Tag Archives: desktop audio

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Noble Audio has spent the last decade quietly earning a serious reputation among audiophiles, not by chasing trends, but by obsessing over sound quality. From handcrafted in-ear monitors to some of the most refined true wireless earphones on the market, Noble has always focused on performance first.

Now the company is turning its attention to something many people overlook entirely: the Bluetooth source itself.

Meet Sceptre, a compact USB-C Bluetooth dongle designed to dramatically improve wireless audio quality from phones, tablets and laptops, without forcing you to replace the headphones you already love.

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio
Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Fixing the Weakest Link in Bluetooth Audio

Most devices today rely on built-in Bluetooth hardware that prioritises power efficiency and compatibility over outright audio quality. Even with excellent headphones, that internal Bluetooth chip can be the bottleneck.

Sceptre sidesteps that problem entirely. By acting as an external high-performance Bluetooth transmitter, it bypasses your device’s internal Bluetooth hardware and unlocks support for advanced codecs such as LDAC and aptX Adaptive. The result is cleaner, more consistent and noticeably more detailed wireless sound.

For anyone who has ever wondered why Bluetooth audio still feels like a compromise, this is a refreshingly direct solution.

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio
Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Serious Hardware in a Tiny Package

At the heart of Sceptre is Qualcomm’s latest QCC5181 chipset, delivering Bluetooth 5.4 with improved efficiency and stability. By handling Bluetooth transmission externally, Sceptre enables advanced codecs including LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC, even on devices that would normally be limited to basic Bluetooth audio.

Paired with Noble’s own true wireless earphones or any high-quality Bluetooth headphones, the improvement is immediately obvious. Music sounds more open, dialogue is clearer and wireless audio finally starts to feel worthy of good headphones.

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio
Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Designed for Real-World Use

Noble has clearly thought about how Sceptre will actually be used day to day. A charge-through USB-C port allows your phone or tablet to charge while you listen, which is ideal for long journeys, desk use or extended gaming sessions.

Support for HFP, A2DP and AVRCP means calls, media playback and controls all work exactly as they should. With a Bluetooth range of up to 20 metres, Sceptre remains stable in typical home and office environments, and it works happily with true wireless earphones, over-ear headphones and even powered Bluetooth speakers.

Initial setup is handled via the Noble app, after which Sceptre can be plugged into any compatible USB-C device and just gets on with the job.

A Small Device That Expands the Noble Ecosystem

What makes Sceptre particularly interesting is what it represents for Noble Audio. This is not just another accessory. It is an expansion into the wider wireless signal chain, improving sound quality at the source rather than only at the headphones.

It also feels very on brand. Instead of forcing users into a closed ecosystem, Noble has created a compact, portable tool that improves wireless audio across a wide range of existing gear.

Pricing and Availability

Sceptre launches on 6 February 2026 with a UK price of £64.99, alongside pricing of $69.99 and €69.99 internationally. It will be available directly from nobleaudio.com and selected retailers worldwide.

For anyone serious about wireless audio, Sceptre is one of those rare products that solves a real problem in a simple, elegant way. Sometimes, better sound is not about new headphones at all, but about fixing what feeds them.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

At CES in Las Vegas, Edifier continued its push beyond traditional desktop audio with the announcement of the M90 Compact Active Speaker. Building on the design thinking behind the M60, the M90 is positioned as a flexible, high-resolution audio solution for desks, bookshelves, and TV setups alike.

The M90 reflects a broader shift in how speakers are expected to perform. Rather than serving a single purpose, it is designed to move comfortably between work, gaming, music, and home entertainment.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Compact design with serious output

Despite its relatively small footprint, the M90 delivers a combined 100 watts RMS of output, split across a bi-amped 2.0 configuration. Each speaker combines a 4-inch long-throw aluminium mid-low driver with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, driven by high-efficiency Class-D amplification.

Measuring just 133 mm wide, 212 mm high, and 225 mm deep per speaker, the M90 is compact enough for desktop use while offering sufficient output to fill a room. This balance of size and power is central to its appeal, especially in multi-use spaces where equipment needs to stay discreet.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

End-to-end high-resolution audio processing

At the core of the M90 is a fully digital signal path supporting 24-bit, 96 kHz high-resolution audio. The system uses an active crossover with dynamic range control to maintain smooth transitions between frequencies and balanced sound reproduction at different listening levels.

Both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications underline Edifier’s focus on fidelity, whether audio is delivered via wired connections or over Bluetooth.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

HDMI eARC and wide connectivity

One of the most notable features of the M90 is the inclusion of HDMI eARC, a connection typically associated with soundbars and AV receivers rather than compact active speakers. This allows the M90 to connect directly to compatible TVs for high-bandwidth audio transmission, simplifying setups and reducing the need for additional hardware.

Alongside HDMI eARC, the M90 offers optical, USB-C, and analogue AUX inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including computers, media players, and turntables. A dedicated subwoofer output is also included for users who want to extend low-frequency performance with an external sub.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Modern Bluetooth and app control

Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 6.0 with support for the LDAC codec, enabling high-resolution audio streaming at up to 990 kbps from compatible Android devices. Bluetooth multipoint is supported and can be enabled through the EDIFIER ConneX mobile app, allowing easy switching between multiple sources.

Physical control is managed via a rear-mounted control knob for power, volume, and source selection, complemented by a 2.4 GHz omnidirectional remote. When connected via HDMI eARC, HDMI CEC allows volume and power control directly from a TV remote.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Customisable sound for different uses

The M90 includes three preset sound modes accessible via the remote, with further sound shaping available through a 9-band EQ in the EDIFIER ConneX app. Users can tailor the sound to suit music, gaming, or TV viewing, and manage inputs, playback, and settings from a single interface.

A clear signal of where active speakers are heading

With the M90, Edifier is clearly positioning compact active speakers as central audio devices rather than accessories. By combining high-resolution processing, HDMI eARC connectivity, modern Bluetooth, and app-based control in a compact form, the M90 points toward a future where a single pair of speakers can handle most everyday listening scenarios without compromise.