Aeon Closed X vs Noire - Best closed back under $500 EASY 

Well 2 things. 1 I kept saying open X (lol), 2 I guess they’re out of stock now so my timing really sucks.

For me - as closed backs, the Aeon Closed X and the Campfire Cascade are the double act to beat. The Cascade is big bassy and fun, and Aeon CX is the more relaxed and refined listen, with a more neutral sound.

You called them “OpenX” several times which is confusing.

TFW You wait impatiently for this review only to find that the Closed X just sold out...

damn, you say open x instead of closed x like 10 times lol

The only one I'm also curious about at the price range is maybe the EMU Teak. I think that's around the price.

catch up on your backlog and devote some time to update your google sheets rankings i'll eagerly wait till then

Dude, you are cheating. You have BR ports in your ears! :D

Dude, get some more sleep, we can all wait for more videos ❤️

I am listening to my Dan Clark audio stealth right now and I am blown away

is this a reupload? I feel like i've seen your review of these headphones before. EDIT: I may be confusing these with the OPEN X

Intro song is "Vale - by Dreem"

For the same price range what do you guys prefer for overall musical enjoyment, closed back or IEM? Let me give you 2 examples... Aeon X Closed vs Thieaudio Oracle (or Moondrop Variations) Aeon Noir vs Thieaudio Monarch MK II What would be the most significant differences when comparing IEM's to closed backs (soundstage, detail, etc...). Looking to invest on a new pair of either closed backs or IEM's but really can't decide what to choose (regarding sound quality). Will be powering them with a Chord Mojo. Thanks for any advices!

Solid review! I love my Closed X's! I see your Noire have the flaking paint. On the Head-Fi forum, DCA said that was a manufacturing defect and the arms would be replaced under warranty.

Would like to see you reviewing the E-MU Teak.

Closed X already out of stock. Frickin' Drop.

Noire, would it be upgrade from Argon mk3? More than Closed X?

Aeon X Closed causes my Motu M2 to go quiet on the right side randomly when there's been no sound output for a while. Only does it on the Aeon, other headsets I've had that have no issues include but not limited to: hd 560s, dt900 pro x, sundara open, sundara closed, akg k361, akg k371, sennheiser game zero. Turning the motu off or unplugging the headphones when the right side is quiet results in a loud pop

Good morning! 🌄 Any chance we'll see more IEM reviews? Cuz there's gotta be something that strikes a balance between the sound quality & comfort of the Blessing 2 Dusk and the affordability of the Moondrop Aria.

I just Love how Dry the DC Noires sound. Sonic Bliss.

All set to pull the trigger at $379- nope! add a c-note to that price. Still a no-brainer at $479.00 for the closed x? Thanks

Seriously, your timing is terrible! This headphone just went out of stock after being on sale this week. A couple days earlier would have been ideal.

I'm glad that someone with clout - asides from Tyll - finally gave these HP's the love they deserve. I see them getting overlooked on so many forums. I absolutely love mine and despite having better HP's in my arsenal, I don't think I'll ever give my Closed RT's (essentially the same as the Closed X) up. I just wish these were a bit easier to drive and that the earpads lasted longer - those are my only two complaints about them.

Thought about snagging the closed x for 379 just to see how they were, now I'm regretting passing. Oh well, they'll be on sale again.

I wonder if they rly can sound better than my T60rp Argon, for sure they are not more comfortable than zmf suede pads + T60 is light

Thanks for this great video. Just ordered the X. Closed, planar, 1/4" connection will compliment my custom DIY open, dynamic, XLR connection other headphone. Can't wait to see how this $500 pair compares to $750 in custom parts I assembled.

@DMS please review the Dan Clark audio stealth 🙏🙏🙏 You have to hear that headphone at home !

How do the Aeon closed/open X compare to something like the DT 1990? Primarily detail retrieval. Curious

Have you finally tried the DT177X GO?

props for the 21:9 aspect ratio

DCA OWNS closed backs. It's a shame, nobody else is stepping up, and tbh the power and control required for these is a bit insane and particular to amp. I wish somebody would make a good high impedance closed back under 1k. Focal doesn't count because everything they make is strange and has some new caveat with every iteration. Soundstage, tuning, now they're making basically fitness headphones. I don't understand Focal.

I’m so excited for the Aeon X. First closed planars. Blunted sounds awesome. My ears get fatigued after a while with some headphones which is why the leather pads on my DT177X’s are my go to, but I’m pumped to get some DCA!

How do these compare to the modhouse argons?

I may have missed it in your video but I take it that these two headphones have knocked off the Ether C Flow in your preferences?

Nice review. BTW - the "oi" in "noir" is a diphthong in French. So the entire word is pronounced as one syllable.

For general music listening, do you have a preference between the Aeon Open-X and the Closed-X?

Me and a friend both felt that vocals came across a bit odd on these. Specifically they seemed perhaps nasally would be the term? There was some sort of additional grain or something accompanying vocals… detail? Haha. Perhaps this stems from the elevated upper highs? They just didn’t sound very natural on most recordings to our ears. Pretty much everything else was great, though a bit bright without the filters, which is unfortunate because details do take a hit with filters added. I personally felt they were brighter than Sundaras (unit variation?). Overall, best all rounder closed back in the 250-500 range new, in my opinion. Cheers

Thank you @DMS. I was not really liking the way my Aeon 2's were sitting on my head. that tip with screwing the head band should have been obvious!

Revisiting this video due to picking up the Noire a couple of months ago. What really sold me on the Noire was the instrument separation. Tremendous! I never tire of it. For me the choking point is the stock cable. It’s microphonic & holds the headphone’s performance back.

I think these headphones should be a huge upgrade to Audio-Technica MSR7 with a reasonable price. Long time I was searching and finally I think found the answer.

I’m assuming with this recommendation that they are comfortable with glasses?

I picked up a basically brand new but used closed x from eBay for $350. I think I did a good job. Really happy with them.

This is on SRH1540 territory as well.

The fostex TH610 is also a great value closed back headphone

Personally I found Aeon Noire sounding noticeably better with more juice on balanced cable - so IMO with just decent AMP you will pay full price for 90% of heaphones' capabilities.

do they run on qudelix 5k?

Whenever these come into the discussion i tend to wonder why does noone compare them to the Ether C Flow/CX... ?

Thanks for the review, I would like to see an updated take with the Ether CXs and these headphones. A under 1k Dan Clark Audio closed back roundup if you will. Cheers.

There was a significant upgrade in video quality in recent few weeks/months, looks like much better lighting? Maybe even camera, can see the bokeh nicely. Like the background music too.

I am bald, this means leather or puleather is soooooo sweaty.... I wish it was velour

Are you gonna rank these and the Open X in your spreadsheet? Do you prefer the Open X or Closed X? How do they differ?

Former owner of the Aeon 2 everything he said is pretty much spot on. If you value dynamics and don’t like overdamped headphones these won’t be for you…full stop. Also any of the filters will start to kill the detail. Would still take the Aeon over the Elegia even at the adorama price.

What has better bass and overall sound for Hiphop and electronic music, the focal clear/elex or the noire?

DMS.....Just remember that you should not smoke a joint before you create a review. (no brainer).

I love how you can't even take the few minutes it would take to quality check your videos and realize you were saying "open x" instead of closed x for half the video. Try and do better

Listening to this review on my own pair of ACX 😂

You have done really great reviews of both the open and closed back versions of these headphones. You obviously like both of them. I have both the hd600 and hd6xx running off a Schiit Valhalla and bifrost. I also have a Magni 3+ and midi stack. I know everyone has different preferences but which do you prefer, the open or closed version?

I see you're wearing glasses! Probably about to grab a pair of the noires's.. How's the sound when wearing glasses? I'm just assuming the worst and expecting bass to drop right off with the seal being sacrificed..?

Hi, just got on this video. I have a pair of Meze 99 Classic closed (like them) and wonder if Aeon Closed X would be worth the investment for an upgrade at decent cost?

DMS likes the same headphones as me- Dan Clarke Aeon and Grado 325x. Aeons are so ugly they're like Spock ears. I'd probably be happier with Dan Clark Ether CX as they look normal but the price on the Aeon X is sooooooo good so I'd probably say these would be my top all around headphone choice. I've seen comments on amazon where a rich person with many high end headphones says her Audio-Technica MSR7b (which I own) have as much detail as $1000 Focal Elegias for $100. And greater comfort. But Elegias are a better deal used for $300. I bought my housemate Sony MDR1am2s which are the most comfortable, sound amazing and also only $100. I think a person is better off spending money on Grado 325x and getting some cheap super comfortable closed back portable headphones like Sony or Audiotechnica for listening without disturbing others. Or a few pairs of Creative Aurvana SE. (they break easily like Koss but are super cheap and great). I think open backs like Grado are better for your ears as the air can go both ways in the ear canal. Closed backs - I'm not going to pay nearly $1000 to ruin my hearing long term. If I am alone, I listen with speakers. DMS hates Sony and Audiotechnica. Why?????!!!!!! At least he likes Dan Clarke and Grado. Bottom line is if you can only have one headphone, this Dan Clarke Aeon X, despite the odd looks is probably the best choice under $500.

I auditioned the Aeon Noire's yesterday, and they are amazing sounding HP's. On the strength of that, I went ahead an ordered the Aeon Closed X. I sure hope I don't miss that 15-20% delta in performance too much because @ $399, I know I would miss the extra $500 it would take to step up to the Noire's.

Thx for your video. I love Techno music, do you think this headphone do the job ?!? If not, how closed back do the better please ?!?

Great video. Can't tell you how helpful your reviews have been for me as someone just dipping toes into this hobby. I was hoping for some opinions - what would be the bigger/better upgrade, HD58x to Focal Elex, or DT770 Pro (250 ohm) to DCA Aeon Closed X? I drive them both with a portable headphone amp/dac (XP-2Pro). I generally use the Sennheisers for mellow music, vocals, rock, acoustic stuff etc and the Beyers for electronic music and hip hop. About a 50/50 split

You should try to get your hands on the 2021 Audeze LCD-XC

What about Audeze Maxwell vs Closed X?

Hello Thank you for this video ! How does they compare / compete against the Focal Celestee ? (the celestee now has close price to the closed x) Thx.

Can you offer any opinion as to how good the closed X can be for gaming?

I'm in the market to buy some closed back planar magnetic. Are these better than the LCD 2 closed?

Exactly the video I needed I've been wrestling with finding a comparison of these two for weeks.

@DMS3TV - did you try either with the THX Onyx dongle DAC? If so can it drive them w/o issue?

would love to hear your take on the new bose qc45 and how it compares to the predecessor qc35 / rest of the noise cancelling headphone market

DMS When are you reviewing the RME ADI 2? You said you would be reviewing this months ago bro?

Ok, the Closed X can be found at 499 on drop but the Noire at 500 no, they cost double.

The only issue with the these headphones is the difficulty to drive which is why the focal Celeste/elegia makes more sense closed backs imo are meant for on the go listening with small portable amp/dacs (use case may very)

Hi, want to know is Chinese IEM's any good? seen lots of them around but are they just cheap rubbish?

Edition XS better anyway?😮

VIDEO IDEA - headphone recommendations specific to genres. Like, most headphones are horrible for metal and rock music.

Hello, I'm pretty new to the whole audiophile community, but I am looking to buy a new pair of headphones for gaming purposes. I was wondering if open-back headphones will leak into your mic if you have it placed on the cups like a modmic? PS: I do like to blast loud music while gaming ;3

Do you think DCA Noire , DCA Stealth would pair well with tube amp like schitt lyr or mojo 2 or Cayin ru6 will be enough to run these?

Nice review. Keep up the good work.

Do you plan to review the Grado Sr-60X and 80X? I know Z said he sent them to you, was wondering how they compare to the 325x.

Love the video! I've been on the fence with these and this really helped. Would a Topping DX3 Pro+ be enough to drive these?

I'm not a huge fan of these they don't do vocals well they make it sounds nasily. I'm just going to say TLDR if you want a good portable closed back get something like the SV021 they're also well built and come with a nice cloth bag to keep them in it might not be a case and sound wise their bass is exaggerate like crazy but Aeons can't do vocals at like $500 so I'm just going to recommend you get the SV021, BTR5, and 58x Jubilee for the same price roughly. That give you a portable set up. Great headphone for you desk and a great headphone on the go I've used the SV021 as my portable headphone for a while. If portability is your focus I would probably recommend the Focal Elegia or the Drop Panda if more are made. If you're looking for a desktop closed back under $500 I would say probably the Elegia from the reviews I've seen would be bettter. I personally love T60 Argons they leak some I think but they're mostly closed they isolate well the wait time is worth it I haven't heard anything better than them yet. Or if Iems are an option I would recommend the Tin T2s over the Aeons and the Blon 03 over the Aeons because I think they're both all around better especially for the price. Tin T2s are very chill Blon 03s have very good bass. If you don't care about looking ridiculous I would recommend the Koss KPH30i or the KSC75 but I can understand most people probably don't want to wear them in public even though they are actually very good for their price.

How would you compare these to Neumann ndh20? I was recommended those specifically for their imaging and stage but waited for you to review these closed x, and now I’m tempted 😅 These are still not available on drop btw... :(

Hi DC aeon RT vs aeon noire? I dont see comparsion in RU-vid

Oh no, this is on sale for $379 on Drop right after I paid $500 for them.

Campfire cascade, vs ether cx, or Aeon closed x?

I'm assuming these probably can't be driven to full potential from most daps?

Fix your affiliate link DMS or you won't be getting $$$.

Damn the open x went out of stock like an hour before I was gonna get them, the closed x went out weeks ago but theres an option to pre order which still counts towards the black friday bonus.. gonna wait a day to see if that added if not im getitng the closed

I just purchased the hifiman ananda. I’m wondering how does the aeon noire compare to the hifiman ananda?

Yeah how many open X's does it take DMS? Classic.

So basically the Aeon X are Drop's versions of the Aeon RTs?

1. In terms of sound how they compare to DCA Ether C or CX? 2. Because you non stop made mistake calling closed X as open X, maybe you should make a video comparing both of them 😉

Is there a decent DAC/AMP combo or stack for around $200 that is recommended for use with the Aeon Closed X?

Is the Aeon X the same as the RT? I have and really, really love the Noire. I was close to the RT to save money but I figured I'd be upset if I didn't go full Noire. I do have an issue with the pads creasing and the fact that they're glued on is disappointing to say the least.

If you forget about price what do you prefer ether cx or aeon noire?

This aspect ratio bad :(

DMS is comparing to the Noire but the Aeon Closed X is more or less exactly the same as Dan Clark's official branded Aeon Flow Closed Retuned (RT). It's a bit more expensive than the Drop sale price right now but performance is the same and it's still less expensive than the Noire. I really enjoy my Aeon Flow Closed RT. It's good stuff.

Watched this video on my DCA Noire :P