Nobel 3 universal iems
A few months ago,I purchased a set of these. I haven't seen any reviews of these so I thought I'd give my impressions.
Over the last 3 years, I have purchased quite a few sets of iems - trying to find a sound signature I liked (rationalize my addiction to buying headphones!) Sets I own include: RHA 450i, Steelseries flux, Fidelio S2, RHA750i, Om Audio inearpeace.... Although I like most of these, I wanted an upgrade and was initially considering the SE535, ER4S, and even a few custom sets too. Joker's enormously helpful headphone list led me to the Noble website. I called their customer service number and told them what I was looking for (versatility, portability, fun sound, detail, etc.) My wallet then jumped out of my pocket - my order was placed on a Tuesday and I received them on Thursday.
Inside the hard plastic box is the headphones, a large variety of tips, some rubber bands etc. I spent close to 2 weeks trying to figure out which tips worked best but wound up spending $10 at radio shack for some COMPLY S500 tips.
It doesn't take much to drive these headphones - a click or two above 50% on my iPhone or iPod is an ideal listening volume for me. I didn't burn them in. I just plugged them in and started listening.
Noble's website describes them as V-shaped. They probably are but its a much more subtle V than I am used to. The bass is powerful, controlled, deep - really deep! The mids are very apparent, natural, clear and refined. The highs are detailed, plenty of sizzle, rarely harsh - you hear it but don't notice it if that makes sense.... The soundstage is bigger than anything I have experienced - higher, lower and wider. I feel like I'm hearing the music rather than the song. To me, they have a voluptuous, muscular, yet gentle sound. everything seems to be happening while I listen but nothing is being the alpha or the distraction. I am extremely pleased with my investment.
Here's a sample of what I enjoyed road-testing on these:
"Live at Leeds" - The Who, "Ill Communication" - The Beastie Boys, "Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks" - Brian Eno, "Panic in Babylon" - Lee "Scratch" Perry, "Kind of Blue" - Miles Davis, "Tchaikovsky: suites for orchestra 1-4" - USSR symphony orchestra conducted by Yevgeni Svetlanov, "Prairie Home Invasion" - Jello Biafra & Mojo Nixon, "Bursting Out" - Jethro Tull, "All things must pass" George Harrison, "Mr Love Pants" Ian Dury and the Blockheads....
Basically everything has sounded spectacular from an iPhone or iPod with no amp.