Name: Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus | Flagship 13-Driver Quadbrid IEMs
Brand: Astell&Kern
SKU: AK-EE-NOVUS
Price: 4999.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus front eye level with attached stock cable over white background

Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus front quarter closeup with attached, composed stock cable over white background

Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus high angle with detached stock cable over white background

Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus high angle with attached, coiled stock cable over white background

Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus with attached stock cable over cubic concept art

$4,999.00

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
Check out our measurement of Novus

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.

Astell&Kern Novus extreme closeup sitting on wooden table

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.

Astell&Kern Novus internal components explosion diagram

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.

cube concept high angle, NOVUS with attached stock cable

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.

Astell&Kern Novus sitting on A&K spt3000

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.

stock NOVUS Effect Audio Ares coiled cable

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-Wire Tribrid Copper, Gold & Silver 4.4mm
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

A&K NOVUS with all included accessories

The Amazing Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus | Flagship 13-Driver Quadbrid IEMs

What makes an IEM great? Is it how good they sound? Or the great specs they have over all others? It seems that all you hear about is how good one IEM sounds over another. But what I've spent my life looking for is alot more than just great specs or what kind of ear candy one has over another.

I've spent a good part of my life in the music biz. Whether as a musician or a recording engineer, my aim has always been focused around the appreciation of good music of all kinds. Whether you are a professional or just someone who just loves music, you probably want the same basic thing as all of us. Realistic sound. Because anything less usually involves lesser specs, such as frequency response or low distortion, you probably look for the best playback performance you can afford, the keyword here being afford. But what if money is no object? Wouldn't that be nice. For me, I hate settling for second best, especially when what I'm used to hearing is the real live music or very close to it. I wanted to find something that would literally trick my brain into believing that I am in the same space as real musicians playing live music. Can the Novus provide that? In truth, probably nothing can reach 100% live music sound except live sound.

But I've found something pretty darn close!

Besides having all the great specs you could ever want, the Novus can almost disconnect you from the real world and plant you smack dab in the center of your favorite music group and allow you to feel almost as if you are there.

Theoretically, if you could supply sound to the ears that is identical to the original sound, you would not be able to tell the difference. The Novus comes close. Very close. In fact, be careful about closing your eyes while listening and moving about because they can mess up your audio cues and have you running into walls and such if your not careful.

So, let's break it down, shall we?

Bass: I love bass. Good bass. Who doesn't, right? The Novus have plenty of bass but its balanced. One thing you wont get is a bassy sound where its not supposed to sound bassy. I have a pair of Oriolus Traillii Ti IEMs that cost quite a bit more than these. They sound fantastic, so I will compare them. The Novus have more bass. Not boomy, and yet, never lacking either. Somehow, these IEMs kind of trick my brain into thinking I can feel bass vibrating throughout my entire body. Probably too, because my brain expects to feel that, so in essence, it does. Will you have the same experience? I don't know but I hope so. The bass is solid, tight and seems quite flat down to and below the audible threshold. Never lacking, perfect almost.

The mid-bass is solid, never boomy or boxy but just right.

The mids: Here, the vocals really shine! Man, only the Oriolus come close to or equal. Both do exceptionally well. Vocals sound full but never bassy. Female vocals really sound present and genuine. They all sound so lifelike that you may even think someone is singing right there in the room.

Highs: When those E-stats kick in it is wondrous! I cannot get over how crystal clear bells, cymbals, tambourines etc sound. You can discern things you never thought possible. Oh, sounds like the drummer is playing some brand new Zilchans today, because Im pretty sure a pro drummer could tell you not only what kind of cymbal, but what brand as well. And there's never too much or too little. Never harsh or sibilant. That goes for vocals as well. You hear differences. S sounds like S, not SHHHH.

I could go on and on but in order to finish up, these are getting to the point where we start comparing the sound to real life rather than just other brands. To sum them up in one word... the Novus sound "Lifelike"! The specs are right where they should be. Frequency response has a dip in the upper mids but I don't sense that anything is missing, even less if you activate the EQ on an A&K SP3000T, however, things sound almost as good without. I'm guessing the amount of EQ is very little. I would love to know what it is as very little seems to change. If I had to say what kind of music sounds best? I would say almost anything organic, like percussion, accoustic instruments like bass or acoustic guitar. They do have punch but some people might enjoy a hard hitting sound that has good balanced armatures like the UA Premieres. They don't seem to do much for older recordings without much fidelty but newer stuff? Wow! I should also add something about space. The sound is pinpoint accurate where you can tell exactly where something is and how far away. There are many times where I hear something and find myself looking in that direction for a sound but it's not there in real life.

All in all, if you want to really know whats going on with your music, plug in a pair of these bad boys and start listening to your entire library again because it will all sound so different from what you're used to, in a way that I can only describe as "magical". Right...

Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus | Flagship 13-Driver Quadbrid IEMs