[TheRealDz]

That was exactly my conclusion when I was considering the Phonitor XE about two years ago. So, considering the power output better suited for higher output headphones and poor customer support from SPL, I went with the Violectric V550, and I believe it was the right decision. I am now considering the Noire X, and something tells me the V550 can handle it better than the XE.

My Noire X indeed sounds fantastic on my Violectric V222!

 

[MacMan31]

Nomax, I took your advice, and did damage to my wallet. Noire X was instant buy when I heard it for an hour. Noire X was astounding. I find myself thinking that I may prefer the Noire X to Arya Organic. I don't need to run EQ to really enjoy Hadenys or Noire X, when I need to do so for my HD800S (and Azurys to a lesser extent)

As for Hadenys, saw Clear MG to A/B against today, dumped the MG in under a minute.

I have the Hadenys and was looking at the Azurys. I was also considering the Clear MG. Seems like you didn't like that one. How would you compare the Noire X to the Hadenys?

 

[panzerfan]

Would you mind expounding how X is far ahead than the Hadenys tonality-wise? I'm very impressed by Hadenys' tonality without EQ but even better when adjusting some PEQ filters. Surprisingly I found bass well-defined and clean, and its ability to play clearly all signals even at low volume replacing my IEM.
@panzerfan, any thoughts regarding this vs the X since you have the Focal one as well?

Appreciate any thoughts as I might consider X but not anytime soon.

The soundstage of Noire X feel about as big as the Hadenys. (I am running SMSL DO400 mostly) In fact, I don't find myself thinking that the Hadenys is not able to keep up to the Noire X. I don't know if it's just me, but I can go back and forth and not feeling that Hadenys' out of its league. I felt how Noire X can outclass headphones when I switch over to Aune SR7000 and the Meze 105 AER (tested on Fiio K19 yesterday). Snare and crash cymbal hit on the Hadenys does have a bit of the metallic sheen that I like with Focal. It's a little crazy that I am saying this without even equalizing the Noire X to the Hadenys at all.

Make no mistake. Noire X have more detail retrieval abilities, but the whole balance between dynamics to detail of these two have come closer than DCA has ever gone with Focal. In fact, there is a bigger gap to me between Azurys to Hadenys than Hadenys to the Noire X.

 

[rids57]

My Noire X indeed sounds fantastic on my Violectric V222!

That's what I wanted to hear

 

[Rjjo]

The soundstage of Noire X feel about as big as the Hadenys. (I am running SMSL DO400 mostly) In fact, I don't find myself thinking that the Hadenys is not able to keep up to the Noire X. I don't know if it's just me, but I can go back and forth and not feeling that Hadenys' out of its league. I felt how Noire X can outclass headphones when I switch over to Aune SR7000 and the Meze 105 AER (tested on Fiio K19 yesterday). Snare and crash cymbal hit on the Hadenys does have a bit of the metallic sheen that I like with Focal. It's a little crazy that I am saying this without even equalizing the Noire X to the Hadenys at all.

Make no mistake. Noire X have more detail retrieval abilities, but the whole balance between dynamics to detail of these two have come closer than DCA has ever gone with Focal. In fact, there is a bigger gap to me between Azurys to Hadenys than Hadenys to the Noire X.

Well said. If I have to pick any downside to the Hadenys it would be in micro-detail/resolution; it's slight and only when compared to higher-end models, otherwise, everything else is quite remarkable.

That said, it is telling that both HPs punch above their weight. I'll be traveling a lot next year that's why I bought Focal but if the Noire X can fit inside an Aeon 2 Noire case then all the better for it noise isolation.

 

[nephilim32]

Yeah, the XE has a LOT more power than older models. There is still one thing to note... If you look at the power output it actually begins to fall lower below 120 ohms. Ideally every time you see the impedance fall 50% power should double, so going from 120ohms to 60 ohms you would hope to see 7.4W instead of 3.7. Now these are LARGE numbers for a headphone amp, so even though they aren't doubling you are still left with adequate power, but it does indicate the amp is still designed around >100 ohm headphones. My guess is at 12 ohms for NOIRE X, you'll still have around 1.5-2W which should be fine, but without a published spec this is just a best-guess on output levels.

• 2 x 1 W at 600 Ohm impedance
• 2 x 2 W at 300 Ohm impedance
• 2x 3.7 W at 120 Ohm impedance
• 2x 2.9 W at 47 Ohm impedance
• 2x 2.7 W at 32 Ohm impedance

Thank you for the wonderful feedback. The SPL would probably be okay for the Noire X given your information. I think the efficiency rating for the Noire X is what would make it okay with the XE. I must admit. I do like to listen loud, so of course amplification choices are pretty sensitive with some of your headphones.
Anyhow. I’m sure it has been mentioned before, but other than the chord amps what are some of your personal favorite amplifiers for the likes of the Stealth and the E3?
Thanks Dan. I’d love to know what really impressed you and made you say, ‘ that amp is absolutely taking care of my headphones.’

 

[bflat]

I generally don't buy audio gear unless I try it first but I must admit, given my experience with DCA (all the way back to Mr Speaker days) and the stunning design of the Noire X, I immediately purchased upon release. I did read/watch the reviews and my experience is very similar in terms of sound. It's rare that you get reviewers that often have opposite opinions to all agree on the Noire X.

Only thing I would add is that on a Hugo 2, I need 30-50% volume for my desired listening level, depending on the track. This is well above a typical IEM so like others have stated - you can drive these to moderate volumes on portable devices, but a higher power amp/DAC is recommended.

As for comfort, it's been awhile since I've worn AEON series and the new auto adjusting strap certainly makes the Noire X very easy to slip on and off. I do feel 2 slight pressure points on the top of my head but not uncomfortably so. However, about 8 out 10 headphones I've tried have similar pressure points so this is likely just the shape of my skull. Perhaps with time the pressure points will diminish. I can't imagine getting worse since there is little padding on the strap.

Lastly, I still marvel at how compact the AEON design stores. While that has no effect on sound quality, I think it's a very underrated feature that doesn't get the recognition it deserves. The obvious benefit is portability, but I also found if you fold them up, you can just set it down on your desk because it takes up so little space making a headphone stand completely unnecessary.

 

[Conan1974]

How is the soundstage on the Noire X? Can You compare it to other headphones You have or had?

 

[bflat]

How is the soundstage on the Noire X? Can You compare it to other headphones You have or had?

Personally, I don't prioritize soundstage as in "how close to these sound versus speakers?". What I can say is Noire X does what all high end headphones do - get the sound outside your head. As far as comparisons:

• VS HD800/S - not really a fair comparison but if that is what you are expecting then you will be disappointed.
• VS HD820 - I owned this several years ago and Senn did a good job of keeping 70-80% sound stage of the open backs. I would say Noire X still comes up short but the problem with HD820 is that it needed a very specific fit and position to sound right. Maybe this is the best comparison as both use glass covers!
• VS Focal Utopia - as an open back headphone, Utopias were never known for their soundstage so I would Noire X maybe slightly better to same but it's hard to gauge when Utopias have no resonances to deal with which clearly makes it sound open and natural but I don't want to conflate that with sound stage.
• VS Focal Elegia - Yes, Noire X is clearly ahead in all dimensions
• VS Beyer T5 Gen 3 - Sam as Elegia so Noire X is better in all dimensions

 

[Conan1974]

Thanks for the info. I did listen to first Utopia and the second one to. Nothing special, must say.
Have the AuCl from ZMF, if the Noire X is more or less like this one, when its about the soundstage (slightly smaller as well), its a very good propsosition. For the price of less than 1200 euro, its a tough competitor to many cans, even the more expensive ones.

 

[mrspeakers]

Thank you for the wonderful feedback. The SPL would probably be okay for the Noire X given your information. I think the efficiency rating for the Noire X is what would make it okay with the XE. I must admit. I do like to listen loud, so of course amplification choices are pretty sensitive with some of your headphones.
Anyhow. I’m sure it has been mentioned before, but other than the chord amps what are some of your personal favorite amplifiers for the likes of the Stealth and the E3?
Thanks Dan. I’d love to know what really impressed you and made you say, ‘ that amp is absolutely taking care of my headphones.’

I really enjoy my Mjolnir 3 and the TT2, those are my daily go-to units. I also recently have been spending time with my venerable Woo WA5 with a new tube set, that’s a stunner for classical or vocal-centric music.

I’ve not tried it yet with Burton but their amps have always paired well. There are other products too, the Topping D90, almost any Schiit amp above entry level, the Headamp GSX Mini, etc. RME makes some nice integrated DAC amps (don't get the IO boxes, not enough power).

 

[P007]

Personally, I don't prioritize soundstage as in "how close to these sound versus speakers?". What I can say is Noire X does what all high end headphones do - get the sound outside your head. As far as comparisons:

• VS HD800/S - not really a fair comparison but if that is what you are expecting then you will be disappointed.
• VS HD820 - I owned this several years ago and Senn did a good job of keeping 70-80% sound stage of the open backs. I would say Noire X still comes up short but the problem with HD820 is that it needed a very specific fit and position to sound right. Maybe this is the best comparison as both use glass covers!
• VS Focal Utopia - as an open back headphone, Utopias were never known for their soundstage so I would Noire X maybe slightly better to same but it's hard to gauge when Utopias have no resonances to deal with which clearly makes it sound open and natural but I don't want to conflate that with sound stage.
• VS Focal Elegia - Yes, Noire X is clearly ahead in all dimensions
• VS Beyer T5 Gen 3 - Sam as Elegia so Noire X is better in all dimensions

I do prioritize be soundstage. I have kept my T5.3 while selling my original Noire's, for this reason. Still, it's good to see the comparison.


I think the T5's will still have the edge on soundstage, and of course being easy to drive. However, it's looking long the new NoireX have caught up with the dynamics and reducing the difference in staging. DCA wins the comfort contest hands down, which is sooooo important.


I still love the T5, but the NoireX are VERY tempting. If only money was no object! Might have to get irresponsible....

 

[Conan1974]

You have the right, in this hobby , to be irrresponsible, ones in a while
This is something that i am afraid that i am going to do - buying second headphone, while the first one is not yet sold.

 

[bflat]

I do prioritize be soundstage. I have kept my T5.3 while selling my original Noire's, for this reason. Still, it's good to see the comparison.


I think the T5's will still have the edge on soundstage, and of course being easy to drive. However, it's looking long the new NoireX have caught up with the dynamics and reducing the difference in staging. DCA wins the comfort contest hands down, which is sooooo important.


I still love the T5, but the NoireX are VERY tempting. If only money was no object! Might have to get irresponsible....

I read my original impressions of T5.3 which I wrote in 2020. My assessment of soundstage back then was "better than average" as far as higher end closed backs go. I also stated that HD820 was still the best for closed backs. While my comparison with Noire X is 4 years later, my initial impression was that Noire X is very good and more similar to HD820 than not for sound stage. I did not feel that way when I owned the T5.3.

With that in mind, my 2020 impression of T5.3 sound wise was an organic smooth sound which is very un-Beyer. So if you enjoy the T5.3 sound, you may find the Noire X too analytical, but I would describe Noire X as neutral with a touch of sparkle and neutral mids. T5.3 low end is more boomy versus the punchy Noire X as well. However, the Noire X has more layered bass which I would say is more accurate and something that planars are generally known for.

 

[panzerfan]

How is the soundstage on the Noire X? Can You compare it to other headphones You have or had?

Thanks for the info. I did listen to first Utopia and the second one to. Nothing special, must say.
Have the AuCl from ZMF, if the Noire X is more or less like this one, when its about the soundstage (slightly smaller as well), its a very good propsosition. For the price of less than 1200 euro, its a tough competitor to many cans, even the more expensive ones.

Personally, I don't prioritize soundstage as in "how close to these sound versus speakers?". What I can say is Noire X does what all high end headphones do - get the sound outside your head. As far as comparisons:

• VS HD800/S - not really a fair comparison but if that is what you are expecting then you will be disappointed.
• VS HD820 - I owned this several years ago and Senn did a good job of keeping 70-80% sound stage of the open backs. I would say Noire X still comes up short but the problem with HD820 is that it needed a very specific fit and position to sound right. Maybe this is the best comparison as both use glass covers!
• VS Focal Utopia - as an open back headphone, Utopias were never known for their soundstage so I would Noire X maybe slightly better to same but it's hard to gauge when Utopias have no resonances to deal with which clearly makes it sound open and natural but I don't want to conflate that with sound stage.
• VS Focal Elegia - Yes, Noire X is clearly ahead in all dimensions
• VS Beyer T5 Gen 3 - Sam as Elegia so Noire X is better in all dimensions

Noire X is not especially wide soundstage wide, but the very fact that it's got soundstage as a closed back is rather telling imo.

• HD800S/800 - Soundstage cannot be beaten, but tonal balance of 800S will make you frown. I have to put my 800 on EQ, comfy if EQ, easier to drive
• HD6XX - wider soundstage, positioning aren't as precise, more laid back, I'd still run the 6XX on EQ, inferior in fatigue (to me) with or without EQ, easier to drive
• Azurys - narrower soundstage, more intimate, more fatiguing than Noire X to listen to, more v-shaped, slightly weaker instrument separation and positioning, inferior detail retrieval (no mean poor though), easy to drive
• Hadenys - slightly larger soundstage (but in a soundproofed room), slight bias to dynamics at slight reduction in detail retrieval, comparable fatigue level. More 'sparkly' with cymbals, easy to drive
• Dita Project M - leaner sound, sub-bass isn't pronounced and bass is not the main show (fast though), not much headstage (it's IEM, what did you expect?) sparkly treble presentation, more forward female vocal, more fatiguing to listen to. Dita Project M and Blessing 3 share quite a bit of similarity.
• Moondrop Blessing 3 - more 'headstage' than Project M weaker subbass or bass presence than Noire X (but present), resolution closer to Hadenys, more fatiguing for long listen, sparkly treble (female vocal), fuller body than Project M but still inferior to Noire X.
• Tangzu Wu Zetian Heydays - closer to Azurys in overall presentation but more v-shaped. Great slam, inferior detail retrieval, weaker separation. I think it's the biggest mismatch of all.
• Fidelio X2, V-Moda M-100, Westone W40 - Forget it.

I am so glad that I did not go for Stellia or the HD820.