INTRODUCTION/DISCLAIMER:
The NICEHCK EP35 is an IEM with a single 13.5mm dynamic driver and detachable MMCX cables that retails for $32.99 at the time of this review. The EP35 is sold by the NiceHCK Audio Store on AliExpress. I purchased the EP35 at a promotional price of $0.10 in exchange for this review. My thoughts about the EP35 are my own and I will strive to review the EP35 objectively. This review can also be read on my blog
here.
ABOUT ME
I listen mostly to heavy metal, hip hop, and electronic music, as well as movie and video game soundtracks. I value detail, clarity, and soundstage above other acoustic qualities. I like mild V-shaped sound signatures with a slightly elevated upper midrange.
SOURCES
I have used the NICEHCK EP35 with the following sources:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Global > NICEHCK EP35
Windows 10 PC > JDS Labs The Element > NICEHCK EP35
I have tested these headphones with Spotify Premium high-quality streaming and local FLAC.
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
The EP35 comes in a simple rectangular metallic brown box with the manufacturer’s logo in silver on the front. Inside this box is a NICEHCK-branded semi-rigid zippered carry case containing the IEMs and eartip selection. The EP35 comes with a single braided silver MMCX cable and two sets of eartips (grey silicone [Small, Medium, Large,], and black silicone [Small, Medium].
BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN
The EP35’s design is said to be similar to the Onkyo E700M, with disk-shaped housings that rest against the surface of the ear, a short cylinder protruding outwards, and short nozzles with an elliptical cross section. The nozzles are covered by metal mesh. The housings are mostly polished metal with plastic on the ear-facing surface. The EP35 has four circular vents on each housing on the ear-facing surface of the disk. I have had zero issues with driver flex with the EP35. The EP35 is only intended to be worn cable-down. The included cable, while attractive, flexible, and mostly non-microphonic, does not have any strain relief or an adjustable choker, and uses a straight 3.5mm plug.
FIT / COMFORT / ISOLATION
The EP35 is very comfortable, with the disk housings sitting securely inside my small ears. The cylinder part of the housing does extend past the surface of the ear slightly, but I have been able to sleep wearing them without much trouble. The EP35 has a shallow insertion depth, improving comfort but resulting in poor isolation and seal, especially with the stock eartips.
SOUND
The sound signature of the EP35 is neutral with extended treble. Eartip selection is critical to getting a good bass response. The stock eartips do not provide an adequate seal to realize the full potential of these IEMs.
With the triple-flange eartips from the Mee Audio Pinnacle P1 the EP35 has a lean and controlled bass response with good sub-bass extension, but with the stock tips the bass region is anemic. Bass texture is limited. There is not enough mid-bass to slam, but bass attack is fast and tight.
Mids are balanced and clear. In contrast to a lot of other budget IEMs, lower mids are not recessed. Male vocals are clear and intelligible. There is a slight lift in the upper mids which lends the EP35 excellent presence without being too bright.
Treble is mostly linear and is detailed with no roll off. I did not notice any sibilance.
Soundstage width is above average for a sub-$50 IEM, though soundstage height is cramped. Instrument separation is average.
COMPARISONS
The Yersen FEN-2000 is a sub-$30 hybrid (1DD+1BA). The FEN-2000 is much warmer and more V-shaped, with a more recessed midrange and more elevated lower treble. The FEN-2000 has better bass texture and more mid-bass slam. The EP35 sounds more coherent and natural. The FEN-2000 is slightly airier than the EP35. The FEN-2000 has a slightly larger soundstage.
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE PAIRING
At an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 103dB, the EP35 can be adequately driven by a smartphone. I do not feel that they benefit noticeably from having more power on tap. I did not notice any hiss with the EP35.
CLOSING WORDS
The EP35 is a neutral gem if one takes the time to find the right eartips. It is comfortable, has great build quality, detachable cables, and a high-quality carry case. Highly recommended at this price. The EP35 can be purchased
here.