Dan Clark NOIRE XO vs. Hifiman Arya Unveiled: Comparison Review

In the world of high-fidelity open-back headphones, the Dan Clark Audio Noire XO and HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled stand out as top contenders for serious listeners. With both models featuring planar magnetic drivers and premium builds, they cater to audiophiles seeking immersive sound, comfort, and sonic accuracy. But how do they truly compare? At $150 less than the Arya Unveiled, can the Noire XO deliver a comparable listening experience? We break it all down below.

What Comes In The Box

Dan Clark Noire XO ($1,299) arrives with a strong first impression. Inside the package, you’ll find the open-back planar headphones themselves, outfitted with premium Alcantara earpads that emphasize both comfort and durability. A detachable cable is included, with the buyer’s choice of termination (1/4", 3.5mm, 4.4mm, or 4-pin XLR), along with a rigid carrying case, cleaning cloth, user manual, and manufacturer warranty.

HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled ($1,449) ships with the essentials: the headphones, a stock headphone cable, a pair of Magnetic Veils, and HIFIMAN's warranty. While the presentation is straightforward, it's worth noting that Arya accessories lean minimal, in contrast to the more extensive bundled options from Dan Clark Audio.

Aesthetics and Functionality

The Noire XO refines the visual identity of the AEON line with its black-on-black finish and updated open-back grille. Lightweight and foldable, it’s well-suited for desktop and mobile setups alike. The self-adjusting headband and ergonomic teardrop-shaped cups ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended sessions. The new Alcantara pads are breathable and moisture-wicking, helping to maintain long-term wearability. With multiple cable terminations available and cross-compatibility with other DCA models, the Noire XO is a flexible choice for users with diverse gear.

The Arya Unveiled, meanwhile, opts for a sleek, stealthy look. Its matte black finish and subtle texturing lend a minimalist appeal. The large, pivoting ear cups and adjustable headband contribute to a customizable and comfortable fit. The build feels generally solid, but small issues—like stiff pivots and occasional creaks in the frame—detract slightly from its otherwise premium design. Still, the Arya remains light and comfortable, ideal for long listening sessions.

Tech Specs

Listening Review

Soundstage

The Noire XO focuses on depth and verticality rather than extreme lateral width. Thanks to Dan Clark’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS), the imaging is highly precise—vocalists are centered with realism, instruments are properly spaced, and reflections feel natural. It handles orchestral recordings with finesse, delivering convincing spatial cues without artificially bloating the stereo image. Its immersive, 3D-like presentation shines in live recordings and detailed mixes.

By contrast, the Arya Unveiled offers an impressively expansive soundstage that projects well beyond the physical headphone boundaries. It creates a room-like atmosphere, placing instruments across a vast stereo field with pristine separation. The presentation is more open and holographic than the Noire XO, making it ideal for listeners who prioritize width and spatial grandeur.

Low Frequencies

The Noire XO takes a measured approach to bass: it's tight, fast, and tonally accurate. Sub-bass is present but never overpowering, maintaining the headphone’s reference-style tuning. The upper bass and low mids provide warmth and body, giving male vocals and acoustic instruments satisfying weight without muddiness. This makes the Noire XO a great choice for jazz, classical, and vocal-centric genres where nuance is key.

The Arya Unveiled offers more bass weight and dynamic slam, with a visceral presence that adds physicality to tracks. It extends deeper and delivers more sub-bass impact than the Noire XO, yet remains controlled and clean. Whether you're listening to modern electronic productions or soulful ballads, the Arya provides a flexible low end that brings music to life without overpowering mids or highs.

Midrange Frequencies

The Noire XO excels in midrange detail and accuracy. Vocals, strings, and synths come through with natural tonality and excellent textural clarity. It avoids any artificial coloration, making it particularly appealing for professional use in mixing and vocal monitoring. There’s a pleasant balance between analytical precision and musical warmth, offering an emotionally engaging but technically informative experience.

The Arya Unveiled also delivers stunning midrange clarity, with a more lush and spacious feel. Instruments and vocals are rendered with lifelike presence, supported by the Arya’s broad soundstage. It thrives on complex arrangements, like the layered instrumentation in Latin or hip-hop tracks, where it articulates every layer without congestion. The Arya emphasizes realism and emotional connection in the mids, making it a joy for extended, immersive listening.

High Frequencies

High frequencies on the Noire XO are smooth, refined, and non-fatiguing. The AMTS system helps control resonances and eliminate harsh peaks, creating a silky yet detailed top end. There's a gentle lift in the air region that adds sparkle and dimension, enhancing ambient detail and high-frequency transients. While ultra-bright recordings may feel slightly rolled off, this tuning choice prioritizes comfort and long-term usability.

The Arya Unveiled has a brighter treble response with greater extension, offering a crisp and airy top end that complements its wide stage. Cymbals, strings, and reverb tails have ample sparkle, but never stray into sibilance or shrillness. This clarity enhances the headphone's immersive quality and lets orchestral and electronic highs shine with precision and energy. Treble lovers will appreciate the Arya’s transparency and brilliance.

Summary

Both the Dan Clark Noire XO and the HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled deliver exceptional open-back listening experiences, but they cater to different listener priorities. The Noire XO emphasizes intimacy, imaging accuracy, and balanced realism, making it a standout for vocal work, mixing, and detail-critical listening. It’s also more affordable and portable-friendly, with superior build flexibility.

The Arya Unveiled, on the other hand, offers unmatched spatial immersion, impactful bass, and treble sparkle that audiophiles seeking a wide, emotional soundscape will adore. Though slightly more expensive and less compact, it makes up for it with sheer sonic grandeur.

The Dan Clark Noire XO and the Hifiman Arya Unveiled are both available at Audio46.

Comparison Chart (Quick Glance)

Feature	Noire XO	Arya Unveiled
Price	$1,299	$1,449
Tuning	Analytical & balanced	Expansive & immersive
Soundstage	Deep & tall	Wide & open
Bass	Controlled & clean	Rich & impactful
Mids	Detailed & neutral	Lush & present
Treble	Smooth & fatigue-free	Airy & extended
Comfort	Lightweight & breathable	Cushioned, with full swivel
Portability	Foldable, case included	Bulkier, no folding.
Best For	Mixing, detail listening	Musical immersion, cinematic sound

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