Noble FoKus Rex5 Review: Exceptional Sound at a Premium Price
Introducing the Noble FoKus Rex5 Earbuds
When purchasing high-end audio equipment, many people often balk at the price. At $449, the Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds may seem excessively expensive, especially considering that many good quality options are available for around $100. However, Noble Audio promises something extraordinary with these earbuds, equipped with five individual drivers to deliver an unmatched audio experience.
What Makes the FoKus Rex5 Unique?
Generally, most earbuds come with one or two drivers. But the FoKus Rex5 features a mix of:
- 10mm Dynamic Driver: Delivers rich bass and dynamic sound.
- 6mm Planar Driver: Ensures a smooth sound profile and clarity across frequencies.
- Three Balanced Armature Drivers: Provides detailed sound across different ranges.
This sophisticated combination results in exceptional sound quality, creating an immersive listening experience that stands out among competitors.
Sound Performance and Quality
One of the most impressive aspects of the FoKus Rex5 is its sound performance. The five drivers help the user detect intricacies in music that standard earbuds might miss. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz. While the upper limit may not be audible to everyone, it contributes to a fuller audio experience.
- Sound Signature: Users can expect full-bodied bass, crisp mid-tones, and clear high frequencies.
- Separation of Instruments: The earbuds allow listeners to differentiate between instruments in recordings, creating a distinct sound separation that is more prominent than many competitors.
Listening to albums will feel like being present in a live performance, with instruments distinctly placed in a spacious soundstage. For example, listening to artists like Jason Isbell allows one to perceive the lead and rhythm guitars distinctly, as if standing in the studio.
In terms of audio codecs, the FoKus Rex5 supports various formats, ensuring high-quality sound transmission. This includes aptX Adaptive and Sony’s LDAC, making the earbuds suitable for both casual music lovers and audiophiles alike.
Design and Comfort
The first thing you may notice about the FoKus Rex5 is its vibrant green color scheme, complete with gold accents that may appeal to some but not everyone. The earbuds share a design reminiscent of in-ear monitors, which are known for professional audio production. The rounded triangular shape fits comfortably in the ear, providing a secure feel that remains comfortable even during long listening sessions.
- Comfort Features:
- Extra Ear Tips: The package includes nine pairs of ear tips in three different shapes, including foam options for those who prefer them.
- Weight Distribution: The balanced design helps prevent any discomfort or imbalance when worn.
Software and Customization
The Noble FoKus app serves as the hub for all settings and features of the FoKus Rex5. Users can monitor battery levels, control media, and switch between noise cancellation options.
One standout feature is the Personal EQ system powered by Audiodo technology. This feature allows users to tailor their sound profile based on individual hearing preferences. Although helpful, many users may find the stock settings more pleasing.
Additionally, the earbuds feature multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless switching between devices, such as a computer and smartphone. However, it’s worth noting that the FoKus Rex5 lacks automatic pausing capabilities, which can be inconvenient.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
While Noble does not provide extensive details on the ANC technology used in the FoKus Rex5, the results are mediocre. It effectively reduces constant noise sources but struggles with filtering out voices and other irregular sounds.
Overall, while the ANC is a nice addition, it’s not the main reason to consider these earbuds. The true selling point is the sound quality.
Call Quality
Unfortunately, the FoKus Rex5 does not excel in call quality. Users can utilize these earbuds for phone calls, but they are not ideal for virtual meetings or situations requiring crystal clear audio through the microphone. Furthermore, the ambient mode does not work well for an improved call experience, making these earbuds less suitable in such scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
On the battery front, Noble claims that the FoKus Rex5 offers up to five hours of battery life with ANC activated and seven hours without it. Additionally, the wireless charging case provides an extra 35-40 hours of usage.
- Quick Charging: A quick 15-minute charge gives you about two hours of playtime.
In tests conducted, the earbuds consistently met or exceeded these battery life expectations, proving their endurance, especially with multiple drivers and codecs in play.
Comparing with Competitors
In the realm of premium earbuds, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 comes closest to matching the FoKus Rex5’s impressive audio quality. However, it is more expensive and lacks many advanced features, including effective ANC and other functionalities found in more affordable options from brands like Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Noble FoKus Rex5 presents an extraordinary audio experience that justifies its price tag for those who value high-fidelity sound. While it falls short in ANC and call quality, its unique five-driver setup delivers a soundstage that’s hard to beat in the wireless earbud market. If you are searching for premium audio performance and don’t mind investing in quality, the FoKus Rex5 could be an excellent choice.
