Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Introduction
The Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 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 Rex5 vs Pi8 Comparison
The FoKus Rex5 and Pi8 sit at two different price categories.
The FoKus Rex5 comes in at $459.00.
The Pi8 comes in at $399.00.
The FoKus Rex5 costs slightly more 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 Noble Audio FoKus Rex5
The FoKus Rex5 is Noble Audio's newest TWS offering. It features a five-driver hybrid configuration and packs advanced sound personalization features to give audiophiles a true high-resolution sound experience on the go.
FoKus Rex5 Features:
- Hybrid five-driver setup: 1 dynamic, 1 planar, and 3 balanced armature drivers
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Transparency, and Basic modes
- Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity
- Support for SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC codecs
- Audiodo integration for personalized sound profiles
- Updated Noble FoKus App compatibility
- Battery life: 5 hours with ANC on, 7 hours with ANC off; charging case provides additional 40 hours
FoKus Rex5 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 (10mm) dynamic driver, 1 (6mm) planar driver, 3 balanced armature drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
Bluetooth Version: 5.4
Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
Battery Life: 5 hours (ANC on), 7 hours (ANC off); charging case provides additional 40 hours
Charging Case: Aluminum with wireless charging
Additional Features: Multipoint connection (2 devices), ANC, Transparency, and Basic modes
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 FoKus Rex5 features a bold green design for its charging case and earbuds. The earbuds feature a combination of aluminum and acrylic with a unique green/black marble design for the faceplates. The charging case is built from lightweight yet robust aluminum and comes in a matte green color.
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. 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 Rex5 Sound Signature
The FoKus Rex5 features an engaging and detailed sound signature with impactful bass, detailed vocals, and sparkly highs.
The bass on the Rex5 reaches deep into the sub-bass and offers a good rumbly sensation in bassy music. Mid-bass punch is strong, giving kick drums and beats an authoritative impact. The midrange on the Rex5 is clear and detailed - vocals on the Rex5 sound clear and realistic, especially the female vocals. The treble is well-extended and detailed without harshness.
The soundstage on the Rex5 is slightly narrow but offers precise sound positioning for an immersive sound experience.
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 but brings out a lot of details from music.
The Pi8 TWS soundstage is wide and accurate. Sounds are easy to pinpoint, which makes for a very immersive listening experience.
Price and Value
The $459 FoKus Rex5 features a robust and eye-catching design, a five-driver hybrid configuration, Active Noise Cancelling with Transparency Mode, Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC support, and Audiodo Sound Personalization.
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 Rex5 if you want the absolute best sound quality in a wireless IEM. Its five-driver configuration and detailed sound make it an excellent TWS for high-resolution music listening on the go. You also get advanced features like ANC with Transparency Mode, support for LDAC hi-res streaming, Audiodo Sound Personalization, and up to 7 hours of continuous listening (ANC off).
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 HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless. It features a Topology Driver with the Hymalaya R2R DAC for detailed and natural sound, LDAC support for high-resolution wireless playback, IPX5 water resistance, and ANC/ENC for noise-free listening.
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