Noble FoKus Rex5: Is a 5-driver sound system worth $449?
With five drivers in each earpiece, the Noble FoKus Rex5 delivers exceptionally detailed sound. However, the price tag of nearly 11.5 million VND means users have to compromise on several important features.
The secret behind superior sound quality: 5-diaphragm speaker construction.
At the $449 price point, the Noble FoKus Rex5 is more than just an ordinary pair of premium wireless headphones. The core difference lies in its complex internal acoustic structure: each earpiece is equipped with five drivers. This configuration includes a 10mm dynamic driver, a 6mm planar driver, and three balanced armature (BA) drivers. By combining these different drivers, Noble Audio leverages expertise from the field of in-ear monitor (IEM) headphones to create a comprehensive soundstage, from deep bass to clear treble.
Sound experience: An expansive soundstage and incredible detail.
The 5-driver system delivers superior sound quality. The FoKus Rex5's soundstage is wide and deep, creating the feeling of being in the middle of a recording studio or a live performance. The separation between instruments is extremely clear, allowing listeners to discern the position of each instrument in the mix, something many other headphones struggle to replicate.
The subtle details in vocals, guitar, and percussion are rendered with exquisite precision. The headphone's frequency response is extended from 20Hz to 40kHz, surpassing the standard 20Hz-20kHz. To ensure transmission quality, the FoKus Rex5 supports high-quality audio codecs such as aptX Adaptive and Sony's LDAC, in addition to standard SBC and AAC.
Design and wearing feel: Inherited from monitor headphones.
The FoKus Rex5 boasts an exterior design similar to a professional in-ear monitor (IEM), featuring a stone-textured acrylic shell and a rounded triangular frame. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ensures the earbuds sit securely and comfortably in the ear. The weight is evenly distributed, providing a comfortable fit even during extended use. Noble also offers nine sets of ear tips in three different shapes, including foam tips, making it easy for users to find the perfect fit.
Software and smart features
All customizations of the FoKus Rex5 are managed through the Noble FoKus app. The app allows users to access the 10-band EQ, touch controls, and noise cancellation modes. A standout feature is Personal EQ, which uses Audiodo technology to create a personalized sound profile based on the user's hearing ability. This profile is stored directly on the headphones' Qualcomm QCC3091 chip, so the sound settings will be applied across all connected devices.
The headphones also feature multi-point Bluetooth, allowing for seamless switching between two devices. However, a notable shortcoming is the lack of an automatic music pause function when the headphones are removed, due to the absence of a proximity sensor.
The drawbacks worth considering at the high price point.
Despite its excellent sound quality, the FoKus Rex5 still has some significant drawbacks. Its active noise cancellation (ANC) performance is only average, capable of reducing low-frequency noises like fan sounds but ineffective against speech or other complex sounds. Call quality is also not a strong point; the audio captured is only adequate, and there is no transparency mode during calls, making the speaker sound like they are shouting.
In terms of battery life, Noble claims 5 hours of use with ANC on and 7 hours with ANC off, these are standard figures. The charging case provides an additional 35-40 hours of use, a significant advantage over competitors. The 15-minute quick charge for 2 hours of music playback is also a plus.
Noble FoKus Rex5 Specifications Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speaker diaphragm structure | 1 Dynamic 10mm, 1 Planar 6mm, 3 Balanced Armature |
| frequency response range | 20Hz - 40kHz |
| Processor chip | Qualcomm QCC3091 |
| Supported codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes (average performance) |
| Battery life (headphones) | 5 o'clock (ANC on), 7 o'clock (ANC off) |
| Total battery life (with charging case) | Up to 40 hours |
| Connect | Bluetooth multipoint |
| Special features | Personal EQ (Audio), 10-band EQ |
Conclusion: Who is this for, and are there other options?
The Noble FoKus Rex5 is a product designed for audiophiles who prioritize pristine sound quality and detail above all other features. If you're looking for an immersive music listening experience and are willing to overlook minor issues with noise cancellation and call quality, this is a worthwhile option.
However, at $449, users have many other options that offer a more comprehensive feature set, although the sound quality may not reach the level of the Rex5. Competitors from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser offer superior noise cancellation and call quality at a more competitive price.
