While wired audio enjoys a growing revival trend across the consumer tech market, high-end manufacturers continue proving that cable-free listening still holds immense potential for audiophiles. On November 10, two separate audio brands came to market simultaneously with luxury wireless earbuds designed to rival traditional wired setups. The Noble Audio Astrid and the Breggz Zohn 2 offer advanced driver arrays and luxury craftsmanship, though neither option targets budget-conscious consumers.
Key takeaways
- Noble Audio launched the Astrid wireless IEMs for $539 / £499, featuring an 11-hour battery life and active noise cancellation.
- Breggz introduced the Zohn 2 for £549, which includes IMAX Enhanced certification for enhanced mobile movie watching.
- The Noble Astrid utilizes a three-driver setup and Audiodo-powered personalized listening tests.
- The Breggz Zohn 2 packs five drivers per bud and features a repairable charging case with a replaceable battery.
Noble Audio Astrid Specifications
The Noble Audio Astrid is available to purchase immediately for $539 or £499, which equates to approximately AU$1,000. These premium in-ear monitors feature three distinct drivers per bud to cover a broad audio range, consisting of an 8.3-millimeter dynamic driver, a 6-millimeter planar driver, and a balanced armature unit. Noble has also continued its partnership with Audiodo, integrating a personalized listening test and equalizer to let users fine-tune the sound profile specifically to their ears.
Furthermore, the earbuds boast an 11-hour battery life, active noise cancellation, and a textured visual design that mimics petrified palm fronds or natural crystal cracks. Following earlier releases like the Noble Osprey and the Noble FoKus Artemis, the Astrid continues the brand's tradition of combining unique acoustic engineering with striking external aesthetics reminiscent of high-end wired IEM headshells.
Breggz Zohn 2 Design and Features
Meanwhile, Dutch luxury brand Breggz introduced its Zohn 2 model priced at £549, roughly translating to $600 and AU$1,100. While significantly cheaper than the company's $1,750 Zohn-1 that launched in 2024, the new earbuds still sit firmly in the ultra-premium tier. Breggz has quietly abandoned its previous in-ear computer marketing strategy, positioning the Zohn 2 instead for immersive movie watching and home entertainment.
Notably, the earbuds secured IMAX Enhanced certification, making them only the second pair of earbuds to receive the accolade typically reserved for soundbars and AV receivers. They house a robust five-driver configuration per bud featuring a 10-millimeter dynamic driver, a 6-millimeter planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers for maximum acoustic detail.
Hardware Utility and Availability
Hardware specifications differ significantly between the two luxury releases regarding daily utility. The Breggz Zohn 2 intentionally omits active noise cancellation, relying instead on a transparency mode and a design geared toward indoor and home listening rather than outdoor commutes. They offer a 7-hour battery life, which comfortably outlasts the duration of an average five-hour IMAX movie.
In a nod to hardware longevity and sustainability, Breggz confirmed that the Zohn 2 charging case includes a replaceable battery, rendering the expensive earbuds repairable if component failure occurs. UK buyers can purchase the Zohn 2 starting November 17, with a broader international rollout planned through 2027, meaning US and Australian buyers will have to wait longer to get their hands on them.
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