Truthear Nova VS Tanchjim Fission

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Truthear Nova and Tanchjim Fission use 1DD+4BA and 1DD driver setups respectively. Truthear Nova costs $150 while Tanchjim Fission costs $130. Truthear Nova is $20 more expensive. Tanchjim Fission holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (6.7 vs 7.1). Tanchjim Fission has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Tanchjim Fission has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge and Truthear Nova has significantly better dynamics with a 1.8-point edge.

Insights

Metric Truthear Nova Tanchjim Fission
Bass 7 7.1
Mids 6.8 7
Treble 6.6 7
Details 7.3 7.1
Soundstage 7 7
Imaging 7 7.1
Dynamics 6.8 5
Tonality 6.8 7.5
Technicalities 6.8 7.3

Truthear Nova Aggregated Review Score

Truthear Nova Average Reviewer Scores

Fresh Reviews
Super* Review Smirk Audio Tim Tuned Gizaudio Axel Shuwa-T
Jays Audio Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

6.7

Cautiously Favorable


Tanchjim Fission Aggregated Review Score

Tanchjim Fission Average Reviewer Scores

Super* Review
Jays Audio Jaytiss Z-Reviews IEMRanking AI

Average Reviewer Score:

7.1

Generally Favorable


Truthear Nova User Review Score

Truthear Nova Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Tanchjim Fission User Review Score

Tanchjim Fission Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Truthear Nova Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.8

Gaming Grade

B+

Tanchjim Fission Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.4

Gaming Grade

A-

Truthear Nova Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.

Average Technical Grade

B+
  • Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Bass A-
Strong, well-defined bass with good texture. Delivers satisfying punch and rumble without overwhelming other frequencies.
Mids B+
Good midrange presence with solid clarity. Vocals are clear and instruments have reasonable texture and body.
Treble B+
Good treble response - clear and detailed without fatigue. Well-extended with proper air and sparkle.
Dynamics B+
Good dynamic expression with solid impact. Handles volume contrasts well while maintaining good transient snap.
Soundstage A-
Excellent spatial presentation - wide, deep and tall. Precise instrument placement with clear separation in all dimensions.
Details A-
Excellent detail retrieval: highly resolving without being clinical. Effortlessly reveals micro-details and textural subtleties.
Imaging A-
Excellent imaging: precise and stable placement. Instruments occupy specific points in space with tangible positions.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

Tanchjim Fission Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
Mids A-
Excellent midrange with natural timbre and great detail retrieval. Vocals are forward and emotive with lifelike instrument reproduction.
Treble A-
Excellent treble: airy, extended and well-controlled. Great micro-detail retrieval without sibilance or harshness.
Dynamics C+
Decent dynamic performance. Good macro-contrast but micro-dynamics could be more nuanced. Satisfactory impact.
Soundstage A-
Excellent spatial presentation - wide, deep and tall. Precise instrument placement with clear separation in all dimensions.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations.

Truthear Nova Reviews

Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Fresh Reviews 5.5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
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Price: $199

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Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Super* Review 6* * score normalized
A little bit thin and shrill sounding. Hexa costs half as much and it's the better IEM.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
- Super* Review

Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Smirk Audio 6.9 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

- Smirk Audio
Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: B+ Details: A- Imaging: A-

Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Jays Audio 7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
NEED FOAM TIPS makes the treble smooth and clear. Very clean harman sound with smooth but well extended treble/one of the best treble under $200, no roll-off. The pinnacle of trying not to offend anyone, but light bass/low-end; another harman.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
- Jays Audio

Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Tim Tuned 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A+ Tech
check links for more info:

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
- Tim Tuned
Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A+

Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Jaytiss 7.3 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
C+ Tech
Nice set, great bass. Too much upper mids.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
- Jaytiss
Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: A-

Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Gizaudio Axel 6.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
A solid reference. Harman-style sound signature with solid sub-bass, clean forward vocals, smooth treble extension, and great detail. Could use more bass, vocals can feel lean and a bit intense at times.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
- Gizaudio Axel

Truthear Nova reviewed by:

Shuwa-T 6.8 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Overall clean sounding, works well with quicker pop genres (Jpop/Kpop) Male vocals recessed, does not work well with the other half of Jpop/Kpop. Lower midrange suffers from thinner note weight (tuning)

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

- Shuwa-T
Bass: A- Mids: B Treble: B+ Soundstage: A- Details: A Imaging: A-

Tanchjim Fission Reviews

Tanchjim Fission reviewed by:

2025-09-05
Super* Review 6* * score normalized
Fairly unoffensive with a slightly bright/forward tone. Pillowy bass attack and overall presentation aren’t very engaging; the bass dial doesn’t meaningfully change that.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
- Super* Review
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Price: $129.99

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Tanchjim Fission reviewed by:

Jays Audio 7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
Exact same driver and tuning as the Origin (with middle dial on S-SILVER NOZZLE) but with less premium build/design/cable/case - a welcomed hit for better value. Clean, neutral, balanced, full, and smooth all-rounder.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
- Jays Audio

The Tanchjim Fission presents a neutral, balanced, and clean sound signature that is also described as smooth and full. It offers a very natural and laid-back listening experience, making it a strong option for those seeking a safe, non-fatiguing tuning. The technical performance is solid for its price, with good detail retrieval and instrument separation, though it isn't the most dynamic or sparkly set available.

Tip selection is crucial, with recommendations for the Tri Clear or Final E tips to open up the sound, while the Spinfit CP155 can add a touch more bass. The included tuning switches are largely seen as a gimmick; only the middle silver setting is recommended, as the others introduce a significant sub-bass roll-off. The Fission excels with genres like rock, indie, acoustics, and classical at moderate volumes, but its lack of sub-bass rumble and extension makes it a weak choice for hip-hop, EDM, or rap.

Its greatest strength is its value proposition, as it is essentially a cheaper version of the Tanchjim Origin, sharing the same driver and sound profile for a lower cost. This makes competitors like the Moondrop Kato seem less relevant. However, when compared to other all-rounders like the Juzear 4U or Simgot EW300, the Fission faces stiff competition. The EW300, in particular, offers more bass, tuning variety, and similar technicalities for half the price, making the Fission a tougher sell unless its specific brand of smooth, neutral tonality is exactly what you're after.

Tanchjim Fission reviewed by:

Jaytiss 7.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Such a Fantastic little set.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
- Jaytiss
Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: A-

The Tanchjim Fission presents fantastic value right out of the box, largely thanks to its inclusion of a high-quality USB-C DAC cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The all-metal build feels premium, and the included cable is extremely silky and pleasant to use. A standout feature is the set of interchangeable nozzles that allow for sound tuning; the gold nozzle is the clear winner, providing the best balance, while others can make the bass less impactful. However, the fit can be a challenge for some as the shell lacks a pronounced lip, and the nozzles can be tricky to remove and replace.

Sonically, the Fission is extremely close to the more expensive and beloved Tanchjim Origin, offering a smooth, energetic sound with a tonality that is highly enjoyable. It provides a touch of warmth, pristine detail, and good air, making it a set that is easy to recommend and daily drive. When compared to other sets in its price range, it holds its own against competitors like the Dunu Kima (which has better fit and accessories) and the Kiwi Ears Quintet (which offers more bass), though the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for tonality and the value placed on its tunable nature.

While it doesn't break the so-called "curse of the $150 IEM," the Fission is a strong contender and gets a full recommendation. Its few cons include a fit that may not work for all ears and a bass quantity that some may wish was greater. For those who value its specific sonic qualities, the excellent build, and the incredible package value with the included DAC cable, the Tanchjim Fission is a fantastic and competitive option that is very easy to enjoy.

Tanchjim Fission reviewed by:

Z-Reviews 7 * score normalized

The Tanchjim Fission is an absolutely spectacular IEM that feels and performs far beyond its $129 price tag. It comes loaded with a ridiculous amount of customization, featuring three interchangeable nozzles (stainless steel, titanium, and brass) and a four-way tuning switch, creating a potential 12 different sound combinations. The entire package feels flagship-tier, boasting an excellent interchangeable cable system with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations, a waterproof bag, and even a keychain tool for adjustments.

After extensive testing, the definitive "cheat code" for the best sound is using the brass nozzles with the tuning switch set to Pop mode, which seemingly bypasses internal circuitry for a pure, direct sound. This configuration delivers exceptional clarity and a surprisingly wide soundstage, though they are not bass monsters. The fit is excellent, passing the "pinky test," and the build quality on everything from the IEMs themselves to the accessories is exceptional.

While not every combination of nozzles and switches is a winner, the sheer number of options ensures you can find a sound you love. For the price, the value is unmatched, feeling like a product that should cost $279. It comes as a full recommendation, offering a premium, highly tunable experience that is arguably one of the best deals in the IEM market, cementing Tanchjim's reputation for making no bad gear.

Tanchjim Fission reviewed by:

IEMRanking AI 7.8 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech

The Tanchjim Fission delivers a notably neutral with vocal-forward presentation in its default configuration, emphasizing clarity and articulation in the midrange without excessive coloration. Bass response is described as clean and firm, offering good texture without bleeding into the mids, while the treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing, contributing to an overall balanced yet engaging listen. Its standout feature is the extensive customization: three swappable nozzle filters (brass for warmth, titanium for brightness, stainless steel for neutrality) and a four-position analog tuning dial collectively enable 12 possible tuning combinations, allowing significant user adjustment to suit genre or preference.

Technically, the Fission leverages Tanchjim’s fifth-generation DMT5 dynamic driver, shared with their higher-end Origin model, which contributes to strong detail retrieval and a surprisingly expansive soundstage for a single-DD IEM at this price. The lightweight CNC-machined aluminum shells ensure comfort during extended use, though isolation can vary and may require tip rolling for an optimal seal. The package includes a practical soft case, a modular silver-plated cable with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C (featuring DSP and app-based parametric EQ) terminations, rounding out a strong value proposition at $129.99.

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Price: $169

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