Astell&Kern NOVUS IEM collab with Empire Ears

[Xander9211]

When I demo’d NOVUS at CanJam I don’t think I went over volume 40 with SP3000 on the show floor which was very noisy. 90 + sounds extreme to me to the point of questioning a faulty device, but we all have different libraries and listening volumes.

They weren’t hard to drive by my standards.

I remember that also. I have been at CanJam in NYC this year and tested them. I barely could tolerate 85. 40-60 was comfortable level for listening. What I listened yesterday is completely different in a way of volume. Sound signature and everything else is perfect as it suppose to be. Maybe my SP 3000 is defective, who else will get Novus, please reply with your experience with them. I definitely keep my Novus, now I have to figure out what the problem is…

 

[javahut]

That's interesting to read. I was expecting these to perform closer to the Raven in terms of power consumption. I usually listen to my headphones way louder then I should too.....

I received my Novus yesterday. Volume-wise, it's almost exactly the same as my Raven. I listened last night to a few different albums and styles. Every album/track required virtually the exact same DAP volume level (DX320) as Raven (though the IEMs definitely have some differences in sound characteristics)... and it's nowhere near maximum volume of the DAP... it's way less than even half volume.

 

[phiemon]

I received my Novus yesterday. Volume-wise, it's almost exactly the same as my Raven. I listened last night to a few different albums and styles. Every album/track required virtually the exact same DAP volume level (DX320) as Raven (though the IEMs definitely have some differences in sound characteristics)... and it's nowhere near maximum volume of the DAP... it's way less than even half volume.

A sound comparison between Raven and Novus?

 

[Echo42987]

I received my Novus yesterday. Volume-wise, it's almost exactly the same as my Raven. I listened last night to a few different albums and styles. Every album/track required virtually the exact same DAP volume level (DX320) as Raven (though the IEMs definitely have some differences in sound characteristics)... and it's nowhere near maximum volume of the DAP... it's way less than even half volume.

A sound comparison between Raven and Novus?

lol was just about to ask the same!!!!

Would love to hear impressions between the two. Thanks!

 

[UTVOL06]

When I demo’d NOVUS at CanJam I don’t think I went over volume 40 with SP3000 on the show floor which was very noisy. 90 + sounds extreme to me to the point of questioning a faulty device, but we all have different libraries and listening volumes.

They weren’t hard to drive by my standards.

I agree there seems to be something faulty here. Either the SP3000 or Novus. It just doesn't sound like it's the Novus though. These are sensitive IEMs and should behave similar to the Raven with the exact same Impedance level of 2ohms. Does the SP3000 have different Gain amp levels? My SP3000T doesn't seem to. It has different current levels for the Raytheon tubes in Hybrid mode.

 

[UTVOL06]

lol was just about to ask the same!!!!

Would love to hear impressions between the two. Thanks!

Edit: I didn't see Jovus had one as well. His DAP is working properly. Sorry

I would like to here his take on the sound differences between the Novus and Raven. I was told that the Novus was specifically tuned using the Astell&Kern Ultima SP3000T. The SP3000T has a preset EQ setting specifically for the NOVUS. It also has an EQ setting for the Odyssey and one other collaboration that I can't remember. I'm definitely going to be trying out the "NOVUS" EQ preset. With my Raven IEMs on the SP3000T thr Hybrid mode with the high current setting sounds the best to me as it enlarges the sound stage over the digital only OP mode and still keeps plenty of detail with the added warmth. Kind of the best of both worlds.

Update on NOVUS shipment to MusicTeck: as of Wednesday the 13th the shipment has been sitting at the same FedEx hub in Anchorage, Alaska. It's already had an international shipment release. Whatever that means?

 

[javahut]

A sound comparison between Raven and Novus?

lol was just about to ask the same!!!!

Would love to hear impressions between the two. Thanks!

It's a little to early for me to give a serious sound comparison. I will say while I was setting up to break them in for a day or so, I stuck them in my ears to make sure I had a decent volume for break in. Totally surprised at immediately noticing the sound quality was exceptional straight out of the box, and immediately noticing the "holography" was... I'll say much bigger and wider than Raven. I really didn't expect the difference to be so immediately obvious.

Then listening last night to a few albums, the midrange just seems so "rich" and "exquisite". The detail in room resonances and reverb tails was really noticeable, while not seeming artificially boosted in mids and highs... just silky smooth. And, like I said, I really expected Novus would need more break-in time for the dynamic drivers to start being "listenable" and "tone-ful"... as other EE IEMs have seemed to need. But it sounded stellar right away, and with the stock cable.

The stock cable definitely seems to make Novus sound much better than Raven does with its stock cable. But I prefer silver litz with Raven for the increased sub-lows and midrange clarity. So I'm waiting on a LavriCables Grand that's technically identical to the one I use with Raven before I make any firm opinions of exact differences in sound between Raven and Novus. Should be here tomorrow. So I'll keep listening stock and burning Novus in until then.

But so far, I'm really surprised at how quickly I noticed what appears to me right now to be a more obvious "upgrade" in sound quality and character with Novus compared to Raven. With the reviews I had read, I didn't expect quite this much difference.

YMMV

 

[UTVOL06]

It's a little to early for me to give a serious sound comparison. I will say while I was setting up to break them in for a day or so, I stuck them in my ears to make sure I had a decent volume for break in. Totally surprised at immediately noticing the sound quality was exceptional straight out of the box, and immediately noticing the "holography" was... I'll say much bigger and wider than Raven. I really didn't expect the difference to be so immediately obvious.

Then listening last night to a few albums, the midrange just seems so "rich" and "exquisite". The detail in room resonances and reverb tails was really noticeable, while not seeming artificially boosted in mids and highs... just silky smooth. And, like I said, I really expected Novus would need more break-in time for the dynamic drivers to start being "listenable" and "tone-ful"... as other EE IEMs have seemed to need. But it sounded stellar right away, and with the stock cable.

The stock cable definitely seems to make Novus sound much better than Raven does with its stock cable. But I prefer silver litz with Raven for the increased sub-lows and midrange clarity. So I'm waiting on a LavriCables Grand that's technically identical to the one I use with Raven before I make any firm opinions of exact differences in sound between Raven and Novus. Should be here tomorrow. So I'll keep listening stock and burning Novus in until then.

But so far, I'm really surprised at how quickly I noticed what appears to me right now to be a more obvious "upgrade" in sound quality and character with Novus compared to Raven. With the reviews I had read, I didn't expect quite this much difference.

YMMV

That sounds awesome! I love the way my Raven IEMs sound with the SP3000T DAP. So I can't even imagine how joyful the Novus IEMs will be to listen to.

Thanks for the initial sound quality description! Man I just wish MusicTeck's Astell&Kern Novus shipment would hurry up and fly out of Anchorage Alaska. I'll be lucky if MusicTeck gets the shipment this Friday at this point.

 

[haci]

It's a little to early for me to give a serious sound comparison. I will say while I was setting up to break them in for a day or so, I stuck them in my ears to make sure I had a decent volume for break in. Totally surprised at immediately noticing the sound quality was exceptional straight out of the box, and immediately noticing the "holography" was... I'll say much bigger and wider than Raven. I really didn't expect the difference to be so immediately obvious.

Then listening last night to a few albums, the midrange just seems so "rich" and "exquisite". The detail in room resonances and reverb tails was really noticeable, while not seeming artificially boosted in mids and highs... just silky smooth. And, like I said, I really expected Novus would need more break-in time for the dynamic drivers to start being "listenable" and "tone-ful"... as other EE IEMs have seemed to need. But it sounded stellar right away, and with the stock cable.

The stock cable definitely seems to make Novus sound much better than Raven does with its stock cable. But I prefer silver litz with Raven for the increased sub-lows and midrange clarity. So I'm waiting on a LavriCables Grand that's technically identical to the one I use with Raven before I make any firm opinions of exact differences in sound between Raven and Novus. Should be here tomorrow. So I'll keep listening stock and burning Novus in until then.

But so far, I'm really surprised at how quickly I noticed what appears to me right now to be a more obvious "upgrade" in sound quality and character with Novus compared to Raven. With the reviews I had read, I didn't expect quite this much difference.

YMMV

This might be because of BCDs maybe. So 2 Sonion BCDs > 1 Weapon X BCD?

 

[UTVOL06]

This might be because of BCDs maybe. So 2 Sonion BCDs > 1 Weapon X BCD?

Yeah I'm sure the dual BCDs definitely help increase the soundstage. How is the build quality? Should be great.

 

[javahut]

Yeah I'm sure the dual BCDs definitely help increase the soundstage. How is the build quality? Should be great.

Yeah... the build quality seems robust, as should be expected with an aluminum shell. I've never had any problem with EE's acrylic shells (aside from direct puppy chomping to bits). But Novus definitely feels almost bullet proof when handling and putting ear tips on.

One of the things I like about LavriCables is they have an option for flush mount 2-pin connectors (rather than insert type). This seems to make the 2-pin connection more sturdy, as the connector doesn't stick out from the IEM as far, and it removes the fulcrum point of the connector, making it less prone to having the pins bent while inserted in the socket (which I have had issues with).

Another observation... I know the Raven and Novus shells are relatively similar in size. But in my hand... the Novus  feels smaller and lighter than Raven. Pretty much feels that way in my ears, too. Although, I can notice the hardness and texture of the Novus shell every once in a while if I yawn or stretch my jaw. But it's definitely not bothersome and doesn't keep me from being able to listen for hours.

In fact, I don't know if it's better venting or the more "open" sound, but Novus feels more comfortable in my ear for longer because the internal pressure in my ear canal feels slightly more natural than Raven and other EE IEMs seem to when inserted.

YMMV

 

[UTVOL06]

Yeah... the build quality seems robust, as should be expected with an aluminum shell. I've never had any problem with EE's acrylic shells (aside from direct puppy chomping to bits). But Novus definitely feels almost bullet proof when handling and putting ear tips on.

One of the things I like about LavriCables is they have an option for flush mount 2-pin connectors (rather than insert type). This seems to make the 2-pin connection more sturdy, as the connector doesn't stick out from the IEM as far, and it removes the fulcrum point of the connector, making it less prone to having the pins bent while inserted in the socket (which I have had issues with).

Another observation... I know the Raven and Novus shells are relatively similar in size. But in my hand... the Novus  feels smaller and lighter than Raven. Pretty much feels that way in my ears, too. Although, I can notice the hardness and texture of the Novus shell every once in a while if I yawn or stretch my jaw. But it's definitely not bothersome and doesn't keep me from being able to listen for hours.

In fact, I don't know if it's better venting or the more "open" sound, but Novus feels more comfortable in my ear for longer because the internal pressure in my ear canal feels slightly more natural than Raven and other EE IEMs seem to when inserted.

YMMV

I actually love that these are built like how Astell&Kern is known for with their DAP build quality. My SP3000T is built like a tank. I think it's cool they are using aerospace grade aluminum sourced from Japan too. I kind of wish Empire Ears would start making all their upcoming or future IEMs with an aluminum shell for increased durability. Aluminum isn't too heavy or too expensive or too laborious like carbon fiber. And ofcourse there are different levels of quality with aluminum you could use.

I forgot to ask, how do you like the look of the super durable DLC coating on the shells? I also really like the gold plated end caps and logos. Ugh. I just wish mine was here already. Lol. Thanks!

 

[phiemon]

It's a little to early for me to give a serious sound comparison. I will say while I was setting up to break them in for a day or so, I stuck them in my ears to make sure I had a decent volume for break in. Totally surprised at immediately noticing the sound quality was exceptional straight out of the box, and immediately noticing the "holography" was... I'll say much bigger and wider than Raven. I really didn't expect the difference to be so immediately obvious.

Then listening last night to a few albums, the midrange just seems so "rich" and "exquisite". The detail in room resonances and reverb tails was really noticeable, while not seeming artificially boosted in mids and highs... just silky smooth. And, like I said, I really expected Novus would need more break-in time for the dynamic drivers to start being "listenable" and "tone-ful"... as other EE IEMs have seemed to need. But it sounded stellar right away, and with the stock cable.

The stock cable definitely seems to make Novus sound much better than Raven does with its stock cable. But I prefer silver litz with Raven for the increased sub-lows and midrange clarity. So I'm waiting on a LavriCables Grand that's technically identical to the one I use with Raven before I make any firm opinions of exact differences in sound between Raven and Novus. Should be here tomorrow. So I'll keep listening stock and burning Novus in until then.

But so far, I'm really surprised at how quickly I noticed what appears to me right now to be a more obvious "upgrade" in sound quality and character with Novus compared to Raven. With the reviews I had read, I didn't expect quite this much difference.

YMMV

Thank you for the first impressions.

However, please wait and get back to me with a comparison. In my experience, audio stuffs sound different at the very beginning. It was the same with Raven, guaranteed: I know exactly that he failed my test tracks and why. I was going to sell it immediately but after that it got better and better.

I just can't imagine that EE has given the opportunity to make its flagship, which has just been released, even much better. That wouldn't be a smart strategy at all. Anyway, I am happy to be surprised and I look forward to a later report.

 

[UTVOL06]

Yeah... the build quality seems robust, as should be expected with an aluminum shell. I've never had any problem with EE's acrylic shells (aside from direct puppy chomping to bits). But Novus definitely feels almost bullet proof when handling and putting ear tips on.

One of the things I like about LavriCables is they have an option for flush mount 2-pin connectors (rather than insert type). This seems to make the 2-pin connection more sturdy, as the connector doesn't stick out from the IEM as far, and it removes the fulcrum point of the connector, making it less prone to having the pins bent while inserted in the socket (which I have had issues with).

Another observation... I know the Raven and Novus shells are relatively similar in size. But in my hand... the Novus  feels smaller and lighter than Raven. Pretty much feels that way in my ears, too. Although, I can notice the hardness and texture of the Novus shell every once in a while if I yawn or stretch my jaw. But it's definitely not bothersome and doesn't keep me from being able to listen for hours.

In fact, I don't know if it's better venting or the more "open" sound, but Novus feels more comfortable in my ear for longer because the internal pressure in my ear canal feels slightly more natural than Raven and other EE IEMs seem to when inserted.

YMMV

Hey, would you mind posting some photos of the metal container size and the pouch it comes with for your IEMs. I'm wondering if it will fit both the IEMs attached to the audio cable all together in the pouch maybe? From the online photos it looked like the metal Astell&Kern x Empire Ears container was a good bit larger than most containers that come with IEMs. I'm able to fit my EE Raven IEMs attached to the stock R7 cable in the included leather container. I'm glad the Novus comes with a pouch and possibly a ?larger? container to fit the larger stock cable.

 

[Echo42987]

Thank you for the first impressions.

However, please wait and get back to me with a comparison. In my experience, audio stuffs sound different at the very beginning. It was the same with Raven, guaranteed: I know exactly that he failed my test tracks and why. I was going to sell it immediately but after that it got better and better.

I just can't imagine that EE has given the opportunity to make its flagship, which has just been released, even much better. That wouldn't be a smart strategy at all. Anyway, I am happy to be surprised and I look forward to a later report.

I mean he did start with "it's a little early." Clearly he knows the sound will change overall. But if his opinion is right off the bat he thinks there better, I doubt they'll technically get worse?