Open-back vs closed-back luxury planars: the short answer
Abyss Diana MRx and Dan Clark Audio Noire X are high-end planar magnetic headphones that target demanding listeners with luxury build, advanced driver tech, and distinct approaches to bass, soundstage, and isolation, making them ideal reference points in an open-back vs closed-back luxury headphone comparison. If you crave a huge, open soundstage and bass that reaches subsonic depths, the open-back Diana MRx is the more incisive “bass reference” headphone, using Extended Bass Response (EBR) to keep the low end flat down to 10 Hz. The closed-back Noire X, on the other hand, trades some width for isolation, imaging precision, and more refined treble via Dan Clark’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System. In practice, the MRx suits critical home listening and studio referencing where room noise is controlled, while the Noire X is the better choice when you need privacy, controlled leakage, and a more focused soundstage with punch.
| Spec | Abyss Diana MRx (open-back) | Dan Clark Audio Noire X (closed-back) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver type | In-house planar magnetic speakers with Extended Bass Response (EBR) | 62mm x 34mm single-ended planar magnetic driver |
| Design | Open-back planar magnetic headphones with reference tuning and wide soundstage | Closed-back planar magnetic headphones with compact form factor and isolation |
| Bass approach | Flat bass response down to 10 Hz for bass reference listening | Harman-inspired low end with closed-back slam and control |
| Soundstage focus | Open, wide soundstage with strong spatial imaging | Focused closed-back stage with strong imaging and isolation working together |
| Treble tuning | Smoother, more relaxed treble that supports long listening sessions | Refined, lively highs shaped by AMTS for more natural treble response |
| Build materials | Aircraft-grade aluminum frame, leather headband, Ultrasuede suspension strap, hybrid lambskin pillow-top pads | Aluminum elements, nitinol suspension headband, Gorilla Glass 3 earcups, Alcantara earpads |
| Comfort notes | Light, stable fit with breathable, plush pads and improved seal | Very comfortable long-term wear; cooler Alcantara pads and self-tensioning headband |
| Sensitivity / drive needs | Not a very sensitive headphone; expects a good DAC/amp to shine | Benefits from a dedicated DAC/amp due to 94 dB SPL rating |
| Luxury positioning | Part of one of the most recognizable luxury headphone lines in high-end audio | High-end closed-back planar aimed at serious listeners below flagship tier |
Bass reference vs closed-back control
If your priority is low-frequency truth, the Abyss Diana MRx is the more extreme bass reference headphone. Its Extended Bass Response tech delivers a flat, authoritative low end all the way to 10 Hz, while still behaving like a fast, clean planar driver. The MRx exists “for its more finely tuned bass reference,” and listening to it reinforces that aim. This makes it ideal for producers or audiophiles who want to hear exactly what is happening below 40 Hz without added warmth or roll-off. Noire X takes a different approach: its closed-back planar driver and Harman-inspired tuning aim for punchy, engaging bass without sacrificing balance. It does not chase subsonic flatness in the same way, but in noisy rooms the Noire X’s isolation means you will perceive bass more consistently than with an open-back, especially at moderate volumes.
Soundstage, treble, and day-to-day listening experience
For three-dimensional space, the Diana MRx wins comfortably. Reviewers note that “it never ceases to amaze what Abyss brings to the Diana series in terms of width and spatial imaging,” and the MRx keeps that legacy alive with an open, airy stage and precise placement. Its resolving midrange and smoother treble make it easy to listen to for long sessions, though it is not the brightest or most explosive Diana tuning. Noire X counters with a strong closed-back soundstage that does not try to imitate an open headphone but uses imaging and isolation to create a believable, focused bubble around your head. Thanks to AMTS, its highs have more sparkle and microdetail while staying controlled, which suits listeners who prize treble refinement and clarity over the MRx’s more relaxed top end.
Build, comfort and use cases: studio vs home
Both models earn their place in a luxury headphone comparison through materials and finishing. The Diana MRx uses an aircraft-grade aluminum frame with a leather headband and Ultrasuede suspension strap, paired with hybrid lambskin pillow-top earpads that improve seal and long-term comfort over earlier Diana versions. It feels light, breathable, and secure during extended critical listening. The Noire X mirrors Dan Clark’s compact closed-back identity with aluminum elements, a nitinol suspension headband, and Gorilla Glass 3 earcups that look sleek while staying practical. Its Alcantara pads and self-tensioning headband spread pressure gently and run cooler over time, so it has the edge for all-day wear. Both are planar magnetic headphones that demand quality amplification; neither is very sensitive, and both clearly benefit from a capable DAC/amp chain for proper headroom and dynamics. In terms of use cases, the MRx is better suited to quiet rooms and studio reference monitoring, while the Noire X is the safer bet for mixed home, office, or portable use where open-back leakage is a deal-breaker.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Abyss Diana MRx if you want bass reference headphones with flat extension to 10 Hz and an open, expansive soundstage for critical listening.
- Skip the Abyss Diana MRx if you lack a capable DAC/amp or need isolation, since it is not very sensitive and its open-back design leaks sound.
- Buy the Dan Clark Audio Noire X if you want a closed-back planar with strong isolation, focused soundstage, and refined treble for home or office listening.
- Skip the Dan Clark Audio Noire X if you expect wide open-back spaciousness; its stage is convincing but intentionally more focused and intimate.
- Buy the Abyss Diana MRx if you are a studio engineer or audiophile who values reference-level bass accuracy over maximal treble sparkle or explosive impact.
- Skip the Dan Clark Audio Noire X if you are not willing to use a dedicated DAC/amp, as its 94 dB SPL sensitivity means it benefits from added power.
- Buy the Dan Clark Audio Noire X if you want a single closed-back planar magnetic headphone that balances luxury construction with everyday practicality for serious listeners.
- Skip the Abyss Diana MRx if you prefer a more colored, “no-fluff” fun bass tuning rather than a carefully balanced reference approach to the full frequency range.
