Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X Closed-Back Headphones

[VSG]

Dan Clark Audio shakes up the premium closed-back headphones market with the NOIRE X, bringing the brand's patented AMTS technology in its most affordable entry yet. The NOIRE X also uses the same, excellent industrial design from the far more expensive E3, and gives you a good execution of the Harman Over-Ear tonality for the money.

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[Space Lynx]

Interesting, this has me really intrigued. Wish stores demoed headphones more, would love to hear Arya Organic vs this headphone side by side.

 

[alwayssts]

Interesting, this has me really intrigued. Wish stores demoed headphones more, would love to hear Arya Organic vs this headphone side by side.

I'm with you there, but man...$1000.

I still think you can't go wrong with a XS and something that has a decent EQ and simply be happy. If you sprung for an Arya O, more power to you. I'm sure they are very nice!

I bought Qudelix-5k and some velcro. My setup is XS->dual 2.5->balanced 3.5 input (for 2v) on Qudelix and generally use BT; sometimes not.
Used these settings (which are a riff on Oratory's that are in AutoEQ, which has it's database built into and loadable on the Qudelix).
I don't know if you use something like that on your Arya, but I'd suggest it.
To me the sound signature is likely *very close* to what you see on these phones...Which I agree is pretty much what many people want (imo).

I seriously challenge someone to do *something* like that (maybe with an amp that uses a little more power than the Qudelix, at least at 1v) and not be fully happy.
It doesn't cost $1000+ to have a very nice setup these days. Rather like $400. The XS are such a ridiculous steal that literally anyone and everyone should buy them just to try them, if nothing else.
If you feel the compulsion to upgrade phones after that (I *always* have before, and I don't...now focused on amps) I think you likely have a "problem" (which is also fine...People need to have a hobby).

 

[Space Lynx]

I'm with you there, but man...$2000.

I still think you can't go wrong with a XS and something that has a decent EQ and simply be happy. If you sprung for an Arya O, more power to you. I'm sure they are very nice!

I bought Qudelix-5k and some velcro. My setup is XS->dual 2.5->balanced 3.5 input (for 2v) on Qudelix and generally use BT; sometimes not.
Used these settings (which are a riff on Oratory's that are in AutoEQ, which has it's database built into and loadable on the Qudelix).
I don't know if you use something like that on your Arya, but I'd suggest it.
To me the sound signature is likely *very close* to what you see on these phones...Which I agree is pretty much what many people want (imo).

I seriously challenge someone to do *something* like that (maybe with an amp that uses a little more power than the Qudelix, at least at 1v) and not be fully happy.
It doesn't cost $2000 to have a very nice setup these days. Rather like $400. The XS are such a ridiculous steal that literally anyone and everyone should buy them just to try them, if nothing else.
If you feel the compulsion to upgrade phones after that (I *always* have before, and I don't...now focused on amps) I think you likely have a "problem" (which is also fine...People need to have a hobby).

Where did you get $2000? The review said $999, which isn't bad if they really compete with high end hifiman's.

 

[alwayssts]

Where did you get $2000? The review said $999, which isn't bad if they really compete with high end hifiman's.

Skimmed the article too fast (where he said the '$2000 category'). Will fix but did make that mistake. My bad.

 

[evernessince]

I've had a pair of E3s and Noire Xs and I'm really impressed with the spatial qualities of both headphones. The best all around package that I've gotten a chance to use thus far.

I agree with the comparison in this review of the audio qualities. E3 has better bass extension into the lower frequencies and more bass impact. To me the soundstage is larger on the E3s and slightly more refined as well. I feel like the E3 has a more balanced presentation, to my ears upper mid instruments on the Noire X tended to sound a bit drowned out.

IMO the E3s aremore comfortable as well, despite being heavier. The Noire X headstrap would start feeling uncomfortable after about 1 and 1/2 hours. Luckily there is someone that sells aftermarket headbands that works with all DCA headphones using the new strap design that is extremely comfortable.

I personally do run into issues where my ear touches the meta-material causing discomfort but it was a lot worse on the Noire X than it is on the E3. It may be something to consider if you are like me coming from a Aeon 2 assuming it will accomodate the same people. Aeon 2 is still by far the most comfortable headphone I've ever used (and that also applies to it's siblings the Aeon 2 noire and the original Aeon and it's variants).

Honestly I'm using my Aeon 2s most of the time as any discomfort is just not really appealing when you have what feels like weightless pillows in the form of the Aeon 2s.

I'm with you there, but man...$2000.

I still think you can't go wrong with a XS and something that has a decent EQ and simply be happy. If you sprung for an Arya O, more power to you. I'm sure they are very nice!

I bought Qudelix-5k and some velcro. My setup is XS->dual 2.5->balanced 3.5 input (for 2v) on Qudelix and generally use BT; sometimes not.
Used these settings (which are a riff on Oratory's that are in AutoEQ, which has it's database built into and loadable on the Qudelix).
I don't know if you use something like that on your Arya, but I'd suggest it.
To me the sound signature is likely *very close* to what you see on these phones...Which I agree is pretty much what many people want (imo).

I seriously challenge someone to do *something* like that (maybe with an amp that uses a little more power than the Qudelix, at least at 1v) and not be fully happy.
It doesn't cost $2000 to have a very nice setup these days. Rather like $400. The XS are such a ridiculous steal that literally anyone and everyone should buy them just to try them, if nothing else.
If you feel the compulsion to upgrade phones after that (I *always* have before, and I don't...now focused on amps) I think you likely have a "problem" (which is also fine...People need to have a hobby).

Hifiman edition XS are open back, they are targeted at a different market. Closed back provide the benefit of isolation from exterior noises, which lowers the noise floor.

You can't EQ what the meta-material does, standing waves will still be there unless you reduce Db to 0 (aka no audio).

 

[Onasi]

Hey, now we have more options in the closed back market! There are various DCA models for “fuck you” money and at the lower bracket for budget buyers we have the AKG K361/371 and the Fiio FT1! And in the middle there are also such excellent options as… uh… you know… the, uh…
Jesus the closed can market is cooked.

 

[alwayssts]

Hey, now we have more options in the closed back market! There are various DCA models for “fuck you” money and at the lower bracket for budget buyers we have the AKG K361/371 and the Fiio FT1! And in the middle there are also such excellent options as… uh… you know… the, uh…
Jesus the closed can market is cooked.

Maxwells?

 

[Onasi]

@alwayssts
Ehhh, yeah, technically, but since it’s a wireless headset I don’t really count those.

 

[unwind-protect]

DCA is definitely on my list of vendors to try.

 

[evernessince]

Maxwells?

Those are really good, although prone to breaking.

Hey, now we have more options in the closed back market! There are various DCA models for “fuck you” money and at the lower bracket for budget buyers we have the AKG K361/371 and the Fiio FT1! And in the middle there are also such excellent options as… uh… you know… the, uh…
Jesus the closed can market is cooked.

VRZ Model One, DCA Aeon Flow / Aeon X ($430), Focal Elegia (frequently on sale for around $430)

 

[Onasi]

VRZ Model One, DCA Aeon Flow / Aeon X ($430), Focal Elegia (frequently on sale for around $430)

Haven’t heard the VRZ, but the rest have unironically worse tuning than the FT1 and are not worth a buy at 200, let alone 430. Seriously, Elegia? With its lack of midrange and dull, muffled presentation? Nah, miss me with that.
But, I have derailed the thread enough. Still stand by what I said. Apologies to VSG.

 

[alwayssts]

@alwayssts
Ehhh, yeah, technically, but since it’s a wireless headset I don’t really count those.

You're living in the past!

(I'm teasing you, I know some people are 'purists'...for their digital audio...again...kidding. I get it.)

But seriously, I feel absolutely no qualms with using LDAC. I would feel completely comfortable with Maxwells if I needed close-back, and stand by the XS for open-back. Use the AUX port on the MW iyw!

I really don't know why people need more than that. Both of the tuning are decent, and if you really want you can EQ them.

I think DCA is very much overpriced...but that's not to say these don't look like a nice set. They do. Just not worth it imo.