Noble Audio returns to the entry-level audiophile market with the Vanguard. A self-described successor to the Knight, the Vanguard aims to bring Noble’s inventive in-ear ideology to an affordable price point. Its sensitive, three-driver setup and included cable provide immediately satisfying sound without any additional purchases. With this approach in mind, can the Vanguard cut through a market so competitive?
What You Get
- Noble Vanguard IEMs
- 8-core silver-plated OFC cable with 4.4mm balanced plug
- 4.4mm to USB-C OCC adapter cable
- Ear tip set
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty card
Build Design
Not to sound like a late-2010s video game journalist, but the Vanguard is visually the “Dark Souls” of IEMs. While I typically prefer my in-ears to look industrial or natural, I was surprisingly into the dark-medieval flavor of the box and shell. The subtle golden crest revealed by a beam of light paints a rustic yet strong image. The shield-shaped case containing the Vanguard’s included tips was a fun touch, though users of third-party tips might be miffed that the amount of tip holders within implies Noble’s will be used.
Build quality is also impressive. With an aluminum shell and silver-plated OFC cable, reliability in security and connection is especially strong for the price point. If I had to be critical of anything, I would say the profile is quite wide, which some might find a bit awkward. Even so, I did not have any trouble with the Vanguard staying in my ears.
Audio Design
Noble designed the Vanguard with a hybrid three-driver configuration. A dynamic driver covers the low end, and two balanced armature drivers address the mid-high and ultra-high ranges respectively. This particular setup works to push cleanliness and speed in ranges that might be more challenging. As mentioned previously, the IEMs run through an 8-core silver-plated OFC cable with a 4.4mm plug. In addition, the package contains a 4.4mm to USB-C adapter, an inclusion surprisingly absent from the higher-priced Iris. With this inclusion, Noble provides direct smartphone and computer support for an easy-to-drive IEM.
- Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL/mW
- Impedance: 23 ohms
Soundstage
Consistent with its entry-level ambitions, the Vanguard’s soundstage is not grandiose. Opting to prioritize a tighter, fundamentals-focused experience, the Vanguard lacks artificial overcompensation that might muddy placement. Everything is intimately layered, with just enough dimension to give everything its own space. This stage knows exactly what it wants to be, complimenting its direct approach to IEM polish.
Low End
The Vanguard’s signature is for those who live by the low end. Akin to a reverse check mark, Noble tuned this IEM to push the polar ends of the frequency spectrum, with a bit extra sprinkled over the bass. That added flair simultaneously offers the lows enough bandwidth to stay clean and prevents the highs from getting overly bright. Precision and power perform a satisfying balancing act, keeping listeners hungry for both well fed.
Mids
As its signature and lack of uniformly dedicated driver might imply, the midrange of the Vanguard takes a backseat. Noble keeps the precision consistent as a compromise, but a lack of push makes some vocal moments feel a tad clinical. Lower and higher mids are certainly rewarded, however, helping instruments stick out amongst the thundering lows and glistening highs. For more instrumentally dense tracks, the Vanguard is incredibly fun. For those with forefront vocals, you might get more excitement elsewhere.
Highs
With two drivers focusing higher-range performance, the Vanguard’s treble profile garners the most technological attention. Fortunately, at no point did that focus feel overwhelming. It seems much of these resources were used to restrict brightness in favor of a crisp gloss. This was one of more memorable high ranges at this price point. Listeners particular about their highs should put the Vanguard under consideration.
Summary
Through the Vanguard, Noble Audio firmly reestablishes itself in the kingdom of affordable IEMs. Boasting an accessible setup and an instantly gratifying profile, these in-ears make a compelling case as someone’s potential starting point. This argument is further reinforced for consumers seeking flashy instrumentals and impactful peaks. For listeners looking for stage presence and vocals, however, something like the Orchestra II from Kiwi Ears might be a stronger pick.
The Noble Audio Vanguard is available for $325 at Audio46.
