Truthear Nova VS Ziigaat Odyssey 2

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

Ziigaat x Hangout Audio Odyssey 2 comes as a 1DD + 3BA hybrid in a fully metal shell with a matching metal nozzle, venting, and a comfortable, familiar Ziigaat fit. The package is generous: a handsome new case (seen on Luna/Crescent), 4.4 balanced with a swappable 3.5 adapter, multiple tips, and spare filters. The flat 2-pin cable looks good in black/green but is a bit memory-prone/tangle-happy; functional, yet a likely swap for cable sticklers.

Sonically, Odyssey 2 skews punchy in the bass with clean, thick mids and well-controlled upper-mids; the treble is smooth and gently rolled with limited airy “sparkle,” giving a more studio-like presentation. Versus the original Odyssey, this tuning is less U-shaped, with dialed-back excitement and upper treble—safer, calmer, and easier long-term. It’s a well-built, well-accessorized set at a reasonable price that many will find effortless to enjoy, even if thrill-seekers may want more bite up top.

In context, it parallels Lush on upper-mids (no urgent need to switch unless craving a touch more sub-bass or a different treble flavor), feels safer than Performer 7 (which has spicier 8k), and sits under the more vivid Odyssey (OG) and the slightly brighter, airier Crescent. It doesn’t reach the extra sub-bass/air of the Dusk DSP but improves on the original Dusk’s flatter treble character; meanwhile, Ziigaat’s Horizon trends richer and crisper up top. Overall verdict: a solid 8.0/10—mids are the star, bass is engaging if not rowdy, and upper-treble restraint keeps fatigue low. Not the most electric choice at ~$225, but a clean, safe, studio-leaning option with broad appeal.

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

Odyssey 2 shifts the OG’s recipe toward a more mid-centric, vocal-first tuning with a gentle sub-bass lift and smoother treble. Bass hits with less slam than the original but feels tighter, quicker, and cleaner, keeping texture competitive for the price. The top end is calmer—less bite, still adequately extended—trading sparkle for an easy, natural presentation.

Clarity steps up in the mids: vocals pop, separation improves, and detail comes through more plainly, while the OG keeps an edge in bass/treble “texture.” It’s a higher-volume scaler; give it juice and it opens up, especially for ballads, acoustic, indie, and pop—less ideal for hip-hop/R&B/jazz where extra weight and contrast help. Tip rolling that adds a touch of low-end/treble energy can inject the missing excitement without upsetting the balance.

Against similarly “safe” sets (Daybreak, P50), Odyssey 2 leans more vocal-centric with better bass texture; versus value champs (Supermix 4, Nova, Chopin), it sounds fuller and more natural but isn’t the value king. Lush gives more air up top, Arcanis/Luna serve as pricier “special sauce” paths if treble bite or OG-style warmth is desired. Verdict: a safer pick and polished all-rounder—objectively as good or slightly cleaner than OG—but for die-hard OG fans, more of a refined sidegrade than a direct, high-octane upgrade.

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

The Ziigaat Odyssey 2 arrives as a collab between Ziigaat and Hangout Audio (tied to Crinacle), essentially a Crin-influenced set in disguise; it’s a 1DD + 3BA hybrid priced around $250. Accessories are thoughtful—three ear-tip sets, spare adhesive filters, and swappable 3.5/4.4 terminations—though the long, friction-fit plug feels awkward. The metal shell is medium-sized with a short nozzle for a shallow fit; comfort is easy, stability average, and the thin green cable is softer than prior Ziigaat attempts with a chin slider that actually holds.

Tonally it lands squarely in the tilted diffuse-field “meta” neutral camp: natural vocals, tame upper-treble, and a slight 4–6 kHz lift that adds clarity and a more contrasty/clinical edge without harshness. Imaging and separation are clean for the price, but the sub-bass-focused boost leaves the low end marshmallowy—tactile yet soft, with kick drums short on slam. Overall balance is convincing and easy to live with, just not especially exciting.

Versus Ziigaat Lush, Odyssey 2 is crisper and more defined where Lush sounds darker, smoother, and a bit low-res, though Lush hits mid-bass a touch harder. Against Softears Volume S (costlier), Volume S wins on bass grip and midrange texture, sounding fuller and more engaging while Odyssey 2 stays cleaner but more clinical. Conclusion: a very good set in a crowded mold—3/5 for a refined meta tune with agreeable timbre but modest bass impact.

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

Ziigaat Odyssey 2 lands as a premium-feeling set: a CNC-milled aluminum chassis with a sparkly blue/silver faceplate, solid two-pin cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4 plugs, spare nozzle filters, and a roomy new brown carrying case. The stock cable is nice—though its green tint doesn’t quite match the shell’s aqua tone. Tip selection is generous (foam plus two silicone sets), and the newer silicone tips are a standout. Overall, a tidy package for the price.

Tuning follows the current “new meta”: energetic low end with a cleaner sub-bass attack/decay than sets like ZENs Top/Top Pro, which helps in games. Bass stays punchy yet controlled, so imaging and separation/layering come through well, though gunfire can still push forward. For pure music the bigger, rumblier sets may feel livelier, but for competitive play Odyssey 2 reads space more cleanly and keeps clutter down better than bass-heavier rivals.

Title by title: in Valorant it sounds natural and punchy with tighter gun reports and better map imaging—footsteps are a bit thicker and light taps could cut more—earning a B+. In Apex it’s cleaner than ZENs Top Pro and fine in 3v3s, but big third-party fights expose some separation limits; call it a strong B (bordering B+). In CS2 the positional read improves over ZENs Top Pro, though lighter surface cues and gunfire depth could be crisper—solid overall. Call of Duty plays to its strengths: warmer timbre, wide/deep stage, excellent layering during streaks, with only occasional gunfire masking—another B+. Net result: placed in the B+ tier on the WallHack list, at the lower edge bordering B, similar to the original Odyssey’s standing.

Youtube Video Summary

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.

Youtube Video Summary

Ziigaat Odyssey 2 hits with that classic brand playbook: a comfy shared shell, a chunky but super-flexible cable with a huge swappable plug, and a surprisingly generous tip selection and replacement filters. The driver pack is 1DD + 3BA, easy to drive, and happy on everything from a simple dongle to a beefier pre-out chain. Build is familiar but the green/black cable adds some flair. Pop on Dunu S&S tips and the fit/seal click into place—no fuss, no drama.

The sound is where it goes from good to phenomenal. Resolution and clarity come with laser-cut separation and a rare sense of cohesion—those tiny electronic textures sit perfectly in space. Bass is solid and authoritative without turning the set into a basshead toy; it supports rather than smothers. Vocals are forward and engaging, yet staging still feels like a well-treated studio—neither claustrophobic nor echo-y. Treble wakes up with cleaner amplification, getting a touch more sparkle while the whole signature stays remarkably smooth from top to bottom. Value is the kicker: at roughly $225–$250 it performs like a $400–$600 set, with little to nitpick beyond the samey accessories. Easily one of the strongest Ziigaat tunings to date and a buy-with-confidence recommendation.

Youtube Video Summary

ZiiGaat × Hangout Audio Odyssey 2 brings a 1DD + 3BA configuration to the ~$220 bracket with a generous kit: big leather case, three tip sets, nozzle filters, and interchangeable plugs. The green/black glitter faceplate looks slick and the metal shell feels solid—though a touch less premium than some rivals—and the fit skews large, which may fatigue smaller ears. The new black-and-green cable feels nicer than older ZiiGaat parts, has some memory, but is fully usable.

Voicing is non-offensive and slightly warm-leaning, with sub-bass emphasis and more neutral mid-bass that trades punch for a thumpy, rumbly foundation. Mids are natural with fuller male vocals; female vocals read clean yet not especially gripping. Treble stays relaxed and smooth with enough air, though a faint edginess can pop up on orchestral recordings. Technicals sit around class-average, but the notably wide soundstage (≈4/5) and accurate imaging make it friendly for casual gaming.

Against peers, the original Odyssey runs a touch more mid-bass and treble, coming across less dull; it remains the safer pick for some. DUNU DaVinci at similar money hits harder, feels more exciting, and carries a nicer midrange; AFUL Performer 7 offers a mild-V that’s more balanced overall with a more natural bass but a brighter top end. Recommendation: choose Odyssey 2 if a warm, easy, sub-bass-tilted listen is the goal; skip it if chasing fun and energy. Like unflavored sparkling water, it’s refreshing yet low on flavor—ultimately a two-star value pick: solid and safe, but not especially distinctive.

Youtube Video Summary

Odyssey 2 brings a metal-bottom shell and a green/black modular cable, but the headline is the retune. The aim—relax the Odyssey’s hot mid/upper treble—works, yet energy shifts toward roughly 2.5 kHz and the mid-bass dip becomes shallower. On the ear this reads as sharper edges with a leaner body, and at moderate to higher volume the upper mids rise faster than the top end supports.

The result is a mild treble imbalance: vocals turn a touch thin, upper-air feels reduced, and the set encourages lowering the volume rather than opening up. While clarity remains “hybrid-like,” extension has less sparkle, and the presentation can feel compressed compared to the original tuning.

Technicalities also take a small step back—less separation and layering, a stage that projects smaller, and imaging that’s tidy but not standout. With a bit of PEQ to add body and a hint more upper-treble air, Odyssey 2 comes closer to expectations, but out of the box the original Odyssey still reads as the more naturally balanced pick.