Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO: Harman Tuning Mastered? (Feat. Dan Clark!)

[jude]

Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO: Harman Tuning Mastered? (Feat. Dan Clark!)

​

Does the new Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO master the Harman target? We sit down with Dan Clark to discuss the design philosophy behind these outstanding new $1299 open-back planar magnetic headphones and their approach to tuning.

In this video:

• Exclusive Interview with Dan Clark: Insights into the NOIRE XO's creation and audio goals.
• Harman Target Explored: How does the NOIRE XO aim for this popular sound signature?
• First Look & Listen: An introduction to the NOIRE XO's features and initial sound impressions.

Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO: Harman Tuning Mastered? (Feat. Dan Clark!) - Produced by Brian Murphy, Jude Mansilla, and Joe Cwik​

 

[mrspeakers]

We're extremely excited and pleased to introduce the NOIRE XO to the community!

We feel the NOIRE XO is a really cool headphone for a couple of reasons...

First, it sounds pretty darn close the NOIRE X, close enough that some will prefer one over the other, but there's no mistaking the family resemblance. I don't think that any has ever been able to release an open and closed headphone that actually gets this close, which is something we're pretty proud of.

So what excites us?

1) NOIRE XO is obviously open, and as such it throws a bigger soundstage than NOIRE X (which has a very large soundstage to begin with, particularly for a closed headphone). If you're into soundstage this will be a fun listen for you.

2) To my knowledge this is one of the very rare open-back headphones that can comply with the Harman response, particularly in the bass region. The result is a very well balanced sound with powerful and punchy bass that doesn't intrude open the midrange.

3) It's just terrific fun with any genre, but on a personal note I particularly enjoy it with classical music, as well as electronica.

The headphones will start shipping Monday, and units are en route to some distributors in the EU as we speak.

Happy listening!

 

[Kevintj604]

Sexy. I'm ultra excited about this.

The review embargo is up so here's Doug's take.

 

[Nomax]

NOMAX

PS.lol

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Looks like another jackpot from dca

 

[genefruit]

Club DCA apply to this at launch? Cart doesn't reflect the discount...

 

[Andy Regan]

Club DCA apply to this at launch? Cart doesn't reflect the discount...

We are fixing the Club DCA link now. Yes Club DCA is available on this launch

 

[mrspeakers]

Club DCA apply to this at launch? Cart doesn't reflect the discount...

Fixed

 

[ThanatosVI]

We're extremely excited and pleased to introduce the NOIRE XO to the community!

We feel the NOIRE XO is a really cool headphone for a couple of reasons...

First, it sounds pretty darn close the NOIRE X, close enough that some will prefer one over the other, but there's no mistaking the family resemblance. I don't think that any has ever been able to release an open and closed headphone that actually gets this close, which is something we're pretty proud of.

So what excites us?

1) NOIRE XO is obviously open, and as such it throws a bigger soundstage than NOIRE X (which has a very large soundstage to begin with, particularly for a closed headphone). If you're into soundstage this will be a fun listen for you.

2) To my knowledge this is one of the very rare open-back headphones that can comply with the Harman response, particularly in the bass region. The result is a very well balanced sound with powerful and punchy bass that doesn't intrude open the midrange.

3) It's just terrific fun with any genre, but on a personal note I particularly enjoy it with classical music, as well as electronica.

The headphones will start shipping Monday, and units are en route to some distributors in the EU as we speak.

Happy listening!

Will it be available in Munich next weekend?

 

[mrspeakers]

Will it be available in Munich next weekend?

Absolutely! See you there!

 

[Andy Regan]

Will it be available in Munich next weekend?

Yes, Stop by and say hello

 

[theintention]

Jumping up to the top of my "must demo" list, I have been searching for an over ear for too long...

 

[ThanatosVI]

Absolutely! See you there!

Yes, Stop by and say hello

Will do so, see you both there

 

[frix]

can't wait for high-end munich.

 

[Metalingus]

I'm booking last minute flight from Turkish Airlines for next Sunday. I was decided to skip this year but looks like I'm coming xD