Dan Clark Audio's Noire X are the Johnny Cash of elite planar magnetic headphones and I must have them

Date:
Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:59:57 +0000

Description:
Looking for the ultimate Man in Black cans? You just found them, although the price-tag may still (ahem) Hurt

FULL STORY ======================================================================Meet
Dan Clark Audio's latest elite planar magnetic wired over-ears Noire X
feature proprietary tech used in headphones nearer $5,000 / 4,100 They're cheaper than that although hardly entry-level

Dark, brooding, black-on-black Nickel-Titanium alloy with Gorilla Glass 3 and a leather-wrapped headband, Dan Clark Audios Noire X would be the ideal gothic-inspired cans for Vince Noir (of UK early-noughties classic The Mighty Boosh fame) or of course for the man in black himself, JR Cash.

They'd also be fantastic for me and my devotion to wired, leave-me-alone listening.

What you're looking at is a pair of closed-back planar magnetic headphones of the highest order. They also promise to bring Dan Clark Audio a company that holds six tech innovation patents to date to a "more accessible" price.

Okay, that price is still an eye-watering 1,000 (so around $1,280 or AU$2,135), but you're getting the San Diego-based headphone maker's proprietary planar driver and "metamaterial tuning tech" that went into its top-tier, closed-back Stealth and open-back Expanse, both of which retail at 4,100 so, you know bargain.

DCA describes Noire X as the Johnny Cash of headphones, and I don't mind it. (*Sings If they were mine, I'd walk the line ) Why planar is better than dynamic, in the ring of fire (Image credit: Dan Clark Audio)

Noire X feature DCA's upgraded Aeon planar driver but let us backtrack just
a second. Most headphones use dynamic drivers, which combine a stiff cone-shaped diaphragm with a voice coil around a magnet, to produce sound waves via pistonic movement. Noire X uses a thin membrane that is immersed in a magnetic field, causing it to vibrate aka a planar magnetic driver. This
is often considered a superior headphone solution for detail, timing and an expansive soundstage when it is done well.

The Noire X's new 62x34mm driver diaphragm is significantly more rigid than its predecessor, following "extensive R&D investments" and "new manufacturing processes" to make the upgrade.

The Noire Xs self-tensioning headband promises to reduce listening fatigue by distributing pressure evenly across the head for a barely there fit. You're also getting newly designed ear pads featuring ultra-stable, memory foam-wrapped synthetic leather (do note though, real leather is used for the headband).

Finally, a comprehensive range of cable terminations comes with your
purchase, including combo 6.3mm and 3.5mm tips, balanced 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR. If you're seeking greater flexibility in cable length and termination, you could always upgrade to DCAs premium VIVO cables, available in multiple lengths and options.

Given the Noire X's quoted Impedance (13) and recommended minimum power of 250mW @ 16, it would be advisable to supply them with one of the best headphone DACs that include a jolt of extra oomph to get the best out of them
but I have a couple of those. What I don't have is these headphones You may also like See our pick of the best wired headphones Considering wireless? Consult our roundup of the best over-ear headphones Want ANC? You need our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/dan-clark-audios-noire-x-are-the-jo hnny-cash-of-elite-planar-magnetic-headphones-and-i-must-have-them


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