Dan Clark Audio
Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO Headphones

Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO Headphones
Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO Headphones
Cup style
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Open-back headphone designs are often higher-performance but have poor noise isolation and leak sound. Closed-back designs provide better noise isolation and leak less sound.
Open-Back
Wearing style
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Over-ear headphones sit over your ear and surround your ear with a ring of padding. On-ear headphones are padded but rest on top of your ear. In-ear monitors are worn inside your ear canal.
Over-ear
Driver type
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Speakers and headphones use a device called a 'driver' to create sound. Different types of drivers have different strengths and weaknesses, but can all produce great sound. Common varieties include dynamic, planar magnetic, and electrostatic.
Planar Magnetic
Amp required
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Some headphones require the power of an amplifier to reach comfortable listening volumes.
Yes
Connectivity
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Connectivity refers to the method in which the headphones connect to the audio source. Headphones can be either wired or wireless.
Wired
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Description
The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones represent a groundbreaking addition to the acclaimed NOIRE lineup. Building on the extraordinary success of the NOIRE X closed-back model, these premium open-back headphones deliver exceptional acoustic performance, improved comfort, and remarkable value. Featuring Dan Clark Audio's innovative technologies previously reserved for their flagship models, the NOIRE XO sets a new standard for midrange headphone performance.
Revolutionary Acoustic Engineering with Metamaterial Technology
At the heart of the NOIRE XO's exceptional sound is Dan Clark Audio's patent-pending Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS). Previously available only in their top-tier Stealth, Expanse, E3, and Corina models, this revolutionary technology eliminates high-frequency standing waves that typically create synthetic-sounding treble in conventional headphones. The result is remarkably balanced, nuanced, and airy treble reproduction that remains fatigue-free during extended listening sessions, delivering a level of refinement rarely found in this price category.
Superior Planar Magnetic Driver Performance
The NOIRE XO features a significantly upgraded planar magnetic driver compared to its predecessors. With enhanced rigidity, superior unit-to-unit consistency, reduced distortion, and improved reliability, this new driver establishes a new benchmark in its class. Advanced V-Planar knurling techniques and refined manufacturing processes contribute to the headphone's remarkably smooth frequency response and exceptional detail retrieval, approaching the performance level of Dan Clark Audio's flagship offerings at a fraction of the price.
Unprecedented Bass Response for Open-Back Design
Unlike most open-back planar magnetic headphones, the NOIRE XO achieves the remarkable feat of tracking the industry-standard Harman target curve. This translates to powerful, authoritative bass response more commonly associated with closed-back designs, without sacrificing the expansive soundstage and clarity that open-back headphones are known for. This balanced sonic signature makes the NOIRE XO an exceptional all-rounder capable of faithfully reproducing any music genre with equal finesse.
Luxurious Comfort for Extended Listening Sessions
The NOIRE XO features Dan Clark Audio's self-tensioning headband system, engineered to distribute pressure evenly across your head for a "barely-there" feel during long listening sessions. The uniform pressure distribution prevents hot spots and fatigue, while the striking minimalist aesthetic is completed with an understated tone-on-tone NOIRE XO logo that exudes sophistication and premium quality.
Premium Materials and Thoughtful Design Elements
Every aspect of the NOIRE XO has been meticulously designed for both performance and comfort. The all-new ear pads feature Alcantara synthetic suede on contact surfaces to reduce heat and moisture buildup during extended listening. Engineered to resist "foam rolling," these pads maintain their shape and performance longer than conventional designs. The striking black-on-black aesthetic and beautiful open cups create a visual statement that matches the sonic excellence within, while maintaining compatibility with previous AEON and NOIRE models.
Versatile Connectivity for Any Audio Setup
The NOIRE XO can be purchased with a comprehensive range of cable termination options to ensure seamless integration with your existing audio gear. Available with combo 1/4" and 3.5mm, 4-pin XLR, or 4.4mm terminations, these headphones eliminate the need for costly third-party cables. For audiophiles seeking additional flexibility, the NOIRE XO is also compatible with Dan Clark Audio's premium VIVO cables, available in custom lengths and terminations for the ultimate personalized listening experience.
Extraordinary Sound Signature That Redefines Value
The NOIRE XO delivers a sonic experience that defies its price point, embodying Dan Clark Audio's philosophy of bringing flagship technologies to more accessible price points without compromising performance. With its expansive soundstage, punchy bass response, silky midrange, vibrantly smooth highs, and exceptional detail retrieval, the NOIRE XO encourages listeners to rediscover their music collections. This fatigue-free presentation reveals nuances and details previously unnoticed, making familiar recordings sound fresh and engaging.
The Perfect Upgrade for Discerning Audiophiles
Whether you're stepping up from entry-level audiophile headphones or looking to add a versatile open-back model to your collection, the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO represents an exceptional value proposition. By combining state-of-the-art acoustic engineering, premium comfort features, and versatile connectivity options in a stunning package, these headphones deliver a listening experience that competes with models costing significantly more. The NOIRE XO isn't just another headphone – it's a gateway to rediscovering your music with newfound clarity, detail, and emotional engagement.
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