News & Announcements

News & Announcements

All the previous News & Announcements posted on Audiophile-Heaven will be available here, and those include new product releases, along with important announcements from the audio industry. They will be posted from newest to oldest, and all newer announcements will be added at the top of the page, the page being split in multiple parts after we reach the first 30 posts.

(December 6, 2024)

Introducing the all-new D8000 DC and DC Pro flagship headphones from Final.

December 6th 2024, UK: For 50 years, Final has been at the forefront of Japanese hi-fi. First releasing its range of turntable cartridges, then amplifiers and speakers – all implementing unique technology designed in-house by Final’s team of esteemed engineers. This tradition carries on today, with new developments in driver technology and software which looks to the future with the goal of enhancing the audio experience for everyone.

The D8000 planar-magnetic headphones were first launched seven years ago, and brought with them a completely unique driver technology which revolutionised the capabilities of planar. Since then, Final has further developed these techniques, inventing new technology and improving their early designs, paving the way for the D8000 DC and DC Pro.

The Final D8000 DC and DC Pro will be available to purchase from selected retailers in the UK now and available to pre-order in the US (Shipping mid December) – D8000 DC Pro $4,799/€4,799/£4,499 – D8000 DC $4,299/€4,299/£3,999.

Revolutionising Planar Magnetic Sound with AFDS Technology

The new Final D8000 DC and DC Pro headphones bring new possibilities to planar magnetic audio with an advanced iteration of its proprietary Air Film Damping System (AFDS) technology. The “DC” in D8000 DC stands for “Da Capo”, symbolising a return to the beginning – a complete reconstruction of Final’s flagship headphones with a fresh, innovative approach.

Initially developed seven years ago to address limitations in low-frequency response, Final’s AFDS uses air’s natural characteristics to regulate diaphragm movement, providing richer, distortion-free bass reproduction. By overcoming typical planar magnetic constraints, AFDS allows for a deep, balanced soundstage that captures audio with remarkable accuracy across the spectrum.

For the latest D8000 DC and DC Pro models, Final has taken AFDS one step further. Every element of the metal mesh structure surrounding the diaphragm, including its hole diameters, pitches, and patterns, has been thoroughly redesigned. Distinctive mesh patterns placed in front of and behind the diaphragm create an organic, open bass response, while Final’s breathable ‘washi paper’ ear pads add to the sense of depth and spatial clarity. Years of advanced research and engineering has enhanced the D8000 DC and DC Pro’s capacity to deliver a listening experience like no other.

Ultra-Lightweight Design Proudly Made in Japan

At the heart of the D8000 DC’s sound signature is an ultra-lightweight diaphragm, crafted from etched aluminium foil. This design reduces the weight of the vibration system by about one-third, ensuring fast responsiveness to audio signals. The result is a sound profile that captures delicate high-frequency details with superior precision, bringing an airy, refined quality to the headphones. With these enhancements, the Final D8000 DC and DC Pro stand as a breakthrough in high-end planar magnetic technology, offering a dynamic, authentic listening experience for audiophiles.

Final takes pride in its Japanese heritage, which shows in how the D8000 DC has been produced. Manufactured at Final’s headquarters in Kawasaki, the precision of the product assembly relies on the quality of the machinery involved in production. This is why Final develops its own equipment, such as production jigs, diaphragm moulding machines, and many of the measuring instruments used to create a consistently precise and scientifically controlled manufacturing environment.

(November 26, 2024)

Boasting a hybrid five driver configuration consisting of 1 x dynamic, 1 x planar, and 3 x balanced armature drivers – the FoKus Rex5 has been under development for some time now, and the final result is a feature rich TWS implementing new technology rarely seen in the competition.

The Noble FoKus Rex5 will be available to pre-order on 26th November and shipping on 29th November from selected retailers worldwide for $449/£419/€499.

Five Driver Configuration and Advanced Audio Codecs

The Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds are designed with a hybrid five-driver configuration to deliver remarkable depth and clarity of sound – rarely achieved in true wireless audio. Each earbud combines a powerful 10mm dynamic driver, a precise 6mm planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers, creating an impressive soundstage that effortlessly delivers rich, full bass, detailed mid-tones, and crystal-clear highs across an extended frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz.
Paired with advanced audio codecs including aptX Adaptive, and LDAC, the FoKus Rex5 seamlessly adapts to different listening sources, ensuring high-resolution audio performance that meets the standards of audiophiles and music lovers alike. This innovative combination of premium drivers and top-tier codecs sets the FoKus Rex5 apart as a truly satisfying audio option for all listeners.

Audiodo: Personalised Sound Tailored to Every Ear

Taking sound customisation to new heights, the Noble FoKus Rex5 integrates Audiodo’s innovative sound personalisation software that adapts audio to each user’s hearing needs. The setup process guides listeners through a unique calibration that fine-tunes audio output based on the sensitivity of each ear.
The memory capability of the QCC3091 chip stores this customised profile within the earbuds, making it accessible on any device – no app required. This feature is particularly revolutionary for listeners with uneven hearing, delivering a balanced listening experience that adapts to individual needs.

Feature Rich with Intuitive Functionality

The Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds excel in both performance and versatility, with impressive battery life that allows for up to 7 hours of playback without ANC and 5 hours with ANC activated from the earbuds. The charging carry case then adds up to 40 hours of extra playtime so you can top-up on the go. This extended playtime ensures that users can enjoy their favourite music or podcasts throughout the day with little interruption. Then, its fast charging capability means that just 15 minutes of charge time equates to approximately two hours of playtime. The sophisticated ANC technology effectively minimises external noise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience, while the Transparency mode enables users to stay aware of their surroundings when needed.

Additionally, the onboard memory feature enhances the EQ capabilities by storing personalised sound profiles directly within the earbuds, so users can enjoy their tailored audio settings across devices and without the need of Noble’s app. Coupled with advanced features like Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint connectivity, the FoKus Rex5 delivers flawless sound and intuitive user control for a listening journey like no other.

The Noble FoKus Rex5 will be available to pre-order on 26th November and shipping on 29th November from selected retailers worldwide for $449/£419/€499. 

Technical Specifications
5 Driver Configuration: 1 (10mm) Dynamic Driver, 1 (6mm) Planar Driver, 3 Balanced Armature Drivers
Frequency Response: 20 – 40K Hz
Chip: QCC3091
Bluetooth Version: 5.4
Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
Multipoint connection (2 devices)
Playtime: 5hrs (ANC) 7hrs (ANC/OFF) – .. from Charging Case
ANC, Transparency, and basic modes
Updated Noble FoKus App compatibility with Audiodo integration

About Noble Audio

Formed by John ‘The Wizard’ Moulton in 2013, Noble Audio has been crafting some of the most impressive custom and universal in-ear monitors ever since. Noble’s first release was the highly acclaimed K-10 which quickly put Noble on the map as a brand to look out for in the audiophile world. With subsequent releases including the Encore, Katana and Khan – Noble has gained numerous awards including multiple Headphone of the Year titles.

Jim Moulton became 50% owner in 2018, and since then the two brothers have grown Noble well beyond its original audiophile IEM home. Releasing the true wireless Falcon Pro in 2020 and later the FoKus Pro TWS in 2021 to more high praise and awards, Noble proved that they can achieve greatness in the world of wireless audio too.

Noble continues to break boundaries in the world of audio, with models such as the Viking Ragnar and Ronin displaying the technological expertise and attention to detail sown by the team. In 2023 Noble launched their FoKus Prestige all-wood TWS – a first of its kind and widely recognised as the finest true wireless in-ear monitor. With more to come in 2024, Noble is a brand to watch out for.

(September 3, 2024)

For over a decade, Noble has been leading the way in universal and custom in-ear monitor design and development. From their first K-10 universal IEM, to their award-winning true wireless range and prestige custom in-ear monitors – Noble only uses the finest materials, hand-crafted with passion and precision.

The FoKus Apollo is Noble’s first ever headphone model, and the world’s first headphones to use a dynamic driver and planar magnetic driver hybrid speaker arrangement. This unique blend of technologies results in audio like no other wireless headphone that has come before, utilizing the accuracy and top-end clarity of planar with the power and body achieved by dynamic drivers.

Available to buy on the 3rd September from NobleAudio.com and selected retailers worldwide for $649/£599/€699.

Powerhouse of Innovation

The FoKus Apollo is Noble’s first foray into the world of over-ear headphones. With the world’s first patented 40mm dynamic driver and 14.5mm planar magnetic hybrid driver speaker arrangement, Noble has created a headphone that is completely unique in sound and design.

Planar magnetic speakers are known for their delicacy and accuracy, without the blurring effects of excessive inertia. Dynamic drivers provide excellent bass by moving significant amounts of air, however, due to their mass, dynamic drivers cannot provide the crystal clear mid and high frequencies that planar magnetic speakers are capable of.

By utilizing both a dynamic speaker and a planar magnetic speaker the Noble FoKus Apollo provides the clarity of a planar magnetic driver, while retaining the bass of a dynamic driver. Two worlds collide for a stunningly blissful audio experience like no other.

Epitome of Premium

No corners have been cut with the FoKus Apollo features and accessories. The integrated ADI chip combined with 3 microphones per side provides superior hybrid ANC performance with a reduction depth of up to -35db. Support for LDAC and aptX HD codecs ensures the highest level of audio quality is delivered to the FoKus Apollo – allowing the headphones to work their magic.

With the FoKus Apollo, enjoy listening for longer with up to 80 hours of playtime – 60 hours with ANC active – for uninterrupted musical enjoyment. Features such as multipoint connection and transparency mode add to the highly intuitive user experience. All can be managed with the compatible Noble FoKus app along with personalized EQ adjustments.

Along with its high-quality built-in microphone, Noble has provided a removable boom mic with the FoKus Apollo which can turn the headphones into the ultimate communication device. A 3.5mm audio cable is also included to use the headphones in wired mode – opening up its already wide range of uses to gaming, streaming and podcasting.

Noble has used only the most premium materials when building the FoKus Apollo, with an anodized aluminum frame, Alcantara headband, and replaceable premium protein leather earpads for supreme comfort and added isolation.

The Noble FoKus Apollo ANC wireless headphones will be available on the 3rd September from NobleAudio.com and selected retailers worldwide for $649/£599/€699.

Key Features

· The world’s first patented 1x40mm dynamic driver + 14.5mm planar magnetic hybrid driver speaker arrangement.

· Integrated ADI chip combined with 3 microphones per side providing hybrid ANC with a reduction depth of up to -35db.

· Supported codecs include LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, SBC.

· 80 hours of play time without ANC / 60 hours of play time with ANC.

· Excellent call quality with or without the supplied boom mic attached; Onboard mute switch for all microphones.

· Bluetooth 5.3; QCC3084 chip.

· Superior transparency mode; Multipoint connection.

· Compatible with Noble FoKus app

Specifications

· Driver Configuration: 1 x 40mm Dynamic Driver, 1 x 14.5mm Planar Magnetic Driver

· Communication Format: Bluetooth 5.3

· Frequency Response: 10-40kHz

· Codecs Supported: LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, SBC, AAC

· Continuous Playback: ANC ON: 60 hours. ANC OFF: 80 hours

· Charging Time: <3 hours

· Battery Capacity: 1000mAh

· Accessories Included: EVA carrying case, 3.5mm auxiliary cable, USB-C cable, two prong airline adapter, 1/4″ adapter, detachable boom mic

(August 24, 2024)