DAN CLARK AUDIO NOIRE XO HEADPHONES REVIEW
Dan Clark Audio Noire XO Headphones are an open-backed version of the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X that HiFi PiG has reviewed in the past. They use the well-regarded Harman Curve EQ and cost £1299. Ocar Stewart takes a listen for HiFi PiG.
About 8 months ago, I had the chance to review the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X – a brilliant closed-back headphone that redefined what headphones at that price point can do. Fast forward to now, and Dan Clark Audio recently released the new NOIRE XO, an open-back follow-up to the closed-back X (and an update of the AEON 2 Open). Coming in at £1299 they are a little bit more expensive than their closed-back counterpart; however, they aim to follow the much-lauded Harman Curve very closely, meaning they should be quite versatile.
BUILD QUALITY AND FEATURES OF THE DAN CLARK AUDIO NOIRE XO
Much like the NOIRE X, the XO version is very well built with the same core build quality: a metal headband and hinges with 3D printed open grilles, plastic trim, and a metal main chassis. The earpads are made from synthetic leather with a synthetic suede material on the contact face to help keep them feeling cool whilst in use. Dan Clark Audio have stuck with their usual Hirose-style connectors on these; they provide a solid connection, and the stock DUMMER cable is flexible and comfortable in use (supplied with a 4.4mm balanced connector here).
I have mentioned it in a few reviews, however, I will say it again; I really do love self-adjusting comfort strap headbands for overall comfort; they just work for me and many others without creating a hot spot on the top of your head (yes, I’m looking at you Focal). The weight, excellent headband, spacious and comfortable earpads, and flexible cable all amount to a headphone that is easy to wear for hours on end, even during the heat wave that the UK is experiencing.
Overall, the NOIRE XO is very well made, features replaceable parts, and comes with a small carry case that is perfect for storing them when not in use. These headphones fold up quite small, but the open-back nature of them does mean that they are not ideal for travelling. Still, they are easily transportable, which means you can have a fantastic headphone rig for business trips or holidays.
Feature-wise you get Dan Clark’s proprietary AMTS (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System) built in, which helps shape the frequency response and eliminates high-frequency standing waves. In theory, this delivers a clearer treble response that is more natural and less fatiguing – something I did find worked well in the NOIRE X. They also use their latest V-Planar driver tech, which features a more rigid and knurled diaphragm for improved bass response, dynamics, and lower distortion.
In terms of amplification required, these are a 16-ohm headphone with only 94dB/mW sensitivity – these are quite inefficient and will benefit from a desktop source with good output power. I will note that the Fiio M15S in desktop mode did a good job at powering them, though (it does pump out 1200mW in that mode to be fair).
SOUND QUALITY
I’ve run these in for a few days as they were brand new when I received them – I know run-in can be a little controversial, however, after a few hours of playing, the sound did open up a bit in my opinion. They have been used with my main reference rig for this review, the iFi iCAN Phantom via its 4.4mm output, paired with an S.M.S.L D6s DAC. I have also used them out of the iFi NEO Stream > USB > NEO iDSD 2 > NOIRE XO and Fiio M15S (desktop mode) > NOIRE XO. Much like the NOIRE X. These do work best with desktop devices; however, they can be driven by more powerful DAPs and portable DAC/amps.
I think the first thing that stands out on the NOIRE XO is just how well balanced they sound. I am aware that the Harman curve will not be everyone’s preferred signature; however, it is a good base point from which you can tune the sound via EQ should you wish to do so. For those that do like the Harman curve, these are a brilliantly tuned headphone that has a slight sub-bass lift and a little added energy in the lower treble that makes them sound quite engaging and full.
Let’s start with The Appleseed Cast’s Strings. The NOIRE XO deliver an excellent sense of space during the quieter intro, the vocals and guitars are clean and clear whilst not being particularly forward. These are not a mid-forward sounding headphone, and when the drums kick in, you get snappy snares and well extended cymbals without any harshness. I do find this tuning to be slightly U-shaped, where the midrange is smooth and detailed without drawing attention to itself. The bass is exceptionally articulate, though, and can provide good punch when called for, whilst the treble is impressively airy without nasty peaks.
Moving on to Nine Inch Nails and the track Hurt, an iconic track that has impact and punch. You can hear all the subtle layering in this track through the NOIRE XO. This is such a brilliant song, and these headphones deliver it in all its raw, emotional, industrial glory. The glitches in the verses and the big hits in the chorus are all portrayed with utmost control, without lacking body or fullness. Nothing becomes congested; there is always a sense of air and space to the sound.
Ben Ottewell’s Steal Away is a lovely acoustic-based track that has quite a prominent bass beat in the background, well, it is quite prominent on these headphones, which does go to demonstrate where the Harman curve adds a little more flavour over a more studio-oriented tuning. Luckily, this bass beat doesn’t drown out the finer details, and the guitar and vocals still cut through the mix with effortless detail and natural tonality. One thing that I found with the NOIRE X, and it’s evident here too, is that these are not headphones that have any “tricks” that stand out when listening to them. This can sometimes make them come across as a little bit boring, as they do everything very well, yet it’s the opposite. These are not headphones that are trying to impress you; instead, they give you a well-balanced and technically capable sound that is equally happy playing metal as they are playing jazz. They give you more of the music and less of the headphones, in many ways.
At first listen, some might be inclined to write them off as boring, don’t, give them some time and they will shine. Creeper by Teenage Sacrifice is a theatrical rock track with a groovy beat that is captured with great accuracy through these. The grungy bass line is tactile, whilst the driving drums come in with great impact. Will’s vocals soar with grace, and the whole track is delivered with poise and clarity. These are not the most energetic or engaging headphones, but they will give you plenty of insight into the recording, though, and you will hear things in tracks you haven’t noticed before.
The NOIRE XO are quite a revealing headphone, and thus, the recording quality will be highlighted, put on Opeth’s A Story Never Told, and you get this huge sound that has excellent clarity and body throughout. Nothing is amiss here, everything is laid out in its correct place within the soundstage, beautifully crisp treble that extends smoothly, articulate, and full bass, clear vocals and the orchestra in the background gives this an extra level of wow. The recording quality is simply stunning, and these headphones make sure to harness that into a presentation that sounds truly special.
QUIBBLES
Whilst this is by no means a true quibble, the Harman curve is quite a safe tuning, and these may not impress everyone. They are headphones that require some time spent with them to understand their tuning and delivery.
CONCLUSION
Much like the NOIRE X, I have come to the same conclusion with the NOIRE XO; they are headphones that have no glaring flaws, nothing on them is out of place or wrong, and they offer up a hell of a lot of sound for the price. The caveat being that the Harman curve may not be to everyone’s taste. They have a clear, balanced, and distortion-free sound that never struggles, no matter what genre you throw at them.
If you spend some time appreciating what they do, it is easy to understand why this particular tuning is popular for most people. These are easy-to-enjoy headphones that offer up a well-balanced sound and intricate technicalities with an open and spacious presentation, for a reasonable price, an easy recommendation from me.
AT A GLANCE
Build Quality And Features:
Solid build with premium materials and replaceable parts
Some cool tech internally to help with the sound quality
Sound Quality:
Well balanced, very closely tracking the Harman curve
Punchy, airy, detailed
Value For Money:
You get a lot of high-quality sound and excellent build quality for the money
We Loved:
The overall package of build and sound for the money
We Didn’t Love So Much:
The Harman curve might not be to everyone’s taste
Elevator Pitch Review: If you want a headphone with a high level of technical proficiency wrapped up in a relatively safe and easy-to-enjoy sound signature, these are well worth a demo. They really do give you excellent sound for the money, and they are comfortable and well-built too. I have really enjoyed my time with these headphones and they would make a great addition to many people’s headphone collection.
Price: £1299
Oscar Stewart
SUPPLIED SPECIFICATION
- Weight – 408g
- Efficiency – 94 dB/mW
- Impedance – 16Ω
- Recommended Power Output – Minimum 250mW
