Short answer: the Dan Clark Audio Noire X. It ranks #8 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,099.99. The HIFIMAN HE600 ranks #15, rated 4.4/5, at $799, $300.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Dan Clark Audio Noire X does well: A preference score of 92 with only 1.3 dB of deviation from target keeps the response smooth, and bass sits slightly above target, with sub-bass 0.6 dB and 60 to 200 Hz 1.2 dB over. The tradeoff: Treble is uneven, with the 6 to 10 kHz band about 2.5 dB low and a 3.9 dB dip near 6.4 kHz, followed by a 4.2 dB peak near 11.9 kHz.
The case for the HIFIMAN HE600: The median of six hobbyist measurements on squig.link gives the HE600 a preference score of 90.4, with an unusually even response (1.8 dB of deviation) and essentially no overall tilt toward warm or bright. The catch: Sub-bass sits about 4.7 dB below target under 60 Hz, so deep synth lines and organ pedals have less rumble than the midbass suggests.
Buy the Dan Clark Audio Noire X. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $300.99 with the HIFIMAN HE600 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dan Clark Audio Noire X | HIFIMAN HE600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099.99 | $799.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #15 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 92 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 90 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.33 dB standard deviation | 1.74 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.38 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 13 ohms | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 94 dB |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (403 g) | 0.9 lbs (389 g) |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Drivers | - | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Frequency Response | - | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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- HIFIMAN HE600 vs HEDD Audio D1
- HIFIMAN Arya Organic vs HIFIMAN HE600
- HIFIMAN HE600 vs Focal Hadenys
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Dan Clark Audio Noire X: $1,099.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 92 with only 1.3 dB of deviation from target keeps the response smooth, and bass sits slightly above target, with sub-bass 0.6 dB and 60 to 200 Hz 1.2 dB over. That gives kick drums and bass lines a full, warm foundation. Impedance of 13 ohms and sensitivity of 90 dB/mW work from a headphone amp, and the closed back isolates from surroundings.
Cons: Treble is uneven, with the 6 to 10 kHz band about 2.5 dB low and a 3.9 dB dip near 6.4 kHz, followed by a 4.2 dB peak near 11.9 kHz. That can make cymbals sound slightly dull then suddenly airy. The 403 g weight is heavy, and the high price is difficult to justify next to the HIFIMAN Arya Organic.
Full Dan Clark Audio Noire X review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.33 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 92 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 13 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.38 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (403 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -3.3 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 116 Hz | -1.8 dB | 1.71 |
| Peak | 5,274 Hz | +3.7 dB | 0.76 |
| Peak | 4,808 Hz | -6.3 dB | 3.05 |
| Peak | 2,137 Hz | -3.1 dB | 3.41 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 611 Hz | +1.4 dB | 2.67 |
| Peak | 294 Hz | -0.6 dB | 1.94 |
| Peak | 62 Hz | +0.6 dB | 2.74 |
| Peak | 6,601 Hz | +1.7 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HIFIMAN HE600: $799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: The median of six hobbyist measurements on squig.link gives the HE600 a preference score of 90.4, with an unusually even response (1.8 dB of deviation) and essentially no overall tilt toward warm or bright. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz, the upper mids and the presence region all sit within about 1 dB of target, so voices, guitars and piano come through with natural weight and balance. The open planar magnetic driver has a low 28 ohm impedance, and it is rated slightly higher than the similarly priced Focal Hadenys.
Cons: Sub-bass sits about 4.7 dB below target under 60 Hz, so deep synth lines and organ pedals have less rumble than the midbass suggests. Those measurements also show a sharp 7.7 dB dip near 9.5 kHz that can make cymbals sound slightly muted. The open back leaks sound and blocks no outside noise, which rules it out for offices or commuting.
Full HIFIMAN HE600 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.74 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 90 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (389 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons