Noble Audio Stage 3 Review

Nothing else on the market sounds quite like Noble Audio’s IEMs. The iconically fast, energetic and immaculately clean qualities that characterize its sound signatures never seem to disappoint. But I will say, the Brand’s stuff can be pricey. For this reason, I was particularly excited to see a new $600 model released. The Stage 3 promises to deliver the perfect sound profile for stage performers and musicians. Does it succeed? And will casual audiophiles also find this tuning appealing?

What’s in the Box?

• Stage 3 IEMs
• Next Gen 2 Pin Noble Cable with Interchangeable Termination (2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm)
• Hard Case
• Velvet Pouch
• Clip
• Silicone and Foam Ear Tips (various sizes & double flanged)
• Warrany Card
• Noble Audio Wizard Sticker
• Cleaning Tool
• Rubber Bands

Look and Feel

These are cute little earbuds, significantly smaller in size than the average IEMs in this echelon. Noble Audio has kept things classy, yet low profile with its black shiny resin shells and simple silver logos on the faceplates. (The stainless steel nozzles are also a nice touch.) 

I had no problems with fit. The seal was perfectly snug, but I never felt any uncomfortable pressure, even throughout long listening sessions. The natural isolation was also sufficiently effective. 

Design

The Stage 3 features a 3-driver arrangement, comprising a 10mm dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers. The Stage 3’s design incorporates the Next Gen 2 Pin Noble Cable, allowing for easy interchangeability of terminations (2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm).

The Stage 3 is also reasonably easy to drive, and your iPhone or Android should even give you plenty of headroom. But for the purpose of this review, I paired the Stage 3 with my Astell & Kern SR35.

Sound Impressions

Soundstage

One of the first qualities that smacks you in the face is the entertainingly expansive soundstage. Spacious and multidimensional, this stage sounds more expensive than 600 bucks. There’s great movement up and down the vertical axis, with highly nuanced differentiation in placement. You’ll also get some good depth here, with instruments reaching far behind and in front the ear. The fantastic resolution also brings extra substance to the tonality of instruments, and this makes for a vibrantly colorful and playful interaction between sound elements across all dimensions.

Low-End

The bass is fast, punchy and unsaturated. You can expect a relatively moderate low-end presence, though I felt like there was enough bass oomph to do justice to pop and other modern genres. But certainly, this isn’t a super dark and meaty sound. Instead, the bass is lean, clean and incredibly well controlled. And for drummers especially, this delivery is often ideal. That said, I did mostly get the low-end warmth I was looking for. So, this is by no means a cold or sterile bass. And the transient response alone is enough to inject ample energy and momentum into mix. Overall, this bass feels very loyal to the brand’s signature low-frequency presentation.

Mids

While the mids super clean, shiny and detailed, it’s not always the easiest balance. There’s a boost in the upper-mid to lower treble range that brings instruments like vocals and snares forward. And though, I can’t call the delivery harsh, I did find myself having to turn the volume down on certain tracks. That said, for stage use, vocalists would definitely appreciate the extra presence in these frequencies. And certainly, if you like an intimate performance, the Stage 3 will give you that up-close feel. At the same time, there is so much energy here. Percussion hits hard and fast, and vocals and instruments have a radiant and fresh quality that lends extra vitality to the mix.

Highs

Unlike the midrange, vocals in the highs are smooth, airy and easy. And while I didn’t feel like I was missing out on any extension, the treble peaks were pretty forgiving. Instruments in this range maintain a rather natural color, with a touch of leanness and buoyancy. There’s even a shimmer here and there. But for sure, this tuning here is designed for detailed, yet extended listening, and the somewhat neutral tonal delivery maintains the integrity of the source.

Summary

The Stage 3 sounds undeniably Noble audio. Maintaining the brand’s famously fast transient response, while offering crystal-like mids and incredibly clean layering throughout, the Stage 3’s talent warrants the price tag and maybe then some. Still, the mids and lower treble may be a bit too bold those with particularly sensitive ears. But if you’re a vocalist or stage musician, you can rest assured that you’ll get clear and honest feedback from these skilled and entertaining IEMs.

You can buy the Noble Audio Stage 3 at Audio 46.