Overview

Astell & Kern Novus is a collaboration with Empire Ears using a 13-driver quadbrid array—dual W9+ dynamic woofers, five balanced armatures (including four NOVA mids), four electrostatics, and dual bone conductors—with Dual Conduction Architecture (air: 5 Hz–100 kHz / bone: 5 Hz–40 kHz). Official specs list 108.1 dB sensitivity (1 kHz/1 mW), 2 Ω impedance, and a list price of 4,999 USD [1]. The model is a limited edition of 600 units and launched in Japan on September 14, 2024 (5867 USD) [4].

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specifications are unusually detailed (driver topology, bandwidth, 2 Ω impedance, sensitivity) [1]. Independent lab-grade datasets are scarce; Bloom Audio has published frequency-response captures on an IEC-711 clone coupler (limited reliability above ~10 kHz), which at least supplies third-party FR context [2]. Absent comprehensive third-party data on FR flatness (±dB), harmonic distortion, and isolation, audible transparency cannot be confirmed; the score modestly exceeds the default due to the presence of third-party FR plus complete official specs [1][2].

Technology Level

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The integration of four transducer types with synX crossover, ARC damping, and premium materials (6061-T6 aluminum with DLC finish, 24 K gold elements, sapphire glass) indicates very high engineering ambition and manufacturing quality [1]. The technology is impressive; whether it yields audibly superior results versus simpler, well-measured references remains unproven in public measurements.

Cost-Performance

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Market price (review target): 4,999 USD [1].

Comparator (cheapest with equal-or-better user functions and measured performance):
Etymotic ER2SE — passive, wired universal IEM (functions match Novus); public information shows reference-leaning FR on B&K 5128 and class-leading passive isolation 35–42 dB; current official price 149.99 USD [3][5][6]. Equivalence note: passive UIEM; FR adherence and isolation are at least as strong as typical high-end benchmarks, with third-party isolation data within the Etymotic line and independent lab usage of the B&K 5128 system [5][6].

CP calculation (single-product method):
149.99 USD ÷ 4,999 USD = 0.03 → 0.0

Given the absence of superior, verifiable measured performance for Novus, the ER2SE establishes a dramatically cheaper path to equal-or-better measured fidelity on core metrics (FR/Isolation), so Novus receives the minimum CP score [2][3][5][6].

Reliability & Support

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There is limited field-failure data. The 2 Ω load can expose output-impedance interactions in some sources; hiss risk is also typical with high-sensitivity IEMs [1]. The limited run may constrain long-term parts availability. Warranty specifics are not detailed on the official page.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Design emphasizes maximal complexity and luxury materials. Claimed ultrasonic bandwidth and dual conduction exceed human audibility, and public evidence of perceptual gains is lacking. With cheaper, measurement-backed options (e.g., ER2SE) achieving reference-grade FR/Isolation, Novus appears priced for collectability rather than measured fidelity [2][3][5][6].

Advice

If you value collectability and lavish construction, Novus fits. If your goal is measured fidelity per dollar, first consult independent data and audition. Etymotic ER2SE (149.99 USD) represents a proven, substantially cheaper path to reference-grade listening; verify your source’s output impedance given Novus’ 2 Ω rating [1][3][5][6].

References

[1] Astell&Kern — “NOVUS Product Page” (specs, price). https://www.astellnkern.com/product/product_detail.jsp?productNo=156
[2] Bloom Audio — “Astell&Kern × Empire Ears Novus Frequency Response (IEC-711 clone).” https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/measurements-database/astell-kern-x-empire-ears-novus-frequency-response
[3] Etymotic — “ER2SE Earphones” (price, isolation 35–42 dB). https://etymotic.com/product/er2se-earphones/
[4] AV Watch — 「AK×Empire Ears『NOVUS』9/14発売、限定600台・880,000円」(limited 600; JP price/date). https://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1621964.html
[5] SoundGuys — “Etymotic ER2SE Review” (tested in 5128-based lab). https://www.soundguys.com/etymotic-er2se-review-29943/
[6] Rtings — “Etymotic ER4XR Review” (independent isolation measurements within Etymotic line). https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/etymotic/er4xr

(2025.8.21)