Budget Goodness: Truthear Nova & Fiio K11 Review

[@rage0exe]

I rock the blue zeros with the f11, way better than my asus mobo’s audio chip

[@Kodiak1311]

Finna do the same only because the 9$ dongle i got for them was already such a drastic change lmao

[@Doggie64]

Thanks for keeping us updated on the budget iems and amd/dac combo units. ❤ woof.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Ily

[@Gussmanisk]

I love that you review the gaming aspects of a dac/amp and headphones/inears. I’m dead set on on the ifi zen v2 and Sennheiser 560s. Thanks!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Good combo!

[@horizonchien4948]

Mr.Fresh,which dac/amp in apex is better the if zen v2 or the fiio k11

[@nez5732]

truthear with another W, though that cable looks trash imo, the k11 is absolutely beautiful for its price, great video as always, would love to see you review the gizaudio x binary chopin iem (200 usd), cheers!

[@hankhill5409]

I own the Novas. I didnt like them very much tbh until I put some Azla Xelastic tips on them. They make the top end sparkle and the bass absolutely thumps. They are my daily drivers now and I wouldnt give them up for anything.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

That’s huge!

[@dazquez]

For the NOVA with the foam tips, I recommend pushing the IEM as deep as possible in you ear 😳 this has helped a lot with imaging.

[@shopzGG]

Great video! Thank you for trying out this combo and giving your true thoughts as well as the comparison to the nova iem

[@FreshReviewsYT]

❤️

[@shopzGG]

What gain level did you enjoy the most on the crin zero with the k11 for gaming the low, med, or high?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@shopzGG I was on medium on the k11 for the testing !

[@SamuraiBeavs]

W lets gooooo. lookin forward to the budget DAC vid - still lookin at picking up a topping dx3 pro or the moondrop moonriver

[@Kevin-sh1sx]

Why？🤣

[@aston2269]

W video! Gotta review the Simgot EA1000 Fermat heard good things about those

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Coming!

[@viethoang1204]

@@FreshReviewsYTcant wait

[@KaibillKaan]

Great review! was hoping these would be better than the zeros, oh well. BTW, when is Truthears reaching out to you for a gaming iem collab (FreshEars)?!! lol

[@FreshReviewsYT]

One day!!

[@sourra3776]

thank you for another great video, you are the reason I got the hd560s for gaming, pretty satisfied. have you seen the Kinera Wyvern? maybe a budget WH certified contender? costs like $25~, it's sold as a ''gaming'' iem

[@nusu5331]

good review, thank you!

[@UnHoLyHooLiGaN]

tier list when ?

[@cmo8627]

Another banger video! Where would the Nova land on the IEM tier list? I'm assuming it wil be Number 3 below the Truthear Zero?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

It’ll fall around the hexa

[@UnluckyDomino]

Are you going to do a full standalone review on the 7hz Sonus? Im thinking about picking up one during the 11.11 sale but i dont know if theyre worth it. Theres also truthear zero, hexa, dunu titan s. I dont know what to pick. Only need it for gaming, no music listening at all. Games like warzone and battlefield so it needs to have good imaging and seperation of different game sounds

[@humblemonk]

Hey Fresh, thoughts on zetian wu heyday vs the truthear nova? Love your reviews, thanks!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I like the heyday tbh. Fun and good comp audio. If you want more open and neutral though the nova is a good pick

[@FreshJ1v3]

Great content sir!! Always a pleasure to watch your hands explain the details of products. Do you have any cable recomendations for the truthear reds...picked them of form your review. I love em but the cable is kinda short and tangles like crazy. Thanks in advance!!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Some nice cheap cables on amazon. The Tripowin Zonie is great

[@slotheace]

Looking forward to your Chopin review 😂

[@sagars861]

thanks for upload

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Most welcome

[@bugbuster8598]

Hi! I know it's not the topic of the video, but what cable do you use with your Zeros? It looks more comfortable and sturdy than the basic one. PS: still waiting patiently for budget headphones and mice list! 🙂

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I believe it was the cable that came with the Yanyin canon. If you want a nice cable Tripowin Zonie on amazon is great! Only $20

[@bugbuster8598]

@@FreshReviewsYT thanks!😁

[@filosavage7475]

Will you be reviewing the Binary x Gizaudio Chopin for Gaming? Its getting a lot of praise but i wanna know how good it is for games.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’ll try to take a look for you guys for sure

[@Thunderchylde55]

Hey Fresh thanks for everything you do! Kindof a newbie here w the amp/dac and IEM space but have watched all yours and Badseed’s and was wondering how you feel about the Schiit Modi/Magni stack (Magni heretic specifically)? I know you’re using the Bifrost but would love to hear your take on them for gaming if you could find the time. 🤘🏼 Apologies if this has already been asked before or if I’m asking an uninformed terrible question. 😂

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Very good question! Unfortunately I haven’t used that particular stack, but I’ve heard nothing but good things !

[@Corporalis]

I’d be really interested in a test of the Modhouse tungsten. Either the single or double sided, those look really promising. Reviews are quite good but none of them used them for gaming

[@CRZTech]

For FPS, Nova or Simgot EM6L? Since nova is not at your wallhack list.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

The simgot.

[@jameswhearry1]

i got the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite and i love them. had them for 4 month now. but i always enjoy the videos

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Such a banger of an IEM. So glad I ran into them

[@jameswhearry1]

@FreshReviewsYT yeah. When I put lower quality ones on I be like ugh. I can hear a damn thing

[@martinmraj8563]

Hey, im using the Truthear x Crinacle zero as my main iem for apex legengds from your review. It would be really helpful if you could do a review of the upcoming CCA Rhapsody with the Truthear.

[@WyattOShea]

Another papa Fresh banger

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haha ty

[@WyattOShea]

@@FreshReviewsYT 😊

[@echos4240]

FiiO FH3 are amazing for gaming

[@Evan-xs8ts]

I really want to see what an upgrade from the orchestra lite would be, but am conflicted. I want to upgrade primarily for music listening, but do not want to compromise gaming. Is the xenns top a worthy upgrade, or should I wait for a better one like the monarch mk3?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Top is worthy imo. Even more so with a good amp dac

[@mudkip9083]

You say in the review that the nova will make the list but it’s not on there. Where would you rank it?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

My spread sheet is coming soon with the full list

[@FreshReviewsYT]

They rank near the hexa

[@mudkip9083]

@@FreshReviewsYT hype!

[@Jigsawh_Reviews]

this looks gooddd

[@GuilhermeGhostt]

Among these three, which one do you recommend in order? for warzone and music and I use crinacle zero Fiio K11 Fiio k7 Topping Dx3 Pro+ Topping Dx1

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Dx3 pro+

[@Kevin-sh1sx]

@@FreshReviewsYT Why?

[@Pikachu123OP]

Have you thought about reviewing or trying the Chopin by Gizaudio?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’d like to for sure. Might buy it soon

[@mentalman1369]

Cool video! Just curious, did you do any blind ABX testing against the other amps you compared the K11 to?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I do a lot of ab testing. In fact too much at times lol 😂 IEM reviews get very long for me because I try to compare things to my current wall hack tier list

[@mentalman1369]

@@FreshReviewsYT haha no doubt those comparisons would take a long time! But I meant specifically doing *blinded* ABX testing of amps/DACs because if they’re designed even remotely competently, they should all be transparent and most perceived differences are in the listener’s biases, placebo effect and small differences in loudness (even when doing one’s best to match the outputs). Thoughts?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@mentalman1369 for music it’s much harder to notice. In gaming it becomes much easier to tell. When a and b testing things in the same range though it can get a bit more difficult. But for instance, testing a schiit bifrost and a d90se it would be very easy to tell the difference while blinded due to the difference in tonality, note weight and depth

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@mentalman1369 but and and b testing the dx3 pro + and the k11 would be more difficult to tell

[@mentalman1369]

@@FreshReviewsYT even if they both measure with flat output (of within 0.5dB) and comparably low THD? Have you done a blind ABX of these two in particular? Cos I can appreciate when amps run out of power to provide proper dynamic range, but if power is sufficient and the DAC and amp measurements are essentially the same, how can the human auditory system actually perceive a real difference? 😅

[@97andreaas]

Great video! Fresh could you give me some advice regarding an all in one DAC/AMP to complement my Xenns Top? I currently have a Topping Dx3 pro+ but would like to get something superior.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Depending on budget but I like the smsl do400 the aune s9c and the topping dx9

[@97andreaas]

@@FreshReviewsYT Thanks for the quick replay. Topping is out of budget for me. I'll find out more about the other two. Thank you

[@Justin-bm7zn]

In relation to this comment. Has anyone compared the two...the fiio and dx3 pro+. Fresh if you had the budget for the dx3pro+ would you recommend it over the fiio or save some bucks and get the fiio k11. For gaming where sound quality is the major factor

[@nickeyy_r]

Hello sir, For warzone/cod nova or what else u suggest ?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yanyin canon 2 or splendor

[@ericd1084]

Nova is only $100 in Vietnam.

[@swordxi]

@FreshReviewsYT Is there any chance you will review the newly released K11 R2R from FiiO? I'm considering buying it to play Apex with the Simgot SuperMix 4, but I only trust your reviews.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Possibly yea!

[@GenoMusic]

Thanks for the review! Can this comfortably drive the HD560s in unbalanced?

[@AusOpening]

560s doesn’t run balanced

[@Arseniko]

Hey man thanks for all your reviews. Have you tried the Olina SE? Are any good for gaming?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I haven’t unfortunately

[@mike_nba]

Fiio k11 or smsl c200?

[@sean8468]

I have the fiio fh3 and get a weird buzzing from my motherboard audio so I’m hoping this amp Dac will fix that

[@sean8468]

Update: it did! I play rainbow six and even at max volume it wasn’t enough on my motherboard audio. Buzzing is gone and audio quality is amazing! My first dac amp purchase was successful thank you!

[@hassanalrubai7378]

Do you have cheap gaming mouse recommendation something around 20$?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Might be able to find a fantech aria for cheap

[@hassanalrubai7378]

@@FreshReviewsYT what about Logitech g203 or other brands like steelseries?

[@hassanalrubai7378]

By the way i am not competive gamer i dont play fps games alot in first place@@FreshReviewsYT

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@hassanalrubai7378 in that case yea a Logitech option would be ok!

[@MuseR.]

AYOOO LETS GO 😤😤😤

[@FreshReviewsYT]

[@mylifeisbroken34]

I use Truthear Zero. Will I feel better if I take Truthear Nova? Which iem model do you use for games?

[@TattooRobert]

I already have the Truthear zero, would you still recommend to upgrade to the Simgot em6l ? I only play warzone and mp competitive

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Personally I think the upgrade is valid. But if you’re already enjoying the zero, I think you’re in an ok spot!

[@TattooRobert]

@@FreshReviewsYT I'm gonna try the simgot EM6L, do you have recommend eartips and cables? or just use the one thats comes with the simgot?

[@seanner69]

Been waiting for this one, glad I did 😂 Already have the Zero and Hexa... I may go to either Orchestra Lite or Canon 2 on the sales, leaning towards Canon 2 tho. You ever play Hunt Showdown? Feel like that game would be good to have on the reference list as well. Thanks again for your reviews!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I need to start up the hunt bad!

[@seanner69]

​@@FreshReviewsYTspeaking of the canon 2... would the k11 be fine for that or would you go with something higher? Think my budget would be 200 ish max maybe 250 if there's a benefit. Was debating this or the dx3 pro+.

[@0xDapper]

For the Simgot EM6L’s do you recommend the iFi Zen DAC V2 or Topping DX3 Pro+?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I like the dx3 pro + with the em6L but either is good

[@Kevin-sh1sx]

@@FreshReviewsYT Why?

[@Kevin-sh1sx]

Hello, may I ask why you think DX3 Pro is better than FIIO K11? From which aspect is the comparison made?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Personal use, it just sounds better overall for gaming. Depth clarity separation. The IEM will make the most difference. But amp dacs do fall into different categories and some sound either horrible. Okay. Or fantastic for gaming.

[@Boemtie]

This or the soundblaster x4 for gaming?

[@Moonuhhh]

Any thoughts on the simgot EA1000?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Video soon!

[@martinmraj8563]

Do a review of CCA Rhapsody..

[@炙尊]

You mean you will make SMSL DO400 review video in the future?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Very soon

[@riddick5019]

Already receive my Truthear Nova’s.For me they are much better than Zeros and slightly better than Canon2.Canon 2 is too warm for me and in Warzone this warm sound do not perform well.Same ZEROS too much midbase in Warzon they don’t even touch Novas in therms of spatial awarness on Apex I play better with Novas than Canon2 and Zeros.Novas are clean and precise.Bass is strong and fast but not muddy as Canon2 or Zeros.Highs an mids are better too because they are crystal clear.FOR WARZONE NOVAS IS THE BEST OPTION.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Good point. In warzone I can totally see the nova being fantastic, and definitely why they’re wallhack tier certified. I absolutely plan to add warzone to the testing in the future. For my testing, the zero and canon 2 win in apex and tac shooters - and I would say easily. Regardless, not easy to get on the wall hack tier list though, so of course the nova is very highly rated for me!

[@anmolbadoni6014]

Hi Fresh, I got my truthear zero OGs today and yeah they are not the loudest iems out there, I just wanted to know how much of a difference does an Amp dac makes in case of the Zero OGs

[@FreshReviewsYT]

If they’re not loud the issue is definitely unfortunately your amp. It’s not powering them enough. Amp dac will solve it

[@anmolbadoni6014]

@@FreshReviewsYT No I meant they are fine but not the loudest as you have also mentioned in your review that they lack a bit emphasis on certain sounds. I am currently using them on my monitor with onboard audio and was wondering how much of a difference there is between an amp dac vs onboard audio!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@anmolbadoni6014 good difference but it depends what amp dac and what budget

[@anmolbadoni6014]

@@FreshReviewsYT The zero blues have 10 ohm impedance so which amplifier will work best for them a higher impedance output > 10 ohms or lower impedance output

[@blindman8093]

do you have any recommendation for portable dac/amp for IEM? like Questyle M15. have tried any of portable amp/dac for IEM?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I don’t sorry

[@JagsP95]

Are you ever going to review rapid trigger keyboards?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I have a few videos the polar 65 and wooting

[@JagsP95]

@@FreshReviewsYT Thanks I'll check it out, any reason why you're using blackwidow v4 over wooting?

[@jonathancastillo3149]

Would you recommend the k11 over the dx3 pro+ strictly for iem gaming?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

No

[@inputvol.280]

Im playing like 1 year with the Kiwi Ears Quartet because your videos, are there any alternative in that price range? I have the feeling, some people can hear footsteps better than me

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Sure. The simgot Em6l is great

[@inputvol.280]

also for cs2?@@FreshReviewsYT

[@MrDromp]

God dang, why the heck is this so hard to decide. I just want to play competitive CS2 and want to get a better feeling where this bomb laying guys sneaking around. What would be the actual best available and second what would be the best bang for the buck?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

What’s your budget

[@MrDromp]

@@FreshReviewsYT round about 200 I thought, maybe a few bucks more, if its worth it.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

@@MrDromp simgot em6l

[@abdulghofur1030]

So if i have Truthear Zero and i want to upgrade in terms of SQ and gaming competitive (tac-fps) what can u suggest for me if i have budget 150$? Like maybe something better than EM6L but at Nova's budget

[@Barbeedo]

Hi do I need the Fiio K11 if I plug it into the rodecaster duo or does it do the same job? Thanks for the amazing work!!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Unfortunately I haven’t tried the duo to know how good it sounds. I just don’t want to steer you wrong without the personal experience. Generally I think dedicated dac amps just perform better particularly with the right internals. The topping dx3 pro+ imo still outshines the k11 but it’s a little more expensive

[@CursezZz]

These vs the Simgot EM6L? i had the zeros and they hurt my ears after wearing em for a while

[@simplymahbi2251]

Would you recommend the K11 for letshuoer s12 pro ? or any other better IEM and Amp-Dac combo in this price range ($250ish in total)

[@FreshReviewsYT]

If you have $250 total, the k11 and Em6l should be a good combo

[@L3GIT91]

I use the Novas and a play warzone. is this what you recommend over the SMSL c200 and topping dx3 pro for them?? im currently using the soundblaster gx but just use it in direct mode and dont use any of the "gaming features". thanks

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I recommend the dx3 pro+

[@L3GIT91]

@@FreshReviewsYT even over the c200?

[@CapnJack003]

what cable is that on your truthear critical zeros?

[@TexasAllDay]

I wanted the Nova for gaming on Console but I’m not sure if my Ps5 controller can drive it, do you think it can?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Should

[@catalin0504]

sorry if i missed this, but can the rgb be turned off?

[@BlueSpectre]

Think the fiio beats out the schiit fulla/hel in that price bracket?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

You know it’s very very hard for me to say just because I haven’t tried the hel. I do think it probably beats out the fulla

[@ItsBigEz]

Have the Zeros and getting the HD 560s, would the k11 be good for them? Do I just get a 4.4 to 3.5 adapter?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I’d prefer something a little meatier, but the k11 is a decent budget starter. You can use a 6.35 for the 560s

[@BillB3737]

What is your top pick for approx 300 $ gaming iem currently

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yanyin canon 2

[@arcanerevenant1831]

Hello, I have been wanting to buy new iems in the budget list, because I like my 7hz salnotes, but ive been trying to find something that are similar or better for footsteps in games like rainbow six and sound clarity. What would you recommend, I would greatly appreciate it.

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Similar in terms of tuning or fit

[@arcanerevenant1831]

@@FreshReviewsYT Hey, sorry for the late response, but I like tuning more and games I play alot are rainbow 6 siege on my xbox and a bit of valorant and csgo 2 on my laptop, so I just need something that helps narrow down where footsteps are better.

[@MCPEngu1]

​@@arcanerevenant1831maybe Moondrop LAN or Simgot EW200

[@ogemmi]

Am i take it wrong? So this is better than quintet r8?

[@Marcuss925]

Tell me please how long is the cord that goes from the power supply to the device?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I have not a clue unfortunately

[@ronald0122]

is the k11 good for the simgot supermix 4? or do you recommend me to get something else?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I prefer topping dx3 pro+

[@ronald0122]

@@FreshReviewsYT how about between the epos gsx1000 v2, sound blaster x4 and sound blaster g6. i need a mic input. thanks

[@SileDevil]

is Fudu beyter than Nova?

[@sunnyside832]

I have the zeros but they are very quiet with my mobo. Do I need a dac/amp?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Yessirrrr

[@TuanKietHN]

Compare Ie200 vs truthear hexa vs simgot em6l vs dunu kima better to listen music/playing valorant? Thanks you!

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Em6l all the way

[@TuanKietHN]

@@FreshReviewsYT thank you very much!

[@pipit4462]

Nova or cranical zero OG for valorant?

[@ItsBigEz]

How does the k11 compare with something cheaper like the ifi uno or fosi audio k5 Pro?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Haven’t tried those unfortunately

[@ItsBigEz]

@@FreshReviewsYT any plans in reviewing cheaper dac amps? Sub $100?

[@Jcrompo]

Hi audio newbie Can you use the k11 and a xlr/usb microphone and help greatly appreciated

[@FreshReviewsYT]

You can. Just need a separate xlr interface like a wave xlr

[@Jcrompo]

@@FreshReviewsYT have you got any recommendations for a dac amp I can use with a usb microphone I’m just looking for something that will improve my sound of my iem’s that I can also use my mic I’m currently just plugging my iems into my mic. Sorry if this is a stupid question struggling to wrap my head around the audio side. Thanks a lot

[@moncolt75]

Please any IEMS recommendations for Console gaming with 50$ budget

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Qkz hbb

[@moncolt75]

Thank you @FreshReviewsYT Is it good for competitive COD Footsteps etc..

[@NotDelpize]

Hi Fresh, i am using dt 900 pro x, if i buy fiio k11 would it support my headphone?

[@Justmakesomenoiz]

Pick up the zendac v2 instead. It's perfect for the pro x headset.

[@jonathansanchezmedina]

Review simgot ae1000?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Coming

[@legendredux1291]

Can this drive sundara well

[@Tellotv]

What is that cable you have on the Zero ones ?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I think that was my Yanyin canon 2 cable. But if you need a decent cable for cheap the Tripowin zonie cable is great

[@Tellotv]

Thanks alot! One of my favorite channels on youtube 🫡

[@MayankJairaj]

but where would u put it on the list

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Around the hexa

[@jayo1223]

What's a good wire for the zeros ?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Tripowin Zonie is fine

[@lith8128]

Is scarlet solo good for gaming?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I actually haven’t tried it my apologies

[@LordKriven]

Hey guys

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Krivvvv

[@leoclacks]

ifi zen dac or k11?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Both good tbh. I think i still like the zen dac more but tough

[@abdurrahmanghufran9405]

Can use for ath r70x?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

I wouldn’t

[@Aerial-Light]

If the Nova has wider soundstage, it should be better for open world RPG games right?

[@FreshReviewsYT]

Usually I’d say yes. But it will depend on the game as some things further in the mix might just sound too low or not stand out as much

[@chrisjohnson9306]

👋😀👍

[@uul4289]

First

[@FreshReviewsYT]