Noble Audio has been consistently releasing quality Bluetooth earbuds under their FoKus line. Last year, the Rex5 made waves with its industry-pushing technology thanks to elements like Audiodo and LDAC support. That particular product was a bit pricey compared to other Bluetooth earbuds on the market, so now they’ve launched the Amadeus to offer a cheaper option with hopefully the same level of quality. Is the Amadeus a good entry into the FoKus series?
What You Get
- FoKus Amadeus earphones
- Charging case
- Pouch
- USB-C charging cable
- 6 pairs of ear tips
- Instruction manual
Look & Feel
Noble Audio’s FoKus series has always been heavily inspired by their library of premium IEMs, rather than what’s on the consumer market. It gives each new edition a unique look that has the presentation of a high-end product. The Amadeus fits right with the rest of the FoKus series in terms of look, this time sporting an enticing red and black color scheme. It not only has the look of a pair of IEMs, but it also has the fit of one, which some might not be used to. However, I do not think the spouts are intrusive, as the housing is light enough to sit in your ear naturally without any added pressure.
Design & Functionality
The Noble FoKus Amadeus uses an 8.3mm dynamic driver with a triple-layer diaphragm. Even with this larger unit, the Amadeus is not as loud as other FoKus earphones. The Amadeus is more on par with what you’ll hear across the Sennehsier Momentum 4 True Wireless, or the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8. You can get the Amadeus to a comfortable gain, but it will leave you with little headroom, and it doesn’t offer any extra isolation from noise-canceling to combat that. The only other features that connect the Amadeus to the consumer market is within its Noble FoKus app, which offers EQ features and sound personalization through Audiodo. It’s an intuitive app that connects with the Amadeus quickly.
Bluetooth
You can enjoy the latest Bluetooth technology through Qualcomm’s QCC3091 chipset. This chipset supports Bluetooth version 5.4 and a multipoint connection. These earbuds pair quickly and have a high range, which also includes a high-end LDAC CODEC, which will be a big advantage if you use Android.
Battery Life
The total playtime from the FoKus Amadeus is very strong, giving you around 8-12 hours from a single charge. With the charging case, the Amadeus should have around 40 hours of use before needing to use a cable.
Soundstage
Noble Audio’s Bluetooth IEMs usually sustain a stronger soundstage than most wireless earbuds on the market. The Amadeus fits right in with the natural imaging of other FoKus earphones, supplying you with a wide stereo field that never feels too narrow. There’s a proper balance between the left and right channels, leaving room for instruments to display some semblance of accuracy. You don’t get a lot of height on the Amadeus, but the soundstage never feels constricted from its absence. The Amadeus shows an impressive amount of dimension, with the imaging pushing sound elements forward for more complex spatial layering that other wireless earphones have trouble communicating.
Low End
If you’re looking for a bassy set of Bluetooth earbuds, the Amadeus might not be your first choice. There are moments where the bass frequencies dive deep and extract some fine details from the sub-bass, but the overall tone of the lows is more dynamic. They’re tightly controlled and have a good amount of weight to them, but the timbre doesn’t rumble. Most of its texture is in the mid-bass, where the Amadeus features smooth grooves that feel heavy. Floor toms have a ferocity to them, even when the frequencies could establish more resonance in the mix. The Amadeus has a very capable bass with plenty of EQ options, but if you’re looking for boomy impact like on other wireless models, these earphones will offer something different.
Mids
This is the section where I experimented heavily with the Audiodo sound personalization tools in the FoKus companion app. In their default state, the midrange has a lot of power and clarity, with instruments blaring outward. Its resolution is a bit veiled, but still contains plenty of edge, as notes deliver a satisfying strike. My Audiodo sound personalization resulted in the midrange solidifying, adding even more weight to instruments. Everything contained a more significant body to it, with the only caveat being vocals cutting through the mix less. The upper-mids had more clarity without my personal EQ, so I opted to leave it off.
Highs
Certain hits on snare rims can make you blink, but for the most part, the highs are smooth and detailed. Listeners who like treble will be satisfied with its presence, especially if you like crispy, airy female vocals. It’s a tight treble that uses subtle brightness and shimmer to complement realistic instruments in the mix. They have a very even amount of gain without being as powerful as the mids. The frequencies sit over the sound signature with a natural presentation that doesn’t go too far over the edge.
Summary
The Noble FoKus Amadeus earphones offer a compelling combination of elegant design, impressive soundstage, and versatile functionality, making them a strong contender for audiophiles and general users alike. While their bass response leans more toward control than impact, the overall sound profile, customization options, and long battery life make them a versatile and enjoyable listen. If you’re looking for a premium wireless earbud with natural imaging and a sleek aesthetic, the Amadeus provides a compelling option that warrants serious consideration.
The Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus is available at Audio46 and Audio46 Express.
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