The Noble Focus Rex 5 earbuds promise a superior audio experience with their innovative five-driver configuration: one 10mm dynamic driver, one 6mm planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers. This ambitious design aims to deliver unparalleled sound quality, but how does it stack up against established competitors like the Technics AZ100 and BMW PI8? This in-depth review dives into the Rex 5's performance, exploring its strengths and weaknesses across key areas, including sound quality, noise cancellation, microphone performance, and app customization. We'll determine if its complex driver setup justifies its place in the competitive market.This review will analyze the Rex 5's impressive array of customization options, including a personal EQ calibration suite, various EQ presets, and a comprehensive 10-band graphic EQ. We’ll assess whether this high level of adjustability translates to a superior listening experience compared to its rivals, or if the out-of-the-box sound requires significant tweaking to reach its full potential. Ultimately, we aim to determine if the Noble Focus Rex 5 is a worthy contender for audiophiles, or if its shortcomings outweigh its impressive sound customization capabilities.
Pros And Cons
- Excellent sound quality, especially track and instrumental separation
- Highly customizable sound through the Noble Focus app (personal EQ, 10-band graphic EQ, parametric EQ)
- Premium build quality and design
- Thin sound in lower mids, making vocals sound shrill
- Lacks deep bass
- Microphone quality is okay in quiet conditions but struggles in noisy environments
- No sidetone voice passthrough
- Not as loud as other earbuds in the comparison
- Active noise cancellation is effective in upper mids but not as good as others overall
- Transparency mode muffles voice
- App UX needs improvement (custom EQ doesn't carry over to other devices, lack of gain number display for custom EQ, inability to activate ABX adaptive codec on Android)
- Relatively expensive
Read more: Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025: Ultimate Guide & Reviews
Multi-Driver Design and Features
The Noble Focus Rex 5 boasts a unique five-driver configuration: one 10mm dynamic driver, one 6mm planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers. This ambitious setup aims for superior sound quality, but is it overkill compared to single-driver competitors like the Technics AZ100 and BMW PI8?
While lacking extensive features, the Rex 5 offers wireless charging, multi-point pairing, and app support. The focus, however, is clearly on sound quality. Android users will appreciate the support for LDAC and aptX adaptive codecs.
The Noble Focus app offers extensive customization options. These include a personal EQ calibration suite (similar to Personify or Mimi), EQ presets, a 10-band graphic EQ, and a simpler parametric EQ. This level of customization is impressive.
Microphone Performance and Noise Cancellation
Microphone performance is a notable area where the Rex 5 falls slightly short. In quiet environments, it performs adequately, but struggles with background noise in more challenging conditions, similar to the BMW PI8. The Technics AZ100 significantly outperforms both in this category.
Active noise cancellation is comparable to the BMW PI8, but more effective in the upper mid-range frequencies. Overall, the Technics AZ100 offers the superior noise cancellation across all frequency ranges.
The Rex 5 lacks sidetone (voice pass-through). This can make phone calls feel less natural as you don't hear your own voice clearly. While some prefer this, the lack of an option is a downside.
Transparency Mode and Sound Quality
Transparency mode allows for ambient awareness. The Rex 5's implementation is relatively natural, closely following ambient noise levels. However, voices sound somewhat muffled, impacting verbal communication. The Technics AZ100 provides the clearest transparency mode.
The Rex 5's sound quality is exceptional, particularly in track and instrumental separation. Its multi-driver design contributes to a cleaner sound profile. However, its default tuning is thinner in the lower mids, making vocals sound slightly shrill and lacking deep bass compared to the AZ100 and PI8.
The Rex 5’s sound is highly customizable via its EQ. With careful tuning, it can rival, or even surpass, the sound quality of the AZ100 and PI8. However, out of the box, the others are preferable for some listeners.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Noble Focus Rex 5 offers excellent customizable sound quality that rivals the Technics AZ100 and BMW PI8 once properly EQ’d. However, its out-of-the-box tuning may not appeal to all. Its microphone and noise cancellation are adequate but not class-leading. The lack of sidetone and some UX issues in the app are shortcomings.
The Technics AZ100 excels in noise cancellation, microphone quality, and transparency. The BMW PI8 boasts impressive loudness and a good balance of features. The Rex 5's strength lies in its highly tunable sound and premium build quality, but it lacks some features of its competitors.
Ultimately, the Rex 5 is a strong contender for audiophiles prioritizing sound customization above all else. If you're willing to invest time in EQ tweaking and don't need top-tier noise cancellation or microphone performance, the Rex 5 offers a superb listening experience. But for a more balanced package, the AZ100 remains a top choice.