Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022
Dan Clark Audio Noire X NOIRE ST001
What Buyers Say
Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022
The Zildjian ALCHEM-E headphones receive high praise for their exceptional sound quality, robust build, and effective noise cancellation. Users appreciate the personalized hearing adjustment and long battery life, though some find the clamping force too strong for larger heads and the ear cups slightly small. The unique design and responsive customer service are also highlighted as major positives.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Personalized hearing adjustment
- Long battery life
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Strong clamping force for large heads
- Small ear cup openings
- Occlusion effect when moving
- Gold knob design is tacky
- No transparency mode
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
Scores
Specifications
| Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022 | Dan Clark Audio Noire X NOIRE ST001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.37 kg★ | 0.39 kg |
| Ear Cushion | leatherette | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 7 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 22 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 4700 Ω | 13 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 94 dB |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | — |
| ANC Type | 2 Levels | — |
| Transparency | ✗ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✗ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 1.7999999523162842 m | 2 m |
| Range | 15 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 45 hrs★ | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Capacity | 680 mAh★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | — |
| Mic Count | 1★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | ✗ | — |
| App | Zildjian | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
Pros & Cons
Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022
- Strong connectivity (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong sound (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong anc (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong battery (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average comfort (15th percentile)15th %ile
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)
Pricing
Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022 offers 8.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 63 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 36 specs.
