Dan Clark Audio ÆON 2 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Hear your music breathe: spacious, planar speed in a travel‑ready design
If you love the openness and imaging of true open‑backs but dread heavy, unwieldy planars, the ÆON 2 Open is the antidote. Its proprietary planar magnetic driver delivers fast, low‑distortion transients and an expansive stage, while a patented folding gimbal and 300‑something‑gram build make it remarkably easy to live with at home or on the go. Add Dan Clark Audio’s second‑generation TrueFlow airflow management and V‑Planar diaphragm processing, and you get engaging bass drive, crisp detail, and long‑session comfort—without the bulk.
Why Audiophiles Choose This Product
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• Primary Benefit: Engaging, open‑back sound with real planar punch
The ÆON 2 Open presents an immersive, wide stage with taut, impactful low end and lively presence—an energetic, slightly V‑shaped balance that many listeners fine‑tune with the included tuning pads or light EQ to taste. Professional comparisons note its mid‑bass warmth and a touch more upper‑mid/treble energy than its closed sibling, trading a bit of sub‑bass weight for air and height. -
• Technical Benefit: Proprietary second‑gen motor for speed and clarity
DCA’s in‑house 62×34 mm single‑ended planar driver uses V‑Planar diaphragm processing and TrueFlow V2 to reduce turbulence through the motor, lowering distortion and improving microdetail and dynamics. THD is rated under 0.3% from 20 Hz–20 kHz. -
• Practical Benefit: Built to wear—and to travel
At about 328 g with a super‑elastic NiTi (Nitinol) headband, carbon‑fiber baffle, and cushy synthetic‑leather pads, the ÆON 2 is exceptionally comfortable. The patented folding gimbal collapses the headphone into a compact case that’s half the size of typical full‑sized cans—perfect for desktops that double as travel rigs. -
• Compatibility Benefit: Easy cabling, flexible termination
Ships with a detachable 2 m dual‑entry cable (3.5 mm plug with screw‑on 6.3 mm adapter), with optional balanced terminations available. The earcups use DCA’s discrete 4‑pin Hirose connectors, making upgrades straightforward. Sensitivity and impedance are rated at 94 dB and 13 Ω, respectively—playable from quality portable sources, yet happiest with solid‑current headphone outputs. -
• Unique Benefit: Patented, portable planar that doesn’t compromise
Few open‑backs marry true planar performance with a pack‑flat, patented design. The ÆON 2 line has earned sustained industry recognition for its sound, comfort, and engineering.
What’s Included
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• Main Product: Dan Clark Audio ÆON 2 Open
62×34 mm single‑ended planar magnetic headphone with TrueFlow V2 and V‑Planar driver processing. -
• Primary Accessory: Detachable 2 m cable
Terminated 3.5 mm with screw‑on 6.3 mm adapter; balanced terminations are available separately. -
• Secondary Items:
Compact zip travel case; foam/felt tuning pad kit for three levels of acoustic damping. -
• Documentation:
Quick start/user info and certificate of authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Wired over‑ear, open‑back planar magnetic | Detachable dual‑entry cable; 4‑pin Hirose earcup connectors |
| Driver | 62×34 mm single‑ended planar magnetic | DCA proprietary, in‑house design with TrueFlow V2 and V‑Planar processing for lower distortion and improved airflow/dynamics. |
| Impedance | 13 Ω | Low impedance; benefits from sources with strong current capability. |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | Practical headroom improves with robust headphone outputs. |
| THD | <0.3% (20 Hz–20 kHz) | Low distortion for clean transients and detail retrieval. |
| Materials | Nitinol headband; carbon‑fiber baffle; synthetic protein‑leather pads | Light, durable, and comfortable over long sessions. |
| Cable | 2 m; 3.5 mm plug with 6.3 mm screw‑on adapter | Optional balanced XLR/4.4 mm cables available. |
| Weight | ~328 g (without cable) | Lightweight for an open‑back planar; great for marathon listening. |
Sound signature notes (context for buyers): Stock tuning is engaging with mid‑bass warmth and lively upper energy; included damping pads let you subtly shift tone toward smoother treble or fuller mids without EQ.
Professional Recognition
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• Reviews
“Combines very high quality with long‑term comfort.” — Part‑Time Audiophile on the ÆON 2 Open.
StereoNET praised the ÆON 2 for its subtly warm tonality, impressive bass extension, and planar speed, with the Open variant offering greater perceived width, depth, and height versus the Closed.
Headfonics notes the Open’s greater upper‑mid/treble energy and taller stage versus the Closed, with mid‑bass warmth that many enjoy. -
• Heritage
Designed and hand‑built in San Diego by Dan Clark Audio (formerly MrSpeakers), a pioneer in practical planar ergonomics and comfort. -
• Innovation
Patented folding gimbal for true pack‑flat portability, plus proprietary TrueFlow airflow guides and V‑Planar diaphragm processing—core to the AEON 2’s low‑distortion, high‑clarity sound. -
• Platform Recognition
The ÆON 2 line has been repeatedly highlighted in enthusiast and press circles for delivering big‑headphone sound with real‑world usability—an uncommon combination in planar designs.
The Bottom Line
ÆON 2 Open is the rare open‑back planar that gives you speed, scale, and genuine day‑to‑day practicality. If you’re chasing immersive staging and planar detail without a heavy clamp or a bulky case, this is an easy recommendation—especially if you value a lively, “music‑first” tuning you can fine‑tune with the included pads. Pair it with a quality headphone output to unlock its dynamics and you’ll understand why this compact classic remains a reference in its class.
Notes for buyers
- Connectivity: Wired, detachable dual‑entry cable; optional balanced cables available.
- Sound signature: Engaging, slightly V‑shaped stock balance with mid‑bass warmth and lively presence; damping pads let you tailor the tonality.
- Comfort: Lightweight chassis, memory‑metal headband, plush pads, and compact travel case support extended listening and easy transport.






























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