Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire Planar Closed Back Portable Audiophile Headphones with 2m Dummer 3.5mm/1/4-inch Cable (Black)

(Aeon 2 Noire) These are honestly the best headphones I've ever owned. They do require an amp, and they are neutral sounding enough that your source probably matters a lot more than you're used to. Any reviewer who says they are bad likely have them hooked up directly to a PC output or phone with less than powerful output.While they are portable, I suspect most phones can't really provide the necessary quality or power without a dac/amp. Trying it with a Galaxy S10+, the sound quality was OK, but the volume had to basically be cranked up to max to get anything useful out of them.This is not a detractor to me, it was expected before purchasing, but it's worth noting that you will need to spend some money on a source, they can't magically make your bad sound output or recording sound good. And the technology they are based on requires more power than regular drivers.I've been driving them with a Schiit Fulla E (listen at my PC mostly, EDIT: now a Schiit Hel 2E, the Fulla E is in the low range of power for these*), which is modestly priced and do a decent job.Finally if you are trying to decide between the Aeon 2 vs the Noire, the only difference is the color and ear pads. The pads make a big difference in sound, but they are interchangeable and can be purchased from Dan Clark audio if you wish to change the sound. The Aeon 2 pads make the performance more up close and intimate, while the perforated Noire pads give you more clarity with a somewhat more clinical sound and wider sound stage.Finally I'm no audio expert with Golden ears, so keep that in mind, just a guy with an opinion.* Since you are thinking of spending close to $1000 on headphones, you should probably invest in a good headphone amp regardless. My gaming DAC/amps are good but I'm sure you could spend a little more and get even better sound out of the Dan Clark Aeon Noire.

These headphones are incredible to listen to. Incredibly balanced, immersive sound that offers whatever you could ask for. I will say that I used the lightest level of dampening foam to take the edge off of the treble, but everyone has their personal tastes, and I know that I am very treble sensitive. Two things to consider when you buy this headphone though. Number one being the music you listen to. These are exceptionally revealing and reward you for having well-recorded music. Number two being the 13 ohm resistance rating. This is very low, but don't take that to mean that they are easy to drive. These can screw with lower end and less powerful amplifiers. I honestly forget why I love these cans on small, low power portable amplifiers, but hook it to something with a couple of watts and these things shine. Overall, if you have the source and music choice, these could easily mean you don't have to spend any more on headphones.

Took an 2w/channel headphone amp to finally get these to open upI don't fully understand the specifications, but the 16ohm rating doesn't mean these are easy to driveDefinitely seems like they'll drink whatever watts you've got

Used these with Schitt Modius/Magnus DAC/amp. My Focal Bathys sound much better plugged straight to my computer. These are two warm and muddy for my taste.