Astell&Kern / Empire Ears NOVUS In-Ear Monitor

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Astell&Kern and Empire Ears have collaborated to bring you NOVUS, a gold-standard premium audiophile in-ear monitor.

Empire Ears X Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern and Empire Ears are once again joining forces to introduce their second collaboration IEM, embodying the essence of audio technology. The first 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 seam-lessly integrates the sound and design philosophy of Astell&Kern players with Empire Ears’ unique technology, establishing a remarkable new paradigm at an astonishing level. 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 meticu-lously chosen without compromise to deliver a flagship sound that has never been experienced before. It is completed with a design that befits the highest-grade product, encapsulating the essence of Astell&Kern X Empire Ears.

NOVUS

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 our 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 our shared commitment to transcend the conventional and redefine the extraordinary. With each pioneering technology it introduces, the NOVUS stands as a testament to our collective inventive spirit, a fusion of visionary design and unparalleled acoustic performance that propels 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: The NOVUS, with its innovative Quadbrid design, stands as proof of what can be achieved when pioneering spirit meets engineering excellence, blending multiple driver technologies to deliver an auditory experience without parallel. This collaboration not only showcases our dedication to sound superiority but also reiterates our capacity to redefine the possibilities of IEM technology.

Dual W9+: At the core of the NOVUS’ rich and expansive bass response, Empire’s signature Dual W9+ subwoofers stand as the pinnacle of low-frequency finesse. These bespoke drivers are engineered with a unique dual-role functionality: one subwoofer is meticulously tuned to master bass frequencies, while the other is dedicated to capturing the depths of sub-bass. This strategic setup enhances the interplay between bass and sub-bass, adding remarkable depth and dimension to the sound. Each W9+ is integrated within a precision-tuned bass-reflex system, featuring a proprietary internal coil diameter and a carefully engineered excursion envelope.
Supported by a robust suspension system, these subwoofers excel at managing extensive peak-to-peak excursions with minimal distortion. This advanced configuration ensures that the Dual W9+ subwoofers consistently deliver an unparalleled low-frequency performance, creating a legendary bass experience that resonates with depth and clarity.

Dual High Mass Bone Conductors: The NOVUS advances the bone conduction technology 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. These state-of-the-art conductors are at the vanguard of acoustic innovation, designed to redefine immersive sound by maximizing the capabilities of bone conduction technology.
Engineered for unparalleled imaging and precision, the Dual High Mass Bone Conductors 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. This breakthrough in sound delivery enhances the depth and clarity of music, providing a rich, detailed timbre that resonates deep within the listener. The result is a profoundly immersive sonic journey that envelops the listener, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of in-ear monitor technology.

Quintuple Balanced Armature Drivers: The NOVUS transcends ordinary audio experiences with its exclusive NOVA drivers—a quartet of custom-designed masterpieces by Knowles, meticulously crafted for Empire Ears. These drivers excel in delivering mid to high frequencies with unparalleled clarity, establishing the NOVUS as the epitome of breathtaking midrange richness and airiness. Central to their superior performance is a purpose-built quad vent exhaust system that significantly enhances acoustic performance by optimizing airflow and reducing acoustic impedance.
Moreover, the strategic positioning of the NOVUS chassis’ vents is masterfully aligned with the exhausts of the NOVA drivers, ensuring a harmonious integration that amplifies their efficiency. This design not only boosts acoustic performance but also maintains the drivers’ precision and clarity at peak levels. Accompanied by an additional balanced armature driver, this innovative setup produces a full-bodied signature mid-range that Empire Ears is celebrated for. This seamless blend of traditional excellence and avant-garde innovation delivers an unmatched auditory experience, firmly positioning Empire Ears at the forefront of in-ear monitor technology.

Quad Electrostatic Symphony: The NOVUS redefines high-frequency audio reproduction with its quad configuration of advanced electrostatic tweeters, each equipped with an ultra-light membrane that sets new industry standards. These electrostatic tweeters operate based on a sophisticated mechanism involving a diaphragm and two electrodes, with high DC voltage applied to create 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.
Each tweeter’s diaphragm is crafted from a thin PET film, measured in microns, which is exceptionally light yet responsive, providing excellent transient response and detailed sound analysis. The electrodes’ design incorporates numerous hollow sections to ensure unobstructed airflow, enhancing the overall acoustic performance. This meticulous design allows each of the four tweeters to deliver unparalleled clarity, pristine separation, and an extraordinary level of detail, capturing every nuance of the music.

BESPOKE DESIGN

Drawing deep inspiration from the revered world of haute horlogerie, we have seamlessly woven together the distinct design philosophies of Astell & Kern and Empire Ears with the opulent, detailed craftsmanship characteristic of luxury timepieces. This journey of design and innovation has propelled us to explore and integrate unconventional materials alongside advanced coating techniques, encapsulating the essence of extravagance and precision. The result is an in-ear monitor that not only exemplifies auditory excellence but also embodies ultra-luxe design, marking a new era where the realms of high-fidelity sound and visual grandeur converge in perfect harmony.