Noble Audio has launched Sage, a new universal-fit IEM which represents the most affordable proprietary-driver IEM in Noble’s range (£549). Sage is a US-made multi-driver IEM (in ear monitor) that features Noble’s new proprietary driver technology. It is said to offer the performance benefits of Noble’s bespoke drive units, as seen in its flagship nine- and ten-driver models, Katana and Kaiser Encore, but with an entry-level price tag. Sage is a two-driver design that directly replaces Savant but introduces a raft of key updates. The vented bass port of the low frequency driver has been repositioned and the aperture increased. The result is “increased low-end extension with greater texture, plus a slight lift in overall bass response. The proprietary balanced-armature drivers also bring increased clarity with greater imaging accuracy and enhanced spatial representation.” Each piece features precision-machined aluminium housings, with each pair hand-assembled and matched in the US.
Sensitive enough for everyday use with smartphones, portable amps and DAPs (digital audio players), Sage features a detachable cable with an industry standard 2-pin connection, allowing future upgrades from aftermarket cable specialists. Sage is available in universal-fit form only.
Kaiser Encore
Noble Audio, has also launched a new proprietary technology 10-driver IEM that’s built for high-resolution audio (£1,699). The Kaiser Encore is said to build on the strengths of Noble’s original flagship, the Kaiser 10U (K10U), which it directly replaces. The new model “retains the musical essence and engaging presentation of the K10U” and has proprietary-Noble drivers throughout.
Kaiser Encore’s predecessor, the K10U, was Noble Audio’s most acclaimed IEM, but the introduction of Noble’s own balanced-armature drivers is set to increase performance to the next level. The drive units introduce improvements to the critical midrange, “adding clarity whilst bringing a more neutral tonal balance. The increased clarity that the new proprietary balanced-armature drivers bring, also contributes to a larger soundstage presentation, with greater imaging accuracy and enhanced spatial representation, giving the feeling of larger, on-ear model.” The Kaiser Encore features Noble’s updated universal form factor and geometry. The two-part aluminium chassis is smaller and lighter than the previous Kaiser 10U flagship.
Sensitive enough for everyday use with smartphones, portable amps and DAPs, the Kaiser Encore features a detachable cable with an industry standard 2-pin connection, allowing future upgrades from aftermarket cable specialists. The Kaiser Encore is available in universal form, as a custom-fit version (using acrylic) and in Noble Audio’s Prestige format (machined from exotic solid materials). Further features include: a include a Pelican 1010 case; a black velvet soft pouch; 12 pairs of ear tips (four kinds in three sizes); two Noble Audio bands or amp bands; a cleaning tool; a Noble cable and an ownership card.