Massdrop x Noble X

Discussion in 'IEM Measurements' started by purr1n, Nov 21, 2016.

  1. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    You could also take a look at the comparative FR (with Savant) that I provided in the first post.
     
  2. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophileâ„¢

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    I am a IEM noob - have not experienced IEM but er4p (and auditioned er4xr a bit).
    Can anybody compare this noble X with etymotic er4xr or er4p? Price-wise, this product may compete against with etymotics' popular offerings.
     
  3. Augmentin

    Augmentin MOT - DUNU IEM Company

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    I should've shortened it, I know, but my mind was full of medically-related stuff at the time I registered.

    Yeah, this is the same feeling I get too.

    I met with SGS last week and only heard the IT03 briefly, but in general I agree with this assessment. It's got big thumpy bass --- a fun signature. The build quality isn't amazing, though IMHO.

    Part of the price consideration going into the Savant, I believe, was due to how difficult it was to assemble the bass driver and compensating for anticipated RMAs. John mentioned that the bass driver on the Savant had a side-opening bass port, which made tube assembly more difficult (due to the need to minimize excess glue around the driver and the tubing. This issue was corrected with the Sage, which now uses a rear-ported bass driver (as does the Noble X --- from the comments John has given). But I suspect they maintained the pricing, probably to preserve the perception of parity of SQ, to compensate for added costs of switching to CNC'ed faceplates as well as other miscellaneous costs, but also to maintain profits. The Noble X, on the other hand, is partially also a move to maintain their order volumes for their proprietary Knowles drivers. Having a sufficiently large volume order is what all companies with proprietary drivers have grappled with, from UE to JH to FitEar.

    [​IMG]

    No, the Noble X does not have the Savant's highs, but yes, the Noble X does have the Sage's lows. See my explanation above.

    I had been under the impression that, based off previous experience, in general, Noble IEMs don't vary too much with tip rolling, but the Noble X seems to be the exception. Then again, my experience with Noble IEMs has been limited in the recent year.
     
  4. Richsvt

    Richsvt New

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    I had considered the Nobles from back when but was never too thrilled about the cost. This seems like a decent time to try them out. I like a warm-ish IEM. Hoping that they may live up to that. I am really liking my IT03s...wonder how they'll compare...
     
  5. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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    These look cool. I've never tried really good IEMs (have been using an RHA MA750 for a few years) so I'm considering it.
     
  6. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Too much speculation based off other sites guessing about the Genesis of this headphone.

    I see a FR and measurements markedly different from anything else in the Noble line. I would take that at face value and just buy the damn things.
     
  7. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Your username is way too long. Pick a shorter one so I can change it for you.
     
  8. Augmentin

    Augmentin MOT - DUNU IEM Company

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    Thanks. Let's go with 'Augmentin', if it's not taken.
     
  9. Pyotr

    Pyotr Acquaintance

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    Noble 4 and Savanna both are heavily dependent on the tip used and how well they agree with your ear in my experience. They sound very different too depending on the fit. Both can sound cold, tinny, and distant if the fit is too shallow, but a deeper fit and a great seal makes them full and less peaky. It sounds like the X acts the same way and a deep fit will provide the best sound.
     
  10. gaspasser

    gaspasser Flatulence Maestro

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    Seriously, "Augmentin" an antibiotic? @Ethicon & Covidien what do you do in healthcare? I would like to try and help you with a more creative name.

    Edit: Are you a surgery resident? I see you using the word "scut", oh how I remember the days of being a scut monkey...how about "Scut Monkey" for your new name ;)
     
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2016
  11. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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    @Marvey

    Still no measurement for Katana yet? curious about how much differentiation between noble X vs katana...
    Color me interested with noble X because of its price...
     
  12. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Just when you think you don't need another IEM something like this comes along!!!
     
  13. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    You need another IEM. So do I. this isn't enough:

    http://i.imgur.com/lDaCwCth.jpg
     
  14. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

    Staff Member Pyrate Flathead IEMW
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    Vs Pinnacle P1
    Similar bass levels overall but a bit more rumble and deep bass texture from the P1. Overall brightness is again similar but the P1 has more lower treble presence and focus. The X has a bit more upper mid bump for vocals, making the P1 feel warmer, so the overall presentation of the X is a little more forward and intimate in direct comparison. The P1 sounds further away and wider.
     
  15. mulolomu

    mulolomu New

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  16. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Nice!

    "What kind of fish do you catch with them-thar doohickeys?"
     
  17. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Well, I like the dynamic driver bass better but I think after adding some impedance to the X, it's sig suits me a little better. I like both a lot though.
     
  18. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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    OS COXA!

    That's the best medical name (it's a bone).

    Sphincter of Oddi rules as well. Pretty decent name for a metal band, too.

    Cytochrome P450 is a personal favorite.

    Uh, so, this looks like a fine choice for people getting their first (or 10th) "good earphone" a step above the $50-150 range and might be a gateway drug to higher end portable audio.

    I hope it's successful, because then we might see more of these semi-exclusive mass drop iem models from other makers like Campfire, etc.
     
  19. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    I'm hoping CA does a revised Vega, with a 16mm DD and adjustable bass port. ;)
     
  20. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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    Warrior Edition: Bass Port Goes to 11!


    Seriously though, if the driver cracking issues are resolved, I think @KenBall is just getting started with dynamic driver designs. I like the Vega more and more, so the next gen will be even more so in a few years (or sooner, CA Cassiopeia and Sirius anyone?). Even though the Senn ie800 isn't everyone's stein of beer, it's still groundbreaking and in 15 years--Senn's new product cycle ;)--the next gen will be something to really look forward to as well.

    Plus, we may start to see more of these metal-coated diaphragms entering the market as production issues are smoothed out, leading to economies of scale and a new wave of cheaper DD iems with higher performance than previous generations.
     

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