These high-end headphones borrowed a trick from IEMs

Audiophile-grade earphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs) routinely feature dual drivers or a combination of dynamic and planar technologies. On-ear headphones, however, have largely stuck to a single-driver setup. At least until now. The Noble Audio Fokus Apollo is the first pair of noise-cancelling headphones to feature a hybrid driver combination that the company says delivers an unmatched combination of bass and high-frequency clarity.

The 40mm dynamic driver and 14.5mm planar magnetic driver setup is patented, so don’t expect the rest of the headphone world to join in anytime soon. The company has plenty of experience with similar setups in its IEMs, which bodes well for sound quality.

It’s not like Noble Audio has skimped elsewhere, either. The frame is made of anodized aluminum, the headband is wrapped in soft Alcantara, and the earpads are made of protein leather. The latter are easy to replace, which bodes well for long-term use. A carrying case is also included, so regular travel is certainly in the cards.

These headphones have three microphones in each earcup, which provides up to -35dB of noise cancellation, while LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth support means there’s no penalty in terms of wireless listening quality. Multipoint is on board for quickly switching between multiple gadgets, and a 3.5mm cable is included for wired listening, along with a detachable boom mic for using the Focus Apollo as a gaming headset.

The Noble Audio Fokus Apollo headphones feature an impressive 80 hours of audio playback without noise cancellation and 60 hours of listening with ANC turned on, which puts them in the top tier of headphones of this type, including the Sony WH1000-XM5.

Keen listeners will be able to order the Noble Audio Fokus Apollo now, direct from the company’s website. Expect to pay $649/£599/€699 to take a pair home.