Dan Clark Audio Noire X NOIRE ST001
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B
What Buyers Say
Dan Clark Audio Noire X NOIRE ST001
The Dan Clark Audio Noire X headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, comfort, and build. Users praise the clarity, detail, and dynamic sound, often comparing them favorably to other high-end models. However, they note the headphones require a powerful amplifier to reach their full potential, and some find the upper treble slightly sharp. The high price is acknowledged but considered justified by the performance.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and detail
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Excellent build quality
- Impressive soundstage for closed-back
- High-quality included cables and case
Cons
- Requires powerful amplifier
- Upper treble can be sharp
- High price point
- Heavy weight (385g)
- Ear pads are glued on
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones deliver impressive noise cancellation and powerful bass via the ULT button, with many users praising the long battery life and comfortable fit. Sound quality improves significantly after using the companion app to customize the EQ, though some find the default sound muddy and the ULT bass boost overwhelming. A few long-term users report scratchy audio after two years, and the headphones are noted as bulky for some.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Powerful bass with ULT button
- Long battery life (up to 30 hours)
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Customizable EQ via app
Cons
- Default sound is muddy without EQ
- ULT bass boost can be overwhelming
- Bulky design for some users
- Scratchy audio reported after 2 years
- Not ideal for gym use (fall off)
Scores
Specifications
| Dan Clark Audio Noire X NOIRE ST001 | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.26 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | — | thermo-foaming |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | planar magnetic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 40 mm★ |
| Freq Min | — | 5 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 13 Ω | 314 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 110 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | — | AAC, LDAC, SBC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.2★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | 2 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 9.800000190734863 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 3-minute charge provides 90 minutes of extra playtime |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 4★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Dan Clark Audio Noire X NOIRE ST001
- Strong user sentiment (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average connectivity (21st percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (89th percentile)89th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 94 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 21 of 37 specs.
