Dan Clark Audio just dropped the NOIRE XO, the open-back version of their NOIRE X, retailing for a cool $1,299. And yeah, it’s promising to outshine its AEON 2 predecessor, which is no small feat considering how those headphones already punched above their weight for their size.
Now, DCA’s latest is available for purchase, and they’ve packed it with their signature meta-material damping system—because nothing says “we’re serious” like over-engineering a headphone. If you’ve heard the Stealth, you’ll get the vibe here. It’s a design evolution that’s been a while in the making.
Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO: A New Chapter in Open-Back Innovation
Here’s the kicker: The NOIRE XO isn’t just another open-back headphone. DCA claims this thing is a game-changer, with bass that supposedly rivals closed-back models. Yeah, you read that right—an open-back that actually delivers bass without making you wish you had a subwoofer nearby.
Feature-wise, it’s pretty much the NOIRE X but with fresh air (literally), and they’re still rocking the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) for top-tier high-frequency accuracy and resolution. The thing is, it can follow the Harman target curve better than most headphones, and yeah, it fits the B&K diffuse field curve too—modified with Harman EQ points, of course.
It’s pretty wild to think about how far DCA has come since it shed the Mr. Speakers name back in 2019. Now, they’re here making headphones that are taking on the big leagues, and with the NOIRE XO, they might just be giving the competition a run for their money.
The NOIRE XO is no ordinary open-back headphone—it’s one of the few that can actually track the industry-standard Harman target curve. What does this mean for you, the listener? Well, for starters, this is a rare breed of planar magnetic headphones that can give you bass usually reserved for closed-back designs. And don’t worry, that bass doesn’t come at the expense of the soundstage or clarity, which is what most open-backs usually mess up.
Planar Drivers That Don’t Compromise
This new headphone design is built around DCA’s updated NOIRE audio driver, which is supposedly stiffer than its predecessor—because who doesn’t want their drivers extra rigid? They’ve also nailed unit-to-unit consistency, slashed distortion, boosted reliability, and smoothed out that frequency response.
DCA didn’t just throw this thing together; they sunk serious R&D cash into refining the driver and its manufacturing process. We’re talking V-Planar knurling (whatever that is) for a smoother frequency response and lower distortion across the entire listening range—stuff usually reserved for DCA’s top-tier models.
And let’s not forget the toys they’ve been using to make all this happen. They’ve got the fancy Audio Precision 555B and B&K 5128 measurement systems to make sure it all adds up. The result? A headphone experience that’s probably better than your last five audio purchases combined. So, yeah, this might be worth your time.
AMTS: Meta-Material Madness That Actually Works
Let’s talk about the real star of the NOIRE XO: DCA’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS). If you’re not familiar with AMTS, it’s a game-changer, and until now, it’s only been available in DCA’s elite models like the Stealth, Expanse, E3, and Corina. And guess what? It’s now made its way to the NOIRE XO, because DCA is that confident in their tech.
AMTS is basically a revolutionary approach to acoustic engineering that uses advanced metamaterial design to shape the frequency response. What does that actually mean for you? It eliminates high-frequency standing waves—the stuff that makes a lot of headphones sound like a bad tin can orchestra. These standing waves are the culprits behind those harsh, synthetic high frequencies that leave your ears begging for mercy.
With AMTS in play, the NOIRE XO delivers treble that’s not only balanced but nuanced and airy, free from the usual fatiguing artifacts that make you want to rip the headphones off your head after 30 minutes.
For the first time, Meze Audio has teamed up with American headphone specialists Dan Clark Audio to integrate their Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) into the new POET headphones, which we recently reviewed. This cutting-edge acoustic technology sits between the driver and the ear, combining both diffusion elements and Helmholtz resonators.
The collaboration between Meze and DCA ensures that the AMTS works seamlessly in the POET, resulting in a refined high-frequency response and reduced standing waves. The payoff? A smoother, more natural sound profile with significantly less listening fatigue, even during extended listening sessions.
Comfort That Doesn’t Get in the Way of the Sound
The NOIRE XO comes with new, more comfortable ear pads made from Alcantara synthetic suede, which helps reduce heat and moisture buildup during long listening sessions. These pads are also designed to resist “foam rolling,” ensuring better longevity and consistent fit. Plus, they’re compatible with previous AEON models, including the AEON 2 NOIRE and AEON RT Closed.
The self-tensioning headband provides even pressure distribution, minimizing hotspots and fatigue, making the NOIRE XO comfortable for extended use. The design is sleek and minimalist, with a tone-on-tone color scheme that’s subtle yet effective.
For connectivity, the NOIRE XO includes several cable options—1/4″, 3.5mm, 4-pin XLR, and 4.4mm—making it easy to pair with any amplifier. If you want more flexibility, you can opt for DCA’s VIVO cables, offering custom cable lengths to suit your setup.
The Bottom Line
The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO isn’t just another open-back planar—it’s a calculated shot across the bow at every competing design in its price class. With trickle-down AMTS tech from DCA’s flagship models, a new stiffer driver with lower distortion, and actual compliance with the Harman target curve (which almost no open planar gets right), the NOIRE XO doesn’t just hold its own—it dares Audeze, HiFiMAN, and Meze to try and beat it on resolution, balance, and bass authority. At $1,299, it’s a precision-engineered reminder that performance per dollar still matters—and DCA just raised the bar.
Where to buy: $1,299 at Crutchfield | Headphones.com | Audio46 | Dan Clark Audio
Related Reading:
- Meze Audio POET Headphones Review: The Right Blend Of Sound And Portability?
- Best Audiophile (Wired) Headphones: Editors’ Choice 2024
- Sendy Audio Peacock Planar Magnetic Headphones: Review
- HiFiMAN Isvarna Review: The Hybrid Closed-Back Headphone That Finally Gets It Right?
- FiiO’s Flagship FT7 Planar Magnetic Headphones Feature 106mm Drivers
