Dan Clark Audio has a new headphone on the market, and it is ready to blow the competition out of the water. The Noire X is a new planar magnetic closed-back headphone that retails for just under $1k and is sweeping people off their feet. With an acoustic metamaterial tuning system in a sleek black design, the Noire X promises great sound and quality comfort. Today, I was lucky to get my hands on a pair and do a deep analysis of all the details.
What Comes In The Box
- NOIRE X Closed Back Planar Headphones
- Alcantara Synthetic Suede Earpads (Installed)
- Detachable Cable (choice of termination: 1/4″, 3.5mm, 4-pin XLR, or 4.4mm)
- User Manual
- Dan Clark Audio Warranty
Aesthetics and Functionality
The DCA Noire X delivers a visual aesthetic that lives up to its name. “Noire” is an apt descriptor for the headphones’ sleek, modern design, which exudes sophistication and understated elegance. The deep black finish, combined with subtle metallic accents, creates a polished and high-end look that feels as premium as its sound signature. However, the glossy outer ear cup shells, while undeniably striking, are somewhat prone to fingerprints and smudges. This can slightly detract from the pristine, polished aesthetic, requiring some care to maintain their shine. Still, the overall design is both minimalist and refined, making these headphones as visually impressive as they are sonically capable.
Comfort is another area where the Noire X excels. The ergonomic design and plush ear pads ensure a snug yet comfortable fit, allowing for extended listening sessions without fatigue. The lightweight frame adds to the comfort factor, distributing weight evenly to avoid pressure points, even during prolonged use. The headband’s adjustable design accommodates various head sizes while maintaining a secure fit, making these headphones suitable for a wide range of listeners.
Tech Specs
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Tuning System: Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)
- Frequency Response: TBD
- Efficiency: ~94dB/mW
- THD at 85dB @1KHz: <0.1% 100Hz-8KHz
- Recommended minimum power at 16 ohms: 250mW
- Weight: 385g
- Ear Pad Material: Alcantara Synthetic Suede
Soundstage
The soundstage of the DCA Noire X is truly remarkable, especially for a closed-back headphone. It delivers an impressively wide and spacious listening experience that rivals some open-back designs. The imaging is precise, creating a realistic sense of placement and directionality for instruments and vocals, which is ideal for critical listening and immersive playback. Sound isolation is also excellent, providing a quiet listening environment even without relying on active noise cancellation (ANC). This natural passive isolation enhances the overall performance by minimizing external interference, allowing the listener to focus on the nuanced details in their audio. DCA’s reputation for delivering a balanced and immersive signature shines through, and the Noire X takes it to the next level.
Low Frequencies
The low end of the Noire X is authoritative and impactful, offering just the right amount of punch and weight without overwhelming the other frequencies. The bass is tight and dynamic, with excellent control and clarity. Whether it’s the deep resonance of kick drums or the textured growl of low-string instruments, the bass retains its definition and warmth, never feeling muddy or over-processed. What stands out most is the bass detail — it’s crunchy, engaging, and full of character. It excels at presenting the subtle textures in lower frequencies, giving the bass a natural, visceral quality that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Mid-Range Frequencies
The midrange on the Noire X is beautifully executed, providing a balanced, natural tone that anchors the overall sound signature. Vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and texture, standing confidently at the forefront without overshadowing accompanying instruments. The layering and depth within the mids are equally impressive, allowing each instrument to occupy its own space while contributing to a cohesive and harmonious blend. Tracks feel alive and engaging, with every detail shining through in a way that makes the listening experience deeply rewarding. Whether it’s the warmth of acoustic guitars or the emotional resonance of a vocal performance, the mids offer an immersive and organic sound.
High Frequencies
The treble response is bright, lively, and full of character, adding an essential sense of air and detail to the overall signature. Despite the challenges of a closed-back design, the Noire X creates an open, spacious feeling in the high frequencies, avoiding the compression or harshness that can plague other headphones in this category. Cymbals shimmer naturally, and high-pitched vocals or instruments maintain their brilliance without becoming sibilant or fatiguing. The highs are well-balanced, complementing the low and mid frequencies while adding a touch of sparkle that enhances the energy of each track. This careful tuning ensures a colorful and engaging treble response that rounds out the Noire X’s sound profile beautifully.
Summary
The DCA Noire X is a standout performer, offering a rare combination of technical excellence and emotional engagement. With its expansive soundstage, dynamic low end, detailed mids, and airy highs, it caters to audiophiles who value both precision and musicality. Its ability to deliver a natural yet vibrant sound signature while maintaining excellent isolation makes it a versatile choice for both home and on-the-go listening. For anyone seeking a closed-back headphone that pushes boundaries in performance and design, the Noire X is a worthy contender.
The DCA Noire X is available today at Audio46.
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