Truthear Nova VS Ziigaat Horizon

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The Truthear Nova comes in a large, glossy blue shell with glittery faceplates, smooth lacquer finish and recessed 2-pin connectors that feel secure and well built. Despite the appealing aesthetics, the shell volume, bulbous inner body and relatively thick nozzle make the fit borderline for many ears, often requiring reseating and making it unsuitable for walking, running or gym use. The stock cloth-sheathed cable looks nice and resists tangling, but the short ear hook, hard edge around the ear and extra microphonics make it more comfortable as a stationary setup rather than an everyday on-the-go IEM.

Sonically, the Nova follows a Harman-neutral style tuning with a clear, open presentation, but the bass is on the light side with focus on sub-bass rather than mid-bass, leading to gentle slam and reduced impact even on bass-heavy tracks. The lower mids show very good separation from the bass and vocals come across as extremely transparent, yet male voices, piano, cello and other instruments lack the expected body and richness, giving the midrange a lean, somewhat thin character. Upper mids sit close to the edge of shoutiness and can sound slightly glary or even a bit shrill with some female vocals, reinforcing the overall impression of a very lean, clinical tonality rather than a warm or natural one.

The treble is arguably the strongest aspect, with natural-sounding cymbals, hi-hats and drum strikes that are neither overemphasized nor dull, helping the Nova avoid harshness while maintaining clarity. Soundstage and imaging are simply average for the price, offering a standard in-head stage and adequate positional cues without any special sense of expansiveness or pinpoint separation, and overall technical performance sits solidly in the mid-pack. Taken as a whole, the Truthear Nova is a very well tuned, detail-leaning Harman IEM that offers excellent sound quality and value around $150, but its thin bass, lean timbre, average technicalities and fit issues mean it best suits listeners who enjoy a lighter, reference-leaning presentation and are willing to tailor it with EQ rather than those seeking slam, warmth and all-day comfort on the move.

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The ZiiGaat Horizon comes with a solid accessory package for its price, including a spacious hard case, a modular 3.5 and 4.4 cable that is soft and easy to manage, and a good selection of silicone and foam tips that seal well and feel comfortable. The resin shell with metal lip nozzle feels stable in the ear, with venting that avoids pressure build up or driver flex and an average size that sits securely even when walking around. The colorful faceplate with sparkles, flat two pin connector and overall ergonomics make the Horizon look and feel like a well built, everyday friendly in ear.

Sonically the tuning leans sub bass focused at a neutral level, delivering tight, clean, textured bass with natural decay and a strong sense of physicality that stays neatly separated from the mids so vocals and instruments remain clear. The midrange is mostly neutral and very clear sounding, with vocals sitting nicely forward without becoming shouty and a balanced note weight that gives male voices depth and female voices an open, airy quality. Separation and timbre in the mids are excellent, making instruments sound realistic and well layered while clear forward vocals remain free of harshness.

The lower treble on the Horizon is smooth, controlled and detailed without obvious peaks, while the boosted upper treble brings a crisp, airy, sparkly character with plenty of shimmer and micro detail on cymbals, hi hats and upper harmonics, though listeners sensitive to upper treble may find it a touch bright. Overall treble avoids sounding splashy or metallic and works with the open bass and midrange to give the set a spacious, airy feel. In terms of technical performance the Horizon is one of the more resolving options at this price, offering excellent detail retrieval, separation and imaging, and in comparisons it tends to trade the heavier bass and warmth of rivals like Crescent, Astral, Kir SPET, Volume S, Sivo 24 or Zens T Pro for cleaner mids, more upper treble air and clearer vocals, making it ideal for listeners who value clarity and vocal focus over sheer low end quantity.

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Truthear Nova reads like a remix of Truthear’s hits: the bass weight of the HOLA, the clean technicals of the Hexa, and the lively treble sparkle of the RED. Tuning tracks a preferred target by about 95%, with a tasteful sub-bass lift and a mild extra push around 4–6 kHz that adds clarity without harshness. Resolution and detail feel a step up from prior budget favorites, delivering an “easy listening” tonality that still holds up for gaming. Across a broad library, the Nova comes across as balanced, energetic, and impressively refined for the price.

Build and accessories punch above class. The smooth, shiny shell fits comfortably; nozzle diameter measures about 5.1 mm (vs. RED ~5.6 mm, Hexa ~5.0 mm, HOLA ~4.4 mm). The new case is a favorite—soft interior with a practical clip—and the tip kit is generous: six sets total (3 silicone, 1 foam, and 2 double-flange, the latter being new to the lineup). Fit proves secure and ergonomic, with overall build quality comparable to bigger-name sets while staying compact enough for daily carry.

On graphs and in practice, Nova feels like a “leveled-up RED” with fewer quirks (no impedance adapter shenanigans) and more perceived resolution, while also edging the Hexa in sub-bass authority and upper-mid/low-treble presence. It’s a strong pick for newcomers and Truthear fans alike: great tone, good tech, and an all-rounder character that suits most genres. Final verdict: a confident 92/100 and an easy recommendation in its bracket.

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The ZiiGaat Horizon arrives as the brand’s first tribrid at around $330, pairing one dynamic driver with two BA and two planar drivers. Build is solid: a vented, flat 2-pin socket, metal nozzle, and a distinctive blue-white faceplate that looks like mountains under stars. The cable feels premium with red/blue channel dots and a working chin slider, plus an easy swappable plug (3.5 mm); the included zip case is pleasantly sturdy. Nothing flashy in shell shape, but the fit is secure and the accessories feel thoughtfully sorted.

Sonically, Horizon takes a clean, sub-bass-focused route with bass that reads linear and occasionally a touch pillowy, followed by full, rich upper mids and a treble presentation that steals the show. There’s generous upper air and extension with a tactful lower-treble rise, kept in check by a helpful 5–6 kHz dip to avoid fatigue; a splash of ~15 kHz energy adds sparkle that treble fans will relish. The result sidesteps the “EQ’d-to-death” flatness—this tuning carries just enough color to stay engaging while remaining clean and controlled.

Against peers, Horizon’s top end feels more refined than ZiiGaat’s Luna, while Crescent plays thicker and more V-shaped with extra 10 kHz “twinkle.” Versus sets like the SL224, Horizon’s treble is smoother and less sibilant; compared with Punch Audio Martillo, think of Horizon as the treble-head counterpart to a bass specialist. It also mirrors some strengths of AFUL Performer 7 but with cleaner bass and a more polished top end, and it offers more microdetail than the hard-to-find YU9 Chuer. Taken together, this is a special package: a well-built, distinctive tribrid with 10/10 treble energy and air, competitive technicals, and a tuning that treble lovers will find hard to put down.

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Truthear Nova takes a very safe Harman route: clean, well-separated bass with neutral mid-bass and not enough sub-bass to deliver that bouncy, textured thump. The result is a vanilla low end that stays in the background—great for clarity, not for slam. Midrange is open and sweet for female vocals, while male vocals can feel a touch light. Treble is a highlight: smooth, well-extended, and free of awkward peaks—more refined than sets like Performer 5 and some planars, and less boosted (thus less fatiguing) than EM6L.

On technicalities, Nova sits around EM6L tier with slightly better separation and perceived clarity, trading away sparkle for ease. It keeps its composure in busy mixes like rock and metal, but the missing mid-bass weight dulls drum and bass-guitar impact. For pop, ballads, acoustic and cleaner libraries, the signature is inoffensive, smooth, and tidy—pretty much the “don’t offend anyone” take on Harman (aside from bassheads).

Comparisons: for a warmer, fuller and punchier listen, Performer 5 (and similar “Fudu” style sets) bring more impact but give up treble cleanliness. EM6L is a more energetic, slightly warmer Nova with hotter upper-mids; sensitive listeners will prefer Nova’s restraint. Kara plays smoother, airier, and scales at higher volumes but isn’t as resolving. Heyday adds treble detail and mid-bass for liveliness (planar timbre caveat), while Hexa and Sonus feel similar in bass (also vanilla) with Nova bringing more detail. Think of Nova as a mini Blessing 3 with a touch more sub-bass, not a Variations understudy. Best use cases: upgrading from cleaner budget sets (e.g., 7Hz Zero) for better technicalities, or adding a clean Harman-neutral piece to a collection. Skip if the library leans hip-hop, EDM, rock/metal, or if a Hexa/Sonus is already on hand.

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Ziigaat’s Horizon follows the current meta-inspired recipe—think Astral, Metas, Crescent—but pushes the focus upward: the treble is the most prominent piece here. It’s bright-leaning without turning harsh, giving a crisp, “OCD-like” sense of transient bite and pinpoint imaging. Low end and vocals sit a touch behind the highs, so the presentation feels clean and lively rather than thick; at mid-volume, the top end drizzles detail over the mix like raindrops—engaging and textured, not shouty.

On the technical side, Horizon pulls strong detail retrieval and resolution for the price—above sets like Supermix 4 and near EM10/Volare —yet it doesn’t scale massively because of that treble lift. The bass is snappy and controlled, with good separation, but lacks the slam and rumble seekers of impact will want. Pairing and playlist matter: avoid hot, highly produced pop/K-pop/J-pop or most hip-hop where the combo of elevated highs and lighter bass can feel edgy; it shines with slower pop, R&B, indie acoustics, ballads, and classical where the sparkle reads as “high-fidelity.” Warmer sources help a bit, and tip-rolling (stock black/clear, or bass-adding options like Final E/divinus) can balance things—just skip anything that pushes treble further.

Against close competitors, Astral hit harder down low and feel more V-shaped and contrasty; Crescent is warmer and smoother but not as clear or micro-detailed. Horizon is the cleanest and brightest of the trio, with the most refined treble focus and “tickly” transients. Verdict: a value-minded all-rounder for detail lovers who prefer clarity and air over bass authority—technical, tidy, and energetic at sensible volumes, provided the library isn’t a treble minefield.

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The Nova comes in with a hybrid setup (1DD + 4BA) and a look that echoes the old Truthear Zero—glossy lacquer over a plastic shell that feels more budget than its $150 tag suggests. The semi-custom shape is chunky and fills the concha; isolation and security are excellent, but comfort depends on ear volume. The nozzle is narrower than past Truthear sets, yet the body’s size still dominates fit. The included cloth cable behaves well and is a bit longer than average, though it’s mildly microphonic; the shortened earhooks have firm edges that can rub the back of the ear.

Tuning is a near dead-match to Harman: elevated sub-bass, a carved lower-mid trough, and smooth upper presence. In practice that reads as thin, dry, and polite—inoffensive and free of sibilance, but not very engaging. Kick-driven tracks without deep sub content feel light due to the scooped mid-bass; when sub-bass hits, it can come off a bit droning. Vocals are clean and forward, occasionally bordering on shrill, while treble is well-controlled and easy on the ears. Technicals tick up slightly over HEXA with better imaging and a touch more 3D placement, yet overall resolution and separation remain more competent than exciting.

Against Truthear’s own HEXA, the Nova offers a small technical bump but gives up HEXA’s richer, more relaxed tonality and nicer-feeling build—while costing roughly twice as much. Versus Tanchjim Kara, performance feels broadly comparable: Kara has fuller bass but softer definition; Nova is smoother up top but still on the lean side. As a by-the-book Harman execution the Nova is fine, but for musicality and value, alternatives in and below the price class remain more compelling.

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The Horizon aims for a neutral-natural tonality with a slightly lean lower midrange, delivering standout vocal transparency and crisp separation. Bass is mostly sub-bass focused—felt and supportive rather than boomy—giving notes a pleasing sense of density without smearing the mids. The trade-off is an elevated upper-treble that adds air and detail but can tilt gritty/sandy if the fit or tips aren’t dialed in.

Build and accessories are a mixed bag: a surprisingly nice carrying case and swappable termination, but a fussy cable and a resin shell that fits deep and may need shorter, grippier tips to shine. Once seated well, the Horizon’s imaging and instrument separation pop, making complex mixes feel organized and engaging.

Versus pricier hype pieces with similar FR, the Horizon feels like a “short king” take: not as refined up top as the best of them, yet more weighty and satisfying than some leaner peers. Compared to something like Volume S at a similar price, this set is clearer and more incisive (better separation), while Volume S is fuller and smoother with punchier bass presence. At $330, it’s the most compelling entry in its family so far—addictive for transparency and staging, with the caveat of treble sensitivity and fit quirks.

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Truthear Nova comes in as a 4BA + 1DD hybrid around $150 with a resin shell that’s a touch more ergonomic than Zero, plus an iridescent blue faceplate. The stock “shoelace” cable is light and comfy but tends to tangle, fixed to 3.5 mm. The kit is generous—case with clip and a spread of tips; foam tips get a slight nod for comfort, though performance differences for competitive play are minor.

On performance, Nova presents a brighter, airier, more open tuning with de-emphasized mid-bass, trading thump for clarity. Imaging, depth, and verticality are strong, and positional cues are easy to map in chaotic moments; however, compared to the Truthear x Crinacle Zero, Nova’s cues feel less urgent—footsteps and distant gunfire don’t slam as hard. For gaming tiers, Nova makes the Wall Hack Certified list but sits below Zero for tactical shooters and Apex-style titles. If a cleaner, more sterile-leaning presentation is the goal, Nova delivers; if maximum cue emphasis is the priority, Zero keeps the edge.

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Ziigaat Horizon arrives as a striking tri-brid in the ~$300 bracket (1DD + 2BA + 2 planar) with a tuning that brushes close to Kiwi Ears Astral yet comes across a touch thinner and more balanced. The low end focuses on sub-bass rumble that’s tight, clean, and richly tactile, while mids keep timbre accurate and treble stays controlled—never shouty or fatiguing—yielding a fun-yet-almost-reference presentation. Build and comfort impress: ergonomic shells with that aqua-to-silver fade can be worn for 8-hour sessions, and the package includes Ziigaat’s new two-pin cable with interchangeable terminations (3.5/4.4), a roomy faux-leather case, silicone sets plus foams; tip rolling (e.g., ASMR tips) pairs well.

In games, ambient clutter drops away and crucial cues get spotlighted with confident imaging, separation, and convincing verticality. Footsteps in Valorant are clear and positional, though the lightest taps can blur a bit under nearby low-end rumble or heavy gunfire; Apex performance is exceptional, just a hair behind Astral/Mangird Tea Pro when ultimates stack; Call of Duty delivers satisfying impact with disciplined decay, though micro-cues can soften during chaos. Net-net, Horizon is a great all-rounder with clean, technical bass and a natural balance that works across titles. On the WallHack list it gets A– overall (A– in Apex, B+ in CoD, Valorant just shy of top marks), primarily nudged down by occasional masking of the lightest cues during intense mixes.

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Truthear Nova arrives as a budget hybrid built to spar with Moondrop’s Variations: a 1DD + 4BA set in that signature blue shell, anime-clad packaging, and a surprisingly nice-feeling stock cable that, unfortunately, is plagued by heavy microphonics and a rigid ear-hook. Tuning skews Harman-ish and very close to Variations, but with tweaks for a slightly more balanced presentation. Bass quality is excellent—clean sub-bass rumble and tight mid-bass punch—yet overall bass quantity sits a touch low versus the prominent upper mids, making the Nova better for low-to-medium volume listening and less ideal for bass-centric EDM or modern pop. Mids lean on the lighter side: lower-mid warmth is restrained, so male vocals and cellos can lose body, while female vocals and acoustic strings cut through with clarity. Treble impresses for the price—crisp, detailed, and generally non-sibilant—though ultimate air and openness are limited.

Where Nova truly struts is technical performance. Perceived resolution is standout for the class, pulling background cues forward and rendering percussion texture and micro-details with ease. Separation is strong on simpler passages, imaging is precise (left/right/center and angles lock in), and speed & dynamics keep the presentation lively; in complex mixes the smallish stage (especially depth/height) can bunch things up, tempering “real” resolution. Taken against Variations, it’s a blow-for-blow trade with the big differentiator being price—Nova undercuts significantly, making it the more sensible recommendation. With a cable swap to fix microphonics and a touch more low-mid/bass level, a hypothetical “Nova Red” could dominate sub-$200. As it stands, this is an affordable technical king for J-pop/K-pop, anime OSTs, and anything that thrives on clarity over heft.

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ZiiGaat Horizon is a $329 tribrid (1DD+2BA+2MPL) that prioritizes treble extension, clarity, and very sharp imaging. Compared with EPZ P50 and Daybreak, ear-gain is set lower, which yields less shout and more natural vocals while keeping an even transition from lower to upper treble. The result is a clean, transparent presentation that reads more refined than typical $300 hybrids and feels end-to-end coherent.

The trade-offs sit mostly in the low end and upper-treble edges: the stock mid-bass dip reduces body and impact, and sibilants can pop, especially around 8 kHz. Bass quality itself is quick and tidy with good depth rather than rumble, matching BA/MPL speed but leaning lean for bass-heavy genres. A light EQ lift of lower mids/mid-bass (about 2–3 dB) and a small 8 kHz trim (around 0.5–1 dB) makes it a more versatile daily driver while preserving its separation and sense of stage depth.

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Ziigaat’s Horizon goes for a flashy tribrid recipe—1×10 mm bio-dynamic for slam, 2×BA for mids, and dual planar treble up top—wrapped in pretty shells and “horizon” art. Street price hovers around $329, though bundle quirks can drop it to roughly $283. The cable is the familiar modular “big boy” plug system (3.5 mm/4.4 mm), chunky but perfectly usable, and the case/tips kit is typical Ziigaat: practical with a dash of theatrics.

Sonically, this one is bold and a bit unnatural—in a good way. Think W-shaped: bass, mids, and treble all step forward, almost competing for attention. The low end hits with big, big bass energy when the track calls for it yet doesn’t trample everything on softer material. Stage is not very wide—more focused and up-front—but there’s satisfying detail/decay and an aggressive, engaging center image. Expect excitement and texture over air and spread, and expect some fatigue after long sessions.

Call it an interesting outlier rather than a safe neutral. Price/performance feels fine (the sweet spot would be closer to $250), and it fits Ziigaat’s “many flavors, similar price” playbook. For listeners stacked with natural-tuned sets and craving a different, punchy, attention-grabbing presentation, Horizon delivers; for chill, long-haul listening, there are calmer choices.