Dan Clark Audio Noire XO

Spacious, linearly tuned headphones with deep bass punch

The Dan Clark Audio Noire XO wired headphones are an open-back version of the Noire X. Both models include the company's creative take on planar magnetic drivers to reproduce lifelike dynamics and rich detail. While the major distinction here is that the open-air design allows more sound to flow in and out of the earcups, DCA says there's a notable sonic difference between the two headphones, too.

I haven't heard the Noire XO for myself yet, but DCA has tuned these headphones to the crowd-pleasing Harman Target listening curve. (See our visit to Harman Labs for more on this deeply researched sound profile.) The open-back design offers a larger, "outside-the-head" soundstage, while still delivering enough bass for a full, well-rounded sound. That's something that DCA has had a knack for, going back to the AEON 2 open-back headphones — which, somewhat counterintuitively, served up deeper bass than their closed-back sibling.

Incredible build and comfort

The Noire X0 headphones sport the familiar design of the legendary AEON series. The teardrop-shaped earcups feel smooth and ultralight fit snugly to prevent drooping. The nickel-titanium outer headband is strong and extra-flexible, helping everything slide into place.

DCA updated the design of their ear pads to keep them feeling cozy and breathable. Soft alcantara lines the area that touches your skin, while thick memory foam helps cushion the

Patented tuning smooths "peaks and holes" in upper frequencies

For the planar drivers in these headphones, Dan Clark Audio refined their pleated "V-Planar" diaphragm. Its accordion-like pattern helps it start and stop quickly, pushing more air. They also placed their patent-pending "AMTS" damping filter between the driver and the ear, to expand the soundstage and smooth out harsh high-end frequencies.

AMTS stands for "Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System," and it's essentially a slope shape baffle. It's pockmarked with a series of grooves, deliberate in their depth and placement. Each groove targets specific "problem" frequencies and standing sound waves to address distortion, sharp sonic spikes, and sudden, distracting dips.