Dan Clark Audio Unveils The NOIRE XO Open-Back Headphones

The latest headphone from Dan Clark Audio is an open-back version of their NOIRE X, appropriately called the NOIRE XO. Retailing for $1,299 in the US, the XO promises improved sonics over the previous AEON 2 headphones of similar size and form factor.

The newest DCA headphone is available now for purchase and incorporates meta material in the damping system, similar to the more upstream Stealth we reviewed a few years ago. More information is available in the press release below:

“Introducing the all new Dan Clark Audio Noire XO open back headphone.The DCA NOIRE XO is a ground-breaking headphone, the latest of our products to showcase the technical prowess of our acclaimed AMTS technology.

To our knowledge there is no open headphone available that can match the superb tonal balance, incredible comfort, and raw value of the NOIRE XO! One of the standout features of NOIRE XO, compared to most open headphones, is having a bass response profile comparable to a closed headphone, making this headphone unique to the industry.

Key NOIRE XO features are similar to the NOIRE X, except of course it’s an open back:
Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) for unrivaled high-frequency accuracy and resolution
NOIRE XO is one of the few open headphones that can follow the Harman target curve through the entire frequency spectrum, with near-perfect curve compliance as well as an extremely close fit to the B&K diffuse field curve, modified using Harman EQ points.
NOTE: See the FAQ for 5128 measurements of the NOIRE XO and NOIRE X overlaid with the headphones.com Harman Beta curve for the 5128
NOTE: On a GRAS 45CA the NOIRE X will have better compliance to the Harman curve. However we feel the 5128 better reflects the listening experience and as such we are moving to that as our comparison target
New driver design for improved consistency and reliability vs prior generation AEON headphones.
Updated ear pads with new features to reduce foam movement within the pad, as well as an Alcantara suede surface where the ear pad rests on the head for improved comfort.
Incorporation of our critically acclaimed self-tensioning headband
Reduced distortion for improved clarity and a smoother overall sound
Folds for convenient transport in the included compact carry case”

More info: Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO