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Sound General
The new Noble Onyx is a dark and full-sounding IEM with great warmth and impact in the bass, thickness and full approach in mids, and articulated but well-balanced treble. Despite this full and very bass-oriented tuning, it surprisingly creates a good soundstage which is always nice to have in a monitor at this level.
The Onyx’s bass performance is its most striking feature, as it has powerful delivery, strong rumble and impact in this region. The mid-range sounds realistic but with a certain darkness and fullness, creating a euphonic atmosphere. Overall it sounds quite rich and musical.
Sound Classics
In the bass, the Onyx makes a bold statement with its powerful and dynamic response. Its deep extension produces a visceral rumble and impactful presence, enriching the music with depth and energy. From the thump of kick drums to the reverberation of bass guitars, the Onyx delivers with clarity and authority. While it deviates from neutrality, favouring a more pronounced rumble and impact, this adds a layer of excitement and enjoyment, particularly with bass-heavy tracks.
Transitioning to the midrange, the Onyx maintains its signature dark and smooth tuning, offering a rich and textured presentation. Vocals exhibit a natural warmth and richness, infusing each note with emotion and authenticity. Instruments are well-defined and articulate, contributing to a sense of depth and detail in the soundstage. Though it may lack transparency and resolution compared to some competitors, its emphasis on musicality evokes comparisons to the iconic Sennheiser HD 650. I especially enjoyed female vocals in vocal-dominated music.
In the treble realm, the Onyx strikes a balanced and controlled tone. While it may not exhibit the same sparkle and airiness as super flagship IEMs, it offers clarity and detail without veering into harshness or sibilance. The treble response harmonizes with the overall tonal balance, providing definition and articulation without overshadowing the other frequencies. This thoughtful treble presentation adds a cohesive and polished touch to the Onyx’s sound profile, completing its sonic presentation with finesse.
Technical Performance
The Noble Audio Onyx offers a captivating and immersive soundstage, characterized by its atmospheric and layered presentation. Despite its full-bodied and dark tonality, the Onyx impresses with its expansive soundstage that extends in all directions, enhancing the overall listening experience.
In terms of timbre, the Onyx excels in delivering natural and realistic sound reproduction, contributing to its euphonic quality. The dynamism in the mid-range adds further depth to the audio, enriching the overall musicality.
However, while the Onyx shines in many aspects, its transient response and PRaT (Pace, Rhythm, and Timing) may not reach the highest levels of performance. Additionally, the abundance of bass can sometimes overshadow other frequencies, impacting clarity and transparency in the mid-range. This bass-centric tuning may lead to a slight veil over the mid-range, affecting the overall balance of the sound.
Indeed, while the Noble Audio Onyx may not boast the highest technical prowess, it shines in its dynamic range and textural rendering, offering a rich and engaging listening experience. However, in terms of imaging performance, there is room for improvement, especially considering its strong performance in the soundstage realm. Despite this, the Onyx still impresses with its well-layered sound presentation, contributing to its overall appeal and musicality.
Page 1: Noble Audio, Onyx, Package, Build, Design, Fit
Page 3: Tips, Synergy Comparisons & Conclusion
M.Yeten Yavas
As always another exceptional amazing review from the expert audiophile reviewer Mr.Berkhan . Very many thanks indeed while waiting for your upcoming detailed reviews such as this one gentleman.
M.Yeten Yavas
Submariner2 at headfi .org