Noble Audio FoKus Apollo vs HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless
Introduction
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo and HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless are premium wireless earphones built for the on-the-go audiophile. Let's dive into the features, sound signature, design, and price of each 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 Svanar Wireless Price Comparison
The FoKus Apollo and Svanar Wireless are premium wireless options from top audio brands Noble Audio and HIFIMAN. Here are their respective prices:
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo comes in at $649.00.
The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless comes in at $499.00.
The price difference is pretty significant between the Apollo and Svanar Wireless, with the former costing $150.00 more than the latter. But is the price difference worth it?
Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these premium wireless earphones so you can get a better idea of potential value they bring to your listening enjoyment.
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo
The FoKus Apollo is Noble Audio's first ever wireless over-ear headphone. It is designed for the discerning audiophile and boasts exceptional wireless sound quality courtesy of its Dynamic Driver + Planar Driver hybrid setup. The FoKus Apollo packs modern-day 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 Svanar Wireless
The Svanar Wireless is a premium wireless earbud from HIFIMAN. It boasts high-resolution wireless playback courtesy of the built-in R2R DAC/Amp. With HIFIMAN's Topology Driver, LDAC support, and powerful Active Noise Cancelling, the Svanar Wireless allows you to enjoy music with breathtaking realism and immersion.
HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless Features:
- HIFIMAN Topology Driver
- Built-in Hymalaya DAC/Amp
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Active Noise Cancelling with Transparency Mode
- Ultra-comfortable Swan-inspired Shells
- Sleek Charging Case With Wireless Charging
- Up to 7 hours of playtime (Transparency Mode)
HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless Specs:
Driver Configuration: HIFIMAN Topology Driver
Codec Support: LDAC, AAC, SBC
Body: Aluminum Alloy
Noise Cancelling: ANC up to -35db
Battery Life: 4 hours in HIFI mode, 6 hours in ANC Mode, 7 hours in Transparency Mode
Waterproof: IPX5
Design and Build Quality
The FoKus Apollo and Svanar Wireless are two completely different types of earphones. The Apollo is an over-ear headphone, while the Svanar Wireless is a compact TWS. With that said, build quality is equally exceptional between these two wireless earphones and their designs are nothing short of eye-catching.
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. The Apollo only comes in a gunmetal grey color option.
The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless features a bolder look with both its earbuds and charging case. The earbuds feature an angular faceplate and a swan-shaped shell, while the charging case boasts a futuristic geometric design. Materials used include a combination of aluminum alloy and polycarbonate for both the earbuds and charging case.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these wireless earphones 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.
When comparing wireless earbuds to wireless headphones, the latter typically offers a bigger, more immersive sound experience - the FoKus Apollo is no different. 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 Svanar Wireless Sound Signature
The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless features a W-shaped sound signature. The Svanar Wireless' tuning focuses on midrange clarity and detail, making it perfect for vocal-centric and instrumental tracks.
There's no getting around that full-sized 40mm Dynamic Driver of the FoKus Apollo - bass is much stronger and impactful with that headphone compared to the Svanar Wireless. Midrange is much more prominent and detailed with the Svanar Wireless, which makes vocals and instruments sound clearer.
Soundstage of the Svanar Wireless is big and spacious for a TWS - but not as wide as the Apollo's. Sounds are easy to pinpoint within the soundscape, which makes for an immersive listening experience.
Price and Value
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo is the more expensive TWS in this comparison, costing $150 more than the Svanar Wireless. Both TWS pack unique wireless technologies and features you won't get with other wireless earphones in the market.
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.
At $499, the HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless boasts futuristic styling, aluminum alloy materials, HIFIMAN's Topology Driver, up to 7-hours of battery life, ANC with Transparency Mode, LDAC support, and wireless charging.
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 wired-IEM sound quality without the annoying cables, then it doesn't get much better than the HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless, The built-in R2R DAC/Amp enables high-resolution wireless streams, while HIFIMAN's Topology Driver reproduces every note with audiophile-grade clarity and tone. Couple that with effective ANC, wireless charging, and that stunning design, and you have the perfect wireless earbuds for hi-res music listening at home or on the go.
Another wireless model to consider in this price range is the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5. The FoKus Rex5 boasts packs a five-driver hybrid setup, impressive sound quality, sound personalization, and long battery life. If you're looking for a TWS with a slightly understated styling and better battery life (for a TWS) the Rex5 is a solid option.
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