Introducing NOIRE X

[OneEyedHito]

Currently have the Noire X on head.....will have listening impressions after a few hours:

Only initial things of note are the clamp force is a 4.5 on a 5 scale (with 5 being TOO MUCH FORCE) for a 7⅜" (18.73cm) hat size if that matters, the physical cup size is a better fit for me than the E3 though, those always caused a bit of pressure on jawbone that bothered after a bit, these have that but they hang down a bit lower on the jawbone so once clamp force breaks in it should be better.

The pressure relief ports are located on the outer edge of cups instead of directly in the Gorilla Glass like the E3, and some precut satin or matte clear wrap pieces to go over the gorilla glass would find their way into my cart for certain and as an aside about how I treat newly unboxed headphones I didn't even look at them before putting on my head but it would help with fingerprints for sure, looks don't usually matter to me at end of day.

 

[nioh]

The he1000 stealth is built like a 100 headphone. Are you saying we are getting incredible value?

Why do you need a headphone built like a tank ? You’re not going to throw it at someone. It’s meant to be worn on the head and for listening to music. I have couple of Hifiman headphones, have no problem with quality

 

[KaiFi]

My main concern with DCA headphones that I tested was a lack of dynamics. It sounds like the E3 and the Noire X continue the trend of a more dynamic sound. I'm definitely interested in these and the E3. Some day I would love to try them. Unfortunately after just buying a second Bokeh, it's not really going to happen any time soon...

 

[OneEyedHito]

My main concern with DCA headphones that I tested was a lack of dynamics. It sounds like the E3 and the Noire X continue the trend of a more dynamic sound. I'm definitely interested in these and the E3. Some day I would love to try them. Unfortunately after just buying a second Bokeh, it's not really going to happen any time soon...

To my ears, the Stealth had great dynamics when powered properly (and took EQ like a Pro device), Expanse was a bit of an odd fellow for me after some time, the Aeon and Noire Closed I had were too warm for my tastes, the E3 definitely opened things up a bit and offered more soundstage, air, and bass impact but so far the Noire X are a better E3 fit wise and albeit with a faulty sonic memory at least as enjoyable as the E3.

 

[Condocondor]

Some talk about the glass side of the cups being a "finger print magnet" but I don't touch the sides when I put headphones on. I touch the edges.

 

[audionooby]

Some talk about the glass side of the cups being a "finger print magnet" but I don't touch the sides when I put headphones on. I touch the edges.

I wonder if there’s some coating or film that can be applied to avoid that issue

 

[mrspeakers]

I wonder if there’s some coating or film that can be applied to avoid that issue

Car wax works pretty well. A little Carnuba wax goes on in seconds, dries fast and wipes off making it more resistant.

We will look into making fingerprint-proof plastic similar to what phones offer if there's interest.

 

[OneEyedHito]

Car wax works pretty well. A little Carnuba wax goes on in seconds, dries fast and wipes off making it more resistant.

We will look into making fingerprint-proof plastic similar to what phones offer if there's interest.

Yes absolutely interested. Even as I mentioned earlier some precut piece of matte or satin 3M adhesive wraps in clear to keep the logo visible.

 

[OneEyedHito]

Currently have the Noire X on head.....will have listening impressions after a few hours:

Only initial things of note are the clamp force is a 4.5 on a 5 scale (with 5 being TOO MUCH FORCE) for a 7⅜" (18.73cm) hat size if that matters, the physical cup size is a better fit for me than the E3 though, those always caused a bit of pressure on jawbone that bothered after a bit, these have that but they hang down a bit lower on the jawbone so once clamp force breaks in it should be better.

The pressure relief ports are located on the outer edge of cups instead of directly in the Gorilla Glass like the E3, and some precut satin or matte clear wrap pieces to go over the gorilla glass would find their way into my cart for certain and as an aside about how I treat newly unboxed headphones I didn't even look at them before putting on my head but it would help with fingerprints for sure, looks don't usually matter to me at end of day.

Keeping thoughts in a single post here. Now listening with the AK SP3000M and the PB5 has me convinced everything needs tubes (even little new age tubes), on High Gain from the PB5 and at 12 clicks (50%) on volume knob playing Hania Rani Nostalgia Live and these are amazing.

The slightly more efficient design of the Noire X is noticeable and welcomed over the E3 and is likely a great pairing budget wise for folks not in the multi-kilobuck ampsphere if we were spending close to equal parts of our budget on headphones, source, and amping.

 

[Silverlinings]

Keeping thoughts in a single post here. Now listening with the AK SP3000M and the PB5 has me convinced everything needs tubes (even little new age tubes), on High Gain from the PB5 and at 12 clicks (50%) on volume knob playing Hania Rani Nostalgia Live and these are amazing.

The slightly more efficient design of the Noire X is noticeable and welcomed over the E3 and is likely a great pairing budget wise for folks not in the multi-kilobuck ampsphere if we were spending close to equal parts of our budget on headphones, source, and amping.

So do these need to be amped? After reading some reviews, they say they could be used with a DAP and that would be enough.

 

[OneEyedHito]

So do these need to be amped? After reading some reviews, they say they could be used with a DAP and that would be enough.

I will remove the PB5 from the chain and listen to this album again, give me an hour.

 

[mrspeakers]

So do these need to be amped? After reading some reviews, they say they could be used with a DAP and that would be enough.

It will depend on the DAP. Check specs to see if it has at least 250mW into 16 ohms, more if you like to turn it up on the louder side.

 

[MattTCG]

As someone who likes warmer headphones like ZMF and HD650, how is the tonal balance of the NX? Planars in general to my ears tend to come across lean sounding usually.

Certainly not dark/warm like the 650 sound. Cleaner and more resolving. For a planar, I'd say it's slightly on the richer side.

 

[Todamm]

Now the question is bokeh or this xD

I'm....I'm.... gonna buy both.
I can't choose XD

 

[Silverlinings]

It will depend on the DAP. Check specs to see if it has at least 250mW into 16 ohms, more if you like to turn it up on the louder side.

So what’s the conversion? I have the Hiby R8II which is 710mw at 32 ohms. Is it half of the 710mw?