

audiosciencereview.com

I don't know how DMS got such low impedance values - below 8 ohms. Maybe it's just the wrong ohm labels (overlay mistake) because the plot looks the same as Amir's.

View attachment 450442

This has to be one of the lowest measured impedances I've seen for headphones. And likely a challenge for most of the headphone amplifiers I've seen reviewed here.

 

[Salt]

This has to be one of the lowest measured impedances I've seen for headphones. And likely a challenge for most of the headphone amplifiers I've seen reviewed here.

Simply plug into a power amp output

 

[Ahmonge]

This has to be one of the lowest measured impedances I've seen for headphones. And likely a challenge for most of the headphone amplifiers I've seen reviewed here.

My A2N has 13 Ohms and runs happily with my Fiio K5 Pro and Topping A30 Pro.

 

[Dan Clark]

This has to be one of the lowest measured impedances I've seen for headphones. And likely a challenge for most of the headphone amplifiers I've seen reviewed here.

All of our aeon line have been in this range for 8 years. Most modern amps are just fine with it, the biggest effect is daps where the number capable of driving to higher spls is limited in number.

 

[375HP2482]

^^ Back in the day I had a pair of 600-ohm Koss Pro 4As. Wired them directly to the power amp, no problem.

 

[Jeromeof]

I had the pleasure of chatting to Dan and Andy Regan at Munich High end and during a relatively quiet period, I listened to both the Noire X and the XO. If people get the opportunity it's worth trying both. I think its very interesting as they both measure similar but the open / closed contrast makes a huge difference (at least to me).

The XO especially, I thought was very impressive with the level of "controlled bass" i.e. impressive bass for an open back and not boomy.

 

[xanalog]

Frequency Response: We do not publish this because no standard exists for what this actually means and far too many vendors simply publish absurd numbers in a spec game. We don't.

Kudos for such an honest response from a manufacturer.
I commend you, Sir.

 

[ShiZo]

I wouldn't buy it because of the glued pads

The E3 has magnetic cups

 

[d2k5000]

The E3 has magnetic cups

If you mean that the E3 has magnetically attached ear pads, then I am pretty sure that this is incorrect. The pads are removable and replaceable, but they are held in place by adhesive.

 

[ShiZo]

If you mean that the E3 has magnetically attached ear pads, then I am pretty sure that this is incorrect. The pads are removable and replaceable, but they are held in place by adhesive.

Oh shit, thanks for the heads up

 

[Albert Dagger]

I had the pleasure of chatting to Dan and Andy Regan at Munich High end and during a relatively quiet period, I listened to both the Noire X and the XO. If people get the opportunity it's worth trying both. I think its very interesting as they both measure similar but the open / closed contrast makes a huge difference (at least to me).

The XO especially, I thought was very impressive with the level of "controlled bass" i.e. impressive bass for an open back and not boomy.
View attachment 451399

Unfortunately, we don’t have the option to try these in Melbourne, as the closest store is in Sydney. I have no plans to travel to Sydney in the next few months. I almost bought the Noire X last month, but then the Noire XO came out, and I think I have to go for this one. My headphones for home listening have been the HD600 for at least 10 years, so I’d likely prefer another open design. On the go I listen to IEM, in the office I don't listen to music, or I listen on speakers.