
When it comes to true wireless in-ear monitors (TWS IEMs), Noble Audio has consistently delivered products that marry audiophile-grade performance with modern convenience. The FoKus Rex5 has already earned a strong reputation with its premium tribrid driver configuration and refined sound. Now, the newly launched FoKus Amadeus, inspired by Mozart’s legacy and priced $130 less, enters the scene with comparable features and even longer battery life. But how do these two models truly compare when it comes to design, comfort, features, and—most importantly—sound quality? Let’s dive into a full comparison of the FoKus Amadeus vs FoKus Rex5 to see which one deserves a place in your ears.
FoKus Amadeus – $320 | FoKus Rex5 – $449 |
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Design & Comfort
Design-wise, these earbuds are visual opposites in festive fashion—Amadeus sports a striking scarlet red and matte black combo, reminiscent of Mozart’s red tailcoats, while the Rex5 dazzles with emerald green and gold accents that stand out in any light.
In terms of fit, the Rex5 offers a slightly more compact shell with a shorter nozzle, making it better suited for universal wear without creating pressure. Meanwhile, the Amadeus features a longer nozzle that delivers a tighter seal and improved passive noise isolation, though some users may find it slightly more intrusive. Weight-wise, the Amadeus is a touch heavier, but not enough to cause discomfort during long listening sessions.
Both earbuds are clearly designed for casual, high-quality listening rather than athletic use. Their more fragile build, along with the included pouch and multiple ear tip sizes, caters to listeners on relaxed commutes or in-office environments.
Features & Functionality
The Amadeus and Rex5 share many standout features that make them more than just pretty faces. Both models support Audiodo’s personalized sound feature, letting you tailor your sound signature through a custom hearing profile. They also offer multipoint connectivity, so you can switch between two paired devices without hassle—a huge plus for multi-taskers.
Where the Amadeus clearly pulls ahead is in battery life. You get up to 8 hours of playback with ANC on and 12 hours with it off, while the Rex5 delivers 5 hours with ANC on and 7 hours without. Both models utilize high-quality microphones for clear calls and adaptive ANC, but the Amadeus is the stronger performer in terms of endurance.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Noble Audio has stepped up its ANC game with both the Rex5 and the Amadeus. The Rex5 has effective ANC that blocks out everyday distractions, but it does let in a bit more ambient noise due to its less intrusive fit. The Amadeus, with its tighter seal and slightly improved passive isolation, gives you a more immersive listening experience when ANC is activated. Both models also include a Transparency Mode for situations when you need environmental awareness.
Tech Specs
Specification | FoKus Amadeus | FoKus Rex5 |
---|---|---|
Price | $320 | $449 |
Driver Configuration | 8.3mm custom dynamic driver (triple-layer diaphragm) | 5-driver tribrid: 10mm dynamic, 6mm planar, 3 BA |
Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 40kHz |
Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
Codec Support | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
Chipset | Qualcomm QCC3091 | Qualcomm QCC3091 |
Battery Life (ANC On/Off) | 8 / 12 hours | 5 / 7 hours |
Modes | ANC, Transparency, Basic | ANC, Transparency, Basic |
Personalized Sound | Audiodo | Audiodo |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Despite being more affordable, the Amadeus impresses with longer battery life and the same level of customization and codec support as the Rex5. However, the Rex5 earns its premium price through its complex 5-driver tribrid system, which expands its sound capabilities, especially in the upper frequency range.
Listening Review
When it comes to true wireless IEMs, tuning and timbral accuracy can make or break the experience—especially for audiophiles used to wired setups. Noble Audio’s FoKus Amadeus and FoKus Rex5 take very different approaches to sound design, which means they’ll appeal to different listeners depending on preference. Below is a breakdown of how each performs across the major sonic categories.
Soundstage & Imaging
The Amadeus offers a surprisingly open soundstage for a single dynamic driver. While not excessively wide, the stage wraps comfortably around the head, creating an immersive bubble that maintains convincing left-right separation and decent front-back layering. Instrument placement is clear without sounding surgical, giving a more musical and emotional listening experience. Especially with classical tracks or spatial recordings, there’s a pleasing sense of depth and a holographic quality—particularly impressive in a TWS format.
By contrast, the Rex5 has a more intimate and centralized soundstage, focusing sound directly in front of the listener. This works well for vocals, solo instruments, and tracks that benefit from a more intimate presentation. Despite its narrower spatial field, the Rex5 excels in positional accuracy and depth cues. You can still discern the layering of different instruments, but the emphasis is on immediacy and power over expansive staging.
Low Frequencies (Bass)
The bass response here is well-controlled, yet undeniably bold. There’s a physical, grounded quality to the sub-bass extension, offering rich, punchy lows without spilling over into the mids. Kick drums thump with clarity, bass guitars maintain definition, and 808s have both rumble and control. There’s a focus on textural detail as well—bass isn’t just heavy; it’s articulate, letting you hear individual notes instead of just feeling impact. Bass lovers will enjoy the satisfying fullness, while still appreciating how it doesn’t overpower the overall mix.
The Rex5 takes a slightly more relaxed approach to bass—less punchy, but rounder and more organic. Its low end has a warm, smooth bloom that lends itself well to genres like R&B, soul, jazz, and indie. While not as surgically tight as the Amadeus, it offers a satisfying thump when needed, with gentle roll-off in the sub-bass that prioritizes musicality over raw power. The result is a bass profile that enhances rather than dominates the rest of the frequency spectrum.
Midrange Frequencies
Midrange is a standout in the Amadeus. It presents vocal clarity and instrument realism with a slight forward push that ensures presence in the mix. There’s strong separation between instruments—particularly in dense arrangements—and the tonal balance stays honest. Acoustic guitars have a nice string resonance, and vocalists, whether male or female, feel centered and vivid. What’s especially notable is the Amadeus’ ability to layer different elementswithout losing cohesion—it doesn’t just sound detailed, it sounds purposeful.
The Rex5’s mids are slightly recessed compared to the Amadeus, but they carry richer harmonics and smoother transitions. Instead of pushing vocals forward, it blends them into the overall musical image, giving ensemble-based music a more unified presentation. String sections sound lush, horns have fullness, and complex mixes are handled with an even hand. There’s a velvety smoothness here that audiophiles looking for a more analog-like sound will appreciate.
High Frequencies (Treble)
The treble in the Amadeus walks a fine line between clarity and smoothness. While its upper extension is technically limited compared to the Rex5 (capping around 20kHz), it still conveys airiness and high-frequency nuance. Cymbals sizzle without harshness, female vocals retain presence without sibilance, and brighter instruments—like violins or electric leads—have enough shine to cut through without becoming piercing. Treble here is refined and safe, offering a fatigue-free listen even at higher volumes.
The Rex5 stretches farther into the upper registers and does so with more confidence. Its planar and balanced armature drivers bring excellent articulation and microdetail to the table. Treble extension feels effortless, allowing it to capture tiny reverbs, echoes, and overtones that add realism to tracks. Flutes, high strings, and ambient synths sound especially expressive, with just enough sparkle to keep the sound exciting. Despite the brightness, it avoids harsh peaks or sibilance—treble lovers will be especially satisfied here.
Final Verdict – Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for audiophile-grade true wireless earphones, both the Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus and FoKus Rex5 are top-tier choices. The Amadeus stands out with its longer battery life, solid ANC, and balanced, punchy sound at a more accessible price point. It’s an excellent value for listeners who want dynamic sound and modern features without the premium price.
Meanwhile, the Rex5 earns its place at the top with its five-driver tribrid configuration, natural tonality, and high-frequency refinement that rivals many wired IEMs. It’s a better fit for those who value maximum detail and a rich, full-spectrum audio experience.
Ultimately, your decision comes down to your personal sound preferences and fit. Both models are worth your attention—and your ears.
You can find both the FoKus Amadeus and the FoKus Rex5 at Audio46.
Quick Comparison Chart
Feature | FoKus Amadeus | FoKus Rex5 |
---|---|---|
Price | $320 | $449 |
Driver Type | Single 8.3mm Dynamic | 5-Driver Tribrid (Dynamic + Planar + BA) |
Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 40kHz |
Battery Life (ANC/Off) | 8 / 12 hours | 5 / 7 hours |
Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
Codec Support | LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
Soundstage | Immersive and wide | Focused and front-facing |
Bass | Tight and punchy | Warm and thick |
Treble | Smooth and airy | Bright and detailed |
ANC Performance | Slightly stronger isolation | Effective, but less passive seal |
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