Until now, wired xMEMS technology has been limited due to the need for a specialized high bias amplifier. In order to expand the accessibility of the xMEMS drivers and unique sound signature, Noble has incorporated a high bias amplifier into the IEM itself which eliminates the need for additional equipment to enjoy them. The XM-1 can be used with any smartphone utilizing a USB-C port or an Apple lightning port when the included ddHiFi TC28i lightning to USB-C adapter is used.
For more information on the xMEMS drivers, check out this article from xmems.com.
The Noble XM-1 is designed to be robust enough to keep up with users listening on their mobile devices. The aluminum shell with stainless steel nozzle and wax guard help to make sure that the IEMs are able to keep up with busy daily use.
Reviews still to come, but initial reactions with its debut at CanJam Dallas were wide eyes, huge smiles, and running to get friends to come listen!
The XM-1 features the xMEMS Cowell tweeter paired with an 8.3mm Dynamic driver for the low end. The resulting sound is astoundingly clear mids and highs as is expected with the xMEMS Cowell, coupled with full bass extension, previously lacking in xMEMS products.
To power the XM-1 and the integrated amplifier, we went with an active USB-C high quality cable with a 4-pin connector. Intended use is for smartphones with USB-C ports, lightning ports, or other smart devices that allow for USB-C listening. Note that DAPs that have USB-C ports may require changes to settings in order to allow volume to be controlled through the USB-C port. Also note that the XM-1 is NOT compatible with the Astell & Kern DAPs due to AK’s use of an abbreviated Android OS.
tl;dr: Full bass, very slightly recessed mids, incredible highs (however, no sibilance with many mixes and masters) with fantastic placement/separation and some sparkle.
Very nice braided cable: durable, massive, no microphonics; appropriate length for attaching to a smartphone or a laptop. Appreciate the pleasant presentation (unboxing).
Be prepared to listen at considerably "higher volume setting" (from the tech?) compared with other sources.
Compared with Meze ADVAR (universal): Less coherent through the spectrum than the ADVAR (self-explanatory) yet was not strident in the same mixes and masters with which the ADVAR exhibited. Less comfortable than the ADVAR (XM-1 are far bulkier) and more difficult to maintain in-the-ears when in motion.
Compared with Empire Ears ESR Mk II (custom): More colored than the ESR Mk II, less coherent (but contrasting a universal and a custom is always dicey), less comfortable. Better instrument and vocal separation and placement than the EE.
As always, brilliant service from the fine folks at Bloom (from whom I also purchased the ADVAR and ESR Mk II)!