The Truthear NOVA, an amazing looking addition to Team Blue (with the Zero of course). This time it’s a Hybrid In-ear Monitor that integrates 4 Balanced Armature (BA) drivers and 1 Dynamic Driver (DD) to its structure, with a diaphragm crafted from PU and LCP.
This IEM promises a unique sonic experience for just 149$.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll dive into its technical specifications, build quality, fit and comfort, and explore its overall performance *which are awesome!*…
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Driver Configuration: 1DD + 4BA
Diaphragm Material: PU + LCP
THD: THD@1kHz < 1% (94dB)
Sensitivity: 123dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
Impedance: 14.8Ω ± 15% (@1kHz)
FR Range: 8Hz-40kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective FR Range: 20Hz-20kHz (EC60318-4, -3dB)
Cable Material: 4-Strand (448-Core) OCC
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
The box of the Truthear Nova is very beautiful and the presentation even prettier, when you open the box you immediately see the IEMs themselves and a good selection of tips, including two sets of double flange tips, one set of foam tips and three sets of regular silicone tips. Inside you also get a matching color cable (not Balanced, just a regular 3.5 jack), which I didn’t quite like, though it’s very lightweight. You also get a great looking carrying pouch.
Nova’s BUILD QUALITY
The Truthear Nova is crafted from a very smooth and beautiful resin (keep in mind, they are big, so it may not be comfortable for everyone), the Truthear NOVA exhibits a solid construction, very beautiful blue scales pattern, 4 vent holes near the 2pin connector.
The nozzle is 5.8mm in diameter with a notch to help keep the ear tips in place once installed. There are also 3 holes, Three-way crossover and one visible acoustic damper.
Now to the cable, it’s a nice looking and color matching cable, though I don’t like the coating of the cable as it tends to last not as long as PVC, because the strands making the outer coating will start to tear and make a messy and hairy look to it, and those tiny little ear hooks make me quite uncomfortable, but this is down to personal preference…
FIT AND COMFORT
Despite its comfortable looking design, the shell size may be slightly large for smaller ears. The nozzle is quite long and gets deep into the ear.
The cable loops are too small, it can be a little uncomfortable for long listening sessions because they are too snug to the ears (for me of course).
Nova’s SOUND
BASS
The NOVA’s bass showcases a more prominent and focused sub-bass, delivering a rumbly and deep experience. Mid-bass is well-controlled, maintaining a neutral and natural tone without excessive coloration. Not the best for bass enthusiasts, but the NOVA provides a controlled and deep bass, yet still emphasizing neutrality.
MIDRANGE
The midrange of the NOVA is characterized by cleanliness, avoiding excessive fluctuation. Male vocals may appear slightly thin, lacking full-bodied richness. In contrast, female vocals are forward, energetic and smooth. The instruments exhibit natural timbre, concealing any signs of BA-timbre. The mids of the Nova are not too shouty for me but I can see how this can be slightly shouty to some with the 1.3khz little rising. Despite that, the midrange impresses with its lack of added coloration and the lack of muddiness from the midbase, making it very clear. The Truthear Nova is very similar to the Chopin in this regard.
TREBLE
Treble in the NOVA is notably smooth, offering ample sparkle and energy without inducing harshness or fatigue. Upper treble introduces a subtle airiness, maintaining a natural and exciting character. While details might be slightly challenging to perceive due to the smoothness, you can achieve it by getting good isolation using the foam tips, and tips such as the Dunu S&S, this way you may really enhance the overall treble experience, making it very striking and balanced between liveliness and accuracy.
RESOLUTION
Resolution and detail retrieval are commendable, reaching almost perfection with the right tips. Foam tips, particularly those included with the IEM and Dunu S&S, optimize the listening experience, providing a detailed and nuanced sound.
SOUNDSTAGE
The soundstage of the Nova is characterized by an average presentation, not the widest and not too enclosed. I’d say, exactly where it should be in order to not lose treble detail (for my taste of course). The stage is balanced well in terms of height and depth. The tuning achieves an appropriate stage size, contributing to the overall engaging listening experience.
IMAGING
Imaging accuracy is noteworthy, allowing precise tracking and pinpointing of the sound sources. The NOVA excels in providing a spatially accurate representation of the entire landscape and stage room.
SEPARATION
Separation and layering are strong suits of the NOVA. Instruments and vocals are skillfully layered and separated, contributing to a well-defined and immersive listening environment.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Truthear NOVA Hybrid In-ear Monitor offers a distinctive blend of dynamic and balanced armature drivers with a great crossover, resulting in a unique and enjoyable audio experience. While the bass caters to a more controlled and neutral audience, the midrange and treble showcase clean and energetic qualities. The IEM’s technical capabilities, coupled with the right tips, elevate its performance, providing an immersive and detailed sound. With notable build quality (though the cable could be better), the NOVA stands as a noteworthy addition to Truthear’s lineup.
Pros:
• Amazing tuning, especially when you get a good isolation.
• Gorgeous packaging which includes many tips and a beautiful presentation.
• Great build quality.
• Plays amazingly with every genre because of it’s neutral tuning.
Cons:
• Big IEM, can cause issues to some.
• Braided IEM cable, they tend to get “hairy” and lose their beauty pretty fast and the ear loops are too small, making it uncomfortable.
• Lacks on treble with regular silicone tips
• No balanced cable included, just a 3.5 jack
Where to buy:
https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-nova-1dd-4ba-in-ear-headphone
