ÆON CORE - closed-back planar magnetic headphones that are a direct successor to the ÆON 2. They are equipped with a completely new driver designed to improve efficiency and consistency across devices, making them the first headphones from the company adapted to the changed Harman over-ear target technology. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Sean Olive. The "ÆON" line has been the foundation of Dan Clark Audio's audio system lineup since 2017, offering high-quality features at an affordable price. ÆON CORE fulfills this mission through significant progress in driver management technologies, acoustics, and scientific measurements that underpin the tuning itself.
New driver for improved consistency
The set of planar magnetic drivers in the ÆON CORE has been designed with three priorities in mind: efficiency, tonal consistency, and device-to-device reliability. As a result, Dan Clark Audio headphones are the easiest to drive on the market today. With a sensitivity of 97 dB/mW, ÆON CORE headphones pair well with both portable DAC/amps and desktop equipment. Amplifiers with a minimum power of 125 mW at 16 ohms are sufficient. Additional power may not be necessary but can be beneficial in some cases.
Best benchmark for emulation
The tuning of the ÆON CORE is based on an enhanced version of the Harman over-ear target headphone that Dan Clark developed with Dr. Sean Olive in 2025. The original Harman curve was obtained using a special measurement ear and an earlier microphone system; when the same headphones are measured today on a GRAS ear simulator using a standard RA0402 microphone, a systematic bias becomes apparent. By using the original equipment as a reference, Clark and Olive have created an updated target that accurately matches modern measurement systems.
The practical effect is a tuning that subtly but significantly differs from previous ÆON models: slightly lower upper bass, slightly elevated lower midrange, and smoother upper midrange. Vocals come forward without sharpness. Acoustic instruments retain depth and weight. Bass sounds clear and without exaggeration.
Comfort without compromise
The ÆON CORE headphones retain the physical design that has defined the lineup: Dan Clark Audio's signature ÆON earpads, titanium headband, and self-adjusting suspension strap. The fit is instant and does not cause fatigue during extended listening sessions.
Package includes
- Headphones
- Cable
- Manual
