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NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS becomes the second Astell&Kern collaboration with IEM manufacturer Empire Ears. Astell&K… More details
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors
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Astell&Kern, known for their relentless pursuit of pure, uncompromising sound, has teamed up with Empire Ears, a prestigious IEM manufacturer renowned for their innovative designs and cutting-edge technology, to create NOVUS – their second collaborative in-ear monitor. This is a LIMITED EDITION in-ear monitor. Their first joint venture, the Astell&Kern X Empire Ears Odyssey, showcased the innovative capabilities of both companies by unlocking the full potential of Astell&Kern's flagship SP3000 player. The Odyssey garnered significant attention for its exceptional sound quality and distinctive design. Building upon the technological advancements of its predecessor, the newly unveiled NOVUS seamlessly integrates Astell&Kern's sound and design philosophy with Empire Ears' unique technology. This collaboration establishes a remarkable new standard in the world of high-end IEMs, pushing the boundaries of audio performance to astonishing levels.
The NOVUS has been meticulously developed to extract the pinnacle of sound from the Astell&Kern SP3000T player, combining the most delicately crafted analog vacuum tube sound with ultra-high-resolution original audio. Every component and material has been carefully selected without compromise to deliver an unparalleled flagship sound experience. The IEM is completed with a design that befits a product of the highest caliber, encapsulating the essence of the Astell&Kern X Empire Ears partnership.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the NOVUS IEM with the Silver Dragon IEM Cable for Astell&Kern. The Silver Dragon IEM Cable takes a no-holds-barred approach to quality. It features eight conductors of 99.99998% UP-OCC stranded silver in each cable. It is the purest wire that can currently be produced and is void of all impurities. It includes all the sonic strengths of our original Silver Dragon IEM cable with an enhanced level of resolution and detail. It is not an overly forward or bright-sounding cable. It is extremely smooth and clean with an accurate reflection of the music, making it a non-fatiguing option for mastering and reference sound. The bass is tight, and well-controlled bass with more layers of resolution than any other cable we have produced.
Features of NOVUS include:
Empire Ears is an avant-garde summit-fi and innovative in-ear monitor company. A record-breaking tradition courses through our history – the result of pushing the boundaries of in-ear monitors to achieve higher standards in ultimate performance.
"The NOVUS symbolizes this dream brought to life—a fusion of our shared values and a milestone in my personal journey toward excellence in IEM design. It represents more than a product; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the pursuit of perfection in sound. When you listen to the NOVUS, you're connecting with our shared dream, a dream of transcending the ordinary and crafting an experience that's as close to the music as possible. It’s our privilege to share this dream with you, in the hope that it deepens your connection to the music that moves us all" -Jack Vang, Co-Founder of Empire Ears
In an audacious leap forward, Empire Ears, in collaboration with Astell&Kern, unveils the Novus: a beacon of innovation in the in-ear monitor landscape. This partnership marries Empire Ears' relentless drive for excellence with Astell&Kern's renowned audio engineering prowess, setting new horizons in sound fidelity and technological sophistication. The Novus is not merely an advancement; it's a revolution, embodying both companies' shared commitment to transcend the conventional and redefine the extraordinary. With each pioneering technology it introduces, the Novus stands as a testament to its collective inventive spirit, a fusion of visionary design and unparalleled acoustic performance that propels the IEM industry into a new era.
The NOVUS is a testament to the groundbreaking achievements that can be realized when a pioneering spirit combines with engineering excellence. Its innovative Quadbrid design seamlessly blends multiple driver technologies to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience. By incorporating a diverse array of drivers, the NOVUS pushes the boundaries of what is possible in IEM technology, showcasing Astell&Kern and Empire Ears' unwavering commitment to sound superiority.
This collaboration not only highlights the dedication of both brands to crafting the finest audio products but also demonstrates their ability to redefine the very nature of IEM technology. The NOVUS stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when two industry leaders join forces to pursue a shared vision of audio perfection.
The NOVUS' rich and expansive bass response is driven by Empire's signature Dual W9+ subwoofers, which represent the pinnacle of low-frequency finesse. These custom-designed drivers feature a unique dual-role functionality, with one subwoofer meticulously tuned to master bass frequencies and the other dedicated to capturing the depths of sub-bass. This strategic configuration enhances the interplay between bass and sub-bass, adding remarkable depth and dimensionality to the sound.
Each W9+ subwoofer is integrated within a precision-tuned bass-reflex system, which incorporates a proprietary internal coil diameter and a carefully engineered excursion envelope. The subwoofers are supported by a robust suspension system that enables them to manage extensive peak-to-peak excursions while minimizing distortion. This advanced design ensures that the Dual W9+ subwoofers consistently deliver unparalleled low-frequency performance, creating a legendary bass experience that resonates with exceptional depth and clarity.
NOVUS takes bone conduction technology to new heights by incorporating Dual High Mass Bone Conductors developed by Sonion, a groundbreaking advancement from the traditional single-conductor approach. This sophisticated system features two high-efficiency, high-mass membranes that work in unison, expanding the vibrational range and enhancing the depth and complexity of the sound. These cutting-edge conductors are at the forefront of acoustic innovation, designed to redefine the immersive listening experience by pushing the limits of bone conduction technology.
Engineered for unparalleled imaging and precision, the Dual High Mass Bone Conductors excel in capturing intricate sonic nuances, delivering a sound profile that is not only rich and profound in the lower frequencies but also exceptionally clear and detailed across the entire spectrum. This breakthrough in sound delivery enhances the depth and clarity of music, providing a lush, detailed timbre that resonates deep within the listener.
The result is a profoundly immersive sonic journey that envelops the listener, setting a new standard in the evolution of in-ear monitor technology. The NOVUS' implementation of Dual High Mass Bone Conductors marks a significant milestone in audio innovation, offering an unparalleled listening experience that immerses the audience in a world of captivating sound.
NOVUS revolutionizes high-frequency audio reproduction with its quad configuration of advanced electrostatic tweeters, each featuring an ultra-light membrane that sets new industry standards. These sophisticated tweeters operate using a complex mechanism involving a diaphragm and two electrodes, with a high DC voltage applied to create an electrostatic field. This setup enables incredibly precise audio signal handling, allowing the diaphragm to vibrate in perfect synchronization with the incoming sound waves through electrostatic attraction and repulsion.
The diaphragm of each tweeter is meticulously crafted from an exceptionally thin and lightweight PET film, measured in microns. Despite its minimal thickness, the diaphragm is highly responsive, providing excellent transient response and detailed sound analysis. The electrodes are designed with numerous hollow sections to ensure unobstructed airflow, further enhancing the overall acoustic performance.
This meticulous design allows each of the four electrostatic tweeters to deliver unparalleled clarity, pristine separation, and an extraordinary level of detail, capturing every nuance of the music. The quad configuration of these advanced tweeters in the NOVUS ensures a high-frequency response that is both precise and immersive, setting a new benchmark for in-ear monitor technology.
The NOVUS in-ear monitor boasts a meticulously crafted 6061-T6 aluminum shell, which is finished with a durable Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating. The faceplates are adorned with luxurious 24K Wet Gold-Plating and feature elegant sapphire glass inserts. This combination of premium materials and expert craftsmanship results in a sleek, sophisticated design that exudes both style and durability.
In the creation of the NOVUS, Astell&Kern and Empire Ears have meticulously selected materials renowned for their exceptional sound-enhancing properties. This purposeful collaboration is designed to surpass the high expectations of both audio enthusiasts and professionals who demand perfection in every facet of their listening experience. Each component of the NOVUS has been thoughtfully engineered with an unwavering commitment to unmatched sound reproduction. Every design element has been carefully considered to ensure that it contributes to an auditory experience that transcends the ordinary. From the choice of materials to the precise construction, no detail has been overlooked in the pursuit of sonic excellence.
The NOVUS stands as a testament to this relentless dedication, with each aspect of its design carefully integrated to satisfy the rigorous demands of users who accept nothing less than extraordinary sound quality. It represents the pinnacle of audio engineering, showcasing the combined expertise of Astell&Kern and Empire Ears in creating a product that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in in-ear monitor technology.
6061-T6 Aluminum: The choice of aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, sourced from Japan, is a testament to Astell&Kern and Empire Ears' dedication to both acoustic perfection and structural elegance. Its superior properties ensure the NOVUS meets the exacting demands of sophisticated acoustic design, offering unmatched sound clarity that elevates the listening experience to an art form.
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC): The application of DLC coating is a deliberate nod to Astell&Kern and Empire Ears' quest for enduring beauty and functionality. This advanced material enhances the visual appeal of the NOVUS, allowing the underlying craftsmanship to shine through, while also contributing to the acoustic integrity of the device. It is a symbol of both companies' commitment to providing an auditory experience that is as visually compelling as it is sonically profound.
Gold Plating: With 24k gold plating adorning its faceplate, the NOVUS stands as an emblem of opulence and refinement. This exquisite detailing, complemented by the DLC-coated logo grid and the distinguished gold-plated logos of Astell & Kern and Empire Ears, serves to highlight the unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines this flagship product.
Sapphire Glass: Integrating sapphire glass between the gold-plated faceplates not only ensures protection but also adds to the NOVUS's allure, offering a clear view of the intricate logo grid beneath. This choice underscores the fusion of ultimate durability with sheer elegance, ensuring the NOVUS is recognized not just as a piece of technology, but as a work of art that stands at the pinnacle of luxury and innovation.
Advanced Crossover Design: Distinctively engineered to surpass the conventional boundaries of the IEM world, the NOVUS features Empire Ears’ exceptional synX crossover network. This unparalleled technology, protected by bespoke methods, ensures a harmonious blend of four distinct driver technologies, orchestrating them into a symphony of sound. Through the proprietary multi-point synX crossover network, every one of the 13 drivers is optimized to its full potential, delivering an auditory experience that is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Resonance Manipulation: In sculpting the NOVUS, AK and Empire Ears have elevated the ARC Resonance Control technology, extending its precision to key internal components and harmonizing with the 6061-T6 frame. This refined approach mitigates unwanted vibrations and resonance, crafting an auditory landscape that is distinctly Empire in its elegance. The deliberate integration of ARC enhances bone conduction capabilities within a sleek metal housing, merging unparalleled sound clarity with sophisticated design, for an audio experience that transcends expectations.
Ventilation Mastery: The NOVUS's acoustic architecture, particularly due to the NOVA drivers and Dual Bone Conductors, necessitated a precise approach to air volume and exhaust design. Fine-tuning the enclosure’s ventilation was critical, as minute adjustments in vent diameter and placement profoundly influenced sound quality and performance. Through meticulous calibration of the vented drivers' volume requirements, they have optimized the output and maximized the auditory experience. This precision ensures the NOVUS delivers unparalleled sound fidelity, demonstrating Astell&Kern and Empire Ears' commitment to acoustic perfection.
The NOVUS comes with a bespoke four-wire hybrid cable that combines copper, gold, and silver materials. The cable features a 23.7AWG Litz Type 4S structure, which is further reinforced with black macro-molecular fiber for enhanced durability and reduced microphonics. The cable is terminated with a 4.4mm balanced jack, ensuring optimal signal transmission and compatibility with balanced audio outputs.
This custom-made cable showcases the attention to detail and commitment to quality that both Astell&Kern and Empire Ears bring to the NOVUS in-ear monitor, providing users with a high-performance accessory that complements the exceptional sound quality of the IEMs.
