Nihal evaluations the Noble Audio AGIS II, a high-end hybrid 6 BA and twin bone conduction driver common IEM, and the successor to the Spartacus. It’s at present priced at $1799.00.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in trade for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank Noble Audio for his or her assist.
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Noble Audio AGIS II Evaluation
Abstract
The hybrid multi-driver Noble Audio AGIS II IEM’s refreshing tuning lands precisely the place “reference” meets “replay worth”: microscope-level element wrapped in simply sufficient velvet that you just by no means test the clock. Feed the Agis II each style you personal, and it shape-shifts like a chameleon, wrapping every monitor in precisely the colours it wants.
Execs
Satisfying sub-bass affect.
Detailed, ethereal and non-piercing highs.
Immersive soundstage and strong decision.
Cons
Missing slightly mid-bass punch and tightness in bass.
I’ve at all times quietly admired Noble Audio from a distance. Quietly, as a result of their catalogue is so diversified that dipping a toe in can really feel like falling down a rabbit gap.
From budget-friendly fashions to ultra-flagships, Noble Audio has a tuning for each pocket and style. The number of tunings, together with the delicate designs, is one thing that wins you over when you’ve got intently adopted them.
I’ve not tried quite a lot of their IEMs, however the two which might be actually near my coronary heart are the Kublai Khan and the Viking Ragnar. These two have turn into my psychological reference factors.
This yr, they launched a bunch of IEMs, from which I attempted just a few, such because the Shogun and the Chronicle, at CanJam in Singapore.
At the moment, I’m reviewing the $1799 AGIS II, one of many IEMs I’ve been enthusiastic about since its launch in April this yr. Noble Audio payments it because the true successor to the Spartacus, an IEM they launched a few years in the past.
The AGIS II packs extra drivers than the Spartacus, making it an thrilling launch, and that was one of many causes I actually needed to strive it out.
On this overview, I’ll evaluate it to Kublai Khan, THIEAUDIO Valhalla, and the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 (2024). All of those heavy hitters are from the identical pricing neighborhood, so let’s see whether or not Noble’s newest middleweight can land a large enough punch.
Options
Noble Audio AGIS II contains a high-quality 8-driver hybrid structure with 4 Sonion balanced armature drivers, two Sonion bone-conduction drivers, and two Knowles balanced armature drivers.
The 2 Sonion BA drivers cater to the excessive and ultra-high frequency ranges, two Sonion bone conductors are employed for the midrange, the opposite two Sonion BA drivers cater to the mid-bass areas, and the ultimate two Knowles drivers deal with the bass and ultra-bass areas.
So, in whole, we now have 4 drivers serving to with the low-end supply. The bone conduction drivers additionally assist tweak the atmosphere and depth of the AGIS II soundstage.
There may be not a lot recognized concerning the inside structure of AGIS II, besides that it’s rated at < 35 Ω impedance and is pretty straightforward to drive. It hardly wants any further amplification. We’ll cowl this within the ‘Synergy’ part on web page 2 of this overview.
Design
The AGIS II has a glossy, shiny black shell with a delicate, flowing form. Inbuilt resin, the shells carry a type of minimal however very considerate designs.
The faceplates are the star of the present. Inside, Noble has used irregular shards of ultra-fine metallic mesh organized like summary patches of cloth, sitting underneath a transparent, domed layer so you’ll be able to see the feel and a light-weight shimmer from completely different angles.
You may clearly see these meshes are organized randomly, so every faceplate appears to be like slightly completely different, giving the design a novel contact. Every bit is lower, crumpled, and positioned by hand, making the design one among its sort – no flash, simply pure artistry.
The remainder of the faceplate is clear, so the internals are seen via the smoky physique. You may catch glimpses of the drivers and wiring inside, which provides the entire IEM a extra technical, handcrafted vibe.
The remainder of the shells are black. The design is an ergonomic one, with the inside a part of the shells a bit unfold out and having just a few deliberate angular creases.
The nozzle is on the smaller facet however has an everyday width, so choosing ear suggestions shouldn’t be a difficulty. A stainless-steel grille is positioned over the nozzles to maintain filth and particles from getting inside.
There are two vents on the shells, each close to the purpose the place the cable connects to the shells. Simply beside, there are small model logos on the shells. The AGIS II makes use of customary 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
Consolation & Isolation
The AGIS II has a really light-weight shell. It’s so gentle that once you maintain the IEMs by the cable, it typically feels just like the shells usually are not even there, as if the wire ends in nothing however air.
With such light-weight shells, you hardly really feel something when they’re in your ears. The scale of the shells is a notch above the common.
The outer contour flares into a mild wing that, in my ear, lands squarely on the antihelix and exerts a light, lingering strain. It’s by no means sharp sufficient to pressure a timeout, however after a while, I do really feel that strain level.
I additionally discovered that an ear tip with lengthy stems helped me with the scenario. For different ear shapes, I’m positive match is not going to even be an issue.
As a result of the nozzle is brief, insertion stays politely shallow, however a tip with a barely wider bore and longer stem locks the shell in place with out coaxing.
The shells usually are not fairly flush with the ear, and since they’re comparatively massive items, they stick out a tiny bit due to their restricted depth. There may be nothing concerning the match that actually bothers you. Even on the go, the match stays safe.
Isolation on the AGIS II is spectacular sufficient. As soon as fitted correctly, it cuts down a very good quantity of ambient noise, so it’s straightforward to hear in cafes and lounges with out cranking up the quantity.
No driver flex throughout insertion, no vacuum pop on elimination, so general the AGIS II leaves you relaxed with its match even after a three-hour-long session.
Ear Suggestions
The ear suggestions are available in a plastic container that slides open to disclose 9 suggestions, three of every sort in three sizes: S, M, and L.
There are two completely different units of silicone suggestions: one common sort and one other with a double-flange design. I exploit the common ones, because the double-flange suggestions are fairly broad and have shorter stems that don’t match me nicely.
You additionally get some foam ear suggestions together with the 2 silicone units. These foam suggestions aren’t the same old sort; they’re very easy and don’t compress as a lot as common foamies. I couldn’t get together with them, however I’m positive they’ll work for some ears.
Past the inventory suggestions, I additionally tried my go-to choices: Divinus Velvets and AZLA SednaEarfit Mild, and each labored very well. I choose ear suggestions with barely wider bores so the highs aren’t restricted, and the bass stays balanced.
With its regular nozzle measurement, you received’t discover the AGIS II fussy in any respect when pairing it along with your favourite ear suggestions.
Inventory Cable
The AGIS II’s inventory cable is an 8-core OCC cable that terminates in 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors.
The cable comes with a modular system and interchangeable terminations: 2.5mm, 3.5mm single-ended, and 4.4mm balanced, so many of the sources are coated with out you needing to swap the cable.
The cable’s braid is a versatile one with a good and even weave. The outer sleeve carries a dyed darkish coffee-bronze colour that echoes the IEM’s colour scheme. The jacket is obvious sufficient to point out the strands beneath and has a delicate, barely grippy really feel.
The cable may be very comfy, coils cleanly, and doesn’t spring again a lot. The {hardware} stands out with a glossy but strong design. The Y-split is compact, with black caps on the ends and a brushed silver heart carrying the Noble crown brand. It’s light-weight however feels strong.
Equally, the termination plug barrel is black with a matte silver collar carrying the model brand. On the ear finish, the 2-pin connectors are black with clear L and R markings and the brand on every.
It untangles with a single shake, pockets with out kinks, and stays silent throughout motion. Sonically, it mates seamlessly with the AGIS II’s tuning, leaving no itch for aftermarket swaps.
Total, the cable feels clear and practical somewhat than flashy. It appears to be like premium, wears simply, and feels constructed to final.
Packaging & Equipment
Unboxing the AGIS II feels tidy and simple. It arrives in a pretty big field, as you’ll anticipate from a premium IEM. The outer field has a matte end with a strong, sturdy construct. This textured blue field has AGIS II paintings on prime, echoing the superb meshes within the faceplates.
Opening it up, you discover the foams inside cradling a single, leather-textured, hard-shell zip case stamped with Noble Audio’s raised crown brand.
Open that case, and all the pieces is neatly laid out. The IEMs sit in their very own formed inserts with the cable already connected, and the smaller pocket carry case is positioned alongside them.
The remainder of the equipment are positioned underneath the cutout: the modular cable plugs, an ear tip tray with a number of suggestions, a cleansing device, and a delicate fabric.
Total, the presentation is compact and arranged, leaning extra practical than flashy, however each inclusion feels premium in hand. Personally, I’d say it’s a sensible, balanced unboxing expertise that genuinely introduced a smile to my face.
Carry Case
Tucked inside the principle zippered case is its pocket-sized sibling carry case meant to retailer the IEMs in case you are on the go. This carry case is a compact black pouch with a textured leather-based end and the Noble brand embossed on the entrance flap.
The partitions are semi-rigid sufficient to shrug off scratches once you slide the case into your pockets or baggage. The lid snaps shut with a low-profile magnetic dot.
Inside, the plush microsuede lining provides a snug wrap to the IEMs. You simply get sufficient respiration house inside, so it might have been a contact roomier for extra relaxed storage.
As it’s, it’s important to be a bit cautious with the way you coil and place the cable. Contemplate this one a daily-carry minimalism for commutes.
The principle, greater carry case is a a lot bigger exhausting case with the identical pebbled leather-based texture, and a delicate crown brand pressed into the lid. It’s extra of a storage field than a day by day pocket case.
There may be loads of room inside, and it might simply carry just a few IEMs or a DAP and equipment collectively, which makes it useful as a house base or for longer journeys. When you use this one, you’ll hardly want the smaller case.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my sound impressions and beneficial pairings.
