Noble Audio Onyx Review
by: Matt Wieckowski
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With a longstanding admiration for Noble, I couldn't wait to explore their newest creation, the Noble Onyx. At $3200, this latest addition promises to continue the brand's tradition of excellence. Join me as we uncover what sets the Onyx apart in the world of in-ear monitors. Are you intrigued to learn more about Noble's latest IEM? Let's embark on this journey together and uncover its secrets.
What You Get
Noble Onyx In-Ear Monitors
2-pin connector cable (4.4mm)
Stylish leather-look carrying case
Multiple pairs of ear tips
User manual
Look and Feel
From the moment I saw the Noble Onyx, its sleek black design and intricate silver pattern caught my eye, exuding luxury. Placing them in my ears felt comfortable and snug, promising hours of enjoyable listening. Beyond exceptional sound, the personal connection to these earphones, from their elegant aesthetics to comfy fit, made each listening session a delight. The included Eletech Courage cable, featuring 4-core OCC silver-plated copper and a 4.4mm termination, ensures both signal purity and versatile connectivity, enhancing the overall experience. In essence, the Noble Onyx and its accompanying cable offer a complete package of style, comfort, and premium audio quality for audiophiles to enjoy.
Design and Functionality
The Noble Onyx IEM epitomizes audio excellence with its quadbrid 8-driver arrangement, blending a dynamic, bone conductor, and Knowles balanced armature drivers with Sonion electrostatic technology. Its custom 10mm dynamic driver ensures potent bass response, complemented by four Knowles BA drivers delivering flawlessly rendered mid and high frequencies. Dual Sonion electrostatic drivers and a PZT bone conductor create an expansive soundstage, capturing every nuance with precision. Crafted from precision CNC'ed aluminum, the Onyx shells exude durability and elegance, accentuated by a Raffir composite faceplate and stainless steel wax guard. In essence, the Noble Onyx IEM redefines audio luxury, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with meticulous craftsmanship to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience.
Soundstage
Using my Questyle M15 amp to test the Noble Onyx was eye-opening. Right from the start, I was amazed by the expansive soundstage they offered. What really stood out was the bright, crisp quality of the mids and highs—it was truly impressive. The overall balance of the sound is just perfect, ensuring every detail shines through. If you're like me and love vibrant highs, you'll be thrilled with the Onyx. Overall, these earphones deliver an exceptional sound experience that's sure to impress, especially for fans of bright, detailed sound.
Low End
For those like me who prefer a more balanced sound and aren't fans of overpowering bass, the Noble Onyx is a top choice. While testing them across various genres, I found the bass to be well-controlled and not overly dominant. However, when listening to electronic music, I couldn't help but wish for a tad more presence in the bass department. That said, the Onyx excels with other genres, providing a clean and articulate low end that complements vocals and instruments beautifully. Moreover, what truly impressed me was the clarity and separation in the lower frequencies, allowing each bass note to be heard with precision.
Mids
The midrange performance of the Noble Onyx is striking. During my listening sessions, tracks like "I Will Survive" by The Jazz Pops revealed a slight emphasis on the lower mids, which surprisingly enhanced the placement of each instrument. Vocals were rendered with exceptional clarity and warmth, while instruments retained their individual presence. This balanced presentation, along with impressive fidelity and depth, ensures an engaging listening experience across various music genres. Overall, the Noble Onyx excels in delivering lifelike midrange frequencies, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking immersive sound.
The highs of the Noble Onyx are simply exquisite. Whether it's delicate cymbal crashes or the shimmering resonance of a violin, the Onyx captures every detail with precision and clarity. Throughout my listening experience, I found the highs to be bright and crisp, adding a delightful sparkle to the overall sound signature. What's impressive is how well-balanced the highs are, never overpowering or fatiguing, but instead complementing the midrange and lows perfectly. In essence, the Noble Onyx delivers highs that are both captivating and refined, making it a top choice for those who appreciate crisp, detailed sound.
Summary
My journey with the Noble Onyx has been an extraordinary ride. From their sleek exterior to the immersive sound they offer, these earphones have truly left an impression. While I crave a touch more bass in certain tracks, the overall balance between the rich midrange and crisp highs is remarkable. Whether I'm entranced by the soulful melodies of jazz or delving into the intricate layers of electronic music, the Onyx never fails to mesmerize. They've become my go-to choice for an immersive audio experience, reaffirming my admiration for Noble's craftsmanship and innovation.
Noble Onyx is available for pre-order at Audio46
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