Truthear NovaFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 32 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment69%
PROS 69%
CONS 31%

Rank based on 32 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a Harman-tuned IEM with punchy, dynamic bass at an accessible price
  • You're willing to experiment with foam or aftermarket tips to unlock the best treble and separation
  • You have a reasonably capable source/dac since the low impedance makes it source-dependent

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want a rugged, low-maintenance IEM without connector or cable durability concerns
  • You dislike Harman/V-shaped tuning or prefer richer, more vivid mids like the Variations
  • You have small ears and struggle with foam tip insertion or seal/pressure issues

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
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Elegant, Premium DesignComfortable Final-Style WearExcellent ImagingPoor Value at Price PointHigh Price Relative to Sibling ModelFatiguing Treble Peak
Tanchjim Darling
Elegant, Premium Design
Comfortable Final-Style Wear
Excellent Imaging
Poor Value at Price Point
High Price Relative to Sibling Model
Fatiguing Treble Peak
2
Campfire Audio Alien Brain
Versatile TuningBalanced Overall SignatureFantastic Bass
Campfire Audio Alien Brain
Versatile Tuning
Balanced Overall Signature
Fantastic Bass
3Mid
FiiO FD3 Pro
Striking Design and BuildStrong Brand LoyaltyFlagship-Style Driver TechConnector Compatibility UnclearPossible Treble ImbalancePrice Uncertainty
FiiO FD3 Pro
Striking Design and Build
Strong Brand Loyalty
Flagship-Style Driver Tech
Connector Compatibility Unclear
Possible Treble Imbalance
Price Uncertainty
4Premium
Shure SE846
Rich, Detailed SoundExcellent for Live MusiciansLong-Term Durability and ConsistencyHigh Price Relative to CompetitionComfort and Fit IssuesDurability and Build Quality Concerns
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Rich, Detailed Sound
Excellent for Live Musicians
Long-Term Durability and Consistency
High Price Relative to Competition
Comfort and Fit Issues
Durability and Build Quality Concerns
5Premium
Moondrop Illumination
Attractive, lightweight designRefined HD650-like tonalityGood comfort and fitExcessive $800 priceUnderwhelming technical performance for priceCheap stock cable and case
Moondrop Illumination
Attractive, lightweight design
Refined HD650-like tonality
Good comfort and fit
Excessive $800 price
Underwhelming technical performance for price
Cheap stock cable and case
6Premium
Campfire Audio Astrolith
High Resolution and DetailRich, Balanced BassComfortable FitHigh PriceBoosted Bass and Harsh TrebleInconsistent or Dark Tonality
Campfire Audio Astrolith
High Resolution and Detail
Rich, Balanced Bass
Comfortable Fit
High Price
Boosted Bass and Harsh Treble
Inconsistent or Dark Tonality
7Premium
Shure Aonic 3
Detachable MMCX cableAdjustable, customizable fitFull-spectrum sound tuningInconsistent sound quality for the priceComfort limitation for side sleepingPrice value concerns
Shure Aonic 3
Detachable MMCX cable
Adjustable, customizable fit
Full-spectrum sound tuning
Inconsistent sound quality for the price
Comfort limitation for side sleeping
Price value concerns
8Mid
Moondrop KXXS
Strong overall sound qualityImproves with burn-inGood bass responseVery similar to cheaper StarfieldIsolation and fit concernsNot always a meaningful upgrade
Moondrop KXXS
Strong overall sound quality
Improves with burn-in
Good bass response
Very similar to cheaper Starfield
Isolation and fit concerns
Not always a meaningful upgrade
Best value
9Budget
FiiO F1
Excellent value for moneyPositive sound quality impressionsSecure, stay-in fitPrice perceived as slightly high by some
FiiO F1
Excellent value for money
Positive sound quality impressions
Secure, stay-in fit
Price perceived as slightly high by some
10Premium
Tanchjim Soda
Eye-catching translucent designDetailed, crisp treble presentationGenerous accessory packageHigh $300 price point questionedCable quality complaintsOverly bright tuning for some listeners
Tanchjim Soda
Eye-catching translucent design
Detailed, crisp treble presentation
Generous accessory package
High $300 price point questioned
Cable quality complaints
Overly bright tuning for some listeners
You are here
31Mid
Truthear Nova
Dramatic improvement with foam tipsExcellent Harman-tuned soundPowerful, dynamic bassBA timbre and mids criticized by someHighly source and tip dependentLoose 2-pin connector over time
Truthear Nova
Dramatic improvement with foam tips
Excellent Harman-tuned sound
Powerful, dynamic bass
BA timbre and mids criticized by some
Highly source and tip dependent
Loose 2-pin connector over time

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Tips make or break the Nova's sound signature. Multiple listeners describe a dramatic difference between stock silicone and foam tips, with foam opening up an airy, extended treble that silicone tips seem to mask. Some almost sold their Nova over harsh treble before trying foam tips, after which they called the sound excellent. Aftermarket foam (Dekoni, Feaulle) and Xelastec tips are also favored by users who found stock tips lacking, with one noting bore width differences between tip types as a likely cause.

Bass and overall tuning earn strong praise from Harman-tuning fans. Commenters describe the bass as super powerful, quick, and dynamic, working especially well for electronic, drum and bass, and bass-heavy genres without needing high volume. Several call it the best or near-endgame Harman in-ear they've heard, ahead of comparably priced rivals. However, a few note the bass balanced armature lacks the texture and dynamics of pricier alternatives, and that EQ can help avoid a duller default sound for some listeners.

Build quality and source dependency are recurring complaints. Several owners report the 2-pin connectors becoming loose within weeks, and cable pins degrading over time and needing manual adjustment. The ear-hook plastic is described as sharp enough to chafe skin or potentially fray cable weave. The Nova's low impedance also makes it notably source and cable dependent, sounding poor on low gain or weaker dongles, and some found no vent holes cause pressure buildup with deep-insertion tips.

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