Started a collection of wireless buds, Sony WF-1000XM3, Sennheiser Momentum True 2 and Noble Falcon Pro.
Out of the three best out of box sound was the Sony, Sennheiser was better when equalized (hifi mode) and Noble was much better when equalized.
Ranked
1. Noble’s out of the box sound pretty meh, plenty of detail but very V shaped with recessed vocals. Luckily Noble app has the best equalizer out of all of the ones I’ve tried. And the equalizer setting stays saved with the IEMs so when switching from my phone to Fiio m15 or iPad or A&K, my settings are all saved. Not the case on the Sennheiser’s. The Noble’s require the most playing with the EQ but once set they are drastically more detailed, better bass control and better dynamics then the other two. Noble includes the newest Apt X which when used with the m15 sounds great, much better sub bass, dynamic bass, more details and air in highs. I’m sure having BA for highs helps with the dynamic driver for lows, the vocals due have a BA which is both good and bad. It’s a modern BA so timbre is pretty good but the Sennheiser is definitely the best of the 3 for vocals. Noble’s mids need a bunch of EQ to sound textured and less thin. Also dropping the 4K EQ to get rid of sibilance. Although after EQ it is definitely the best of the group.
2. Sennheiser again only ok out of the box, but once EQ they sound good. They have best vocals of the three. The vocals are clear and warm, not as detailed as the Noble, but they have a great timbre. The mids do require a bit of EQ to sound best, since once again a very V shaped IEM. The bass can easily be tamed and pleasant but has no where near the speed of the Noble or the texture and detail of the Noble in the low end. Sennheiser again has very pleasant highs but they roll off quickly and not nearly as detailed as the Noble’s or even the Sony. Sennheiser’s timing was a bit off, but still enjoyable just not toe tapping. Overall I liked the Sennheiser over the Sony for vocals and fit.
3. Sony’s I liked least, even though they sounded best out of the box. Once again a theme all V shaped out of the box. Sony app did not include a way to EQ this, my biggest issue. The vocals or mids are dry, lifeless. Bass was a bit more boom then I like but was mostly controlled. The highs were extended and fairly detailed, can get sibilant. Timing and dynamics were better then the Sennheiser but a little behind the Noble’s. The only real reason I returned the Sony after a week was fit and dry mids that very lacking to me.
Sennheiser are the most comfortable for me with the Noble’s and Sony’s falling a bit behind. Noble’s need a deep fit to have good bass and can create some pressure. Sony’s are heavier, old shaped and I tend to have a hard time keeping them in place if I’m moving around. Sennheiser’s are not the smallest, Nobles, but are shaped well and easily sit in my ear.
For features, Sony’s noise canceling was best, Noble has none, Sennheiser’s didn’t really do much. App’s Noble app didn’t always find the falcon’s but had the best EQ by far. Sennheiser EQ was basic and helped but would have liked more control. Sony needs to include a custom EQ option. Noble latest Apt X definitely shined with flac and master quality songs, better lows and highs. Which in aac there definitely is less detail and control presuming from missing info. Unfortunately Noble’s app only works with location on, so only on phones and not on either of my daps so EQing needs to be done on your phone, luckily the falcons hold their settings until changed again. Sony could be a winner with a little app refresh just felt in need of an update. Sennheiser and Noble both have full customization of taps for commands in the app.
I chose to keep the Noble’s for my needs, comfort and sound quality. Far from perfect or a wired iem but best option I’ve tried so far. The Noble’s definitely have better bass control and more detail with good timing. The Wizard must have drunk when tuning these but they take EQ easily and well. Out of three, the Noble’s are the only ones where drums sound like drums, not thumps and small details are not completely lost. You can still hear artists breaths and guitar strings have an edge. The other two lose micro dynamic and small details. Although when using Apple aac you lose some of this edge Apt X adaptive with 5.2.
Any others I should try? I’m not a bass head, my favorite headphones are LCD 4’s, Verite Closed, Stellia, Utopia and A12t.