For Noble Audio, offering products in the budget-friendly category is rare. But as we kick off the new year, the brand has introduced the Noble Knight, an in-ear monitor (IEM) aimed at beginner audiophiles and budget-conscious music lovers. Priced at $289, this beautifully designed earphone promises premium sound without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look to see if it delivers.
What Comes In The Box
- Knight Universal Fit In-Ear Monitors
- Premium 8-core silver-plated cable
- Travel case for eartips
- 2-pin detachable connectors
- A variety of silicone and foam eartips
- Noble Audio warranty card
The inclusion of a premium cable and multiple eartips ensures you can customize the fit and get the most out of your listening experience right out of the box.
Aesthetics and Functionality
The Noble Knight stands out with its bold purple finish, making it as much a statement piece as it is an audio device. The construction feels solid and durable, giving off a premium vibe. However, the size of the earpieces might not suit everyone—those with smaller ears may find them a bit large for extended wear.
The cable is an 8-core silver-plated design with a 4.4mm balanced plug, which is great for audio enthusiasts looking for enhanced sound quality. If you’re not familiar with balanced connections, don’t worry—a simple adapter can convert it to a more common 3.5mm plug for everyday devices. During testing, pairing the Knight with devices like the FiiO KA15 DAC/Amp or iFi GO Blu Bluetooth DAC provided seamless, high-quality playback from both a phone and a laptop.
Key Features and Tech Specs
- Driver Configuration: Tribrid system with a dynamic driver for bass, balanced armature for mids, and a piezoelectric driver for treble
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 26 Ω (works well with most devices)
- Cable: 8-core silver-plated with a skin-friendly coating
- Connectors: Standard 2-pin with a 4.4mm gold-plated plug
The Piezo driver is a standout feature, as it adds a unique level of clarity and brightness to the treble, creating a detailed and crisp high-end sound that sets it apart from other IEMs in this price range.
Listening Review
Soundstage
The soundstage on the Noble Knight feels focused, creating an intimate listening environment. While it’s not the widest soundstage you’ll find, it offers enough depth to make the music feel immersive. Instruments and vocals are layered well, and the natural noise isolation from the snug fit helps you get lost in the sound.
Low Frequencies
The bass on the Noble Knight is warm, punchy, and detailed, adding a rich foundation to your music without overpowering the other frequencies. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks like electronic or hip-hop, or enjoying a subtle bassline in acoustic music, the low end delivers depth and energy that’s both engaging and balanced.
Midrange Frequencies
The midrange is where the Noble Knight truly shines. Vocals are clear, vibrant, and full of emotion, taking center stage in most tracks. Instruments like guitars and pianos sound rich and natural, making this range particularly enjoyable for rock, folk, and jazz. The mids feel smooth and well-balanced, creating a cohesive sound signature that works across multiple genres.
High Frequencies
Thanks to its Piezo driver, the Noble Knight offers treble that is clean, crisp, and detailed. The highs never sound sharp or harsh, maintaining a pleasant level of sparkle and airiness that complements the bass and mids beautifully. This clarity in the upper range is perfect for picking up subtle details in orchestral music, acoustic performances, or any track with complex high-frequency elements.
Summary
The Noble Knight is a fantastic entry into the world of audiophile gear, combining eye-catching design, durable build quality, and impressive sound performance—all at an approachable price of $289. Its tribrid driver system ensures warm bass, clear mids, and crisp treble, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of music genres.
While its narrow soundstage and larger fit may not work for everyone, these minor trade-offs are far outweighed by the overall quality and value the Noble Knight provides. Still, whether you’re a beginner audiophile or simply looking for a high-quality upgrade, the Noble Knight is a great investment that brings premium audio within reach.
The Noble Knight is available at Audio46.
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