Massdrop x Noble X

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

  1. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    This is the correct place. He is asking for a direct comparison between the subject of the thread and his point of reference. He has already introduced himself in the 'new members' thread too, so +2 points.

    Sorry @Ukyodragonfly, I can't help you with this one. @shotgunshane is probably your best bet...
     
  2. barelyincollege

    barelyincollege Nice Pit Bull

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    You're right, I realized shortly after posting that this probably was the right place.
     
  3. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I remember the IM02 being slightly V shaped. A kind of JH Audio type tuning. Whereas the X is downward sloping with a small upper mid bump, where the IM02 has a dip. The X will be more laid back/smoother in treble.
     
  4. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Massdrop announcements always seem to bring all the randos to the yard :rolleyes:
     
  5. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Heaven help us if Massdrop ever do a Nighthawk, then.
     
  6. Pyotr

    Pyotr Acquaintance

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    Hey, they just dropped Lyra II, so I don't see why an Andromeda drop would be that far of a stretch. An Andro for <$800 would be incredible.
     
  7. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    I've not heard either, but I remember the IM02 measuring very similarly to the CA Orion. You can find Marvey's Orion measurements here:
    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...udio-orion-measurements-and-impressions.2624/
    Speakerphone has measurements for both the Orion and the IM02, so that way you can look at the difference.

    The Noble IEM looks warmer/bassier with more of that DF thing. It also looks like the IM02 has better, smoother distortion characteristics.
     
  8. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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  9. gaspasser

    gaspasser Flatulence Maestro

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    Of those who have this already, anybody try it with the add-on lightning cable? I ran a quick search and didn't find anything.
     
  10. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Great question and I'd be interested to find out as well. Would suppose it would make much of a difference, depending upon how the audio-out is implemented on the iPhones. I did try the "dongle" adapter they included with the iP7 with my CA Vega's, but the SQ was so much worse to me than my portable stack that I didn't bother doing a comparison of the 3.5mm TRS versus Lightning on my old iP6. Cheers
     
  11. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Until today I was not hesitant to go for noble x. But I've seen another drop of lyra 2 just before. Now I am struggling which one to choose.
    Clearly lyra 2 is way more expensive than x ($500 vs $250). But price-wise, I cannot help expecting higher-tiered performance for lyra 2, compared with x.

    Can anybody compare these two? (CA lyra 2 vs noble x)

    I also have read this: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...yra-2-discussion-impressions.3111/#post-90913
    Indeed that made me hesitate! :confused:

    [​IMG]
    (Purple: Andromeda, Green: X)

    [​IMG]
    (Gray: Andromeda, Red: Lyra 2)

    Looking at these graphs, I can guess how tonality may be different (Fortunately both have andromeda's measurement). But I am wondering whether there are any other points to take into consideration before making a decision.

    Help me please, folks!
     
  12. gamerstudent

    gamerstudent Acquaintance

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    Does anyone know how these would compare to the ortofon e-q5? I'm looking to upgrade but want a really good bang for the buck.
     
  13. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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    If I was searching for a replacement cable that has phone volume controls, what keywords could I use to look for one? Are there other popular products that use this same sort of two prong connector that I could pilfer the cables from? Thanks.
     
  14. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    They are really different sounding. The EQ5 is bright and lean in comparison, whereas the X is downward sloping and richer. If you want thicker overall note and more laid back top end, the X could fit the bill. It if you want to stay with something brighter and airier sounding, you'll need to keep hunting. If the later, check out the Campfire Audio Orion.
     
  15. kittenuwu

    kittenuwu Acquaintance

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    heh heh

    heya

    It is reassuring to see respected reviewers telling us they're basically the same as the production models, though. I still fundamentally don't understand what massdrop does so I'd avoided the HD6XX drop because I thought they might be retuned in some way. Feeling pretty stupid for that now though :p

    These are super tempting because I need a new pair of gym IEMs, but I'm assuming buying these to mostly use out of the hilarious iphone 7 dongle at the gym is the equivalent of fueling my lambo with hawkeye vodka.

    If I'm totally wrong and the dongle low-key has a killer DAC inside it then I'm all ears, but something tells me that isn't gonna be the case. (common sense aside, mscott's comment up there is pretty damning)
     
  16. FallingObjects

    FallingObjects Pay It Forward

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    My Massdrop brings all the randos to the yard,
    And they're like
    Jude says this headphone is better than yours...
     
  17. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    +1

    I'm running an ER-4P with red filters for mobile/airplane use. I wouldn't mind a bit more bass and it would be nice not to be so deeply penetrated all the time. I tried a bunch of older Noble universal samples a while back and think I liked the tonal balance of the N4 (possibly N6?) the best.

    Also, can anyone compare the housing to that of the SE-535? That was just a bit too large for my concha on one side. The Noble unis I tried weren't a problem so guess they should fit me OK.
     
  18. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Forget about the dongle, using these at the gym is like going to a steakhouse and ordering cheetos. You are not doing any audiophile listening at the gym and all that sweat won't do you any favors. Don't spend more then $30 on gym IEMs. Even better, use whatever free in-ears they give you on airplane flights to watch movies.
     
  19. kittenuwu

    kittenuwu Acquaintance

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    the main thing that keeps me from just going full-on shit-tier is that I use whatever gym IEMs I have whenever I travel too, but now that I'm thinking about it the car or airplane aren't really critical listening stations either lmao...
     
  20. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    Going a bit OT here.

    For me, good isolation is important at the gym to block out the crap music they play, and on the plane for obvious reasons. Decent IEMs that fit one's ears also tend to provide better isolation. I've been using my ER4Ps at the gym. I don't sweat that much, and the only detriment I've noticed is the Shure cables w/ remote I'm using with them have hardened a bit where they go over my ears.

    If the Noble X fits and isolates well, that would give me another option for the gym. A bit moar bass over the Etys would push me that much harder.
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2016

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