Packaging and Accessories

The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X has an unboxing experience very similar to the more expensive E3, including with the impressively small box which hints towards the more compact nature of the headphones when folded for transportation. The product box is made of thick cardboard with a smooth black background, and the brand logo is seen on the front. A sticker on the back confirms the NOIRE X is inside in the specific cable configuration—connector and length—chosen. The serial number of the headphones is also seen here as is another sticker that also acts as a seal, keeping the box securely closed. This particular sticker refers to the headphones as the "NOIRE X Closed," leaving room for a potential NOIRE X Open down the line. Cut the seal and open the box to see a thick foam sheet placed on top of the contents for added protection.


We see more foam inside, with the storage/carry case placed prominently and shifted to the right side. The accessories are placed to the left or underneath the case, and here we see Dan Clark Audio includes a quick start guide going over the use and maintenance of these headphones, a certificate of authenticity with the serial number and assembly date handwritten on the bottom, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a branded soft fabric drawstring pouch that contains the chosen headphones cable. This helps solve the dilemma of the carry case not having room for the cables, if my time with the DCA STEALTH/E3 is anything to go by, although you will still have to remember to separately pack it as opposed to most such storage solutions which have room for the cable inside.


The storage/carry case for the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X is the same compact case that shipped with the STEALTH and E3, except of course with the NOIRE branding on the front. This is a hard case that can be easily placed inside a backpack knowing it will safely protect the contents inside. There is a durable, branded zipper tag associated with a branded, self-sealing zipper for added dust and spill resistance, and the body of the case itself is molded to fit the headphones very well. Opening the case shows the headphones themselves fit in snugly—hence the separate pouch for the cable—and there is a thin foam sheet between the headband and the suspension band, in addition to a thicker foam block placed between the ear pads to help ensure the headphones arrive in perfect condition.