Between the Variations and Nova, the Variations comes out ahead in several specs, while the Nova wins on sensitivity and impedance. Overall, the Variations scores 69.2 and the Nova scores 73.9 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Nova edges ahead on the Mars Score (69.2 vs 73.9), but the 4.7-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
The Variations doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the Nova if you care most about sensitivity and impedance. Its strongest claims are sensitivity, impedance.
Both ship with comparable driver count, detachable cable, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Moondrop - Variations wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Truthear - Nova wins
- ▲Sensitivity — 4.24% more. 123 dB vs 118 dB.
- ▲Impedance — 0.20 Ω less. 15 vs 15.2.
Spec comparison
Drivers
| Spec | Moondrop - Variations | Truthear - Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Driver count | 5 | 5 |
| Driver types | 1DD + 2BA + 2EST Tribrid | 1DD + 4BA Hybrid |
| Impedanceⓘ | 15.2 Ω | 15 Ωlead |
| Sensitivityⓘ | 118 dB | 123 dBlead |
Build
| Spec | Moondrop - Variations | Truthear - Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Detachable cable | true | true |
| Connector | 2-pin | 0.78mm 2-pinlead |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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