Noble Audio Fokus Apollo Review

If you’re in the audiophile space, you’ve surely heard the name Noble Audio. They’re best known for their high end IEMs and excellent TWS earbuds. But they aren’t ones to limit themselves to what they already know. That’s why I was so excited to get their brand new over ear headphone, the Fokus Apollo, in for review. At $649, there’s a lot that’s different about this headphone, and I’m looking forward to breaking all that down for you.

What’s in the Box:

• EVA carrying case
• 3.5mm aux cable
• USB-C cable
• Two prong airline adapter
• 1/4 inch adapter
• 3.5mm to 4.4mm adapter
• Detachable boom mic

Look and Feel:

The FoKus Apollo headphones are built quite nicely, prioritizing both durability and comfort through their use of high-quality materials. The frame is constructed from anodized aluminum, which not only adds to the overall durability but also provides a sleek, premium aesthetic. Complementing the aluminum frame, the earpads are crafted from memory foam wrapped in luxurious Korean Protein leather, which is not only replaceable but also designed to offer maximum comfort over extended listening sessions. 

Additionally, the multiple wired connection options, including a USB-C and a 3.5 to 4.4 mm adapter, offer a reliable alternative to wireless connectivity, making these go-to headphones even in different usage scenarios. Overall, the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo headphones offer a premium, durable, and user-friendly experience.

Design and Functionality:

The Apollo features the world’s first patented hybrid dual driver arrangement. This design incorporates a 40mm dynamic driver and a 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, combining the strengths of both technologies to deliver a totally unique listening experience. The dynamic driver handles deep bass and mid-range frequencies, while the planar magnetic driver provides detailed and precise high frequencies, resulting in a balanced and engaging sound profile. 

Providing ANC on the Apollo is a QCC3084 chip, which significantly reduces ambient noise levels from -20dB to -35dB, allowing users to focus on their audio without distractions. Additionally, the Transparency Mode, powered by the upgraded ANC chip, ensures that users can remain aware of their surroundings when necessary. 

All these features, combined with the app compatibility for fine-tuning settings (and updating firmware, which we recommend for the best sound quality), demonstrate a comprehensive and forward-thinking technical design that elevates the overall user experience. 

I’ll also note the inclusion of the external microphone just adds to the layers of adaptability that comes with the Apollo. Whether you’re doing conference calls, gaming, listening on the go, or what have you, the Apollo has got you covered. 

Bluetooth: 

The Apollo has Bluetooth 5.3 functionality with multipoint connection, allowing seamless switching between multiple devices. Whether users are taking calls or enjoying music, the Bluetooth 5.3 protocol ensures stable and high-speed connectivity. 

Battery Life:

The extended battery life of up to 80 hours without ANC and 60 hours with ANC activated is impressive. It’s one of the better performing batteries we’ve seen. However, they require up to 3 hours to fully charge with no apparent quick charge capabilities. 

Sound Impressions:

Low End:

The Apollo makes great use of its 40mm dynamic driver. Its bass is robust. But it isn’t just loud and bombastic. It has plenty of body and character to it. While some might hear its midbass bloom as midbass bloat, I found there to be a nice, warm timbre that made for a musical listening experience. It’s perhaps not the most detailed bass but it’s fun and punchy, with lush, rounded edges.

Listening to Nala Sinephro’s Endlessness, I was moved by the vividness and texture of the bass. Strings and kick drums alike had tons of personality, making the music come to life.  

Mids:

The midrange on the Apollo is clear and precise. Unlike its bass response, the Planar Driver begins to kick into gear at the top end of the midrange, making for a more detailed and clean listening experience. I was impressed with the level of coherence that the midrange had when considering it’s where the two drivers meet. That said, you may still run into slight artificiality on busier tracks. But it’s quite exciting nonetheless to see the dual driver system set up so well. I spent time listening to tracks like Joni Mitchell’s “Cary” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Storms,” both of which showed off the nicely done midrange with challenging vocal coverage and great instrument layering. 

Top End:

The treble response is crisp and energetic. I’d hesitate to call these V-shaped as their mid range is still present. But the treble, like the bass, is featured quite prominently. That 14.5mm planar driver is put to work adding a reliable, and quite detailed sound. Listening to Brittany Howard’s “Stay High,” I was impressed by the top end’s ability to portray high frequency percussive instruments. Bells and cymbals had a nice presence and decay. Overall I was impressed by the Apollo’s ability to provide great detail, even with the presence of its more musical low end. 

Soundstage:

Given that the Apollo is a closed-back headphone that relies for the most part on Bluetooth and ANC, I was impressed by the soundstage. It doesn’t have that expansive, endless feel of which open headphones are capable. But the headphone does create a big space and image quite well inside of that space, giving a nice spacious effect. 

Final Thoughts:

The Noble Audio Fokus Apollo looks to be many things. It’s surprisingly coherent given its technical design. And while it’s practically impossible to scratch every audiophile itch with one product, Noble has created a product that scratches very many. In a sense, it’s a jack of all trades and a master of many. I’d recommend them for people using headphones on the go and want a fun-meets-refined sound signature. It won’t replace true high end headphones, but it’s a very nice contender at its price point. 

The Noble Audio Fokus Apollo is available at Audio46.