Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1106 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.4/5, at $1,200; the Noble Audio Tux 5 ranks #1140, rated 2.1/5, and costs $1,300, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the ThieAudio Monarch MKIII, ranked #1 at $999, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
Why pick the Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1: A hybrid design pairing two dynamic drivers with two balanced armatures, and its 102 dB/mW sensitivity makes it easy to drive from a phone. The catch: A preference score of 54 in crinacle’s measurement places its tuning far from what most listeners prefer, a weak result for a flagship in ear.
What the Noble Audio Tux 5 does well: It uses 1 x 10mm dynamic + 4 x balanced armature. Watch for: A Harman score of 51 places it in the lower part of the in-ear rankings.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Noble Audio Tux 5 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A hybrid design pairing two dynamic drivers with two balanced armatures, and its 102 dB/mW sensitivity makes it easy to drive from a phone.
B&H Photo Video $1,200.00 eBay
It uses 1 x 10mm dynamic + 4 x balanced armature.
Noble Audio $1,300.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1 | Noble Audio Tux 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,200.00 | $1,300.00 |
| Ranked | #1106 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1140 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 54 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 51 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.30 dB standard deviation | 3.47 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.55 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.38 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (2 dynamic + 2 balanced armature) | Hybrid |
| Drivers | 1 x 9.8mm dynamic + 1 x 8.8mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 4 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 5 ohms | 10.7 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
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