Noble Audio Knight IEM Review

by: Delaney Czernikowski
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Noble Audio Knight IEM Review

For Noble Audio, options in the affordable price range are few and far between. However, at the beginning of this new year, they’ve released a new in-ear monitor that is marketed towards the new audiophile and price-conscious listener. The Noble Knight IEM is a beautifully crafted piece of tech that retails for a startling $289. Today, we dive into all the details to see if it lives up to the hype. 

What Comes In The Box

  • Knight Universal Fit In-Ear Monitors

  • Premium 8-core OCC Silver Plated Cable

  • Premium Travel Case for eartips

  • 2-pin Detachable Connectors

  • Silicon and Foam eartips

  • Noble Audio Warranty

Aesthetics and Functionality

The Noble Knight’s design is both bold and elegant, featuring a vibrant purple finish that easily catches the eye. However, the large housing may not suit everyone, particularly those with smaller ears, as I experienced some discomfort during extended use. Despite this, the sturdy build and luxurious feel of the IEMs are notable, standing apart from lighter and less durable alternatives.

The cable is an 8-core OCC silver-plated design with a 4.4mm balanced termination, perfect for audiophiles seeking clarity. However, this may be less convenient for casual users. Fortunately, a simple adapter solves this issue, and I had no trouble pairing the Knight with the FiiO KA15 DAC/Amp and iFi GO Blu Bluetooth DAC. Both offered seamless connections with my phone and computer for consistent, high-quality listening.

Tech Specs

  • Tribrid Driver Configuration: 

    • Lows: 10mm dynamic driver with dual magnets and composite diaphragm

    • Mid-Highs: Sonion 23 Series balanced armature driver

    • Ultra-Highs: Piezo driver

  • Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL/mW

  • Impedance: 26 Ω

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz

  • Cable Structure: 8-strand woven OCC silver-plated

  • PU skin-friendly cable coating

  • Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connection

  • Standard 4.4mm copper gold plated plug

The standout feature is the Piezo driver, an uncommon addition that targets ultra-high frequencies. This innovation promises brighter, more precise treble, complementing the dynamic and balanced armature drivers. Its impact becomes clearer in the listening review.

Listening Review

Soundstage

The soundstage on the Noble Knight is moderately narrow, offering an intimate listening experience. While it doesn’t have the expansive width found in higher-tier IEMs, it still creates a sense of depth that wraps the sound around the listener. This makes it particularly enjoyable for genres like acoustic, pop, and chamber music, where the focus is on clarity and cohesion rather than a sprawling presentation. The layering within the soundstage is decent, though instruments can feel slightly congealed in particularly dense mixes. Imaging accuracy is fair, with most elements in a track being easily identifiable in their positions, though finer details in complex arrangements might require closer attention.

Despite the limited width, the Knight provides a sense of immersion that feels natural and pleasing for the price point. The physical design also contributes to its strong passive noise isolation, allowing you to focus entirely on the music, even in moderately noisy environments. This makes it an excellent choice for listeners who value a focused soundstage without unnecessary distractions.

Low Frequencies

The low end is where the Noble Knight truly shines, delivering a powerful yet controlled bass response. Kick drums are punchy and precise, while sub-bass elements provide a satisfying rumble that enhances the music’s emotional impact. The dynamic driver adds significant weight to the sound, creating a warm and rich foundation that enhances the listening experience. Bass tones are full-bodied and textured, offering depth and detail that bring out the best in bass-heavy genres like electronic, hip-hop, and pop. The balance between the low and mids/highs ensures that the bass feels integrated into the overall sound signature rather than overpowering it. The warmth in the lower range gives the Knight a darker tonal profile that adds character without becoming muddy or overly thick.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange is clear and vibrant, making it one of the most enjoyable aspects of the Noble Knight’s sound signature. Vocals take center stage with an intimate and lifelike quality that captures the nuances of the performer’s voice. Whether it’s a solo vocal line or a layered harmony, the midrange consistently delivers strong detail and definition. Instrumentals are equally well-handled, with guitars, pianos, and strings sounding rich and natural. The midrange balance ensures that each element of a track feels distinct, yet seamlessly integrated into the mix. This results in a cohesive and engaging listening experience, particularly for genres that rely heavily on midrange clarity, such as rock, folk, and jazz. The texture and timbre of instruments in the midrange add an organic quality that feels authentic and enjoyable across a wide range of music.

High Frequencies

The high frequencies benefit significantly from the Piezo driver, which adds a layer of sparkle and precision to the sound. Treble tones are clean and crisp without becoming sharp or sibilant, striking a balance that feels refined and easy on the ears. The highs complement the darker bass tones beautifully, providing a sense of airiness and openness that enhances the overall listening experience. The clarity in the treble allows subtle details, like the shimmer of cymbals or the decay of high-pitched notes, to come through with remarkable precision. This attention to detail makes the Knight a strong contender for listeners who appreciate well-executed high-frequency reproduction. The airiness also lends itself well to genres with layered instrumentation, like orchestral or cinematic music, where the highs play a critical role in creating a sense of space and dimension.

Summary

The Noble Audio Knight is an impressive addition to the brand’s lineup, combining eye-catching design, robust build quality, and a sound signature tailored for versatile listening. With its tribrid driver setup, the Knight caters to audiophiles seeking warm bass, vibrant mids, and precise treble—all at a reasonable price point. While the narrow soundstage and large fit may not suit everyone, its excellent performance in low and high frequencies makes it a worthy choice for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

At $289, the Noble Knight strikes a balance between affordability and premium sound quality, solidifying its place as an attractive entry into the audiophile world.

The Noble Audio Knight is available at Audio46

 

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