Truthear Nova - The Stellar Symphony Of Sound

November 15, 2023
- Reviews

📝 Disclaimer

You should know that this is a review unit. HiFiGo hooked me up with the Truthear Nova for an honest assessment of it. Thank you, HiFiGo.

Now, let's get one thing straight – this might be a review unit, but my opinion cannot and will not be bought. My allegiance lies with you, the reader, and my only promise is to deliver an unvarnished, unapologetic take on the Truthear Nova. I've got no hidden agendas, no backdoor deals. Just the raw, unfiltered truth about what you can expect from these IEMs.

⚡ TL;DR: Your 30-Second Review

The Truthear Nova swings for the fences, boasting a bass that's like a velvet sledgehammer - potent yet tasteful, a refreshing change for those tired of bass that drowns out soul. Midrange performance follows suit with a clarity that speaks volumes, versatile enough to handle an eclectic mix with finesse. Treble, meanwhile, is like a double-edged sword, brilliantly detailed but sometimes a little too sharp for comfort.

For gear junkies, the included cable is a nod of respect, a quality addition that shows attention to detail. All of the eartip options included in the package make for a great neat little package.

Intro

In the world of IEMs, Truthear is the name that keeps the community buzzing, dishing out hits one after the other. With a lineup that’s read like a who’s who of audio excellence, their latest, the Nova, steps into the spotlight with some pretty hefty expectations. Will it be another chart-topper or just a one-hit wonder?

The Zero started the journey, the Hexa added flair, the Hola brought the party, and the Zero Red cemented the legacy. Now, the Nova is here, poised at the edge of greatness, carrying the weight of its forebears’ success on its slender shoulders. It’s not just about living up to the hype; it’s about surpassing it, about writing a new chapter in the Truthear saga that’s as bold and brilliant as the ones that preceded it.

🔥 Hype Check: What Are People Saying?

The Nova has kept a surprisingly low profile considering the brand that created it. It seems to organically be creating waves online though, with bass that's as deep as a late-night heart-to-heart, treble that's as exposing as a wardrobe malfunction, and vocals smoother than a politician's promises. The cable is turning heads too, matching the IEM's style like a tailored suit.

But every rose has its thorn, and the Nova’s is a treble that can sometimes be as piercing as a sarcastic comeback. There’s also been some talk about that build that’s as original as a Hollywood reboot. We get it Truthear; you like the 3d printed resin approach. Could be a good time to surprise us with your next IEM’s build.

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Deep, potent bass that doesn't overwhelm
Treble delivers revealing, intricate details
Midrange is well-defined and versatile
Punches above its weight in a lot of ways
Cable is both functional and stylish
Generous accessories package adds to the experience

👎 Cons

Treble can get too sharp, risking ear fatigue
Build feels too familiar compared to cheaper siblings
Bass might not satisfy the most demanding bass enthusiasts

Package & Accessories

Soft but protective case
3 Pairs of silicone eartips in small, medium, and large
1 pair of foam tips for isolation
2 pairs of double flange eartips in small and large
4-Strand black and blue cable.

In the world of IEM accessories, Truthear is like the generous uncle who always brings the best gifts. Their Nova package is no different, boasting an array of ear tips and a semi-soft pouch that adds a touch of class. It’s this level of generosity, previously seen even in their entry-level Hola, that sets Truthear apart. The array of tips is a buffet of auditory comfort, ensuring a perfect fit for any ear, any day.

The cable, with its sleek black and blue design, seems tailor-made for the Nova, enhancing both function and fashion. The ear tips selection, while extensive, gives a sense of déjà vu, mirroring those of the Moondrop Variations. It’s a subtle nod to the industry’s trend of shared resources, but one that might leave some craving a bit more originality. But me? Hey, I’m happy, the eatips of the Moondrop Variations are some of my favorites ever.

Comfort & Fit

The Nova, with its lengthier but thinner nozzle, deviates from Truthear’s usual path, offering a fit that feels more bespoke than off-the-rack. This design choice pays off in spades, providing excellent isolation without sacrificing comfort. It’s like finding that perfect pillow - it just makes everything better.

On the flip side, Truthear’s design inspiration for the Nova might raise some eyebrows. Its silhouette echoes the Moondrop Variations so closely, it’s almost a game of spot the difference. Despite this, the Nova stands out in its build materials. While some might see this as creative borrowing, as someone who finds the Variations to be a snug haven, the Nova’s similarity is a welcome feature.

Lows / Bass

Truthear Nova’s bass is like a surprise party – punchy, dynamic, and hits you when you least expect it. It’s got more focus on the sub-bass, making it the cool, mysterious type rather than the loud, in-your-face mid-bass clown. This means while the basslines throb with the subtlety of a cat burglar, they don’t muddy the waters, even when the track’s busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.

But hey, let’s nitpick – because why not? The mid-bass could use a bit more oomph. It’s like expecting a firework and getting a sparkler. Not bad, but could be better. In situations where the mid-bass is extremely present in the mix, this baby falls just a tiny bit short. The Nova tries, bless its heart, but can’t quite deliver that brain-melting bass. It’s like expecting a monster truck rally and getting a go-kart race – fun, but missing that jaw-drop factor.

Still, for most tracks, the Nova’s bass is like that reliable friend who always brings good beer – clean, enjoyable, and doesn’t make a mess. It’s a refined kind of low-end that says, ‘I’m here to party, but I won’t puke on your couch.’ A bit more mid-bass would’ve been the cherry on top, but hey, at this price, it’s like complaining your gold bars are too heavy.

Mids / Vocals

Diving into the mids of the Nova, you’ll find that it treats female vocals like royalty. They’re front and center, shining so bright you might need sunglasses. This IEM makes female voices sparkle with a clarity that’s almost illegal.”

However, this vocal nirvana has its price. The higher registers can get as shouty as a drill sergeant on a bad day. For some, it’s an acoustic delight; for others, it’s like listening to a symphony of car alarms. It’s a polarizing affair, so brace yourself.

As for the male vocals, they’re acceptable but unremarkable for this sonic beast. They do their job, no frills attached. Don’t expect the depth and soul of a smoky jazz club; it’s more like pleasant background music at a café. Good, but not ‘write home to mom’ good.

Highs / Treble

In the world of treble, the Nova is like finding a gourmet meal at a Wendy’s – surprisingly refined for the price. It’s got that ‘wow’ factor, like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. Sure, a bit more treble extension wouldn’t hurt, kind of like wishing for an extra episode at the end of your favorite series.

The treble’s smoothness is like butter on warm toast – just right. But turn up the volume, and it might get a bit too enthusiastic, like a cheerleader with a megaphone. It’s all fun and games until it’s not.

Now, let’s talk technical prowess. The Nova separates instruments like a pro chef does ingredients – with precision and flair. The soundstage is spacious, giving each note room to breathe. As for imaging, it’s like having a GPS for sound – precise and reliable, turning gaming and movie-watching into a delight.

Conclusion

In the constellation of IEM offerings, the Truthear Nova shines bright figuratively and literally, especially when you consider its price-to-performance ratio. It’s like uncovering a rare vinyl in a stack of records – a delightful find. The Nova brings to the table a robust bass, vocals that shine (particularly the female ones), and a treble that’s as refined as a vintage wine.

For those who have been tracking Truthear’s moves, the Nova is another feather in their cap. It’s a clear indicator that Truthear is serious about delivering quality without the exorbitant price tag. If you’re in sync with what Truthear is up to, the Nova isn’t just a wise choice; it’s almost mandatory. It’s an IEM that says ‘top-notch sound’ and ‘smart investment’ in the same breath.

I’m not going to talk about endgames here because that’s just one big lie us audiophiles tell ourselves. The journey never ends, but isn’t that the whole point? Well, for me it is at least. And hey, if you feel similarly, I think adding the Truthear Nova to your repertoire would be a good move to make.