In the present day, we evaluate the brand new Noble Audio FoKus Apollo Wi-fi Headphones, that are promoting for $649 USD.
Disclaimer: Noble Audio despatched us the FoKuS Apollo for this evaluate. I solely lined the import taxes and charges. This evaluate displays my unbiased expertise with the product.
Noble Audio
Noble Audio, a distinguished audio producer primarily based within the USA, has lengthy been famend for producing among the most aesthetically pleasing and meticulously crafted CIEMs and IEMs in the marketplace. Based by John Moulton, extensively often known as ‘The Wizard,’ Noble’s fame for consideration to element and premium supplies has been a trademark of the model since its inception. My private expertise with Noble goes again to 2014 once I bought the K10 and Savant, which have been among the many greatest in-ear screens accessible on the time.
Noble ventured into the wi-fi market in 2020, releasing the Falcon as their first wi-fi IEM (aka TWS), adopted by the Falcon Pro. In 2021, they launched the FoKus Pro TWS. Since then, Noble has continued to broaden its wi-fi lineup with TWS fashions such because the FoKus H-ANC, Falcon ANC, and, after all, the flagship-worthy Mystique and Triumph. As we enter 2024, Noble presents many wireless TWS IEMs, and really not too long ago, they launched FoKus Apollo, which is Noble’s first over-ear Bluetooth headphone that we’ll evaluate at this time on Headfonia.
Noble FoKus Apollo Wi-fi Over-ear Headphones
Noble has constructed a robust presence within the wi-fi market with their IEMs, however the Apollo represents a number of firsts: it’s each the world’s first dual-driver wi-fi headphone and Noble’s debut within the over-ear class. The Apollo is full of options, together with a hybrid ANC config, a premium-tier Qualcomm QCC3084 Bluetooth chipset, and a detachable increase mic for gaming. It additionally helps wired mode for low-latency gaming. Noble’s new co-axial dual-driver system, which mixes dynamic and planar magnetic drivers, appears promising. Noble describes the advantages of the Apollo’s twin driver association as follows:
Since a planar magnetic speaker’s diaphragm is extraordinarily skinny, lighter even than the air it strikes, planar magnetic audio system are recognized for his or her delicacy and accuracy, with out the blurring results of extreme inertia. The disadvantage to such audio system, nonetheless, is that they lack the power to maneuver ample air mass to supply the standard of bass that the majority listeners want. Dynamic drivers present glorious bass by transferring vital quantities of air, however on account of their mass, dynamic drivers can not present the crystal clear mid and excessive frequencies that planar magnetic audio system are able to. By using each a dynamic speaker and a planar magnetic speaker, the Noble FoKus Apollo supplies the readability of a planar magnetic driver whereas retaining the bass of a dynamic driver.
Listed below are the specs & highlights of the Noble’s Apollo under.
- Audio Configuration: 1x 40mm dynamic driver + 1x 14.5mm planar magnetic coaxial driver association
- Bluetooth Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3084 – Bluetooth 5.3
- Supported Codecs: LDAC, SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
- Est. Battery Life: 80h Playtime with out ANC – 60h Playtime with ANC – Requires 2.5h to Cost
- Body Materials: Anodized Aluminum Skeleton
- EarPad Materials: Replaceable Reminiscence Foam Leather-based Pads
- Headband Materials: Adjustable Suede & Woven Cloth Headband
- Options: FoKus App Help, hybrid ANC with x3 mics per aspect, Multi Pair + Multi Connection, Onboard 10-Band EQ, Transparency Mode, and more.
Packaging & Equipment
The Apollo arrives in a fantastically designed hard-shell cardboard field with a trendy sleeve on high. The sleeve showcases the Apollo’s design, with a hanging blue swirl background and reflective art work, which stands out instantly. The again of the sleeve particulars the options and specs of the Apollo, itemizing a transparent abstract of its options.
As soon as the outer sleeve is eliminated, you’re greeted by a gray hard-shell field with two flaps that open from the middle, revealing a smooth headphone-carrying case embellished with a textured chrome NOBLE emblem on the entrance. The field itself is exceptionally well-made, offering a sublime unboxing expertise with its flap-open design and foam-lined inside partitions. The carrying case continues this first-class expertise; its outer floor is lined with a grainy/grizzled material, and its inflexible construction supplies glorious safety. A deal with on the high makes it simple to hold and is a considerate contact for portability. When held like that, although, the Noble emblem is the wrong way up (=
Opening the carrying case, you’re met with an expensive velvet-covered honeycomb texture on the highest flap, including an additional layer of safety to the highest. The equipment are neatly organized in a tough, velvet-lined compartment contained in the case. This pre-molded exhausting shell format piece holds the headphones snugly, stopping them from slipping inside the case. Normally, producers make these elements non-removable, so you’ll be able to solely use the carrying case with the unique headphones. Nonetheless, Noble thought that we would take pleasure in this case with different tools, equivalent to DACs and AMPs, they usually made this pre-molded velvet-lined piece detachable. I actually preferred this good and considerate element in regards to the carrying case, because it’d comfortably home a number of IEMs and DAC/AMPs. The equipment are inside this lovely carrying case. You get a USB-C to USB-C charging/knowledge(DAC) cable, a TRRS auxiliary cable for wired mode, a flight adapter, a 3.5mm TRRS feminine to 4.4mm balanced male adapter, a 3.5mm TRRS to six.35mm TRS adapter, a removable increase mic, and a small accent pouch that includes the Noble emblem.
My favourite of all of the equipment is, after all, the TRRS to 4.4mm balanced adapter, because it permits me to attach the Apollo to a DAC/AMP just like the Hugo 2 for an improved SQ when I’m not cellular.
What struck me most was the general high quality. The whole lot from the field to the equipment is fantastically crafted. The cable jackets really feel sturdy, and even the increase mic’s memory-wire cable duct is constructed to final. Effectively performed, Noble!
Design, Construct High quality & Consolation
Noble has a world fame for craftsmanship, significantly within the IEM and CIEM house. Nonetheless, wi-fi merchandise typically lean in direction of the ‘mainstream’ market, and I had preliminary considerations in regards to the construct high quality and design of the Apollo.
These considerations disappeared the second I took the Apollo out of the field. The design immediately appealed to me. I used to be significantly impressed by the general design and the way each materials appeared nice collectively. The woven material used on the scarf could be seen on the inside a part of the earcups, the aluminum skeleton body and end continues on the outside of the cups, and the scarf’s inside aspect is roofed in Alcantara, so the general construct high quality and materials alternative is exceptionally well-done. The 9-step adjustable headband vary permits fine-tuning, and Apollo’s weight distribution is surprisingly good.
Small however considerate particulars like the location of the indicator LED, the distinct shapes and tactile suggestions of the buttons, and the bodily mute button for the microphone actually stand out and present Noble’s consideration to element. The design, particularly the single-sided aluminum cup holder and the slimmer headband profile, makes Apollo look sportier but elegant.
Nonetheless, the cups are wider than most typical headphones, which can be a consideration for these with smaller heads. I’d suggest making an attempt them on first to see how they appear and feel externally.
The earcups rotate inward and outward so the headphones can lie fully flat. The aluminum skeleton feels stable, and upon nearer inspection, you’ll be able to see neatly routed cables alongside the arms, operating from the left to the fitting cup. The cables are hidden in plain sight, and I solely noticed them when adjusting the scarf. Aesthetically, the gunmetal end pairs fantastically with the chosen supplies, giving the Apollo a premium look.
As for consolation, I’m not simply happy with over-ear headphones, significantly since I put on glasses and have a bigger head. I’ve had points with different fashions just like the Sony XM5s, however the Apollo turned out to be surprisingly snug. This may very well be attributed to the tender protein leather-based earpads full of reminiscence foam, which adapt effectively to my head. The headscarf’s Alcantara lining, the place it contacts the pores and skin, is a pleasant contact, including to the general consolation. The left and proper indicators are printed in massive, clear fonts contained in the earcups, and the dual-cup swivel design means you’ll be able to place them flat on both aspect. The vertical swivel is pretty good, too. It isn’t excessive, so that you don’t have a flappy headphone, and it isn’t too restricted, so it doesn’t hinder consolation. General, I’d say it strikes a pleasant steadiness between the 2 ends of the spectrum.
Apollo is 320g; it isn’t too heavy, not too mild. I used to be truly shocked to see this quantity on the spec sheet as a result of it feels lighter, particularly on my head. With its tender ear cushions and well-designed headband, it feels fairly snug to put on. The clamping pressure strikes a great steadiness, too; it’s safe with out being too tight, and the adjustment mechanism capabilities easily with distinct stops/ranges. I can put on Apollo for lengthy intervals with none fatigue, which is an enormous win for somebody like me who struggles with most over-ear headphones.
Connection Stability & Modes
Testing Situations: Android 14 & Snapdragon 8gen2 geared up telephone, LDAC codec pressured 909-990kbps & 24-bit & 96khz manually chosen by way of developer menu + Qobuz Studio.
Noble has geared up the Apollo with Qualcomm’s QCC3084 chipset, providing Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC assist for high-quality wi-fi audio. I acquired the Apollo 2 weeks in the past, and the connection has been secure and responsive throughout numerous units, with no noticeable dropouts or interruptions throughout hi-res playback or calls. The Apollo additionally helps multipoint connection, and I related it to my PC and telephone concurrently. Whichever machine sends an audio sign, the Apollo seamlessly switches between sources.
The Apollo’s chipset helps the newest Bluetooth 5.3 normal and is future-proof. Noble’s profitable chipset implementation supplies glorious vary and sign energy, even in environments with heavy interference, such because the subway/metro. The Apollo options transparency mode, ANC mode, USB-C wired, and AUX wired modes. The latency is greatest with wired utilization, so it’s nice for gaming each on cellular and by way of a PC.
The Bluetooth latency just isn’t dangerous both, however if you’re a aggressive gamer, you’ll actually benefit from the increase mic and analog (AUX) mode combo. As for latency, watching YouTube felt clean with minimal lag, however gaming nonetheless presents noticeable delays, which is typical for Bluetooth. In a nutshell, I can say that whereas Bluetooth’s audio lag is minimal, it’s greatest suited to informal gaming and video consumption quite than aggressive play.
The evaluate continues on Web page Two, after the click HERE or by utilizing the leap under.
Page 1: Noble, FoKus Apollo, Packaging & Equipment, Design, Construct High quality & Match, Connection Stability & Modes
Page 2: Controls & App Help, Name High quality, ANC & Transparency Modes, Battery Life, Sound Impressions, Comparability, Final Phrases
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