Dan Clark Audio Noire XO Open-Back Planar Headphones

Now Shipping! Dan Clark Audio sets a new standard in midrange open-back headphone performance, comfort, and value with NOIRE X OPEN. The DCA NOIRE XO is a ground-breaking planar magnetic headphone, the latest of DCA's products to showcase the technical prowess of the acclaimed AMTS technology. Updated Icon NOIRE XO™ updates the iconic AEON 2 open by integrating DCA’s state-of-the-art Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System™ (AMTS™) with an improved driver, all carefully wrapped in a gorgeous ergonomically-enhanced design. NOIRE XO’s dramatic black-on-black aesthetic, improved ear pads, self-adjusting headband, and beautiful open cups sumptuously hint at the numerous exciting upgrades within, all designed to maximize your listening pleasure. Preserving the Bass 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. KEY FEATURES Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS): Perhaps the most important feature of NOIRE XO is the addition of DCA’s critically-acclaimed AMTS tuning system, previously found only in our top-of-the-line Stealth, Expanse, E3 and Corina headphones. Truly a revolution in acoustic engineering, AMTS uses advanced metamaterial design concepts to shape system frequency response while simultaneously eliminating high-frequency standing waves, which are responsible for the synthetic-sounding high frequencies found in all too many headphones. By eliminating these standing waves, NOIRE XO with AMTS delivers remarkably balanced, nuanced, and airy treble free of the fatiguing artifacts that diminish your listening experience. Luxurious Comfort with Upgraded Ear Pads: NOIRE XO includes all-new ear pads to ensure an exceptionally comfortable experience. Using Alcantara synthetic suede on the contact surface reduces heat and moisture buildup, ensuring cool comfort during extended listening sessions, even in warmer or more humid environments. In addition, the NOIRE XO Ear Pads are designed to reduce “foam rolling,” so the pads will have a longer usable life, and a more consistent fit and operation. NOIRE XO Ear Pads are backward compatible with our AEON 2 NOIRE, AEON RT Closed, and AEON 2 Closed headphones. Self-Tensioning Headband: Our self-tensioning headband reduces listening fatigue by distributing pressure evenly across your head for a balanced, barely-there fit. The uniform pressure distribution helps prevent hot spots and pressure points, making NOIRE XO ideal for long hours of immersive listening, free from adjustments or strain.NOIRE XO’s striking minimalist aesthetic is completed with the tone-on-tone understated color-scheme. Enhanced Connectivity with Versatile Cable Options: NOIRE XO offers a comprehensive range of cable terminations, including combo 1/4" and 3.5mm, 4-pin XLR, and 4.4mm. For those seeking additional flexibility in cable length and termination, it’s easy to upgrade to our ultra-premium VIVO cables for more choices, including custom cable lengths. With these versatile cable options, you can pair your headphones with any amplifier, eliminating the need for costly third-party cables and ensuring you get the most out of your audio setup. Features • Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) for unrivaled high- frequency accuracy and resolution • New driver design for improved consistency and reliability • 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 the critically acclaimed self-tensioning headband • Reduced distortion for improved clarity with a smoother overall sound • Fully tuned to be compliant with the Harman curve • Folds for easy transport in the convenient included compact carry case The Specs Weight: 409g Impedance: 27 ohms Sensitivity: ~94 dB/mW Frequency Response: 100Hz-8KHz THD at 85dB @1KHz: <0.1%