Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 OpenFrom real comments

Name: Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Open
Rating: 2.8 (10 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 10 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment40%

PROS 40%

CONS 60%

Rank based on 10 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a compact, travel-friendly headphone for varied genres
You're willing to invest in aftermarket cables for better soundstage and clarity
You have a capable amp and don't mind experimenting with pairing

What users love

Consumer-friendly sound signature0 mentions

Widely praised

Great travel companion0 mentions

Widely praised

Versatile across genres0 mentions

Widely praised

Responds well to cable upgrades0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You're sensitive to headphones needing frequent readjustment for fit
You expect a warmer, less shrill signature out of the box
You don't want to deal with amp-picky behavior on a $900+ purchase

What users complain about

Amp pairing can be picky0 mentions

Generally negative

Disappointing sound versus alternatives0 mentions

Generally negative

Harsh, shrill tuning for some0 mentions

Strongly criticized

Comfort requires frequent readjustment0 mentions

Generally negative

High price for the performance delivered0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Premium

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro~$1,299 · 1.4× pricier

Exceptional comfortStrong for gaming and imagingImprovement over HD 650/6XXIrritating L/R lettering inside padsBuild/pad quality issues reportedHigh price relative to alternatives

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro~$1,299 · 1.4× pricier

Exceptional comfort

Strong for gaming and imaging

Improvement over HD 650/6XX

Irritating L/R lettering inside pads

Build/pad quality issues reported

High price relative to alternatives

Best value

2Upper

Shure SRH1540~$499 · 1.8× cheaper

Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source

Shure SRH1540~$499 · 1.8× cheaper

Neutral, accurate sound

Exceptional comfort

Great detail and resolution

Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners

Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral

Sound highly dependent on seal and source

3Premium

Denon AH-D9200~$1,599 · 1.8× pricier

Smooth, detailed treble and clarityStrong perceived value and end-game satisfactionTight, deep bassHigh price pointSibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive earsTight fit for larger ears

Denon AH-D9200~$1,599 · 1.8× pricier

Smooth, detailed treble and clarity

Strong perceived value and end-game satisfaction

Tight, deep bass

High price point

Sibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive ears

Tight fit for larger ears

4Upper

Beyerdynamic T90~$599 · 1.5× cheaper

Exceptional detail and clarityNear-flagship performance vs T1/T5pFull, controlled bassThin or sharp treble on some sourcesRequires a good amp/DAC to shineHigh price for what you get

Beyerdynamic T90~$599 · 1.5× cheaper

Exceptional detail and clarity

Near-flagship performance vs T1/T5p

Full, controlled bass

Thin or sharp treble on some sources

Requires a good amp/DAC to shine

High price for what you get

5Upper

Neumann NDH 30~$749 · 1.2× cheaper

Flat, accurate tonal balanceOutperforms pricier or well-regarded rivalsComfortable for long sessionsSensitive to fit and driver orientationHigh price relative to perceived benefitMid-range emphasis causing imbalance for some

Neumann NDH 30~$749 · 1.2× cheaper

Flat, accurate tonal balance

Outperforms pricier or well-regarded rivals

Comfortable for long sessions

Sensitive to fit and driver orientation

High price relative to perceived benefit

Mid-range emphasis causing imbalance for some

You are here

6Premium

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Open~$899

Consumer-friendly sound signatureGreat travel companionResponds well to cable upgradesAmp pairing can be pickyComfort requires frequent readjustmentDisappointing sound versus alternatives

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Open~$899

Consumer-friendly sound signature

Great travel companion

Responds well to cable upgrades

Amp pairing can be picky

Comfort requires frequent readjustment

Disappointing sound versus alternatives

Comfort
1. Sennheiser HD 490 Proarrow_upward11
2. Shure SRH1540arrow_upward8
3. Neumann NDH 30arrow_upward3
Build quality
1. Shure SRH1540arrow_upward6
2. Neumann NDH 30arrow_upward3
3. Sennheiser HD 490 Proarrow_downward3
Easy to drive
1. Beyerdynamic T90arrow_upward4
2. Denon AH-D9200arrow_upward3
Price
1. Neumann NDH 30arrow_downward3
2. Sennheiser HD 490 Proarrow_downward3

Overall Impression

Sound character splits opinion sharply between listeners. Some commenters describe the Aeon 2 as a very consumer-friendly, easy sound that works well across rock, metal, and orchestral material, making it a pleasant travel companion. Others disagree strongly, calling it bloated and shrill and finding it disappointing compared to the HiFiMan HE 560 on a tube amp. This split suggests the tuning may suit some tastes far better than others, so auditioning before buying is worthwhile given the price point involved.

Amp pairing matters and can be finicky. Buyers ask specifically about which DAC/amp works best with the open-back version, referencing portable options like the iFi xCAN and desktop rigs like the Astell&Kern AK100 II. One listener with the related Open X model reports it is surprisingly amp picky, running five watts of class A power into it. This indicates prospective owners should budget for a capable amplifier rather than assuming any source will drive them well.

Comfort and cable choice noticeably affect the experience. One commenter needed to constantly readjust the Aeon for comfort and preferred another headphone's fit instead. Conversely, another owner reported a big improvement in soundstage and clarity after upgrading to a Moon Audio Black Dragon cable, calling it well worth the investment. Together these comments suggest stock comfort and stock cable performance may leave something to be desired for some users, with aftermarket cables offering a meaningful upgrade path.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

volume_upConsumer-friendly sound signature

1 mentions

Widely praised

One listener describes the Aeon 2 as a very consumer-friendly sounding headphone that's easy to enjoy. This kind of approachable tuning can appeal to listeners who don't want a highly analytical or fatiguing sound.

@arthurhaywood2184

The Aeon 2 is a very consumer friendly sounding headphone, IMHO & it's form factor make them great travel companions. I prefer the open backs myself but the closed backs are also very good.

smart_display

January 20, 2021

luggageGreat travel companion

1 mentions

Widely praised

The compact form factor is praised as making the Aeon 2 a great travel companion, with the commenter preferring the open-back version while also noting the closed backs are very good. This portability is a distinct draw for on-the-go listening.

@arthurhaywood2184

The Aeon 2 is a very consumer friendly sounding headphone, IMHO & it's form factor make them great travel companions. I prefer the open backs myself but the closed backs are also very good.

smart_display

January 20, 2021

library_musicVersatile across genres

1 mentions

Widely praised

One buyer reports the closed set plays well with rock and metal but also handles orchestral material like Hans Zimmer scores, replacing IEMs that caused comfort issues. This suggests solid genre versatility for a portable-focused listener.

@pietersoetaert6625

I ended up ordering a closed set after having issues with comfort with just about every IEM I tried :) \nThese will be my portable replacement for IEM’s and I couldn’t be happier as they play well with rock / metal but also with orchestral stuff like the lovely Hans Zimmer

smart_display

May 20, 2020

cableResponds well to cable upgrades

1 mentions

Widely praised

An owner who upgraded the stock cable to a Moon Audio Black Dragon reports a huge difference, with better soundstage and increased clarity, calling it well worth the investment. This shows the headphone can scale meaningfully with better cabling.

@pixbyalan

I upgraded the Aeon 2 Open cable to the Moon Audio Black Dragon and, wow, what a huge difference. Better sound stage and increased clarity. Well worth the investment.

smart_display

July 2, 2021

powerAmp pairing can be picky

2 mentions

Generally negative

A related Open X owner reports the headphones are surprisingly amp picky, needing five watts of class A power to drive well, while other commenters ask which DAC/amp is needed to properly power the open-back version. This suggests buyers need to plan for a capable amplifier setup.

@intoitreviews

I have the Aeon Open X in right now, and curious about the upgrade. The Open X is surprisingly amp picky. I'm pumping 5 watts class A into them. Cheers.

smart_display

November 8, 2020

@sohrubjoshi5189

Thank you for review, perfect comparison, something we don’t get to see often. What Is best dac /amp that goes with open back version of it. Ive Astell&Kern AK100 ii - will it be good enough to drive this ?

smart_display

June 25, 2020

thumb_downDisappointing sound versus alternatives

1 mentions

Generally negative

One commenter who owns both the HiFiMan HE 560 v2 and the earlier Mr Speakers Aeon Flow Open finds the Aeon lineup a bit disappointing on a tube amp, preferring the HE 560 instead. This indicates the sound may not stand out against established competitors for some listeners.

@markjeroendurr2626

Thanks William, nice review as always. I have the he 560 and the Mr Speakers Aeon Flow Open, the former version to your review example. I like the Hifiman he 560 version 2 better on my Cayin amp which is a tube amp. I find the Aeon’s a bit disappointing....

smart_display

January 18, 2021

warningHarsh, shrill tuning for some

1 mentions

Strongly criticized

A strongly negative commenter calls the Aeon 2 Open bloated and shrill, describing the purchase as the biggest waste of over 900 dollars they've experienced. This is a sharp contrast to the 'consumer-friendly' praise from other listeners.

@N-Z-0-3

I wouldn't be caught dead using the Aeon 2 open! Biggest waste of 900+ dollars, ever! Bloated and shrill, absolutely terrible...

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February 17, 2024

accessibility_newComfort requires frequent readjustment

1 mentions

Generally negative

One listener notes they always have to re-adjust the Aeon and finds it much less comfortable than the ZMF Nightowl. This points to a fit that may not stay secure or comfortable over long sessions for everyone.

@gabsriel

Thank you Mr. Murdock !\nEDIT : but ZMF Aeolus and Focal Elex, maybe\nEDIT 2 : confort-wise I much prefer the Nightowl to the Aeon. I always re-adjust the Aeon...

smart_display

January 18, 2021

attach_moneyHigh price for the performance delivered

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

The strongest critic frames the over $900 price as wasted given the bloated, shrill sound they experienced, positioning value as a concern for at least one buyer.

@N-Z-0-3

I wouldn't be caught dead using the Aeon 2 open! Biggest waste of 900+ dollars, ever! Bloated and shrill, absolutely terrible...

smart_display

February 17, 2024

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Openchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

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What users complain aboutheart_broken

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Who wins on what (similar price)

Comfort

Build quality

Easy to drive

Price

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 OpenFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression