The Best Of The Series

Ratings

Pros

• Powerful, big, voluminous, dark, dense and weighty bass.
• Midrange with forward and very full voices.
• Benefit from more analytical and neutral sources.
• Elegant and ergonomic design.
• Interchangeable mouthpieces.
• Good set of accessories, including the new C04 transparent silicone tips in four sizes.

Cons

• Treble and smooth tuning.
• The thickness of the notes prevents it from being more defined.
• NiceHCK knows how to make better cables, at least, more eye-catching.

Purchase Link

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008113784727.html
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW4DKFF
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW3MRPK

Link to the Store

https://nicehck.com/products/nicehck-nx8-in-ear-monitor-with-1dd-6ba-1pzt-8-unit-hybrid-earphone

Introduction

All CHI-FI fans know the NiceHCK Audio store. It not only sells audio accessories, such as cables and silicone tips, but also has a real tradition in the manufacture of headphones and IEMS. For this occasion, the brand has created a new model of the NX series, called NX8, which consists, of course, of 8 drivers per capsule inside a resin unit printed with a high precision technology. The driver configuration is 1DDD + 6BA + 1PZT. Two of the BA drivers are used for mid frequencies, four for high and very high frequencies, and one piezo ceramic driver for ultra high frequencies. For the dynamic driver, NiceHCK has adopted a large, high-performance dual magnetic transducer. The 10mm diaphragm is titanium coated. The assembly is completed with a frequency divider plate of its own design. In tuning, a different profile than the classic Harman profile has been chosen to emphasize the sub-bass and smooth the upper mids without losing too much energy in the treble. The NX8s use replaceable mouthpieces that are compatible with others on the market, so that the user can play with different tunings or replace them when they become unusable for other reasons.
The outer face of the capsules has a starry texture simulating the deep universe and an aluminum alloy frame. As it could not be otherwise, the NX8s use the 0.78mm 2-pin connection interface, while the cable used is made of high-purity OCC copper wires with silver plating. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the NiceHCK NX8 comes with the new C04 transparent silicone tips, which help to expand the scene, and with the classic 07 tips. Let’s see what this new model has to offer in this review.

Specifications

• Driver Type: 1DDD+6BA+1PZT.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 30kHz.
• Sensitivity: 111dB/mW.
• Impedance: 19Ω.
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm / BAL 4.4mm.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Capsule Material: Resin with aluminum alloy frame.
• Cable Material: OCC+Silver plated mixed.
• Starting Price: $199.

Packaging

The NiceHCK NX8 comes in a dark and relatively elongated 200x127x50mm box. The bottom of the case is similar to the outer face of the IEMS, with a star pattern that simulates a view of the universe. At the top left is the brand logo and, in the center, the model name and a short description of the model. In the center is an actual photo of each capsule and, below, another product description. All the text is written in white letters. On the back side, the model name and description are repeated. Below is an exploded view of the capsule, revealing all its components and internal construction. Underneath are the specifications in Chinese and English, as well as the brand indications, maintaining the white color of the lettering. Removing the outer cardboard reveals a black box with silver stars and the model name in the center. Inside is a black cardboard lid that protects the product and exposes the two capsules at the top. In the center is the brand logo and, underneath, a product legend in silver lettering. When the cardboard is removed, a black foam mold containing the capsules can be seen, along with a small box containing the two sets of silicone tips. At the bottom is the classic rectangular, large, black box with a faux-leather zipper and the brand logo in the center. The complete contents are as follows:

• The two NiceHCK NX8 capsules.
• One cable with BAL 4.4mm connector.
• One Velcro strip.
• One cleaning brush.
• Two spare nozzles of the same size.
• Four pairs of silicone tips C04 sizes SxMxLxLxXL.
• Three pairs of silicone tips 07 sizes SxMxL.
• Zippered carrying case.
• User’s manual.
• Warranty certificate.
• QR link card.

As usual with NiceHCK products, the NX8 includes the entire classic battery of accessories. Highlights include the case and the new C04 clear silicone tips in four sizes. Among so many good cables manufactured by the brand, the cable of the NX8 (as well as that of other models of the brand) seems simple to me.

Construction and Design

The NiceHCK NX8 are made of resin printed by high precision 3D printing. The capsules are black and their outer face has an aluminum alloy frame, on the edge of which is written the model name and the topo indicating the channel. There is a small groove between the frame and the edge of the capsule. The outer face has a star pattern, as if it were a view of the universe. On the edge of the capsule there are two holes between the 2Pin 0.78mm connection interface. This interface consists of a rectangular, transparent plate completely integrated into the surface. The connections are gold-plated. The inner side is smooth, rounded at the edges and without protrusions. The slope towards the mouthpieces is slight and starts from the center of the capsule. The mouthpieces are screw-in, brass, with a length of 3.6mm, a minor diameter of 5.25mm and a crown diameter of 6mm. The protection grid consists of a perforated metal plate. It is worth mentioning that as an accessory there are other mouthpieces exactly the same as the ones installed in the capsules and that they are compatible with other tuning mouthpieces available on the market.
The cable consists of two coiled strands of pale copper color. The connector sleeve is a metal cylinder that has the brand name longitudinally in white. There is a textured pattern below while the cylinder is rounded in a decreasing fashion at the cable exit. The splitter piece is made in the same way, without the textured part. The pin is just that textured part missing from the divider piece, with a through oval. The cable adjustment is relative, it slides smoothly and the adjustment function is performed because the cable has a tendency to open or coil. The cable has transparent plastic ear guides. The sleeves of the 2Pin 0.78mm connectors are two rounded metal cylinders with a decreasing shape at the cable outlet, with two grooves colored in red or blue to indicate the channel. On the connector plate there is a dot to indicate the polarity of the cable. All cable sheath finishes are metallic with micro texturing. As I said, the cable is somewhat simple compared to the high quality and quantity of cables in the brand’s catalog. I think it is the same as the one used in the M5 model.

Adjustment and Ergonomics

It could be said that the size of the capsules is medium and their weight is light. They are made of polished resin and the surface is very smooth. The ergonomics are simple, but well resolved. It is a proven and efficient design, with no annoying protrusions. The angle of the nozzles is quite good, although they are slightly short. The fit is medium to shallow and with suitable tips the level of sound insulation is high. They fit the pinna very well and can hardly rotate inside the ear. The low weight, great fit and minimal friction make them very comfortable for long sessions and if an occlusive and durable fit is achieved they can be very valid for daily use, such as for light sports.

Sound

Profile

I would say that the NiceHCKs aim for a current planar tuning, but with differences in the upper mids and treble. Thus, a W profile is maintained with emphasis on the sub-bass, clean drop towards the mids and slightly softened treble, but with a sustained energy level. The first thing I have to say is that I like this tuning, because the bass is present, the upper mids are smoothed out and the treble maintains a moderate but continuous energy profile, making it sound present and natural. The result is a sound in which the first two bands have a lot of representation, achieving a sound that is quite full, dense, rich and with that wall-of-sound style that impresses so much.

Bass

The bass is undeniably powerful, big, voluminous, dark, heavy and even dense. They are quite textured and have a medium degree of gumminess. They are also quite physical and sensory. In the very low frequency pure tone test, one senses that darkness and physicality at the first audible note. There is a wave character that fits the nature of the wave, as it does not generate color or excessive loudness from its vibration. In this sense, it feels controlled, but it is not a canonical behavior, but it escapes that more explosive character that the NX8 bass possesses. In this way, there is a feeling that it is difficult to contain the punch of the bass kicks. However, the NX8s manage to do so almost entirely. Even so, these bass kicks have elasticity, they linger subtly in the environment and their dissipation is not immediate. It is not a slow bass, but one of those whose energy level is a little difficult to dissipate. It is not a dry bass, but rather juicy, with a predominance of depth and a darker color in which the physical part, energy and punch are accentuated.
But it is in the dirty, complex and unfiltered bass test that a model has to prove its worth. This is where control and technical skill are put to the test when it comes to bass performance. And the NX8s don’t flinch at all, demonstrating plenty of control despite the darkness, physicality and volume that they pack. At no point do the basses lose control, their characteristic sonority remains unchanged and they are relatively adept at following fast bass lines, although this is where they suffer the most. So much energy, darkness, volume and that not-so-fast character can subtly blur the more complex bass lines, making them more diffuse and less marked and outlined than those of other more technical IEMS. The NX8s don’t miss a beat, but they don’t have the resolution to maintain a completely clean and tight profile on all bass notes. However, the physical feel is high, something that, combined with the sense of volume, darkness, elasticity and that rubbery point, makes it very fun and even addictive. It also slightly resents the layering by presenting the lines more united and persistent, which gives the impression of a more uniform and, above all, dense bass.

Mids

The mids have warmth and feel accompanied by that generalized darkness throughout the sound of the ensemble. This favors the fullness of the first half of the mids, where much of the physical and corporeal presence that already existed in abundance in the bass is maintained. Thus, the male voices are dense and full from the beginning, they are not in the foreground, but they are perceived in a close and almost protagonist way when they stand out in the mix. The full-bodied feel alternates with upper mids with just the right amount of excitement to enhance the details and highs that reinforce the harmonics. In this way, the vocals feel very full, very well represented throughout and exposed, with a slight dark touch, but very well garnished by the presentation of all the upper frequencies. Thus, the richness expands quite analogically, almost sweet, very musical, but also very informative. In the same way, the instrumentation of the first half is imposing and forms an integral part of the wall of sound erected by the NX8s. On the other hand, despite the maintained energy level of the treble, the detail is still somewhat diffuse and the bass presentation and its persistence in the ambience can become nuanced, drowning out such details slightly. This is not an analytical ensemble, but is slightly softened at the edges. Therefore, the female voices are not perceived as piercing, but thicker, silky and sweet, where the base and the body are more protagonists, maintaining the physical part that makes them dense and lush. On the other hand, the sibilances are kept completely under control and softened. There is no trace of sharp notes; this is not a splashy sound, but a warmer, musical, analog and controlled one. It is true that a certain sense of transparency and brightness is lost, accentuating the thickness of the notes. At this point, the female vocals and instruments in this second half are perceived as relaxed and relatively muted, less vivid and with a somewhat lower level of excitement.

Treble

The treble has an extended and sustained, but diminishing energy level. The resulting exposure is smooth and controlled, perhaps too much so. I was hoping for a little more sparkle from the graphic and a little more expressiveness, both informative and luminous. But that was not the case. In this respect, the NX8s benefit from somewhat cooler sources to expand their treble level and achieve a more appropriate level of brightness. In this situation, the NX8s seem to be sensitive to the profile of the sources: those that are neutral and warm will muffle the character of the NX8s with evidence, while with those that are brighter and/or analytical they will be able to express the upper range more adequately and realistically, but within that commented softness. At no point will the treble be sharp, crisp, sharp or elevated, but will retain that thickness and level of density existing from the low end. The sensation of extension is good, although it seems to lack a little more air and separation above.

Soundstage, Separation

As I said, the NX8s are sensitive to sources and with those of a cooler or more analytical character they can give a more satisfactory result. With dongles like the EZP TP50 or the Aune Yuki they sound very good and these combinations are more successful in order to highlight detail, maximizing the sense of scene and separation.
The wall-of-sound sensation makes all the elements feel close together and the higher density makes the separation less, as well as generating layers. When there are few elements, the background detail is more noticeable. However, the volume and energy of the bass can overpower the micro-detail, preventing it from being more explicit. It follows, therefore, that the NX8s are expressive in many instances, but not in all scenarios. They are capable of showing microdetail, but they are not as defined or neat as in other sets. The thickness of the notes and their density work against them. However, it does possess enough resolution to show it. In short, it is capable of doing so, but only when conditions permit.
The scene is wide, lateral, deep, high and eminently frontal. The layers are not very prominent, but their presence is imposing. The physical part, the sense of volume and energy, are remarkable. The sound is clean and clear, and has good crispness, but it is not as neat and sharp. It is more warm, musical, analog and smooth than analytical. This limits the sense of a dark, clean, fully defined and empty background. Separation is clear, although the distance is not as great, especially in depth, but stands out more in width. Thus, although the scene is wide, there is not a very high three-dimensional sensation, as the notes feel more attached to their base, with a limited expansive sensation.

Comparisons

LetShuoer S12 2024

Being priced at $199 means rubbing shoulders with a lot of competition. And among those worth exactly the same are the Letshuoer S12 2024. Although a limited edition, their frequency response is very close to that of the NX8s. It is clear that the S12 2024s have special anniversary packaging. The cable is better, as it is detachable. As for tips, the S12 2024s have good sets, three for them and two for the NX8s. Both bring their classic packaging boxes and here the taste of each one will be the one to decide (cylindrical screw-on rubber box vs large rectangular box with zipper in black leather). As for the design, I really like the shape of the S12 2024, but I’m not convinced by the gold. The NX8s are a bit simpler, but the outer face is nice. The NX8s are larger in size, with a thicker and larger capsule. The S12 2024s are smaller and fit better in the ear pinna. However, their problem is that the nozzles are somewhat short, which creates a problem for me between the ear canal and the choice of tips, versus the greater versatility of the shape of the NX8s, despite their larger size.
The first major difference is the amount of power needed to level the volume of both models: the NX8s are much easier to move. As you know, planar models need considerably more power.
Starting with the bass, the S12 2024s are more accurate, faster and have good texture. The NX8s are more elastic and rubbery. Of note is the energy both models have and the sense of volume generated by each, which is very similar. In the pure tone test, the NX8s sound natural, without the undulating character that the S12 2024s do have in the lower frequencies. However, the bass of the S12 2024s is somewhat darker, with a deeper position, while the NX8s sound with a lighter timbre and are better integrated into the mix.
In the midrange, the S12 2024s sound more blended and with a longer distance to the listener. Vocals sound clearer and more evident in the NX8s, with more prominence and closeness. Vocally speaking, I prefer the NX8s. There is also more light and brightness in the center range over the S12 2024s. However, the S12 2024s have a punch and a superior wall-of-sound feel in the center range. In information-rich environments, the planar models stand out very strikingly. The NX8s are somewhat softer in this respect and are not as expressive, informative and dramatic as the S12 2024s.
Up to now, the ranges were very evenly matched. However, the clear difference is in the treble, which is clearly superior in the S12 2024. They are more natural, have more energy, more adequate brightness and more extension.
At the detail level, the two are at similar points. The greater darkness of the S12 2024s may hinder this aspect. While that extra point of light in the NX8s seems to give a bit more light in the background.
Neither model stands out too much in scene or separation. The S12 2024s are deep, front and wide, while the NX8s are closer, showing more foreground elements, which detracts from their depth and gives the sense of a wider scene, with more volume and a gauzy, ethereal feel.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the NiceHCK NX8s are the best IEMS in the NX series. They have evolved from previous tunings, adopted a more attractive and practical design, and incorporate more drivers than ever before. The result is quite satisfactory. The NX8s are IEMS with a tuning similar to current planars, but with a tribrid configuration of 1DDD+6BA+1PZT. The sound is based on a powerful and voluminous low end, with organic, defined and present mids, whose voices have enough presence and prominence, while the treble is more relaxed than expected. The result is a sound that is not dark, with a neutral level of clarity that exploits the lower range and mids. NiceHCK will always be criticized for the competition they have within their same price range. But I can’t help but comment that the NiceHCK NX8s are to my taste and a nice model to turn to when I don’t know what else to choose. Also, as always, the brand’s accessory set is very complete and includes interchangeable mouthpieces compatible with many of the existing ones on the market, so you can experiment and alter the sound.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• EPZ TP50.
• Aune Yuki.
• iFi GO bar Kensei.
• Tempotec V3.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.