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Home News

Dan Clark Audio Announces NOIRE XO™ Open-Back Headphone

Finn de Kroon by Finn de Kroon
June 20, 2025
in News, Headphones
Reading Time: 2 mins read
Dan-Clark-Audio-Announces-NOIRE-XO™-Open-Back-Headphone

The NOIRE XO™ captivates with its dramatic black-on-black aesthetic, featuring a sleek, minimalist design that exudes sophistication. Key design updates include improved ear pads, a self-adjusting headband for personalized comfort, and beautifully crafted open cups. These enhancements not only elevate the headphone’s visual appeal but also ensure a luxurious and comfortable listening experience for extended periods.

  • Industry-Leading Sound Performance
  • Advanced Driver Technology
  • Innovation with Acoustic Metamaterials
  • Enhanced Ear Pads
  • Self-Tensioning Headband
  • Versatile Connectivity Options
  • Exceptional Value and Performance

Industry-Leading Sound Performance

A standout feature of the NOIRE XO™ is its ability to accurately track the industry-standard Harman target curve. This capability is rare among open planar magnetic headphones, enabling the NOIRE XO™ to deliver a truly balanced sound signature. While providing powerful bass reminiscent of closed-back designs, it maintains expansive soundstage and clarity, ensuring a rich and nuanced listening experience without compromise.

Dan-Clark-Audio-Announces-NOIRE-XO™-Open-Back-Headphone-2

Advanced Driver Technology

At the heart of the NOIRE XO™ lies a redesigned, more rigid NOIRE audio driver. This new driver offers superior unit-to-unit consistency, reduced distortion, and enhanced reliability. Extensive research and development have optimized manufacturing processes and V-Planar knurling techniques, resulting in a remarkably smooth frequency response and low distortion across the entire listening range. As a result, users can enjoy levels of detail and clarity typically reserved for high-end, flagship headphones.

Innovation with Acoustic Metamaterials

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the NOIRE XO™ is the integration of DCA’s patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System™ (AMTS™). Previously exclusive to flagship models like the Stealth, Expanse, E3, and Corina, AMTS™ employs advanced metamaterial design to shape the system’s frequency response. It effectively eliminates high-frequency standing waves responsible for artificial and fatiguing treble sounds.

By removing these artifacts, the NOIRE XO™ offers exceptionally balanced, airy, and nuanced treble free from harshness and fatigue-inducing artifacts. This breakthrough elevates the headphone to a new standard of acoustic excellence.

Dan-Clark-Audio-Announces-NOIRE-XO™-Open-Back-Headphone-1

Enhanced Ear Pads

The NOIRE XO™ includes all-new ear pads crafted from Alcantara synthetic suede. Designed for breathability, these pads reduce heat and moisture buildup, ensuring cool comfort during long listening sessions. They are also engineered to resist foam rolling, extending their lifespan and maintaining a consistent fit. Additionally, these ear pads are backward compatible with previous DCA models, including AEON 2 NOIRE, AEON RT Closed, and AEON 2 Closed.

Self-Tensioning Headband

For prolonged listening, comfort is paramount. The self-tensioning headband evenly distributes pressure across the head, minimizing hot spots and discomfort. This thoughtful design reduces fatigue and eliminates the need for constant adjustments, making NOIRE XO™ ideal for immersive, extended use.

Dan-Clark-Audio-Announces-NOIRE-XO™-Open-Back-Headphone-3

Versatile Connectivity Options

NOIRE XO™ offers a comprehensive range of cable terminations, including 1/4″ and 3.5mm connectors, 4-pin XLR, and 4.4mm balanced options. For users seeking more flexibility, upgrading to VIVO cables provides custom lengths and premium terminations, ensuring compatibility with any amplifier or audio setup.

Exceptional Value and Performance

Dan Clark Audio has committed to delivering flagship-level performance at a compelling price point. Rather than de-featured lower-cost models, the NOIRE XO™ integrates the same high-performance technology, comfort, and acoustic refinement found in their top-tier headphones, making it one of the best value propositions in the high-end headphone market. The result is a headphone that combines innovative technology, elegant design, and ergonomic comfort all engineered to elevate your listening experience.

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Finn de Kroon

Finn de Kroon

Editor & Videographer

Finn de Kroon is an editor and videographer at Best of High End. His path into the audio-visual world began with an audiovisual study in Brussels in 2022; his interest in hi-fi followed soon after, when he started writing for Best of High End and began discovering new brands and everything the audio world had to offer. In 2024, Finn became a full-time videographer, producing promotional and business videos. Attending the High End show in Munich and Vienna deepened his knowledge of what the hi-fi world has to offer, further immersing him in the industry. Today, Finn's main area of expertise is video: he produces most of the videos published on Best of High End, alongside writing articles for the site's news page. Since joining Best of High End, he has fallen in love with high-end sound systems, and looks forward to discovering new brands and systems.

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