Noble Audio - the Wizard returns!

[M-13]

while were on the topic of the N6.
 
Am I correct in assuming the N6 is the most neutral of the Noble universal line (including the K10U?)? Or is that not really true?

 

[DatGuy]

that should be the N4, if you check their website descriptions
 
"The Noble 4 is a neutral sounding product designed to appeal to those who desire a flatter frequency response. An update from the Wizard’s original four-driver design, the Noble 4 lacks the controversial dip in the high frequency region. The smooth, flat, sound makes for an ideal pairing with vocal, acoustic, and classical music."

N6
The Noble 6 is an adaptation of the present four-driver design. With the addition of two unique drivers, the low-end is considerably filled out while soundstage has expanded building upon what is already a natural, airy, space. Mids and highs were not disregarded in the design process either, the Noble 6 is characterized by smooth mids and highs with great extension at the top end.
 
 
Relatively, the N4 is more neutral. N6 and K10 would be better described as balanced imo

 

[kova4a]

  while were on the topic of the N6.
 
Am I correct in assuming the N6 is the most neutral of the Noble universal line (including the K10U?)? Or is that not really true?

You're forgetting N4

 

[Malevolent]

  Nah, just put one of the Noble stickers on the back of your jacket and you're good to go.

 
Haha. Just make sure it doesn't get wet. 

 

  Y'all think it's a mistake to buy Noble 4's if I primarily listen to prog rock and metal?

 
Try the Noble 3. Might be a more suitable choice.

 

[Buddhahacker]

So, I'm looking to buy an IEM for a friend.
I'm stuck between the Noble 6 and the Shure SE846. This will be his first step into the "audiophile" world.
I actually just bought a K10U myself, which I know is generally regarded to be better than the SE846(and better than any IEM for that matter), but what about the Noble 6? Anyone here who's heard both?

I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on the SE846 and Noble 6 compare.

I would agree with the other responders to your question.  I have had both for a year and I would recommend the 846.  Both are similar with the exception of the bass response to which the 846 has cornered the market.   I purchased a balanced cable for my N6s to use with my AK240 and found that it improved the SQ to my surprise but the 846 is still my pick.  

 

[M-13]

  that should be the N4, if you check their website descriptions
 
"The Noble 4 is a neutral sounding product designed to appeal to those who desire a flatter frequency response. An update from the Wizard’s original four-driver design, the Noble 4 lacks the controversial dip in the high frequency region. The smooth, flat, sound makes for an ideal pairing with vocal, acoustic, and classical music."

N6
The Noble 6 is an adaptation of the present four-driver design. With the addition of two unique drivers, the low-end is considerably filled out while soundstage has expanded building upon what is already a natural, airy, space. Mids and highs were not disregarded in the design process either, the Noble 6 is characterized by smooth mids and highs with great extension at the top end.
 
Relatively, the N4 is more neutral. N6 and K10 would be better described as balanced imo

 

  You're forgetting N4

Thanks for the response.
 
I've also read the descriptions on the Noble site you're quoting. But the description of the N6 made me think they were building on top of the N4. I was wondering if the N6 was still relatively neutralish. Is it at least better balanced than the K10U or is that kind of a toss up as well?

 

[kova4a]

   

Thanks for the response.
 
I've also read the descriptions on the Noble site you're quoting. But the description of the N6 made me think they were building on top of the N4. I was wondering if the N6 was still relatively neutralish. Is it at least better balanced than the K10U or is that kind of a toss up as well?

Well, it kinda builds on the N4 but it is a bit warmer and thicker sounding with a lot more impactful bass. N4 IMO is slightly more balanced being flatter overall but yeah, N6 is quite balanced but a touch U-shaped in comparison to the N4. Haven't heard the K10U, so can't comment on its balance.

 

[M-13]

  Well, it kinda builds on the N4 but it is a bit warmer and thicker sounding with a lot more impactful bass. N4 IMO is slightly more balanced being flatter overall but yeah, N6 is quite balanced but a touch U-shaped in comparison to the N4. Haven't heard the K10U, so can't comment on its balance.

Ah okay. Thanks I understand.

 

[parkman]

Very helpful guys, very helpful. 
Some responses to regarding the friend. 
1. Well, he takes my advice when it comes to all things sound. He's going to switch to just CD's, FLAC files and Tidal streaming, it's just with his Klipsch X10 and iPhone he can't tell that much of a difference. But I'm sure he will be able to with either the SE846 or Noble 6. (and he definitely can with my sound system)
So anyway, he will be listening to higher quality stuff.
2. He listens to mostly electronic and indie/alternative rock.(U2, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Switchfoot, etc.)
 
I'm in agreement that the SE846 would be a good option because of the filter swap. Plus, we don't mind sharing things so it would be neat for him to try the K10U and me try the SE846 to compare to each other. 
 
I thought you guys would be the perfect guys to ask! So thanks for your feedback. Feel free to share any other thoughts or suggestions that might come to mind.

 

[Loquah]

+1 for SE846. They're very comfortable and sound great, plus the filter tuning is a nice feature. If it means you can both try SE846 and K10U then it's an added bonus

 

[M-13]

  Very helpful guys, very helpful. 
Some responses to regarding the friend. 
1. Well, he takes my advice when it comes to all things sound. He's going to switch to just CD's, FLAC files and Tidal streaming, it's just with his Klipsch X10 and iPhone he can't tell that much of a difference. But I'm sure he will be able to with either the SE846 or Noble 6. (and he definitely can with my sound system)
So anyway, he will be listening to higher quality stuff.
2. He listens to mostly electronic and indie/alternative rock.(U2, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Switchfoot, etc.)
 
I'm in agreement that the SE846 would be a good option because of the filter swap. Plus, we don't mind sharing things so it would be neat for him to try the K10U and me try the SE846 to compare to each other. 
 
I thought you guys would be the perfect guys to ask! So thanks for your feedback. Feel free to share any other thoughts or suggestions that might come to mind.

You should also consider the K3003. It's also 3 earphones in 1 and sounds much better than the SE846.

 

[Loquah]

 
You should also consider the K3003. It's also 3 earphones in 1 and sounds much better than the SE846.

 
I didn't find that it bettered the SE846 - different? Yes. Same performance level? Probably, but I wouldn't say it's better.
 
To my ears, the K10 is a step better than the SE846, IE800 and K3003 with those three all being roughly on par

 

[AmberOzL]

   
I didn't find that it bettered the SE846 - different? Yes. Same performance level? Probably, but I wouldn't say it's better.
 
To my ears, the K10 is a step better than the SE846, IE800 and K3003 with those three all being roughly on par

I spent some time with IE800 and to be honest I can't understand the hype around it. It doesn't sound good and doesn't deserve to be called totl or something in my opinion. Seriously bad, considering the price point. If you can get them at street level they are OKish, but at msrp, man that's absolute horrible, one of the worst values around I believe.
 
846 on the other hand.. I would say even at msrp, it is a pretty damn good iem. If you make a little search you can even find them quite cheaper too. Unfortunately I haven't listened to N6 but I can say 846 performs very good. So if N6 performs around 846 but in different sound signature, I would also called it a nice option.
 
K10U? Well if the budget allows why the hell not

Just in my opinion, I prefer customs over universals so I would go for K10 custom but that all depends on persons preferences.

 

[spook76]

You should also consider the K3003. It's also 3 earphones in 1 and sounds much better than the SE846.

Having owned both the 846 and the 3003, I would strenuously disagree but since sound is a personal reaction I would point two serious problems with the 3003.

One, the 3003 uses proprietary ear tips so if you cannot find one to your liking you are SOL. Whereas the 846 uses a 2.5mm nozzle the same as Westone and UE900 so there are a plethora of choices. Two, the 3003 has the cable attached directly to the IEM. This precludes the use of either an aftermarket cable as well as the use of a balanced amplifier with a TRRS 2.5mm jack (AK240) or Kobbicon (ALO or RSA) termination.

 

[proedros]

Having owned both the 846 and the 3003, I would strenuously disagree but since sound is a personal reaction I would point two serious problems with the 3003.

One, the 3003 uses proprietary ear tips so if you cannot find one to your liking you are SOL. Whereas the 846 uses a 2.5mm nozzle the same as Westone and UE900 so there are a plethora of choices. Two, the 3003 has the cable attached directly to the IEM. This precludes the use of either an aftermarket cable as well as the use of a balanced amplifier with a TRRS 2.5mm jack (AK240) or Kobbicon (ALO or RSA) termination.

 
someone mentioned that the ortofon silicone stock tips (the ones sold with EQ-5) can also be used with the K3003 just fine.

is this true ?