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Features Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) for natural, artifact-free treble.
Delivers deep, impactful bass rivaling closed-back designs while retaining clarity and soundstage.
Utilizes updated planar magnetic drivers with V-Planar knurling for reduced distortion.
Dan Clark Audio has unveiled the NOIRE XO, an open-back headphone designed for audiophiles seeking a new level of sound quality. Priced at $1,299, the NOIRE XO aims to surpass its predecessor, the AEON 2, by delivering an enhanced listening experience that challenges the norms of open-back designs. This release marks a significant evolution in DCA’s lineup, incorporating advanced technologies that promise to redefine high-fidelity audio.
At the heart of the NOIRE XO is the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS), a signature feature previously reserved for DCA’s premium models like the Stealth and Expanse. AMTS employs sophisticated metamaterial engineering to eliminate high-frequency standing waves, resulting in a treble that is both balanced and airy. This innovation ensures that the NOIRE XO delivers a natural and nuanced high-frequency response without the harsh artifacts often associated with open-back headphones. Additionally, the headphone adheres closely to the Harman target curve and the B&K diffuse field curve, offering a sound profile that is both accurate and expansive.
The NOIRE XO is built around DCA’s updated planar magnetic drivers, which are designed to be stiffer and more resonant-resistant than previous iterations. This improvement, coupled with the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, allows the headphones to provide deep, impactful bass typically expected from closed-back models, without compromising on soundstage or clarity. The integration of the V-Planar knurling technique further enhances the frequency response and reduces distortion, ensuring consistent performance across units. Precision engineering tools like the Audio Precision 555B and B&K 5128 measurement systems were utilized to achieve these high standards.
Comfort has also been a focal point in the NOIRE XO’s design. The headphones feature new Alcantara synthetic suede ear pads that minimize heat and moisture buildup, enhancing comfort during extended listening sessions. The self-tensioning headband distributes pressure evenly to prevent fatigue, while the modular connectivity options—including 1/4″, 3.5mm, 4-pin XLR, and 4.4mm connectors—ensure compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. Whether paired with DCA’s VIVO cables for customized lengths or standard connections, the NOIRE XO offers versatile integration into any high-end audio setup.
With the NOIRE XO, Dan Clark Audio reaffirms its position in the competitive high-fidelity market. By combining cutting-edge acoustic technologies with meticulous engineering and superior comfort, the NOIRE XO sets a new benchmark for open-back headphones. For audiophiles looking to invest in a pair of headphones that deliver exceptional bass, clarity, and overall sound quality, the NOIRE XO represents a compelling choice.
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