hurtyewh OP t1_je8rxts wrote on March 30, 2023 at 6:24 AM

I got an Aeon X Closed, overseas I might add, and the right channel is like -15dB right out the box. Luckily Drop handled it wonderfully. So I was wondering what is the general consensus about Dan Clark Audio headphone's quality and longevity? I've had close to 30 Hifiman headphones myself or sold on with warranties and had only one case needing replacement. Anecdotal of course, but just makes me think.

Gromu t1_je8tp9o wrote on March 30, 2023 at 6:47 AM

DCA tends to have good QC. The only thing is that their pads will deform. It's not a huge deal and shouldn't affect the sound, but it is annoying.

StanGenchev t1_je8wvz8 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 7:31 AM

Deformed pads definitely change the sound with DCA. Even Dan Clark himself said in an interview that even a millimeter of difference will greatly affect the sound. The initial Stealth review by Passion for Sound was done with a unit that had worn out pads which changed the sound drastically, yet visually you couldn't really tell the difference between the new ones and the old ones.

kessel_run_dmc t1_je8tsjg wrote on March 30, 2023 at 6:48 AM

Overall DCA has a good reputation for QC and reliability, so I think you were unlucky. The only exception is their earpads which are notorious for issues.

StanGenchev t1_je8wlhv wrote on March 30, 2023 at 7:27 AM

I got the DCA Expanse. Everything was top notch except for the earpads. They were made out of quality materials but had big tolerance issues and were crooked. I've seen other DCA headphones with similar pad issues. Even HiFiman has less QC issues when it comes to the pads, from what I've seen. It seems that's the weak point with DCA.

legabs t1_je95mhz wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:40 AM

Inverted channel and phase on Aeon closed, sent back, wanted to charge me.DCA never again for me.

EDIT : of course bad earpads, and cable

kill3rb00ts t1_je9fgkm wrote on March 30, 2023 at 11:40 AM

I bought mine used, so don't take this as gospel or anything. First pair I got on eBay and they had horrendous imbalance and it wasn't even consistent. However, they have a pretty nice warranty and it is transferrable. Problem is the seller wasn't the original owner and didn't have the original receipt, so I just returned them instead. Bought a second used pair on FB Marketplace, this time from someone who could provide the receipt, and they have been just fine. Absolutely love them.

ABuddyBuddha t1_je9htp7 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:04 PM

I purchased a pair of used Aeon 2 Closed online that sadly had a very quiet left driver, but it was also one of the early units that had chipping on the yolks, too. I contacted DCA and even though I bought 3rd party, I was still able to send them in for repair! All out of pocket, of course, but the fact they were willing to repair them still was quite surprising.

ARIgatoSAIumas t1_je9tuqr wrote on March 30, 2023 at 1:44 PM

i haven't noticed any issues with my drivers, but the pads will deform eventually.

meaculpa303 t1_je9yx8a wrote on March 30, 2023 at 2:21 PM

QC was great on my ÆON RT, just that the pads deform and flake earlier than they should. They’re super comfy though.

Orangutan_Ulti t1_je99cb4 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 10:31 AM

I had deformed pads on Aeon 2 Closed as well but yours look worse, sorry.

hurtyewh OP t1_je9cg7l wrote on March 30, 2023 at 11:08 AM

I think that's just the photo. They seem externally pretty symmetrical.

matefeedkillrepeat_8 t1_jeadhxp wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:03 PM

Pads

PabloPicasserole t1_jebcdrs wrote on March 30, 2023 at 7:46 PM

I had channel imbalance issues on an aeon x closed that I ended up returning. Shame, because I like the sound and the comfort is top notch.

I had a good experience with the aeon noire.

Gofa_Kirselph t1_jebcfhk wrote on March 30, 2023 at 7:46 PM

These are my 5 or so year old Aeons. And yes, the earpads are as fragile as everyone says. Other than that, they’re fine. Just a few scratches and such.

I do basically beat the shit out of them by using them frequently. The stock earpads last me about a year or so before they’re too mushy. This time though, I got Dekoni Elite sheepskin V2 pads, so we’ll see how those hold up (so far, so good)

DClaville t1_jebvf4c wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:48 PM

its super amazing inside and out, thats the word

StableSilent t1_jeef3f6 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:39 PM

I bought a used pair of Ether CX and have used them every day for quite some time now. Really love them.

Doccks71 t1_jeefdp7 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:42 PM

Their QC is quite nice, only issue i tend to see are on pads

What's the word on the street about DCA QC?

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