Synergy
Efficiency
The TRUTHEAR NOVA’s impedance rating of 14.8Ω and a sensitivity of 123db/Vrms makes it easy to run on any device.
You wouldn’t need to worry about needing a high-end source or anything other than your regular device with a 3.5mm jack. Any dongle or DAP will easily drive the NOVA. It’s best to not worry about purchasing additional gear for it with its low load and high sensitivity rating.
Pairings
The TRUTHEAR NOVA wasn’t picky at all with my testing. I’ve used a phone with a 3.5mm, the Colorfly CDA-M1P, and, the FiiO KA11 for testing.
Firstly, I gave it a try on a phone with 3.5mm, and the results were that I needed to put it around 70% volume before I could enjoy it. Again, I listen to around 70db to 75 dB so your experience will vary.
Secondly, I tested it on the Colorfly CDA-M1P. I tried going to higher volumes and lower volumes, and there aren’t any static noises with it but the sound quality did improve on the mids.
Lastly, trying the FiiO KA11, this dongle surprisingly added more bass to the NOVA. Aside from that, the sound quality was the same as the others.
My verdict is that any device will be able to power the NOVA without issue. the sound quality differences of each DAC/DAP should be considered as less of a factor.
Select Comparisons
SeeAudio Yume 2
Technical
The SeeAudio Yume 2 uses a 1 dynamic driver and 2 balanced armature driver setup. It features an improved dynamic driver that should give better impedance, and the Sonion 2300 balanced armature for the mids and treble.
The SeeAudio Yume 2 is presented to have the least distortion while maintaining the musicality of the previous SeeAudio Yume with these upgrades. It also features a 3D-printed shell.
Design
The SeeAudio Yume has a shiny glossy silver shell and faceplate. It has its logo printed on its faceplate.
This type of design is prone to fingerprints. Aside from that, I do say the SeeAudio Yume 2’s design is wonderful and a treat to the eyes. It has a short nozzle and a more comfortable shell than the NOVA as well.
Lastly, for the fit, the SeeAudio Yume 2 would be better due to its smaller shell. It doesn’t have the obnoxious shell size of the NOVA.
Performance
With the bass, the TRUTHEAR NOVA gives you a better sub-bass experience, which is the rumble you feel. The SeeAudio Yume 2, on the other hand, gives you a better midbass experience, which is the punch and what mostly contributes to a bassy feel.
The SeeAudio Yume 2 does have a leaner and thinner midrange than the NOVA. I would also say the SeeAudio Yume 2 has a better male vocal timbre, however, for female vocals, the NOVA makes it sound more authentic.
In the treble, the NOVA is a level higher than the SeeAudio Yume 2 in detail retrieval. I can hear more in the instruments with the NOVA, however, I couldn’t hear that extra detail with the SeeAudio Yume 2.
The soundstage and imaging are also done better in the NOVA. The SeeAudio Yume 2’s way of handling the staging and imaging feels like what I’d get for an entry IEM.
Overall, if you prioritize fit, male vocals, and a warmer sound signature then the SeeAudio Yume 2 should be your choice. But if what you want is a focus on female vocals and detail retrieval, then the NOVA is the pick.
Tangzu Wu Zetian
Technical
The Tangzu Wu Zetian is a planar IEM that uses a 14.5mm driver. This planar driver it uses has been adjusted to give a more musical and balanced sound for the midrange.
It has a 16Ω impedance and a 100 dB sensitivity. That sensitivity makes it susceptible to noise or background hiss on high-gain amplification.
Design
The Tangzu Wu Zetian has a nice purple design with an engraving on it. On the shell, it follows the all-solid black design as other IEMs do; the TRUTHEAR NOVA does this too.
It has vents near its nozzle to alleviate pressure. Its nozzle and shell are on the smaller side as well, which makes it a good choice for those with smaller ears.
Performance
The Tangzu Wu Zetian has planar strengths but sounds like a dynamic driver.
Bass is nearly similar, but the dynamic driver of the NOVA carries the quality and feel of the bass. The bass on the Tangzu Wu Zetian, while good, doesn’t feel as satisfying.
I couldn’t get any of that slamming bass with the Tangzu Wu Zetian whereas the NOVA gives way more for the bass almost to the point where bass heads would enjoy.
The Tangzu Wu Zetian’s mids sound crystal though. For both male and female vocals, the Tangzu Wu Zetian has great clarity. Where the NOVA beats it though is with timbre and tonality sounding correct and without having unusual sharpness on the instrumental overtones.
Treble is better on the Tangzu Wu Zetian. That planar detail retrieval is as expected and delivers ahead of what the NOVA can give.
Soundstage and imaging are surprisingly similar with the two. Despite the Tangzu Wu Zetian being planar, the NOVA still competes with its staging capabilities.
Overall, their difference lies in the bass, timbre, and detail retrieval. Consider choosing their strength before deciding what to buy.
Our Verdict
TRUTHEAR has continued its streak of creating great IEMs with few faults and competitive pricing. The NOVA certainly does not buck that trend despite it being one of their most ambitious creations to date.
With a hybrid single dynamic and four BA hybrid driver configuration, it checks all the correct tuning boxes for an affordable yet very good IEM. You get a fantastic cable, pouch, extra tips, and a stylish design.
What else would you want? The NOVA is a no-brainer purchase at this price point.
TRUTHEAR NOVA Technical Specifications
- Driver Type: One (1x) dynamic driver, four (4x) balanced armatures
- Plug: 3.5mm single-ended standard 0.78mm-2pin
- Frequency Response: 8Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 14.8Ω@1kHz
- Sensitivity: 123db/Vrms
