They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
I've been using
NiceHCK cables for years now, and with models like
AceOrpheus,
MeetAlice,
OurLaura,
DearOrpheus,
1950saga &
FirstTouch its clear they note the successes of their competitors, especially those of
PWAudio.
As a hobbyist & consumer I'm all for performance trickling down to lower price brackets, and regard the cheeky names as an amusing bonus.
Which brings me to the cable I'm reviewing today -
NiceHCK DragonScale 2 is a follow-up to NiceHCK's original
DragonScale, and you'll be excused for thinking both look eerily similar to cables from PWAudio.
I happened to purchase a used OG DragonScale last year but wasn't entirely enamoured with it, so when NiceHCK sent me a DragonScale 2 in exchange for my thoughts I wondered how they'd compare.
Ready for the full story? I hope you won't need to imitate enthusiasm while I flatter you with the details!
Packaging
The
NiceHCK DragonScale 2 arrives in an unassuming small cardboard box, and inside is a brown PU carry case containing the cable.
I own several of these NiceHCK cases and use them with my more expensive IEMs. They aren't real leather, but the quality is surprisingly good and the size is perfect for a set of IEMs ensconced in NiceHCK's
mesh carry bags with a beefy cable like this one attached.
The whole package is minimalist given this isn't a cheap cable, but the genuine usefulness of the case mitigates disappointment I'd otherwise express. I actually prefer these to those round IEM puck cases.
Ergonomics & Build Quality
At 46 grams DragonScale 2 is far from the heaviest cable I've tested, weighing a bit less than most chunky 8 wire cables for instance, but isn't quite what I'd call a lightweight.
Flexibility isn't an issue either. The cable is very supple above the Y-split, below NiceHCK have used what looks like black nylon sheathing which renders this area very slightly stiffer - but it's still far more flexible than most 'shielded' cables. The fabric exterior results in slightly more prevalent microphonics, but nothing too dramatic there either.
DragonScale 2's hardware utilises a matte grey aluminium, very much the antithesis of the flashy connectors we've seen from many cable brands in the past. Build quality feels solid without being spectacular, and I personally prefer this more toned-down look.
DragonScale 2 can be ordered with a 4.4mm or 3.5mm plug & 2pin or MMCX terminations.
Sound Impressions
I've used a
Luxury & Precision P6 Pro in hi-gain mode with various IEMs to test the DragonScale 2. Here's the
Tidal playlist I use to evaluate audio gear.
According to NiceHCK the DragonScale 2 boasts silver-palladium alloy conductors which have undergone liquid nitrogen cryogenic treatment no less.
What I can tell you is DragonScale 2 is on the brighter side of the spectrum, on par with many silver-plated copper cables I've tried.
Which means this cable is great for 'waking up' excessively warm IEMs, yet is versatile enough that even IEMs that are treble-prominent already shouldn't be tipped over the edge, but do expect most IEMs to be brightened slightly. What DragonScale 2 excels at is enhancing IEM technical performance.
Soundstage width is typically improved, but I've definitely heard wider cables. The boost to stage depth is actually more impressive, which coincidently I find is also a tougher attribute for cables to improve.
DragonScale 2 is also great for enhancing detail retrieval, particularly through the midrange.
Dynamics also enjoy an uptick as does note weight, and imaging becomes slightly more pinpoint as a benefit of DragonScale 2's blacker background. Bear in mind cable synergy is always crucial, so some IEMs will benefit more than others and will have their tonality affected in ways oft hard to predict.
Generally speaking I find DragonScale 2 brightens most IEMs slightly whilst creating a deeper, more three-dimensional stage in which instruments are separated better & each note feels easier to distinguish.
IEM Comparisons
I tested DragonScale 2 with several IEMs at hand to get a feel for how it alters their sound signatures.
ISN Neo 3 - 2xDD 1xPlanar (USD $199)
The stock Neo3 cable is a decent little 8 core OCC affair, by comparison DragonScale 2 feels slightly brighter, stage dimensions don't change much but bass goes a bit deeper and resolution goes up slightly.
Imaging also feels slightly more defined, the background is blacker, and note weight is improved, resulting in greater overall definition and a cleaner presentation.
Penon Fan2 - 2xDD 2xBA (USD $279)
The stock OS133 Fan2 cable is physically super thin and has never really impressed me, so it's no surprise DragonScale 2 constitutes a solid upgrade over it.
DragonScale 2 is more dynamic, the stage is deeper, vocals come forward and are more resolving. The stock cable's stage feels wider but much flatter with compressed dynamics, whereas DragonScale 2 is brighter & more spacious with cleaner imaging.
Tansio Mirai X - 2xDD 4xBA 1xPR (USD $399)
The X's seem to scale very well with cables so I notice a strong improvement here.
DragonScale 2 is slightly brighter than the stock cable (surprising since I've criticised X's stock cable for being quite bright) with both a deeper & wider soundstage - the difference is very significant too.
Dynamics are better, imaging is a bit cleaner with a more spacious overall sound. Bass doesn't go quite as deep however, and tonally a bit of warmth is lost but the price feels worth it.
Cable Comparisons
I compared the DragonScale 2 to other cables to get a better feel for its’ characteristics & value.
NiceHCK DragonScale (USD $157)
The obvious comparison to make, these two cables share DNA both sonically & ergonomically.
The biggest difference lies in ergonomics. DragonScale 1 uses what feels like techflex braiding below the Y-split, which is much stiffer. The cable holds its' shape & annoyingly refuses to bend the way you want, whereas DragonScale 2 is a BIG step up on this front being vastly more supple and pliable.
Sonically they're similar, tonally DragonScale 2 is slightly brighter yet also more resolving, bass hits deeper and it sounds more open & expansive, and coherent. The sequel's a significant improvement.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
Unsurprisingly Ares S is lighter, and its' earhooks are a bit less bulky & more comfortable as a result.
Tonally Ares S is a little warmer than DragonScale 2, but doesn't project its' midrange as far forward or have comparable note weight or dynamics either.
Unfortunately Ares S' stage isn't as deep nor does bass have the same impact. DragonScale 2 eclipses it fairly comfortably in most technical areas.
Penon ASOS+ (USD $215)
ASOS+ is marginally heavier but I find its' non-textured earhooks slightly more comfortable.
To my surprise ASOS+ is not as bright as DragonScale 2, bass doesn't go quite as deep nor are dynamics as impressive. ASOS+ soundstage is definitely wider, but not quite as deep.
DragonScale 2 feels slightly more resolving with sharper imaging, ASOS+ doesn't boost treble quite as much yet its' tonality skews toward the upper midrange & lower treble over the midrange & bass more.
NiceHCK AceOrpheus (USD $258)
AceOrpheus has quite a few fans in the hobby but I haven't been one of them. It is much lighter than DragonScale 2 but a bit less flexible, though I don't find the ergonomic differences dealbreaking.
AceOrpheus is a lot warmer with much more midbass, but its' background isn't as black nor does it project vocals as far forward. DragonScale 2 has a deeper stage and is brighter with better imaging.
For some reason AceOrpheus seems to enhance midrange resolution at the cost of sounding muffled at other frequencies, and ironically DragonScale 2 looks far more similar to the real
PWA Orpheus cable!
Conclusion
NiceHCK DragonScale 2 is my favourite NiceHCK cable so far, and I've owned quite a few of them.
I don't know if NiceHCK's goal was to mimic the appearance of the legendary
PWA Orpheus as closely as possible, but this is their best attempt yet. I'd love to tell you they sound the same... well let's just say NiceHCK is gradually narrowing the gap.
DragonScale 2 doesn't focus on expanding soundstage width like a lot of beefy 8 wire cables. Width is quite good, but stage depth is even more impressive. As are its' other improvements like a blacker background, sharper imaging, improved dynamics & heightened resolution.
Be warned this is a fairly bright cable, so it'll definitely pair best with warmer IEMs. Ergonomically its' on the bulkier side but still very usable as a daily driver - similar to big 8 wire cables but lighter.
This cable also deserves congratulations as an across-the-board upgrade over its' predecessor. The OG DragonScale is ergonomically stiffer & sonically inferior, and the gap between them is considerable.
DragonScale 2 has a knack for looking & feeling more expensive than it is, and I see it as a solid investment to get more out of your IEMs.
