Dan Clark Audio Noire XO Review

If you’re familiar with Dan Clark Audio’s Noire X, you might be wondering what happens when you take its closed-back finesse and give it room to breathe. Enter the Noire XO open-back headphones, a meticulously crafted evolution that borrows design cues from the flagship Expanse while incorporating the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) for refined sound. Let’s dive into what makes the Noire XO one of the most compelling high-end open-back headphones for audiophiles in 2025.

What You Get

• Noire XO open-back headphones
• Zipper case
• Dummer cable with preferred termination
  • 3.5mm w/quarter-inch adapter or 4.4mm balanced

Look & Feel

Dan Clark’s Noire XO looks almost exactly how you think an open version of the Noire X would look. Instead of going with the typical open grilles from the AEON models, the Noire XO uses a similar design seen on their flagship Expanse headphones. So, the Noire XO ends up looking like a mix between the two, utilizing Dan Clark Audio’s typical compact appearance that provides a snug fit. The Noire XO even provides new earpads for its new open-back model, made from Alcantara synthetic suede meant to reduce heat and moisture build-up. I usually love the seal that Dan Clark headphones offer, and the Noire XO provides even more comfort for long listening sessions.

Design

The Noire OX updates their Noire driver with more rigidity and reduced distortion. This is joined by Dan Clark Audio’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System(AMTS), which is brought over from their higher-end models like the E3 and Stealth. This system is put in place to help eliminate high-frequency standing waves that can sometimes lead to synthetic properties. Knowing that Dan Clark Audio headphones usually need some juice, I paired the Noire XO with the iFi Valkyrie for this review.

Soundstage

Having heard the closed-back Noire X, I was excited to hear what adding open-back grilles could do for its already stellar soundstage and spatial imaging. There will be a more in-depth comparison review between these two models, but for now, I was quite surprised by how similar the soundstage performed on the open compared to the closed. The main difference I found was that the open-back Noire X made the sound a bit more breathable. While the soundstage might not be significantly bigger, it is pushed more outward, with instruments gaining heightened positioning and dimension. Sound elements float around your headspace more, resulting in the soundstage engulfing your head like a dome. The spatial imaging is still performed close to you, but the instruments and effects are more individualized. There’s a distinct tallness to them, as the imaging moves around in a more holographic space.

Low End

If you’re worried about the open principle diluting the impact of the bass frequencies, don’t be. The open Noire X has a clear and bouncy bass tone that resolves with detailed notes and rumble. It establishes great depth, evenly distributing its smooth timbre through the mix. Everything about it is well-balanced and articulate, dynamically communicating low-end frequencies with natural vibration. It doesn’t have the kind of velocity that will cause the bass to slam down particularly hard, but it always showcases its presence. You feel like you’re always getting the right amount of bass without it dominating other ranges of frequency. I prefer a more elegant bass response, and the open Noire X gave that to me.

Mids

In the midrange, the open Noire X is concentrated on delivering a low-mid focused boost that gives instruments a clear body. There’s a flavourful warmth to it that never feels too foggy or dark, but some of the fundamental frequencies slip down a bit. The mids still come through with fantastic resolution, though, offering instruments and vocals tons of clarity and shape. It expresses roomy separation and accurate staging. I would have liked to hear a greater snap on notes, but the open Noire X still provides an unveiled look at these frequencies.

Highs

The treble frequencies don’t call much attention to themselves but are super elegant and evenly distributed. They feel elevated in terms of their height and definition, but nothing appears bright. There’s a clear ring to the frequencies, with only the slightest amount of sparkle to add character. It’s a balance between crisp frequencies and soft resonance. You get glints of shimmer, but for the most part, the highs are very carefully dispersed throughout the sound signature, forming a tight grasp that always offers the right amount of flavor.

Summary

The Dan Clark Noire XO isn’t just an open-back version of the Noire X, it’s a whole new experience. With AMTS tech, Alcantara comfort pads, and a lush, spacious sound signature, the Noire XO carves out a unique identity in the premium audiophile headphone landscape. Its controlled bass, warm mids, and gently resolved highs deliver a sound that feels both refined and emotionally engaging. While it shares some DNA with the Noire X, the XO’s open design adds that final breath of realism and openness many have been waiting for. Whether you’re upgrading your home listening setup or looking for an elegant, lightweight open-back option, the Noire XO is a headphone that deserves serious consideration.

The Dan Clark Audio Noire XO is available at Audio46.