Introduction:
I had been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to audition the Noble Audio lineup, particularly the Sultan, Kublai Khan, and Ragnar models. Fortunately, a couple of friends within the audiophile community recently acquired the Kublai Khan. They kindly allowed me to borrow one of the units for a few weeks, and this review is based on my experience with the Kublai Khan during that time.
Nobel's commitment to providing a fantastic unboxing experience for users is truly admirable. The Kublai Khan, in particular, impresses with its generous packaging, including a sizable box, a good selection of eartips, and a convenient small pouch. This thoughtful approach reflects the brand's attention to detail and consideration for their customers. In contrast, brands like 64Audio, such as the Fourte, do not invest as much in the packaging, potentially missing an opportunity to enhance the overall user experience. I was very very dissapointed when I unboxed my Fourte. It has nothing useful inside the box other than the iem.
Build:
Noble Audio is renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional in-ear monitors (IEMs) with top-notch build quality. They go to great lengths to ensure their IEMs are built to the highest standards, resulting in a product that exceeds expectations. Kublai Khan is no exception. Its ergonomic shape ensures a snug fit, while its sturdy construction guarantees long-lasting performance. KK features a sleek and modern design, highlighted by a 3D printed resin shell and an acrylic acetate faceplate adorned with the stylish logo. Even if it looks a bit big in size but has no fit issues at all. It needs a good fitting tip to get the best sound output and comfortable long listening. I am using Azla SednaEarfit Light (S).
The cable accompanying the Kublai IEMs is of decent quality, offering good performance and durability. When compared to the cheap-looking and flimsy cables often found with other IEMs, such as the 64Audio Fourte or Aroma Audio Jewel, Noble Audio's cables consistently stand out for their superior standards. Users will not find themselves itching to replace the cable as soon as they start using it. I am not sure if I have ever heard a single song on Fourte’s cable; I remember ordering a cable even before I bought Fourte.
Sound quality:
Thanks to the sophisticated driver configuration, Kublai Khan has very clean, precise, controlled, and fast sound reproduction. Overall, it is very musical and delicious sounding iem. The soundstage is quite wide on the Kublai, and it has even better imaging. it produce precise and detailed sound reproduction while excelling in transparency and resolution.
To me, it is an
i-will-do-it-all iem. In simple terms, KK is an iem that makes every genre sound good. You enjoy metal, rock, jazz, and acoustic music equally on these IEMs. This is what they call an effortless sounding iem and an all-rounder. No wonder it has instantly become a favorite iem for many people.
Highs:
The inclusion of a piezoelectric super tweeter enhances the treble response, providing excellent clarity and extension in the high frequencies. While the highs are well-controlled and well-extended, sometimes it may be bit bright for some. However, with a good cable, the brightness can be easily tamed. I tried the KK on PWAudio 1950s cable, and the extra brightness was almost negligible. With the other cable, Effect Audio Eros S and the stock cable, there is some brightness, which sometimes may be a bit more for a few folks. Also, with some chains, the treble can be very sharp (ex: on my Earmen Angel). KK needs the warmth and love of a warm source, and it shines like a star.
Mids:
Good and detailed mids give this IEM great musicality. The mids are not too forward or too back—just where you want them to be. The midrange frequencies are nearly perfect, presented with more emphasis on the lower mids without eating up the upper mids. Vocals sound immersive and maintain a great body and weight. There is a great level of clarity, and instrument separation is so good that it makes the mids shine a lot.
Lows:
Lower ends in the KK are not about powerful slams, punches, and booms, they're rather about quick, fast, and precise attack. I think it’s one of the most loved aspects of this IEM, and this is the kind of mature low end a lot of people look for. The bass is not as impactful as bassheads would like, but it’s just enough not to turn your head away.
Comparisons:
64Audio U12t:
Kublai is definitely more musical compared to the more laid-back characteristics of the U12t. The Kublai Khan offers clearer, snappier, and sharper sound production while On the other hand, the U12t has a slightly more relaxed approach. The low ends in KK are better produced, which is obviously because of BCD. The U12t's all BA drivers do not produce that precise bass, although it's not something I find lacking in the U12t. Both IEMs can complement each other, and the user can put them to use based on different moods. In terms of soundstage, both IEMs are on par with each other, providing a similar sense of spatial positioning and imaging, but I would still say Kublai may be a bit better here.
FiR Audio Radon 6:
I think these are just two different IEMs, and the price difference is also considerable—nearly 600–700 dollars. Radon 6 has amazing bass and sub-bass, something that is quite distinct, and I am sure not a lot of IEMs can beat it in this department. So in the lower frequencies, RN6 is the clear winner and may be the reigning king of all IEMs. But KK is definitely more musical, and the other frequencies (mids and highs) are done better on KK. In terms of soundstage and resolution, I would say RN6 has the upper hand. Also, It’s worth mentioning that Radon has a small shell and an excellent fit, and those who find KK’s shells big can certainly find RN6's fitting awesome. RN6’s build Quality is also too good.
Noble Audio Sultan:
I find it surprising that many people do not find the Sultan IEM impressive, as I personally had a great experience with it. I can acknowledge that the Sultan has a warm and dense sound signature, which may not appeal to everyone who prefers a cleaner sound like the Kublai Khan offers. The Sultan's denser and more intimate sound lacks the openness and airiness that the Kublai Khan provides. That being said, I still consider the Sultan to be a highly capable IEM, but I do recognize that the Kublai Khan is a more refined and better-tuned option.
Conclusion:
- The Kublai Khan is an all-rounder and can handle all types of music equally well. It will ask you to explore genres.
- Awesome slams and precise bass make EDM numbers sound awesome.
- Good vocals and midrange make listening to acoustics a great experience.
- The energy of KK makes Metal sound really enjoyable - without the fatigue part.
- The airiness, big stage, and controlled treble make Jazz songs shine a lot.
- It's easily one of the best IEMs in its price range. One should look no further than this.
Noble's Kublai has garnered significant attention within the audiophile community. It appears that Noble has dedicated substantial effort to the tuning of the Kublai, resulting in an IEM that offers versatility and excels across various genres and listening preferences. It's highly recommended.