Comparisons
The original Khan was the first hybrid of the brand. The shape of the shells and the ergonomics of the previous flagship hybrid are identical, as well as the build quality. So no major difference there.
Sound-wise, as mentioned in the article a few times, the original Khan sounds thinner, has more emphasis on sub-bass compared to mid-bass, a bit more aggressive treble, and a bit narrower stage. The new Kublai version sounds wider, has a more effortless treble while retaining the detail level and articulation, and its bass has more balance and texture.
VE Phönix is one of the best monitors out there, and for good reason. Compared to the Kublai Khan, it has a richer, more musical and organic sound, with a less aggressive but extending and effortless treble. The midrange is the place where the Phönix makes the difference, with supreme timbre and tonality, with a lot of emotion and musicality compared to the Kublai Khan.
The treble of the Phönix has a good amount of air and extension, but it manages to give it softer with more smoothness. So it’s easier on the ears than the Noble, and the transition from mids to treble is seamless, compared to the disjointed feeling of the Kublai Khan. So overall Phönix is the better monitor, which is understandable due to its pricing. I think Noble has the better fit though.
Cerberus is a warm and dark-sounding offering from the Chinese brand. It has more kick in the bass, compared to the faster and better-controlled bass of the Kublai Khan. Noble also has a wider and deeper sound stage, better resolution and better treble.
Cerberus has a unique mid-range tonality, but the midrange transparency is better on the Kublai Khan. Overall it’s the better IEM with better technicalities, but the Cerberus has a full-bodied and more rounded sound versus the very wide and spacious staging of the Noble, if that’s your cup of tea.
Conclusion
Noble launched a great, technological marvel hybrid with the Kublai Khan, and they deserve praise for getting four different driver types together in a cohesive sounding package. This is easily one of the best choices in the sub 3k$ range, with an immersive and highly technical sound with a hint of musicality, thus improving the original Khan.
Kublai Khan is one of those monitors that have ”it”, and Noble Audio once again makes its presence felt at this range of the market. So if you’re looking for a high-end IEM that has a very large staging and fantastic imaging, together with the excellence in the high-frequency range, Kublai Khan is a winner.
Page 1: Noble Audio, Kublai Khan, Package, Build, Design, Fit
Page 2: Sound
Page 3: Technical Performance, Cables
Cesar
Hello friend, I hope you are doing well! How are these Kublai vs Odin doing? What do I gain and what do I lose if I choose one of the two?
Vladimir
Hello!
Thanks for the review. I’m a bit confused about that this IEM works better with hybrid cables but you recommend the Centurion flagship but this is not hybrid. Could you please explain me?