Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Delivers punch, clarity in the mids, and clarity and sparkle on the top without being overbearing, resulting in a balanced sound
  • Exceptional build quality
  • Includes four different inserts to adjust the sound to the user's preference
  • Sound is refined yet fun

Product Considerations

  • Available only on Dan Clark Audio's website
  • Earpads are ear-shaped, making aftermarket replacements potentially difficult
  • Expensive

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Audeze LCD-1, the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed RT is much preferred, with the reviewer stating they returned the LCD-1 due to its poor fit, muddled sound, and customer support
  • Compared to the Dekoni Blue, the Dan Clark Audio Aeon RT is more refined

Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed RT offers a balanced and enjoyable sound experience with a very high build quality and the flexibility to tune the sound. It is a great choice for someone who wants a headphone that sounds good right out of the box.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

ÆON RT

reviews

[{"title":"Dan Clark Aeon Closed RT Review - Way better than Audeze LCD-1","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFOF13vE3LM","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Driver: 62mm x 34mm single-ended planar magnetic
  • Driver matching: +/-2dB to target curve, channel matched to 0.5dB weighted 30-8KHz
  • THD: less than 0.3% 20-20KHz, 0.1% 100-8KHz
  • Headband: Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol) memory metal
  • Baffle: Carbon Fiber
  • Earpads: Japanese Synthetic Protein Leather
  • Weight: 328gr
ÆON RT sets a new standard in affordable headphone performance, comfort, and build quality. Based on our legendary ÆON Flow, which won dozens of awards, ÆON RT offers a fresh and livelier sound that retains ÆON's ultra-light all-metal headband and baffle. And it's still made right here in San Diego, California!
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Dan Clark Audio headphones utilize a unique folding gimbal design, using Nitinol memory metal, which enables the headphones to fold to half their size for enhanced portability.
  • DCA incorporates a proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) into their headphones, which integrates waveguides, diffusion control, and resonators to eliminate standing waves and precisely shape the high-frequency response.
  • The brand uses V-Planar technology in their planar magnetic drivers, molding textures on the driver surface to optimize low-frequency performance and improve diaphragm stability.
  • Dan Clark Audio designs its products with a focus on comfort for extended listening sessions, evident in features like ergonomic head straps, lightweight construction, and carefully chosen earpad materials.

ÆON RT

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers a vibrant sound with a lightweight, all-metal headband, making it ideal for travel and everyday use. Features a proprietary planar magnetic driver that enhances detail retrieval and bass response, distinguishing it from the more advanced ÆON 2 which offers a newer driver technology for improved dynamics and soundstage.

Noire X

  • Positioning: Midrange line, balancing performance and value.
  • Description: Uses the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) for a refined treble and improved driver for better sound consistency. Compared to the ÆON RT, it offers enhanced comfort and a more sophisticated sound profile, while still being more affordable than the E3.

Ether

  • Positioning: High-end planar headphones, designed for ultimate comfort and sound quality.
  • Description: Uses TrueFlow technology and a lightweight design for a natural and detailed sound. They offer larger drivers and more refined construction compared to the E3, providing a more nuanced and organic sound experience.

Expanse

  • Positioning: Flagship open-back headphone, setting new standards in soundstage and detail.
  • Description: Features a 4th generation planar-magnetic driver and AMTS, providing an expansive soundstage and smooth presentation, perfect for critical listening in quiet environments. It offers a more open and detailed sound compared to the Stealth, with a focus on musicality and comfort.

Corina

  • Positioning: Reference electrostatic headphone, designed for ultimate resolution and natural tone.
  • Description: Uses the AMTS to deliver electrostatic resolution with a natural tone. It provides a unique electrostatic experience compared to the planar magnetic models like Expanse, with a focus on delivering a lifelike and immersive sound.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
22
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
122
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
11
Founding Year
2012

Our take on the brand

Dan Clark Audio sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

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How to buy

Headphones

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