Short answer: the Fatfreq Reference Pro SE. It ranks #987 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $599; the Noble Audio XM-1 ranks #1043, rated 2.8/5, at $599. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
The case for the Fatfreq Reference Pro SE: It is a wired, closed-back in-ear that blocks outside noise passively. The catch: In crinacle’s measurement it scores only 62.0 for preference, with a 3.18 dB deviation from target, so the tuning departs noticeably from what most listeners prefer.
What the Noble Audio XM-1 does well: Bass is lifted about 5.1 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. Watch for: A 5.8 dB peak near 7.6 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound sharp.
Buy the Fatfreq Reference Pro SE. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Noble Audio XM-1 at the same price, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
It is a wired, closed-back in-ear that blocks outside noise passively.
FATfreq $599.00 eBay
Bass is lifted about 5.1 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Bloom Audio $599.00 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fatfreq Reference Pro SE | Noble Audio XM-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #987 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1043 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 62 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.18 dB standard deviation | 2.82 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.31 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.03 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Driver Type | - | Hybrid |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 8.3mm dynamic + 1 x xMEMS Cowell MEMS |
| Impedance | - | 32 ohms |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+7.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Fatfreq Reference Pro SE: