Noble Audio is renowned for its wired and wireless earbuds, particularly its hybrid driver IEMs, which have gained a solid reputation in audiophile circles despite only being on the market since 2014.
When considering the FoKus Apollo and its features, three key aspects stood out immediately: sound quality across the spectrum, the range of included accessories, and the quality of the boom mic. The price point also sets it apart, although subjective opinions may vary on whether it is “good.”
The Noble FoKus Apollo may not be for those on a tight budget, but for audiophiles seeking to pair an exceptional pair of headphones with devices from our top DACs list, finding Bluetooth over-ear headphones that offer superior sound quality can be a bit of a challenge.
What I like about the Noble FoKus Apollo
Initial listening to the new Noble FoKus Apollo, released at the end of 2024 priced at $650, revealed some initial issues with auditory masking in the mids and highs. However, further exploration showed that the 40mm dynamic driver shading the 14.5mm planar magnetic driver was not the source.
Although the app is relatively simple, it offers a 10-band EQ to address any sonic concerns with the sound curve. Physical controls for most functions are present on the headphones, making additional app features unnecessary.
Whether due to burn-in, ear adjustment, or the personalized sound feature, the masking issue was resolved, resulting in well-balanced headphones that rival others in my collection.
During testing, I connected both wired and wirelessly to various devices, including a Google Pixel 9, Astell&Kern P1 DAP, iMac Pro, and an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Wired connections utilized the iFi Go Link Max and Fiio/Jade Audio KA11 DAC dongles, although the FoKus Apollo includes a USB-C cable for wired audio playback, which I highly recommend using.
My listening experience with the FoKus Apollo encompassed a diverse range of music genres, including bass-heavy tracks, electronic tunes, and acoustic pieces, featuring artists like Charles Mingus, The Roots, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Michael Abels, Jamiroquai, Skrillex, and Nina Simone.
The clarity, soundstage, and instrumentation in classics like Mingus’ “Moanin'” is exceptional, showcasing the blend of dynamic and planar drivers. The FoKus Apollo delivers a rich bassline and harmonious saxophones with precision.
The headphones provide an immersive audio experience that captures the essence of each note, evident in tracks like “Violin Duel” from the “Chevalier” soundtrack. With the FoKus Apollo, nuances like chord changes, attack, and decay are vivid, creating an immersive listening experience akin to being next to the live performer.
Throughout my review period, the FoKus Apollo made listening to music a delightful experience, equipped with all the necessary accessories for optimal sonic enjoyment, regardless of your preferred connection method. Included in the package are a 3.5mm cable, USB-C cable for charging and audio passthrough, as well as 4.4mm and ¼” adapters. Wireless connectivity is facilitated through a Qualcomm Bluetooth stack supporting Bluetooth LE, aptX/aptX HD, and LDAC.
With an array of connectivity options available, the USB-C connection stood out for enhancing the details in my music. Additionally, the balanced 4.4mm adapter extended the soundstage and bass quality noticeably.