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RM28
41
Oct 10, 2017
Hats off to Massdrop for further broadening their scope and getting quality equipment into even more hands (ears in this case) by designing and manufacturing their own. I agree with the many others who feel that this iem does seem inviting, but as a brand new product on its initial run the pricing is a bit too steep to gamble on without reviews from trusted audio sources. In contrast, the Noble X' s are dropping again right now for $249 and were a new product just recently, but were jointly designed with a leader in the field and had trusted reviews. Yes, these do have one more BA and were designed by audiophiles for audiophiles and the $299 price may indeed be a great value, but for the vast majority of us it's too much to spend on an item we have very little information on. If the reviews come in as expected I would love to jump in on the next drop if finances allow.
TxTxTx
9
Oct 10, 2017
RM28I would like to be convinced to get the Massdrop Plus over the Noble X. Noble X is $50 cheaper and ships way sooner than Massdrop Plus.
What makes the Massdrop Plus worth getting over the Noble X despite the $50 and wait difference?
RM28
41
Oct 10, 2017
TxTxTxIt has an extra BA and is also designed by audiophiles. There are useful graphs but no actual reviews. Your question is foremost on the minds of most here who haven't join the drop. I really like my Noble Xs, but as others have mentioned tips and placement in the ear canal have a huge influence on the SQ.
onlysoaa
29
Oct 10, 2017
TxTxTxDepends what sound signature you're looking for. Noble X isn't fully diffuse-field compensated so they'll sound darker than the Massdrop Plus. Also, treble extension doesn't look great on the Noble X.
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/massdrop-nobel-x-earphones
TxTxTx
9
Oct 10, 2017
RM28What do you like about the Noble X? How does it compare to other headphones/IEMs you have? How is its value of $249.99?
RM28
41
Oct 11, 2017
TxTxTxCrystal clear, detailed, amazing separation of instruments, good soundstage and imaging, nicely balanced bass, treble goes high up without being sibilant but can be fatiguing with prolonged listening. A very nice complement to Sennheiser's iem - ie80 (older version, not the new ie80S) which has more sub bass rumble along with bass even without adjusting the bass higher. The ie80 also has a wider and deeper soundstage with less treble so you can listen to these forever. They present the music more as a whole while the Nobles seem to emphasize the individual pieces more - similar to looking at the forest vs individual trees. They are both warm, with the ie80 being more so. The Nobles are picky with placement and tips, not so the Senns. Both around the same price on Massdrop, but i haven't seen the Senns again since I got them 2 years ago. Compared to headhone sound quality I would say the SQ of the Noble X reminds me of the Hifiman 400i with its clarity, detail and bass, but the 400i seem to have a less fatiguing treble. The ie80 is similar to the Sennheiser Massdrop 6xx. I never thought of myself as a basshead, but now realize I am also not an analytical listener either. A warm musical sound that allows you to immerse yourself in the music is what I enjoy. If limited to one I would choose the Senns for the Gestalt of the music, but the Noble X and the Hifiman 400i are very, very close seconds because of their detail and clarity. Having both in each medium (ie 80 and Noble X for iems, or 400i and 6xx for headphones) allow different aspects in the music to shine through and yield a fuller picture depending upon what you are looking for. Perhaps the Noble K10 now being offered can do both, but I'll never know, even at that great price. The $299 Massdrop iem should be promising, even endgame for me, but IMHO not enough data available to justify splurging on it, especially since I'm so happy with what I have. Merely my views as one who loves music, not someone in the field. It's the sound that matters to me, the gear is only the way to get there. Enjoy!
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