Dan Clark Audio continues its legacy of high-end audiophile innovation with the Noire XO, a stunning open-back planar magnetic headphone that builds upon the highly regarded Noire X closed-back model. Retailing at $1,299, the Noire XO delivers reference-level sound in a lightweight, ergonomic design crafted for both studio and home listening. As the open-back counterpart to the Noire X, the Noire XO keeps many of the same technical elements while expanding its soundstage and acoustic presence. Let’s dive into what makes the Noire XO a standout addition to the Dan Clark Audio headphone lineup.
What’s in the Box
- Dan Clark Audio Noire XO Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
- Alcantara Synthetic Suede Earpads (Pre-installed)
- Detachable Cable (Termination options: 1/4″, 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, or 4-pin XLR)
- Premium Carrying Case
- Cleaning Cloth
- User Manual
- Manufacturer Warranty
Design & Build Quality
The Noire XO shares the sleek, black-on-black aesthetic of the Noire X, but with the enhanced airflow and acoustic transparency of an open-back grille design. It sports the same lightweight, collapsible frame that makes Dan Clark headphones ideal for portable hi-fi setups. The newly updated Alcantara earpads offer improved heat dissipation and moisture control, extending comfort during extended listening sessions.
These earpads are cross-compatible with other DCA headphones, including the AEON 2 Noire, AEON RT Closed, and AEON Closed, making them a versatile upgrade for loyal Dan Clark fans. The ergonomic teardrop-shaped cups and self-adjusting headband ensure a snug, fatigue-free fit without any fiddling.
Connectivity & Cables
The Noire XO gives users flexible connectivity options with multiple termination choices. Whether you prefer 3.5mm with a 6.35mm adapter, 4.4mm balanced, or 4-pin XLR, the Noire XO integrates easily into any audiophile setup. You can also choose between the DUMMER cable or upgrade to the premium VIVO cable, which increases the overall price to $1,499. Regardless of your DAC/amp setup, the Noire XO is easy to drive, even with moderately powered sources.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 408g
- Efficiency: ~94 dB/mW
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Recommended Power Output: Minimum 250mW
Sound Quality Review
Soundstage & Imaging
For a headphone in the audiophile open-back category, the Noire XO delivers a soundstage that emphasizes depth and height over extreme width. While it doesn’t deliver the ultra-wide staging found in some flagship planar models like the HIFIMAN Arya or Sennheiser HD 800S, it compensates with a realistic stereo field that feels immersive and three-dimensional. Instruments are placed with spatial precision, aided by Dan Clark’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)—a proprietary tech that filters and shapes high frequencies to avoid resonance peaks and harshness.
The imaging capabilities of the Noire XO are especially noticeable in orchestral works and live recordings. Horns appear set back and to the side, strings feel suspended in mid-air, and vocalists are centered without artificial forwardness. Panning effects and environmental reflections are faithfully rendered, making it easy to visualize recording spaces or mix layouts. Layering is handled with maturity: even dense tracks don’t collapse into a wall of sound.
For audiophiles seeking a headphone that emphasizes natural instrument placement, spatial cues, and immersive imaging without exaggerated staging tricks, the Noire XO excels.
Bass Response
Bass on the Noire XO is tuned for definition over dominance. Sub-bass extension is present but doesn’t exhibit the rumble or pressure that bass-heavy open-back headphones like the Audeze LCD-X or Meze Empyrean offer. Instead, what you get is a clean, articulate low-end that excels at retaining tone color and texture, especially on acoustic instruments, upright bass, and well-recorded kick drums.
There’s subtle emphasis around the upper bass and lower midrange that adds warmth without congestion. This tuning choice gives body to male vocals and stringed instruments, but stays respectful of the headphone’s reference intent. Tracks like Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You out of My Head” or Nothing But Thieves’ “Sorry” reveal nuanced control in low-frequency transients, especially during fast decays.
That said, the Noire XO isn’t meant to thump—it’s tuned for bass accuracy and realism, making it ideal for jazz, classical, and alternative genres that prioritize dynamics and tonal purity over weight.
Midrange Clarity
The midrange is arguably the Noire XO’s most impressive attribute. It’s where Dan Clark Audio typically shines, and this model is no exception. The midband is neutral but rich, with excellent resolution and separation. There’s no unnatural scoop or bump—just a lifelike rendering of vocals, strings, and complex harmonics.
On tracks with layered vocal arrangements, like Fleet Foxes or Mother Mother, every harmony sits in its own pocket. Guitars feel tangibly textured, and synth patches retain their modulation without smear or grain. Percussive hits in the midrange, such as tom drums or congas, exhibit clean transient edges followed by well-behaved decays.
Whether you’re listening to studio mixes, live performances, or acoustic demos, the Noire XO gives you a front-row seat with just enough analytical sharpness to dissect each element. This makes it particularly suitable for mixing, mastering, or vocal tracking, while still delivering enough musicality for casual hi-fi enjoyment.
Treble Extension
The high frequencies on the Noire XO offer a great example of how detailed treble can be smooth without being dull. Thanks to the AMTS architecture, which uses waveguides and resonance control to tame peaks, the treble avoids fatigue while retaining upper harmonic energy. This becomes particularly evident in acoustic and ambient genres, where cymbals, reverb tails, and high-register strings sound ethereal rather than brittle.
There’s a slight lift in the air region (~10kHz and up), which adds sparkle and perceived spaciousness, but the overall tuning avoids the harsh peaks that can plague planar magnetic designs. Treble-heavy genres like classical and folk benefit from this approach, letting violins and flutes soar without sounding etched.
Still, some ultra-bright recordings—especially compressed digital masters—may not “open up” fully, hinting at a limitation in top-end headroom. But this also contributes to the XO’s fatigue-free character, making it a reliable daily driver for long sessions.
Final Thoughts
The Dan Clark Audio Noire XO is a refined, open-back planar magnetic headphone that strikes a thoughtful balance between musicality and reference-grade accuracy. Its lightweight design, customizable cable options, and elegant tuning make it a compelling choice for discerning listeners who value both technical performance and luxurious comfort.
Whether you’re a professional audio engineer or an audiophile looking to step up your game, the Noire XO deserves a place in your collection.
The Dan Clark Noire XO is available today at Audio46.
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