Empire Ears Triton vs Noble Audio XM-1
Introduction
The Empire Ears Triton and Noble Audio XM-1 are premium IEMs designed to deliver an engaging sound experience. We compare both models to help you find the best in-ear monitors for your listening preferences.
Not the right fit? Browse other In-Ear Monitors from Empire Ears and Noble Audio.
Empire Ears Triton vs Noble Audio XM-1 Price Comparison
The Triton and XM-1 sit at two completely different price tiers.
The Triton comes in at $1,799.00.
The XM-1 comes in at $599.00.
The Triton costs significantly more than the XM-1. Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of both so you can get a better idea of what each IEM brings to the table.
The Empire Ears Triton
The Triton is a hybrid IEM crafted for musical engagement, combining dynamic and balanced armature drivers to deliver a lively, full-bodied sound with enhanced bass response and immersive staging.
Empire Ears Triton Features:
- Tribrid driver setup with Dynamic + BA + Bone Conduction Drivers
- Dynamic driver W9+ subwoofers delivers impactful low-end punch
- Balanced Armatures add clarity and layering
- Bone Conduction Drivers for rich and detailed vocals
- Tuned for engaging, musical listening
- Premium design with ergonomic fit
Empire Ears Triton Specs:
Driver Configuration: Tribrid (W9+ Dynamic / EMP75 Balanced Armatures / Bone Conduction Drivers)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Impedance: 2.8 ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Connector: 2-pin, 0.78mm
The Noble Audio XM-1
The Noble Audio XM-1 is a premium IEM loaded with cutting-edge driver tech for next-level sound. Featuring a hybrid driver system with a cutting-edge xMEMS driver and a powerful 8.3mm Dynamic Driver, the XM-1 delivers next-level clarity and detail without the high-end price tag.
Noble Audio XM-1 Features:
- Hybrid driver setup: 1 x 8.3mm dynamic driver (bass) + 1 x xMEMS Cowell MEMS driver (mids/highs)
- Integrated high-bias amplifier for direct USB-C or Lightning connectivity
- Aluminum shell with stainless steel nozzle and wax guard
- Designed for smartphone compatibility without additional equipment
Noble Audio XM-1 Specs:
Driver Configuration: xMEMS Cowell Tweeter + 8.2mm Dynamic Driver Hybrid
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 101 dB @1kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω @1kHz
USB-C cable included; Lightning adapter provided
Includes 6 pairs of ear tips and a compact carrying case
Design and Build Quality
The Triton and XM-1 are premium IEMs, boasting exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Triton takes a more striking approach, blending luxury and performance with its stunning ergonomic design. Its shell is made from high-density resin reinforced with premium materials for enhanced rigidity and durability.
The faceplate design is eye-catching, showcasing Empire Ears’ attention to craftsmanship with a premium finish that feels and looks premium. While the housing is slightly larger to accommodate its hybrid driver system, the ergonomic shaping ensures it remains comfortable, with a secure seal that enhances both isolation and bass impact.
The Noble Audio XM-1 features a simple but sleek design with its marble faceplates and matte black shells. It features lightweight but durable aluminum material for its shells paired with a stainless steel nozzles with integrated wax guards. The XM-1 shells are compact, making them portable and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these IEMs stack up on sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
Triton Sound Signature
The Triton, with its tribrid driver system with a powerful W9+ subwoofer, BA drivers, and Bone Conduction, deliver a fun and smooth sound signature.
The W9+ subwoofer brings impressive bass power for deeper, more textured bass with natural decay. The balanced armatures layered on top bring clarity and definition to the mids and treble, giving instruments and vocals weight while still preserving detail.
The slightly larger housing allows for better driver placement and airflow, which helps create a wider, more holographic soundstage. The result is a sound that feels immersive and full-bodied, perfect for listeners who want to feel like they're part of the performance.
XM-1 Sound Signature
The XM-1 is tuned to deliver Noble Audio's clean, clear, and detailed sound signature. The xMEMS drivers deliver high-resolution playback in both the midrange and treble, with vocals and instruments sounding crystal-clear. The large 8.2mm dynamic driver adds weight and punch to your favorite tunes. The soundstage on the XM-1 is 3D-like. Sounds are easy to pinpoint in the mix, which makes for a very immersive listening experience in any genre.
Price and Value
At $1,799, the Empire Ears Triton positions itself in the upper-midrange tier, offering a blend of premium internals and refined engineering. At that price, the Triton comes with a tribrid setup featuring the W9+ dynamic subwoofer, a custom EMP75 BA driver, and dual bone conduction drivers, all integrated through the synX crossover and stabilized with ARC anti-resonance technology. The housings are hand-finished with ARC-treated resin shells for durability, while the Monarch hybrid cable and dual case system (Pandora CNC aluminum and OPUS leather) round out the accessories. In value terms, the Triton delivers high-end construction, proprietary technologies, and a rare dual-conduction architecture at a price that undercuts ultra-flagships, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking impact and innovation in one package.
At $699, the XM-1 features a hybrid 2-way design with an 8.3 mm dynamic driver for impactful bass and Noble's first-ever xMEMS Cowell solid-state tweeter for crystal-clear mids and highs. This unique driver setup is powered by an internal high-bias amplifier, removing the need for an external DAC or amp. The build is engineered for daily use, featuring durable aluminum shells, stainless steel nozzles, and a wax guard, along with a USB-C cable that allows for both power and audio transmission directly from your smartphone. With its cutting-edge driver tech, mobile convenience, and premium construction, the XM-1 delivers high-end sound and convenience in one compact package.
Our Thoughts
Get the Empire Ears Triton if you're looking for a bassy in-ear monitor with excellent vocals and a non-fatiguing yet detailed treble. With a dynamic driver under the hood, the Triton delivers slam and impact only a dynamic driver can. Vocal performance is top-notch as well, allowing you to experience your favorite vocal-centric tracks with life-like clarity and detail.
The Noble Audio XM-1 is built for listeners who want xMEMS performance without the hassle of external gear. Its built-in amplifier and xMEMS driver technology make it ideal for those who listen primarily from smartphones, tablets, or laptops and still expect reference-level clarity. It’s also a strong fit for travelers or commuters who value compact, durable design and plug-and-play simplicity. If you're looking for effortless detail retrieval, tight bass with speed, cutting-edge driver tech, and the convenience of a self-powered IEM, the XM-1 is the IEM for you.
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