Noble 5
Here is what Noble has to say about the 5:
The Noble 5 in-ear monitor was inspired largely by the demand for a universal version of the Noble 8C (eight-driver acrylic CIEM). With deep, thick layered, bass and highs that never fatigue the ear, the Noble 5 in-ear monitor strikes a balance between fun and articulate. Backordered, ships in 3-4 weeks.
I feel that the Noble 5 is perhaps the least popular in the Noble lineup, not because of its sound quality but mainly because of where it exists on the Noble spectrum. The universal monitors that Noble has in its lineup are the 3, 4, 5, 6 and the K10U. Generally speaking, the 3 is for consumers who have not quite entered the audiophile market and are curious about high-end audio. It is defined by its v-shaped response. The 4 is for budding audiophiles looking for a neutral sound. The 6 is for bass heads who want more punch in their music. The 10 is for serious audiophiles who want a monitor not for referencing but for enjoyment. The 5, being the middle child, is often neglected as it exists in a sonic limbo.
Specs
Gear
The Noble 5 is an understated looking IEM. It's a classy shade of black, with an engraved logo on the faceplate. The only embellishment in the design of the piece itself are the gold screws on the faceplate.
The form factor is plain and unassuming, but the nozzles are larger than average, which may make them uncomfortable for smaller ear canals. For instance, the Comply TX500s that I purchased have to stretch a bit to fit onto the canal.
As for accessories, the Noble 5 comes with everything you will need. Along with several different styles and sizes of tips, the package comes with two bands for holding DACs, amps, and your source together; a wax cleaner; and stickers all packaged in a nice little otterbox-style case.
Sound
Pros:
Cons:
Bass
The bass on the Noble 5 is very full sounding with great presence and good texture. Compared to the Noble 4, the sound of the low end is definitely punchier and more powerful. This makes these IEMs great for genres like pop, electronic, and rap. When listening to songs and tracks from artists like 2pac and Nujabes, the bass is well represented and pervasive. For other genres of music, the bass coming from these IEMs may be considered overwhelming, often bleeding into the lower mids and overpowering the sound. Although the bass is powerful, I find a heavier bass works well in public places with a lot of background noise.
Mids
I consider the mids of the IEM quite neutral sounding with an emphasis on the lower region. The sound of the mids is quite powerful and present, but despite this they remain smooth. The mids sound great for most male vocalists, low-register female vocalists, and guitar.
Treble
The treble region is the weakness of the Noble 5. Although the treble is articulate and clear, the sound can sometimes be fatiguing with female sopranos. The treble can sometimes be slightly covered by the bass and mids. The overall treble is quite far off from the silky highs of the K10s.
Form Factor
The overall IEM form factor is relatively small and subtle, with a protruding logo and gold screws. The monitors feel good on the ear as they are lightweight and comfortable, and only protrude slightly from the ear. The flush sockets concerned me at first, but I have had no trouble with them so far. The cable is definitely a highlight of the earphones. It is thin, flexible, and does not make any noise when you touch or bump it. I consider the Noble 5 a great daily driver.
Here is what Noble has to say about the 5:
The Noble 5 in-ear monitor was inspired largely by the demand for a universal version of the Noble 8C (eight-driver acrylic CIEM). With deep, thick layered, bass and highs that never fatigue the ear, the Noble 5 in-ear monitor strikes a balance between fun and articulate. Backordered, ships in 3-4 weeks.
I feel that the Noble 5 is perhaps the least popular in the Noble lineup, not because of its sound quality but mainly because of where it exists on the Noble spectrum. The universal monitors that Noble has in its lineup are the 3, 4, 5, 6 and the K10U. Generally speaking, the 3 is for consumers who have not quite entered the audiophile market and are curious about high-end audio. It is defined by its v-shaped response. The 4 is for budding audiophiles looking for a neutral sound. The 6 is for bass heads who want more punch in their music. The 10 is for serious audiophiles who want a monitor not for referencing but for enjoyment. The 5, being the middle child, is often neglected as it exists in a sonic limbo.
Specs
- 5 precision tuned balanced-armature drivers per side
- Impedance < 30 Ohms
- Detachable cable w/ industry standard two-pin configuration
- Signature Noble universal form factor
- Rose gold plated pentalobe screws
Gear
The Noble 5 is an understated looking IEM. It's a classy shade of black, with an engraved logo on the faceplate. The only embellishment in the design of the piece itself are the gold screws on the faceplate.
The form factor is plain and unassuming, but the nozzles are larger than average, which may make them uncomfortable for smaller ear canals. For instance, the Comply TX500s that I purchased have to stretch a bit to fit onto the canal.
As for accessories, the Noble 5 comes with everything you will need. Along with several different styles and sizes of tips, the package comes with two bands for holding DACs, amps, and your source together; a wax cleaner; and stickers all packaged in a nice little otterbox-style case.
Sound
Pros:
- Great impact and punch (especially when amped up)
- Great clarity
- Cohesive sound
- Great build quality
- Small convenient form factor
- Versatile
- Great Cable
- Imaging/soundstage is accurate with decent instrument separation
Cons:
- Thick/large canals may not be comfortable for everybody
- Bass is less refined/tight than the Noble 6
- Trebles can sometimes be fatiguing
- Too revealing with some low quality tracks
Bass
The bass on the Noble 5 is very full sounding with great presence and good texture. Compared to the Noble 4, the sound of the low end is definitely punchier and more powerful. This makes these IEMs great for genres like pop, electronic, and rap. When listening to songs and tracks from artists like 2pac and Nujabes, the bass is well represented and pervasive. For other genres of music, the bass coming from these IEMs may be considered overwhelming, often bleeding into the lower mids and overpowering the sound. Although the bass is powerful, I find a heavier bass works well in public places with a lot of background noise.
Mids
I consider the mids of the IEM quite neutral sounding with an emphasis on the lower region. The sound of the mids is quite powerful and present, but despite this they remain smooth. The mids sound great for most male vocalists, low-register female vocalists, and guitar.
Treble
The treble region is the weakness of the Noble 5. Although the treble is articulate and clear, the sound can sometimes be fatiguing with female sopranos. The treble can sometimes be slightly covered by the bass and mids. The overall treble is quite far off from the silky highs of the K10s.
Form Factor
The overall IEM form factor is relatively small and subtle, with a protruding logo and gold screws. The monitors feel good on the ear as they are lightweight and comfortable, and only protrude slightly from the ear. The flush sockets concerned me at first, but I have had no trouble with them so far. The cable is definitely a highlight of the earphones. It is thin, flexible, and does not make any noise when you touch or bump it. I consider the Noble 5 a great daily driver.