Noble Audio has been expanding its range of high-end IEMs with models like the Ronin and Kublai Kahn, which have been applauded by the pickiest of audiophiles. The Viking Ragnar is one such premium model and is priced at a whopping $4k, putting it among the few IEMs in the market at this price point. Does its performance warrant the price tag? And what can you expect in terms of sound signature?

What’s in the Box?

• Viking Ragnar IEMs
• Detachable 2-pin 4.4mm cable
• Velvet drawstring pouch
• Rubber bands
• Cleaning tool
• Logo stickers
• Ear Tips
• Narrow bore foam tips S/M/L
• Wide bore foam tips S/M/L
• Silicone tips S/M/L

Look and Feel

The Noble Audio Viking Ragnar IEM has a somewhat distinctive aesthetic. The shells are made of a solid, high-grade aluminum. But the most notable feature of the Ragnar is its eye-catching faceplate created with intricately etched steel, giving it a unique appearance among other IEMs available in the market.The design not only looks carefully crafted, but may also serve to reduce vibrations and resonance within the housing.

Though I found the fit reasonably comfortable with a good seal, I did notice them in my ear after extended listening. I wouldn’t say they felt painfully obtrusive, and on some days, you’re just more sensitive to IEMs than others. But they’re probably not the most ergonomic IEMs I’ve worn.

Design

The Viking Ragnar is equipped with a tribrid system that combines two 10mm dynamic drivers, four balanced armatures, and four electrostatic drivers arranged in a four-way crossover design. The included cable terminates in a balanced 4.4mm connector and is made of a thick 4-core graphene/silver material. With an impedance of 17 Ohms and high sensitivity, these IEMs are easy to drive from a phone. But for the purposes of this review, I paired the Viking Ragnar with the Astell & Kern AK HC2 DAC/Amp dongle.

Sound Impressions

Soundstage

Despite its limited scale, the soundstage's true magic lies in its precise placement of instruments. With such intricate imaging, the angles and distances between each instrument are meticulously arranged to form a cleanly layered and cohesive sound. The soundscape is highly multidimensional, presenting precise degrees of height, as well as depth behind the ear. The result is an immersive and pristine canvas of sound. It may not blow you away, but the stage certainly feels realistic.

Low-End

Though less impactful in the mid to upper-bass registers, the low-end generally feels warm and punchy, while the sub-frequencies create a visceral rumble. That being said, this is not the low-end of brands like Empire Ears. The bass is never overpowering and feels entirely natural, fast and clean. Listening to cellos in this range, there’s also  smoothness or softness to the resolve, making the instrument feel highly expressive and fluid. So, while this low-end may not be a bass-head’s dream, Noble has hit a great balance between providing a powerful, yet sensible bass, while keeping the timbre authentic and nuanced. 

Mids

The mids feel huge, highlighting the full spectrum of frequencies in this range. The low mids are given ample attention, while the upper-mids avoid sitting too forward and skewing the mix. And because the layering is so clean, the result is a truly comprehensive sound with tons of body and detail. The tone is also highly natural and transparent while also offering a subtle level of shine that brightens the timbre of vocals, instruments and percussion. And vocals, though nicely placed in the mix, have an intimate, up-front quality, bringing a lifelike energy to the performance.

Highs

The highs are characterized by a smoothness and sparkle. Although the treble has great extension, instruments never reach peaky levels, choosing to resolve softly and delicately with fantastic detail. But this is a moderately sumptuous sound, rather than a dry and thin one. And it adds a touch saturation and refinement to vocals and instruments, creating a harmonious balance between color and naturalness. 

Summary

The Viking Ragnar presents a fast, colorful, natural and all-encompassing sound, with a full-bodied midrange and smooth, sparkly highs. The sound signature may not be perfect for those who like a particularly dynamic balance with high contrasts, but if you’re somewhat of a purist who likes to hear a song as the mixer intended, then the Viking Ragnar is a hard IEM to beat in terms of character and performance. Is it $4K good? Maybe not, but I haven't heard anything better for less. So, in the lavish world of high-end IEMs, audiophiles are clearly willing to pay premium sums for the best on the market. And the Viking Ragnar is arguably one of the best.

You can buy the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar at Audio 46.

Specifications:

• Drivers: Electrostatic + DD + BA. (10 total)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40KHz.
• Impedance: 17Ω
• Sensitivity: @1KHz 112dB.