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Dan Clark Audio Noire XoImage © Dan Clark Audio

Dan Clark Audio Noire Xo

80/ 100
Outstanding
HearWiki score

Good value

$1,300
typical price, USD
Sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Dan Clark Audio
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2025

Score breakdownoutstanding overall

Sound8.9
Value8.4

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Dan Clark Audio Noire Xo is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a balanced, natural sound with impressive detail and a wide, layered soundstage. Its comfortable design and 13-ohm impedance make it easy to drive, though it truly shines with a quality amplifier. While it lacks ANC and wireless features, its wired, balanced 4.4mm connection caters to audiophiles seeking a high-fidelity, reference-style listening experience. Its hefty 1542g weight and $1299 price point are notable considerations for potential buyers.

What works

  • Excellent planar magnetic clarity and detail
  • Wide, layered soundstage with precise imaging
  • Comfortable fit suitable for long sessions
  • Easy to drive with most amplifiers
  • Solid build quality with detachable balanced cable

What doesn't

  • Heavy weight may cause fatigue over extended use
  • No active noise cancellation or wireless options
  • Price is high, especially without upgraded accessories
  • Bass is controlled rather than impactful for bass-heads

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Dan Clark Audio Noire Xo
Driver62 mm planar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Driver size62 mm
Drivers per side1
Impedance13 Ω
Sensitivity90 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonics.com

92

The reviewer calls the Noire XO an excellent benchmark open-back planar headphone in its price class. They praise its smoother tuning, strong comfort, and amplifier-friendly sound, while noting it still benefits from a capable amp.

Read the full review

audio46.com

The review highlights the Noire XO’s wide, layered stage, precise imaging, and natural tuning as its main strengths. It also notes that the bass is more controlled than forceful for some listeners and that the price is high without the upgraded cable.

Read the full review

hifipig.com

The reviewer describes the Noire XO as a technically strong, easy-to-enjoy open-back headphone with good comfort and build quality. They recommend it for listeners who want high fidelity in a relatively safe, balanced sound signature.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Positiveacross 3 videos

Reviewers agree the Dan Clark Audio Noire XO delivers rich, detailed bass and closely tracks the Harman target curve, making it versatile across genres and a strong value compared to pricier models like the Stealth.

Reviewers liked

  • Rich, detailed bass that tracks the Harman target curve
  • Excellent comfort and build quality
  • Versatile across genres and easy to EQ

Reviewers flagged

  • Neutral midrange may lack warmth for some
  • Requires a good headphone amp
  • Open-back design limits use-case flexibility
27:57

Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO: Harman Tuning Mastered? (Feat. Dan Clark!)

headfi8.3K viewsMay 2025

The reviewer discusses the Dan Clark Audio Noire XO, an open-back headphone that is the counterpart to the closed-back Noire X. They highlight its close measurement to the Noire X, its ability to track the Harman target curve, and its rich bass response. The reviewer compares it favorably to the more expensive Stealth, noting it offers similar performance at a lower price, and praises its soundstage and dynamics.

15:45

Why these Dan Clark Noire XO headphones may be better than speakers!

Creative Sauce2.8K viewsMay 2026

The reviewer finds the Dan Clark Audio Noire XO open-back planar magnetic headphones to be an excellent choice for studio mixing, praising their comfort, build quality, and detailed sound, especially the punchy low end. They suggest these could be a great alternative to studio monitors in certain situations, though they note the need for a good headphone amp to drive them properly.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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