Dan Clark Audio AEON Noir Closed

The AEON 2 Noire should not be considered a small cosmetic tweak on the AEON 2 Closed. Far from it. This is a cleaner, more expansive sounding performance to contrast with the warmer, weighted, and more intimate delivery of the original. A sound signature for those that like a tone with more contrast, more energy through the mids, and a spritely treble.

It is also a preference thing, something which I know DCA are strong proponents of. The inclusion of the tuning pads suggests as such but even on a grander scale you now have several AEON models with different performances and looks.

There are not many boutique firms with a headphone model that covers as many different preferences as DCA has with the AEON. Also, a model that is thankfully unchanged in price and a welcome trait in today’s audiophile market.

My final tip? Grab the Vivo cable or go balanced if you can and pair it with the DX300 from iBasso. The beautiful articulation and lightweight design of the Noire are begging to be a high-end portable headphone solution. This combo is just perfect for my tastes.

Options are a beautiful thing, and Dan Clark Audio has given us a difficult one by adding another visual and sonic take on the runaway success that is their Aeon series. The Noire builds on their already winning design formula by providing a subtler, more ‘grown-up’ aesthetic choice in the new all-black colourway, and the perforated pad choice gives users looking for a more versatile, genre-friendly tuning a welcome choice when it comes to a sound-signature that’s more reminiscent of a classic ‘audiophile’ tuning, leaning away from the distinctly neutral voicing of the original Aeon Flow. All in all, the Aeon 2 Noire is simply a terrific pair of closed-back headphones – they’re technically adept and don’t seem restrained by any of the traditional hang-ups of closed-back designs, seemingly defying physics with their spacious, airy, and exciting sound. Those of you looking for a single set of cans to do just about ‘everything’ need look no further – just add plenty of power, and you’re in for a treat.