Dan Clark Audio's AEON 2 is a go-anywhere high-end headphone!

[@Guangtian2077]

I got these today, bigger soundstage and a bit more bass than the original, just perfect!

[@johnsonadekunle7675]

Besides the fact that you resemble my friend Keith, your review of the Meze Empyrean made me buy the headphones. It's the best headphones I've bought up to date.

[@gfermont]

Ive had the Aeon 2 for about 3 months now and I'm really really pleased. It became my every day cans combined with Mojo/DF Red, depending on how "portable" I need it to be. For those who thought they could also enjoy High end quality sound on a plane....forget about it! Unfortunately these cans don't block enough sound! Luckily I packed a pair of B&W Px as well who did the trick. I'm just a bit sad that I won't be able to really relax on some high end tunes during long flights. Not really an issue now as we're all confined at home anyway!

[@77tubarao]

I tried the first version during CanJam 2018 and was in love... This second version will now make me to rob a bank!

[@paulcang6752]

I am definitely excited to try these out! Love my Aeon closed but wished they were more portable (these have answered my prayers)

[@treehouse722]

Darko vid drop day is always a treat.

[@anthonyberryman9667]

Great review as usual, I have the original Mr Speakers Aeon Closed which sometimes I have used for portable use, however since I purchased my 64 Audio A18t I now only use my Aeon for home use. It is just a shame they are using the same cable as it is crap, gets twisted and tangled very easily and is just too long to use for portable use. In the end I purchased two Atlas cables one for home use and the IEM version for portable use, do yourself a favour if you purchase these get some Atlas cables they are fantastic build quality and sound superb. I must admit love the form factor of the new Aeon. Keep up the great videos John.

[@zolwiq007]

Anthony, do you have any experience with Aeons Closed paired with the Mojo?

[@philipjdall]

Hi John, really enjoying your channel. I bought a pair of these based on your review and exceptionally happy with them! I'm a DAP kind of guy - mine are easily powered by my SR15 - although my desktop rig does add some punch. I have also bought a pair of LS50W's based on your reviews and couldn't be happier with them either. Thanks for the excellent work, keep it up 👍

[@BudgieFan101]

I have mine running through an ifi Gryphon. Such a dry sound - Sonic Bliss

[@hippieshake2580]

I only listen to music on the go these days with a portable rig and like to watch media on my note 10 plus phone. When I was looking for a comfortable pair of headphones to do both it was a toss up between the Aeon closed back and Audioquest nightowl carbon, but went for the carbon as got a pair from Germany for 314 sterling which is a steal for what you get, thanks for the review👍

[@informedchoice2249]

Would you pair them with an ifi GoBlue or would you lose too much detail?

[@smil3493]

I'm always amazed by how people put dislikes on a video like this. It is not a product like or dislike poll.. Jesus.

[@CWChandler1968]

Great video. I have a Cobalt. Would this be even better. I would plug it into my iPad Pro as a portable system.

[@pennfootball71]

can' t wait for you to compare these to the LCD-1

[@jeremytravis360]

I like the detachable cable. It's a shame they don't supply two cables. One could be the conventional quarter inch jack with a long cable and the other should be a 3.5 mm jack with a short cable.

[@aviking1968]

I have the first edition. They are super comfortable but the headband clamp gives in and it keeps on sliding down. Also, the ear pads after just a few years are melting / shriveling up as they are made of some sort of plastic material

[@erichendriks8193]

Question for Darko and/or Jana: you state that the DragonFly Red provides enough power for the Aeon 2. With a sensitivity of 92/94 dB/W it seems a borderline case. Others on head-fi.org say that the DragonFly is "clearly not enough", based on their experience with the Aeon 1. Dan himself says this on head-fi.org: "The Red is adequate for lo to medium listening w A2. If you are a jazz and classical listener hat may be fine, but loud and bass heavy won't work with the Red." Always a bit difficult to interpret the words of the designer. Is this a veiled warning against using the DragonFly Red? Or is he actually pretty happy with the combination, but is this a CYA remark in case I buy this headphone and will be disappointed in combination with the DragonFly Red? Or should I just take it as it is written? I don't know, I don't know Dan so it's difficult to judge. What is your take, honestly? I listen to classical music with a high dynamic range (Mahler etc.), jazz, Radiohead, NIN, Tom Waits, etc. Especially concerned about the quiet parts of the big classical works (will I still hear these?) and hearing NIN or Balkan Beat Box as it's meant to be. Thanks in advance (even if only for reading this longwinded story).

[@DarkoAudio]

You made me doubt myself so I went back to check with this playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/3Yfsl1wuHMXOhPgSWi7nFW?si=reRGVqjBTlGSg7jPcgYlgA Every single one of these songs, except *maybe* the Tom Waits, are TOO LOUD for me with the DragonFly Red juicing the AEON 2. Comfortable SPLs sit at a 70-80% volume level. You'd have to pretty deaf to find enjoyment at 100% volume.

[@erichendriks8193]

@@DarkoAudio Thanks man!! Very useful info. I guess I will maybe miss some bass slam, which is ok (well, ok-ish). I listening is often during flights (and waiting for them), so I have to crank the volume up a bit. I will probably sleep a night (or two, or three) on it and decide then.

[@muse-mech-moda]

Thanks for this. The first upload of this was strong enough for me to decide on this pair when they hit the UK. Cheers!

[@thirdkey9]

With keen perspective, Team Darko makes it easier to research and make good choices. My zodiacal analogy to others is that the style, focus and depth difference between you (Mercury) and Guttenberg (Earth or Saturn) provides a good range of experience, especially for those just getting into this orbit. That being said, your vids are well done and your ending statement on approach and manner is why you have been one of my go to stops for audio intel. Dig the coffee inclusions too. ♠️

[@mmdusa]

I'm not a headphone (ophile), but I will certainly pass along your recommendation should anyone ask my opinion. Thanks J.D. Cheers!

[@howequalspeace]

these are my next HPs. thanks!

[@mitebbots]

I'm liking the new frames! are they more than the Aeon 2? :) I want to hear them. hopefully, a bit brighter than the last ones I heard years ago. portable is mandatory here

[@maksymilianmatuszak827]

Thanks for next great vid. There is indeed problem with power on all LG phones with Quad dac's, when you're using headphones with low efficiency. LG smartphones are measuring headphone impedance, when you plug in it in and limits output voltage to 1 Vrms, when headphone impedance is below 50 Ohms. Unfortunately this is the case with Aeon 2. However there is another solution, than using external dac to boost output power. You can use simple 3.5mm jack adapter with dummy load of impedance higher than 50 Ohms (for example 100 Ohm resistors), which will boost maximum output voltage of headphone amplifier to 2 Vrms. This is almost as high as Dragonfly Red or Cobalt. After plugging in your adapter with dummy load you plug out only dummy load and connect your headphones, so maximum output voltage stays at 2 Vrms and you can enjoy your music very, very loud. I've done it succesfully with my LG G7 and Hifiman he-500. This setup without this trick suffered the same problem, which you described with Aeon 2.

[@Simon-dn9kv]

I know the weight is pretty low for a planar. But I'd call neither the Nightowl nor these lightweight. The HD6xx with about 250g I'd consider light. At least the Sennheisers don't weigh my head down when I'm at the desk writing (with pen and paper, for keyboard writing weight is less of an issue)

[@andrewpodmore2440]

Ive been running an LG5 with the B&O dac module, listening to qbouz with sennheiser momentum phones, the phone was 125 new the module 25 and the cans 45 new, all bought of eBay. Yes ladles and jellyspoons I’m a tight arsed audiophile. In my defence i used to run a hifi shop in my youth and kids that was the cool 90s....Did john say how much these were in the review?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@JohnDarko love the channel man! I also dig these headphones. To be totally fair to them the Dragonfly Red is a great portable solution which I have as well, and will provide enough audible volume however it really won’t set these headphones free to really run! iFi Micro iDSD black label while being much less portable can provide the power necessary to really drive these headphones to achieve the sound quality most people will love and appreciate! John you are doing a tremendous job brining more people into the audio enthusiast world, I am one of them. You and some others online have really been a great resource for some awesome impressions and education thank you for what you do!

[@ianyates7742]

I like they look cool being slightly warm means I could probably listen to them for a longer time without suffering ear fatigue witch a bright headphone can cause. (Ps looks like I have 1st comment )

[@nomatesman]

Notice there are lots of cable options for these. Which is the best option for use when travelling (with smartphone) and at home (with laptop)?

[@user-wf7yd7vc6r]

Does the Aeon Closed 2 sound more or less exciting, punchy and dynamic than the Focal Elegia? Which has more bass? Any comparison to the Sony MDR 1AM2 would also be nice

[@igorcosta8559]

These are so damn good that I would be comparing them to the Stellia instead. Forget the fact they cost USD900. They punch way above that price tag. I own the A2CB only, so I can't do a direct comparison for you.

[@S.G54321]

It's a late reply. But to me the Aeon 2 has a slight warmer, more intimate presentation. The Elegia has more forward mids, a touch more treble and slightly fuller sub bass. I personally prefer the Elegia and with slight Eq in the low end. Hands down I would take the Elegia. The Elegia has amazing clarity, detail, soundstage. The only things the Aeon 2 wins on is that I can listen to it a bit longer and it's more portable. But the Elegia are easier to drive and for me sound better overall in the lows, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging.

[@BudgieFan101]

How would the ifi Gryphon DAC sound with these?

[@imedman1]

Why do you not carry the DragonFly Cobalt as daily driver?

[@DarkoAudio]

You watched the video, right?

[@psligchers7374]

He used it in minecraft to make an cobalt pickaxe.

[@DarkoAudio]

Not quite. I was interested in the MINIMUM needed to get robust SPLs from the Aeon. The iBasso and the DFly Red were it. No need to go to the Cobalt.

[@bassmaschine]

How do they compare to the Beyerdynamic T1 Gen2 ?

[@lextr3110]

this or the Quad ERA-1?

[@sakabatou]

Thanks John! ;)

[@julianfp1952]

Interesting. A question and a comment. Question - why did you stop at Red on the Dragonfly discussion? How about Cobalt? Comment - on headphones at these price points and above I think cables although interesting shouldn’t be much of a factor in the purchase decision given the decent number of credible custom cable manufacturers. I’d say that’s particularly the case for mobile use. You don’t mention cable length but personally for portability and not getting tangled up with excessive cable I’d immediately commission a 1m max cable, just enough to get between headphones and the playback device in either shirt or front trouser pocket without too much excess length.

[@1Schnellbachniko340]

I am considering buying the "dan clark audio aeon 2 closed back". Which portable headphone amplifier dac can you recommend?

[@grahammitchell5444]

Er...that was in the review.

[@joedavenport3263]

Another well done vid.

[@sohrubjoshi5189]

How this compares with Focal Elegia which are also closed back ?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks for the the video ! My indepth review of the Polk Lsim 703s i gave you a huge shout for highly reccommended reviewer to watch , I called you John the Audio Scientist Darko :)I have learned alot from you thank you so much , The shout out is 11min into video review !

[@seamusmcdonnell4370]

great video, thank you. for all watchers/readers....would this pair well with a pono player for mobile listening(with aftermarket balanced cables)...thank you again.

[@smooth7689]

For travelling, I use my audio-technica ATH-50 and v40. I would be terrified to carry round $900 worth of headphones in a case that still quite hefty.

[@ACERRG-mp7bk]

U should just use high impedance mode on ur LG V40 phone with some trick

[@waynebruce24893]

Knowing Darko I'm sure he enabled this on his V40 and it was still a little less power than what he wanted.

[@piratemousey]

I wonder how a Pono Player with balanced cables would work with the AF2's.

[@hristescualexandru9816]

hi, what about the bass extension and imaging, I would like to use them for gaming and for hi-fi music listening ? thank you!

[@S.M.A.Batista]

those look awesome.

[@expressobike]

Hello John, like your video a lot! Thank hygienic all the great info. Quick question for you. Have you tried those headsets without your glasses? Suppose to be the way to listen to those headsets. Better base. Let me know thx and keep up the excellent work you provide us. Salut from Montreal Quebec!

[@jimis3167]

The bass of these extend deep low and slam to sub-bass?(like traditional on planars?)

[@andtheywillknowus]

Excellent review as usual! Do you know if these will be sold in the EU directly by Dan Clark Audio? Or do you have to import them from their US Website?

[@DarkoAudio]

Does Dan Clark's new website, linked in the description box, link to his global distributors?

[@andtheywillknowus]

@@DarkoAudio No, it does not. Just simulated a purchase. Almost 60€ in shipping alone, and since it appears to be shipped from the US +23% customs duty on top of this + handling charge. Comes to 1,192.50€... Think i'll look elsewhere to upgrade my current setup =) But thanks for the reply John! Wish you a great weekend and keep doing your thing, love the videos and your podcast!!

[@MrRickinVirginia]

P.S. - Steve Guttenberg’s recent interview with Jana Dagadan let me understand a little about your videographer. Very cool, both of you!

[@EuliasCreed]

Hey John awesome video as usual keep up the great work. I only have 1 question though; why are your videos always out of focus ?? I only found out about you just about a month ago and have tried to watch all the vids and the only thing most of the vids are always out of focus are you doing that on purpose? Or you haven’t noticed??

[@stephanej.871]

In fact, Aeon closedback v1 sounded already very open too, at least imho

[@KeenAesthetic1]

I find them claustrophobic even with an Auralic Taurus Mkii

[@stephanej.871]

@@KeenAesthetic1 just by curiosity, what will you consider as a non claustrophobic closedback headphones?

[@stefanboecker2818]

Hi John, great review as always. Thank you! I have been eyeing the Audeze lcd 2 closed back to use with chord poly/mojo for a while now. Only downside seems to be weight (I like the sound I get with the combo when trying it.). How would these Dan Clark Aeon 2 closed compare to the LCD 2 closed back in your opinion sound-wise (warmth, clarity and accuracy)? Would be grateful for your opinion. Thank you.

[@djhmax09]

Do they still have the tuning pads?

[@DarkoAudio]

Yes - in the box.

[@RamisDad]

I bought the original Aeon and I thought it lacked treble. Of course I tend towards brighter headphones so it was a total fail in that area for me. A shame because they are SO comfortable to wear. had to send them back. I had some back and forth with Dan and he clearly likes headphones that have an extremely neutral output, it was funny to see that a lot of reviewers found these headphones incredibly unexciting from a listening standpoint. Curious to see if this second version is any better. Not going to hold my breath. When I told Dan that the sound was unexciting, he told me to buy a different brand.

[@gcb2101]

Maybe your original Aeon was broken? I think it is virtually impossible that anyone thinks it is lacking treble.......

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

I trust Dan with the advice he gave you.

[@marekkouril7134]

Would you say that these are the straight upgrade from Audioquest Nightowl Carbon? Could you compare them a little bit? Thank you.

[@DarkoAudio]

Sorry - if it's not in the video, I didn't do it.

[@snowrang3r657]

Could you review the FiiO BTR5? Works as a bluetooth DAC/AMP (Supports apt-X HD and LDAC) or a USB-C DAC/AMP. Also has a 2.5mm balanced output which can push a lot more power than 3.5mm SE. Would love to see you compare it to the portable options shown here.

[@herme99]

Very similar in portability design to the Peltor aviation headset from my yoof.

[@HiFiInsider]

I like to try these.

[@dnalekaw4699]

speak english please

[@sidvicious3129]

I think these will sell like hot cakes, I own the original Ethers. Jude from headfi interviewed Dan Clark who gave his reasons for the name change. I believe Dan is thinking of expanding in different markets, which he wouldn’t obviously talk about. I believe and wouldn’t be surprised to see his talent go into speakers and electronics which the Dan Clark Audio name would cover everything and sound better than just MrSpeakers, which he talked about. Great review as usual and I’m mad now, I want a new box for my Ether to say Dan Clark Audio, ha, ha, ha. Keep it coming John your reviews and style have set a very high bar in the industry!!!

[@WitzyZed]

sid vicious I’d think a name change just to then develop speakers would be a little asinine. Hoping for electronics though!

[@sebastianmangelsen8056]

Hi Darko, would you call a Chord Mojo an unforgiving DAC?

[@mcutt]

no

[@davidgamble2492]

It's not the headphone which is the problem,it's the dam cable which is connected to the amp,wireless for me

[@carstenjunge1327]

What is the inner size of the cups? I ask, since I wear hearing aids and I need head phones with enough space for those.

[@DarkoAudio]

Did you look at the new Dan Clark website, linked in the description box?

[@carstenjunge1327]

@@DarkoAudio Yes; You find this statement:*We don’t publish a spec because too many vendors shamelessly exaggerate the response of their headphones to win the "spec wars," making any comparison of specs irrelevant.

[@omni6409]

Warmer than the AFO? AFO is already very warm.

[@mariosupa4027]

Hey John on a different subject. How are you enjoying the Klipsch Forte III ? Have you had a chance to listen to them and perhaps do a follow up review on them ?

[@MrDinoleo]

Hi there, many thanks for the insight. I just bought these from the States (im im the UK). I want to Bluetooth stream from my TV. Any suggestions of a decent Bluetooth input/DAC/Headphone amp combo?

[@18yearsoldnot]

I’d personally give up as you’d want an eq to bring out the low end bass in action movies. I find myself using sennheiser momentum 3 which have amazing bass extension… more so than my audeze lcd x and Hugo Tt combo and are so much easier to use because you just fold them to turn them off. Otherwise I’d look at a used Hugo 2 on eBay if your tv supports apt x bluetooth

[@comtoisetienne]

It might be a bit late, but the fiio btr7 is plenty enough power with a balanced cable. The delay with bluetooth on my tv (sony a9 oled) is sadly way too much to be enjoyable.

[@gigabuyceps]

Hifiman Edition XX is $500 only, probably gonna buy it, idk why Aeon price didn't drop too, the red color is ugly imho.

[@intoitreviews]

Problem with Mr. Speakers, Dan Clark Audio, or whatever they are called... is that the price doesn't match the performance. Looking forward to hearing his new stuff. One day I'll buy a used CX for 400 or so... really love that thing... also that new headband on the aeon 2 is genius... he IS the headband expert. You need a centrance dac/amp for portability... get rid of those dragonflies yo.

[@MrRickinVirginia]

John, I really liked the video, maybe because is wasn’t a “review,” It was a knowledgable guy chatting in my family room about a new set of headphones he just got and what he liked about them. Reviews, per se, are challenging for a person like me to understand since I think that almost all equipment priced at say $500 or above will be pretty “good” (the price point for speakers is maybe more like $750/pr). But lower priced equipment is where people like me need the most help. I want to know if the equipment is, in your opinion, worth the money, i.e., would you buy it if you were putting together a lower priced system. What you said about the DCA headphones was enough to make me put them on my “possibles” list. More of these types of videos, please!

[@piratemousey]

Anyone recon theese would be a good match for the PONO player with balanced cables? Thanks.

[@malinyamato2291]

the most portable planner out there that would look lovely on women.

[@gigabuyceps]

Can't wait for Massdrop Edition, I've been saving for these for quite a long time, proudly still with Superlux HD668B.

[@1Schnellbachniko340]

Good Video! 👍 🙂👍

[@brianbrooklyn2333]

What happened to the Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt?

[@DarkoAudio]

Surely you jest?

[@brianbrooklyn2333]

Could you test the headphone with the Cobalt?

[@imedman1]

He propably had to send it back.

[@DarkoAudio]

Nope. I still have it. I just didn't use it here because I was more concerned with which USB DACs were the MINIMUM requirement for getting robust SPLs from the Aeon 2.

[@tomprevost2477]

@@DarkoAudio Interesting I had to go back for a second look. didn't see the news ticker at the top as the black and red dragonflies are at the bottom of the shot where my attention was. Also you are talking about the dragonflies so naturally thoughts do go to the Cobalt not mentioned. I didn't know the higher end dragonflies would enhance the output dbs. Just a FYI.

[@kojie333]

Do they pair well with the cobalt? I bought the dragonfly bec of your review, it’s on of my best purchase since I can use it with all my devices. iPad, MacBook, iPhone

[@DarkoAudio]

Per the news ticker in the video, the Cobalt was not deployed here.

[@DarkoAudio]

Because here I was concerned with the MINIMUM hardware required to get decent SPLs from the Aeon 2. Sorry that wasn't clear as it could have been in the video.

[@bonusbeat]

I'm dipping my toes in to the higher end equipment (for me), currently using momentum 1 and 2s as my head phones, i want to purchase these headphones and a DAC, either the cobalt or the IFI hip dac, any one have a preference or a recommendation. thanks in advance.

[@gfermont]

cobalt is a fantastic portable dac! now if you dont mind something a little bit bulkier, Id definitely go for the Chord Mojo!

[@miguelbarrio]

Thx John. I do want a comparison review of these please, in particular compared to other closed backs - eg NightOwl Carbon and others.

[@johnny4k206]

Me too! LOVE my Carbons - and these Aeons are really tempting me...

[@GrubeZebro]

Miguel Barrio THIS

[@AdrianIII]

Wow, Dan must really have some strings to get a review on this quickly!!!

[@DarkoAudio]

Yeah, me and my team worked hard to get this short video done in under 2 weeks....because I really really dig the original Aeon. And it turns out I dig the new version even more. That foldable headband is just marvellous. Normally, the review video process spans 6 weeks.

[@MrStingraybernard]

I like the ear shape of it , I hate the look of round ear pieces

[@harman8431]

Where do ibasso dac stand for their price? Can I expect a review of this dac in future by you?

[@Hinata-vr-is-me]

How did you just plug headphone cable into your phone? This is exciting new technology!!

[@Villaboy78]

Waaahhhhh just ordered Mr speakers aeon closed. And now these are released?? Do I cancel my order and switch to the Dan Clark?

[@KeenAesthetic1]

original Aeon closed are claustrophobic and incisive af. The soundstage and bass on these have different descriptions...

[@Villaboy78]

Sorry I didn’t reply sooner - basically DCA held back on the aeon flow order , and I was able to amend it to aeon 2 . Had the aeon 2 closed now for 6 months with a Hugo2 and a schitt magni 3+ just for that extra welly and man these things sing 🙌🏻

[@lonestar1664]

I really like the Ether 2 but they are out of my price range, if they Aeon 2 sounds like Ether 2 then they are winner . XDSD will be perfect partner. Does anyone know which IEM are John's favourite go to IEM, I know he nevers responds on YT comments so someone else might be able to help here. Thanks

[@DarkoAudio]

I don't respond to comments about issues already addressed in my videos but my fav IEM in 2019 is the Campfire Audio Polaris II, as seen in the DragonFly Cobalt and True Wireless IEM videos.

[@lonestar1664]

@@DarkoAudio many thanks for your response and recommendations, greatly appreciate

[@mariodrv]

Get an xCAN instead and pair it with an LG V30/40 or G7/Fit, you get double the power and a complete smartphone to boot. Best budget mobile combo to get.

[@sarundayo]

Not that I know a lot about audio or gear, but always wanted to ask: what makes an audiophile? His knowledge about gear or sound?

[@Chikolad]

If you care about good sound and place it as a top priority, you're an audiophile.

[@redstarwraith]

Lighting was not so good in your place. Difficult to see the headphone at times. You're holding dark headphones against a dark shirt whilst sitting in front of the dark grilles of your Klipsch Fortes. Much easier to see them on that wooden table.

[@midorihibiki]

Not sure about the quality of Mr Speaker headphones. Mine Alpha Dog was broken after one and half year and I contacted the store which they might help and they let me know that many of planar magnetic headphones are quit of easily broken than dynamic/electrostat headphones. From that day I would like to skip planar magnetic headphones even how hype how good they sound.

[@Woot-Zee]

Damn, those cables though...PLS. I have a vacuum cleaner with sleeker cables. (PS: Let's not enter into cable debate) :D Those cables are NOT portable at all. Not even comfortable if they are the same on Aeon 1.

[@samuelsalins8309]

For Helicopter 🤔

[@floriandohrn]

Sadly they‘re missing a product designer...

[@ernestm8884]

WOW that WAY out of my $$$$ range I can do $300 US these are currently $900

[@Foxrock321]

Ah yeah, my Dan Clark Aeon RTs are power needy..even in my component system I have to crank the volume to make them light up……my Monolith 1570 not as much..

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

Always though MrSpeakers was a really dumb name, but really, Dan Clark Audio is almost as bad. Just rename it DC Audio. Dan Clark may be great at creating headphones but totally crap at names.