Short answer: the Shure KSE1500, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1035 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.8/5, at $2,999; the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar ranks #1098, rated 2.5/5, and costs $4,000, so there is little reason to consider the other one. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, so if sound quality matters, consider the ThieAudio Monarch MKIII instead, ranked #1 at $999.
The case for the Shure KSE1500: It is one of very few electrostatic in-ears, with a claimed 10 Hz to 50 kHz range. The catch: In oratory1990’s measurement the presence band from 3 to 6 kHz sits about 8.6 dB below target with a 9.5 dB dip near 4.1 kHz, which recesses vocals and instrument attack, while a 9.9 dB peak near 9.4 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance hiss.
What the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar does well: Lower mids sit within about 0.7 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. The catch: Presence sits about 7.7 dB low with a 10.2 dB dip near 4.2 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Shure KSE1500. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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It is one of very few electrostatic in-ears, with a claimed 10 Hz to 50 kHz range.
Amazon $2,999.00 eBay
Lower mids sit within about 0.7 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural.
Headphones.com $4,000.00 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
| Shure KSE1500 | Noble Audio Viking Ragnar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999.00 | $4,000.00 |
| Ranked | #1035 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1098 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 55 (measured by HypetheSonics, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.55 dB standard deviation | 3.34 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.27 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.60 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Electrostatic | Tribrid |
| Drivers | 1 x electrostatic | 2 x dynamic, 4 x balanced armature, 4 x electrostatic |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40kHz |
| Impedance | - | 17 ohms |
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