Truthear Nova REVIEW!

Summary

Mark Ryan reviews the Truth Ear Nova, a $150 hybrid IEM with four balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver. While the Nova excels in frequency response, matching the Harman target curve, it falls short in engaging sound quality, with a thin, dry, and somewhat lifeless performance. The build is criticized for feeling cheaper compared to the Hexa, and its larger form factor may be uncomfortable for some. Despite a solid cable and good fit, the Nova's lack of richness in tonality and slightly harsh treble make it less appealing, especially compared to other IEMs in its price range.

Takeaways

• 😀 Truth Ear Nova is a hybrid IEM with four balanced armatures and one dynamic driver, priced at $150, almost double the cost of the Truth Ear Hexa.
• 😀 The build quality of the Nova is seen as a step back compared to the Hexa, with a plastic shell and a design that feels somewhat cheap and 'Gumball'.
• 😀 The form factor is semi-custom with rounded corners, though the size can be a bit bulky for some ears, leading to some comfort issues for those with smaller ears.
• 😀 The cable of the Nova is cloth-based, offering good flexibility and easy rewinding, though the microphonic effect and the shortened ear hooks can cause some discomfort around the ear.
• 😀 The frequency response of the Nova is praised for being close to the Harmon target, a widely accepted reference for balanced sound, but with some minor differences in bass and treble preference.
• 😀 The Nova is criticized for being somewhat dry, thin, and unengaging in terms of its sound profile, offering a lack of richness and energy, especially in the mid-bass and midrange frequencies.
• 😀 The bass is described as too sub-bass focused, which works well for sub-bass-heavy music but feels lacking or out of place in tracks with more kick drums or rock music.
• 😀 The vocal tonality of the Nova is decent, being transparent but at times thin and occasionally shrill, though it's well-controlled with no sharp sibilance or discomfort.
• 😀 Imaging is better on the Nova than the Hexa, providing a more distinct sense of 3D separation between instruments, but it's still not as strong as one might expect at this price point.
• 😀 A direct comparison with the Hexa shows the Nova's tuning to be thinner, forward, and brighter, while the Hexa offers a more relaxed, laid-back, and richer sound, which is preferred by the reviewer.
• 😀 Overall, while the Nova performs technically well and hits a target frequency response, the reviewer finds it unengaging and not something they want to listen to regularly, rating it lower than other models like the Hexa or other similarly priced IEMs.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the review?

The review focuses on the Truth Ear Nova, a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) priced at $150, comparing it with previous models like the Truth Ear Hexa.

What is the price comparison between the Truth Ear Nova and the Hexa?

The Truth Ear Nova costs $150, which is nearly double the price of the Truth Ear Hexa, which costs around $80.

What type of drivers does the Truth Ear Nova use?

The Truth Ear Nova features a hybrid driver setup with four balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver.

How does the build quality of the Truth Ear Nova compare to other Truth Ear models?

The build quality of the Nova is considered a step back compared to the Hexa. The Nova uses a plastic shell that some reviewers find less premium compared to the solid resin build of the Hexa.

What are the aesthetic critiques of the Truth Ear Nova?

The aesthetics of the Nova are seen as somewhat lacking, with the reviewer feeling that it resembles a larger version of the Truth Ear Zero, which had a budget feel. Some find the plastic shell and the design to be cheap-looking.

How does the Truth Ear Nova fit in the ear compared to the Hexa?

The Nova is larger and bulkier than the Hexa, making it a bit more uncomfortable for some users due to its size and nozzle length, though it provides a secure fit once in place.

What are the pros and cons of the Truth Ear Nova's cable?

The cable is made of cloth, offering good flexibility and ease of use. However, the ear hooks are shorter than typical ones, which caused some discomfort for the reviewer by being abrasive against the ear.

How does the frequency response of the Truth Ear Nova compare to the Harmon Target?

The frequency response of the Truth Ear Nova closely matches the Harmon Target, which is designed to be a balanced sound profile favored by most listeners.

What are the sound quality impressions of the Truth Ear Nova?

The sound of the Nova is described as thin, dry, and unengaging, with some listeners finding it lacking in fullness and warmth. The base is focused on sub-bass, which can make certain genres of music sound a bit thin.

How does the Truth Ear Nova compare to other IEMs in its price range?

While the Nova is technically better than some models in its price range, including offering better separation between instruments, its sound is considered less enjoyable for those who prefer a richer or more engaging tonality. It also faces competition from other hybrids like the Tonjim Cara, which offers a fuller bass.