Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Introduction
The Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are premium true wireless earbuds packed with advanced features and audiophile-grade sound. Let's take a look at each model and discuss key differences in design, sound, features, and price, so you can find the right wireless earbuds for you.
Not the right fit? Browse other Noble Audio IEMs.
FoKus Amadeus vs Pi8 Price Comparison
The FoKus Amadeus and Pi8 sit at two different price categories.
The FoKus Amadeus comes in at $320.00.
The Pi8 comes in at $399.00.
The FoKus Amadeus is more affordable than the Pi8. Let's discuss the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these wireless earbuds, so you can choose the right one for you.
The FoKus Amadeus
The FoKus Amadeus is Noble Audio's latest TWS, designed to deliver a detailed and musical listening experience. The Amadeus boasts bold, Mozart-inspired red aesthetics, a 8.3mm triple-layer dynamic driver, LDAC support, up to 12 hours of playback time, and Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency Mode.
FoKus Amadeus Features:
- Custom 8.3 mm triple-layer dynamic driver
- Audiodo Personal Sound tuning per ear
- Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
- Active Noise Cancelling + Transparency Mode
- 8 hr playback (ANC off), 12 hr ANC off, 42 hr total including case
- Dual mics with Qualcomm cVc for calls
FoKus Amadeus Specs:
Driver Configuration: 8.3mm custom triple-layer diaphragm
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 113 ± 2dB at 1kHz
Impedance: 37 Ohm
Bluetooth: Version 5.4
Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
Playback time: 8–12 hours earbuds, up to 42 hours total
Charging time: 90 minutes earbuds, 120 minutes
Quick charge: 10 minutes = 2 hours of playback
Microphones: Dual with cVc noise cancelling
Noise control: ANC and Transparency Mode
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is a premium TWS known for its exceptional sound quality, luxurious design, and high-tech features.
Pi8 Features:
- Carbon Cone dynamic drivers for high-resolution audio
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with six microphones for enhanced clarity
- High-performance DSP with dedicated DSP and DAC/Amp
- 5-band customizable EQ + TrueSound Mode
- Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and lossless codec compatibility
- Charging case with retransmission capabilities for wireless use with wired sources
- Fast Charging
Pi8 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 12mm Carbon Cone Drivers
Bluetooth Version: 5.4
Supported Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Classic, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Battery Life: Up to 6.5 hours with ANC on. 13.5 hours from charging case
Charging: 2 hours. 15-minute charge = 2 hours playback. Wireless charging compatible.
Design and Build Quality
The Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus draws design elements from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, boasting a bold red finish reminiscent of Mozart's distinctive red robe.
The IEM-style earbuds feature a red and black marble faceplate paired with a black glossy shell. The charging case features a bright red lid combined with a black body.
The build quality of the Amadeus is excellent. The earbuds are lightweight and ergonomic, offering a comfortable and easy fit. The charging case is slim and lightweight for easy portability.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 features a sleek and elegant design and comes in four unique colors: Anthracite Black, Dove White, Jade Green, and Midnight Blue. The Pi8 feels solid in the hand and offers a lightweight and secure fit. The earbuds and charging case are made primarily of high-quality plastic with a matte finish for a premium feel.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these wireless earbuds stack up on sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
FoKus Amadeus Sound Signature
The FoKus Amadeus is crafted to produce rich bass, open mids, and delicately extended highs. In practical listening, the Amadeus delivers a detailed and musical sound that works exceptionally well for both casual and critical listening. The bass offers a tight punch and textured rumbles without sounding muddy, while the vocals and instruments sound natural and exciting without harshness.
The soundstage on the Amadeus is immersive and offers good separation. Instruments and vocals have more than enough space to breathe - music never sounds congested or closed-in.
Pi8 Sound Signature
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 features a bass-heavy sound signature with laid-back mids and treble. This tuning delivers a very engaging sound experience - perfect for Pop, R&B, EDM, and Electronic. The bass takes center stage, offering strong rumble and punch. The midrange frequencies are clear and natural, which gives vocals and instrumentals a realistic sound. The treble is laid back for a fatigue-free listening experience.
The Pi8 TWS soundstage is wide and accurate placement. Sounds are easy to pinpoint, which makes for an immersive listening experience.
Price and Value
At $320, the FoKus Amadeus packs the latest Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC for CD-quality playback, and supports up to 12 hours of playback with ANC off with an additional 2.5 full charges from the charging case. It comes with sound customization features like Audiodo Sound Personalization, which tailors sound to your hearing preferences, alongside ANC with Transparency Mode for crisp sound even in noisy environments.
The $399 Pi8 offers a sleek and premium design, a powerful 12mm Carbon Cone Dynamic Driver, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless support, 5-band customizable EQ with TrueSound mode, Active Noise Cancellation, and Fast Charging.
Our Thoughts
Get the Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus if you want a TWS that delivers audiophile-grade sound you can enjoy all day. Audiodo Sound Personalization and Active Noise Cancellation ensure you can hear your music with outstanding clarity. The 12-hour battery life and quick charge features mean you can listen non-stop without interruptions. All this in a striking red earbud and charging case that will turn heads wherever you go.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 features a sleek and luxurious design and delivers a high-resolution listening experience. If you like bass but don't want to compromise on detail and clarity, the Pi8 is the way to go. With the Pi8 you're getting an exciting sound, premium build, aptX Lossless support, customizable EQ, and up to 6.5 hours of noise-free music listening anywhere you go.
Another wireless IEM to consider is the Noble Audio FoKus Prestige. The FoKus Prestige offers an powerful sound signature with its unrelenting bass, prominent mids, and detailed high frequencies. With its CNC Machined Wood construction, triple-driver hybrid setup, and 10-hour battery life, the Prestige will make every listening session an exciting experience.
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