Truthear Nova REVIEW!

Truthear is fast establishing themselves as an audio company worth getting excited about. So when they announced their most premium IEM to date, I and a lot of others took notice. The Truthear Nova is a $150 hybrid IEM that's poised as a logical upgrade from last year's Hexa. But does it live up to the expectations? I've been listening for a few weeks to find out.
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Disclosure: This video is NOT sponsored, but retailer Shenzhen Audio did send these earphones to me free for review. Check them out at shenzhenaudio.com/
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#Truthear #earphones #iems #headphones #audio #audiophile #SuperReview

[@sto-humanfriendly]

0:00 Intro and background 1:38 Aesthetics 3:05 Build and comfort 5:42 Cable 8:17 Frequency response measurement 12:08 Subjective sound impressions 15:23 Hexa comparison 16:55 Kara comparison 17:44 Conclusion

[@SmugSpirit]

THANK YOU AMAZING HUMAN

[@AlamarFly]

Please add this to the description to have time intervals in the video.

[@Javier_2005]

Try them with Memory Foam and you'll make a big difference, If you do, please upload a video talking about these again... Thank you

[@drakegostream]

Thank you for the video Mark. I keep coming back to your reviews because you are great at pointing out such quirks as weird earhooks, larger-than-normal size etc. These details are important part of overall picture which makes the product enjoyable, and unfortunately many reviewers overlook them. oh, and also for evaluating such aspect as "incisiveness"/transients, which is extremely important for my library

[@sidesaladaudio]

Thanks for this! The nova had a lot of hype based on the graphs and adherence to the target, so its always great to hear reviews that look past the hype and can point out the flaws. I probably won't be getting the nova myself. Im also curious how the IE harman target will evolve, since in a recent tweet, Sean Olive said they are working on refining the target, also cross referencing with 5128 and comparing with the Gras rig. So the 711 IE Harman target could possibly have some adjustment in the future.

[@praetor47]

it would be about time. it's quite obvious they put nowhere near the same effort into it like for the headphones target, let alone the speakers... that it "took over" and influenced IEM design so much over the past couple of years is one of audios (many, many) big mistakes

[@sidesaladaudio]

I'm happy to see refinements when new data is made available. The Harman target has gone through many iterations, and while there has been some more vocal criticism of the IE target recently, it's nice to see them taking it seriously and building upon the new data to see where there can be improvement

[@renatobdc]

Great review!

[@davper]

Thanks for the review! What tips are you using on the Hexa's in the video, they don't look like the stock ones to me I was planning on getting these or the AFUL P5's and i think I'll get the latter.

[@subbybass1432]

Thanks for the review! As soon as I saw it was a Harman-tuned set I could foresee it not being your thing and ending up like Helios SE/B3/Vari similar complaints. Chopin probably will fare a bit better thankfully to a bit more heft in the bass and a bit less dampened treble but expecting the same lean-ish meh.

[@eruilluvitar]

What a great way to start the day!

[@SuperReview]

Top o' the marnin'

[@ankramuttaudio]

This one, Nova, made me very curious. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be listening to it anytime soon. Truthear, without a doubt, has a great path ahead. Nice review, Mark.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah, Truthear is a company I'll always be interested in what they do.

[@christofferaasted]

Interesting take! What did you feel what was emphasized at higher volume? Was it the mids and treble or did the bass change? Are you going to review the Cincotres? I didn't like it due to the shimmering treble, now I'm looking towards the Nova..

[@giannisapostolopoulos9217]

Thanks! Is the Hexa still relevant on Q4'23?

[@zeno7252]

Looking forward to hearing how you think the Nova compares to the Chopin.

[@SuperReview]

Chopin will be next.

[@JunJunMusume]

I have been waiting for your review. Would you say they remind you of the Moondrop Variations in some way? Considering the harman target.

[@SuperReview]

TBH not really.

[@anatol1204]

Mark some say that with the foam tips the graph becomes ideal..They fix that aria around 8khz

[@gerapg8]

How does it compare to the Aful P5 or the new released Chopin, since they are both close to the price?

[@jasonkarsonita8611]

Im planing on buying Moondrop Variation but wondering if it's still worth in 2023, do you have any suggestions?

[@SaveMeAzathoth]

Something that stands out to me about the Nova’s packaging is the mascot art they chose for it - it’s a piece of art (along with an inverse variant) that had been up on their site quite some time before they announced the Nova. Combining that info with what they did with the Zero (a blue Harman variant followed later by a different colour variant with alternate tuning), I wonder if we can expect a Nova:Purple.

[@spgp273]

Since the launch my opinion has been mixed, though I find it interesting. More and more I'm learning to my hexa's being fine for now.

[@mistaBorg]

I was hoping for a cheap variations but it might be too soon. good video

[@SuperReview]

Been a while since I heard Variations. It is similarly too thin, but still better execution all around.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

the graph is actually more similar to blessing 2 dusk's

[@cxmxc]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7whI’d say its harman, it’s closer to the variations

[@HeinrichJoseph-js5gk]

@@SuperReview Could you recommend me any good headphones in this price range of $150?

[@hilariovilla4020]

Seems like they really intended the use of the double flange tips would’ve loved to seen some comments about it

[@pinoyxbox]

Thanks for the review was actually planning to get this so i might skip it. Got old trusty aria and hexa incoming this weekend. What would be a solid upgrade from the hexa and aria around $150-200 range?

[@mhoomans]

With respect to the reviewer, you should test it yourselves with your ears and your taste in how an IEM should sound. You might be surprised how much you will differ (or not) in opinion with the reviewer. Just saying, you can't form an opinion without testing it yourselves. You might be missing out on something awesome. I think the NOVA is awesome (for the money), but that's just my opinion. With the normal silicon tips however I think it's a bit lifeless and the treble extension is bad. With the foam tips and double flange silicon tips it's a completely different experience.

[@renflex_themullet]

The Juicy still going strong! Absolutely loving mine, thanks for the rec' by the way A reason for not using it in the comparison section ?

[@SuperReview]

I did do some listening comparisons with the Juzear -- personally much prefer the warmth and body of the Juzear, and of course the fit. Nova is more incisive but not really in an engaging way.

[@jhpadilla]

⁠@@SuperReviewwhat model of Juzear do you recommend?

[@mhoomans]

Thanks for the review, it's always interesting to see how other people experience something. For you and some others, the Nova is kind of a disappointment. To me and some others, it's not a disappointment. This shows how we all have different needs and taste, but also, especially with IEMs it's not sounding the same for everyone. So, keep in mind that when you are not impressed, it's not bu definition a bad IEM, it might simply not be the perfect IEM for you. And of course, if you think a certain IEM is fantastic, it might not be fantastic for someone else. To much variables. I'm just saying this because I notice often that people dismiss something without testing it themselves. I don't think it's best practice to only make purchase decisions based on other people their opinion. Form your own, if possible. :-)

[@AJoshawott]

Man, thanks for the heads up about this set. Was really interested, may or may not be because of the color though...

[@SuperReview]

Seduced by that blue?

[@Mastermnd1]

Formidable review. Thanks for saving my wallet from a mistake

[@aynsley544]

Thank you for a thoughtful and informative review of the Truthear Nova. I've been using my new pair to listen to a wide range of genres, everything from classical, to rock, to folk. I'm impressed with the sound quality, especially the clarity of harmonics in solo violin or harpsichord recordings. I'm in agreement with you regarding the finish of the ear hook. It is indeed sharp to the touch. I don't have the problem you experienced with the sharp ends chafing the skin behind my ears, but I suspect those edges are going to fray the cloth weave of the cables very quickly. You'd think Truthear would have chosen a softer, more pliable heat-shrink plastic. Leaving that minor gripe aside, I'm delighted with the Nova. It's up there with my favourite Blessing 3 and Etymotic ER4.

[@hankhill5409]

+1

[@karolkedzierski5824]

It would be great if you would review Softears Twilight. After having Monarch 2 (well still kept this one), Mest 2, u12t, u4s, Meteor, SA6 Ultra, Xelento 2 and some more, the Twilight are the Delight. Perfect iem to my ears.

[@jarrydott8753]

Do you recommend the u12t for someone that never had any good headphones over 2-300$ for normal music listening daily and gaming

[@karolkedzierski5824]

@@jarrydott8753 No, the u12t is harsh in the treble area and is way too expensive for today standards. Get the Variations, Nova, a used Monarch 2 or if you like a warm and inoffensive sound, the Xelento 2 are nice but very colored.

[@deeperkk7493]

hi if comparing the ikko oh1s with the nova which one will better ( I like the more detail on music and not that strong bass) plz help

[@blorg8206]

just saved me $150 bucks, thank you

[@Rorensuwl8]

It is actually really good if you ask me

[@okay4105]

Thanks for being honest, i was willing to sacrifice comfort if nova was a step up from hexa, will stick with the hexa, $150 saved 😅

[@SuperReview]

$150 saved, $200 threatened soon.

[@okay4105]

@@SuperReviewis it binary chopin lol 🙈

[@pinoyxbox]

@@SuperReviewoh nooooo! I just got back to iem scene and ordered the hexa with ifi go link lol

[@eduardryanpiadozo6901]

Thanks man i was digging the Nova's look and FR graph but i did not know it would be thin sounding other than that i think the Hexa is still better than the Nova i think ill save up

[@hankhill5409]

With all respect to Super Review, I have these IEM's and they sound fantastic. Obviously, its all preference, but I dont find these IEM's to be thin sounding especially with the foam tips.

[@donvittoriosierra]

what tips are those on the hexa? My standard tips outside of the stock tips sound horrible because they have to be stretched and forced to fit :D

[@SuperReview]

Those are Divinus Velvet tips.

[@keshavpradhan9095]

What are the tips used with the Nova and Hexa? Never seen those kind.

[@SuperReview]

Divinus Velvet

[@Palerie]

Sir which iem should i buy under 150$. I listen to pop, hip -hop and r&b

[@EricJorgensen1]

Thanks

[@pingu9656]

I like truthear’s fit very much. I KNOW it’s sitting there in place as I move about.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah fit stability makes a big difference.

[@BTWFleexyy]

hi so quick question my headset is dying i need something new im on my pc a lot so i rlly like the idea of in ears so i dont have to use heavy headphones all the time my price range is around 150-200 euros and i heard a lot about these i mainly do gaming but i also enjoy listening to music i listen to music all the time so i want something that can give me good sound in every gernre of music so are there good for me or does someone have a suggestion for me ? i have watched a lot of reviews but i just cant decide pls help

[@Tealc2323]

Great review, thanks! Harman Target is a shout fest IMO.

[@r.vincenta.9678]

How does it compare to the $10 Castor standard? I've heard that the Castor is similarly tuned to the Nova albeit slightly more energetic.

[@SuperReview]

Castor definitely more vee sounding, but I haven't listened to it much.

[@ilpastor]

Yep, let's see the chopin!

[@lain6889]

I'm trying to upgrade from tanchjim hana 2021. I wish there was something with the same deep bass, good imaging, and Nova's tuning without the thinness and without going over $200.

[@cxmxc]

Chopin? Check out the aoshida e20

[@KurtKloetentreter]

you could also just shear off the strain relief on the earhooks, ive been doing that to some of my cables with great results

[@SuperReview]

What tools do you use? I've done it before, but it's hard with cloth cables -- I use small scissors that catch the cloth fibers.

[@KurtKloetentreter]

@@SuperReview finger nail scissors have a very sharp and pointy tip, those have worked well for me. Otherwise a scalpel/exacto knife to split the strain relief apart, and then cut it off carefully where it terminates from the 2 pin connector (I've cut into an MMCX wire like this before, so be careful!) It's definitely doable with a steady hand

[@TerryBollea1]

Iann loved these

[@ursdubel3585]

Boom.. another one 🤣🤣🤣🤐Graph looks really tempting but thats not how it works right. I also expected another driver configuration, since the crinacle zero is a 2 DD driver i thought they would implement it and come up with something like a 2DD+ 4BA or even 5BA, another thing i dont like is colored cables, i prefare the slick black cables they used in the past. Lets see they might surprise us with another banger like they usually do in the future, very excited what truthear does in the future.

[@liammadridista2395]

I actually like the looks but my favorite colour is blue so I'm digging it. It's a shame about the FR I'm gonna give this one a miss. But man if you like Harman they've nailed it.

[@SuperReview]

True, there should be more blue IEMs.

[@DK83650]

Waiting for Nova: RED

[@liammadridista2395]

@@DK83650 wait is that actually happening ? I hope so

[@DK83650]

@@liammadridista2395 I hope so too

[@VinterEvig]

What would be a good step up from the zero red? I like the zero red, but interested in getting a something a step up from the reds with the same sound signature

[@SuperReview]

Blessing 3, Chopin

[@VinterEvig]

@@SuperReview Thanks for your reply. I was looking at those two and was leaning towards Chopin but then kept hearing the fit was uncomfortable to people. I was debating on the aful performer 5

[@StarBuccaneers168]

Thanks for the review. Too bad it is so bulky. The rep did agree it should have been the size of a Hexa. How do I reshell Chopin into Nova?

[@SuperReview]

Tiny fingers.

[@Xerpocalypse_]

I wasn’t super impressed by the Nova at CanJam, but this is precisely why it’s important to set aside the hype and review an actual retail unit without 65-70+dB of background noise.

[@SuperReview]

I skipped it at CanJam since I knew it’d be at home soon, definitely thought I was gonna like it more😢

[@hassanalrubai7378]

you should make a iem ranking list!!

[@SuperReview]

Kinda have one: squig.link/list/

[@IconcentrationI]

You have an excellent microphone, I'm not getting any sibilance :)

[@marksr12]

I was really excited when I saw these, pretty cool-looking but not so sure they are worth the $$. Probably will buy the Hexa's.

[@TerryBollea1]

Your Harmon target looks different to what others have

[@nonsenseraiwaja7209]

Would it be a significant upgrade to add 150$ more for blessing 3 instead?

[@SuperReview]

IMO yes.

[@Vaxoid]

@@SuperReviewtry foam tips and you change your decision

[@sylvie9949]

With EQ the nova becomes nearly perfect. Just one 3-4dB 300hz peak filter at Q 0.4

[@spgp273]

Yes but the question is the nova doing something really special vs the zero or hexa.

[@gabrielroque9905]

I think this IEM will have a "RED" version very soon =)

[@simplyalif]

Yo listen to these with the foam tips.... It will blow you away

[@IconcentrationI]

Seeing how precisely the graph matches the Harman target, maybe Truthear should primarily focus on the strengths of the drivers and try to approach Harman instead of obsessing over it.

[@salgymbro7624]

Well...thanks for saving me $150, cause for me are $2775 mexican pesos. I'm glad I ordered the chopin instead, I hope you review that one next.

[@SuperReview]

Chopin next.

[@dujankees]

Would you say the IE200 is better than Nova and Hexa in terms of detail and resolution?

[@SuperReview]

No, about the same.

[@Nqk27123456]

​@@SuperReview That's strange, I have both the Hexa and the IE200 and the IE200 definitely have more details and microcontrast in the lower frequency in comparison. But I tape modded the IE200 so it might be different than its original sound.

[@Hijynx87]

I’d probably enjoy my em6l more and this would be tossed into the ever growing pile

[@testingapps2145]

i saved 150$ and baught tanchjim one😂

[@cxmxc]

Mark what’s ur daily driver right now?

[@SuperReview]

Honestly whatever I'm reviewing 🤣 Otherwise Supernova.

[@wrusst]

I respect your conclusion but I find it weird that you gave the varations 4* and your main gripe was it cost to much . Then the Nova came out which is very similar at significantly less than 1/3 of the price and it gets 3* . Maybe the industry just got that much better and the varations is now bad or 2* considering the price is over 500 or are we on the recent trend that anything Harman loses a star due to being done before and boring to reviewers to review. Id understand a 4 matching varations but 3? Maybe the 150 dolla price point just got amazing recently and I missed it .

[@SuperReview]

Haven't heard Variations in a couple of years, I don't think Nova sounds as technical from memory though. Similar FR != the same thing. Try IE 200 and IE 600, very similar FRs, quite different experiences.

[@wrusst]

@@SuperReview thanks

[@rivaldo2887]

I was torn between these and the KATOs, but it seems like KATOs are still the better option?

[@SuperReview]

I would personally take KATO.

[@Rorensuwl8]

Dioko vs Nova?

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

Timestamps please

[@eatyacereal]

i might just avoid this one, how does it compare to the Simgot EM6L?

[@SuperReview]

Nova is a bit better with top end texturing than EM6L, but EM6L is a more engaging listen, stronger imaging.

[@eatyacereal]

@@SuperReview EM6L it is then, thanks😃,ill snag one this month

[@ezoez7548]

Use the included foam tips. It takes it from good to perfect yo, sharur was right abt these :0 !

[@Hijynx87]

Looks like it’s between the Chopin and ea1000 for me.

[@mrkab6415]

Ea1000 single dd means bad micro dynamics

[@TerryBollea1]

Others show that the treable is ALOT under the Harmon target

[@SuperReview]

Here's my graph and Crinacle's vs. Harman, looks consistent: imgur.com/a/aS3XM9c

[@TerryBollea1]

@@SuperReview dont care m8. Thanks for marking out to me. This is too easy.

[@audio_tron]

It was an easy call when I heard them both side-by-side at CJ: Hexa > Nova. Could arguably swap prices, and I’d believe it.

[@SuperReview]

The curse of early success.

[@mib5633]

they done circumcised the heat shrink bruh nooo

[@patrickdanneker5480]

Jaytiss beat me to it

[@SuperReview]

Good.

[@AIizs_]

I guess I will buy another pair of hexa cus I just sold mine lmao

[@TerryBollea1]

Its called a Union Roll.

[@AG-en5y]

❤❤❤❤

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Graph is really very close to the Blessing 2 Dusk

[@SuperReview]

It is! Sadly I don't have access to my Dusk at the moment for comparison, but despite the graph similarities I don't think they're similar on engagement factor.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@SuperReview ok, and how does it compare to truthear red? the graph is also similar and i really like the tonality of the red. could this be considered an upgrade to it?

[@adreeschaudhari7753]

Comparison to zero red?

[@SuperReview]

I don't believe Red is as thin as this, but I don't have it on hand to compare directly.

[@dhruvmeena96]

This video proves that i and mrs have the same preference.....

[@SuperReview]

What is your review of Nova?

[@IceX92]

Damn, I actually love the blue and black design so much I hoped it have good tuning. Kinda disappointed

[@yvanaluz9994]

It's you vs science brotha.

[@SuperReview]

What is it that you think the science says?

[@TheStemo1]

I was hoping this would be the hybrid to be well-rounded and enjoyable, but alas

[@SuperReview]

Some people like it more.

[@TerryBollea1]

What does microphonic mean to you?

[@SuperReview]

Transmits rubbing sounds from the cable into your ear.

[@TerryBollea1]

@@SuperReview good to know. 99.9% of the rest of the world calls that cable rubbing sound. Just a heads up me son. Wouldn't want you getting hate from all your gen zer fans.

[@TerryBollea1]

@@SuperReview also....every cable does that. Good that you include it in your review...but waste of breath and your precious life in the end.

[@SuperReview]

This cable, like most cloth cables, is especially microphonic, and the shortened ear hooks seem to make it worse. Typically the cable wrapping around the back of the ear reduces microphonics.

[@TerryBollea1]

@@SuperReview ok cool story bro as you kids love to say

[@glamball]

Thinner than Hexa? 0_o

[@ajipray6624]

Vs Tangzu Fudu?

[@SuperReview]

Haven't heard it.

[@DK83650]

Waiting for Nova: RED

[@SuperReview]

Nova: Husk

[@CozyRodent]

they took the wrong path, instead of Hexa both FR wise and aesthetic they went for Zero, milked too far, hope next year we have Hexa 2

[@fakedcastle5950]

yes! the hexa is just so good. I just want Hexa with faster/harder slamming bass.

[@Wainster]

#MOONDROP DARK SABER :) Can they surpass the awesome but thin sounding S8...

[@SuperReview]

Tried them briefly at CanJam, definitely liked it. Not sure that the treble is as good as S8 tho.

[@Wainster]

@@SuperReview S8 tough act to follow Mark, despite not being perfect. Did you try the new Thieaudio Prestige Ltd?

[@SuperReview]

No, haven't tried Thie's new top end stuff.

[@Wainster]

@@SuperReview Apparently the new model is getting really high praise, even from Z lol

[@TerryBollea1]

Either that or your test is completely different.

[@stale_.]

It's basically a half off Blessing 2 Dusk

[@Garrettdx1988]

Wow, this might be Truthear's first miss

[@sto-humanfriendly]

No, Zero was Truthear's first miss

[@rafsnchz]

@@sto-humanfriendly Zeros might be not everyone’s cup of tea, but they are anything but “miss”. In my opinion they sound great.

[@xeruskun]

Just cause one reviewer rated it low doesn't mean its a miss, I have the Nova and very satisfied, really depends on what IEM you came from or what biases on music you do have.

[@alexeiboukirev8357]

The Hexa really opened up for me on a balanced cable. Maybe Nova would also benefit from one.

[@PinePizza]

Thank God I didn't buy it. Have the Aful Performer 5 though which is pretty solid.

[@FabioKasper]

Scooped lower mids is boring mids.

[@SuperReview]

I tend to agree.

[@AmanSingh-bg5cw]

I just saved my self 150 buks

[@lokrj]

Damn, for all the hype it received this one might be a certified flop

[@r91playsind]

500hz to 3khz is all you care about tbh

[@SuperReview]

muh mids

[@TerryBollea1]

You say that you dont review graphs, yet you KEEP referencing the graph while you are describing the sound.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah, I also try to talk about where the graph differs from my listening experience. How close it is to my dotted target curve is not how I review.

[@TerryBollea1]

@@SuperReview so you admit you lie. Good to know.

[@LachlanThompson-qi5yc]

@@TerryBollea1You post like a schizo

[@TerryBollea1]

@@LachlanThompson-qi5yc m8 context CONTEXT!! Thanks me son.

[@siddharthjaiman4712]

He said and I quote. "Graphs are interesting diagnostic tools". What's the problem here terry?

[@MugsMcClain]

That cable is pathetic - what were they thinking with that? The Hexa cable is miles better than that.

[@Jaytiss]

Dry Lifeless. Exactly. Well put.

[@jshannock]

Weren't you happy with this IEM a couple weeks ago? What changed?

[@okay4105]

@@jshannockyeah lol i thought he liked it. I saw his review way back

[@reluctant_engineer]

But you had high praise for this iem? Curious about the change in opinion.

[@Jaytiss]

@@jshannockit hits a lot of tracks well. It hits the frequency response that I want but feels lifeless in comparisons. Still a good iem, but I think it fixes some things from the Hexa just not worth the 150 dollar cost over Hexa at 67 for a daily driver set.

[@jshannock]

@@Jaytiss Cool, I bought it because of your review lol.

[@praetor47]

the main problem with following the Harman IEM curve is that, unlike their headphones and speakers curves, it has nearly zero actual research in it. plus, considering it was done years ago, and back then most of the expensive IEMs back then were multi BA iems, where the bass and midbass was crap, leading to more of a bloaty and distorted sound if it was even a bit emphasized... it's pretty logical that IEMs with modern driver and crossover tech who'd follow the curve would sound, let's be honest for a second here, awful. having listened to a ton of music in a live environment, and having listened to some audiophile (not audiofool) speaker setups with proper room correction (and owning a decent one myself), i honestly cannot fathom how could someone with any interest in audio call IEMs like the Nova and the Moondrop Variations anything but utter garbage. they sound (i'm extrapolating for the Nova 'cause i haven't heard it but by the graph it's eerily similar to the Variations) like decent set of desktop speakers with a subwoofer with the worst possible crossover ever devised by man let's stop pussyfooting. they're bad