Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire Review: Powerful Total Black Planar Magnetic Headphones

Experience the exceptional sound and sleek design of Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire, premium planar magnetic headphones that redefine audio quality.

Introduction to Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire are premium headphones priced around $960, featuring an all-black design and custom planar magnetic drivers. They come with various cables available for purchase alongside them. These headphones often get compared with other high-end models like Sendy Audio Peacock, Underwood HIFI LSA-HP1, HIFIMAN Ananda, Crosszone CZ-8a, and Audeze LCD-XC 2021.

Dan Clark Audio is a major audio company, formerly known as Mr. Speakers, based in San Diego, USA. They offer free shipping and a 15-day return policy, confident in the enjoyment their products deliver. The Aeon 2 Noire is their latest closed-back headphone offering in a line that includes models like Ether C Flow, Ether 2, and the electrostatic Voce, as well as the flagship Dan Clark Stealth.

Previously, I reviewed the Aeon RT and fell in love with their overall sound quality. In my opinion, they offer an outstanding price-to-performance ratio and a fantastic listening experience. Today, we dive deep into the Aeon 2 Noire.

Build Quality and Design of Aeon 2 Noire

The Aeon 2 Noire is the newest version of the Aeon 2 series with a closed acoustic system. This update was driven by customer feedback, bringing in an attractive all-black look with perforated ear cushions. Dan Clark uses their proprietary planar magnetic drivers, eschewing generic parts to deliver a unique sound.

Despite the company's emphasis on weight, the Aeon 2 Noire is surprisingly light at just 328 grams, with weight evenly distributed. The ear pads apply gentle pressure, and the flexible headband balances the load perfectly, making these headphones feel feather-light on your head.

Personally, compared to other headphones of similar weight — including open-back models from HIFIMAN — Aeon 2 Noire feels lighter and less fatiguing during long listening sessions. The diaphragm uses carbon fiber, and the cushions are specifically designed to optimize sound quality.

Technically, the planar magnetic drivers are lighter than many competitors, thanks to more efficient transducers and TrueFlow technology, enhancing airflow and detail. Dan Clark’s patented V-shaped planar drivers feature a textured surface to boost bass performance and reduce distortion.

The headphones are hand-assembled and tested in San Diego, California. While the black version is only available as a closed-back model, red and blue versions come in both open and closed options. Although the design resembles the Aeon RT, the drivers and sound profiles are distinct. If budget is a concern, the Aeon Flow RT remains an excellent choice for superb sound.

Each earcup houses a large 62mm x 34mm planar magnetic driver, with total harmonic distortion under 0.3% from 20Hz to 20kHz. Ear pads are made from Japanese synthetic leather. The drivers deliver impressive resolution and sparkling highs. For tonal customization, a set of tuning pads is included to smooth the sound or soften the brightness.

The default cable has some springiness but effectively blocks cable noise. The Aeon 2 Noire fits comfortably with excellent passive noise isolation, enough to enjoy quiet music even in a busy city environment, though loud volumes might let in some ambient noise.

Build quality is outstanding with no creaks or weak components. My Aeon RT pair still looks brand new after extended use, highlighting the reliability of Dan Clark Audio products.

Sound Quality Overview

It’s important to pair Aeon 2 Noire with a powerful source for proper bass delivery and impact. Balanced cables are highly recommended to unlock the full potential of these headphones. Compatible sources include Aune X1s GT, iBasso DX320, SMSL HO100, Questyle M15, AudioAnalogue AAdac, Astell & Kern A&Ultima SP2000T, the tube amplifier Feliks Euforia, Violectric HPA V340, and Cyrus One Cast.

Using unbalanced cables might require even stronger amplification, as many portable players don’t provide enough power, even premium devices like the Astell & Kern SE180 perform better balanced.

In short, the Aeon 2 Noire's sound signature is simply superb. These could easily become my favorite closed-back headphones. While many high-end closed headphones focus on wide, deep sound stages at the expense of other qualities, Aeon 2 Noire takes the opposite approach.

They deliver technically precise sound with deep, fast, and powerful bass, sharp imaging, and clarity. Despite the closed design, they provide a soundstage that’s neither too small nor overly narrow, nicely balancing width and depth.

Included tuning pads increase the damping factor, making bass deeper, slower, and more energetic. The white pads especially enhance bass depth. Without pads, the sound is brightest, clearest, and most detailed.

The bass is notably fast, clean, and distortion-free for their price range, supporting genres from death metal to punk and trance without lagging behind. They’re not for bassheads craving overwhelming lows, but offer a natural bass with a slight boost in emphasis. The Aeon RT had a clear U-shaped sound; in contrast, Aeon 2 Noire is more linear.

Mid frequencies are surprisingly well defined, clean, and detailed. These planar drivers are typically challenging to reproduce accurately, but Aeon 2 Noire excels with dynamic precision, good instrument separation, and a fairly large soundstage. Experimenting with damping filters can smooth the mids for a more relaxed and fluid sound.

These headphones emotionally connect with the listener, especially in rock and metal, naturally rendering both male and female vocals. There’s a slight boost in upper mids and lower treble that enhances piano and violin sounds, creating a powerful emotional impact.

The highs sparkle with detail and excellent micro-detailing and texture. Damping filters significantly affect treble, with thicker pads softening highs for comfortable listening at high volumes. Without filters, the sound is clean but sharp and revealing, showing every nuance of the original recording. Their very low distortion allows them to play loud without harshness, enhancing dynamics and impact.

Comparisons with Other High-End Headphones

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire vs. Underwood HIFI LSA-HP1
Though the LSA-HP1 is more expensive, Aeon 2 Noire offers greater comfort with softer ear pads, lighter weight, and ergonomics. Sonically, they differ greatly despite both having planar magnetic drivers. Aeon 2 Noire is more natural in mids, with better treble detail and deeper bass. LSA-HP1 has sharper highs, less bass, and a warmer tone. Both excel in instrument separation; LSA-HP1 is more emotional but Aeon 2 Noire is more versatile across genres and boasts a better soundstage.

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire vs. HIFIMAN Ananda
Ananda is usually less expensive. Both are comfortable, but Aeon 2 Noire edges out with thicker, softer pads. Ananda sounds warmer with pronounced mids, while Aeon 2 Noire is punchier with brighter highs and better detail. Ananda offers a wider soundstage; Aeon 2 Noire has a deeper, more refined stage. Both handle rock and metal well. Choose Ananda for a warmer, softer sound; pick Aeon 2 Noire for a technical, clean, and energetic signature.

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire vs. Crosszone CZ-8A
Both closed-back but very different in design and sound approach. Aeon 2 Noire has softer pads and even weight distribution. Its sound is more V-shaped with stronger bass and treble but recessed mids. CZ-8A shines with strong mids and a wide, deep soundstage. Both have excellent instrument separation. CZ-8A is easier to drive; Aeon 2 Noire is better for natural sound lovers wanting deeper bass on a budget.

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire vs. Audeze LCD-XC
LCD-XC is also closed-back but heavier and with softer pads. Aeon 2 Noire is lighter and slightly more comfortable overall. Both require strong amplification. Aeon 2 Noire sounds more natural with less harsh treble but equally clear highs, more impactful sub-bass, and adjustable sound tuning. LCD-XC is better for mixing/mastering, but at less than half the price, Aeon 2 Noire is a smart choice for listening pleasure.

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire vs. Sendy Audio Peacock
Peacock is larger, heavier, and less comfortable. Aeon 2 Noire is lighter with softer pads and better passive noise isolation due to its closed-back design. Despite Peacock's open-back, Aeon 2 Noire offers a deeper, wider soundstage with stronger bass and brighter highs. Peacock excels in vocal presence, while Aeon 2 Noire shines in lower bass and treble clarity. Instrument separation is slightly better on Aeon 2 Noire.

“Aeon 2 Noire delivers technically precise sound with deep, fast, and powerful bass, sharp imaging, and clarity.” – Dan Clark Audio Review

Value and Final Verdict

Priced reasonably, the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Noire offers unmatched sound quality in its class. None of the headphones I compared it with can beat its value proposition. It deserves a place in the Hall of Fame as one of the best headphones ever made within its price range.

With excellent comfort, solid build, and dependable support, I confidently recommend Aeon 2 Noire for anyone seeking super dynamic, powerful, detailed, and clean sound with ultra-low distortion. If you have a sufficiently powerful source, these are the best closed-back headphones I've encountered. The included tuning kit allows easy customization of their signature sound.

What’s in the Box?

Contrary to the trend of bulky headphone boxes, Dan Clark Audio manages to pack the Aeon 2 Noire, a carrying case, and all accessories into one of the smallest and most practical packages I’ve seen. The full package includes:

• Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire headphones
• Carrying case
• Certificate of authenticity
• User manual
• Tuning kit
• Cables (choice available at purchase)

Technical Specifications

• Driver: Single-sided planar magnetic, 62mm x 34mm
• Driver Match: +/-2 dB to target curve, channel match 0.5 dB from 30–8kHz
• THD: <0.3% from 20Hz-20kHz, 0.1% from 100Hz-8kHz
• Headband: Nickel-titanium (nitinol) memory metal
• Baffle: Carbon fiber
• Pads: Japanese synthetic leather

Conclusion

If you're hunting for headphones that combine comfort, superb build, and a rich, detailed sound profile with powerful bass and brilliant highs, the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire should be at the top of your list. Their balance of technical precision and emotional resonance makes them an outstanding choice for music lovers across genres.

FAQs

• What type of drivers do Aeon 2 Noire use? They use proprietary single-sided planar magnetic drivers with a 62mm x 34mm diaphragm.
• Are Aeon 2 Noire comfortable for long listening sessions? Yes, they are lightweight with evenly distributed weight and soft perforated cushions for extended comfort.
• Do these headphones require a powerful amplifier? Yes, to get the best out of the Aeon 2 Noire, a powerful source and balanced cables are recommended.
• Can I adjust the sound signature of Aeon 2 Noire? Absolutely, the included tuning pads allow you to customize bass, mids, and treble to your liking.
• How do Aeon 2 Noire compare to other headphones in their price range? They offer better sound quality and comfort than many competitors, delivering excellent value for the price.

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