64Audio vs Noble Audio: Brand Comparison
In this post, we'll compare 64Audio vs Noble Audio - some of the top players in the high-end IEM market. They differentiate themselves through their intricate designs, sound signatures, technologies, and attention to craftsmanship.
64Audio specializes in reference grade listening, excellent resolution, and wide soundstage - while Noble Audio specializes in crafting artisanal IEMs with powerful bass and accurate detail retrieval.
Brand Overviews
64Audio
Founded in 2009, 64Audio has been crafting high-end custom and universal IEMs for musicians and audiophiles, focusing on superior detail and quality.
To achieve elevated quality, they employ proprietary technology such as Tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia), Air Pressure Exchange (Apex), and True Isobaric Drivers.
Noble Audio
Noble Audio was founded in 2013 by Dr. John Moulton, a well-respected audiologist and audiophile. Their main focus is on creating highly customizable and artisanal IEM shells - even making entire shells from wood.
Additionally, with Dr. John Moulton’s audio expertise, Noble Audio has been able to craft highly custom and individually tuned IEMs tailored to specific sonic preferences.
Now that we have an understanding of the brands, let's dive into the specifics of their flagship IEM models.
Naming Convention
64Audio
This brand names their IEMs with a simple but easily understandable scheme.
“U” stands for universal fit, “A” stands for custom fit, and the number following represents the driver number (excluding the N8, named after renowned bassist Nathan East, featuring 9 drivers per side). The last letter in the naming convention is for the series, with “s” being tuned flat and “t” being tuned slightly warmer in the mids.
Otherwise, the models “Duo” and “Trio” are 2 and 3 driver (per side) IEMs respectively.
Noble Audio
Noble Audio names their IEMs using various themes, drawing inspiration from mythology, literature, or other cultural references. For example, their models “Spartacus” and “Kublai Khan” pull inspiration from early century historical characters. These names make their IEMs highly recognizable and memorable.
Flagship Models
64Audio
The latest addition to the 64Audio family, this 10-driver IEM utilizes True Isobaric and tia Waveguide technology.
This universal fit quad-driver hybrid IEM and its bold color aesthetic bring flagship technologies to a slightly lower pricepoint, bringing a wider audience closer to their music.
Slate grey, sleek, and housed in an ergonomic aluminum shell, the U6t brings their most popular 6-driver custom IEM to the universal fit market.
Just like its custom fit counterpart, the U12t delivers immersive sound and impeccable imaging to audiophiles, audio engineers, and musicians.
This reference level 18-driver IEM pushes the envelope in IEM innovation and technology, providing a highly unique and exceptional listening experience.
Noble Audio
This $4000 flagship IEM utilizes all-aluminum shells with damascus faceplates to house 10 specially tuned drivers.
- Khan
Named the Headfonics Best Universal IEM of 2019, the Khan produces a “conquering” sound signature with Tri-Level Hybrid Technology.
Named the successor to the Katana model, the Ronin features 12 drivers and a model-specific cable.
- Sultan
Noble’s award-winning Sultan IEM features an all-aluminum shell and 7 specially tuned drivers.
Featuring a beautiful organic composite faceplate, the hand assembled Spartacus features 6 drivers and 2 bone conductors for a truly unique experience.
Sound Signature
64Audio
This brand aims for their IEMs to produce neutral, balanced sound signatures for accurate reproduction of sound and for excellent detail retrieval.
Noble Audio
The sound signature of Noble Audio IEMs aim for a more immersive and musical listening experience. The tuning of these IEMs is known to be more engaging, while still preserving detail.
Design and Build Quality
64Audio
Design and build quality are another main focus for 64Audio. The designs are sleek, and their attention to detail is immaculate. This is to be expected given the price point of their product offerings. If you opt for a custom model, the shells and faceplates are fully customizable.
Noble Audio
Once again, as expected, Noble Audio employs immense attention to detail. They are also known for producing interesting artistic designs for both the shells and faceplates of their IEMs, even going so far as to produce a wireless model made with wood. (FoKus Prestige)
Comfort and Fit
64Audio
Comfort and fit tend to be a highly subjective matter with IEMs, however 64Audio aims for their products to be highly comfortable to encourage long and enjoyable listening sessions. If you opt for a pair of custom IEMs, they are sure to be comfortable and fit well due to being molded directly to your ear canal shape and size.
64Audio also employs use of their “Apex” modules which relieve air pressure in the ear canal. These modules allow for less ear fatigue during listening sessions.
Noble Audio
Subjective opinions aside, Noble Audio’s IEMs also aim to be comfortable and encourage long listening sessions with little fatigue. They do not use any air pressure relief systems, though - so pressure may build up and cause discomfort. As always, a custom molded pair of IEMs from Noble Audio is sure to fit perfectly due to being molded directly to your ear canal.
Technologies
64Audio
Cutting-edge technology tends to be a strong suit for 64Audio. Their technologies include:
- tia (Tubeless In-Ear Audio) which reduces unwanted resonance
- Apex (Air Pressure Exchange) which reduces air pressure in a sealed ear canal
- LID (Linear Impedance Design) which enables reliable and consistent sound between listening devices.
- True Isobaric which improves damping and lowers distortion
- tia waveguide which improves driver efficiency
Noble Audio
Noble Audio employs specific technologies in their truly wireless IEM models, by allowing for noise canceling, fast charging, and touch controls for an immersive every day listening experience.
When it comes to their flagship models, more technologies are used for production of the artisanal shells and faceplates - making their IEMs exceptionally beautiful.
Accessories
64Audio
Offering a host of accessory products, 64Audio sells maintenance vacuums, ear tips, cleaning tools, cables, protective cases, and additional Apex modules alongside their IEMs. New accessory offerings include their Boom Mic (cable adaptor that includes a mic) and Tuxedo Cable (black/white half and half cable).
Noble Audio
Accessory options for Noble Audio are slimmer, but still include carry cases, upgraded cables, cleaning tools, and a portable DAC/Amp. As always, you can get additional ear tips for your universal fit IEMs as well.
Price and Value Proposition
64Audio
The value proposition for 64Audio’s IEMs land mainly in their technological innovations and in their aspirations to create the highest quality product. Their cheapest universal IEM, the U4s, retails at $1099 - setting the bar at a high level in terms of quality.
Noble Audio
Pricing on Noble Audio IEMs start at $600 for the Stage 3, while higher end models command up to $4000, such as the Viking Ragnar and Ronin. Most of the value here, however, is put into manufacturing beautiful and artisanal IEMs over technological advancements. Rest assured, they'll still sound awesome.
User Feedback
64Audio
Feedback for 64Audio’s In-Ear Monitors tend to be excellent - with mainly 5-star reviews from top headphone reviewers and customers alike. Rave reviews speak on quality sound, excellent unboxing experience, and the comfortable listening experience. Lower reviews tend to be based on personal preference and subjective feedback, mainly critiquing the “flat” tuning of their IEMs.
Noble Audio
Feedback for Noble Audio’s In-Ear Monitors lands in the 4.7 star range. Many reviewers rave about the build quality, sound signature, packaging, and tuning - while critiquing the occasional “harsh” highs in the sound signature of the Kublai Khan model.
Comment below with your thoughts on these brands - we'd love to hear your feedback!
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