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Drop + Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X Headphones
$499
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Drop + Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X Headphones
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$499
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postwarscars
1367
Apr 29, 2022
erickongI would love to see the affiliate posts disappear... They're immensely obnoxious.
DarPhyve
211
Feb 1, 2021
I just confirmed with DCA that the RT and this set are indeed the same headphones.
JimJanTheWeinrMan
6
May 1, 2022
So, I am not really sure how to discern what is going on.
My Current Setup:
DAC: Schitt Modius (Optical and/or USB Directly from Computer)
EQ: Schitt Lokius (Currently Off)
AMP: Schitt Valhalla 2 (Tube amp set to high gain mode)
Source: Spotify (quality set to highest both stream and download)
*OLD* Headphones: Philips Fidelio X2HR
*NEW* Headphones: Dan Clark Aeon Closed X
I just got my new pair of Dan Clark Aeon Closed X Headphones from Drop, to replace my old Philips headphones mentioned above. To say in one word, the sound is extremely disappointing. Honestly, the headphones sound almost blown. The low end is incredibly distorted, and makes the same sound a blown car speaker does, almost a static-y, low quality radio sound. The mid's and highs are present, but they too sound almost like the music is coming from a horrible static filter. The headphones sound muddy, distorted, and blatantly worse than my old headphones.
I am aware that Spotify isin't the best source, and have been thinking about changing to Tidal to get lossless quality, but listening to different sources downloaded on my computer, both CD quality, FLAC, WAV, and MP3, these things sound god awful. I hear no discernible difference between the tracks, and I would like to believe my ear is educated but that might not be true. Like, low-budget cans that you bought from Walmart bad. Nothing compared to my Phillips Fidelo X2HR.
Am I missing something, do I need to actually burn them in? Besides stockholm syndroming myself into liking a $500 paperweight, what are my options here?
amorrish
62
May 27, 2022
these are planars not dynamic, so unless you are using a very high end tube amp with auto switching or manual impedence setting the bass is going to sound like a mongoose with diarrhoea with a Cork up its arse 😂
(Edited)
Hyde
1121
Apr 2, 2021
So this has been out for a while, I previously read one user from here regarding no lack of dynamics. But then recently there has been 2 reviews that pops up that criticise it for lack of dynamics again (apparently it's a common complaint with Dan Clark Audio headphones).
Anyone who got this recently can comment on dynamics? Thanks!
Hyde
1121
May 20, 2021
If I do get them I'll be using them on my desk so which should be ok. I have Project Polaris and Vali 2+.
Though I just noticed these headphones are 12.5 Ohm and most amps have power curve that favours peak out at different numbers. I think Project Polaris peak out at 60 Ohm at 2.4W but very low power at 16 Ohm while Vali 2+ at 32 Ohm 1.5W.
None have published numbers for 12.5 Ohm so I wonder how they'll fare LOL. I also have Dragonfly Red too but I don't know the exact power figure.
At least I have enough things around to test. :P
jrd1975
9
Feb 3, 2021
First time drop customer.... Quite disappointing to see the date now says shipping 10/02. I think the words ready to ship are a bit misleading. If the date gets pushed back much further I'll probably cancel. Shame as good value.
ElectronicVices
2937
Feb 3, 2021
I didn't give anyone a pass, just stated what is the current reality for drop. They're shipping times have been all over the place since COVID started. If that state of affairs is acceptable to you then buy. If it isn't then don't.
clerkp
127
Feb 3, 2021
ElectronicVicesFair enough but they shouldn’t say “ready to ship”
since it’s false and misleading. When I purchased them it literally said ship date 1/28.
(Edited)
NeilPeart
81
Mar 16, 2021
Apologies for the late response, gtb75. I finally had an opportunity to test these 2 and I do prefer the Ether CX overall. I feel like its sound is a bit more open and a tad smoother. I do feel that the CX can sound a bit more nasally than the Aeon in the midrange but I'm not sure how to characterize this - perhaps the Aeon is more accurate? I also prefer the feel of the CX on my head (less clamping force). For the price I think the Aeon Closed X is the better buy since it captures the "DCA House Sound" for less cash. I'm curious what the measurement folks bring to the discussion for these headphones. Equipment used: Oppo UDP-205, Topping D90/A90. Music: Variety of classical, jazz, rock, metal and electronica.
(Edited)
gtb75
340
Mar 17, 2021
NeilPeartThank you for the feedback! I use my CX as a "transportable" headphone for when I commute to the office and customer sites. That being said, I typically drive them with a HiBy R5 DAP - not my home gear (I use the Ether 2 at home). After doing some more reading I am thinking I will give ÆON 2 Noire a try... It sounds like they may be closer to the sound of the CX and between the smaller cups (than the CX) and folding frame they will be meaningfully smaller to carry than my CX. Yes they are more money, but at least I get a discount since I'm a prior DCA customer and get the Club DCA discount.
clerkp
127
Feb 6, 2021
Mine just arrived. Giving them test. My initial reaction is that these are well worth it. These have a very open sound to them. Hard to believe they are a closed back. More to come.
Johndeed
13
Feb 18, 2021
I don't like the JDS Atom with these headphones. I much prefer the RME ADI-dac2 which of course is a lot more expensive. JDS seems shrill with these headphones. I will say that the JDS is awesome for the money though
(Edited)
clerkp
127
Feb 18, 2021
JohndeedWell for 12 times the price it should be! In all seriousness, I don’t detect any schillness but live never spent more than 300 for amp. I did grab a schiit heresy for 100 and it’s definitely an improvement over the Atom. I think the Heresy is now the standard for 100 amps. Really impressed with how much quality you can get these days for the price.
Interceptor69
94
Jan 31, 2021
illtrickDan Clark has been posting on ASR IN in the review of the thread on the RT Closed and answered this question and I paraphrase "they are pretty similar".
ChiChiDragon
4
Feb 10, 2021
In the same boat here.. it’s been two weeks since I ordered. No response from customer support either.
DarPhyve
211
Feb 10, 2021
ChiChiDragonThis is definitely the last thing I will ever try to buy from drop.
Showing 93 of 248
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