TruthEar Nova

Truthear has garnered a certain cult following, thanks to a fairly “solid” series of IEMs, albeit all of them in the <USD$100 range. The brand’s latest release, Nova, aim to change the strictly “budget” outlook of the brand. At $150, the Nova are the most expensive product Truthear has released so far.

With higher price comes loftier expectations. Time to see how well the Nova can manage that weight.

Note: this review originally appeared on Audioreviews.

Sources used: Cayin RU7, Questyle CMA Twelve Master
Price, while reviewed: $150. Can be bought from Shenzhenaudio.

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES​

Truthear remains true to its “waifu art” packaging. You can even order an acrylic cutout of the “waifu” during the purchase process. Well, I am not the intended audience for this but I guess there is a demand out there for such “perks”.



The packaging is quite large but there is a lot of wasted space for the sake of a more appealing arrangement of the accessories. I mean, one can easily just bundle the tips in small zip-lock bags, but I digress.



Other than the silicone and foam tips, you also get a PU leather carry case that doesn’t offer a lot of protection but looks cool nonetheless. The stock cable has a visually striking black and blue color scheme, but the length is longer than your standard 1.2m cables, resulting in a more cumbersome experience while walking around.

BUILD QUALITY​

The Nova have similar glossy, slippery, and fingerprint-attracting black shells as the Truthear Zero. Other than the faceplate design, the overall aesthetics have many similarities with the budget model.

This is somewhat perplexing as I assumed Truthear would go for a more premium build or at least a different finish for the resin shell. Nonetheless, “premium” is not a word I can associate with the Nova’s overall build. It’s serviceable, decent even – but not something noteworthy.



There are three different sound-bores, with each of them channeling sound from separate driver arrays. The 2-pin port is, thankfully, recessed and there are 4 vents on the side to alleviate pressure and also allow the dynamic driver to have additional air to move around.

COMFORT, ISOLATION, AND FIT​

Despite the nozzle being on the thicker side, the Nova have very good fit and comfort. Isolation is good with the supplied foam tips, but not class-leading.

SOURCE AND EARTIPS​

At a sensitivity of 108 dB/mW into 15 ohms, the Truthear Nova are fairly easy to drive. Do note that the crossover circuit is prone to impedance mismatch, so a source with low output impedance is recommended. For this review, I used stock tips and cable, and the Cayin RU7 dongle.

DRIVER SETUP​

The Nova utilize a 1DD + 4BA setup, with the DD being in charge of the sub-bass and the mid-bass, while the BA drivers handle the mids and highs. The BA drivers are dual-BAs, so they occupy less space inside the shells. Each driver has a separate acoustic tube/wave-guide attached to channel the sound into the bores.

Finally, there are dampers placed in the nozzle for attenuating resonant frequencies and aberrant peaks. A fairly competent driver setup and kudos to Truthear for nailing down the basics and then some.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES​

The Truthear Nova are Harman-neutral (2019 V2), apart from some subtle deviations. They are perhaps the most “true Harman” IEMs you can get under USD$200, so if you love Harman tuning and religiously abide by it – skip the rest of the review and grab a pair right now.

For those who have their reservations about Harman – there is more to the story than meets the eye.



The tell-tale sub-bass shelf is here to stay, with a sudden rise from about 300Hz downward. Understandably, the upper-mids need to be pushed upward to counter-balance the sub-bass dominance and to ensure that vocals have enough clarity and forwardness.

I strongly believe that a pair of IEMs’ bass response is only as good as the driver allows it to be. With a subpar or under-performing driver, the bass will lack authority, slam, and texture. No amount of EQ shenanigans can compensate for high distortion characteristics. Fortunately, the Nova have a pretty decent dynamic driver for the “woofer”.

Bass has good slam and rumble and doesn’t break up or distort even at higher volumes. Bass texture is lacking, but some of that can be attributed to the mid-bass thinness which is a point of contention about the Harman target itself. Either way, bass is satisfyingly deep and punchy for the most part, and can provide the “macrodynamism” one expects from sudden bass drops, for example.

The lower-mids can come across as “thin” at times, especially if you are accustomed to the sound of certain old speakers, or reference headphones like Sennheiser HD 650. Baritone vocals lack the heft while snare hits can sound anemic, lacking in density.

Upper-mids, meanwhile, take the center stage with female vocals being noticeably more forward than the male vocals. This forwardness can be engaging if there is enough bass in the recording to balance things out. In acoustic tracks with low or no sub-bass , the balance gets skewed towards the upper-midrange instead, resulting in shout and shrillness. if your library rarely consists of such tracks, this should not be an issue. Otherwise, take note.

The treble is quite dark past 7kHz. There is a steep roll-off with not much upper-treble to add air into the mix. Treble can at times exhibit BA timbre, with cymbals and hi-hats lacking the note weight one expects. Due to the lack of airiness, cymbals abruptly stop “ringing” and the decay is unnaturally fast. This also limits the perceived “wideness” of the soundstage, even though the Nova do not sound closed-in.

Imaging is precise, with only ordinal directions being somewhat difficult to pinpoint. Instrument separation is another strong area of the Nova, as even in busy tracks it is easy to figure things out individually.

Microdynamics (subtle shifts in volume) are not so evident on the Truthear Nova, resulting in somewhat of a flat representation of music.

SELECT COMPARISONS​

Truthear Nova vs Simgot EM6L​

Simgot EM6L are noticeably cheaper than the Truthear Nova and come with a less flashy design and arguably worse accessories. Comfort is similar on both, while isolation is slightly better on the Simgot IEMs. Ironically, both these IEMs share the same driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA, though Simgot utilizes a smaller 8mm dynamic driver compared to the 10mm driver on Nova.



As for the sound, EM6L also closely follow the Harman 2019 V2 with a distinct deviation near the mid-bass where Simgot decided to fill up the “suck-out” around 250Hz. This noticeably improves male vocals and the rendition of percussion instruments. Upper treble is slightly more pronounced on the EM6L compared to the Nova (and Harman IE target), resulting in better perceived airiness, albeit the differences are minimal.

Imaging is about similar on both of these IEMs, though EM6L render microdynamics more convincingly.

In the end, I prefer the EM6L overall, not only because it offers similar performance for significantly less, but also because the tuning “fixes” aligns them closer to my preferences.

CONCLUDING REMARKS​

The Truthear Nova are competent IEMs. Tonal preferences aside, there are no glaring flaws in the overall package, be it technicalities or build/accessories. It’s just that the competition is offering the same, if not more, for less. And that’s where things get tricky.

The current IEM market is a race to the bottom: a frenzied hustle to give the customers the “best” for the “least”. Truthear built its reputation based on that very mission statement but competition has not only caught up, rather they’ve turned the whole game on its head by driving prices down further.

So, while the Nova indeed hit their target: a mid-tier Harman-abiding pair of IEMs with decent technicalities, they find themselves late to the party. Unless you are really afraid of mid-bass, there are better options out there. But if it’s Harman you want in its pure, unadulterated form – the Nova will have your back.

Review Of The Truthear Nova​

Introduction​

This is not the first time I've heard an IEM from Truthear. The firm, which only launched last year, has issued renowned IEMs, including the Zero, which was a collaboration endeavor between Trruthear and Crinacle, a well-known audiophile critic. I did not get to hear the truther Zero, but I did evaluate its successor, the Zero:Red Edition, which I truly enjoyed. I was just fortunate to get my hands on their newest product known as the Truthear Nova, but before we get into the review, I'd like to clear a few points.

Disclaimer​

*I am appreciative to my fellow audiophile Pulkit Dreamz for lending me this unit. And just as I've stated in every one of my assessments, this one is no different: every idea I've presented below is wholly original and entirely mine, uninfluenced by anyone else. Click on this "link" to show interest.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Nova.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Nova based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Nove has a multi-driver layout, which contains four balanced armatures and one dynamic driver. The dynamic driver employs a PU suspension and an LCP dome diaphragm, whilst the balanced armatures are specially designed for the IEM, and all of these drivers are linked via a three-way crossover. The shell appears more buffed than any other Truthear IEM, yet the fit and comfort are excellent. The shells are constructed of resin and feature a gorgeous blue faceplate. The included cable looks and feels significantly better than Truthear's previous IEM cords. The cable feels and looks lightweight and expensive, with two pin connections on one end and a 3.5mm terminating straight plug on the other. Other attachments include a variety of eartip shapes and sizes, as well as a carrying pouch. Technical characteristics include an impedance of 14.8 Ohms and a sensitivity of 123dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz.

*** Click to know photo credit (above)***

Sound​

So, when I first heard the Chopin, which felt tonally superior to the Nova, I assumed that the Nova was more technically advanced, which led me to do a side-by-side comparison of the Nova and Chopin, and I realized that the Nova had its own charm in its own way, and I literally prefer both, but I learned the necessary differences so that I can advise who is better suited. So the Nova sounds more neutral and bass linear than the Chopin, but the details and overall mix control are significantly better and tighter with the Nova. With a sharp treble and crisper notes, Chopin sounds more fluid and comfortable in contrast. The midrange voices are more powerful and vibrant, while the instrument is distinct and clear. Overall, I find it thinner and less calming than Chopin. Let's delve deeper into sound for more clarity.

Treble​

The treble is skillfully done, and the notes may become crisp and precise with improved clarity and distinction, making it more attention-grabbing since the subtleties are more spread out and audibly visible even while listening to complicated music with a lot going on. There may not be another IEM in this pricing range that can create such detailed details. The top treble sounds expansive, if not as vast as the Chopin, yet the sharpness hurts you in a nice way. The quality of. The sharp sounds are not painful, however listening to the bright tunes may be an issue for treble haters. In contrast, the lower treble area is quite active and forceful, with a lively and expressive response that is crisper and more precise. The voices and instruments have a more transparent response, which is effectively detailed and captures your attention since the nuances are plainly apparent. Overall, the treble area is presented in a comprehensive, clear, and vivid manner.

Mid Range​

When it comes to the midrange, I feel it is as crisp and detailed as the lower treble and adds a bit more energy to the mix. I also believe that the response is quite intriguing since the notes are different, which leads to greater imaging and layering. True, the Chopin gives a more pleasant, natural response, whilst the Nova produces a more analytical and differentiated response that is purer and crisper. The upper midrange resonates with the lower treble, putting a nice emphasis on the vocals, which are bright, while the instruments complement while remaining as detailed as any note in the mix. Specifically, I find it interesting as the vocal or vocals have a highly enticing response and distinct character that is evident, which I have never experienced with any other IEM in this price range. I was startled to hear the vocals so nuanced, with each syllable including subtleties and texture that fascinated me. However, the voices are not as captivating to my liking as the new EA1000 and HYPE2. The lower midrange notes lack correct note weight, causing the higher frequency notes to seem skinny. The notes are still not particularly clear, but I like a more dense response, and Chopin projects the appropriate amount to fit my preferences. Consequently, the overall response of the mid-range area is clear, crisp, detailed, and clean.

Bass​

In terms of bass, I find it missing in the mid bass zone; it's not that it doesn't allow for presence, but the notes seem fake. To be honest, I loved such a reaction at first, but the sub bass had a more pillowing response that met my needs, so I found the bass to be extremely controlled while still being more detailed and clear. The sub bass region is highlighted, and while I find the slight rumbling in the ear canals agreeable, the punches lack force. The same is true for the mid bass region, which lacks warmth, smashes and thumps.It is audible in tracks with substantial bass, but it is a textured tone rather than the physicality of the sounds that strike you. Rather than providing information about what instruments are being played. Consequently, the entire presentation of the bass area is exceptionally controlled, clear, and textured.

Technical Performance​

Well, I believe that this IEM's technological skill well outweighs the majority of the features you perceive, particularly in terms of detail and imaging. When comparing the Chopin to the Nova, I find that the Chopin has a larger stage, but the Nova is a better value overall. Let's get into further depth.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The stage is more immersive than sounds spacious since the upper frequencies are richer in details that are plainly discernible. The vocals and instruments are clearly separated, with crisp and clear imaging of the sounds. I consider the overall reaction to be more of a holographic presentation since, despite the stage's immersive nature, the 3D response is loud and clear.

Speed & Resolution​

The resolution is considerably superior to any other IEM in this price range, with details that are both expressive and clear, whether macro or micro. The attack and decay of the notes are also highly sensitive and rapid, making them sound clear.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - When Nova was paired with the WM1A, the response became more relaxed, with a more controlled midrange and treble area. Although there was no loss of detail, energy was disseminated significantly more efficiently, making every component of the answer feel more rich and enjoyable to listen to. The stage improved significantly, seeming more large and airy while yet retaining the intriguing intricacies of the mix. The vocals felt more genuine since the notes were richer and fuller. The bass seemed similar, but more rounded and thundering, with less clarity but greater physicality. I particularly enjoyed the combo with the WM1A.

Tempotec V6 - While listening to Nova with the V6, I notice that the sound is quite transparent, the notes are detailed and clearer than before, and the response has become more expressive, particularly in the midrange, where the voices have an upfront presentation. The bass also felt slightly less forceful than previously, and there is a good probability of hearing BA timbre. Although the sound is clear, I find it slightly uncomfortable when listening to mild to bright-sounding tunes.

Musehifi M4 - The M4 and Nova pairing sounded more bass and mid range prominent, with the bass feeling more thump and punchy and the vocals introducing a little sibilance; the energy in the treble felt a little tamed; aside from this, there weren't many differences in the sound response, except that the response felt as detailed as before with a more staggering response. I might prefer this combo over V6.

Tracks​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

In conclusion, if one is really interested in finding a real neutral sound with sub bass boost where the person doesn't care about the note's warmth or weight, then the Nova is a perfect IEM. I mean, it is an IEM that can satisfy you with all the details and clarity with light and lean response from vocals and instruments that becomes more interesting and linear to provide a consistent response, which is actually hard for an IEM that can provide a detailed response and cohesion. Chopin, on the other hand, is more expensive, but this is a musical response rather than a clinical one. So the Nova has my wholehearted endorsement.

The Nova is the latest addition in Truthear’s catalog. A hybrid in-ear monitor consisting of 1DD and 4BA per side with a three way crossover. NOVA uses a 10mm diameter specialized dynamic driver to take charge of the bass and a composite full-frequency dual balanced armature driver which is responsible for mids and part of trebles. It is combined with a custom composite double balanced armature driver that is responsible for the trebles, further improving the bandwidth while matching the sensitivity of the mid-high frequency composite driver.
Nova adopts a polyurethane suspension composite liquid crystal dome diaphragm and dual-cavity internal magnetic circuit dynamic driver of N52 magnet.

The acoustic waveguide structure with filtering function realized by the high-precision DLP-3D printed technology and the RC frequency division makes the five drivers perform well under different corresponding acoustic waveguides.

Tuning concept

The tuning of the NOVA is realized with slightly less bass gain than the HARMAN IE 2019 curve and is close to the high-frequency amplitude response of HARMAN OE 2013 with high HRTF characteristics. The result is a warm, soft, clear and natural sound thanks to the brand-new overall system design of lowering the Q value.

Non Audio stuff

The 3D printed ear-shells are made by HeyGears using their own medical-grade high-transparency resin which is skin friendly. The ear-shells have an anatomical, custom-like design and despite being a little bulky they are lightweight and comfortable just slightly protruding outside the ear if it is of a smaller size.

The Nova is beautiful looking without attracting too much attention, it combines a black colored main body with an attractive blue faceplate that has a wavy pattern as the main design element.

The Nova comes with a 2-pin detachable cable that is made from single crystal copper wires in 4 strands with 112 cores each. The cable has a rather outdated textile sheathing and pre-shaped ear-hooks. It is soft and lightweight but is little noisy, it gets easily tangled and the 3.5mm plug is not interchangeable.

The Truthear Nova comes in a box beautifully decorated with a printed design of the brand's female mascot. The package includes a set of classic silicone ear-tips in three sizes plus short double-flange and long double-flange ear-tips, as well as foam ear-tips with multiple limiters. The bad resonance peak of the high frequencies will move backwards further with the use of the double-flange ear-tips while foam ear-tips with multiple limiters can meet the different needs for depth insertion. Also included are the detachable cable and a carrying case made from soft, synthetic leather.



Audio Stuff

The Truthear Nova (14.8Ω/123dB) is very easy to drive and for the review I have used the Truthear Shio, the iBasso DC03PRO and the Mojo2.

Harman-target fans have plenty of reasons to rejoice with the Truthear Nova as it is tuned closely following the Harman in-ear target curve. This is an affordable earphone specifically tuned for people who like this target curve.

The Nova has a mid-bass focused tuning that works well with a lot of kinds of music but not that well with classical where certain low pitched instruments will sound out of tune, a little unrealistic and too colored. Sub-bass is also well emphasized and extended making the Nova very fun and enjoyable for casual but not that suitable for audiophile critical listening. The bass is big and imposing, dynamic and impactful, this is the kind of low-end that will definitely please gamers and movie watchers. Additionally the bass on the Nova is quite fast and tight but not that well controlled, it isn't muddy or overly dark and despite its dominance it doesn't cloud the mid-range while the dynamic driver can handle high listening volumes without distortion.

The Nova has an upper mid-range emphasis that is followed by a smooth and slightly subdued treble thus making this particular region the star of the show or a living nightmare, depending on how sensitive your hearing is to this area. Lower mids are slightly underwhelming and play a rather supportive role to the dominant upper mid-range, a tuning concept that adds sparkle, clarity and favors female vocals. Resolution is quite good, the mid-range is crystal clear and well defined with a mostly realistic timbre but you can't fail to notice some tuning imbalances, not all instruments sound equally focused.

The treble is smooth and forgiving without lacking in extension and clarity, it is well defined and energetic but not bright or fatiguing. The Nova is resolving and detailed enough but it has some issues with the texture of its treble, the timbre is not devoid of some BA artificiality and roughness. The fundamentals and overtones of higher pitched instruments can sound a little fake, metallic and too thin to be considered as natural and realistic. This is something particularly audible when listening to instruments like the harpsichord or the violin where their upper register fails to sound convincing enough.

The presentation on the Nova is intimate, the soundstage is moderately wide and the listener feels like sitting next to the stage. The Nova will not earn any praises for its depth layering or holography but positioning accuracy is good so you can easily pick all individual instruments in heavily populated passages.

Conclusion

There are so many earphones at this price range that adhere to the Harman in-ear target curve that something has to be really special in order to stand out from the crowd and take the lead. The Truthear Nova ticks a lot of boxes right but they are not enough to make it better than the competition. On the other hand, except for the tuning concept and the rather competitive technicalities, it might also appeal to you because it is comfortable, lightweight, exceptionally well made, beautiful looking and comes with plenty of accessories at an affordable price.

Today we have a look at the Truthear Nova, currently priced at 149.99 USD, but can vary slightly depending on region. It follows the Truthear DNA of having incredible performance for a much lower price than similar offerings, and the Nova sits at a considerable tier above the Zero and Zero:Red which got raving reviews. So, will this garner the same kind of attention? Let’s find out.

To begin, the box is a sleeved cardboard box that comes with a new Truthear waifu, Shiroi, and the entire package is a relatively modest size. Inside the box, there’s a pull tab with a cover that hides the rest of the accessories, IEMs, and ear tips, in a neatly arranged manner.

Truthear has helpfully provided three pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L), two pairs of double flange ear tips, both having different lengths and one pair of foam ear tips. In the accessories box, there is a deviation from the usual carrying case, where instead of a hard shell or a zipper box, it’s got a zipper pouch that is chic and stylish.


Build quality
The build quality of the Nova is similar to the Zero, following a black resin shell with a stylised faceplate, featuring a blue wavey patterned design with some sparkles. The shell itself is emblazoned with the Truthear brand and the L/R markings for the respective sides, and a flushed 0.78mm 2-pin connector. Some can mistake this for the Truthear Zero, as it does look very similar to that, apart from the fabric cable.


Over all build quality is very decent but I’m not going to risk sitting on it as I don’t want shards of resin on my ass.

The cable itself has an aluminium straight 3.5mm plug and an aluminium y-splitter, along with a chin stop that isn’t tight on the cable itself. It’s very pliable and soft, and doesn’t hold any memory at all so it won’t be finicky to deal with, but is a bit more microphonic and can be annoying to some. There are also memory earguides, albeit simple ones that are easy to adjust.



Being a 150USD IEM, it doesn’t come in any balanced termination, so just the venerable 3.5mm is used. This just means that you get to play with cables if you want to go balanced.

Comfort
The Nova’s shell is just slightly larger than the Truthear Zero’s shell, although extremely similar in shape and sizing. It can be on the larger side, so those with smaller ears might find it slightly uncomfortable, but for me, it fits just fine. Tips sit very nicely as well and when worn right, I can wear them easily with no discomfort. The memory earguides are not particularly intrusive and aid with comfort too.



The cable itself is a bit longer and that can be both a good or bad thing for people, as the length can end up snagging on furniture/the environment, but it allows your audio source to be further away.

Sound
The Nova follows a pretty standard hybrid configuration, a 1 DD + 4 BA setup, with a 10mm Dynamic Driver, and two dual BA drivers. To cut to the chase, the Nova features what is a Harman tuning to a tee.

As usual, I have included a graph for you guys who need such visualization. Just note that a graph is really more of a tool for QC and really says jack crap about the overall technicalities and can just hint at the overall tone.
What this means is that the Nova has quite a full bass that is well-balanced with the rest of the frequency range. I found the bass tight and punchy with very good control but wished that it was just a tad bit more dynamic in tone.

However, it does layer nicely with the rest of the frequency range and does not cut into the low mids. As such I never really noticed any midbass bloat but it still does have really good resonance coming from the dynamic driver which is quite unlike bass that is done via Balanced armatures. Overall it is a nice comfortable listen.

The mids are fantastic for the price, however. It reproduces vocals beautifully, and instruments sound cohesive and not unnatural, but that is to be expected with a Harman-tuned IEM. It’s got that slight upper-mid focus and would work beautifully with the ACG genre of music. The midrange timbre is also nice and natural, without too fast decay or feeling too sluggish.

As for the upper frequencies, the treble extends well and isn’t bright enough to cause fatigue when listening. It’s smooth and presents itself well, no sudden peaks and very comfortable to listen to for longer hours.



The soundstage isn’t the widest I’ve heard it’s rather on the intimate side, but doesn’t feel claustrophobic. There’s a good amount of layering and imaging, as individual sources of sound can be picked apart and distinguished easily as such it does depth and positioning quite well.

It’s quintessentially Harman tuning done tastefully, with no real deviations from it, some people tout it as a very versatile tuning, but some others might shun it for being very boring. It all boils down to personal preference, really, and all things considered, it’s a fantastic value buy from Truthear once again.

Of course, all said is meaningless if there aren't some comparisons.

Vs Truthears Hexa
So the previous similar-priced darling in the Truthears setup would be the Hexa and boy were these the favourites a few months back.

The Hexa by comparison has a flatter response and does not have an elevated upper mids at about 3K which makes it duller to listen to. I applauded Truthears for trying something new and making an easy-to-listen IEM albeit lacking in a bit of upper mid-range excitement.

I prefer the Nova by comparison as it is just more natural to me especially with the slight boost in upper mids making it have better perceived clarity. The Nova just sounds more lively.



Vs Simgot EA1000 Fermat
So the Simgot is the standout in the second-hand half of 2023. It uses a single DD + Passive Radiator that allows for a very cohesive sound with tasteful resonance.

It is, however, a little pricier than the Nova and it shows better levels of detail, technicalities, cohesiveness and a unique tonal colour.

But the Nova puts up a good fight with how it renders with 4 BA + 1 DD which has a traditional hybrid tonal colour. Which sort of tone is really up to your preference?

Vs Tanchjim Kara
I haven’t talked about the Kara in a while so I guess I’ll just talk about them when comparing to the Nova. The Kara is warm and rather round sounding. That is to say that it has a rather polite treble with thick mids and bass.

Technically the Nova is quite a bit ahead when you talk about technicalities with better details and positioning. Also, there will be more genres that will suit the Nova over the Kara.

General/Packaging/Build/Comfort
Truthear is a brand that needs no introduction i believe, they have been releasing some hits, namely the Hexa, as well as the Shio dongle dac amp which is widely received even till today. Today I have the Nova, which is considered as a successor to Hexa. Nova comes in a 1+4BA configuration whereas the predecessor is a 1+3BA. The packaging is quite premium looking and it's printed with the usual “waifu”on front. Three types of eartips are included, foam, dual flange as well as the usual silicone, a fabric braided cable in blue mixed with black colour, as well as a storage pouch, certainly not lacking in terms of accessories. Build quality is quite solid, the shell is 3D printed and the faceplate is certainly pretty. In terms of comfort, I have no issue with the fit, except the nozzle might be a little big for some.



Gears used for this review

• Earmen Tradutto -> Earmen CH-Amp
• Earmen Colibri
• Hiby R6 2020
• Nova Stock cable with Divinus Velvet eartips

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression
The first thing that I noticed upon listening to Nova, the bass in terms of quantity and quality are major improvements over the Hexa. Nova is tuned in accordance with the harman 2019 target with a slight emphasis on the bass. Timbre wise, a minor BA timbre is to be expected

Bass

• Bass has good texture and control, has very good speed
• Nova handled Metallica’s Lux Aeterna without sounding bloated
• Bass doesn’t bleed into the mids
• Sub bass does have some rumble when the track calls for it, it doesn’t go really deep but it is good enough for EDM enjoyment, tested this listening to Ping Pong by Armin

Mids

• The mids are not overly recessed which i’m quite surprised because Nova is tuned following the harman’s target
• Male’s vocal sounded full and had a good texture to it, and it doesn’t sound thin at all
• Female vocal has got good body to it as well
• Lower to upper mid range are very lush and enjoyable, even at high volume, it doesn’t get harsh and shouty at all

Treble

• Treble is smooth and not fatiguing, energetic enough but not excessive to the point where its harsh
• Extension is very good and it has good amount of air,
• Detail retrieval is good, higher expectation is just nitpicking in my opinion

Soundstage/Imaging

• Good sense of width and height, depth as well, it doesn’t sound boxy and very open sounding to my ears
• Imaging is quite good, instruments can be pinpointed easily, on tracks like Why So Serious, the instruments playing from left to right and even during the rapid transition, instruments still can be picked up easily

Driveability

• Nova is not hard to drive, but it does scales with power as with most dynamic drivers
• Amping it does exhibit slightly better bass control in terms of tightness and a little bit of refinement on the top end
• However it does scale with source, in terms of how the dac/amp affect it in terms of colorization of the sound

Comparison(Gizaudio x Binary Audio’s Chopin)

• Chopin is also following the harman target
• Sub bass does rumble harder than the Nova, mid bass on both are rather close in terms of performance
• The mids on Nova has thicker note weight compared to Chopin, not necessarily a bad thing but more of a preference, some preferred a cleaner mids while some preferred a slightly thicker mids, i for one certain find the Chopin is too lean sounding on the mids and i definitely prefer the mids of Nova
• Treble is slightly more energetic on the Chopin while Nova has tamer treble
• Technicalities on the Chopin is slightly lacking compared to Nova

Final Thoughts
Having listened to the Nova for several weeks now, it’s safe to say Nova is definitely a major step up from the Hexa and also a worthy competitor within the price range. I believe truthear definitely took the reviews/feedback seriously and released the Nova to address the shortcomings of Hexa, namely bass quantity and safe tuning based on my listening experience back then. Do I recommend Nova? Certainly and without any hesitation.

If you are interested in grabbing a pair, head over to the following links in getting one (Non affiliated):

Truthear Nova - Non affiliated

*Received the review sample from Shenzhen Audio, however, i am in no way influenced by them in producing this review, all thoughts are of my own, big thanks to them for the support as always

Disclaimer

• Huge thanks to SHENZHENAUDIO for providing the opportunity for me to review the Truthear Nova. I really do appreciate it. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced in any way.
• Please take this review with only a grain of salt, as everyone's hearing, fit, and gears may differ, so our experience may be different.

Price(MSRP)

• $149.99

Source(s)

• Truthear Shio
• FiiO KA13
• Jcally JM6

Ear tips

• Dunu S&S

Packaging

• IEM.
• Semi soft pouch.
  • Able to protect IEMs to a certain degree and feels decently soft as well
• 3 pairs of generic silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
• 1 pair of foam tips
• 2 pairs of double flange silicone ear tips (S, L)
• 4-Strand (448-Core) OCC
  • Tangles easily, microphonic, and comes with a shorter than average ear hook.
  • Only good thing is that it looks decent with the Nova, and it is light & comfortable.

Build Quality

• Very smooth and solid yet lightweight resin build.

Fit and Comfort

• Nozzle is slightly longer than average, but relatively thinner compared to previous Truthear models.
• Decently comfortable but the shell size can be a bit large for smaller ears, and it gets quite stuffy even though it has vents, so I can't wear for too long.
• However, I would say that it fits very snuggly in my ears and have very good isolation.

Tonality

• Harman 2019

Bass

• Sub bass is more prominent and focused compared to the mid bass.
• Sub bass is quite rumbly, and has good depth to it.
• Mid bass lacks body and thump, sounding quite hollow and thin.
• Sub bass quantity is enough but mid bass quantity is lacking and scooped out.
• Overall, the bass is ... a little unengaging, limp, and lacks impact. However, it is very well controlled. Definitely not for bass heads.

Midrange

• Midrange is very clean with a hint of warmth so it is not too recessed.
• Male vocals sound slightly thin, lacking a little bit of body and lushness.
• Female vocals sound very forward and energetic, they also sound really smooth as well. Not too shouty for me but I can see how this can be slightly shouty to some, considering that it has less lower end to balance it out.
• Instruments and timbre is quite natural considering that this is a hybrid IEM, almost no sign of BA timbre can be heard.
• Note weight and density is on the thin side.

Treble

• Treble is very smooth, with enough sparkle and energy to make everything lively and exciting but never too harsh or sharp fatiguing for me.
• There is some air in the upper treble but it is not an excessive amount to make everything unnatural and overdone, it is just an adequate amount to make it sound slightly airy and open while keeping it natural.
• Details can be slightly harder to perceive due to how smooth the overall treble is.

Technicalities

Resolution

• Resolution and detail retrieval is decent, but it isn't anything outstanding like the planar IEMs in this price range.
• Slightly improvement in terms of resolution compared to its little brother, the Hexa, which was fantastic for its price, but then this is why I find it a little harder to justify for Nova's resolution for almost double the price.

Soundstage

• Staging is slightly narrow and closed in but decent in terms of height and depth.

Imaging

• Imaging and accuracy is decent, I can track and pinpoint where the sound is coming from most of the time.

Separation

• Separation and layering is good. Instruments and vocals is well layered and separated among each other.

Comparison

Truthear Nova vs Gizaudio × Binary Chopin

• Accessories:
  • Chopin offers only 3 pairs of generic ear tips with different sizes while the Nova offers up to 2 more types (2 pairs of double flange & 1 pair of memory foam).
  • Furthermore, Nova provides a much better and more practical carrying case compared to Chopin's cheap and flimsy hard carrying case.
  • As for the cable, Chopin's cable is much more usable in my opinion but it isn't that much of an upgrade in value overall.
  • However, Chopin's packaging did include 2 cloth covers to protect the IEM and a small cleaning brush.
• Bass:
  • No competition at all in my opinion. Chopin wins easily.
  • Chopin just has a MUCH better slam, impact and body.
  • Nova's only advantage is a less noticeable bass tuck, which provides a smoother and more natural transition into the lower midrange.
• Midrange:
  • Both performs quite similarly.
  • Nova's lower midrange sounds a little bit more natural due to the smoother transition from the bass.
  • However, Chopin has that extra meat and body from the mid bass, so it doesn't sound as thin to my ears but still lacking lushness overall.
  • As for upper midrange, both have the same forward and energetic presentation but Nova sounds noticeable smoother here.
• Treble:
  • Chopin's lower and mid treble is less smooth compared to Nova but it has a touch more energy and sparkle in them.
  • Both have similar performance in terms of airiness and upper treble extension.
• Technicalities:
  • Chopin has the upper hand in terms of every aspect of technicalities which includes, separation, staging, imaging and resolution.
  • The difference in technicalities is actually quite noticeable to my ears.

• Overall, I would have very much preferred the Chopin as I find the Nova to be lackluster in the bass and technical department, as the difference is actually quite significant to my ears. Furthermore, the Chopin fits a lot more comfortable in my ears. However, the Nova can still be considered if bass and technical performances isn't as important to you, and if you're on a tighter budget.

Conclusion

• As a conclusion, I think the Truthear Nova have a really solid midrange and treble performance which is really smooth, engaging yet inoffensive.
• However, I don't think that this is enough to compete in this price bracket ... especially when a banger such as the Chopin which follows a similar signature just got released around the same time.
• The other reason I find the Nova a little hard to compete is the existence of Truthear's own IEM: the Hexa.
  • I won't comment too much on the signature since everyone's preference is different.
  • The Nova definitely improved on several aspects such as the bass performance and technicalities, and its also a lot easier to listen with significantly less metallic timbre.
    • However, I don't find the improvements to justify the price tag that almost doubles the Hexa.
• In my opinion, the Truthear Nova would be a much easier recommendation if it is priced around $120 or lower.
  • But if you're on a really tight budget but want a midrange and treble presentation that is smoother and similar to the Chopin that comes with good accessories, and if you're okay with sacrificing bass performance, then I think the Nova is a good choice.

　



Thanks for reading!

Introduction :-

Today I will be reviewing the Truthear Nova. Truthear whose all the new iems have been very popular like the Hola, Zero. Zero X Red ( a collab with Crinacle) and the Hexa. This is their first IEM from Truthear above the $100 price point and also my first time reviewing a Truthear iem so I am really excited.

I have also shared a video version of the review at YouTube any support there in form of a view, A like or A subscribe is greatly appreciated. But if you so wish to read the written version you can read this.



Before I start the review I would like to say a big thanks to ShenzhenAudio for sending me this review unit. Shenzhen Audio could be your one stop hub for most of the desktop amps, dacs and any iems of your choice. Also if you want to buy this Truthear product or any other Truthear product Shenzhen Audio is the exclusive retailer. I have shared an unaffiliated link below.

Check out the Nova here :- Truthear Nova


All the thoughts and opinions you are about to read are my own and Shenzhen Audio has had no input for this review, nor are they having a copy of approval for this review.

I will be as usual following my bullet style format for better readability for those who are dyslexic and in general find it hard to read long paragraphs. I follow this guide in general from the British Dyslexia Association.

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Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories :-



- The packaging is really good!

- The amount of eartips provided is quite good and very good to get anyone started.

- I quite like the case/pouch , although I was bit skeptical about them. But I have grown to like them. If the pouch was a bit large it would have been nice then I could have fit my dac and carry it properly for everyday use.

- Although I wouldn't say that the pouch will protect your iem that much unlike a hard shell case.

- I think so Truthear should try to sell the case separately I think some people might like it for carrying their iems around.

- The cable is really good! I love the cloth cable and it is longer than average iem cables. I actually roughly measured the cable and the length came to be around 145cm or around 1.45m from the jack to the iem.

- The cloth cable also could be a negative on the long run as I would think if not taken care of they might catch dirt quite easily.

- To be honest the cable is quite good and its own could easily cost $20-30

- The cable isn’t modular although some might say this might be too much to ask but I expect a modular cable at this price point as the Letshouer S12 pro offers one at this price point or even at a cheaper price when it is on sale. Many people have different sources would have been helpful for them. This could be seen as a nitpick but I still thought of mentioning it.

- There are two types of double flange tips, a normal set of tips and a foam tips.

- There is no driver flex as they have ample amount of vent holes

- They are quite easy to power and worked well with my smartphone although a bit more power does help them a bit in overall sound.

- The overall shell of the IEM is larger than average in my opinion. People with smaller than average ears might have some issues

- The nozzle is also quite larger than average and people with small ear might have some fit issues. I personally was fine with it.

- The Nova has 1 DD/4 BA driver configuration here with a 10 mm liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) diaphragm dynamic driver with a polyurethane (PU) suspension and N52 magnets handling the bass. If I am not wrong it is the same driver in the Zero, Zero Red and Hexa. There are 2 Custom BA which handles the mids and another Custom BA for the high frequencies

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Sound Signature :-


- I am using the stock black tips for the sound impressions

- The overall sound signature of the nova follows the Harman 2019v2 target but with a slight emphasis on the bass.

- Now for some this might turn off as many don’t like the Harman target because of it shouty upper mids and find the bass to be much. I personally do agree on the shouty upper mids part as it can sometimes be a bit too spicy even for me, I am someone who listens to lot of female vocals and even i have had some issues with it.

- And if you are someone who loves the Harman target then rejoice! This will be a fantastic iem for you.

- There is a slight BA timbre I have found. Although nothing so apparent to hinder my overall experience


Bass -

- I would say the bass is really punchy and has the dynamicness I yearn for.

- The sub bass is more dominant over the mid-bass and it is something I prefer personally

- Although that doesn’t mean that the mid-bass is bad neither does it muddy up when listening to songs. There is slight bass tuck here which can sound a bit off in songs like “Galactic Funk” or “Asayake” by Casiopea where in lot of instruments are playing and you don’t get that same tactile feeling of the instruments.

- a tad bit more mid bass would have been nice, again a nitpick.

- Although it fails my Hollow (16 bit remix) bass test. That is it doesn’t give the skull rumbling bass at around the 23 seconds mark of this song. You can see this as a nitpick as this is quite hard to pull off at this price range. But I still thought of mentioning it.

- For other songs the overall bass presentation was good and was really over enjoyable. And the bass is very clean


Midrange -

- Well this iem shines when it comes to ACG Music. ACG means Anime, Comics and Games music. This generally means song with female vocals and pop song.

- If your playlist contains of Idol songs, ACG music, j-pop and k-pop and you are in the market for a new iem at this price range you can stop reading this review and buy this now!

- The female vocals here are fantastic here again listening to my test tracks of female vocals it sounded so good that I was repeating my favourite songs.

- But this fantastic female vocals does come at a cost where in some people might find this region to be too shouty or piercy and find it unbearable which is something akin to the harman target which I spoke about before.

- Male vocals are quite OK nothing to write home about as they quite decent over here. Male vocals does lack specially when listening to someone like Bill Withers or Leonard Cohen and the depthness of their voice doesn’t come across that well. I would again say this is something of a nitpick as following the harman target does generally does have this outcome. But still mentioning it


Treble -

- The treble is really good for the price point and if I dare, I could say that it punches well above its price point.

- The treble also has a decent extension too, although I personally would have loved a bit more here.

- The overall treble is very smooth and enjoying.

- For some the treble could be a bit shouty at higher volumes.



Technicalities -

There is good separation between the instruments. And the overall the technicalities is really good for the price. If I dare say they do punch above the price point in terms of technicalities.

Soundstage -

It has good soundstage for this price point. The soundstage is quite deep and has a good width too.


Imaging -

The imagine is really good! Punches well above the price point. This excellent imaging does help a lot when watching media and also for gaming.


Gaming test -

- These are really good for gaming! The excellent imaging and the good soundstage works well in its favours.

- I had a good idea of the footsteps and also enemies when playing FPS games.

- While playing other games I was very aware of my surroundings and the spatial awareness was very good with these.

- The shouty upper mids could cause some issues when there is a lot of things happening in the game and it might become a bit too much for some.

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Recommendations :-


- Do I recommend this IEM? Well if you want a good overall iem, this is the iem to go for. It does overall nothing too fantastic (Except the Female Vocals) but it doesnt do anything very bad either.

- This might irk many, but i think an IEM which does everything well while not being bad at anything is very good. Its specially very good for beginners too. If you listen to a lot of ACG music or J-pop or K-pop or idol songs. Just buy it! This is fantastic at that.

- As usual it does everything really well and it punches way above its price point in some aspects. The overall sound for me is very clean. These are also quite good for general media consumption like movies, tv shows.

- Again do keep some of the negatives in mind like the iem being shouty or piercy at higher volumes, this could cause some issues for you if you are sensitive to that. Also the shells and nozzle are a bit big and could cause some problems for people with smaller ears.

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If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and also if you have any issues regarding this format of review please do comment I will try to mend it. Also sorry to those who are used to reading long paragraphs of review in headfi. I hope my review was upto the mark, I appreciate any feedback.

Again a big thanks to Shenzhen Audio for making this review possible.

Have a great day ahead

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-nova-1dd-4ba-in-ear-headphone

SPECIFICATIONS
Sensitivity: 123dB/Vrms @1kHz
THD: THD≤1% @1kHz (94dB)
Frequency response: 8-40kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective frequency response: 20-20kHz (IEC603184,-3dB)
Diaphragm of Dynamic driver: PU suspension+LCP dome composite diaphragm

Looking at the package for the Nova you see the well-done Anime graphics used a lot in IEM packaging these days. It is tastefully done and there is good documentation on the box as well. Inside the Box is two sets of dual-flanged ear white and black silicon tips in the box, a pair of foam tips, and a small, medium, and large smoke color silicon. Also included is a unique pouch/ case and a robust cloth blue and black cable with a 3.5mm termination and two pin 0.78 connectors.


The shell of the Nova is smooth and rounded, similar to the Zero but a more ergonomic and thicker size design. The nozzle has a good length and I found it very comfortable with excellent isolation. The 3D printed shell is solid and it feels very well built and looks fantastic.

Sound Impressions.
The Bass on the Nova is amazing, very good depth, well textured, and lots of rumble in the Sub-Bass. Surprisingly the Driver handles itself well, there is only minimal bleed due to the Bass having a well-controlled punch. Bass in general is warm and rich, it also has good speed and details. Mid-Bass presents with good distinguishable impact, natural detail, and excellent speed as well.
The Mids on the Truthear Nova are complex.
The Lower Mids are tonally warm with a smoother detail but are very pleasant and have decent tone weight to them. There is a mild recession as with all V-shaped tuning, but vocals are forward. However, the upper Mids can be more emphasized at times, and tend to be more forward. There is good separation between the instruments with a little more detail and above average technicities.
The Treble is neutral it has a decent extension but is more smoothed in its details and instruments sound the way they are supposed to, It's a realistic portrayal. The treble is refreshing and pleasant.

The Soundstage isn't overly wide but is a little above average. Where the Nova shines is a well-placed and accurate portrayal of the surroundings. It can handle busy recordings without falling apart.

Afterthoughts:
The Nova from Truthear is a very enjoyable Harman tuning with an extra side of Bass, it's a well-tuned and enjoyable IEM with both fun smooth qualities and technical ability. This is proof Truthear is improving, and I think many will love this unit.




Equipment used
ifi Gryphon , Questyle M15, Tempotec V6, Periodic Neon and Hidizs XO, AP80 and S9 pro.

Many thanks to Shenzhen Audio for sending me the Truthear Nova in for review.
My opinions are my own as always.