[DaveStarWalker]

Please excuse my criticism, but if you go by that, you can't compare anything here. There is certainly a certain objectivity. That's why I repeatedly addressed the "objective" and "subjective" level in my comment.

Again: the way I feel about it (subjectively), Mentor is more holographic for various reasons, with Ronin perhaps being technically (objectively) better. „Maybe“ means: I didn't really pay that much attention to the comparison. I merely limited myself to what I feel under the same conditions. But things I noticed immediately with Ronin compared to Mentor, without having to think about it: among other things, soundstage wider, airier, mids forwards…

With Ronin and Mentor I have (felt) perfect fit with same tips Azla SednerEarFit Short, same cable First Times, same DAP SP3000 and same sound level.

But absolutely: you understood me well.

It's extremely complicated if not impossible to really compare earphones, in absolute... Because it's very dependent on morphologies, couplings.

We can - if need be - express general tendencies (balance, definition, slam... these very generic considerations), but when we consider certain very precise criteria, of which the "sound stage" is a part, it became very difficult to express true and general statements.

What is fully valid for you, will not necessarily be for me, or not exactly in the same way. And vice versa.
Conversely, it is much easier to make comparisons with headphones.

My two cts

 

[phiemon]

But absolutely: you understood me well.

It's extremely complicated if not impossible to really compare earphones, in absolute... Because it's very dependent on morphologies, couplings.

We can - if need be - express general tendencies (balance, definition, slam... these very generic considerations), but when we consider certain very precise criteria, of which the "sound stage" is a part, it became very difficult to express true and general statements.

What is fully valid for you, will not necessarily be for me, or not exactly in the same way. And vice versa.
Conversely, it is much easier to make comparisons with headphones.

My two cts

Yep, I agree

 

[drftr]

Please excuse my criticism, but if you go by that, you can't compare anything here. There is certainly a certain objectivity. That's why I repeatedly addressed the "objective" and "subjective" level in my comment.

Again: the way I feel about it (subjectively), Mentor is more holographic for various reasons, with Ronin perhaps being technically (objectively) better. „Maybe“ means: I didn't really pay that much attention to the comparison. I merely limited myself to what I feel under the same conditions. But things I noticed immediately with Ronin compared to Mentor, without having to think about it: among other things, soundstage wider, airier, mids forwards…

With Ronin and Mentor I have (felt) perfect fit with same tips Azla SednerEarFit Short, same cable First Times, same DAP SP3000 and same sound level.

It's hard to describe what exactly it is that Mentor has that others don't but I think you did a better job than most. It's not enough to make it my favourite as I value certain advantages in competing products higher, but your description I can totally agree with.

drftr

 

[slumberman]

Any suggestions on where to find AZLA in Europe?
I had to order from the US before…thanks!

I was able to order. Thank you @phiemon

 

[FullCircle]

Bringing the Prestige to another level

 

[MusicTeck]

Last day of 4th of July Deals!

Get 20% off on Selected Noble Products: https://shop.musicteck.com/search?q=Noble*&type=product

The full holiday discount list: https://shop.musicteck.com/pages/holiday-sale-price-preview

 

[SynaestheticA]

Info coming out of Canjam is making those Fokus Prestige looking mighty fine.

What's the word in the st regarding the release. Will regular retailers be selling (ie in Australia)?

 

[drftr]

Does the Fokus Prestige have replaceable batteries? After 2 years my Sony XM4 is barely able to get through one single 45 minute album while it was 6-7 albums during the first year. Don't want to step into the same trap again. Simply too expensive that way.

Not replacable = Not buying.

drftr

 

[FullCircle]

Does the Fokus Prestige have replaceable batteries? After 2 years my Sony XM4 is barely able to get through one single 45 minute album while it was 6-7 albums during the first year. Don't want to step into the same trap again. Simply too expensive that way.

Not replacable = Not buying.

drftr

Not replaceable

 

[FullCircle]

Info coming out of Canjam is making those Fokus Prestige looking mighty fine.

What's the word in the st regarding the release. Will regular retailers be selling (ie in Australia)?

Distributors are welcome to buy them, if there are no distributors/dealers available in your area of the world, you can contact Noble directly and we will do what we can to assist you.

 

[drftr]

Not replaceable

Tnx...

By making them non-replaceable you won't have returning customers I'm afraid, as nobody wants to burn through their money that fast. In the long run buying a Kublai Khan straight away is cheaper. This means that the select group that gives it a shot now most likely won't do it a second time as they have learned their lesson. So there go your early adapters.

I think it won't be long before the EU steps in for their market and demand either user replaceable batteries or to leave their market. They rarely do something useful but this may just be one of those rare occassions

My main point is actually a bigger one and would include DAPs all the same. Can you imagine buying a 4k DAP that is useless in 3-5 years?

drftr

 

[rgbyhkr]

Can we get some specifics on the changes to the Focus Prestige vs the Mystique? Obviously the case material and the finish of the IEMs are different, but beyond that, I'd love to get more info on what changes have been made internally. Show reports have suggested a "new PCB" and changes to the antenna perhaps? Better battery life too? Even a suggestion or 2 about sound tweaks? Anything that is geared to improve dropouts (I have the Focus Pro and I get occasional and momentary signal dropouts from my iPhone 14 Pro). Thanks!

 

[FullCircle]

Tnx...

By making them non-replaceable you won't have returning customers I'm afraid, as nobody wants to burn through their money that fast. In the long run buying a Kublai Khan straight away is cheaper. This means that the select group that gives it a shot now most likely won't do it a second time as they have learned their lesson. So there go your early adapters.

I think it won't be long before the EU steps in for their market and demand either user replaceable batteries or to leave their market. They rarely do something useful but this may just be one of those rare occassions

My main point is actually a bigger one and would include DAPs all the same. Can you imagine buying a 4k DAP that is useless in 3-5 years?

drftr

Thanks for your thoughts. The prestige tws isn't meant for the masses. Several of our distributors approached us and asked if a prestige tws could be built, as their customers have requested such a product.

Ultimately, boutique audio is a hobby & not everyone ingages in a hobby with the same mindset.

 

[FullCircle]

Can we get some specifics on the changes to the Focus Prestige vs the Mystique? Obviously the case material and the finish of the IEMs are different, but beyond that, I'd love to get more info on what changes have been made internally. Show reports have suggested a "new PCB" and changes to the antenna perhaps? Better battery life too? Even a suggestion or 2 about sound tweaks? Anything that is geared to improve dropouts (I have the Focus Pro and I get occasional and momentary signal dropouts from my iPhone 14 Pro). Thanks!

Internally =
A) use has been extended to around 10 hours
B) charge case battery has a larger capacity allowing for more charge cycles
C) New PCB board/design allowing for better connectivity
D) Default tuning has been massaged a bit from it's predecessor

(The reports have been positive)

Obviously with some adjustments with the App, one can customize the signature to fit their own personal needs, if they feel it is necessary.

 

[FullCircle]

Prestige + is in process