Dan Clark Audio Noire XO vs. EXPANSE Comparison Review

As Dan Clark Audio unveils the Noire XO, a more affordable open-back headphone, many are wondering how it compares to the established flagship, the EXPANSE. With the EXPANSE retailing at $3,999 and the Noire XO coming in at $1,299 ($1,499 with the VIVO cable), the price gap is significant—but how much of that cost difference translates into real-world performance? In this comparison, we put these two open-back planar magnetic headphones head-to-head, exploring design, tech, and sound to help you choose the best fit for your listening priorities.

What’s in the Box

While both headphones are premium offerings, the unboxing experience is fairly consistent between them. Each includes a durable carrying case, synthetic suede earpads, a detachable cable, and the essential user documentation. The EXPANSE ships with a VIVO cable by default—Dan Clark’s premium cable offering—while the Noire XO provides a choice between the DUMMER (stock) or VIVO cable at additional cost. This flexible packaging lets Noire XO buyers customize their setup without inflating the base price unnecessarily.

Aesthetics and Functionality

Both headphones carry the signature Dan Clark look—ergonomic teardrop-shaped cups, a minimalist black finish, and collapsible frames for portability. The Noire XO retains the elegant stealth-black aesthetic of the Noire X but incorporates an open-back grille for improved spatial openness. It’s lightweight and travel-friendly, with new Alcantara pads that offer enhanced breathability and heat dissipation—perfect for long sessions.

The EXPANSE, while similar in shape and size, elevates its build with subtle refinements and a sophisticated cage-style grille design. It's also foldable and built with premium materials, offering an equally travel-capable profile. Both headphones are clearly made with portability and daily use in mind—something Dan Clark excels at across its entire lineup.

Technical Design and Driver Tuning

Though Dan Clark Audio is sparing with hard specs, both the Noire XO and EXPANSE utilize planar magnetic drivers and incorporate the brand’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS). This proprietary tech helps control resonance and refine treble energy, smoothing out harshness while preserving detail.

The Noire XO is tuned closely to the Harman curve, giving it a more universal appeal—especially for newcomers or those looking for a more balanced listening profile. The EXPANSE, meanwhile, takes a more analytical approach, tuned with precision in mind for seasoned listeners who demand micro-detail and neutrality.

Listening Review

Soundstage and Imaging

The Noire XO delivers an intimate yet immersive soundstage, prioritizing depth and height over extreme width. While it may not rival the ultra-wide imaging of some flagships, it creates a realistic stereo field with precise spatial layering. This makes it ideal for orchestral recordings, live sets, or ambient music, where microdynamics and vertical positioning matter.

The EXPANSE leans into a wider horizontal soundstage, giving more room for instrument separation left-to-right. However, it lacks the vertical extension the Noire XO subtly offers. Imaging is still top-notch, though the experience is slightly flatter in height. If you’re looking for breadth and studio-style mix referencing, the EXPANSE is a solid choice.

Low Frequencies

The Noire XO delivers bass that’s well-textured, clean, and agile. Sub-bass reaches deep without overwhelming the rest of the mix. However, it doesn’t quite hit with the impact of a closed-back design, leaving a touch of power on the table. Still, the clarity and control are impressive, with no bleed or muddiness.

The EXPANSE handles bass with restraint but precision. It’s present and defined, especially for an open-back design, but clearly takes a backseat to the mids and highs. Sub-bass starts to roll off earlier, but the accuracy and cleanliness make it suitable for critical listening—even if it lacks the physicality that some listeners crave.

Midrange Frequencies

The Noire XO shines in the midrange, offering a rich and colorful presentation. Instruments maintain unique timbres, and vocals are rendered with lifelike warmth and texture. Layering is especially impressive, providing a cohesive yet wide sonic picture that remains engaging across genres.

In contrast, the EXPANSE midrange feels flatter and slightly thinned out, particularly in the lower mids. While this neutrality benefits analytical tasks like mixing or mastering, it can leave some musicality behind. It’s not lifeless, but it’s more sterile than the Noire XO’s inviting midrange presentation.

High Frequencies

The Noire XO strikes a satisfying balance in the treble region—crisp, detailed, and airy without becoming piercing. While the very top may roll off slightly, harmonic overtones and subtle textures still come through beautifully. It’s a forgiving high end that retains nuance.

The EXPANSE, however, excels in treble detail and extension. The high frequencies are spacious and decay naturally, creating a sense of air and resolution that can elevate classical or acoustic recordings. The treble may be its most compelling feature, especially for listeners attuned to upper-register detail.

Summary

Both the Dan Clark Noire XO and EXPANSE bring remarkable craftsmanship and high-end audio fidelity to the table, but they cater to different listener profiles. The Noire XO delivers a more musical, colorful sound that’s easier to fall in love with, especially for casual critical listeners and everyday audiophiles. It punches well above its price and might even feel more enjoyable than the EXPANSE in some scenarios.

The EXPANSE, on the other hand, is built for purists and professionals. It’s a reference-grade tool with exceptional clarity, treble precision, and a neutral tonal balance. However, its flatter mids and slightly reserved bass may feel underwhelming for more emotional or immersive listening.

Both the Dan Clark Noire XO and Dan Clark EXPANSE are available at Audio46.

Quick Comparison Chart