Dan Clark Audio proclaims that its new Noire X brings in “the new standard in midrange headphones”, which has been achieved by updating the brand's Applause Award-winning Æon 2 Noire.

The upgrades include an improved Æon planar driver design that promises improved reliability. DCA states the new driver is significantly more rigid than its predecessor, with superior unit-to-unit consistency and reduced distortion (THD at 85dB @1KHz: <0.1% 100Hz-8KHz ).

These are the results of new manufacturing processes combined with highly optimised V-Planar knurling, which have also produced “a remarkably smooth frequency response” that the manufacturer claims achieves “levels of detail heretofore found primarily in our top-of-the-line headphones.”  

However, the most crucial feature of Noire X is the addition of DCA's critically acclaimed Acoustic  Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS), previously found only in its top-of-the-line Stealth, Expanse, E3 and Corina headphones.

We're told that AMTS uses advanced metamaterial design concepts to shape system frequency response while eliminating high-frequency standing waves, which are responsible for the synthetic-sounding high frequencies found in all too many headphones.

By eliminating these standing waves, Noire X promises a remarkably balanced, nuanced, and airy treble free of the fatiguing artefacts that diminish your listening experience.

Meanwhile, the company's now familiar self-tensioning headband reduces listening fatigue by distributing pressure evenly across your head for a balanced, barely-there fit. The uniform pressure distribution helps prevent hot spots and pressure points, making the headphones ideal for long hours of immersive listening.  

Other neat touches on the Noire X include the stitched headband and the all-new Gorilla Glass 3 finish on the cups. Gorilla Glass 3 is a thin sheet of alkali-aluminosilicate that makes the glass stiffer and more scratch and break-resistant than conventional glass formulations.

Adding to the overall comfort of Noire X are all-new ear pads, designed to reduce “foam rolling,” ensure an exceptionally comfortable experience. Furthermore, Alcantara synthetic suede on the contact surfaces reduces heat and moisture buildup, ensuring cool comfort during extended listening sessions, even in warmer or humid environments.

The striking minimalist aesthetic is completed with the tone-on-tone understated Noire X logo.  

Incidentally, the Noire X ear pads are backwards compatible with Æon 2 Noire, Æon RT Closed, and Æon 2 Closed headphones.

DCA offers a comprehensive range of cable terminations as standard with the Noire X, including combo  1/4-inch and 3.5mm tips, 4-pin XLR, and 4.4mm. For those seeking more flexibility in cable length and termination, it's easy to upgrade to ultra-premium VIVO cables, which are available in multiple lengths with multiple termination options.  

Dan Clark Audio says that its new Noire X are equally satisfying with all genres of music and that you can expect an “expansive soundstage, punchy bass, silky midrange, vibrantly smooth highs, and layers of detail will keep you engaged with your favourite music for days on end.”

Available now, the DCA Noire X is priced at £1,000.

Visit Dan Clark Audio for more information