Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus | Flagship 13 Driver Quadbrid IEM
Astell&Kern and Empire Ears Reunite to Unveil Novus: a Beacon of Innovation in the IEM Landscape
- Limited to 600 units worldwide
- 13 Driver Quadbrid, Dual Conduction (x2 Dynamic, x5 BA, x4 EST, x2 Bone Conductor)
- 24K Wet Gold-plating faceplates with integrated Sapphire glass
- 6061-T6 Aluminum shell finished in DLC
- 4-Wire hybrid Copper, Gold & Silver Effect Audio cable
- Designed, engineered, and hand-assembled in the USA
Empire Ears X Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern and Empire Ears are once again joining forces to introduce their 2nd collaboration IEM, embodying the essence of audio technology. The 1st collaboration, Astell&Kern X Empire Ears Odyssey, was a product that epitomized the innovation of both companies in unlocking the full potential of Astell&Kern's flagship SP3000, garnering significant attention with its flawless sound and distinctive design.
The newly unveiled Astell&Kern X Empire Ears NOVUS builds upon the technological advancements of its predecessor. It seamlessly integrates the sound and design philosophy of A&K players with Empire Ears' unique technology, establishing a remarkable new paradigm at an astonishing level.
Novus: Where Artistry Meets Technology
NOVUS has been developed to extract the pinnacle of sound from the Astell&Kern SP3000T, combining the most delicately crafted analog vacuum tube sound with ultra-high-resolution original sound. Every component and material has been meticulously chosen without compromise to deliver a flagship sound that has never been experienced before, befitting the highest-grade product and encapsulating the essence of Astell&Kern and Empire Ears.
In an audacious leap forward, the NOVUS collaboration is a beacon of innovation in the in-ear monitor landscape. The 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 a shared commitment to transcend the conventional and redefine the extraordinary. With each pioneering technology it introduces, the NOVUS stands as a testament to the collective inventive spirit, a fusion of visionary design and unparalleled acoustic performance that will propel the IEM industry into a new era.
A Technological Achievement
With precision and artistry, NOVUS orchestrates an era-defining auditory experience, seamlessly blending four superior driver technologies into a single, unparalleled symphony of sound.
Quadbrid Design
Dual W9+
At the core of the NOVUS’ bass response is Empire’s signature Dual W9+ subwoofers standing as the pinnacle of low-frequency finesse. The bespoke drivers are engineered with a unique dual-role functionality: one for bass frequencies, the other for capturing sub-bass depth. This strategic setup enhances the interplay between bass and sub-bass, adding remarkable depth and dimension to the sound and ensuring the Dual W9+ subwoofers consistently deliver an unparalleled low-frequency performance for a legendary bass experience.
Dual Bone Conductors
The NOVUS advances bone conduction tech by integrating Dual High Mass Bone Conductors by Sonion, an innovative leap from the single conductor approach. This advanced system features two high-efficiency, high mass membranes that operate in sync, expanding the vibrational range and enhancing the depth and complexity of sound. They excel in capturing intricate nuances, delivering a sound profile that is not only profound in the lower frequencies but also remarkably clear and detailed across the spectrum.
Quintuple Balanced Armatures
The NOVUS transcends ordinary audio experiences with its exclusive NOVA BA drivers: a quartet of custom-designed masterpieces by Knowles. They excel in delivering mid to high frequencies with unparalleled clarity and breathtaking midrange richness. Central to their superiority is a purpose-built quad vent exhaust system that optimizes airflow and reduces acoustic impedance. Accompanied by a 5th balanced armature driver, this innovative setup produces a full-bodied signature mid-range for which Empire Ears is celebrated, delivering an unmatched auditory experience.
Quad Electrostatics
NOVUS redefines high-frequency audio with its quad configuration of advanced electrostatic tweeters, each equipped with an ultra-light membrane. These tweeters operate based on a sophisticated mechanism involving a diaphragm and two electrodes, with high DC voltage applied creating an electrostatic field. This arrangement allows for incredibly precise audio signal handling, enabling the diaphragm to vibrate in perfect synchronization with the incoming sound waves through electrostatic attraction and repulsion. The result is unparalleled clarity, pristine separation, and an extraordinary level of detail.
Arhitectural Harmony
Astell&Kern and Empire Ears deliberately chose materials for their exceptional sound-enhancing qualities for NOVUS. Each component of NOVUS is designed with a commitment to unmatched sound reproduction, ensuring that every design element contributes to an auditory experience that transcends the ordinary.
6061-T6 Aluminum
Aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, sourced from Japan, was chosen for its structural elegance and superior properties, ensuring NOVUS meets the exacting demands of the sophisticated acoustic design.
Diamond Like Carbon (DLC)
The application of DLC coating is a deliberate nod to the quest for enduring beauty and functionality. This advanced material enhances the visual appeal of NOVUS, allowing the underlying craftsmanship to shine through while contributing to the acoustic integrity of the device.
Gold Plating
With 24k gold plating adorning its faceplate, the NOVUS stands as an emblem of opulence and refinement. Complemented by the DLC-coated logo grid and distinguished gold-plated brand logos, it serves to highlight its unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Sapphire Glass
Integrating sapphire glass between the gold-plated faceplates not only ensures protection but also adds to NOVUS' allure, offering a clear view of the intricate logo grid beneath.
Additional Features
Bespoke Design
Drawing inspiration from the revered world of Haute Horlogerie, NOVUS was seamlessly woven together with the opulent, detailed craftsmanship characteristic of luxury timepieces.
synX Crossover
Dissimilar from the IEM herd, the synX crossover stands out with bespoke methodology and marries 4 distinct driver technologies ensuring max performance from all 13 drivers.
Dual Conduction Architecture
A commitment to innovation gave birth to the Dual Conduction Architecture (DCA), a groundbreaking approach to sound reproduction that marries air and bone conduction, allowing you to feel the resonance.
ARC
With NOVUS, Anti-Resonance Control technology has been elevated extending its precision to key internal components and harmonizing with the frame, an approach that mitigates unwanted vibrations and resonance.
VENT
NOVUS' acoustic architecture necessitated a precise approach to air volume and exhaust design. Through meticulous calibration of the vented drivers' volume requirements, their full potential has been unlocked, optimizing output and delivering unparalleled sound fidelity.
Effect Audio ARES II Cable
In collaboration with Effect Audio, included is a 4-wire Tribrid structure of 23.7 AWG Litz type 4S, a cable that harmonizes high-purity 5N linear crystal Oxygen-free Copper with 4N Gold-plated Silver.
Specifications
- Drivers: 13 Driver Quadbrid (x2 W9+, x5 BA, x4 EST, x2 Bone Conductor)
- Cable: 4-Wire Tribrid Copper, Gold & Silver 4.4mm
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum finished | 24K pure Gold faceplates
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz
- Sensitivity: 108.1dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
- Impedance: 2Ω @1kHz
- Astell&Kern 1 Year Warranty
In the Box
- NOVUS IEM
- 4.4mm Effect Audio ARES II UPOCC Copper Litz cable
- 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter
- Assorted Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL) w/ tray
- Pandora V2 CNC aluminum case
- Cleaning Tool + EE x A&K microfiber cloth
