[snailonarampage]

Using my A2C with JDS Labs Element II. It sounded great on my Mojo but wanted a desktop setup to leave plugged in. Delivers super clean power.

 

[MRHiFiReviews]

I've had my AFC2 now for about a week. I've been searching for a more "mature" upgrade from my TH-x00 and I feel like I finally found it. I LOVE these headphones. I can highly recommend to anyone. The are so comfortable. I don't think my Dragonfly Cobolt if powerful enough for them. It keeps doing a reboot cycle when volume goes past 50% on my iphone. Might be time to invest in the Chord Mojo.

What amp is everyone using? I'm using a MCTH right now but I'm toying around with the idea of maybe getting as Schitt Asgard 3 or Lyr 3.

After trying a few closed back headphones the A2C’s were the only ones I decided to keep, as they best fit my needs. I utilize the MCTH with D90 at my work station (also have a SMSL SP200 THX) the LYR3/Bifrost2 for critical listening and enjoyment, and for portable the iFi IDSD Micro Black label which has all the Power necessary for great portable performance. Dragonfly solutions for A2C IMO are not good enough unless maybe using for audio books or you tube discussions.

 

[CRAKZOR]

after extensive listening to the AF2C i noticed static bursts at high peaks. Im using jds c5d portable dac/amp. Ill try it with my o2odac when i get home.

 

[mrspeakers]

after extensive listening to the AF2C i noticed static bursts at high peaks. Im using jds c5d portable dac/amp. Ill try it with my o2odac when i get home.

2V max output and no load rating makes me guess it is likely clipping due to low power. If it’s sudden on both channels and gets rapidly worse it’s almost certainly clipping.

 

[CRAKZOR]

2V max output and no load rating makes me guess it is likely clipping due to low power. If it’s sudden on both channels and gets rapidly worse it’s almost certainly clipping.

you're definitely right, i picked up a dsd micro bl as the post above me uses it and dlooks like it'll provide more than enough power

 

[Huntersknoll]

After trying a few closed back headphones the A2C’s were the only ones I decided to keep, as they best fit my needs. I utilize the MCTH with D90 at my work station (also have a SMSL SP200 THX) the LYR3/Bifrost2 for critical listening and enjoyment, and for portable the iFi IDSD Micro Black label which has all the Power necessary for great portable performance. Dragonfly solutions for A2C IMO are not good enough unless maybe using for audio books or you tube discussions.

Yeah the Dragon Fly was fine for my X00’s but not so much for my A2C. I was looking at the ifi hip dac since I don’t do much traveling anymore. The black label seems very sick though.

Amp wise I think I’m going to go with the Lyr 3 like you. Did a bunch of research and I think I’ll enjoy that the most. Plus I can roll tubes if I want to get into that crazy nonsense hobby haha. I had no idea it was that powerful until I looked into it.

...as for my MCTH and X00 I’m going to make a listening station at my GFs work from home desk and get her hooked so she can’t call me crazy anymore.

 

[Sean_MR]

@mrspeakers
Just got these (open)! Is it ok to touch the grill, for example to hold by when opening/closing the headband? Or is it relatively fragile and should be avoided touching? Can’t tell by the pictures in the user guide if the hands are touching the grills or just holding by the cups instead.

 

[mrspeakers]

@mrspeakers
Just got these (open)! Is it ok to touch the grill, for example to hold by when opening/closing the headband? Or is it relatively fragile and should be avoided touching? Can’t tell by the pictures in the user guide if the hands are touching the grills or just holding by the cups instead.

normal pressure is just fine, it’s a tough part. I wouldn’t deliberatley press it hard but any pressure during normal use is totally ok.

 

[MRHiFiReviews]

@mrspeakers do you recommend the Antlion Audio 3.5mm ModMic Uni for the Aeon2C for Calls, Skype, work from Home, and gaming? I saw your great bundle on the website with the original Aeon.

https://danclarkaudio.com/shop/bundles/hel-yeah-home-office-gaming-video-and-music-bundle.html

I already have the A2C and was looking for a good mic to compliment them.

 

[Maelob]

For those looking for a portable DAC, yesterday for the first time used the A2C with the portable Monolith THX amp via iPhone and sounded really good and without any EQ.

 

[mrspeakers]

@mrspeakers do you recommend the Antlion Audio 3.5mm ModMic Uni for the Aeon2C for Calls, Skype, work from Home, and gaming? I saw your great bundle on the website with the original Aeon.

https://danclarkaudio.com/shop/bundles/hel-yeah-home-office-gaming-video-and-music-bundle.html

I already have the A2C and was looking for a good mic to compliment them.

Yes, or the USB version depending on your setup. Be sure to check the placement of the mic so it clears the headband when it folds. I placed the bottom of the adhesive pad 24mm above the lower edge of the carbon fiber, plenty or clearance even if the mic is attached.

 

[mgurlitz]

Don't forget Head-Fi'ers, today is the last day for the 15% off new member sale at danclarkaudio.com! Due to a bit of a shipping snafu, I've been enjoying the A2C the last week and a half - they sound so fantastic I decided to keep them, and the Aeon 2 Open I originally ordered just came in yesterday with a VIVO cable thrown in for my trouble. Before this, I was looking at other options like the HIFIMAN Ananda, but so far I'm very happy with the build quality, value, and support from DCA. After trying these out, I can see myself upgrading to a "Ether 3" with balanced VIVO cables some day...

Pictured here are the A2C, A2O, FiiO FA7, and HE-400i, and I've paired them with a JDS Labs El DAC/Amp II. My next best closed headphones are the Sennheiser Momentum 1, and the A2C out-class both those and the 400i on sound quality and comfort. They actually sound very open, and there isn't really much isolation from outside noise. I still have to break in the A2O, but so far I expect they're going to be the most enjoyable and comfortable headphones I own.

 

[ubs28]

Is there a big difference between the AFC 2 and AFO 2 btw? (Just curious if the AFC 2 does a good job or not)

 

[mgurlitz]

They have a lot in common - mainly an impressive sound-stage and top-notch comfort. I can tell the AFO 2 has an even wider stage with more clarity or less dampened sound, but the closed one is a worthy adversary. I wanted the open version for use at-home, but once I heard how "open" the AF2Cs were, I just had to upgrade from the Sennheiser's too. I thought about trying Focals or LCDs since I can get a similar 20% discount, but these really hit a sweet spot for me in price/weight.

 

[Empyah]

Tried the AFO2 with my Vali 2/Modi 3 today.
In my experience, the Ether 2 and the first Aeon Open both love tubes, I would go as far as to say that a powerful tube amp/hybrid is a must with those.
It should, at least on paper be a good combination.
The Aeon 2 Open's impedance is 12 Ohms and it is driven to satisfaction with about 250mW according to Dan, and Vali 2's power output is:

Maximum Power, 16 ohms: 1300mW RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 1000mW RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 650mW RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 270mW RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 140mW RMS per channel

And you can hear it immediately - running an Electro Harmonix 6922 Gold Pin or a Electro Harmonix 6CG7 with it the Aeon sounds powerfull, dynamic and spacious.
I personally love the sound of the 6922 (adore my LCD 2.2pf with it), I know it's not the best - but better than stock in any way. It is lush, full bodied and holographically spacious.

It accentuates the Aeons allready present tonal characteristics (the midbass hump resonates even more) almost to the extreme - if it's to much swap in the EH 6CG7 for a more neutral and a tad more resolving presentation.
Fat tubey, holographic goodness or a bit more "airy" spacious, neutral clarity - pick your poison.

Both these tubes are noticeable better than stock and cost around 15-20 bucks a piece.

To summarise, this combo is a price/performance winner in my book - as it was with the Aoen Flow Open.
It provides the Aeon 2 with more than enough power and plays to its strenghts, plus you get the option to
upgrade tubes and modifiy the sound slightly to your liking.
Next step up, to my limited knowledge and experience, would cost at least 500 bucks.