Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS - A Collaborative Effort for the Ages

4.5⭐️

+ Supremely well balanced V-shaped tuning

+ Incredibly resolving and well textured bass

+ Midrange has very natural vocals and accurate instrumentation 

+ Bright and airy treble without fatigue

+ A technical powerhouse without sounding cold and clinical

+ Expansive soundstage gives a great sense of space

+ Probably the most effortlessly natural timbre of any IEM I've heard to date

- While it sounds fantastic from a technical standpoint, the tuning is not particularly moving, engaging, or emotive

- Would like vocals to be a little more forward

- Large shells may not be a good fit for small ears

- Source sensitive and needs power

- Driver flex is unnerving

- Luxury IEM with a luxury price

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This set was provided for a trial period through the Watercooler tour. I recieve no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A big thank you to @Rockwell75 for coordinating the tours. 

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://www.astellnkern.com/product/product_detail.jsp?productNo=156

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●HiBy R3 II

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction: 

Astell&Kern and Empire Ears are two high-end companies in the audiophile market. A&K is mostly known for its top-of-the-line DAPs, while Empire Ears has gained much prestige through its many IEM releases. The NOVUS is their second collaborative IEM, the first being the A&K x EE Odyssey. The NOVUS was released in May of 2024 and was specifically developed and marketed to pair with the Astell&Kern SP3000T, a TOTL tube DAP. The NOVUS utilizes a thirteen-driver quad-brid design featuring two dynamic, five balanced armature, four electrostatic, and two bone-conduction drivers. It comes with an eye-watering price tag of $4999, making it the most expensive product I have reviewed to date. Let's break down the NOVUS and see what this collaborative IEM is all about.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

As this is a tour unit, I did not receive the retail packaging or all stock accessories; however, it did include the stock cable and case. The shells are made of aluminum with a diamond-like carbon finish. They are among the larger shells I have seen but are very lightweight. While I appreciate their lightness for comfort, I would prefer them to be heavier to feel more premium. The NOVUS has a very expensive-looking design and aesthetic, which matches the price tag. The uniquely designed geometric shape of the shell, mix of black and 24k-plated gold pieces, and sapphire glass faceplate scream luxury. I really like the grid pattern on the faceplate as well, and I appreciate that the left side features the Empire Ears logo and the right the Astell&Kern logo, ensuring both companies' efforts are recognized. Overall, the design is very premium and eye-catching, but not ostentatious. As for the fit, the NOVUS is surprisingly comfortable despite its very large shell size. They have a great weight balance and are easy to wear for hours without issue. The insertion depth is slightly deeper than average, and the nozzle is a little large, measuring 6.4 mm at its widest point. The nozzle's angle could be slightly better for my ear shape, but that's a minor nitpick. One thing to note is that I experienced some pretty severe driver flex upon insertion. I'm not sure if this is normal or due to this being a tour unit, but it's more than a little unnerving to have driver flex at this price, to say the least. Three small vents are located just behind the flat, two-pin connection, which help alleviate pressure issues. The NOVUS is paired with a black fabric-sheathed four-wire tribrid copper, gold, and silver cable with a 4.4 mm termination. The cable is soft and pliable and does not exhibit any microphonics. I really love how all the cable hardware features the names of both companies, even down to the earhook connectors and chin slider. These little details go a long way for me and help set apart a more standard release from a luxury one. As part of the tour, I also received an assortment of Beat Audio cables of varying prices, including the Billow, Cyclone, Oslo, and Emerald. I did try each cable with the NOVUS, but I personally wasn't able to perceive any differences in sound or performance, so I stuck to the stock cable for my evaluation. I did not have access to the stock tips, but I found that the TRI Clarions worked best for me. The case is made of CNC-anodized black aluminum and is very sturdy. I recently reviewed the Empire Ears Triton, which also came with a similar case. While this puck-style design is not my first choice, the case feels very well-made and quite heavy, and will undoubtedly provide great protection. Tour units often don't include all of the stock accessories, but for those curious, the entirety of the NOVUS' contents can be seen on the product page I linked earlier in the review. As for what I did receive, the case and cable look and feel like premium inclusions, and they meet my expectations for a luxury product.

Sound impressions:

I would describe the NOVUS as having a very tastefully done and well-balanced V-shaped tuning, with a healthy sub-bass boost, a mildly recessed midrange, and a nice, natural-sounding, airy treble that is not too bright. The note weight is a little thicker than average, which is definitely my preference. While the NOVUS can get to loud volume levels with just a simple dongle, you will want some power behind this one as it scales very well. Without proper amplification, the tuning and sound quality fall flat, and it can't reach its full potential. The detail retrieval is insanely good, and there is not a single nuance left behind. It's truly impressive but never sounds cold and clinical. The soundstage has an impressive amount of width and depth and is one of the best at conveying a sense of spaciousness and I'm sure the BCDs are at least partially responsible. The timbre is incredibly natural and organic and probably the best of any IEM I have come across. Every vocal note and instrument sounds effortlessly lifelike. The only other product I have heard that comes close is the ZMF Caldera. The imaging is also great and is very accurate, both left to right and with distance. The dynamics are good, but could be further improved. The tuning isn't inherently lively or exciting, but it holds up fairly well except at very low volume settings. The layering and separation are top-notch. Instruments and vocals are intermingled so that everything is independently defined yet remains absolutely cohesive. In addition to the stellar technical performance, the NOVUS also has a very natural tonality and a sense of maturity expected at this price point. However, it's not the emotionally charged style of tuning that I usually like. I would personally rather be moved by the music than have it sound technically perfect, but I'm sure some may prefer the opposite. Of course, there is a sweet spot between the two extremes, and I think the NOVUS gets pretty close, but it could use a touch more musicality for my taste.

The NOVUS is definitely a source-sensitive set and the sound changes depending on the pairing and power output. Surprisingly, I didn't prefer it with the M5U tube amp, even though it's arguably my warmest source. The tubes do help bring out a certain musicality, but they don't do much to tame the treble energy. The iFi GO blu has adequate power and helps the sub-bass dig a little deeper, but the resolution suffers. The best synergy I found is with the Questyle M18i. This is probably the most detailed DAC/amp at my disposal, and pairing it with the NOVUS helps push the entire technical performance to its full potential. The treble also becomes a little smoother, bringing it more in line with my preferences.

●Lows - Looking at the graph for the NOVUS, you might think the tuning is bass-heavy, but it actually sounds much less so in-ear than it measures. While the bass is definitely boosted and forward, it's done in a very tasteful way that doesn't impede on the other frequencies and offers a fantastic balance. It's a little more sub-bass focused, but the midbass is there too, and in a healthy enough capacity for me. The extension can reach pretty deep when called upon, and there's a nice subwoofer-like effect in bass-heavy tracks. There's great slam and impact, especially with various rock genres, where I think it absolutely shines. The quality of the bass is also very impressive. The resolution and texture are among the best I've heard in any IEM. There are no pillowy-sounding notes, no blooming, no bleed, and no muddiness at all. The decay is on the quicker side, and the rumble and reverberation are great, but they could linger a little longer for my taste. Overall, the bass is elevated and somewhat boisterous, but also very clean and tastefully done. It's incredibly resolving and effortlessly natural. I will admit, though, that it can sound a little too clean at times and takes some getting used to. It might not be preferable for those seeking a very visceral or warm and lush low end response. 

●Mids - Some may hear the NOVUS as having a midrange that is mostly balanced with the other frequencies, and I'd be inclined to agree. However, I personally prefer a more forward vocal presentation, so to my ear, the midrange is ever so slightly recessed for my usual preferences. The lower midrange, though, is well represented, and both male and female artists are equally great. Instruments and vocals are still clear and concise, but they may lack a little energy and engagement for some, myself included. The level of detail and precision is honestly nothing short of fantastic. Guitar, violin, piano, woodwind, and brass instruments all sound incredibly detailed and organic with a nearly perfect tonality. All the subtleties of the music are on clear display, as long as you take the time to listen for them. But it also doesn't shove the detail down your throat like some sets have a tendency to do. It's a more mature and nuanced midrange, and there's a level of refinement that makes it very enjoyable. Overall, the midrange is smooth, detailed, and a bit relaxed. I would prefer the vocals to come forward a little more, but honestly, it's a very small nitpick considering the absolute quality to be found here. 

●Highs - The NOVUS' treble is not particularly energetic, but neither is it dark or rolled off too quickly. There is sufficient air and extension, as well as a nice, sparkly presentation. Unfortunately, there is also a slight peak at 8 kHz, which I am quite sensitive to. This can lead to a few troublesome notes at higher volumes, but nothing outright sibilant for me. It fares better at a medium volume level. While the air and extension are fine for me, they may not be enough for trebleheads or those looking for the most sparkle. Cymbals, hi-hats, claps, and snaps sound crisp and natural for the most part, other than the occasional very slight harshness depending on the frequency. There is also a very slight brittleness or grainy texture to it at times, although it is still enjoyable. Some "s" and "sh" sounds can be somewhat incisive, and I think a slightly more accentuated upper midrange could help to balance this out, although that could disturb the fine balance of the tuning. Overall, the treble isn't quite the rolled-off or slightly darker, tilted presentation that I prefer, but it strikes a fantastic balance with the bass and midrange, and the detail and nuance are what I expect from a TOTL set. It has some characteristics I usually associate with EST drivers, like the slightly brittle texture, but it doesn't sound thin or ethereal which I very much appreciate. I wouldn't opt to change much except for maybe bringing down the 8 kHz peak just a hair, which could be easily accomplished with a simple EQ.

Comparisons:

● Craftears Omnium ($2700) - This is a matchup between the 1DD, 1 planar, 5 BA tribrid configuration of the Omnium versus the NOVUS' 2DD, 5BA, 4EST, and 2BCD quadbrid setup. I cant compare all the accessories since the NOVUS is a tour unit but both include really nice cables and cases. I slightly prefer the NOVUS' softer fabric sheathed cable to the slightly rubbery Omnium cable. While the Omnium's Pelican-style case is much bigger and has more room, both offer ample protection and I prefer the smaller, more premium feeling metal case of the NOVUS. Both shells have great build quality. The Omnium is slightly smaller and has a more angled nozzle, which fits my ear much better, although the NOVUS offers a comfortable fit as well. From a design standpoint, both have similar black and gold color schemes; however, the geometric shapes on the NOVUS' shell, combined with the sapphire glass faceplate, create a much more premium aesthetic. When it comes to tuning, both have generally V-shaped sound signatures, but the NOVUS has a bit more bass extension and fullness, while the Omnium has a more accentuated upper midrange and more treble extension and air. Also, the Omnium is a little more energetic and engaging, whereas the NOVUS has better balance and, while not quite warm, is more relaxed. The bass is a more prominent feature of the NOVUS' tuning. The sub-bass has added fullness and more rumble and reverberation. It also has a slightly slower decay, which I really appreciate, as it allows bass notes to linger a little longer, sounding more natural to my ear. The Omnium offers a more impactful, if slightly more punctuated, bass attack. It can present as a little more polite than the NOVUS, but it also sounds a little cleaner in comparison, in part due to the midbass tuck and separation from the mids. In the midrange, the Omnium has more forward and accentuated vocals, which is closer to my usual preference. Though they aren't positioned as forward on the NOVUS, vocals actually sound more natural to my ear on this set. That's not to say the Omnium is shouty or unnatural, but the NOVUS just has an extra layer of refinement and maturity that I find truly addictive. It also has more weight in the lower midrange for instruments, better balance between male and female vocals, and a much more natural vocal and instrument timbre. When it comes to the treble, both sets actually sound pretty close. The Omnium does offer a little more air and better extension, but the upper midrange accentuation helps balance it out a bit. The NOVUS actually sounds a little brighter to me, especially with certain notes, due to the peak at 8 kHz. The Omnium has a dip at this frequency, which helps reign in some of the more troublesome notes that I'm particularly sensitive to, so I actually prefer the Omnium's treble presentation. When it comes to technical performance, the separation is better on the Omnium, and the individual frequencies sound more sectioned off, which could be good or bad depending on personal preferences. The NOVUS has better layering and more cohesiveness. It also has a more natural timbre, more note weight, and a more expansive soundstage, which I attribute to the BCDs. The Omnium offers better dynamics, while both compete well in detail retrieval and imaging. This matchup, for me, essentially comes down to overall presentation and technical performance. The Omnium is more engaging and energetic, with great technical performance, specifically its separation. However, I much prefer the NOVUS' somewhat laid-back and more musical tuning, combined with an expansive soundstage and more natural timbre. While the Omnium may be the more "fun" of the two, and smoother in the treble for me personally, the NOVUS simply has the better overall balance and a certain nuance and maturity that makes it a joy to listen to for hours on end.

My pick: NOVUS

● Elysian Apostle ($1800) - The NOVUS has a quad-brid driver configuration featuring 2DD, 5BA, 4EST, and 2BCD, compared to the Apostle's 1DD, 2BA, 2EST tribrid configuration. The NOVUS is a tour unit, so I only received the stock cable and case. I do like the NOVUS's metal case much better, and the cable is a toss-up, but the one accompanying the NOVUS is more pliable and softer, which I prefer. When it comes to build quality, the Apostle's shell feels a little heavier, is more sturdy, and is the smaller of the two. The NOVUS is quite large, but it actually fits my ear better, and I prefer its premium design and gold accents over the Apostle's more monochromatic aesthetic. When it comes to tuning, both are generally V-shaped; however, the Apostle is a bit more so, while the NOVUS has better balance across the entire frequency response. The Apostle is more sub-bass oriented, while the NOVUS strikes a good balance between mid- and sub-bass, with neither taking a backseat to the other. The Apostle's extension definitely reaches lower, and there's more rumble and reverberation, but the NOVUS has better detail, resolution, and texture. It also has a more impactful mid-bass punch, which is especially great for rock genres. In the midrange, the NOVUS better represents the lower range of instruments and is again the better balanced one. It also has instrument and vocal timbre that are leagues ahead as well as an openness and depth that the Apostle cannot match. That's not to say that the Apostle sounds congested, but it does have a further recessed lower midrange, which doesn't help. However, vocals are both more soulful and more forward on the Apostle, which I do prefer to the NOVUS' colder and drier-sounding vocal performance. As for the treble, the NOVUS is a little brighter and more incisive, with a touch more air and extension. It also has a slightly grainy texture, and certain "s" and "sh" sounds can be bothersome at higher volume levels. The Apostle has plenty of sparkle thanks to the ESTs, but it sounds tamer and more controlled compared to the NOVUS. When it comes to technicalities, the NOVUS is absolutely the clear winner in just about every discernible category. The Apostle is still impressive, but the NOVUS has more detail retrieval, a wider soundstage, more natural timbre, and better layering, separation, and imaging. The Apostle, though, does have a thicker note weight, which I prefer. In conclusion, both IEMs are really great in their own right, but they adhere to different philosophies. The NOVUS focuses on technical performance above all else, but its musicality suffers a bit because of it. Still, it's mighty impressive and hard to fault. The Apostle leans in the other direction and has a very fun and more moving tuning. It is not without its own technical prowess, though it falls short when competing against the NOVUS. Besides both having generally V-shaped tunings, the differences are obvious when compared side by side. The Apostle has a big sub-bass response and more emotive mids, with slightly darker treble, while the NOVUS is better balanced across the frequency response and simply sounds more accurate. While the Apostle is generally more fun and enjoyable for me, the NOVUS would be my choice as an all-rounder, and I would even choose it based purely on rock and instrumental genres. However, the NOVUS's $5,000 price tag is simply not feasible for most audiophiles (including myself), and I think the Apostle offers a better price-to-performance ratio. If money were no object, I would probably choose the NOVUS, but at around a third of the price, the Apostle is still very impressive.

My pick: NOVUS

● Jomo Nautilus ($800) - I was lucky enough to have both of these tour units at the same time, so why not do a comparison despite the vast difference in their prices. The Nautilus is a 1DD, 2BCD, 1 planar tribrid versus the NOVUS' 2DD, 5BA, 4EST, 2BCD quadbrid configuration. Unfortunately, I did not receive all of the accessories with either unit, but I am able to compare the stock cables and cases. Both have fabric-sheathed cables, and while the Nautilus' is decent, the NOVUS' is a little softer and feels more premium. The case situation is similar as well. The Nautilus' case is made of leather and is a little more pocketable, but the metal case that accompanies the NOVUS is really nice and sturdy. Both sets also have metal shells. The Nautilus are smaller and made of heavier brass, while the NOVUS are quite large but a lighter-weight aluminum. The fit of the Nautilus is fine, but the NOVUS' slightly longer and more angled nozzle makes for a much better fit for me. The overall designs are quite different, and I personally prefer the NOVUS' very classy and premium aesthetic. Unfortunately, there is no graph available for reference, but I would describe both as having generally V-shaped tunings, albeit differently flavored. The Nautilus is a little more energetic and has more of an in-your-face presentation style, while the NOVUS is more even-keeled and better balanced, yet still V-shaped in nature. In the low end, the NOVUS is a little bolder and more sub-bass focused, with better extension and rumble. Unsurprisingly, it also has the better texture and resolution of the two. The Nautilus, however, has a more forceful attack and impact, and quicker decay. As for the lower midrange, the NOVUS has a cleaner bass-to-mids transition and a more natural instrument timbre, but the Nautilus has a weightier presentation of instruments, which I prefer. The Nautilus presents vocals more forwardly with an energetic presentation, but they can also be a little incisive at times with certain tracks and do not always sound the most natural. The NOVUS' vocals may not present as forward as I usually prefer, but they exude a certain maturity and clarity that is hard to fault, and the entire midrange is better balanced for me. In the treble, the Nautilus has more sparkle and energy, but it also has more troublesome peaks with some intermittent sibilance and can be somewhat fatiguing during long sessions. The NOVUS' treble response may not be as "fun," but it is definitely better for me due to the combination of more than sufficient air, clarity and detail, and just the right amount of sparkle without harshness or sibilance. As should be expected, the NOVUS offers superior detail retrieval, layering, separation, soundstage, and timbre, but the Nautilus actually has superior dynamics. Honestly, this comparison should not be close, but I feel like both models excel in different areas. While the NOVUS wins for me in almost every identifiable category, the Nautilus excels in one particular area: orchestral music. The more energetic and dynamic sound signature lends itself incredibly well to this genre. The NOVUS' superior balance across the frequency response means it does justice to all genres and makes it a great all-rounder. The Nautilus is the more exciting and energetic choice, with a touch more musicality, but I am personally drawn to the NOVUS' lower-reaching sub-bass, balanced midrange, slightly tamer treble, and incredibly impressive technical prowess.

My pick: NOVUS

● Ziigaat Arete ($250) - Here we have the 1DD, 4BA hybrid configuration of the Arete versus the quadbrid configuration of the NOVUS. Since the NOVUS is a tour unit, I can only compare the case and cable, which are both far better on the NOVUS by a wide margin. When it comes to build quality, the Arete features a more standard resin shell while the NOVUS has a larger, more sturdy, yet lightweight aluminum shell. Even though the Arete is smaller and provides a decent fit, I prefer the NOVUS' slightly deeper insertion depth. The Arete has a classic combination of black resin and a sparkly faceplate, but I much prefer the NOVUS' black and gold, premium-looking design. While the price discrepancy between these sets is huge, the tuning philosophies are actually pretty similar. They both have a V-shaped sound signature, but the NOVUS has the superior balance to my ear. Both sets have an elevated bass shelf, but the NOVUS is much better controlled. It also has a lower-reaching extension, cleaner bass-to-mids transition, smoother texture, better resolution, and quicker decay, although it doesn't cut off too early. The bass notes of the Arete actually sound a bit congested and tend to run together on more complex tracks. To be fair, though, the impact is a bit more forceful and visceral on the Arete. The lower aspect of the midrange is better represented on the NOVUS, and the instrument detail and timbre are far superior. Vocals are pushed a bit more forward on the Arete, but they are also positioned a little closer to the head and have a kind of hollow quality or echo on certain tracks. The NOVUS has a truly effortless midrange, and everything sounds incredibly natural and balanced, although I would appreciate vocals being pushed forward just a bit more. In the treble, the NOVUS has a touch more energy and sparkle, better air and extension, and a greater sense of space. This is most noticeable in things like snares and hi-hats, as they sound much more natural and lifelike. They are generally fine on the Arete, too, but they can sound a little blunted and need more room to breathe. In the Arete's favor, there is slightly more harshness on the NOVUS at higher volume levels, which the Arete lacks. When it comes to technical performance, there is really no contest here, as the NOVUS is better across the board. The most notable improvements are its natural timbre, expansive soundstage, and level of detail and resolution. In conclusion, it's crystal clear that the Arete is outclassed in virtually every aspect, but these two do share a general tuning philosophy. In fact, I would argue that the NOVUS is the ultimate evolution of the Arete and everything it wishes it could be. The NOVUS' sense of balance and refinement is miles ahead and is the easy choice here, although the Arete does have a tiny bit more to offer in the way of "fun factor."

My pick: NOVUS 

In conclusion:

The A&K x EE NOVUS is hands down one of the most impressive sets I've ever had in my ears. The build quality and design are superb, and the well-balanced V-shaped tuning, combined with impressive technical prowess, makes for a stunning experience. From the resolution and fullness of the bass to the detailed midrange and airy, crisp treble, the NOVUS is a true masterclass in performance. However, as great as it is, I do have a few issues. I'd like a little more mid-bass to add some body and warmth. The midrange is a little too recessed for me, especially with vocals and the treble can be a little peaky with certain notes, but lower-volume listening can help. While there are a few things I'd tweak regarding the tuning, the technicalities are basically flawless for me. Some may find it a bit boring, and I do admit it could use a slightly higher engagement factor, but it's a seriously impressive set from an overall balance and technical standpoint. I would generally deduct more points from the score for driver flex, but the performance is simply too impressive, and I haven't heard or read any accounts of driver failure, which is good news. Given the funds, I would absolutely want to own the NOVUS, and I think it makes a superb all-rounder for my library. When you think about it, the audiophile hobby is pretty crazy. There are sets at $500 and less that I could certainly listen to all day and be quite happy. However, the pinnacle of performance offered by the NOVUS really does open your ears to the level of sound quality achievable when money is no object, and it sticks with you even after it's gone. The NOVUS certainly justifies how good IEMs can be, but a truly luxury IEM comes with a luxury price to match. There is no shortage of releases in all price tiers, and I am sure even the staunchest budget-tier hater could find something at a tenth of the cost of the NOVUS that is very satisfying and enjoyable. Still, this latest collaboration from Astell&Kern and Empire Ears is a truly impressive achievement, and while nothing is perfect, I have fallen pretty hard for the NOVUS and highly recommend it, at least for those who can afford it.