Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 - Open & Closed - Official Discussion

Headphones Official Headphone Model Discussion
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Thanks Lee…

I have been around in this industry since the beginning and there is alot of mis-information etc…but there is a lot of good solid info as well…

There are a bunch of really nice headphones, amp and dacs out there…they indeed vary in differences for sure and we all want that perfect setup, but for many of us that really is a very subjectve thing…

Some move from one product to another hoping that it will be the “cats meow” for sure…but after the newness wears off the seacrh is often started all over again!! :>)

Most of the electronics I have are really pretty close, with a few that really stand out as being very different.

The Aeon 2’s were quite an experience…and very different from the Clears for sure…they are some of the best dynamic headphones out there IMO.

I in my search for perfection looked to the Aeolus as well and have come really close to buying a set. But the warmth I am hearing about has stopped me from going that route…I have not heard them but I know I would appreciate them, but will wait to I actually get to listen with a set.

Each time I leave the Focal Clear land and listen with other cans, It takes a few hours to get used to these other cans unique sound…but always when going back to the Clears its like home again…close to perfection for me.

Let us know how you like the new cans and maybe we should move this to that thread…

But the Aeons are ok fine…just need to really let them break in for 50+ hours before making any judgements…

Alex

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144

Owning both Clears and Aeolus is a good bad-habit to have. The more the merrier.

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Agree.

I have the Clears and believe they (and my HD800S) provide near perfection for detailed, critical listening. And from what I’ve heard about the Aeolus, they offer the prospect of what many of us have long been hoping for–a step or two of enhancement beyond the beloved HD650 for great musicality.

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I have to agree with you the Focal Clears are excellent headphones. IMHO ofcourse. Oh and Happy Cake Day.

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you have great taste sir. Your collection looks suspiciously similar to mine. :smile:. My 3 mainstays for headphones are HD650, HD800s and the Focal Clears.

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Which pads on the HD800s? I think the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin are a nice upgrade of the stock velours.

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I would like to audition the Aeolus, and also the Focal Stellias…

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Thanks!! 71 years!! I am so fortunate to have good hearing still…up to 14khz!! Yeah!

Headed to the dentist this am, was flossing and pulled of a crown!! ouch!!

:>)

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I’m just using the stock pads. How to the Dekoni’s you mentioned change the sound?

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Hi Paul,

Yes, it sounds like our taste for headphones is very much alike, based on this post and others of yours that I’ve read over the past few years.

What amp or amps are you using for your HD650, HD800S and Clears?

Lee

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They are more comfortable for sure. I think they seal better too, so that gives a little bit fuller feel.

I have Dekoni Hybrids on my standard HD800. Those are nice pads too.

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154

Hello Alex,

Based on you mention of the Magni 3 in this post as well as another post or two over the past few months, I just hooked up my new Audioquest Nightowl Carbons to my Magni 3 and got the same "Holy Crap’ reaction that you did with the Aeon 2…“makes them sing.”

Knowing how much you like the Clear and Aeon, you might want to consider getting a Nightowl Carbon. With the Magni they’re really clear, crisp and detailed (like the Focal) as well as a touch warm and quite musical (like what I’ve heard about the Aeon).

FYI, I got mine new from Music Direct as B Stock for $299 (they were in pristine condition and came with the leather carrying case as well as a better 1/4 inch adapter, but did not include the extra ear pads). Like the Aeon 2 they require a lot of burn-in. Actually, quite a bit more --the manual says no critical listening until 150 hours (I’m now at about 225). My hook up for this particular rig is, like the magni itself, with inexpensive stuff: an Onkyo C390 CD Changer and Audioquest Big Sur RCA cable, connected thru a Furman Digital Power Conditioner.

I bought the Nightowl because I’ve been hearing good things about it for years. Also, because I subscribe to Audiophile magazine and could never forget Herb Rhinehart’s product review and recommendation. He said, “if I had to live with just one headphone, it would be this Audioquest Nightowl Carbon.” Finally, I placed my order because Music Direct has such great customer service, free shipping and of course their 60 day, no hassle, full cash refund policy.

But for me these headphones are keepers. And my guess is that you’d find they combine the best attributes of both the Aeon and Clear. If not, you could return them to Music Direct.

Anyway, thought you’d like to know. Especially because these headphones have the reputation of being “amp sensitive” and I know you have the Magni 3…Lee

PS
I just switched to high gain and am trying my Ortho’s with the Magni. First off is the Mr. Speaker/Dan Clark Mad Dogs, and the Magni 3 is making them sing too, This is a hell of a little amp. Can’t believe Schiit sells it for only 99 bucks.

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Thanks. I like the idea of “fuller sound” and will give these pads a try…Lee

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Let me know what you think. I’d be interested in your insights as well. I buy most of my Dekoni’s during Drops. Saves a few bucks.

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Interesting…Lee.

These are discontnued as far as I can see?

I will keep an eye out for a pair.

Thanks
Alex

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Yes, I think Audioquest announced quite a while ago that they’d no longer be making headphones. Like Oppo, they somehow couldn’t compete or make enough profit in this market. Anyway, Music Direct may still have some B Stock available for sale…1-800-449-8333. Also, I’ve seen some available on eBay, although I personally don’t trust that website anymore.

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Ouch, more expense. Nevermind just have a great day.

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When I use my overears I tend to use my Matrix M-Stage HPA-3u. It has plenty of power and also has an ever so slightly warmish edge. Though I use the Dac of my Dap. I also own am Atom and O2 amp too aswell as a Topping D50 Dac. So it tend to interchange gear a bit. Not exactly TOTL stuff like some but it’s good enough for me. Finances aren’t as healthy as some. But then again I’m in a better position than some and count myself fortunate to own what I do.

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Understand the finances for sure, when I was working I could find som bucks to play with but nw retired and the income is fixed and the inflation is not as will all our bills things have to be budgeted.

I usually sell stuff for cash to move on etc…

But like you I am fortunate to have what I have…and a great family!

71 + 1

Alex

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Over the ear is all I have. I read a bit about the Matrix you use and saw that it gets really good reviews. They all seemed to mention how good the sound is with HD650, which to me means it must also go very well with the HD800S. I saw, as you said, that it has lots of power. I like a slightly warm sound too, and so will keep the Matrix in mind for my own gear. Thanks Paul…Lee

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