Noble Audio Onyx Review

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Tip Selection

Noble offers a variety of ear tips to cater to different preferences, but I find the foam tips particularly well-suited for the Onyx. These tips enhance comfort and smoothness while slightly taming the robust bass presence, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. Additionally, they excel in isolation, minimizing external noise for an immersive experience.

Alternatively, if you prefer to maintain a balanced sound signature without compromising on bass impact or treble energy, I recommend the Final Audio E Type tips. These tips strike a perfect balance, subtly boosting bass while preserving treble clarity and mid-range presence. They offer a versatile solution for maximizing the Onyx’s sonic performance across various genres and listening environments.

Synergy

Reference and neutral sources perform great with the Onyx. Examples? Well, I can give the SP3000 or HIBY R8 II. I also think it sounds great with the Shanling M9 Plus with excellent soundstage and dynamics.

Comparisons

While both the Allegro and the Onyx offer premium build quality, their packaging and accessories differ significantly. The Allegro arrives in a compact package with a luxurious leather case, emphasizing simplicity and elegance. In contrast, the Onyx comes in a larger box with a full-size zipper case and a wider range of accessories, offering a more comprehensive unboxing experience.

In terms of design and aesthetics, both IEMs impress with their premium look and feel, surpassing expectations set by press photos. However, personal preference may play a role in determining which one feels more comfortable and ergonomic during wear. In my experience, I found the Noble Onyx to have a slightly more ergonomic shape, providing a better fit.

Both the Allegro and the Onyx offer warm and tonally rich sound signatures, delivering organic and satisfying musical experiences. However, there are notable differences in their sound presentations.

The Allegro provides a warm and full-bodied sound with ample bass quantity, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced low-end response. Additionally, it boasts a commendable treble performance, especially when paired with the appropriate ear tips, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience.

On the other hand, the Onyx takes the bass experience to another level, offering even more quantity and rumble compared to the Allegro. Its sound signature leans towards a darker and smoother presentation, complemented by better treble control and a relaxed tuning. This results in a more laid-back sound profile that prioritizes musicality.

The Perpetua stands out with its luxurious packaging, offering an abundance of accessories and premium materials that enhance the overall unboxing experience. While its build quality is commendable, it may not match the sheer impressiveness of the Noble. Both IEMs offer comfortable fits, but the Perpetua boasts a less tip-dependent sound signature, providing consistent performance regardless of ear tip choice.

The Perpetua is aimed to give a very musical delivery, and it has one of the smoothest sounds you can find in any IEM. It’s just so good to listen to it for long hours. Just relax and enjoy. Onyx on the other hand is much more dynamic, bassy, and dark. It has an elevated bass region to satisfy bass lovers, and while the Perpetua also has a smooth tuning, it doesn’t have this much bass quantity. In the mid-range, I think the Perpetua is better in timbre and overall naturalness, whilst they both have a relaxed treble. 

When comparing the performance of the Viking Ragnar and the new Onyx, both come in similarly sized packaging, albeit with differences in accessories. While the Onyx lacks the Nanuk case included with the Ragnar, both offer a comfortable fit and impressive build quality. However, the Ragnar stands out with its superior materials and construction.

In terms of sound, the Viking Ragnar reigns as the flagship of the Noble Audio lineup, boasting top-of-the-line technical performance. It delivers a more realistic and coherent sound, characterized by better transient response, speed, and imaging. On the other hand, the Onyx offers a more bass-heavy and musical presentation, sacrificing some resolution and transparency in comparison.

While the Onyx provides a more enjoyable listening experience with its fun and lively sound signature, the Ragnar excels in technical aspects such as definition, focus, separation, and clarity. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on whether one prioritizes musicality and enjoyment or technical excellence and realism.

Conclusion

The Noble Audio Onyx offers a smooth, dark, and musical listening experience, akin to the Sony MDR-Z1R or Sennheiser HD 650 in its presentation. With its emphasis on warmth, darkness, and a robust bass response, the Onyx caters to those seeking a rich and enjoyable sound signature.

In addition to its sound characteristics, the Onyx impresses with its comprehensive package, including a high-quality case, impeccable build quality, premium cable, and stylish design. It’s an ideal choice for audiophiles looking for a different sonic flavour that prioritizes enjoyment over technical prowess.

Thanks to its smooth sound, the Onyx is suitable for extended listening sessions without causing fatigue, making it a versatile option for various music genres and listening environments.

Summary

Pros:

• Great build
• Classy design
• Eletech cable
• Textured, big bass for fun
• Good fit

Cons:

• Price
• You might ask for more clarity and technical supremacy

Page 1: Noble Audio, Onyx, Package, Build, Design, Fit

Page 2: Sound