Features

Overview: The Dan Clark Audio ÆON 2 (AF2) is an over-ear, closed-back planar magnetic headphone with a bold metallic red finish. It features carbon fiber earcups, synthetic protein leather ear pads, and a new gimbal design that lets you fold and store them in its compact case. The headphones are manufactured in the U.S. (San Diego), and come with a 79" (2-meter) fabric-covered cable (3.5mm plug with 1/4" adapter).

Planar Magnetic Drivers: The ÆON 2 uses a 2nd generation 62mm x 34mm single-ended planar magnetic driver with V-Planar Technology™. V-Planar knurling deeply creases the diaphragm, which enables a larger percentage of the driver to move as a flat surface. The driver moves more air at low frequencies, giving it better dynamics, high-end frequency response, and lower distortion. The drivers are matched to +/- 2dB to the target curve, and channel matched to 0.5dB between 100Hz and 7kHz. The new drivers provide higher resolution and a much larger soundstage. Total Harmonic Distortion is < 0.3% (20Hz-20kHz) and 0.1% (100Hz-8kHz).

Burn-in Period: For optimum performance, the drivers require a "burn-in" period to enable the headphones to reach their full potential. Burn-in requires the continuous playing of audio through the headphones for several days. During this period, the internal parts of the drivers are "exercised" so they can settle in to their respective places in order to deliver optimum audio performance. The recommended burn-in period for the ÆON 2 is 50 to 100 hours.

Closed Back Design: The ÆON 2 's closed back design naturally blocks ambient noise so you can hear more of your music, and less of the outside world. It also keeps more of the sound inside the headphone to prevent you from disturbing others while you listen. Compared to open back headphones, the ÆON 2 has a lighter midrange, and slightly louder in the bass and treble. The headphones also present a wide and deep soundstage.

Tuning: The ÆON 2 headphones come with tuning materials to let you customize the sound of your headphones. Three pairs of pads are provided for inserting in the ear wells of the headphones. It is recommended that, instead of going back and forth, you should listen to each option over an extended time to fully understand the differences. The tuning pads are as follows:

• Black Foam: This black foam ear pad is the most porous and provides the least amount of damping. The foam pads increase the upper bass output and tone down the highs a bit.
• Black Felt (1-notch): The black felt ear pads with a single identifying notch provide a medium amount of damping.
• White Felt (2-notch): The white felt ear pads with dual notches have the most amount of damping of the three sets of pads.

Construction: The ÆON 2 headphones features genuine carbon fiber ear cups to house the 62mm x 34mm (2.44" x 1.34") planar magnetic drivers. Two thin NiTinol memory metal bands hold the ear cups together, and provides the right amount of pressure on the head. NiTinol is a Nickel Titanium metal alloy that returns to its original shape, even after being severely bent. The soft dyed leather headband lies softly on the top of the head while the Japanese Synthetic Protein Leather covered foam ear pads provide a good seal.

Ear Pads: The soft memory foam ear pads provide comfort for extended listening sessions. The inside D-shaped cutouts for your ears are spacious (1-5/8" wide x 3-1/8" high), and angled for a more secure and comfortable fit.

DUMMER Cable: The Dan Clark Audio ÆON 2 comes with the 79" (2 meter) detachable DUMMER (Distinctly Un-Magical) cable, which features a 3.5mm plug with a screw-on 1/4" adapter. The fabric-covered Y-type cable features 4-pin connectors on the headphone end. Upgraded premium VIVO cables are an option (directly from the manufacturer) with your choice of balanced or unbalanced terminals.

Collapsing Gimbal: The headphones feature a new collapsing gimbal suspension lets you fold each earcup inside of the headband, so you can store them in the supplied case.

Storage Case: The headphones come with a black molded, hard-side, clam-shell case for storing your headphones (with the cables removed). The case has a 3-sided zippered closure.