Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Tri-brid driver setup with three drivers: a 10mm dynamic driver, a balanced armature driver, and a piezoelectric tweeter.
  • The Knight's aluminum shell is form-fitting and has a 3D acrylic faceplate with a purple and blue color design.
  • Build quality feels amazing and solid, better than other IEMs around the $200 to $300 price range.

Product Considerations

  • The IEM is on the larger size, and the nozzle is a bit longer, which may cause fit issues, especially for those with smaller ears.
  • It does not come with a hard case, only a fabric drawstring pouch.
  • The cable cinch is quite hard to move, so care should be taken.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Moondrop Blessing 3: The Noble Knight is a step above in build quality, but similar in micro detail retrieval.

Takeaway: The Noble Audio Knight is a good option for those wanting to try a Noble Audio product without spending thousands of dollars, and it has an overall good sound. It has a nice design and would be great for vocals and jazz music.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Knight

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Configuration: Hybrid, 3 drivers total
  • Drivers: 1 × 10 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver + 1 × Sonion balanced armature driver + 1 × piezo super tweeter
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Impedance: 26 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL/mW
  • Shell: Machined aluminum with 3D-effect acrylic faceplate
  • Cable: 8-strand woven OFC silver-plated, 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors, 4.4 mm balanced plug
  • Accessories: Custom eartip case, cleaning tool, carrying case, silicone & foam eartips, user manual, warranty
The Knight is a universal tribrid in-ear monitor featuring a 10 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver, a Sonion balanced armature driver, and a piezo super tweeter. It comes housed in a machined aluminum shell with a striking 3D acrylic faceplate and includes an 8-strand OFC silver-plated cable with 4.4 mm termination.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Noble’s product line features custom-built balanced armature drivers, meaning they are engineered specifically for their IEMs rather than using off-the-shelf components.
  • They use a unique hybrid driver configurations in their IEMs, such as their "quadbrid" design that incorporates dynamic, balanced armature, electrostatic, and bone conduction drivers within a single product.

Noble FoKus Rex5 

  • Positioning: A wireless in-ear model designed for users seeking personalized sound with high portability.  
  • Description: Features a hybrid five-driver configuration and Audiodo sound personalization that tailors audio based on individual hearing, providing a dynamic and adaptive listening experience. Compared to the wired and over-ear models in the lineup, it offers wireless convenience at a lower price point, making it ideal for budgets and on-the-go use.

Stage 3 

  • Positioning: A wired in-ear monitor built for musicians and performing artists.  
  • Description: Features a 3-driver architecture that combines a 10mm dynamic driver with two balanced armature drivers for rich lows, detailed mids, and sparkling highs. Compared to models like the wireless Rex5 and over-ear Apollo, it focuses on performance in live settings with purpose-built durability and specialized cable options for better stage functionality.

FoKus Apollo 

  • Positioning: An over-ear headphone crafted for audiophiles demanding high-quality sound and versatile connectivity.  
  • Description: Features a hybrid design that pairs a 40mm dynamic driver with a 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, delivering an expansive soundstage with clear mids and punchy bass. Compared to in-ear monitors such as the Rex5 and Stage 3, it offers a more immersive listening experience with premium build elements and extensive connection options.

Viking Ragnar (Universal Fit)

  • Positioning: A flagship wired in-ear monitor featuring robust, high-end construction for professional audio applications.  
  • Description: Features an all-metal design that includes two 10mm dynamic bass drivers, four balanced armature drivers, and four electrostatic drivers, ensuring a balanced and detailed frequency response. Compared to the lower-priced models in the lineup, it delivers premium craftsmanship and performance for studio or critical listening environments.

Viking Prestige Universal 

  • Positioning: A top-tier wired universal in-ear monitor that represents the pinnacle of in-house design and sonic performance.  
  • Description: Features an advanced driver setup combining dual 10mm dynamic drivers, four balanced armature drivers, and four electrostatic drivers, delivering an exceptionally balanced soundstage with meticulous driver matching and premium connectivity. Compared to other products in the lineup, this model is engineered for users seeking the utmost in sonic accuracy and build quality.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
785
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
29
Founding Year
2013

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

Used

Noble

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Noble
FoKus Apollo
649
649
/
10
Reviews
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent passive noise isolation, better than many headphones with ANC enabled, creating a quiet noise floor.
  • Good build quality with quality materials like anodized aluminum, Alcantara headband, and protein leather pads.
  • Supports a wide variety of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and SBC, offering versatility in device compatibility.
  • Strong battery life, rated up to 80 hours without ANC and 60 hours with ANC, making it suitable for travel and extended use.
  • Powerful, textured, and nuanced bass is a standout feature.

Product Considerations

  • The included carrying case is bulky and may not be ideal for travel, taking up significant space in a bag.
  • Comfort is not great for everyone, with some users experiencing hotspots on the headband during extended use.
  • With ANC on, some users have noted the bass can become boomy with a reduction in sub bass.
  • Treble transparency mode is not as good as other models.
  • The headphone may clip the sound when ANC is on and the user hits bumpy roads or takes a harder step.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Audeze Maxwell: The Apollo has a latency issue.
  • Vs Focal Bathys: The Apollo has a more engaging, punchy, and emotional sound, also it has more features and tech, but the Transparency mode of the Bathys is better.
  • Vs Apple AirPods Max: The Apollo offers superior sound quality with better clarity, speed, separation, and refined dynamics compared to the AirPods Max.

Takeaway: The Noble FoKus Apollo is a well-built wireless headphone with a strong battery life and great bass performance, making it an enjoyable choice for those who prioritize powerful sound and noise isolation. It offers a versatile listening experience with a range of connectivity options and a comfortable design.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Noble
Van Gogh
699
699
/
4
Reviews
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Stunning hand-painted design inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night, with each pair being unique due to custom swirls
  • Compact and lightweight shell contributes to a comfortable fit, especially for those with smaller ears
  • Airy treble provides a delicate and carefully dispersed high-frequency response
  • Wide and open soundstage with excellent imaging and layering
  • Excellent instrument separation

Product Considerations

  • Bass can be overly dominant and thick, potentially sounding similar across tracks
  • Mids can sound a bit restricted or recessed
  • Bass performance can vary depending on the amplifier used, requiring specific pairings for optimal tightness
  • The fixed 4.4mm balanced plug may not be ideal for users who prefer unbalanced connections or require different terminations

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Noble Audio Knight: Stronger bass, cleaner, but slightly recessed mids, cleaner highs with stronger dynamics, a larger soundstage, and better imaging can be found, while the Knight offers a neutral, balanced sound
  • Vs Kiwi Ears Astral: They shine in the mids and highs, offering cleaner, sweeter instruments, superior separation, and imaging, while the Astral offers controlled bass
  • Vs Letshuoer Magic 8: A warmer, bass-heavy presentation is offered, with the Magic 8 providing a more neutral, detailed, and articulate sound signature

Takeaway: The Noble Audio Van Gogh IEMs offer a unique listening experience, with a beautiful design and a sound signature that emphasizes a rich, bold bass and clear highs. If one appreciates aesthetic brilliance and enjoys a bass-forward sound that can be refined with the right equipment, these IEMs could be a great fit.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Noble
Stage 3
600
600
/
3
Reviews
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Crisp, clear, and highly detailed presentation, managing to retain the emotion of the music
  • Excellent holographic imaging, with strong separation and three-dimensionality in the placement of instruments and voices
  • Natural and accurate bass response
  • Mids provide great detail and timbre, with strong vocal performance, especially in the female and upper male ranges
  • Compact, lightweight, and generally comfortable, with a new modular cable that includes 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm options

Product Considerations

  • Some may find vocals in the 'famously bad' or nasally categories to be too forward in the stereo image
  • Soundstage is not particularly large and is described as moderate
  • Treble rolls off slightly in the upper end, and there is not a ton of upper treble

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Stage 3 is more natural and neutral overall with stronger vocals, Sennheiser IE 600 has more of a warm, lush character and emphasis on bass

Takeaway: The Noble Stage 3 is a versatile IEM that offers a strong balance between technical capabilities and musicality, with accurate, transparent sound. It is suitable for both professional stage use and audiophile listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
999
/
13
Reviews
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
  • Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
  • Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
  • The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
  • Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery

Product Considerations

  • The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
  • The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
  • Stock ear tips are just okay
  • Bass resolution could be better
  • Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
  • Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
  • Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
  • Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
  • Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
  • Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio

Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Noble
Noble FoKus Rex5
449
/
Released
2025
The Noble FoKus Rex5 are true wireless earbuds with a hybrid five-driver configuration—combining a 10 mm dynamic driver, a 6 mm planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers—for rich bass, precise mids, and crystal highs. They feature lightweight aluminum and acrylic housings with a wireless-charging aluminum case. Powered by Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and LDAC, they also include Audiodo sound personalization with onboard chipset memory, ANC and Transparency modes, and multipoint device support.
Check Amazon
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Boasts a five-driver system, including a 10mm dynamic driver, a 6mm planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers, which contributes to excellent track and instrumental separation and a super clean sound
  • Highly customizable sound through the Noble FoKus app, which includes Personal EQ (hearing test-based calibration), EQ presets, a 10-band graphic EQ, and a 3-band parametric EQ
  • Premium build quality and design, with a CNC machined aluminum alloy construction for both the earbuds and the case, giving them a high-quality feel
  • Multipoint connection allows simultaneous connection to two devices, and Bluetooth 5.4 with support for LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs provides flexibility for Android users
  • Comfortable fit, particularly for Noble TWS, with the case designed to accommodate a variety of ear tip styles

Product Considerations

  • The default tuning may sound thin in the lower mids, potentially making vocals sound shrill, and the bass may lack body compared to some competitors
  • Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) performance is good or above average, but not class-leading, and the battery life is not record-breaking, with around 5 hours with ANC on
  • Transparency mode can sound amplified and unnatural, with noticeable white noise hiss, and wind pickup is not great
  • The lack of a published water resistance rating means caution is advised regarding moisture exposure
  • Custom EQ settings (10-band) may not carry over to other devices, and there may be some UX polishing needed in the app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Technics AZ100: The AZ100 has better mic pickup, better general silence with ANC, and feels more transparent, the AZ100 is also better as an all-rounder, while the Rex5 has better instrument separation and more crisp treble
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins PI8: The Rex5 is about as effective as the PI8 in active noise cancelling, but more effective in the upper mids region, the PI8 can connect to any wired audio source by using its case, and the reviewer prefers the treble on the PI-8, the PI8 blocks out voices slightly better
  • Vs Sennheiser Momentum Sport TWS: The Noble app offers a superior EQ experience without needing to sign up for an additional account, while the Momentum Sport TWS requires an additional account for EQ access
  • Vs Noble FoKus Prestige: The Rex5 has more consistent connectivity and functionality, while the FoKus Prestige has a more natural sound with bigger bass and fuller midrange right out of the box

Takeaway: The Noble FoKus Rex5 is a high-end TWS earphone that stands out because of the ability to change how it sounds. For those wanting really good sound in a small package that looks and feels premium, this could be a good pick.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Noble
Noble FoKus Amadeus
320
/
Released
2025
The Noble FoKus Amadeus are true wireless earbuds featuring an 8.3 mm custom triple-layer diaphragm dynamic driver. The design emphasizes expressive sound with rich bass, open mids, and extended highs, coupled with a bold red aesthetic inspired by Mozart. They include Audiodo Personal Sound calibration, Bluetooth 5.4 with multiple codecs, ANC and Transparency modes, and long battery life with fast charging.
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Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Cohesive, natural sound signature is delivered.
  • Great sound customization is available via the Noble FoKus app.
  • Good battery life is featured.
  • Striking aesthetic design includes a crimson red colorway and celluloid faceplates.
  • Stable connectivity and low-latency playback are provided thanks to Qualcomm’s QCC3091 chip and Bluetooth 5.4.

Product Considerations

  • ANC performance is just okay compared to mainstream options.
  • The charging case is relatively bulky.
  • The default sound signature may be overly warm for some users without EQ.
  • The touch controls can be finicky and less sensitive.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Noble FoKus Rex5: Amadeus offers about 80% of the Rex5's performance at a lower price, with similar features but slightly less technical capability.
  • Vs Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: Amadeus has better audio performance, but sacrifices ANC performance compared to these mainstream options.

Takeaway: The Noble FoKus Amadeus are great earbuds for anyone who values sound quality and enjoys customizing their listening experience with EQ. They offer a unique design and long battery life, making them a solid choice for audiophiles on the go.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Truthear
Nova
169
/
Released
2023
NOVA is a 1DD+4BA in-ear headphone with 3-way crossover composite structure. Compared with HEXA, the original design intention is to further improve the high-frequency performance while maintaining a reasonable and efficient configuration, and also strive to bring users a mature earphone with a hybrid 3-way crossover structure at a reasonable price.
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Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Sound signature is likely to be palatable for a wide range of people at its price point.
  • Good emphasis in the upper midrange, decent timbre, good resolution, the upper midrange is upfront with the vocals, nice details, and it works well with a smooth treble.
  • Very smooth treble and the absence of sibilance.
  • Good dynamic bass that's nicely textured and has a decent rumble.
  • Imaging is accurate.

Product Considerations

  • The Truth Ear Nova does not sound better or more balanced than the Hexa, since the reviewer prefers a more balanced sound signature.
  • Nova is not a thick-sounding IEM, it's quite thin.
  • The midrange is chiefly defined by a cavernous suckout in the low-midrange.
  • Soundstage is a little narrower than preferred.
  • Shell size may be slightly large for smaller ears.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Moondrop Variations: Nova is significantly cheaper and close enough in performance that one should save money and go for Nova.
  • Vs. Truthear Hexa: Nova easily has a smoother treble presentation, has more dynamic bass, and is more ergonomic, but Hexa has one of the best midranges in this price tier.
  • Vs. Truthear Zero: RED: Zero: RED beats Nova almost across the board in tuning and simply sounds more normal.

Takeaway: The Truth Ear Nova is commendable for achieving its tuning at its price point, especially for those looking for a V-shaped presentation or Harman-esque kind of sound signature. If the Harman IE target is to one's liking, Nova is probably as safe a choice as any of the other Harman options out there.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Thieaudio
Legacy 4
195
/
Released
2020
The Legacy 4 was designed concurrently with the Legacy 5 to provide a unique twist to the lineup. With the beloved budget model, the Legacy 3, and the natural and smooth sound signature of the Legacy 5 in mind, we wanted the Legacy 4 to be a middle ground - both in terms of the tuning and price.
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Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Great build quality and a generous accessory set
  • Decently wide soundstage for closed-back IEMs, presenting a three-dimensional space for instrument placement
  • Strong technical performance for the price, with standout resolution

Product Considerations

  • The lack of a lip on the nozzle makes it impossible to use even slightly-larger-than-perfect eartips, as they just fall off
  • Treble is a tad brighter than preferred, which some may find fatiguing over time

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Thieaudio Legacy 3, the Legacy 4 has faster and more detailed bass, more detailed and extended treble, and better imaging and instrument separation
  • Compared to the Moondrop KXXS, the Legacy 4 has a solid technical edge in resolution and imaging

Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 4 is a competent earphone that offers a clean, clear rendition of music with excellent resolution and detail retrieval. It is enjoyable across various genres and provides a high-quality listening experience for audiophiles.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
FIIO
FH5S/FH5S Pro
254
/
Released
2021
Thanks to the excellent designs and great sound, FiiO balanced armature and dynamic driver hybrid earphones have always been highly praised and become best sellers due to positive word-of-mouth. The all-new rookie FH5s is a true upgrade from the veteran FH5, with significant advancements and innovations in all aspects including appearance, comfort, sound quality. The student has now surpassed the master.
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FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Detailed and clean sound, putting plenty of micro-details on the foreground
  • Good build quality and comfortable design
  • Swappable audio plugs included
  • Tuning switches featured
  • Open and wide soundstage

Product Considerations

  • Treble can be a bit sharp and metallic sounding
  • A dedicated DAP, Bluetooth dongle, or external DAC/Amp is needed to shine
  • Below-average noise isolation due to its semi-open nature

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Approaches the FiiO FH7 closely, but is not exactly as punchy and engaging when bass notes are coming to play, FH7 has a better midrange rendition
  • The FH5s gives a harder edge to treble notes, but at the same time creates a wider and more spacious soundstage
  • The FiiO FD5 emphasizes warmth, smoothness, and a lush sound with prominent bass and midrange, where the FH5S has a more textured midrange, and a cleaner bass with less emphasis

Takeaway: The FiiO FH5S provides an outstanding unboxing experience and impressive features, along with a clear sound. The IEM allows for long listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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