[bobeau]

I see very few comments on the universals, and more specifically the build quality.

The customs may be better, but for those of you considering the universal nobles-
My 2 cents:

I'm sorry but has anyone else been disappointed in the build quality of the Noble universals?

They feel like they're made of cheap plastic and the plastic molds just look like they're not top notch either. The cord feels "cheap" and doesn't look great. The eartips also seem to be pretty cheap Chinese mass manufactured, and semi usable.

For $350+ headphones....it's kinda disappointing.

I have $100-200 headphones that feel like they're better built than the nobles. Ex: etymotic plastic etc.

The case is nice though. Maybe the drivers ate up all the cost of production

 
How dare you... in this thread of all places.  
 
First, Leonardo will smash a chalice over your head.
 
Then a yeti will abduct your loved ones.
 
Finally Jack Black will have the last laugh as the Wizard banishes you to hell on earth - the place of broken promises and broken nuts - also known as the Roxanne thread.
 
Seriously, I got to handle/listen to the Noble 6 and K10s at the recent LA meet, they might not be up to the standards of my TG!334 (and really what is, they've been known to survive tours w/ the Yakuza), I thought the build and attention to detail on those was quite nice.  But then again, they were showpieces and I didn't touch the lower end stuff.  As to the cables, it seems most 2-pin cables I handle, whether they were JH, UE, or Noble, all seemed the same to me, and nothing approaching the typical aftermarket stuff.   I've owned a few Etymotics over the years and while they are bullet-proof, they do scream lack of finishing effort w/ rough finishes and injection molded seams.  I do agree that some of the low-end mass produced stuff are probably the most solid things - nothing I own for instance seems as bullet proof as my $100 JVC FXD-80s, for instance, but those are made of metal.    

 

[Sauntere]

I see very few comments on the universals, and more specifically the build quality.

The customs may be better, but for those of you considering the universal nobles-
My 2 cents:

I'm sorry but has anyone else been disappointed in the build quality of the Noble universals?

They feel like they're made of cheap plastic and the plastic molds just look like they're not top notch either. The cord feels "cheap" and doesn't look great. The eartips also seem to be pretty cheap Chinese mass manufactured, and semi usable.

For $350+ headphones....it's kinda disappointing.

I have $100-200 headphones that feel like they're better built than the nobles. Ex: etymotic plastic etc.

The case is nice though. Maybe the drivers ate up all the cost of production

 
Well i sort of agree with some of this. Please note i am commenting on build quality only.
 
I don't think the housings are especially well built but i wouldn't say they are poor. Next to my Fitear F111 they are certainly lacking (but most are) In fact i pulled out my old Sennheiser IE80 and i have to say they are better built as well. The chord, yep i do agree completely on this one and will most definitely be looking at getting something better. This one seems fragile and i don't like the angled plug at all. It is awkward.
 
The sound.... really impressed and i am enjoying them very much. I am talking about the N4. 

 

[kh600rr]

How dare you... in this thread of all places.  

First, Leonardo will smash a chalice over your head.

Then a yeti will abduct your loved ones.

Finally Jack Black will have the last laugh as the Wizard banishes you to hell on earth - the place of broken promises and broken nuts - also known as the Roxanne thread.

Seriously, I got to handle/listen to the Noble 6 and K10s at the recent LA meet, they might not be up to the standards of my TG!334 (and really what is, they've been known to survive tours w/ the Yakuza), I thought the build and attention to detail on those was quite nice.  But then again, they were showpieces and I didn't touch the lower end stuff.  As to the cables, it seems most 2-pin cables I handle, whether they were JH, UE, or Noble, all seemed the same to me, and nothing approaching the typical aftermarket stuff.   I've owned a few Etymotics over the years and while they are bullet-proof, they do scream lack of finishing effort w/ rough finishes and injection molded seams.  I do agree that some of the low-end mass produced stuff are probably the most solid things - nothing I own for instance seems as bullet proof as my $100 JVC FXD-80s, for instance, but those are made of metal.    

Dude, that's some funny shi**..

 

[FullCircle]

I see very few comments on the universals, and more specifically the build quality.

The customs may be better, but for those of you considering the universal nobles-
My 2 cents:

I'm sorry but has anyone else been disappointed in the build quality of the Noble universals?

They feel like they're made of cheap plastic and the plastic molds just look like they're not top notch either. The cord feels "cheap" and doesn't look great. The eartips also seem to be pretty cheap Chinese mass manufactured, and semi usable.

For $350+ headphones....it's kinda disappointing.

I have $100-200 headphones that feel like they're better built than the nobles. Ex: etymotic plastic etc.

The case is nice though. Maybe the drivers ate up all the cost of production

Chord feels cheap?

Oddly enough, it felt like the finest hand cured leather, when the price tag was $150

But I guess that is just how things go.

As for the cables durability, it has strands of Kevlar woven into it, and if memory serves me right, each strand can hold 40lbs. In short, if ur in a pinch, a need some rope..... It's there for u. The terminated ends, are essentially the industry standard. I make no claims as to the cable being made of gold, or oxygen free unobtanium.

The shell itself is made from injected abs, while it doesn't yield the shiniest surface, it is durable, and doesn't shatter.

The goal of the IEM, was to offer up a product that is similar to other products within their price range.

Does the standard "classic" IEM spew forth luxury, and Wizard level build quality..... ?

I don't think it does..... As they are built from mass produced parts

But these do, as they are built with hand finished & hand crafted parts





We also felt the need to offer IEMs that reflect the premium build quality that we are known for, and that is why the Wizard design IEM line was introduced

 

[starck86]

[Deleted]

 

[starck86]

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[starck86]

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[FullCircle]

FullCircle- fair enough.  I agree and appreciate the idea of providing high-end stuff to the people like me who aren't quite able yet to go to the Wizard line.  Because that stuff is truly beautiful, and one day I would love to wake up to a pair of those things on my morning commute.  

I don't think the cord feels like 'the finest cured leather'...having owned several custom leather watch bands, I can't say that's true.  I assume you're joking here?

What is the cable insulation made of? (Why is it 'shiny'?)  What's the actual cable made of?  Curious.

I don't really know what the cable is made of. The secret is the "content" of the plastics used in the jacket of the cable, naturally my supplier isn't going to reveal to me what or how they achieve what they do. (Counter productive)

 

[starck86]

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[FullCircle]

Yeah exactly what I'm getting at.  I actually saw slight micro-cracks or chips near the edges of the plastic pieces of the housing on my pair, I'm guessing due to when they were finally assembled and screwed together tightly, these tiny tiny chips happened.  Or something.  They were absolutely tiny in size, but still, they're there.


Honestly, I wish I could afford a pair of customs (and had the time to find a good audiologist, etc.) as I'm sure they're built wonderfully.  They look great from the pictures. 


I think you're joking, right? I want to be clear, I mean no disrespect to anyone here.  But this is an 'open' forum and I believe freedom of speech reigns here, so long as we follow the rules of the forum....and that includes objective (or subjective) opinion on products. : )



You can simply use my user name.  No need to be condescending.


Your english is actually kind of convoluted and hard to understand though, and I'm not even quite sure what you're getting at here.  I mean no disrespect by this, I just am not sure what you're getting at.  

Those are not chips or cracks




Those are created through the injection process... Much like removing the parts from a model car assembly

 

[starck86]

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[OK-Guy]

in answer to starck86 post...
 

I'm sorry but has anyone else been disappointed in the build quality of the Noble universals?
 
l can honestly say that no-one in Europe (or I've seen on these boards) has complained of any 'build quality' issues whatsoever, I cannot speak for other areas that are under Brannan & John's remit... things you 'will not' find on a Noble Universal product, the shell coming apart, glue marks, bubbles, permanent finger prints or bits falling off.
 
They feel like they're made of cheap plastic and the plastic molds just look like they're not top notch either.
 
The Shells are 'custom' manufactured in California to the Wizards specification, these are not 'off the shelf' components. Various factors came into play in choosing plastic over acrylic, durability & strength being two of the main reasons. Another small but importantly valid point, in the unfortunate circumstance that you should drop your IEM it won't crack or break if it hits a hard floor, which to me is a good thing having had a 'acrylic' IEM shatter on a concrete paving slab (yes I buy my own gear, I seek no favours from the Team). 
 
The cord feels "cheap" and doesn't look great.
 
The cable is a mix of copper & silver, the outer sheaving is made out of high-quality soft vinyl, it was decided to move away from stiff unwieldy cables to something that was light & comfortable. 
 
The eartips also seem to be pretty cheap Chinese mass manufactured, and semi usable.
 
I don't know where Brannan sources the ear-tips but they are exactly the same ones as used by several other manufacturers... as for being 'semi-usable' that really is a misnomer, I've been using my red-tips for an age and as a 'user' I feel my opinions on the subject are poignant.
 
Hopefully my answers may of enlightened your apparent disappointment, if not I would suggest you find a different Brand that fulfils your requirements... have a nice day now.

 

[starck86]

[Deleted]

 

[OK-Guy]

I gave a measured answer to your post and Head-Fi'ers will speak their mind for bad or good no matter what I say or do.
 
lastly, if you don't like our products what do you really expect me to say?... choosing another brand is all I can recommend if you see that as condescending so be it.

 

[starck86]

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