Diamond Like Carbon (DLC)The application of DLC coating is a deliberate nod to our 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 our commitment to providing an auditory experience that is as visually compelling as it is sonically profound.
Gold PlatingWith 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 GlassIntegrating 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.
This carefully considered design philosophy ensures that the NOVUS is more than an in-ear monitor—it is a statement of prestige, a testament to the extraordinary collaboration between Empire Ears and Astell & Kern, and an embodiment of the luxury and exclusivity sought after by the most discerning aficionados of high-end audio and craftsmanship.
Dual Conduction Symphony
At the heart of Empire Ears' ethos lies a dedication to pushing the boundaries of in-ear monitor technology.
This commitment to innovation gave birth to the Dual Conduction Architecture (DCA), a groundbreaking approach to sound reproduction that marries air and bone conduction. This revolutionary design ensures an auditory experience that transcends mere listening, allowing you to feel the resonance, and offering an unparalleled purity in sound.
Airborne Harmonics
The human auditory system is segmented into three primary areas: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Air conduction leverages this intricate structure, beginning with sound waves entering the outer ear, progressing through the ear canal, vibrating the eardrum, and ultimately agitating the ossicles in the middle ear. This chain of events stimulates the cochlea's hair cells, which then convert these vibrations into nerve impulses that the brain interprets as sound, offering a rich tapestry of auditory sensation.
Vibrational Essence
Bone conduction, on the other hand, provides an alternative route, circumventing the outer and middle ear to transmit vibrations straight through the skull to the cochlea. This mode not only broadens our perception to include ultrasonic frequencies but also imparts a fuller, deeper tonal quality , given the skull's natural efficiency in conveying lower frequencies.
Harmonic Fusion
The NOVUS masterfully employs the Dual Conduction Architecture, blending the capabilities of both air and bone conduction. Its comprehensive frequency response, stretching from 5Hz to 100kHz through air conduction, pairs with dual W9+ subwoofers, five balanced armatures, and dual electrostatics for a broad sound spectrum. Concurrently, bone conduction deepens the soundscape with exceptional imaging, expansive soundstage, meticulous detail retrieval, and resonant low-frequency depth from 5Hz to 40kHz, powered by the dual bone conductors. Empire Ears' exquisite tuning elevates this synergy, rendering an immersive , stereophonic sound journey that distinguishes the NOVUS as an icon of acoustic ingenuity.
synX Crossover Technology
Distinctively engi neered 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.
ARC
In sculpting the NOVUS, we've elevated our ARC Resonance Control technology, extending its precision to key internal components and harmonizing with the 6061-T6 frame. This refined mitigation approaches 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, encapsulating our commitment to merging unparalleled sound clarity with sophisticated design, for an audio experience that transcends expectations.
VENT
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, we've unlocked their full potential, optimizing the output and maximizing the auditory experience. This precision ensures the NOVUS delivers unparalleled sound fidelity, demonstrating our commitment to acoustic perfection.
Cable
In the symphony of innovation that is the NOVUS, the cable emerges as a critical conductor of its acoustic excellence.
Crafted with a 4-wire Tribrid structure of 23.7 AWG Litz Type 4S, this cable harmonizes high-purity 5N Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (LCOFC) with 4N gold-plated silver, a blend that ensures flawless signal transmission and enriches the sound with an exquisite balance of warmth and clarity.
This core is encased in 500D macro-molecular fiber, enhancing durability and reducing microphonics for an uninterrupted audio experience.
Adorned with custom aluminum parts, anodized in sophisticated black and bearing the emblems of Astell & Kern and Empire Ears, the cable's design reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and innovation at the heart of the NOVUS.
This exclusive cable, integral to the NOVUS's identity, elevates both its auditory and aesthetic experience, affirming the exceptional collaboration between Empire Ears and Astell & Kern in this flagship endeavor.
Designed, Engineered & Proudly Handcrafted in the USA
The NOVUS stands as a pinnacle of unparalleled innovation and craftsmanship, conceived and brought to life through a seamless collaboration between Empire Ears and Astell & Kern. This masterpiece was meticulously designed, engineered, and hand-assembled at Empire's esteemed facility in North Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
While we ensure the highest quality by select components globally, the essence of the NOVUS's creation is a testament to the collaborative genius that
spans from the USA to Korea. This transatlantic partnership marries the meticulous design ethos of Astell & Kern with Empire Ears' commitment to acoustic excellence, culminating in an auditory experience that transcends borders and sets a new benchmark in the realm of sound.
Components
- Astell & Kern X Empire Ears 4-Wire Tribrid Copper, Gold & Silver 4.4 Cable
- 4.4mm to 3.5mm Pentaconn adapter
- 5 pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL) with Aluminum Tip tray
- Pandora V2 CNC anodized black aluminum case
