When performance meets craftsmanship, Noble Audio delivers. The Kronos emerges as a modern flagship with a multi-driver, titanium design that exudes premium presence. On the other hand, the Viking Ragnar, with its iconic Damascus steel finish, continues to impress with an airy and textured tuning. Let’s dive into how these two titans compare in design, sound, and overall experience.
What You Get
| Kronos | Viking Ragnar |
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Look & Feel
Both the Kronos and Viking Ragnar have different structures that use some of the same materials. Damascus steel and aluminum show up in both designs, with both possessing faceplates of the former and shells of the latter. Between the two, the Kronos looks and feels like a more practical item compared to the Viking Ragnar. The Viking Ragnar looks and feels more like an artisanal piece that you’re meant to appreciate the craftsmanship of, rather than something you’re meant to wear for a significant amount of time. I found the Kronos was more comfortable to wear than the Viking Ragnar, as it sat more naturally, but the Viking Ragnar also fits well, depending on the size of your ears.
Design
Inside, the Kronos features a highly sophisticated nine-driver quadbrid configuration. It combines dual dynamic drivers (10 mm and 7 mm), Knowles balanced-armatures for the low-mids and midrange, Sonion electrostatic drivers for the highs, and a bone conduction system that adds another layer of realism to the sound. To complement this advanced setup, it comes with a premium hybrid cable constructed from palladium-plated silver and OCC copper, ensuring a clean, detailed signal path.
The Viking Ragnar employs a slightly different approach, using dynamic drivers for the low frequencies and a balanced armature and electrostatic driver array for mids and highs. Its included graphene and silver-based cable reflects the same flagship-level attention to detail, providing both conductivity and strength.
Soundstage
The Kronos and Viking Ragnar are almost equally expansive in their soundstage. While both IEMs are spacious and wide, they have different properties that establish slightly different sonic environments. For instance, the Viking Ragnar is slightly airier in its presentation, so its imaging provides a floatier dimension compared to the Kronos. The Kronos is similarly holographic, but its scale is far greater. Instruments sit more naturally in the sound field, offering more precision and articulation between layers.
Low End
Neither set of IEMs has a substantial impact in terms of bass response. If you’re looking for the most direct bass tone, the Kronos might have more to offer. Its bass is more refined and controlled than the Viking Ragnar, which is lighter in comparison. The Kronos has more power behind its sub-bass while also featuring subtle details and textures to enjoy. You also get natural textures from the Viking Ragnar, but with less of a body attached to it.
Mids
While the Kronos goes all out in the midrange, the Viking Ragnar sticks with its softer tone. However, the tonal richness of the Kronos can work for and against it, while the Ragnar favors a detailed but casual response. With the Kronos, the midrange frequencies might wow you, or you might find them too aggressive. That’s mostly due to its fast transients, which cause some instruments to strike hard. The Viking Ragnar has a smoother transition between its notes, which some will find more fitting for their sound profile.
Highs
The Kronos strikes a fine balance in its treble presentation. Bright and lively, the highs deliver both clarity and energy, but they never become overly sharp or fatiguing. This allows for an engaging listen that maintains comfort even during extended sessions. The Viking Ragnar, on the other hand, places more emphasis on treble texture and richness. Its highs carry a blissful, almost color-rich quality, delivering sparkle without veering into sibilance. This makes it particularly appealing for those who crave a lively but non-fatiguing treble experience.
Summary
The Kronos is the clear choice for those who prioritize an expansive soundstage, refined midrange, and a polished, modern construction. Its presentation is lush and immersive, offering a listening experience that feels as luxurious as its build. The Viking Ragnar, however, will appeal to listeners who prefer an airier treble, a textured presentation, and a more artisanal design. Its aesthetic is bold, and its sound leans toward openness and sparkle, making it a great match for those who value clarity and detail.
The Noble Kronos and Viking Ragnar are available at Audio46.
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