Noble Audio is thought for its wired and wi-fi earbuds. Its hybrid driver IEMs are properly revered in audiophile circles although they’ve solely had merchandise in the marketplace since 2014.
When I thought of the FoKus Apollo and all that it provides, three issues instantly stood out: sound high quality throughout the spectrum, the included equipment, and increase mic high quality. The worth level additionally stands out, however whether or not the value is “good” can be subjective.
The Noble FoKus Apollo isn’t for the faint of coronary heart pockets, however for those who’re an audiophile and trying to mate a superb pair of headphones to the units in our greatest DACs checklist, you’ll have to go searching a bit to discover a pair of Bluetooth over-ear headphones that sound higher.
What I like in regards to the Noble FoKus Apollo
When I first started listening to the brand new Noble FoKus Apollo, which was simply launched on the finish of 2024 for $650, I picked up some auditory masking of the mids and highs. I believed it was the 40mm dynamic driver shading the 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, however that wasn’t the problem.
Though the app is fairly naked bones, it does include a 10-band EQ to assist with any sonic points you might have with its sound curve. You do not really want a variety of options within the app as a result of the cans include bodily controls for many of the performance.
I don’t know if it was burn-in, my ears adjusting, or the customized sound function, however there isn’t the slightest trace of masking anymore, and these headphones are among the most balanced I’ve had the chance to have in my lab.
For testing, I linked wired and wirelessly to a Google Pixel 9, Astell&Kern P1 DAP, iMac Pro, and an iPhone 16 Pro Max. For my wired connections, I used the iFi Go Link Max and Fiio/Jade Audio KA11 DAC dongles, although the FoKus Apollo does include a USB-C cable for wired audio playback, and also you’ll wish to use it. I’ll clarify.
I aired out the FoKus Apollo’s sonic skills with a wholesome mixture of bass, digital, and acoustic audio treats, which included tracks from Charles Mingus, The Roots, Composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Michael Abels with the London Contemporary Orchestra, Jamiroquai, Skrillex, and Nina Simone.
The instrumentation, sound stage, and readability in Mingus’ rousing romp, “Moanin’” is elegant. The mixture of dynamic and planar drivers is obvious within the satisfying thump of the upright bassline, balanced by the masterfully performed tenor and alto saxophones.
The FoKus Apollo provides you that “in your head” audio expertise, and also you really feel each observe of that with “Violin Duel” from the “Chevalier” movement image unique soundtrack. This aggressive violin piece will present how a lot readability and texture your headphones reproduce. Using the FoKus Apollo, the chord adjustments, assault, and decay come alive. The method the strain between the bow and strings is produced makes it really feel such as you’re sitting subsequent to the violinist.
All of the music I immersed myself in throughout the overview interval was a pleasure to take heed to by the Apollo. It’s properly appointed with all you want within the field to absorb all of the sonic glory, irrespective of your most popular supply methodology. You get a 3.5mm cable, USB-C for charging and audio pass-thru, and 4.4mm and ¼” adapters. Wireless connectivity occurs through a Qualcomm Bluetooth stack using Bluetooth LE, aptX/aptX HD, and LDAC help.
With all of that connectivity, the USB-C connection actually introduced out essentially the most element within the music I listened to. The balanced 4.4mm adapter additionally made an audible distinction relating to the way it prolonged the sound stage and bass.
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Noble Audio’s consideration to element is obvious within the FoKus Apollo’s design and “packaging.” At $650, you don’t really feel like they minimize corners or cheaped out on accouterments like some rivals.
As I said, the Apollo comes with every little thing you want within the field, so there isn’t a want to trace down suitable third-party cables and equipment until you actually wish to.
The arduous case is thiccc (sure, three C’s thicc) and can take up a variety of house in a backpack, purse, or baggage, however it’s properly appointed and provides glorious safety from its EVA shell. Inside are pockets on your cables and a velvet pouch on your adapters.
Let me take a quick second to say that the three.5mm cable is beefy! The metallic connectors and cable thickness are worthy of the premium worth level.
The headphones themselves have comfortable Alcantara on the scarf’s contact floor and pleather-wrapped reminiscence foam replaceable earpads, all set on an anodized aluminum body, making the headphones comfy for prolonged listening periods.
The earpads are massive sufficient to suit comfortably round my ears with out feeling constricting, in contrast to another high-end headphones I’ve reviewed.
The bodily buttons are responsive, and intuitive. Having a bodily mute botton on them can be a pleasant contact.
What may use enchancment?
Though the cans swivel to suit inside their case and modify to your distinctive head form, they don’t fold, so their footprint is massive. Hybrid energetic noise cancellation and inside mic audio are each okay.
Sony and Bose received’t be getting a run for his or her cash because the headphones let in some highs when noise canceling is energetic, however they work simply tremendous for dampening city noise and airplane engine hum.
I’ll say that inbuilt microphone audio high quality is underwhelming at this worth level, particularly given how stellar the headphone’s music playback is.
The saving grace right here is that the included increase mic attachment sounds nice! So, for those who’re utilizing these at dwelling, within the workplace, for taking work-related telephone calls, or for Zoom conferences, you’ll have nice microphone high quality with the increase that competes with a few of at the moment’s finest noise-canceling headphones.
Out of the field, with out EQ, the sound high quality is stable. Even with that, I’d find it irresistible in the event that they added the power to manage bandwidth to the Noble app’s 10-band EQ. Being an audiophile product, being able to regulate Q is all the time a welcomed addition.
I’d additionally like the power to regulate ANC and transparency modes. While the transparency mode is superb, I’d like full ANC and to see what that seems like on these headphones as an alternative of full-time hybrid ANC.
A sound audiophile choice
Noble Audio has one thing particular right here. Though these are aimed on the wi-fi market, the “FoKus” is clearly on sound high quality, and I’m good with that. The mixture of a big, 40mm dynamic driver with a 14.5mm planar magnetic produces a vibrant sound with “in your head” readability whereas delivering deep bass and rousing mids. The general package deal is entertaining, participating, and cozy, with every little thing you should get pleasure from your favourite sounds proper there within the field.
Whether you’re listening through Bluetooth, USB-C, or 3.5mm/4.4mm/ 1/4” cable, you probably have the coin, the Noble FoKus Apollo are price it, with one caveat: for those who’re okay utilizing the increase mic attachment on your most necessary telephone calls. And I’ll say it once more: for those who’re dipping your toes into the audiophile pool, spend money on an important pair of headphones earlier than you spend a bunch of cash in your audio supply and equipment, like a DAC or DAP.
Well appointed audiophile high quality!
Noble Audio needed to be sure that their first over-ears are usually not solely sonically very good however have all you should entry that sonic superiority. They’re properly price it in case your pockets is as much as the duty!
