Feb 1, 2025 at 5:57 PM Post #844 of 1,143
Today I listened to Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X at the North German HiFi Days in Hamburg. Wow, great sound and comfort.

Would have liked to hear them with my iBasso D16 - whether there is enough power - but unfortunately I didn't have the D16 with me.

Can the iBasso D16 drive Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X? (Output level: 4.2Vrms (AMP Low Gain + DAC Hi gain) and 6.8Vrms (AMP Hi Gain + DAC Hi gain) - Output power: 1125mW+1125mW@320)

I drive it with my old WM1A and it sounds really great, so of course you can drive it with the D16.
It is not my usual source for the Noire X, that's for sure, I use it with my new FiiO K19 or with my A&K ACRO CA1000, but sometimes I take the WM1A just for comfort/portability, and it does a great job.
 
Feb 1, 2025 at 6:02 PM Post #845 of 1,143
A person after my own synergy thoughts! I'm just off Facebook Iooking for DCE reports and you're repping my two interests exactly. Please indulge me with the fantastic I presume impressions.
haha, unfortunately I do not have much for comparison, my other source is the headphone jack on my M4 MBP so yes it is significantly better than that. DMS suggested it sounds good out of the MBP I say it does not. It is anaemic and congested and generally it does not do it justice. Looking for a Burson Playmate 3 but in the UK it is as much as the Noire X so I am holding off for a little bit maybe will wait to get to Canjam London and listen to some sources before I decide if there is anything considerably better than the DCE. I regret having sold my Vorzuge Amp, that was lush with a bit of warmth while keeping the details there. Would have loved to have tried it with the NX maybe one day.
 
Feb 2, 2025 at 2:30 AM Post #846 of 1,143
haha, unfortunately I do not have much for comparison, my other source is the headphone jack on my M4 MBP so yes it is significantly better than that. DMS suggested it sounds good out of the MBP I say it does not. It is anaemic and congested and generally it does not do it justice. Looking for a Burson Playmate 3 but in the UK it is as much as the Noire X so I am holding off for a little bit maybe will wait to get to Canjam London and listen to some sources before I decide if there is anything considerably better than the DCE. I regret having sold my Vorzuge Amp, that was lush with a bit of warmth while keeping the details there. Would have loved to have tried it with the NX maybe one day.
Hi thanks, just seen a comparison with DCE and Questyle M18. Comparable power and technicalities + screen and Bluetooth... think the same power I'll have to watch again, but it could be the one for me I wouldn't mind having the sacrilegious BT option,, It also has a battery that doesn't last very long but could be juiced with another little add on.
 
Feb 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM Post #847 of 1,143
Can the iBasso D16 drive Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X? (Output level: 4.2Vrms (AMP Low Gain + DAC Hi gain) and 6.8Vrms (AMP Hi Gain + DAC Hi gain) - Output power: 1125mW+1125mW@320)
Yup!
 
Dan Clark Audio Make every day a fun day filled with music and friendship! Stay updated on Dan Clark Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
@funCANS MrSpeakers https://danclarkaudio.com info@danclarkaudio.com
Feb 3, 2025 at 7:57 PM Post #848 of 1,143

@mrspeakers - Thanks. before I buy it, I just need to understand how the screw adjustment (clamp force) works. If needed does the screw - or are there 2 screws - to be removed completly or ..... ?

THX

Bild1.jpg
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 12:47 PM Post #849 of 1,143
@mrspeakers - Thanks. before I buy it, I just need to understand how the screw adjustment (clamp force) works. If needed does the screw - or are there 2 screws - to be removed completly or ..... ?

THX

Wrong screw, it’s the little black screw between the gimbal parts on the inside of the hinge. If the headphone is too tight remove it, if it’s a little loose we send a longer screw. Not many people need the screw…

1738691271079.jpeg
 
Dan Clark Audio Make every day a fun day filled with music and friendship! Stay updated on Dan Clark Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
@funCANS MrSpeakers https://danclarkaudio.com info@danclarkaudio.com
Feb 4, 2025 at 2:46 PM Post #850 of 1,143
Wrong screw, it’s the little black screw between the gimbal parts on the inside of the hinge. If the headphone is too tight remove it, if it’s a little loose we send a longer screw. Not many people need the screw…

1738691271079.jpeg

THX - I will order :wink:
 
Feb 5, 2025 at 3:22 AM Post #851 of 1,143
Yesterday I bought the Noire X.
First of all, I have to say: I am delighted.
I was very skeptical.
Since I'm coming from the Arya Stealth, I was worried that I would miss some liveliness, dynamics and probably a powerful (and punchy) bass.
After listening to the Expanse a while ago,
and it sounded too much like a sterile, reflections-free studio monitor, I expected something similar from the Noire X.
But none of that was confirmed! Nothing!
To me, the Noire X sounds lively, dynamic and at the same time pleasantly precise. Especially in the highs.
A stroke of genius!

Because compared to the Arya Stealth, which often sounds too aggressive, sharp and edgy (despite EQ), the Noire X manages a sensational balancing act between an exciting and never annoying sound. A good example of this is the first track from "Bonobos - Black Sand" album. The violin sounds like a drill penetrating your skull, on the Arya Stealth. Not so on the DCA. Here it also sounds more authentic.
And as already mentioned, the bass qualities of the Noire x are breathtaking.
To convince yourself, I recommend the track "Things go wrong" from the "Elektrochemie LK" album "Gold!".

The Noire X gives the listener an extraordinary experience. It sounds as if the sound waves are taking an absolutely correct path.

My EQ profile is quite unusual in this context.
I actually like the tonality best, when I increase the bass by 2-3dB and lower the treble a little. It's incredible how well the Noire X maintains order at very high volumes.

A huge compliment to Dan Clark!

My profile
Screenshot_20250206_090025_Neutron Player.jpg

Preamp: -3
Check this out
Screenshot_20250205_114837_Neutron Player.jpg
 
Last edited:
Feb 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM Post #852 of 1,143
I'm looking forward to being home from my extended vacation to listen to the Noire X 😎

NOMAX
 
Feb 5, 2025 at 1:56 PM Post #854 of 1,143
This is unbelievable 😍
Screenshot_20250205_195509_Neutron Player.jpg
 
Feb 5, 2025 at 10:44 PM Post #855 of 1,143
Yesterday I bought the Noire X.
First of all, I have to say: I am delighted.
I was very skeptical.
Since I'm coming from the Arya Stealth, I was worried that I would miss some liveliness, dynamics and probably a powerful (and punchy) bass.
After listening to the Expanse a while ago,
and it sounded too much like a sterile, reflections-free studio monitor, I expected something similar from the Noire X.
But none of that was confirmed! Nothing!
To me, the Noire X sounds lively, dynamic and at the same time pleasantly precise. Especially in the highs.
A stroke of genius!

Because compared to the Arya Stealth, which often sounds too aggressive, sharp and edgy (despite EQ), the Noire X manages a sensational balancing act between an exciting and never annoying sound. A good example of this is the first track from "Bonobos - Black Sand" album. The violin sounds like a drill penetrating your skull, on the Arya Stealth. Not so on the DCA. Here it also sounds more authentic.
And as already mentioned, the bass qualities of the Noire x are breathtaking.
To convince yourself, I recommend the track "Things go wrong" from the "Elektrochemie LK" album "Gold!".

The Noire X gives the listener an extraordinary experience. It sounds as if the sound waves are taking an absolutely correct path.

My EQ profile is quite unusual in this context.
I actually like the tonality best, when I increase the bass by 2-3dB and lower the treble a little. It's incredible how well the Noire X maintains order at very high volumes.

A huge compliment to Dan Clark!

My profile
Screenshot_20250205_100708_Neutron Player.jpg

Check this out
Screenshot_20250205_114837_Neutron Player.jpg
What is your pre amp gain?
 

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