NiceHCK DB2
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ISN Neo1 – 1xDD (USD $39)
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.
Truthear Zero – 2xDD (USD $49)
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.
NiceHCK F1 Pro – 1xPlanar (USD $99)
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.
Simgot EM6L – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $109)
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.
ISN S8 (USD $32.50)
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.
NiceHCK BlackSoul (USD $50)
More midbass is added, vocals feel a bit more resolving and the background is slightly blacker.
The soundstage is slightly wider & deeper and dynamics are a touch better, leading to the DB2s feeling more refined in this impressive pairing.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
Dynamics improve, midrange resolution increases & the stage widens, with a slightly blacker background.
However the improvements are quite minor and the stock cable is satisfyingly warmer & more musical.
Simgot LC7 (USD $69)
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.
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.
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.ISN Neo1 – 1xDD (USD $39)
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.
Truthear Zero – 2xDD (USD $49)
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.
NiceHCK F1 Pro – 1xPlanar (USD $99)
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.
Simgot EM6L – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $109)
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.ISN S8 (USD $32.50)
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.
NiceHCK BlackSoul (USD $50)
More midbass is added, vocals feel a bit more resolving and the background is slightly blacker.
The soundstage is slightly wider & deeper and dynamics are a touch better, leading to the DB2s feeling more refined in this impressive pairing.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
Dynamics improve, midrange resolution increases & the stage widens, with a slightly blacker background.
However the improvements are quite minor and the stock cable is satisfyingly warmer & more musical.
Simgot LC7 (USD $69)
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.
DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank NiceHCK for providing this review unit.
The DB2 can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006457118526.html (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
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.
I would like to thank NiceHCK for providing this review unit.
The DB2 can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006457118526.html (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 10 mm titanium-plated graphene dynamic driver + 1 balanced armature driver
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance: 16 Ω
- Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
- 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.
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 $20, has to offer.
Specifications
Packaging
The NiceHCK DB2 comes in a white box decorated with an anime girl, something that is becoming a classic in many brands. Its size is medium and its dimensions are 177x121x39mm. On the main side, on the top left is the logo of the brand and on the right the model. On the back side, this information is repeated, as well as the model specifications. There is a short description of the product, as well as the date of manufacture of the product (2023-11-24). There are also the brand's branding and the icons of the specifications it meets, all in Chinese and English. After opening the box, you can see a card with the anime girl at the bottom. On top, inside a white foam mould, are the capsules. Underneath is a black leatherette purse, which contains the rest of the accessories. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:
Actually, the amount of accessories is not bad for the price and includes a complete set of silicone tips model 07, whose separate price is more than 5$. 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
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
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 $20, has to offer.
Specifications
- Driver Type: 1DD 10mm with titanium plated graphene diaphragm + 1BA.
- Frequency Response: 20-20kHz.
- Sensitivity: 107dB/mW.
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Capsule material: PC+aluminium alloy.
- Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm
- Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm
- Cable Material: High purity OFC.
Packaging
The NiceHCK DB2 comes in a white box decorated with an anime girl, something that is becoming a classic in many brands. Its size is medium and its dimensions are 177x121x39mm. On the main side, on the top left is the logo of the brand and on the right the model. On the back side, this information is repeated, as well as the model specifications. There is a short description of the product, as well as the date of manufacture of the product (2023-11-24). There are also the brand's branding and the icons of the specifications it meets, all in Chinese and English. After opening the box, you can see a card with the anime girl at the bottom. On top, inside a white foam mould, are the capsules. Underneath is a black leatherette purse, which contains the rest of the accessories. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:
- The two DB2 capsules.
- A card with the anime girl.
- An instruction manual.
- A certificate of quality.
- A card with the social networks.
- One high purity OFC cable with 3.5mm SE jack and 2Pin 0.78mm connection.
- A set of silicone tips model "NiceHCK 07" sizes S, M-(black), M (blue), M (White), L.
- A set of grey silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
- A purse type bag in black imitation leather.
Actually, the amount of accessories is not bad for the price and includes a complete set of silicone tips model 07, whose separate price is more than 5$. 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.
Purchase Link
You can read the full review in Spanish here
Disclaimer
Price(MSRP)
Source(s)
Ear tips
Review
Thanks for reading!
- Huge thanks to HiFiGo for providing the opportunity for me to review the NiceHCK DB2. I really do appreciate it. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced in any way.
- Please take this impression with only a grain of salt, as everyone's hearing, fit, and gears may differ, so our experience may be different.
Price(MSRP)
- $22.99
Source(s)
- Very easy to drive, even JM6 Pro is already more than sufficient.
- Sources used:
- Topping DX1
- Truthear Shio
- Jcally JM6 Pro
Ear tips
- Dunu S&S
- NiceHCK DB2
- Leather carrying pouch
- Cable tie
- 5 pairs of NiceHCK 07 silicone ear tips (S, M-, M, M+, L)
- 3 pairs of generic silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- High Purity OFC cable
- Surprisingly decent cable for the price
- Feels cheap but doesn't tangle easily and comfortable to use
- Unfortunately, no chin slider
Review
- The DB2 is built very well for the price, it is mainly constructed of resin with some metal finish on edges.
- Fit is good and comfortable for me.
- V-shaped signature
- Bass
- Quite balanced between sub bass and mid bass with a very slight emphasis on the mid bass.
- Thumpy and impactful with surprisingly decent speed and control.
- Sub bass also has decently deep rumble to it.
- Have decent body and physicality to it for that satisfying punch.
- Quantity is definitely more than sufficient for most people but not quite basshead level.
- Overall, the bass is quite good especially for the price, and it is fairly enjoyable.
- Midrange
- The midrange performance is very uneven, with the lower midrange being very recessed and the upper midrange being very forward.
- Lower midrange is quite clean but also pushed back, causing male vocals and certain instruments to be lacking some lushness and weight.
- On the other hand, upper midrange is very forward and energetic, female vocals can be but combining with the lack of weight from lower midrange, it can easily become shouty and shrilly sometimes.
- Treble
- Treble is overall just grainy and unrefined, with peaks and dips everywhere.
- However, it is quite sparkly and airy, which does bring out some details out of it.
- Technicalities
- Technicalities is quite decent for the price but also not really amazing
- Decent resolution, imaging is not bad, stage isn't really intimate or closed in, and nothing sounds overly congested on busier tracks.
- Timbre is unnatural as expected from a V shaped IEM, but it is not the worst compared to other deep V shaped IEM.
- Overall, I think that the NiceHCK DB2 is a unrefined, slightly subpar V-shaped IEM that does not compete well against today's budget offerings or please too many people. However, the build quality is exceptional at this price, includes many decent accessories.
Thanks for reading!
TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - NiceHCK DB2
I recently reviewed the NiceHCK F1 Pro, a set of planar IEMs that I found very impressive. Along with the F1 Pro, NiceHCK also sent me the IEMs I will be reviewing today, the DB2.
As with the other model, there have been no requests from NiceHCK and I will do my best to be as unbiased as possible.
You can find a link to the DB2 via the official NiceHCK Store in the [version of this review published on my blog.
As usual, this is a non-affiliate link.
To avoid being repetitive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews
Intro…
While the F1 Pro is a set of planar IEMs that sits around the 100€ mark, the DB2 are a very budget oriented set that opts for a single DD paired with a single BA driver. Coming in at just over 20€, there is no doubt that they are well inside what I consider ultra-budget (sub 50€). But being cheap does not necessarily make them a good option, as we know, there are many alternatives at a similar price point and some of them are very impressive.
So, can the DB2 make a space for itself in the bang for buck range? That is what I set about finding out.
Presentation…
It’s been a while since I received a box with an anime girl on it, something that is the main focus of the outer packaging of the DB2. Personally I don’t have any interest in anime nor does it offend me, so I am not really bothered one way or the other. I do prefer more traditional aesthetics on the box but for 20€, that is definitely the last thing I am going to worry about.
The back of the box lists the specs of the IEMs, both in Chinese and English, even to the point of the diaphragm materials used.
Sliding the internal box out of the outer sleeve, we are greeted with exactly the same image as on the outer cover, so, if you like anime, you will be twice as happy. Opening the box reveals a decorative card that also shows the same image, both on the front and the back, so now you can be four times as happy
As far as contents, we get the IEMs, the cable, a velcro cable tie, a small storage pouch and 8 sets of silicone tips, which is nice in such a budget offering.
Build and aesthetics…
The IEMs feature plastic shells which are transparent on the inside. On the faceplate we find a kind of marble design which is surrounded by a gold coloured aluminium strip. Although I am not a huge fan of the aesthetics, they are at least not simple dull plastic shells, which is again appreciated at this price point.
The IEMs are lightweight and the shape is fairly generic. I found them to be very comfortable even for long sessions, with not fatigue building up due to design or weight.
The included cable is also fairly generic, with plastic hardware and a simple twist. It is pink however, so it’s not just a generic black or white cable. I can’t say the cable is amazing but it does its job and it is lightweight, so no complaints at the price.
Sound…
All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)
This is always the important part but when we have a set of IEMs costing 20€, that is pretty well presented with a decent amount of accessories, it is even more interesting to see how much was left over for the sound quality. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised but let’s not get ahead of ourselves and take the usual steps.
First, let’s take a look at the graph in comparison to my usual preference target for reference:
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Starting off with subbass and the usual “Chameleon”, I honestly expected it to perform worse. There is a nice rumble that is not too overpowering and, although it is not the best subbass I have heard, it stays under control and does not seem to lose focus.
With “No Sanctuary Here” we get a similar experience, enough in the sub ranges for it to be considered fun but not fatiguing. I didn’t get the feeling that the subbass was taking over the sound yet it certainly makes itself noticed.
Moving into the midbass and using my midbass fatigue test track which is “Crazy”, here I did feel that the midbass could be a little overpowering for my personal tastes. It isn’t overpowering to the point of being fatiguing but I did find myself wishing it had a little less reverb on the low end of the guitar. The vocals did balance out well though and I can say I enjoyed the track, I just preferred the vocal parts to the instrumental sections.
With “Elephants on Ice Skates” I did get the feeling that the bass wasn’t quite as controlled as it could be, although it was far from being terrible. When the track got busier, I found that the midbass lost some of the clarity but, again, far from terrible.
Into the mids we do find a bit of a recess throughout the middle section that can have an effect that is more or less noticeable depending on the music selected. With “Elephants on Ice Skates” it was far more noticeable throughout the busy sections whereas with something like “Don’t Start Now” it didn’t really stand out as much.
As we get to the upper mids, this is where things can come across as unnatural. There is a lot of presence in the form of peaks at 2kHz and 3.5kHz which make vocals cut through easily, balancing out that bass that I spoke about a moment, yet they can be a little thin and harsh on occasions. For example, “Don’t Start Now” sounds a little harsh and fragile in these regions.
With “Still D.R.E”, the snare and melodic notes sound harsh and strained, even more than they usually do, with things seemingly a little distorted in this region and even making the the vocals take a step back behind the upper mids of the instruments.
Sibilance is tamed fairly well, at least with my usual “Hope Is A Dangerous Thing” and “Code Cool” tests. I would say that Patricia Barber is around a -2 on my non-scientific -12 to +12 sibilance scale.
This is due to a rather large drop in presence once we get over that 3.5kHz mark which really doesn’t come back, at least not properly, all the way up into the treble ranges. In fact, the treble does have a few peaks that give it a bit of presence in those upper ranges but in general it is pretty rolled off in the treble. This can give a sensation of lacking air on many tracks and leaves the focus on those upper mid peaks.
As far as soundstage, they do a pretty decent job. They are not huge but I do think that they are a little above average for a set of IEMs. Using “La Luna”, there is a decent sense of space between instruments and a few Dr.Chesky tests were pretty positive in giving a sensation of space.
Conclusion…
Picking faults with the DB2 would be the overly present 2kHz and 3.5kHz peaks, followed by the rolled off upper treble. But to be fair, for a set of 20€ IEMs, these are by no means bad. I have enjoyed listening to them.
I wouldn’t say they are the best set available in their price range but I don’t think people would regret buying them either, unless they are sensitive to those peaks (like I would be if they were at 5kHz).
The bass is surprisingly fun and well controlled. There are times, in busy tracks, where the midbass can feel a little congested and the dip in the mids makes itself present but that does depend a lot on the music being played. Not all busy tracks show this.
In general, I think the DB2 are a fun set of IEMs that are easily worth their asking price.
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As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)
All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link
All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation
This review content will be quite special as this is actually my first assessment of a NICEHCK product. I've seen this audio brand before on some e-commerce sites that I've visited as they sold some upgraded cables, earbuds and IEMs like NX7, DB1 and DB3. It is said that this audio company is known for their high quality cables and I will also include their latest upgraded cable here in this review article.
What I have here right now is their latest entry-level hybrid driver configuration IEM, the NICEHCK DB2. As an IEM earphone with hybrid driver set-up, the DB2's internal was arrayed with one dynamic driver and one balanced armature driver. The dynamic driver that was implemented here is a 10mm high quality magnet with titanium-coated graphene diaphragm for tensile strength and flexibility that will handle low and midrange frequencies to have a better transient response, low distortion and efficiency for tactile bass and clearer sound. The balanced armature will be solely responsible for the high frequencies in which it gives a more brighter sound and better resolution capability. Aside from the drivers, NICEHCK also implemented a PCB board and fabric mesh for better audio signal frequency separation and improving its acoustic dampening.
The drivers and other components are encased in a composite shell housing and somehow, it is quite compact. Its cavity base is made of a clear polycarbonate while its faceplate is an aluminium alloy with laminated acrylic resin on its surface, and its nozzle is made of brass. The aesthetics on its faceplate is quite a looker as it reminds me of a nacre shell of a molluscs with blue-ish iridescent colour patterns. There's a vent hole in a cavity base where the dynamic driver was situated for releasing excess air pressure from inside. This set uses a NXP/TFZ-type of bi-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism which is quite uncommon.
The fitting of this set is somehow comfortable and it rests well into my lugholes without any issues at all like ear fatigue and discomfort. Its compact design provides a good passive noise isolation as it is able to block some unwanted noises from the outside surroundings.
The stock cable of this one is decent enough as it is a 4-core high purity OFC cable that was twisted and it has a L-shaped gold-plated 3.5mm single-ended termination plug.
Speaking of cable, I would like to interject another cable that NICEHCK sent to me along with this set. This one is more of an upgraded cable which is quite thicker than the stock cable and it was twisted and braided from termination up to the bi-pin connectors. It has a cyan colour scheme which makes it more appealing-looking on the aesthetics of your IEM if the colour matching is right. Its 4-core OCC silver-plated copper cable with each segment are insulated with nylon fabric for less wear, better handling and resistance to entanglement. It also has a solid metal alloy on connector shield, termination shield, chin slider and splitter parts, while the 4.4mm balanced termination plug and 2-pin connectors are gold-plated for better conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
The product packaging of the NICEHCK DB2 is on a medium-sized rectangular box. The printed illustration of its front panel looks pleasant as the company's anime mascot, Tian Hui as it looks so lively to stare upon, isn't she cute?
On the back part of the packaging box, there's a product specification, company address, email and contact number.
Here are the following contents inside of NICEHCK DB2 packaging box:
- Pair of NICEHCK DB2 IEM transducers
- Stock cable
- YP-leather storage pouch with metal hinge clasps.
- Three (3) pairs of narrow bored grey-coloured ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Four (4) pairs of balanced bore opaque silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Pair of balanced bore white-coloured ear tips.
- Postcard of Tian Hui
- Paperwork like Q.C. stub, user manual and contact card
As for power scaling, DB2 is a fairly sensitive set that it is easy to amplify even by sources with decent power output like smartphones, tablets and laptops. A decent power output is enough for this set to deliver a full range and vivid sound.
Regarding its tonality, with more emphasis on lows and high frequencies with a notched midrange presentation, The NICEHCK DB2 is definitely a V-shaped sounding set.
LOWS/BASS:
It seems that the low frequency of this set is more focused on the sub-bass rather than the mid-bass. The bass response of this set is quite rumbling, tight, hollow and a bit imprecise that I am trying to figure out on where's the texture, depth and volume on this one.
While it has a good sub-bass presence on this set as its reverberation from certain instruments like low tone bass guitars and synthesisers are clearly manifesting on most tracks with strong sub-bass presence like and synth-pops, the mid-bass appears to sound lean and definitely lack of texture to give a more natural and correct tone on bass-centric instruments. Bass kick drums have a hollow and soft sound while cellos sound soft and less weighty. Bass guitars have dull and hollow sound from its string notation on either plucking, strumming, slapping or fretting. Bass-baritone vocals have a leaner, soft and hollow sound due to lack of depth and lighter tone. I've listened to some artists like Bryn Terfel, Barry White and Louis Armstrong that demand more texture and volume to project their vocal rendition properly.
MIDRANGE:
The first thing I noticed regarding this set is on how it was tuned was the depression of its midrange is clearly perceivable across its frequency range. It has this inherent leanness on its texture but it is transparent and smooth sounding with a little bit of energy to give an enough firmness on female vocals namely sopranos.
Male vocals sound a bit too transparent, glossy and sleek as baritones sound less lush but its smoothness and velvety sound characteristics are enough for light and lyric baritones but not on deeper ones like Kavalier baritone, Verdi baritone and dramatic baritones. Some tenors and countertenors will fare a bit better on this one as they sound clear, spicy, tender and emotive respectively. On female vocals, contralto-type singers like Anggun, Annie Lennox and Toni Braxton will sound less appealing as they sound too shallow, lack of richness and huskiness of their vocals appears inadequate in my liking. Mezzo-sopranos have smooth and sensitive sound in which I consider as good enough, while the sopranos have gleaming, light and sweet sounds which are well-suited on soubrette types of soprano singers and its similar vocal range like Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles and Belinda Carlisle.
When it comes to instruments, on woodwinds, concert flutes have light and soft sound, while the piccolos have graceful and light sound on them. Saxophones have a mellow, gentle and plaintive sound and the clarinets have gentle and round sound. Brass instruments like trumpets, trombones and horns, they sound full, soft and distant consecutively. Percussive instruments like snare drums, tom-toms, field drums and kettledrums, snares have dry and clattering sound, tom-toms have resonant but lacks warmth, field drums appears to have gloomy and shuffling sound, and then on kettledrums, they sound muffled and soft. Chordophones like pianos appear to sound soft and smooth due to some lack of warmth. On strings, guitars sound smooth and buttery while violins have a lustrous and solemn sound though in some tracks they sound a bit muffled.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
While the upper-mids up to the presence part of the treble region appears to be elevated and perceived dip somewhere in between presence part and brilliance part of the treble region, its treble response is on the balanced side as it sounds neither too bright or dull sounding. While its vocal definition and attack of instruments appears to be soft and smoothen, that dip that I've mentioned will somehow lessen sibilance and it won't sound harsh at all.
On the brilliance part, it appears to have an insufficient amount of treble but at least it has a sheen of its sparkle. While the hi-hats has a more correct tone as they have that shortened buzz sound, the cymbals sounds soughing and lustrous, and in some instances, a tad dull while the glockenspiel have a soft and lustrous sound, and then celestas have mellow and velvety sound on them.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
Its perceived sound/speaker stage appears to be on the average size; average width spans, decent height and depth that gives me less roomy head room within my aural perception.
Stereo imaging is rather a bog-standard two-dimensional presentation but to my surprise, the positioning of instruments and vocals in a decently layering of frequencies and tones in a sonic canvas are somehow well-placed and it has a good separation on them.
Cohesive performance of its hybrid driver set-up is good enough as its dynamic driver has a fast transient response and less distortion on them while the balanced armature did its function as a supporting one for better clarity of its sound. Resolution capabilities of this set is quite decent, while it doesn't have a solid macro-dynamics for its note density but its micro-detailing is sufficient enough as it decently retrieves some nuances and subtleties of notation attacks and vocal ends albeit nor quite less sharp on its definition.
PEER COMPARISONS
CVJ NAMI
- This set was released last year and it is CVJ's current hybrid driver for the budget-tier segment. Like the DB2, it has 1 dynamic driver and 1 balanced armature driver and it was also encased in a composite shell chassis. But the difference between them was that Nami has a QDC-type of connector, a tuning toggle switch and a better stock cable which is a modular one.
- Due to implementation of tuning toggle switches, it offers three different types of V-shaped sound profile from warmer to brighter tone. The bass response of Nami is more textured and sounds more authoritative, has a good presence of warmth if it was set in that mode that will give more note weight in male and brass instruments and a brighter treble response on a bright V-shaped mode but it should be noted that shrill, bright intensity and sibilance might occur. Technical performance-wise, both of them have average sound/speaker stage size, but the DB2 is a bit better at layering while the Nami has better resolution capabilities.
EPZ K1
- K1 has a similar driver configuration with the DB2 as it also has a 1 dynamic driver and 1 balanced armature driver on each side of its transducers, but the K1 has a more premium-looking shell chassis as it is made of resin shells in a more conventional UIEM form factor. Product packaging and presentation this set is also comparable to DB2 in terms of quantity of inclusions.
- The K1 has a bright U-shaped sound and if it will be compared to DB2, the bass response of this one is more punchy and impactful, less recessed but warmer and plush midrange presentation which makes this one better in male vocals and a brighter and energetic treble presentation but there's some instances of shrillness on female vocals. On technicalities, the K1 has a wider sound/speaker stage, similar projection on stereo imaging and a more solid resolution capability.
As I concluded my review on NICEHCK DB2, this set is an affordable set that will let you experience the dawn of entry-level Chi-Fi tuning back in mid to late 2010s if you are interested in the evolution tuning flavours. If you are a casual-type of listener who wants to be a budding audio enthusiast seeking an improvement of sound quality from your typical “consumer-grade” headphones and earphones, this set might be a good option as it maintains a more musical and fun sound with some noticeable improvements.
NICEHCK DB2 and NICEHCK CYAN upgraded cable are now available at NICEHCK Official Online Store in ALIEXPRESS. Just check out the unaffiliated links below.
★★NICEHCK OFFICIAL STORE - ALIEXPRESS★★
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: NICEHCK DB2
IMPEDANCE: 16Ω
SENSITIVITY: 107dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 20KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: TFZ/NXP-TYPE 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER + (1) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER
Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)
Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
P.S.
I am not affiliated to NICEHCK nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.
Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to MS. VIVIAN for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
NiceHCK DB2 :: 1DD+1BA Hybrid IEM :: $22.99 (At the time of writing this review)
NiceHCK is an audio manufacturer primarily known for its custom cable line, such as DragonScale. but the company has been producing earphones as well for quite some time. The YD30, and NX7 Mk4 earphones have gained some popularity at Korean community.
NiceHCK DB2 have a similar attractive design from aforementioned NX7 MK4, and a 1DD+1BA hybrid design that combines one dynamic driver and one balanced armature driver, but at an accessible price of $22.99.
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Huge thanks to HiFiGo for providing a sample unit for this review.
However, this review fully reflects the my honest opinion without anyone else's interference.
Btw, are you more familiar with Korean?
So am I, and If that's the case, I think you'd be better off reading my review written in Korean here.
This entire review was translated from Korean article using DeepL Translator with some refinement by myself.
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Opening the package, the first thing you see is a postcard with anime girl illustration.
The postcard has the words - 'Tian Hui' on it, which I assume means 'gift from heaven'.
Underneath the postcard is a leather pouch with cable and eartips in it.
For such an inexpensive product, it is quite rich in accessories.
- NiceHCK DB2 unit
- 3 pairs of Gray tips
- 5 pairs of NiceHCK 07 tips
- 0.78 2-pin high purity OFC 3.5mm cable (QDC type)
- Velcro cable organizer
- Leather carrying case
- Warranty card, user manual, and postcard
The DB2 comes with three pairs of generic gray tips and five pairs of NiceHCK 07 eartips.
They're not super high quality, but they're not bad either. they're pretty standard eartips.
I like that the 07 eartips provide you 5 different size options of eartips.
This is the high-purity, oxygen-free copper cable that came with the DB2.
For a company that focuses on custom cables, this is a decent quality cable for a fairly inexpensive pair of earphones.
They're very flexible and lightweight, so even if you're not used to 'over-ear' type earphones, this will be easy to get used to.
The PolyCarbonate(PC) unit - finished with an aluminum edge and a resin faceplate, is a design carried over from the much-loved NX7 Mk4.
The overall finish is quite good for the price point, as is the design, which is similar to that of products costing over five times as much.
DB2 features a "QDC type" 0.78mm 2-pin connector,
which has a slightly protruding terminal and a cable that wraps around it.
This design aims to provide a more secure fit.
To ensure linearity of the sound, a balanced armature is fitted inside the metal nozzle.
Behind it, is a 10mm dynamic driver with a titanium and graphene composite diaphragm.
Despite it has the two drivers, the unit is quite small in size.
They fit comfortably in my ears without any discomfort, so I was able to use them for a long time.
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Measured with IEC 60318-4 (711) while maintaining 94dB@500hz.
The sample used for the measurement does not represent the characteristics of the entire product.
Following Measurements are available at dchpgall.squig.link - a collective 711 measurement database by Korean audiophile community users.
DB2 is characterized by rich bass and smooth highs.
The bass is gradually emphasised, mainly on a mid-bass, giving a warm and rich sound. The heavy punch makes the sound quite entertaining, but it may also sound a bit muffled in some tracks.
The vocals aren't the most prominent, but they're clear and on point, with just the right amount of distance to keep the listener from feeling thirsty. It might sound a bit dull for some tracks, but some might appreciate the lack of sibilance.
The treble is not as prominent as the bass, which puts a bit of distance from the 'crisp' highs. However, they do not sound too dull either, and they have a comfortable amount of treble that does not tire the ears even after prolonged listening.
You may find yourself subconsciously turning up the volume, but I'm really just nitpicking at this point. The overall sound quality is quite impressive considering the price.
There is little to no difference between the two eartips that come with DB2.
I personally recommend using the NiceHCK 07 (white) eartips, which are slightly softer and come in a variety of sizes.
So far, we've taken a look at NiceHCK's DB2 hybrid IEM.
At a fairly low price of $22.99, they are a great value for money, with an attractive appearance and 1DD+1BA hybrid configuration.
One of their strengths is the beautiful design, which is inspired by their higher-end product, and the high-quality accessories. These features make them stand out from other products in the same price range.
This product has excellent sound quality, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a warm and balanced sound with a touch of excitement.
In many ways, I believe it could serve as a perfect gift for people who aren't interested in earphones.
... As long as you and your friend are okay with the cover art. haha
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Non-Affiliated Link (if you're interested)
Aliexpress：https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006486403517.html
HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/nicehck-db2
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT5F6FHY/nicehck+db2/
Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CT5K3Y9G/nicehck+db2/
NiceHCK
You know NiceHCK has been around the block a few times. Sure many of us have their cables, and really NiceHCK is best known as a cable maker. Yet last month NiceHCK did something crazy. Yep, they gave out a whole bunch of free samples of their $106.99 new NiceHCK F1 Pro 14.2 Planar Magnetic IEM. And in consequence flooded the inter-webs with video and written reviews. Now to have the confidence to pull all this off you have to 1) Believe in your product 2) Know others will after hearing it, believe in it too.
So imagine with me downtown New York. There is a busy side street with three pizza parlors all making pizza. Yep, from the outside all three look identical, and even their pizza seems to all look the same. They are all priced the same and all come in almost the same packaging. How does a business get noticed, and how do you let the public know you have great pizza? First of all this never would work if you had run-of-the-mill pizza. No, the only way this works is if you have great, darn great pizza, and you know it. So you place a friendly gal on the street corner and hand-out free slices of pizza. Everyday around lunch time she comes out and hands out slices, then around dinner time she does it again. Because the pizza is great this style of advertising works, and after a while that single pizza shop is over-run with business. They got their name out there and not only showed they were a maker of great pizza, they proved they made great pizza. And that’s all IEM samples are.
The F1 Pro is my most favorite Planar IEM, and if you would have asked me beforehand what I think of the possibility of NiceHCK making a great Planar, I would have been skeptical, as they don’t have that style of reputation. So something is happening in the NiceHCK Pizza Shop! In fact there are two more cool IEMs coming out this week, and one is a top-of-the-line TOTL Flagship. Notice how I have a slight sparkle to my words here, yep. NiceHCK has earned my respect and doing so I view their new releases with anticipation. So that is the news on current events. The next in line is to talk about the very reason you’re here, to try and explain what the NiceHCK DB2 is.
The DB2:
I never heard the DB1, but looking on-line I see it for sale. It came in another variation of child bride packaging, and sported a 10mm PU Biology Fiber Composite DD, and even came in two colors. For the DB2 NiceCHK has upped their game creating a choice of 3 different color schemes, and added a BA driver. Today we will try and grasp the reality of what you get if you buy this USD $27.99 Amazon package. And while it is not at all perfect, NiceHCK has done wonders in what can be accomplished is this price sector.
$27.99
https://www.amazon.com/NICEHCK-DB2-Headphones-Detachable-Tangle-Free/dp/B0CSVG9TR7/ref=sr_1_3?m=A1K0X5CMUM436N&qid=1707527549&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3&th=1
Value/IEM Summary:
Providing an exceptional stage size/width/character and immersive drama for the price, we are at once gifted with full-on vividness of vocals and big bass. The micro details and general resolution are maybe price leading partially due to the separation and imaging at hand. There always is just a hint, yet only a hint of nasal/thin sounding tone permeating the midrange?
Nasal/thinness:
This character, I was actually wondering how to introduce this character trait to the review? As it is a reality though, an accepted consequence of the (style of) BA driver? Yet this tone is not always readily noticeable, and will rear its head on specific tracks that hold more treble laden guitar parts, as an example. Except here for the money asked, there is totally a vividness/spaciousness and correctly executed tune that far outweighs this single down-side. Meaning when you check most everything (else) the DB2 actually has correct timbre and only in certain parts does this area of drawback surface?
One thing I found fascinating was hearing many (never before heard music) tracks that I had no timbre reference for, seemingly sounding prefect and holding sonic values of a totally more expensive IEM. I mean if you actually sequestered these tracks out of your collection and only listened to them on the NiceHCK DB2 you would be in a style of under $30.00 paradise, as there is truth in the phrase “nativity is bliss”! That is how ultimately good the DB2 is in the end. Truly it is that pizza slice on the New York street corner, handed out to you by a friendly stranger. And you then realize that the pizza (DB2) is remarkable and you want to take it home!
Comparisons:
Here I did something wacky, yep! I went and put the DB2 in the fighting ring with way more accomplished fighters. At first I wasn’t going to actually go through with this, then it hit me. “How am I to truly explain how good the DB2 is unless I challenge it against more expensive opponents.” You see we as viewers ring-side have nothing to lose, except possibly some blood splatter? We are only viewing the consequence of such an event, yet in comparison will find out the actual reality held in the evenness, completeness and correctness of today's DB2 trial.
Competitor one:
7Hz Salenotes SONUS: $59.99
11.3mm DD + Balanced Armature
Technical Details
Model 7HZ SONUS
Frequency Response 10-20KHZ
THD <1%/1KHZ
Impedance 30Ω(@1kHz)
Connector 0.78mm 2Pin
SPL 109DB/V@1KHZ
Competitor two:
The Tangzu X Divinus FuDu verse 1: $89.00
Driver Configuration : 1 Dynamic Driver + 2 Balanced Armature
Driver Specifications : 10 mm DD + 2 Balanced Armature
Distortion Rate : ≤1% at 1kHz
Sensitivity : 106dB ±≤1dB at 1kHz
Channel Difference : <1%
Impedance : 16 ohms
Frequency Response Range : 20Hz - 20kHz
Cable Type : 25*0.05 Silver plated
Cable Length : 1.25m
Interface : 0.78 2-PIN
Before we get started I simply want to offer an historic overview here. You see, really the top dog is the 7Hz Sonus. When the FuDu and Sonus arrived (at the same time) I actually liked the FuDu better as it had a smoother sound and exciting display of imaging, but when I really buckled-down into testing the two previously against each other, the Sonus pulled ahead due to being simply more friendly with more devices. So if you cater to the FuDu, yes it is all that, except if you try to run the FuDu off a phone and you may run into troubles. Here in the overall test of the 3 IEMs I am concentrating on realism in both evenness of tone and timbre. How ultimately complete I feel the signature is and also how correct the signature can be perceived. Remember in the end these reviews are always 100% subjective, yet the objective truths (so to speak) can result in values which across the board are held as being correct. So my guess is still that with the correct source the FuDu will come out at least even or better than the Sonus, except the Sonus is no slouch, being an incredible contender due to the choice of BA driver 7Hz used, and the fact that they matched it really well with the giant 11.3mm single DD bass driver. I also have to be kind-a careful here because I have just spent weeks and weeks with the DB2, which can lend itself to familiarity in the end. As such my mind being on the same wavelength as the DB2 may encounter even better playback than it actually is, and not find the middle ground in fairness to judge the FuDu or Sonus which I haven’t heard in at least 60 days, I think?
The set-up:
All units today were tested by using the Sony WM1A with MrWalkmans firmware. I had a spell of confusion trying to pick a cable. You see the DB2 comes with a super nice cable as NiceHCK is maybe first and foremost a cable maker, so they know what they are doing. Yet, in the end the regular DB2 cable is only 3.5mm, and yes I have two other NiceHCK cables in 4.4mm that came with the F1 Pro, but I wanted a different brand and a relatively transparent yet balanced cable that never placed in any tone color to skew the results here. So in the end I settled with the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 in 4.4mm. I chose this also partially due again resulting from familiarity, as it is used all the time here at Redcarmoose Labs and holds a high level of respect due to performance. That performance is even and correct, but never necessarily the very best for an IEM. I’m the style of insane or foolish listener which has no issues blending a USD 27.99 IEM with a $399.00 cable. It is true that everything in the signal chain will add a character to playback. But to be more reasonable here, and more down to earth, there are actually cables in this case which can at times blend with the DB2’s overall signature at a more regular price, and in the end bring about success. Why? Because there is more here than previously thought. Meaning there is a tremendous level of both detail and correctness here with the DB2, as such it is the perfect candidate for finding out where we can find synergy. Because cost only means so much, it is more about correctness of tune, and technicalities. I mean sure there is a limit to just how far we can take the DB2, only that place is way better than simply price would have you guess.
Here first I want to explain the results of the Penon ASOS cable: Now to be fair NiceHCK may actually offer a few cables in this level, only I don’t own them. I may get these cables in the future, but so far nothing as far as cables go equals the Penon ASOS. The ASOS is a relatively natural cable with a slight boost in midrange heft and clarity. The cables also moves forward to kind-of clarify the bass. Maybe it is just transparency here, but the bass is off on its very own separated stage. There was an authority and size here with the ASOS that gave me a whole level of respect for the DB2. An effortlessness that was never found before, and a clarity that was un-arguable? Remember that slight nasal quality I was talking about earlier, it is still there, only everything else has been enhanced around it, making this show 5 stars………do you think mixing a $169.90 aftermarket cable with a $27.99 IEM is foolish? I promise you that if you heard this combo you would not think so? As such this may in-fact be the very best I ever heard $27.99 sound……..ever? And you can take that statement to the bank!
Why?
Just getting quality music pumped through obtained a level of imaging that was extraordinary with the ASOS and DB2……..really it was hard to believe? The evenness and correctness, the way the bass was both detailed to a point and relatively deep, especially in the sub-bass. Now to be real here there was always a level of thinness which must have been the complete ultimate extreme ability of the driver here to do all it can, yet there was always slightly that character of tone. Though the beautiful thing was the blending and the actual concept of why I dig Hybrids the very most. Spatial separation and imaging which became more and more natural and blended the more I listened. And it is funny as my ideas as to the overall quality of the DB2 finally rewound to my very first impressions……..that there is a slight lack of authority in comparison to way more expensive IEMs, a density of notes is missing, where the positive flip-side of that is fast and detailed imaging which just comes about due to nothing holding the notes back.
Comparisons:
Remember the cable used the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 in 4.4mm, the DAP used the Sony WM1A and my regular wide-bore ear-tips I use 90% of the time and are found in all my pictures 90% of the time.
FuDu:
So the bass is deeper and of a denser quality. And when I say a lot, this goes back to my first impressions with the FuDu that if you get it all it asks for to eat, on a full stomach the FuDu is incredible. The bass is simply more clear and holds imaging inside the stage, more textured even. What the difference in tuning becomes in that there is slightly more Fudu smoother replay in that the opposite DB2 has clarity more-so into the Pinna Gain vocal rendition, where overall the DB2 is slightly less grounded, and more airy, flighty? Where sure the FuDu does have better overall darkness of tone, more of them, and in many ways the two IEM could almost be looked at as opposites, in that what the DB2 does in the midrange as a zig, the FuDu zags? But sure the extra money spent on the FuDu goes to good use if you bring the FuDu a good signal. With that said though, get the DB2 over to a regular 3.5mm output from a phone and prepare to be floored. Yep, even, wide, imaged and amazing replay from simply a phone. I mean this is also NiceCHK’s DB2 marketing too, that the DB2 is good from a phone only, and they were not exaggerating!
Sonus:
Ok, so the FuDu showed itself to offer a more blended and together replay, holding notes having a denser and note-weighty style of reality. The FuDu not owning up to carrying as forward of vocals, but way better bass definition and thickness……..more beefy. The Sonus is in many ways the most even of the 3, holding a balance in both bass and vocals, and I can’t get over just how good these two Sonus drivers are. Yet again the Sonus is kind of the most conservative here, and you know how when careful replays get going, they become more well rounded, and play with more friends easily. And while the bass is more tucked-in than the FuDu, it’s also not quite the stage traveling as the DB2, which makes it a hair less. Again that conservative stance that isn’t going to ruffle feathers with the Sonus, and even the vocals sit closer to home than the DB2, offering no more note weight than the DB2. Except this sophistication in Sonus vocals is both more tamed and reserved, and that ultimately comes with being less wild than the DB2.
Contest summary:
How do I sum-up my contest here? Probably that while the Fudu offers the most emotional bass replay, the vocals are really careful and still correct, the Sonus is less on bass but more well rounded of all three, seeking better balance and goes with the most sources and genres of music. Whereas parallel to my very first listening impressions, the DB2 is a lot of IEM for the money, yet not as good as the Sonus or FuDu from my Sony Walkman 1A, with SIMGOT AUDIO’s LC7 cable. Yet the Sonus is $59.99 and the FuDu is $89.00, way way more than the DB2, and with the diminishing returns per dollar spent offer still 90% of the FuDu playback or Sonus playback, and better than the FuDu from a regular phone. Probably my most learning from this experience comes from further understanding the DB2’s personality. That while my initial understanding out-of-the-box was correct, it was interfacing the DB2 with other Hybrids that went forward to show bass tone and vocal tone, and finally the stage, where the stage of the DB2 was more active with transients providing ample amusement, and even further down the line (with those transients) if you went crazy with the ASOS cable match-up. The reason we always balance a cable price to an IEM, is that price does often mean something as far as sound quality. And surely matching an expensive cable with a total value IEM in the end makes a question of “Why don’t you just upgrade your IEM, and downgrade your cable?” And sure you can, but you’re not going to get exactly the DB2 sound. In fact somehow with the ocean of IEMs I’ve heard the DB2 is both technically correct and still offers a vibrant departure from many boring IEMs that populate the under $30.00 realm. Sure it’s not perfect, except I can localize any drawbacks down to a slight thinness over-all, and only in the midrange, and that is pretty good.
Build:
An elaborate affair, I can only see a single vent off the back, yet nozzle angle and size are truly perfect. Weighing in at only 5 grams each, the DB2 excels at comfort though I would call them medium as far as noise occlusion goes. Being they came in your choice of three colors you can choose gold/purple, gold/black or silver/blue. This resin drip faceplate shows-up rather nice looking and not as gaudy or garish as it looks in photos. Even so far as NiceHCK have gone one step further, to print R or L and DB2 on the metal perimeter. Probably my favorite feature of build is how tight this sucker is put together, offering an almost one piece feel to how all the build pieces come together. On trying, you almost can not feel a seam where in construction the faceplate fits the back part of the body? That and the fact that the DB2 nozzles holds my favorite ear-tips on in a non-sliding way in the perfect place.
Cable:
What I found interesting is how each right and left signal is represented with a thin red or blue code inside the cable. While the QDC style of 2Pin does really work with any cable with the IEM, the reverse does not. Meaning you are best staying with QDC style of IEM sockets on any other IEMs you chose to use your DB2 cable on. With that said, the included cable is nice and offers great ergonomics, also it is totally responsible for getting you the overall tone of the DB2. It moves around well, but somehow wouldn’t coil-up for a photograph, despite being traumatized by direct sunlight for 1/2 an hour.
Packaging:
I seemed to be shorted only a single small dark color ear-tip? I could have lost it, except I’m pretty careful and haven’t ever come-up one-tip-short in all my past 198 reviews, most reviews are IEMs. Still with 7 additional sets of ear-tips I’m sure it would not have rained on the parade today, or even if I was stranded on a deserted island, somehow the other set of small ear-tips would have worked just fine?
Alternative Drivers:
Yep, you may be wondering a little how much more fidelity can take place it we ditch our phone, wouldn't you just love to throw your phone in a ditch at times? Huh? Anyways if you were curious as to what you have to feed the DB2 to create a magical experience, it is really your choice to a point? Meaning I got killer results from the HiBy R3 II, as a budget DAP, there was really no issues I could hear with how it presented a lush open and fun stage. In fact if you already have a R3 II and were wondering what to combine it with to join the ranks af great replay..........here you go. Try it and thank-me later.....I'm dead serious! If you are looking for a basic set-up and wondering how this would work out on a daily basis, this is exactly what this review is about......100%.
I still don't know why this exact playback is so good, it is not supposed to be this good?
Music tests:
Here we move to try and figure out if we can live with the DB2 on a regular basis, going on an adventure of previously unheard with the DB2 test songs. This is probably the very best and most complete way to gain understanding as to the down-to-earth usability found in your purchase. We will try and trip the little DB2 up by throwing difficult and easy music for it to chew-on.
Hans Zimmer
Inception OST
Old Souls
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Really if I was asked to showcase what this IEM is about I may very well choose this song and it doesn’t have vocals? So why is that? Well, first off it is an insanely good recording, just world class. But more than that as an instrumental it holds a pureness of tone that makes the best out of every IEM you interface it with. But possibly one step farther here the song is very much made-up of contrasts, contrasts that were made for Hybrid IEMs. Yep, the deepness of the bass, the high pitched piano introduction, it is all here………so much so that if you were at a Head-Fi meet this song with The LC7 cable and Sony 1A would be a total surprise trick to play on someone. Primarily here because somehow none of the DB2 drawbacks surface…..none at all? In fact I don’t want to say how costly of a playback this gets us into, as it would reduce my credibility here. But timbre on the piano is a huge plus, absolutely perfect, it may also be that the song is made up of simpler ideas and additives? But when the bass drop hits at 00:53 you’re taken away. There is no possible way this under $30.00 IEM is even close to performing this, but it is. And that is where the fun comes in. Ask a friend who doesn’t know the price, in-fact don’t show him the IEM, just place it in his ears and push play at a reasonable volume and take note of his expression at the 00:53 mark. One of surprise and curiosity……as there is a profound completeness of playback here. There really is. I know this is not the package section but look at the case, the selection of ear-tips, the look of the IEM itself……really NiceHCK is covering all bases here, and show they care, but more than that, that they are stepping up their game and truly advancing the hobby here.
Anyways, the song's midrange of piano is positioned way out to the front and sides. At 01:29 there are explosions here, and yep, you guessed it is thoroughly brought out to the sides in replay. Remember early in the review I kept talking about stage size, well here it gloriously is…….all of it, and more than the price would have you figure. I mean what gets me going here is all the imaging and deep layers of bass, the fact that this was mixed just so every layer would separate itself in playback, to bring about kind of its own world unto itself. While sure there is not the note-weight of some playbacks, except the notes hold wonderful transient speed as there is nothing to hold them down. Playback is just darn big, and I have a soft spot in my listening heart for it, if it gets big, then subsequently I get emotionally involved. Truly I don’t know why this song is so good here. But once you get your DB2 in your ears, you may want to take a walk down this street to envision this part of town, as it is a vacation that you will not forget. Truly this is unexpected and just beautiful in the end? I could go on and on………but I have rambled enough to make my point.
DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 - 24 bit
Here we are brought back to a style of reality. I mean with songs like the last one, that has been seemingly made for the DB2, I am so off the ground that I probably undermine my own validity here? Yet, I don’t care, it’s the truth and very well could be your truth once you get the DB2. The biggest mistake you could make would be judging it by price while yes, it’s not perfect, there are places (environments) you will find yourself swept into that there is no going back. Oh, unless you decide to hit play again, then there is a return of the magic. This sounds dumb, but I promise you I will be trying out Hans Zimmer’s “Old Souls” on family members later today, just to capture the look on their faces. So back to reality with this number, and there is a specific reason I chose this song, for the vocals it contains, I mean we do need a vocal song here, right?
Kiko:
Probably the greatest start is the strange clarity of the drum beat? That it is both somehow complete and holding an awesome speed of creation. Yep these drums or positioned in the correct place, both tonally and positionally. The other part of the adventure is somehow how you can hear into the whole sound, the quality of the bass driver maybe, as there is absolutely no distortion found in the drum playback, despite it being loud? There is also a ride cymbal at the start, this airy and fast replay even captures the small nuances that come about as extra additives of expression. Yet because of spatial separation into the stage, we find they are somehow itemized and clear, holding more clarity simply due to the separation a hand. At 00:18 the bass drum and bass instrument hits, now this is probably the place where I have heard it deeper and more complete except I’m reaching to find any small issue at all to ground this review, as really it is all fine! 00:38 hits and we find the guitar seemly finally something which showcases that tad of thinness I was describing, yet it has been one whole song with none, and the into of this song with none, and that is how the DB2 is, it can be choosy as to when it want to perform. Finally when the female vocals hit, they are ever so slightly thin, but very clear and holding a wonderful position inside the stage.
Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Ok, I’ll be honest, I did listen to this song prior, oh and the next song too. At least the first two songs were the first time I heard them with the DB2! In fact I couldn’t help myself, trying out the ASOS cable, this song is a regular test vehicle here at Redcarmoose Laboratories. Why? It is well recorded and holds great imaging, as far as instrumental music goes, yet it is not really the most dramatic, except it serves a purpose in being a game soundtrack. So being that it is a little supportive of game replay, not holding any distractions, like no bright guitar solos, or anything like that. What we get is both a consistent beat, and a variation of different bass volumes, somehow adding extra dimension, along with an additive progression of synth instruments and orchestra. Though I’m not exactly sure how much real orchestra is used, unlike the next song in Grand Turismo which gives us a full-on movie OST, along with the soundstage positioning of an actual real-life orchestra in action. And that’s the thing, the DB2 is clear enough to help us access the differences here, where we can appreciate “Brotherhood” for what it contains, yet we all know the next truly movie OST will bring more sonic thrills and deeper detailed realities provided by real recordings of real instruments on a live studio sound stage.
Brotherhood:
First, the piano is totally front and center and holds more thickness than expected. The stage is huge, offering a playful world for us to visit. The rhythmic bass is not as defined as I’ve ever heard it, and something like the FuDu could offer us a deeper, more textures rendition. Once into this thing there is a big stage as just like before we are gifted with a wide separation between elements. At 00:32 there is an additional (heavy) bass drop and we can somehow follow the event continuously from start to finish, all in its own section of the stage, remarkable really? And if you listen really closely, the bass actually never stops, as it becomes a drone continuing till the song starts to fade at 02:06 till the songs end.
Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski
Grand Turismo OST
Academy Race
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
The final session of our tests. And did I ever line-up a doozy here. We just went from direct line into the sound board pretty much, to a real orchestra sound recording stage. And sure most IEMs relay the differences……except not all of them are this fun! I hear violins rustling at the outskirts of the stage. Still I can’t get over this bass, as while it is not the most defined, there is something that it contains, yet I’m not sure what that would be, except good timbre and its own ideas of clarity that seems to work here? I mean this is a review and I’m supposed to be able to identify why stuff works or why it does not? It’s probably the completeness in holding a drop……….even right away at 00:11 in that quality is there. Now remember I have heard this song a 100 times, and of course there is nowhere near the level of detail as some more expensive IEMs contain, no way. Yet at the same time there is a correct purity where you think you are somehow hearing more than you are, that much like a live setting where the bass details are left out, only to be bunched together, you still are emotionally moved and brought into the musical story and play-out? While yes, there are details.....especially how this 10mm Titanium Plated Graphene Driver shows a separation into sub-bass extension? That combined with the largeness of stage, and the fact that the midrange and treble displays go further to enhance the feeling of size, that is where the stage is actually bigger than both the Sonus and FuDu to somehow take the cake. And kinda like fast food here we are rewarded with cheap thrills, and a full stomach seemingly without want in comparison to the FuDu holding better bass, and the Sonus holding a more composed and evenly detailed demeanor. Yet this phenomena of stage size, well it’s enveloping and somehow never ceases to satisfy?
Conclusion:
Well there you have it! NiceHCK has basically provided a new IEM which slightly disrupts the market, as it owns both correct timbre and technicalities as far as stage. There are details to be found, yet I can’t help but think these 10mm and single BA units do their best with simpler music, and it is not like they ever are missing the displayed pace? It may have to do with dissecting individual images into digestible elements, to hear every little detail, because that’s not what is going on. Though what you do hear is every detail provided in a holistic and complete way, when a little less is going on, it is like the tonal ideas are fully represented here, far above the humble asking price. But beyond the talk of cost, the DB2 still offers a grand individuality to make it stand out in your collection. It could still be your only IEM, even if you didn’t have another IEM……..just as long as you understand both its positive and negative points. While NiceHCK is really trying to include it all at this price point, the ear-tips are totally nice, the included cable is also incredibly nice, and you have a choice of one of three colors to choose from. I didn’t think purple would thrill me, yet once I got it in hand I thought it was the cat’s meow? Also if you're considering simple phone use, the DB2 goes forward providing exceptional sonics just from a phone, and you can get a cable with a microphone on any of the three colors offered. Two colors offer a gold accent ring and the blue offers an aluminum colored accent ring.
All and all the design and fitment were truly special with the nozzle length and angle seemingly fitting just right. If you need a lesser cost, yet totally relatively complete out and about IEM, I can’t fathom a better choice. And my favorite part is that provocative stage still takes place even from a phone. But for the serious listener who may choose to play with cable rolls, there is also tremendous value here to be found, if your game to take a chance?
$27.99
https://www.amazon.com/NICEHCK-DB2-Headphones-Detachable-Tangle-Free/dp/B0CSVG9TR7/ref=sr_1_3?m=A1K0X5CMUM436N&qid=1707527549&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3&th=1
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Vivian at NiceHCK for the love and exquisite DB2 review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
HiBy R3 II DAP in 4.4mm balanced
Samsung Phone (not found in a ditch) 3.5mm output
Jaytiss
I really liked this little iem. Such a treasure for the price.
Nicehck DB2 Review
In this review, I want to share my experiences listening to and enjoying the NiceHCK DB2 hybrid (1 DD + 1 BA) over the past few weeks. As you can see from the picture above the DB2 is a gorgeous IEM, but is it something that is right for you.
I believe we are in the golden age for IEM’s especially for those that want to build a nice collection at very little cost. I also believe if you are building a collection you should own a variety of sound signatures especially if you like appreciated different genres of music and want to experience your music to the fullest extent.
So how would the Nicehck DB2 fit into your collection, lets find out in this review.
I would like to thank Hifigo for providing the DB2 for this review. If you are interested in purchasing the DB2 here is a non-affiliated link
Retail Box
The DB2 comes in a nice quality box which gives you a hint that this isn’t the typical $24 IEM, a lot of thought was put into making the experience of opening the DB2 a rewarding experience:
Unboxing the NiceHCK DB2 reveals the gorgeous shell design and a nice waifu card:
As you open the packaging, you are greeted with a thoughtfully assembled set of accessories designed to enhance your listening experience.
Here’s what you can expect to find inside the box of the NiceHCK DB2:
The NiceHCK DB2 IEMs:
Central to the package, the DB2 earphones themselves are meticulously crafted, showcasing the chosen color variant - be it the elegant Blue, the vibrant Purple, or the classic Black. Each earpiece is constructed from a robust combination of PC and Aluminum Alloy, ensuring durability without compromising on style.I made 2 short videos showcasing the lovely clear shell from different angles:
One minor complaint would be that the 2-pin are not recessed, I prefer a recessed 2-pin so that there is no chance that the pins might be accidentally bent as has happened to be me in the past.
Detachable 0.78 2pin Cable:
The included cable is good for the price, offering a good ‘shape’ for wrapping the cable around your ears for maximum comfort.I didn’t get the cable with the microphone, but I believe for a few extra dollars you can purchase a version of the cable with an integrated microphone which depending on your use-case might be a good option.
Selection of Ear Tips:
I did like the selection of ear tips provided, though ultimately I used my own and did a bit of tip rolling to tweak the sound to my preference. I will get into what you can expect from the different ear tips in the measurement section below.Carrying Case:
The DB2 comes with a nice protective carrying case again this is rare at this price point.Size Comparison:
I thought to give a better feel for the size to expect with the DB2, I would take a few comparison photos with some of my other IEM’s that you might already be familiar with in your collection.So here is the size compared to the Truthear Zero Red (which is possible at the upper end of the scale for size of IEM shell) and the Tanchjim One (which is a small almost a ‘bullet sized’ IEM):
Note: This comparison is just showing how the DB2 is sort of at the ‘goldie locks’ size, not too big and not too small and therefore should suit the majority of ears. The shape of the DB2 is not opinionated so again should accommodate the majority of ears.
Comfort
As you can hopefully see from the comparison photos above the nicehck-db2 size and shape make it a very comfortable, I like the angle of the nozzle allowing the IEM to sit firmly in my ears without moving when out walking. I found myself wearing it for hours without problems.Sound quality
Overall the sound signature of the DB2 has a warm / bass forward sound signature, I found it really came into its own with specific genres of music like Heavy Metal and some EDM where that extra bass can really enhance the listening experience. If you are looking for a neutral IEM this is not the one for you, this is much more in the fun sounding but never fatiguing category.But let’s get into the detail and give you a feeling of what you can expect from the DB2:
Bass
Because it’s a hybrid IEM the bass especially benefits from have a dedicated dynamic driver.While the sub-bass is good, It was really with mid-bass tracks, it makes them deep and satisfying. So tracks like Billie Ellish Xanny sounded even richer / fully than normal and for a bit of retro music, I listened to some class metal from the 70’s from Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, the enhanced bass really brought those tracks to life.
Midrange
Nicehck have done some clever tuning with the midrange, while its slightly recessed (typical of a V-Shaped sound signature) Vocal especially female vocals really popped out of the mix. So some classic Joni Mitchell tracks like ‘Both Sides Now’ sounded great, the midrange boost for vocals coupled with the lower treble recession means you can really enjoy female vocal tracks that you might have found too sibilant previously.Treble
Nicehck have played it fairly safe with the treble response on the DB2, I feel they could have pushed the treble more but what we get on the DB2 (without EQ) is satisfying treble which is never sibilant or fatiguing, so you can be listening to the DB2 for hours.Soundstage and Imaging
I found both the soundstage and imaging to be good but not great, the extra mid-bass probably takes away a little from the soundstage so test tracks like Tool’s Chocolate Chip Trip didn’t quiet have the swirling soundstage I am used too. But I did a bit of ear tip rolling and found with some Foam tips I could restore that soundstage significantly but this will be dependent on your own ear canal and tip preferences.Specs and Measurements
In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the NiceHCK DB2 In-ear Monitors, it’s crucial to delve into both its specifications and the measurements obtained from using my 711 ‘clone’ coupler, particularly with different ear tips. This section is divided accordingly to present a detailed view.Specifications:
The specifications of the NiceHCK DB2 are a testament to its design and potential performance. These technicaldetails are crucial in understanding the baseline from which the IEM operates:
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 16Ω |
| Color Options | Blue, Purple, and Black |
| Earphone Plug Type | 3.5mm |
| Frequency Range | 20-20000Hz |
| Sensitivity | 107dB/mW |
| Connector | Detachable 0.78 2pin |
| Cable Length | Approximately 1.2m±5cm |
Measurements:
These measurement were taken with my 711 ‘clone’ coupler and are available on my measurement database hereFrequency Response
Here is the Left and Right frequency response compared to the Harman target.
You can see that extra mid-bass boost giving the DB2 that warm rich bass. I did many attempts to make sure I had the correct measurements but that difference in treble around 3K between the left and right was always present, but I guess this is normal with unit variants.
Alternative Ear-tips
I tried both set of stock tips but also a bunch of different types of ear tips and as you can see you can significant alter the treble response using different ear tips
Some comparisons
Here are some comparisons with other IEM’s
Distortion
Very little distortion so if you plan to use EQ with this IEM it will take it very well:
Rating
I gave the Nicehck DB2 a pragmatic rating of 4 - it is a gorgeous looking IEM with a great set of accessories at a great price but its bass heavy sound signature might put some people off.Conclusion
The Nicehck DB2 is a great IEM to add to your collection, especially if you already have the typical Harman / Neutral sounding IEM’s and want something a little different. For its price, the sound signature that the DB2 provides, is a very nice alternative to those more typically sound signatures and listening to music is all about finding ways to appreciate your music in different ways.Attachments
Jaytiss
I liked the bass on this guy, thought it was fun. Great review.
Song Choice: Tidal list here:
I listen to a wide variety of music. I pick the songs because of various reasons. But I picture myself locked away like Andy Dufresne from Shawshank blasting music and shut off from the world. It’s a blissful image.
The Marriage of Figaro -The opera song from Shawshank Redemption, terrible recording but fun and gets me in the mood to listen to music.
O mio Babino caro -This is a modern less operatic version but a song with great female vocals.
Video Rigoletto - “La donna e mobile” Sung by one of the three Tenors, great song for high-performing male vocals. Pavarotti is the greatest classic singer maybe ever. Fight me!
Iron man - The sound at the beginning is hard to make sound great, great drums, and cymbals, and if done right it feels like an old-school band.
I Will Survive (1981 recording, I like her voice, and the old vocals, the drums, and various natural instruments really make this a favorite for me.
There is a light That never goes out - Smiths ( A classic, I just love it. It’s mellow, and I can tell a lot of the tuning if this song is done right.)
Jump (I like how the sound effects are in this!)
Star Child Someone recommended this song to me, and I like how funky it sounds and has nice vocals and a mix of music and things going on.
Dicke Titten Ramstein The beginning is amazing and the bass hits hard. Great song. I love rock and metal. The German language fascinates me
Master of Puppets: Very fast song. Helps me determine if the driver can keep up.
Song impressions:
Worship at 0:31 has a really nice vocals, that sound airy and majestic, nothing at this price should sound this nice. Just wow, great sense of space and air.
Ari Abdul
Drums in Firestarter around :35-:40 sound Tinny and unrealistic
Kids by Sam Smith
This song is very majestic and lovely :30
Do you even think about it? So good, vocals are so nice and fine.
This is a newer version of my 10 favorite songs that also work for audiofile music.
This is a copy of a bunch of good audiofile music. Some are on my favorites, but all are great to test headphone tracks. (70+)
This is my favorite overall music. 300+ songs (needs to be edited a bit)
Bass (20-60 Sub Bass, 60-250 Hz Mid Bass)
The details of the bass is strong dynamic and punchie. It’s like I can feel the bass and for a set this price or any price that is a fun experience. I feel vibrations it seems through the shell and the bass quality is really strong in this set. It hits so very hard and the dynamics and the quality of the bass on this set is just wow. Extremely impressive.
Midrange (250 HZ to 800 HZ Low Mids, 600-200 Hz Mids, 2000-5000Hz Upper Mids)
The timber and tone is great on this iem, it has energetic vocals, but I like that for the music that I generally listen to for fun. Yet in some genres the spikes could come across a bit harsh to others. Vocals are very forward, and fun and energetic. The mids on this set are pretty good, but the upper mids are a bit too much for my taking and I wisht they were recessed a tiny bit.
Treble (5000- 10000 Trebble/Highs, 10000 ++ HZ Upper Trebble & Air)
The treble of this set is it’s weakest point. I do find it a bit lacking in the air region and things sound a bit off. Yet I’m being critical. This set is fully enjoyable and unique and musical.
Gaming
Gaming is great on this iem, it has good detail for the price and nice bass quality so explosions and call outs are easy with this set. I think this is a great set for gamers or for gifts as it is super fun-looking, has a nice package, and could be a great option for gamers who want an inexpensive set that has great sonic qualities.
Shell -
The shell is pretty, it fits great and it comes in three colors. It feels pretty great in ear.
Case- The case isn’t something that I would use. But at this price to have a case is huge! I’ve seen 100-dollar iems with no case. Cases to me are very important and something to consider. It’s a nice thing to have, and is acceptable.
Cable- The cable comes normally in 4.4 mm connection. I requested a 3.5 and they delivered with no issue. This is an exceptional cable, and it feels great on the skin. This is easily my favorite cable that I’ve ever used.
Tip Selection - I was pleasantly surprised with the tip selection! I really enjoyed them.
Graph:
Recommended EQ: I use Peace APO to EQ on the PC. This EQ is done to my preference.
Overall this is an amazing iem that could easily be a game for most. The goal for me with an iem is to have an that doesn’t need EQ.
Preamp: -8.3 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 2.5 dB Q 2.000
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 120 Hz Gain -1.6 dB Q 0.900
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 560 Hz Gain 3.5 dB Q 0.700
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain -6.8 dB Q 1.600
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 2700 Hz Gain 2.6 dB Q 2.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 3500 Hz Gain -4.5 dB Q 2.000
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 5100 Hz Gain 8.7 dB Q 1.900
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 8600 Hz Gain -12.0 dB Q 2.000
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain 9.2 dB Q 2.000
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 15000 Hz Gain 3.7 dB Q 0.500
I think the db2 can benefit from eq.
Gifting/who is it for: I think this is a nice hifi iem to gift to someone, it looks amazing, and has a great package. This is important as many non audiophiles this is the most important thing. It has impressive tonal balance for the price and great vocals. It’s priced at a point where I think it’s an easy win for those that want a fun set. In comparison to other sets out there that are more neutral and packaged worse, I dont’ see how this is a bad thing at all.
Go to NiceHCK and buy a fancy cable for yourself, get a nice gift of an iem that is exceptionally packaged and an easy gift to give to anyone on your list. Or just buy it if this is the only set that you can afford, I think it’s a treasure.
Pairing: I used a Quidelix 5k for mobile, my dongle Dac iBasso DC04 for my laptop, and my JDS labs Atom 2 amp my Desktop PC. I also tried the iem briefly on the Apple dongle as well. This iem had no issues being driven. Typically I only find overears to really have a hard time being driven and maybe some planar iems.
Summary-
I think this is a great little set. It’s packaged well but has some minor issues with tuning, yet is a fun engaging set that grabbed my attention on the first go. I think the issue is that times all sets go for a linear boring tuning this set achieves a fun engaging tuning for a price that is nothing less than remarkable. While personally, I think the NiceHCK F1 pro is a little more worth the price if you can afford it, I would recommend that set if you have the money. But as far as for those who don’t have the extra money or for those who need a gift set to give to a friend, this is a remarkably fun bassy set that doesn’t disappoint. I like this set. I don’t think it’s perfect, but in a world of sub 200 mostly sounding neutral and dull, this is a vocal fun set that cracks and lets me fully enjoy the music.
I think it’s important to be price-appropriate in our reviews. It’s fantastic, I love it. It is beautiful, and I don’t see how NckHCK is making a profit on this. It’s that good. Am I saying it is better than some of my 100-dollar benchmark sets like the NceHCK F1 pro? No, but it’s important to note that not everyone can afford a 100-dollar set, so it is important for me as a reviewer to find sets that I recommend from $25 all the way up to the big boi range of 3K+. I am not saying the DB2 is a better set than many of the 100-dollar benchmarks that I’ve experienced like the Simgot EA500LM or the NiceHCKF1 Pro. If you have 100 dollars and want something with more technical chops the f1 is my favorite planar that I’ve ever heard! (I purchased my unit despite being offered an F1 pro later by NckHCK with this unit.)
NceHCK has beautiful cables and it a leader in that part of the industry. Watch out they have two bangers that I’ve got to experience in already this year already, and they aren’t stopping from what I hear on the grapevine, more are coming.
Thanks for reading, and maybe even watching. Any feedback is welcome.
Pros: Great bass
Good accessories
Nice packaging
Price point
Good accessories
Nice packaging
Price point
NiceHCK DB2 1DD+1BA Dual Hybrid Driver IEM
Coming in at the very competive price point of roughly 24$ this is a really interesting set . I’ll save you the trouble of reading . Just buy it . It’s that good for its price. The bass is just amazing, really well done. This is the second IEM from Nicehck Audio that has been graciously donated. So it appears not only can they make exceptional cables they can also dable in the dark arts world of IEM’s . Now I would not consider this a basshead IEM although the bass is the star of the show in this case. Make and female vocals sound exceptionally great.
Specs directly from Nicehck Audio
1. Product name:NiceHCK DB2 HIFI Audiophile In-ear
Earphone Monitor
2. Brand:NiceHCK
3. Model
B2
4. Impedance:169
5. Color: Blue/Purple/Black
6. Earphone plug type: 3.5mm
7. Frequency range: 20-20000Hz
8. Eerphone sensitivity: 107dB/mW
9. Connectoretachable 0.78 2pin
10. Cable Length: About 1.2m$5cm
11.Cable material: High Purity OFC
12.Shell Material: PC+Aluminum Alloy
13. Whether with Mic: Optional, No Mic and With Mic
14. Drive unit: 10mm Titanium Plated Graphene Dynamic+1BA
Contents of box
Nice amount of tips
Nice cary pouch
Copper cable
Fit & comfort
They fit my ears very well and are very comfortable. No issues at all (subjective along with all my opinions)
Low end
The NICEHCKDB2 will def make you make you groove to the beat with bass. Like a thunderstorm in your ears. Delivering deep and powerful that will make your music come alive. The rich and clear yet immersive experience will make you believe these are way more than 24$ .
Mids
The mids on the Nicehck DB2 are smooth and well-balanced. They have a nice presence and clarity, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through with great detail. Whether you're listening to your favorite singer or a guitar solo, the mids on these earphones will bring out all the nuances and make your music sound fantastic!
Highs and treble
They have a nice sparkle and energy to them but my only flaw would be, if pushed a
Bit too much can be a bit sharp . This is subjective and my own opinion.
Imaging and stage
I was able to hear great details and placement with nothing being crowded . The stage was decent enough considering its price range
Closing statement
For the price YES. Very enjoyable for its type of tuning being a V shape to me . Upper mid set with popping vocals with a very well executed bass . Also for an extra 20$ you can get an upgrade cable that pairs well with. The black dawn cable . Be careful with link to make sure you choose the proper terminations
Without black dawn link
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! C$31.58 45％ Off | NiceHCK DB2 Microphone HiFi Music Earphone 1DD+1BA Hybrid Dual Driver In Ear Earbud Monitor Detachable 0.78 2Pin Connector IEM
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mL1qbt0
With black dawn
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! C$31.58 45％ Off | NiceHCK DB2 Microphone HiFi Music Earphone 1DD+1BA Hybrid Dual Driver In Ear Earbud Monitor Detachable 0.78 2Pin Connector IEM
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOH3Nq6
Shoutout to CA crew
Tone Deaf Monk
Bennet Kelly
Kaye Dee
Jay Yang
Coming in at the very competive price point of roughly 24$ this is a really interesting set . I’ll save you the trouble of reading . Just buy it . It’s that good for its price. The bass is just amazing, really well done. This is the second IEM from Nicehck Audio that has been graciously donated. So it appears not only can they make exceptional cables they can also dable in the dark arts world of IEM’s . Now I would not consider this a basshead IEM although the bass is the star of the show in this case. Make and female vocals sound exceptionally great.
Specs directly from Nicehck Audio
1. Product name:NiceHCK DB2 HIFI Audiophile In-ear
Earphone Monitor
2. Brand:NiceHCK
3. Model
B24. Impedance:169
5. Color: Blue/Purple/Black
6. Earphone plug type: 3.5mm
7. Frequency range: 20-20000Hz
8. Eerphone sensitivity: 107dB/mW
9. Connector
etachable 0.78 2pin10. Cable Length: About 1.2m$5cm
11.Cable material: High Purity OFC
12.Shell Material: PC+Aluminum Alloy
13. Whether with Mic: Optional, No Mic and With Mic
14. Drive unit: 10mm Titanium Plated Graphene Dynamic+1BA
Contents of box
Nice amount of tips
Nice cary pouch
Copper cable
Fit & comfort
They fit my ears very well and are very comfortable. No issues at all (subjective along with all my opinions)
Low end
The NICEHCKDB2 will def make you make you groove to the beat with bass. Like a thunderstorm in your ears. Delivering deep and powerful that will make your music come alive. The rich and clear yet immersive experience will make you believe these are way more than 24$ .
Mids
The mids on the Nicehck DB2 are smooth and well-balanced. They have a nice presence and clarity, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through with great detail. Whether you're listening to your favorite singer or a guitar solo, the mids on these earphones will bring out all the nuances and make your music sound fantastic!
Highs and treble
They have a nice sparkle and energy to them but my only flaw would be, if pushed a
Bit too much can be a bit sharp . This is subjective and my own opinion.
Imaging and stage
I was able to hear great details and placement with nothing being crowded . The stage was decent enough considering its price range
Closing statement
For the price YES. Very enjoyable for its type of tuning being a V shape to me . Upper mid set with popping vocals with a very well executed bass . Also for an extra 20$ you can get an upgrade cable that pairs well with. The black dawn cable . Be careful with link to make sure you choose the proper terminations
Without black dawn link
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! C$31.58 45％ Off | NiceHCK DB2 Microphone HiFi Music Earphone 1DD+1BA Hybrid Dual Driver In Ear Earbud Monitor Detachable 0.78 2Pin Connector IEM
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mL1qbt0
With black dawn
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! C$31.58 45％ Off | NiceHCK DB2 Microphone HiFi Music Earphone 1DD+1BA Hybrid Dual Driver In Ear Earbud Monitor Detachable 0.78 2Pin Connector IEM
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOH3Nq6
Shoutout to CA crew
Tone Deaf Monk
Bennet Kelly
Kaye Dee
Jay Yang
Attachments
Jaytiss
What cable is that on your db2? It's niiiice.
Disclaimer: The NiceHCK was provided form NiceHCK for an honest evaluation.
NOTES:
NiceHCK is a company which is best known for their line of high quality cables for iems. I myself have purchased and still own a number of these.
They also produce iems and I have recently reviewed their planar driver offering the F1 Pro and did like it quite a bit. Today I have in my ears for evaluation the $23 DB2.
The DB2 boasts a driver compliment of a single 10mm Titanium plated dynamic driver paired with a lone balanced armature housed in an attractive resin shell adorned with a stylish aluminum faceplate that comes in a few attractive colour schemes.
The DB2 is easy to drive and not as picky of sources as its stablemate the F1 Pro. Tip selection though is not to be overlooked. I went with a short wide bored tip for best synergy and a more neutral quality source for my listening impressions.
At $23 USD NiceHCK has brought to the table a worthy contender in the sub $50 category but read on to find out more.
SPECS:
Impedance:16Ω
Color: Blue/Purple/Black
Earphone plug type: 3.5mm
Frequency range: 20-20000Hz
Earphone sensitivity: 107dB/mW
Connector
etachable 0.78 2pinCable Length: About 1.2m±5cm
Cable material: High Purity OFC
Shell Material: PC+Aluminum Alloy
Whether with Mic: Optional, No Mic and With Mic
Drive unit: 10mm Titanium Plated Graphene Dynamic+1BA
Build, Fit & Quality:
The NIceHCK DB2 is quite an attractive IEM. The slightly frosted resin shells allow a nice view of the innards. Each shell is adorned with a beautiful faceplate and a few different colour options are available.
The DB2 is smaller in size with fairly prominent nozzle. As such, a good fit was easy to achieve and with long listening sessions comfort was never an issue. Apparent quality is good, and matches the better examples in this pricing category. The included accessories are all housed in a black bag in the box and include 2 small ziplocks of tips and the cable. The cable was just ok, but still a small step above that offered by for example KZ iems at this price point.
Retail presentation is all about the Waifu but it is tastefully done.
I was also sent their very attractive Cyan cable which came in my preferred 4.4mm balanced configuration. The Cyan cable is sheathed in a fabric coverwhich looks good but may fray over time. The haptics of this cable are good and it’s one I’ll hold on to.
SOUND:
BASS:
The DB2 offers a bass that goes relatively deep with a midbass emphasis. The bass is the star of the show with the DB2. Bass is surprisingly clean and this is heard when listening to “Poem Of The Chinese Drum” by Hok-Man Yim. It was interesting to hear how much of the skin reverberation the DB2 was able to extract. The bass is well controlled, in fact impressively so. Deep bass impact was good never sounding loose and with natural decay. The same was heard with “Barley” by Lizz Wright. The low end of the DB2 stays well composed with good speed and control.
Listening to “No Worries” by The Robert Glasper Trio, the double bass was slightly back in the mix but played back cleanly. “In Passing” by the Robert Glasper Trio is a wonderful track for fans of double bass has a passage with the instrument front and center. The DB2 did well with taught bass sonics and good resolution.
If I were to nitpick, it would be that the DB2 lacked that last measure of bass definition or texturing. But I’m nitpicking here, in particular when considering the price and its closest competitors. The DB2 does very well overall and much better than the majority of its direct competitors when it comes to bass.
MIDRANGE:
The NiceHCK DB2 offers a clean midrange with good definition. Detail retrieval is macro over micro details here but the balance is a comfortable one. There is some noted warmth here but not enough to cloud the mids. Harshness in the upper midrange is not an issue, unless the DB2 is pushed hard.
Vocals are slightly recessed but with good clarity. Female vocals have a moderate presence lift and male vocals sound more immediate than female.
Listening to “Tenderhearted Lover” by John Stoddart, a clean and expressive playback was heard. Likewise, on “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker, where her comparatively her vocals were more recessed but still clear and expressive.
Note weight is adequate but not class leading. Transients are relayed well but with a marginal softening of the leading edge. Timbre is ok but again not necessarily class leading. Layering and separation was enough to keep the DB2 from sounding congested. Listening to “Beautiful Lie” by Vick Lavender, the DB2 did well at lower volume but did suffer somewhat at moderate to higher volume levels becoming that wall of sound. This is a tough test and many much more costly iems have problems with this track.
The midrange of the NiceHCK DB2 overall does well. It offers good clarity and definition only suffering at higher volume levels.
TREBLE:
The NiceHCK DB2 is moderately well extended. This is a safer treble tuning served as a compliment to the rest of the frequency range as opposed to making a statement on its own. Detail retrieval is adequate as is sparkle and air and the treble of the DB2 adds enough openness to the soundscape to keep the DB2 from sounding closed in. The treble is not harsh and remains composed unless pushed to higher than normal listening levels.
IMAGING AND SOUNDSTAGE:
The DB2 throws up a moderately sized soundstage with modest a size. Width is noticeably greater in dimensions than either depth or height. Even so, the DB2 has a stable image with decent instrument placement and does not sound congested.
CONCLUSION:
At $25 the NiceHCK DB2 joins a number of other budget offerings that are constantly flooding the market. Thankfully the DB2 stands out with a bass that few in this price range can match combined with a midrange and treble that many will find pleasing.
NiceHCK has indeed brought a worthy contender to the sub $50 price bracket.
Attachments
