Noble Audio vs Fir Audio: Brand Comparison
Noble Audio vs FiR Audio: Brand Comparison
In this blog post, we'll explore the similarities and differences between the Noble Audio and FiR Audio brands by comparing fit & finish, technologies, flagship models, and more.
Brand Overviews
Noble Audio
Noble Audio was founded in 2013 by Dr. John Moulton, a well-respected audiologist and audiophile. They craft unique and exceptional IEMs, with a focus on design and styling.
Additionally, with Dr. John Moulton’s audio expertise, Noble Audio has been able to tailor IEMs to specific sonic preferences.
Noble Audio Jade (Pictured Above)
FiR Audio
Founded in 2018 by brothers Bogdan and Alex Belonozhko as well as their friend Daniel Lifflander, FiR Audio has been crafting some of the most advanced IEMs in the market, including the Krypton 5 and their new Electron 12.
Fir Audio employs numerous proprietary technologies in their IEMs, such as:
- Kinetic Bass
- Atom Venting
- Open Acoustics
- Rigid Technologies
We’ll dive into the specifics of each technology later in this blog post.
Browse FiR Audio Radon 6 (Pictured Above)
Naming Convention
Noble Audio
Noble Audio names their IEMs using various themes, often 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.
FiR Audio
FiR Audio names their IEMs after various scientific terms and elements on the periodic table.
FiR Audio’s latest series of IEMs, the Frontier Series, is largely named after a group of noble gases - Neon, Krypton, and Xenon. Each model has different driver numbers.
Their latest model is also named the Electron 12, and includes swappable faceplates.
View the FiR Audio Electron 12
Flagship Models
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.
FiR Audio
This $3899 flagship IEM features 6 drivers, kinetic bass, and sapphire glass faceplates.
This $2999 IEM features 5 drivers, sapphire glass faceplates, and interghanceable Atom XS modules in the Universal Fit model.
This $2299 IEM features machined aluminum shells and FiR Audio’s Atom Venting technology.
This limited-edition IEM model, selling at $3299, is limited to 300 units for the universal fit model and 100 units for the custom fit model. It features an oxygen-free pure silver cable and a satin black body.
The newest model in the FiR Audio lineup, the $1799 Electron 12 features a single 12mm electro-dynamic driver and swappable faceplates.
Sound Signature
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. Some models feature a more fun “W” shaped tuning, offering a unique listening experience.
FiR Audio
The sound signature of FiR Audio’s IEMs is customizable in nature due to their use of the Atom XS technology, changing the bass perception from +2dB to -2dB across the 4 levels of Atom XS modules. Otherwise, soundstage is wide and notes are detailed.
Design and Build Quality
Noble Audio
Noble Audio employs immense attention to detail. Their incredible IEM shells are sure to impress, and their newest TWS model (FoKus Prestige) from 2023 are made from beautifully crafted wood.
FiR Audio
Likewise, FiR Audio’s attention to detail is immaculate - and their products show it. FiR Audio also impresses with their universal IEM faceplates. I am particularly impressed with the flecks of gold in the Radon 6 faceplates.
Comfort and Fit
Noble Audio
Comfort is also important for Noble Audio, especially in their custom models. Their shells are produced using a mold of your specific ear canal, allowing the IEM to seal well and fit comfortably. Their universal models are more subjective, but after wearing the FoKus Prestige and Mystique, I am personally impressed with the fit.
FiR Audio
This brand also crafts their custom IEMs to fit your specific ear canal, which allows for high levels of comfort and for a high quality seal. FiR Audio also uses ultraviolet resin in production of their IEMs - which is more lightweight than acrylic - and allows for the vividly colored housings.
Technologies
Noble Audio
When it comes to technologies, Noble Audio utilizes proprietary balanced armature drivers and excellent custom tuning, referred to as “Wizard” tuning. Their multi-driver configurations are tuned to optimize frequency response.
FiR Audio
Fir Audio uses a mix of balanced armature and dynamic drivers.
Their technologies include:
Kinetic Bass utilizes air conduction and bone conduction to allow for bass that you can feel. Low frequency sound is transmitted directly to the cartilage in your ears and directly to your inner ear.
No sound tubes are used in models with this technology, as the drivers radiate sound directly to the proprietary “sound reactor” and “sound reflector” for higher levels of clarity.
Air Transferring Open Module - Vents air pressure that builds up in the sealed ear canal, allowing for reduced fatigue and longer listening sessions.
By using the “Rigid 2-pin” socket rated for 1,000 connections and “Snap screen” debris protection technology, FiR Audio IEMs are highly serviceable and are sure to withstand rough handling.
Learn more about the FiR Audio Technologies
Accessories
Noble Audio
Accessories abound with Noble Audio, including cables, cases, cleaning tools, and a DAC/Amp for iPhone.
FiR Audio
FiR Audio offers accessories such as the IEM dryer, IEM vac, IEM scope, cables, clips, and - of course - cases.
Price and Value Proposition
Noble Audio
IEMs from this brand come at a high cost - but the value provided in return is immense. Their products are high-quality, sound great, and look even better.
FiR Audio
Likewise, FiR Audio IEMs sit at the high end of the market - but their value matches the price. Boasting proprietary technologies and high attention to detail, their products are sure to impress and inspire.
User Feedback
Noble Audio
User feedback for Noble Audio IEMs is excellent - with many reviewers raving about the styling, design, cases, smooth tuning, expansive soundstage, and punchy lows. Critiques involve a slim ear tip choice and “harsh” highs in the Kublai Khan model.
FiR Audio
Feedback involving FiR Audio products is also excellent, with reviewers raving about the Kinetic Bass technology, design, styling, “pleasing warmth”, and “astonishing fit & finish” of their IEM models. Critiques include their packaging, which could be improved for the >$3000 models.