Introduction
NiceHCK has been selling products under the brand name of its store for some time now. At the moment it moves in several levels of prices; it also dares with the earbuds, where lately it is having enough success, especially with the B40 and the EBX. Perhaps the most committed point was to launch low priced EMIs, which would have more success and recognition. In my opinion, with the DB3, they have surpassed this phase, and also with a good grade. These are triple drivers (2 DD + 1 BA) very similar in shape to the NX7. For this occasion the price is very contained, around 20$. This time, NiceHCK has opted for a more classic sound configuration, which tends to the Harman Target IEM, with a smooth and pleasant V-profile, to try to hit a price range, where there is a very tough competition.
Specifications
- Type of Drivers: 1BA+2DD [10mm Coaxial Dual Dynamic Driver (Graphene Diaphragm & Titanizing Dome)]
- Frequency Response: 20-22000Hz
- Sensitivity: 106dB/mW
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Cable length: 1.2m ± 3 cm
- Jack Connector: 3.5mm L-Audio
- Capsule Connection Type: 0.78mm 2Pin
Packaging
The NiceHCK comes in a box just like the NX7. Their dimensions are 135x92x37mm. The box is white on the front, with a photo of DB3 with the cable. The name of the model can be read inside a red circle, located on the lower left side. On the back side, there are English and Chinese specifications, as well as the brand name. The box has a piece so that it can be hung on commercial shelves. Once the case is removed, there is a transparent plastic lid, which protects the capsules and the accessory box. These capsules are encased in a mold of rigid foam, white. Under this protection is the white accessory box, with the brand name written on the front. After removing both parts, you can see the instruction manual. Inside the accessory box comes the typical NiceHCK velvet-like pouch. Inside you can find:
- The cable.
- Three pairs of dark silicone tips, SxMxL. The medium pair is embedded in the capsules.
- A pair of dark bi-flange silicone tips.
Again, the presentation and content are almost the same as the NX7. On this occasion, because of the reduced price, it is more justifiable. In favour, the inclusion of some bi-flange tips. On the other hand, that the famous box with zipper that was previously the seal of the brand has definitely disappeared. The current bag protects little and is not a safe place for daily transport.
Construction and Design
The design and construction resembles that of the NX7, so it also resembles that of some other KZ models.
The capsules have a polished metal outer face, decorated with grooves, made of Zinc alloy. It is sealed to the capsule by means of three Torx screws. The inner body of the capsules is made of translucent plastic, it can be chosen in blue or black. The connection is two pins 0.78mm. The connectors are protected by a transparent surface piece. There is a hole in the center of the dynamic driver, located near the nozzles. These nozzles are metal and have a smaller inner ring to ensure a perfect fit of the tips used. The larger diameter of the nozzle is 5.9mm and the inner ring measures 4.8mm.
The dynamic driver is dual, 10mm, graphene diaphragm. There is not much information about the BA driver. It should also be noted that the DB3 use a frequency divider installed on a PCB.
Each capsule has the mark and channel written on the side and the model name in the middle of the outer face.
The construction, although it has a good level, is nothing new, it is very similar to the NX7. In this sense it seems that NiceHCK has also set the autopilot. The design is nice and eye-catching, but it does feel a bit heavy.
Adjustment and Ergonomics
Everything said for the NX7 is the same here: medium capsules, suitable size for fitting in the ears. The edges are rounded and do not rub. The comfort is remarkable, only the weight can tarnish this aspect. The mouthpiece is somewhat thick and a little short, which forces a superficial insertion. Although with bi-flange tips, it could be medium.
With the right tips the fit is quite good and durable. The level of insulation depends on the tips used, but with my silicone tips, filled with foam, it is remarkable.
Sound
Profile
The profile of the DB3 is based on the typical soft and warm V, where the mids are not too far away, and the peaks of the V focus on the middle zone of the bass and the upper mids. The highs are soft, but slightly accentuated. That the DB3 have two dynamic drivers and a single balanced armature, is noticeable in the sense that its profile is not analytical, but offers a softer sound, smooth, sweet and pleasant.
Bass
The lower zone is based on the typical V, where the mid-bass has the greatest emphasis, without this being totally predominant in the sound. The bass feels warm, with good speed and control, but it is not very descriptive. It has a soft and quite smooth texture. The detail of its notes is not very high and the planes are well represented, thanks to the good control and the relative precision of the dynamic driver. There is power in the lower zone, but they are not IEMS for bass-heads, although they are very enjoyable, more so, in their price range. As a result, the low zone is warm, with a nice resolution, but not very high. The sub-bass has an acceptable depth and a color that matches the rest of the zone, with a dark spot that accentuates the warmth.
In short, the lower zone is quite enjoyable, with good punch and presence, very well for the price level. But let nobody look for a great descriptive texture, great separation between notes, multitude of planes, depth and width. In this sense, the lower zone of the DB3 is appreciated much simpler, but very correctly executed, above all, with great control, containment and dryness, for its price range.
Mids
In the middle zone, the warm profile of the DB3 can be clearly seen. A slight incidence of the lower zone is felt, producing a certain darkness in the final result. Something that does not prevent the good clarity that exists in this central range. The best thing about the zone is that it doesn't feel far away. The voices are executed very correct, pleasant, soft. But they suffer from the emotion that some IEMS of higher category have. Both the resolution, precision and details continue in the line of the previous range: the DB3 prefer to sacrifice these parameters and offer a pleasant and natural compromise, rather than trying to execute something in the wrong way. And it is true that they do, since both the timbre and the colour are enjoyable, both warm, with a very light veil and a small congestion, which brings intimacy to the whole. The instrumentation follows the same guidelines: coherence, naturalness, warmth, sincerity and honesty. The sound of the DB3 does not deceive, it possesses its limitations, but it does not stop being a good boy for everything, always ready to offer what it knows best: to contribute kindness to the sound so that it can be enjoyed during hours. In short, the range is pleasantly coherent and allows you to enjoy a wide variety of musical ranges, especially the most contemporary.
Treble
When I received the pre-release version, I didn't know its value. I immediately began to compare them with IEMS with higher or much higher prices. I had the feeling they weren't doing anything wrong. But my only drawback was the highs. Superior headphones must have a high resolution, able to reveal the best texture and as many details as possible. In this pre-release it was not like that, but it moved in a much sweeter, warmer, pleasant, all-terrain and enjoyable environment. But it lacked extension in the high zone, that contributed more expansion in the sound and something more clarity. That's how I explained it to the manufacturer. But when I knew the value, I thought it was not worth changing anything, because the sound was good enough and consistent with the price. With the release of the NX7 I was afraid that the highs would be exaggerated. But, in reality, it hasn't been like that. In general, it seems that in the final version the V profile has been balanced, deviating it towards the high side, that is, softening the low zone and slightly exciting the mids and trebles.
The DB3 seems to be based on the Harman Target IEM, although with softer highs. In no way do they have painful highs as is often the case with brands with IEMS multi-drivers of similar prices. The first segment has been conveniently smoothed to get a sound already known and accepted. But it is true that there is an accent a little further, which allows you to visualize more sparkle and detail, without the air can be fully unfolded. In this way, the rest of the range enjoys a good level of harmonics, but within a safe sound, which fails to expand completely, leaving something more slightly veiled, warm and somewhat dark, in addition to having a more intimate stage.
Soundstage, Separation
As I have already said, the scene is not a big one, but these are very economic IEMS, so one of the most complicated parameters to evaluate in its proper way must be properly relativised. It is clear that, despite the very light dark veil, the DB3 have a good dose of clarity, although they are not bright, but warm. And although I repeat myself, they are not analytical, but move on the soft, sweet, natural and pleasant side of sound, smooth and coherent, but very enjoyable, all-terrain and for long use. Thus, the scene is medium, consistent with its profile, nothing deceptive, enjoys depth, width, a certain height, a front face and not excessive separation. It is rather a well basted and silky sound, than a prodigy of resolution and micro details.
Comparisons
Revonext QT2
These IEMS were among those that opened the fire in the 2DD+1BA hybrid models. The configuration is the same as the DB3, in this sense. Although the construction is completely metallic in QT2. However, they seem to weigh less than DB3.
The profile is very similar in both, with that warm and soft V. But the QT2s are clearly darker, with a high treble more incisive. The lower zone in both is similar, but it is deeper and with more sub-bass in QT2. Although there is more cleanliness in all the low range of the DB3, getting better resolution and detail in this area. Comparatively speaking, the QT2 are darker and its lower zone is more patent in the rest of frequencies, exerting a greater pressure in the sound, affecting negatively, as much in its color, as in its clarity. Their means are more distant. But, it is the lesser emphasis in the upper-middle zone what really differentiates both IEMS: the DB3 provide much more light and proximity in the central range, getting more definition, details, resolution, clarity, closeness, cleanliness and separation than in the QT2. The voices and instruments of this area sound more distant, veiled and diffuse in QT2, comparatively speaking. Actually, there is a clear advance in the middle zone of the DB3 with respect to the QT2.
The upper zone of both begins similar, but the perception of the treble is initially softened in QT2, although there is more air, the tone is still dark and smoother. In the DB3, its first highs are freer, offering a brighter sound and with more sparkle, more accentuated. The scene and separation benefit greatly from all this, being perceived larger, wider and more liberated.
Conclusion
The DB3 is a safe bet, like the sound they offer: a pleasant profile, with a markedly low area, pleasant mids, and treble with detail and nothing exaggerated. A sound that I like, maybe they are something more common, maybe they have struggled to find something that will please many people. But it's a profile that I can't refuse, because it undoubtedly satisfies me, a profile that doesn't fail me, IEMS that I can use with any DAP, regardless of its quality. An "all-terrain" to use every day: they are comfortable, move easily, are cheap and sound good, I won't deny it. Now, I can say that NiceHCK has created some cheap IEMS, which can be considered a good reference within its price range.
Sources Used During the Analysis
- ACMEE MF-01
- Tempotec Variations V1-A
- Tempotec Serande iDSD
- Burson Audio Playmate
- F.Audio FA3.
Ratings
- Construction and Design: 75
- Adjustment/Ergonomics: 85
- Accessories: 55
- Bass: 82
- Mids: 82
- Treble: 80
- Separation: 70
- Soundstage: 70
- Quality/Price: 92
Purchase link
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/4000134576952.html