Noble Audio FoKus Apollo vs HIFIMAN Ananda BT
Introduction
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo and HIFIMAN Ananda BT are premium wireless headphones built for serious audiophiles looking for zero-compromise sound in a wireless package.
Let's dive into the features, sound signature, design, and price of each model so you can choose the right wireless audio companion for you.
Not the right fit? Browse other Noble Audio or HIFIMAN products.
Noble Audio FoKus Apollo vs HIFIMAN Ananda BT Price Comparison
The FoKus Apollo and Ananda BT are premium wireless headphones from Noble Audio and HIFIMAN. Here are their respective prices:
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo comes in at $649.00.
The HIFIMAN Ananda BT comes in at $799.00.
The price difference isn't far between the Apollo and Svanar Wireless LE, with the latter costing just $150 more than the former.
Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these premium wireless headphones so you can get a better idea of value they bring to your music listening sessions.
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo
The FoKus Apollo is Noble Audio's first wireless over-ear headphone. In true Noble Audio fashion, the Apollo boasts exceptional wireless sound quality, made possible by its Dynamic Driver + Planar Driver hybrid setup. The FoKus Apollo packs modern features such as ANC, long-battery life, and detachable boom mic option, making it a versatile headphone for music, movies, and games.
Noble Audio FoKus Apollo Features:
- 40mm Dynamic Driver + 14.5mm Planar Magnetic Driver Hybrid
- Hi-Res Audio Support via LDAC
- Integrated ADI Chip with 3 Microphones per side.
- Transparency Mode
- Boom Mic Option
- Up to 80 hours of continuous playback (ANC off)
- Premium Components
Noble Audio FoKus Apollo Specs:
Driver Configuration: 40mm Dynamic Driver + 14.5mm Planar Magnetic Driver Hybrid
Codec Support: LDAC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX, SBC
Body: Aluminum Frame, Memory Foam, Premium Protein Leather Earpads, Alcantara Headband.
Noise Cancelling: Hybrid ANC up to -35db
Battery Life: Up to 80 hours of continuous playback (ANC off) / 60 hours (ANC on).
Wired Support: Yes. 3.5mm cable included.
The HIFIMAN Ananda BT
The HIFIMAN Ananda BT is a hybrid headphone based on the original HIFIMAN Ananda. It features a hi-res Hymalaya R2R DAC Chip, Large Planar Magnetic Driver with Stealth Magnets and NEO Supernano Diaphragm, leather headband and earcups, and USB-C Charging.
HIFIMAN Ananda BT Features:
- Hymalaya R2R DAC Chip
- Stealth Magnets Design
- NEO Supernano Diaphragm
- Built-in High-Definition Microphone
- LDAC Support
- Wired/Wireless Playback Support
HIFIMAN Ananda BT Specs:
Driver Configuration: Planar Driver with Stealth Magnets
Frequency Response: 8Hz-55kHz
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Codec Support: aptX ,aptX HD, LDAC, AAC,SBC
Battery Life: up to 10 hours
Charging Time: 2.7 hours
Design and Build Quality
The FoKus Apollo and Ananda BT both feature over-ear designs. The Apollo is slightly smaller than the Ananda BT but both utilize premium components for unmatched comfort and durability.
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo is a premium wireless headphone built for on-the-go listening sessions. It features an anodized aluminum frame, memory foam, premium protein leather earpads, and an Alcantara headband material. It is available in a gunmetal grey color option.
The Ananda BT features large, asymmetrical egg-shaped earcups with HIFIMAN's Window Shade open-back design. Its headband features a combination of leather and metal called Hybrid Headband Design. Its earpads are made of soft foam material covered in a premium leather. The Ananda BT only comes in a black color option.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these wireless headphones stack up in terms of sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
Noble Audio FoKus Apollo Sound Signature
The Fokus Apollo features a V-shaped sound signature which emphasizes on bass and treble frequencies. The large 40mm dynamic driver and 14.5mm planar driver combine to deliver deep, punchy bass and excellent clarity. Vocals and instruments are pulled back slightly, making them sound less forward in the mix, but in return give the impression of a bigger soundstage. You also get a lot of sparkle and detail in the treble but without harshness.
HIFIMAN Ananda BT Sound Signature
The HIFIMAN Ananda BT delivers full-sized, open-back planar sound in a wireless package. HIFIMAN tuned the Ananda BT to deliver a rich and detailed sound and a wide soundstage for an immersive listening experience. It boasts a balanced tuning, characterized by a clean, detailed, and analytical presentation, where every note comes through with life-like clarity.
Price and Value
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo and Ananda BT are priced quite similarly. The Ananda BT costs just $150 more than the FoKus Apollo, yet both wireless headphones feature a completely different set of features.
At $649, the FoKus Apollo features premium materials like anodized aluminum and Alcantara, a dual driver configuration, 80-hour battery life, Hybrid ANC with Transparency Mode, LDAC support, and a detachable boom mic.
The $799 HIFIMAN Ananda BT features a sleek aesthetic with a combination of metal, plastic, and leather materials. Under the hood, the Ananda BT features HIFIMAN's NEO Supernano Planar Driver with Stealth Magnets, the R2R Hymalaya DAC Chip, a 10-hour battery life, a built-in high-definition microphone, and wired/wireless playback support.
Our Thoughts
The FoKus Apollo is the TWS to get if you're looking for the convenience of a TWS in a full-sized headphone. Its audiophile-grade sound, powerful bass, long battery life, effective ANC, and detachable boom mic option make the Apollo a versatile wireless headphone for audiophiles and gamers alike.
If you want a zero-compromise sound experience on the go, the HIFIMAN Ananda BT is the one to get. This full-sized planar headphone packs the detailed, balanced, and immersive sound of its wired counterpart but in a convenient wireless package. The Hymalaya R2R DAC Chip allows you to stream high-resolution music up to 10 hours. If you run out of juice, you can plug in through the USB-C port and enjoy high-resolution sound on your phone, PC, or tablet.
Another wireless model to consider in this price range is the Noble Audio Rex5. The FoKus Rex5 is even more portable than the Apollo and Ananda BT and features a five-driver hybrid setup and a powerful yet detailed sound signature. It also boasts ANC, LDAC support, and Audiodo Sound Personalization.
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