Experience a new reference in performance and comfort, at a breakthrough price.
San Diego, CA, June 1, 2026 — Dan Clark Audio today announced ÆON CORE, a new closed-back planar magnetic headphone and the direct successor to the ÆON 2. Priced at $899.99, Not only does ÆON CORE introduce an all-new driver engineered for maximum efficiency, it’s Dan Clark Audio’s first headphone tuned to a revised Harman over-ear target developed through research with Dr. Sean Olive.
It doesn’t just sound different, it looks different. ÆON CORE sports a bold new aluminum and wood aesthetic that preserves the signature comfort of Dan Clark Audio headphones.
ÆON headphones have anchored Dan Clark Audio’s lineup since 2017, offering exceptional and affordable planar magnetic performance. ÆON CORE carries that mission forward with meaningful advances across driver technology, voicing, and the measurement science underlying the tuning itself, delivering a major upgrade to the whole listening experience.
A New Driver, Built for Efficiency
ÆON CORE’s planar magnetic driver stack was engineered around three priorities: efficiency, sonic excellence and affordable manufacturing. The result is Dan Clark Audio’s most easily driven headphone to date. At 97 dB/mW sensitivity, ÆON CORE pairs comfortably with portable DAC/amps, dongles, and desktop gear alike. Amplifiers delivering at least 125 mW into 16 ohms are sufficient; additional power is welcome but not required.
A Better Reference
ÆON CORE’s tuning is grounded in a corrected version of the Harman over-ear target — one that Dan Clark developed alongside Dr. Sean Olive in 2025. The original Harman curve was derived using a custom measurement pinna unavailable to anyone else, so all measurements comparing Headphones to the target curve actually contained a small error. Clark and Olive published an AES paper with a corrected curve that reflects the measurement system used by Audio professionals worldwide.
The practical effect is a tuning that’s subtly but meaningfully different from prior ÆON models: a slightly warmer mid-range. As a result, vocals are forward without hardness, and strings have a lush and organic texture. The overall experience is incredibly engaging and musical and fun with a wide range of musical genres.
Comfort Without Compromise
ÆON CORE retains the physical design cues found throughout the line: DCA’s signature ÆON earpads, titanium headband, and self-adjusting suspension strap. The fit is ergonomic and fatigue-free for hours of listening, enjoyment.
ÆON CORE will be available June 4, 2026 at $899.99.
About Dan Clark Audio
Dan Clark Audio is an independent headphone manufacturer based in San Diego, California, designing and building planar magnetic and electrostatic headphones for audiophile and professional use. Founded by Dan Clark, the company is known for its engineering-first approach, close engagement with psychoacoustic research, and a product line that spans from the ÆON series to the flagship STEALTH, EXPANSE and CORINA. All DCA headphones are designed and assembled in the United States.
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