Pros: Smooth, bass-heavy sound with softened treble
Impressive build quality & tremendous value
Cons: Rolled-off treble & BA midrange tonality won't suit everyone
How heavily should price influence our expectations?
Recently NiceHCK were kind enough to send me a pair of F1 Pros which I reviewed & liked, along with another set of free earphones... the DB2s.
Upon arrival I was shocked that their extravagant appearance belied their USD $22.99 pricetag, and was surprised to learn they sport a 1xDD 1xBA configuration when single-DDs are the norm at this price.
Putting aside how they can even build them for so little, I pondered a philosophical question - how forgiving should we be of imperfection when price is so constraining?
As someone more used to being wowed by $5000 earphones I knew it wouldn't be fair to hold the DB2s to the same standards, but they should at least deliver musical enjoyment to be worth buying.
So do they? Glad you asked, because the answer lies ahead.
Packaging
The USD $22.99 NiceHCK DB2s arrive in a small cardboard box, inside are the earphones & cable, three sets of silicone eartips, a small PU carry pouch and of course the all-important waifu card!
The stock 2pin cable is reputedly 'high purity OFC' but sadly is available in 3.5mm termination only, which seems like a missed opportunity in a world of DAPs with 4.4mm balanced jacks.
Considering the extremely modest purchase cost the entire package feels more than sufficient, indeed I'm surprised a carry pouch was included which is a nice surprise.
Ergonomics
Physically the DB2s are extremely light and nicely sculpted to fit your canals.
The resin shells are superbly smooth against the skin, and the faceplates are subjectively quite attractive. At a distance the DB2s could easily pass for IEMs worth hundreds dollars.
They're quite comfortable, and despite their modest weight are sculpted well enough that isolation is impressive. The aluminium nozzles don't grip eartips terribly well nor am I a fan of their protruding 2pin sockets, but those are minor quibbles.
Sound Impressions
I tested the DB2s with my my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain mode, requiring a volume level of 35.
The DB2s are quite bass heavy and L-shaped, with a forward upper midrange & fairly subdued treble.
Bass
Bass is definitely the star of the show, being satisfyingly punchy with sub bass slightly emphasised over midbass, and I find the balance between them quite pleasing. Bass quantity verges on basshead levels, but is kept in check enough for the DB2 to pass as all-rounders for most genres.
Bass texture feels a little one-note & mushy with a lack of bite, though I've no complaints given the price nor does it compromise my enjoyment of the DB2 low end. Only when swapping to IEMs with better bass texture do I really notice the difference.
There's ample DD-fueled grunt to make bass-driven music like EDM very satisfying with the DB2s.
Midrange
The DB2 midrange can be a little uneven, this is where you'll occasionally notice the tonality of the single BA coming through - which can feel slightly disjointed from the rest of the presentation at times.
The upper midrange is given greater prominence which helps render female vocals with extra clarity, but the lack of lower midrange warmth leads to a mild sense of hollowness.
Treble
Treble is inoffensively smooth & rolled off which is great if you're particularly treble sensitive, but does mean instruments like cymbals won't have the bite & definition you'll hear from more expensive IEMs.
However given DB2 treble can be slightly grainy its a smart decision to emphasise other frequencies & allow treble to take a back seat.
Technical Performance
The DB2s aren't really geared for technical performance, but generally out-perform most budget single-DD IEMs in this area.
Beginning with positives, DB2 note weight is very good and their BA-fueled midrange resolution is impressive for the price, but resolution at higher & lower frequencies is much less impressive.
The soundstage is quite narrow & feels claustrophobic at times, and there's little depth as expected from a budget IEM. Imaging's a bit fuzzy due to the cramped stage dimensions & rolled-off treble.
Dynamics are average, and though the single BA helps keep instruments separated during busy passages, IEMs with higher driver counts do this better.
IEM Comparisons
I compared the DB2s with several IEMs using my Astell & Kern SR35 in high-gain, with a volume of 35.
Even lighter than the DB2s & similarly shaped, the Neo1s ‘disappear’ in my ears even more but the difference is slight, they also isolate a bit better. Needing 35 volume on the SR35 they’re easy to drive.
The Neo1's DD is slightly faster & keeps up with fast music better, and their presentation is much warmer and less v-shaped with greater lower midrange emphasis and less upper midrange present.
Note weight is better on the Neo1s, their background is blacker, resolution is slightly higher and instruments are separated a touch better. Individual differences are fairly minor, but collectively they make the Neo1s feel more refined than the DB2s.
The Zeros are bulky but only slightly heavier than the DB2s, they stick out quite far and don’t isolate as effectively but comfort levels are similar. Requiring 55 volume on the SR35 they’re a lot harder to drive.
The most notable difference is how much wider the Zero's soundstage is than the DB2's, though it is equally shallow. The Zeros also possess deeper bass but bass texture isn't any more satisfying.
The Zeros also have an edge in resolution and image better by virtue of having a wider stage to work with, instruments sound larger and stay separated during complex passages better.
The F1 Pros’ small metal shells weigh next to nothing and are very comfortable in the ear, but isolation suffers since there isn’t a lot of mass blocking the ear canal. Requiring 47 volume on the SR35 they need a bit more power to drive.
The F1 Pros are significantly brighter and more v-shaped, with a slightly cool tonality, whereas the DB2s are warmer and more bass driven with greater bass quantity.
However the F1 Pros sound far less congested, with substantially higher resolution, a wider & deeper soundstage and blacker background, and their planar driver is also a much faster.
The EM6Ls are heavy and I notice the weight at times, however their shape is quite ergonomic & comfort is similar to the DB2, isolation is decent. Needing 47 volume on the SR35 they’re harder to drive.
The EM6Ls sound far more refined with multiple BA drivers keeping instruments separated during busy passages much better. They're also far brighter with excessive upper midrange thanks to their questionable Harman tuning, and I greatly prefer the DB2s tonality & note weight.
However EM6L technical performance is undoubtedly on a much higher level, with a far wider soundstage, more precise imaging, and substantially higher resolution.
Cable Comparisons
I tested the DB2s with a number of cables to see how effectively they respond to cable rolling.
The stage is wider & treble emphasises more, resolution feels slightly higher but note weight is lower.
Sub bass is slightly increased, but the tonality is much cooler and I much prefer the warmer & thicker sound of the stock cable which also projects more forward vocals.
Dynamics are substantially improved, bass and particularly midbass is slightly deeper, and resolution improves very noticeably.
The soundstage is a little wider though no deeper, upper midrange is emphasised more and treble is also brighter. The tonality changes are fairly minor, but technical performance improvements are significant in this very impressive pairing which demonstrates the LC7's superb value.
Conclusion
It's a testament to the state of the market that I won't rave about the value of the NiceHCK DB2s.
There's so many great IEMs under $50 now that the DB2s are a great option, but one of many.
They're superbly comfortable, look way more expensive than they are & deliver a fun, bassy sound that's perfect for impressing newcomers to the hobby who are probably the intended audience.
Not everyone will love that their treble is rolled-off, but I prefer this approach for long listening sessions. Just know they aren't suitable for critical listening when you want to hear every tiny nuance & detail.
Pity the stock cable is 3.5mm only, their BA/DD implementation isn't the most coherent and I wish the soundstage was a bit wider, but at $22.99 am I willing to forgive those flaws? Yeah I think so.
The DB2s serve up my fill of musical enjoyment for less than the cost of a decent meal.
Pros: Well accessorized
Nice faceplates
Solid build
Ergonomic fit
Easily driven
Decent imaging
Relatively sibilant-free
Big sub-bass for a "fun" sounding signature
Cons: Driver flex
Slight BA timbre
Bass lacks texture
Aggressive and shouty upper midrange
Lower mids are overly recessed
Treble rolls off early
Average soundstage, not too detailed
DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank NiceHCK for providing this review unit.
Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; OFC cable; 3.5 mm termination
Tested at: $23 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 5 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (XS/S/M/L/XL)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Carrying pouch
- Waifu post card
The accessories are great for a sub-$30 USD set. Can't be expecting the moon at this pricing, but happily, most bases are covered, perhaps other than the lack of foam tips.
We have 2 variants of foam tips. The black narrow-bore ones boost bass with some compression in soundstage, whereas the coloured wide-bore ones increase treble and staging.
We have a 2-pin OFC cable included. This is quite supple, but it lies on the thinner side. Microphonics are surprisingly minimal, though there is no chin cinch and it tangles easily. During ordering, one can select a mic cable or a non-mic version.
There's a leatherette clasp pouch to store the IEM. It may prevent scratches on the IEM, though it is soft and might not survive a drop or compressive force.
Last but certainly not least, we have a Waifu post card, which may be the most important accessory for our Otaku brethren. The Waifu even has a name: Tian Hui!
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock narrow-bore silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The DB2's housings are fashioned from a polycarbonate cavity with an aluminum alloy-line bezel, plus a resin faceplate. The insides are transparent to allow users to visualize the internal drivers. There are 3 options for the faceplate - purple, black or blue. They are quite a looker, with the marbled motif.
Ergonomics are very good, with its teardrop shaped design fitting snugly in the ears. There are no awkward protrusions on the inner aspects, and the shells are light - thus, the DB2 can be used for long listening sessions without discomfort.
There's unfortunately driver flex on my set, though this is partially related to choice of eartips, and individual ear anatomy. Being a vented IEM, isolation is bang average.
INTERNALS
The DB2 is a hybrid, featuring a 10 mm titanium-plated graphene dynamic driver - this takes care of bass and midrange - and a BA which settles the treble frequencies.
We have no information on the BA brand, but these 2 drivers are arranged in a crossover design.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the DB2 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM is easily driven, with no compulsory need for amplification.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the NiceHCK DB2 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact.
Tonally, the DB2 sports an old-school V-shaped tuning.
This IEM is sub-bass focused, with a deep rumble heard in sub-bass heavy tracks. Quantity-wise, it hits hard and is just a level shy of basshead levels. In terms of quality, bass has below average texturing, with middling speed and some mid-bass bleed, especially when complex bass riffs come out to play.
In keeping with the V-shaped profile, the lower mids are markedly recessed. This is not a set for midrange lovers as such, as male vocals may sound thin. With a 10 dB ear gain, the upper mids are admittedly on the shouty side, especially if used at higher volumes (Fletcher Munson curve). This IEM is hence best played at lower to moderate volumes.
The DB2's treble rolls off early, and while there is some taming of sibilance with this tuning choice, resolution is consequently depressed.
The DB2 does suffers from BA timbre, which is more apparent in the treble frequencies which is covered by the BA driver. Notes sound thin, especially when acoustic instruments are showcased. However, it isn't the worst offender in this department, which we will read about below.
On to technicalities. Soundstage is average in all 3 dimensions, with micro-detailing and resolution taking a backseat, in part due to the rolled-off treble. While imaging is pretty well-done for the coin, when very complex instrumentation with competing parts are heard, the music does smear, so instrument separation isn't the best.
COMPARISONS
Comparisons were made against other budget hybrids. Planars, single DD and BA types are omitted, as the different transducers have their own pros and cons.
CVJ Mei
Graph of the CVJ Mei via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler peak.
The Mei has 4 tuning options via 2 switches, so it can be tuned from neutral bright to a bassier L-shaped fare. The Mei is hence more versatile.
On the both switches up config, the Mei is neutral bright, with a thinner note weight and a more metallic timbre. The Mei has less bass but it is tighter and cleaner. On this configuration, the Mei has a more extended treble, but there is sibilance and fatigue noted.
On this setup, the Mei is also easily a league ahead in technicalities, with better imaging, soundstage and micro-detailing.
KZ Krila
Graph of the KZ Krila via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler peak.
The Krila is touted by the company to beat $1000 IEMs, but hyperbole aside, it probably operates at around the $30 USD mark in CHIFI-land.
The Krila has 4 tuning switches, which in theory furnishes 16 tuning permutations. However, in practice, there's just a 5 dB difference in the bass amongst the most extreme of switches, so the tuning switches are partially gimmicky.
The Krila has a more artificial timbre, with a thinner note weight. However, it has better imaging, soundstage and micro-detailing. The Krila has less bass (though it is more textured and fast), but the Krila has a more sibilant and harsh treble.
CONCLUSIONS
In the big scheme of things, the DB2 is admittedly forgettable, even considering its relatively affordable price tag. It is not downright bad, but being average in CHIFI-land is not good enough nowadays, as next week promises a new hypetrain to devour the thoughts and wallets of CHIFI addicts.
The DB2 brings an old-school V-shaped signature to the budget CHIFI table. There are some tonal flaws, such as an overzealous 10 dB upper midrange - which translates to shoutiness - coupled with a big bass that isn't too textured. Vocal lovers will lament a missing lower midrange, and the treble also drops off early, which may result in some veiling of resolution and micro-details. Soundstage is nothing to write home about too.
Alas, even the accompanying Waifu might not be able to mitigate for these negatives, but there are some redeeming properties. While there is slight BA timbre, the DB2 isn't the worst offender in this area, compared to other budget CHIFI hybrids. There is driver flex, though the rest of the external components - namely comfort, aesthetics, build, drivability and accessories - are done well enough for a sub-$30 IEM. Imaging is not too bad, and the treble is safe for our treble-sensitive friends.
Is there a market for the DB2? Well, it may be an option for those new to the hobby, or as a gift for lay consumers. But for folks who have been around the block and back in CHIFI-land, there are rivals out there - even at the same price range or for just a bit more - that are more technical or polished in tonality.
Pros: Natural and sensory bass at the low end. This ensures realistic bass reproduction, as well as power, volume, good control and texture.
- Projected, leading female vocals.
- Clear, vivid and sparkling upper-midrange.
- Good technical performance, with remarkable definition and resolution, separation and scene size.
- Good set of accessories for its low price.
- Design inherited from much more expensive models, with the same level of construction and ergonomics as those models.
- The cable is very acceptable and does not scream "change me" from the first moment.
Cons: Unevenness in the midrange, the first half is lean and feels distant.
- First treble is nuanced and less homogeneous.
- If the whole ensemble offered a more rounded profile with fewer peaks and valleys, the sound would be superior and less polarised.
Introduction
The popular AliExpress shop specialising in portable audio products has re-released a new low-budget IEMS model. It is a hybrid model with a dynamic driver and a BA driver. The dynamic driver has a 10mm titanium-plated graphene diaphragm. The BA driver is integrated into the mouthpiece channel, to reduce any loss of high frequencies. A PCB board with an electronic frequency divider is included. A similar process to the top model NX7 MK4 has been used for its manufacture. The front panel is made of drop-moulded resin, with an aluminium alloy bezel and a PC (polycarbonate) capsule. It comes in a choice of three finishes (blue, purple and black) and is wired with or without a microphone. Let's see what this new model, priced at less than $20, has to offer.
The NiceHCK DB2 comes in a white box decorated with an anime girl, something that is becoming a classic in many brands. Its size is medium and its dimensions are 177x121x39mm. On the main side, on the top left is the logo of the brand and on the right the model. On the back side, this information is repeated, as well as the model specifications. There is a short description of the product, as well as the date of manufacture of the product (2023-11-24). There are also the brand's branding and the icons of the specifications it meets, all in Chinese and English. After opening the box, you can see a card with the anime girl at the bottom. On top, inside a white foam mould, are the capsules. Underneath is a black leatherette purse, which contains the rest of the accessories. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:
The two DB2 capsules.
A card with the anime girl.
An instruction manual.
A certificate of quality.
A card with the social networks.
One high purity OFC cable with 3.5mm SE jack and 2Pin 0.78mm connection.
A set of silicone tips model "NiceHCK 07" sizes S, M-(black), M (blue), M (White), L.
A set of grey silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
A purse type bag in black imitation leather.
Actually, the amount of accessories is not bad for the price and includes a complete set of silicone tips model 07, whose separate price is more than 5$. It also includes a cable which is not bad for its low stiffness. It is clear that the sleeves are made of plastic, but it consists of 4 rolled strands which are not bad. On the other hand, the leather-like pouch has the brand's logo engraved on it and has a closure with two flexible metal sheets, like a coin purse.
The packaging is not as compact as I would have liked, but that's almost the least of it for the price of the set.
Construction and Design
As the brand itself says, the DB2s have the same design as the NX7 MK4. Perhaps the outer plate is the difference, not as refined as the top model. The front panel is made of drop-moulded resin, with an aluminium alloy bezel and a PC (polycarbonate) capsule. The shape of the face is classic African continental, but with rounded edges. The inside is also very rounded, transparent, not very thick. There is a hole in the centre of the DD, on the inner side. The whole is light and midrange in size. On this occasion, the gilt rim has no engraving. There is a rectangular, shallow plate, which contains the 2PIN 0.78mm female connection. The cable is fitted to match this plate. The nozzles are made of gold-plated brass and have two diameters, the inner and smallest is 4.8mm. The outer crown is 6mm.
The wire is made of four soft coiled strands. The material is high purity OFC copper. It is lightweight, mouldable and copper coloured. The sleeves of the 2Pin 0.78mm connectors are clear angled pieces with the channel letters inscribed on the outside. The plug sleeve is angled and made of white plastic. The plug is 3.5mm SE. The splitter is made of transparent plastic and is in the shape of an elongated trapezoid. It does not have a pin, but does have fairly tight, but low-rigidity, over-ear guides.
This is a design used by the brand itself in superior models, which combines a certain beauty, simplicity, fairly good ergonomics and low weight, as well as high durability.
There is a choice of three colours, blue, purple and black. The cable can be chosen with or without microphone.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
It is clear that sometimes NiceHCK experiments with its designs and ergonomics can suffer, as with its F1 planar model. This time it has played it safe and used a fairly universal shape from its low-budget models, but raised the construction bar by using the construction of its top model NX7 MK4. Its rounded, depressed inner shape barely touches the outer parts of the ear. The weight is very light and I had no problem using my large, foam-filled silicone tips. The fit is precise and immediate, no additional fitting is required, it fits right out of the box. The seal is quite occlusive. There is no movement, no rotation, the shape of the outer face contributes positively to this. The size is medium-small and gives a floating feeling, although the anchorage works very well. The mouthpiece has a good slope and, although it is not very long, the insertion could be shallow to medium.
Although there doesn't seem to be any innovation, the design performs excellently in this area.
Sound
Profile
The NiceHCK DB2s have a V-shaped profile, tending towards W. The sub-bass starts off excited to reach a sunken midrange (around 600-800Hz), which then quickly emancipates from 2-4kHz. The treble starts with the classic control zone, not too pronounced, but just enough to smooth out the high end. Even so, a little more extension is gained thanks to later lifts in the treble-midrange and air zone.
On the other hand, the DB2s are easy to move and have very good sensitivity to be driven by low power sources.
Bass
The low end is focused on the sub-bass, but extends slightly into the low-midrange. The descent into the midrange is gentle and that encourages the lower range to feel rounded. The speed of execution is quite good for sub-$20 IEMS, but it has enough elasticity to offer a rubbery feel that gives it a fun, fuller character. This is not a bass cannon, firstly because there is good control and secondly because the loudness extends into the audible low end. And in this respect, the DB2s are quite natural. It is true that there is some roughness and somewhat forced texture on their surface, something that also gives them a more playful and entertaining appearance. But that does not detract from the fact that the hits have a corresponding forcefulness, dryness, good recovery and, above all, natural depth. This behaviour is endorsed in the very low-frequency pure tone test. The low end performs quite sensorially, a realistic behaviour that shows darkness and auditory perception in equal measure. This says a lot about the DB2s, it even performs better than other more expensive IEMS I have tested recently. There is hardly any colouring and pure tones are executed almost canonically, as a good dynamic driver knows how to do. Its translation to real music means effective and accurate reproduction of bass lines, complex bass and unfiltered bass. In this sense, the behaviour is positive and logical, without any aberration or overtones. On top of that, it has some ability to control the complexity of the bass, improving the simple performance, maintaining control (except in extreme cases), only generating a more noticeable reverberation. Even so, the bass is deep, with good sensitivity, occupies a good volume and offers a remarkable sense of fullness without losing realism and naturalness.
Mids
The midrange begins with a certain warmth that gives it a slightly rounded lower range. However, the male vocals are not as full, but are relatively lean and are observable in the half-distance. In this respect, the first half of the midrange is not very dense and the instrumentation in this area remains in that no-man's land. The timbre is good and leans towards the soft, somewhat romantic and musical side. But this distanced ambience makes the music of this opening section, somewhat relegated in its base and ornamental perception. The male voices are soft, without veering towards brilliance or detail. In that respect they are pleasant but not starring. If the recording places the male voices on a closer plane, the DB2s improve and a good interpretation of them can be appreciated, as well as of the instruments. But it is the female voices that get the favour of these IEMS. The projection between 2 and 4khz raises their prominence, as well as that of guitars and other elements in this range. This elevation enhances the sense of transparency and clarity, but without offering an overly sibilant appearance, nor to put the ornamentation above the base. In this respect, the DB2s are safe, they do not fall into the obvious of chasing light at all costs, and they capture more of the goodness of this tuning than its possible negative effects. In any case, it is a classic midrange in a controlled V, which does not abandon the initial phase and, despite its exaltation in the second half, is not as split as on other occasions.
Treble
And I think that the treble and the control zone at the beginning of it are very much to blame for this. I should also comment on the fact that this is a hybrid model. In this respect, it seems that the BA drivers, even in this budget range, have improved. It is difficult to see its metallic character and in no case does it have hard edges. And I again think that favour is gained from the controlled treble presentation. True, there is a certain amount of splashy character, but it is controlled and not overly energetic. The treble notes are fine but not piercing, trimmed to a sweet spot that is felt and enjoyed, but without crowding, or cutting. Their incidence in the music is not predominant, but they do have a suitably explicit character. It is not a nuanced range, nor omitted, the treble is always there, but tuned in a quiet, but exposed way, after all. It's true that it's not the fullest range, but the energy is distributed in a classic way, albeit enhanced by the good work of its BA driver and effective crossover filtering. There is even a good amount of air that volatilises the higher notes and the final harmonics.
Soundstage, Separation
The NiceHCKs offer a fairly frontal scene, with good laterality and stereo feel. They have a remarkable depth representation, even some height. No congestion is felt and separation is good. Although in many cases the half-distance is predominant, the details remain in that area, being somewhat more complex to perceive in their entirety. Even so, the sound has good transparency, it is sufficiently separated and clear, to observe medium detail, without reaching the micro detail, although sometimes you can sense it when you know the songs perfectly. In that sense, the definition feels remarkable for the price range, without overwhelming and without leaving a realistic musical smoothness, although slightly accentuated by the more critical aspect of its BA driver.
The imaging and positioning of the elements is moderately accurate, given the commented performance of both drivers and their resolution capability. This means a modest, but ultimately natural, flawless recreation.
Comparisons
Simgot EW100P
The Simgot EW100P is a $20 IEMS in the same price range as the NiceHCK DB2. They come in an eye-catching silver box, but with an inferior set of accessories to the DB2: they only come with a set of generic tips and no storage bag. The DB2 comes with a good set of tips with 5 different sizes and another set of 3 more generic tips. In addition, a small leatherette pouch is included. The cable of the EW100P is not bad, two quite soft and manageable flat strands, which do not present low stiffness. The DB2 cable is more classic, with 4 coiled strands, but also has a low stiffness and softness. Here the aesthetics of each can decide the balance, because the connector sleeves are very similar in plastic, both angled. As it happens, both do not have a locking pin.
In terms of ergonomics, both are very good and fit my morphology very well. But even the EW100P are smaller and fit deeper and more firmly in my ears. In addition, they are smaller in size and slightly lighter in weight. That's why the EW100P are a step ahead.
Los DB2 son más fáciles de mover que los EW100P.
The DB2's profile is more V-shaped than the EW100P. The Simgot is darker and smoother on top, but also has a more restrained, dry and smooth bass. The DB2s have a rougher bass, with more texture, body, physicality and volume, as well as more power and presence in the overall sound. The EW100Ps perform well in the very low-frequency pure tone test, but their sub-bass is barely audible or sensitive. Both models do frankly well in this test, but the DB2s perform more fully across that extreme range, but their greater impact on the sound, as well as power, can be more susceptible to the feeling of losing control when the song has an unwieldy amount of bass.
In the midrange one feels the more V-shaped profile of the DB2s, offering a more distant, slightly leaner and less full first range. The EW100Ps offer that first half with a little more body and balance. But they are also darker and less projected. Male vocals are perhaps more grounded, but their presence remains in the middle distance. The greater vivacity of the DB2s brings those voices closer, even if they don't have that rounded body.
The second half of the midrange is livelier on the DB2s, something that gives it extra light and clarity. It also has better definition, as opposed to the warmer smoothness of the EW100Ps. The DB2s are more sparkling and splashy than the EW100Ps. Thus, female vocals and guitars are more prominent on the DB2s, while on the Simgot they are still more controlled and have less energy than on the DB2s. At times, this can be an advantage, in terms of hiss and sibilance. But at other times, the greater closeness and flare invigorates the DB2 sound, leaving the EW100P's sound more nondescript.
The treble of the EW100P has a decreasing energy that makes it more even. The DB2s are more uneven and give and take energy at different points in the early treble. The initial sparkle of the DB2s is more nuanced and less natural sounding. It limits that energy at that midrange to treble changeover point and loses that bit of realistic sparkle that the EW100P's do have. There is a second, more explicit point, but I find the EW100P's treble sonority more coherent. Although the DB2s are more precise, finer and with more resolution. This is where the DB2s outperform the EW100Ps. The DB2s have better definition, more separation, more space, with a larger, airier and more extended scene. Details are clearer and more evident. The EW100P are darker and more shaded. They don't have bad resolution or detail for their price. But the DB2s are more technical. Perhaps, the DB2's flaw is its V-profile which gives it some unevenness or hollowness in sound. Whereas the EW100P are more rounded. Although the DB2s are thinner than the EW100Ps, they are also deeper and wider, despite the aforementioned unevenness. Also, being more accurate, the image is more reliable in the DB2s.
Conclusion
The NiceHCK DB2 is a very well-built V IEMS, with a design inherited from more expensive big brothers, but with a very affordable price. They also offer a comparatively good accessory package, including a bag. In terms of sound performance, they have a remarkable, well-executed low end, which only suffers at very critical moments. Otherwise, their reproduction is more than remarkable, reaching the low end very fluently and realistically, generating natural and sensory notes in equal measure. The midranges have that typical IEMS V-notch unevenness. But the female vocals and guitars stand out, as well as the light, clarity, definition and resolution it possesses. In the upper part, the beginning is restrained and nuanced, a soft approach to the treble, which tries to compensate in the second half. The result can contrast with the naturalness of the low end. But the BA driver does a good job of shaping the notes to give them an attractive finesse and dryness, despite the control of their energy. The nuance of the top end is noticeable, but avoids that metallic feel that such drivers might offer. In that sense, NiceHCK has done a good job in this aspect, combining the sound coherence of the whole, rather than harmonising a more continuous and homogeneous profile. Finally, it is remarkable the technical level for its price, offering remarkable resolution, definition, separation, depth, width in its scene, even height and a good sensation of musical volatility.
Sources Used During the Analysis
Hidizs SD2.
Hidizs S9 Pro Plus.
ifi hip dac 3.
Aune Yuki.
Tempotec V3.
Burson Audio Playmate 2.
Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.
NiceHCK Audio Store, offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.
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B2
