Let’s talk about the new Noire X from Dan Clark Audio (DCA). This is one of the most well-rounded and best-performing headphones in DCA’s current lineup, and it easily ranks among my top three across all of DCA’s offerings. The design, aesthetic, comfort, and the quality choices like their really impressive cable design with lingo-style connectors are standout features. Design-wise, it scores a definite plus 10. Unfortunately, it’s a minus 10 for the piano gloss black finish.
Table of Contents
Design & Build Quality
The piano gloss black is simply not it. I’m convinced it might be the worst possible material to use for consumer electronics. It scratches easily, attracts dust, fingerprints, and smudges, and it never looks as good as it did the moment you unbox it. There are so many better-suited materials out there some of which DCA already uses. So yes, piano gloss black? Not the move. The rest of the build is actually quite commendable. At a glance, the yolk mechanism appears a bit overcomplicated, but it has proven durable across previous iterations. As long as it’s not abused, it should hold up well.
I found the Noire X to be reasonably comfortable. While the E3 gives me a hot spot on the top of my head, the Noire X with seemingly the same headband design does not That’s a good sign. Overall, the build quality for this price range is average neither ultra-customized like the boutique styling of a ZMF Bokeh nor below-par like the SJY Horizon Carbon. It strikes a decent balance between refinement and practicality.
Sound Performance
Moving into the sound department, the performance of the Noire X is both graphically and subjectively excellent. Compared to the Noire 2, which already sounded good but had some flaws, the Noire X introduces some thoughtful corrections. There’s an audible boost in the bass and a filled-in dip between 3K and 8K. These changes result in a more balanced, rounded sound neither too dark nor too bright.
Bass
One of the highlights here is the bass. It’s tight, punchy, hard-hitting, and colorful without being overly dry. It performs exceptionally well when paired with an amplifier like the $180. That amp’s warmth complements the Noire X’s efficiency and darker aesthetic beautifully. If you’re chasing a more neutral sound, something like a Topping amp might be a better match.
The bass is slightly elevated but never overpowering. It won’t satisfy fans of ultra-bassy profiles like Beats, but it offers superb quality and fidelity that justifies its price.
Mid-Range: Improved but Not Flawless
DCA has historically lagged behind other brands in mid-range performance. While they’re not at the top of my list yet, the Noire X shows clear signs of improvement. The sound is close to neutral across most of the mid-range. Personally, I’d prefer more separation and organic tone, but for those seeking neutrality, this tuning will hit the mark.
Treble: Crystalline and Clean
The treble response has a few small peaks, but these seem intentional and beneficial. It adds a crystalline, clean quality to the upper end without introducing irritating sharpness. Interestingly, although graphs might suggest the Noire X is brighter than the E3, I actually find it a bit darker overall.
Comparatively, the E3 delivers more soundstage and upper-end detail, finishing instrumentals more cleanly. However, considering that the E3 is double the price, the Noire X offers about 90% of the E3’s performance at half the cost. That’s incredible value.
Soundstage: The Weak Link?
If the Noire X has one weaker area, it’s the soundstage. While other elements shine, the staging feels more confined especially when compared to the SJY Horizon Carbon or higher-end Fostex models. The E3 again, offers wider staging, which could be a reason to upgrade. It’s possible DCA intentionally limited the X’s soundstage to maintain a clear distinction between this and their flagship models.
Article Summary
Ultimately, the Noire X represents exactly what I like to see brands listening to feedback and refining their designs instead of abandoning what works. While I personally dislike the piano gloss black and would probably avoid purchasing it for that reason alone, the sound performance is undeniable. It’s balanced, detailed, fun, and competes with much more expensive headphones. If you’re into the DCA sound and are hunting for value, the Noire X is an exceptional deal. It belongs in the top five closed-back headphones under $1,000 and is a legitimate contender in its price category.
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