NiceHCK NX7 MK3

--NICEHCK NX7mk3 No Gimmick review--

TONALITY:6/10
TECHNICALITIES: 7.5/10
CONSTRUCTION&DESIGN:8.5/10
VALUE: 6.5/10

The good: Nice construction and cable. Might please masochist people.
The bad: Everything connected to sound.
The ugly: The 120$ price for a masochist experience.

Okay....I'm REALLY grumpy about sharing impressions of this disastrous IEM...it's like going in the middle of rush hour traffic to enjoy urban cacophony with critical ears...I'm not the kind to enjoy being ears rape but there you go NX7mk3 masochism just for the sake of NBBA and Headfi!

SO the only single positive thing I can say about NX7MK3 is that the construction is great and it's the most beautiful design of NX7 serie due to metal backplate. Fact we can change the plate is a welcome addition but quite limited in choice (blue, black, red). The cable too is of great quality as well as the case. Everything is full of eye-appealing promise!

But for the sound, it's sure less charming.

The NX7mk3 is a shouty fest with artificial tonality, boomy bass and a heterogeneous mix of drivers timbre. It isn't cohesive apart the fact everything mix together like a rotten chili. The balanced armature used are again cheap bellsing and their a cheap untalented dynamic driver to try to deal with bass and a piezo to put some micro-details that sound out of place.

Everything sound bright and thin with the NX7mk3. This isn't the type of iem that try to charm your ears with musicality but one that try to be spectacular like a bodybuilder flexing its muscles the difference being that instead of hurting your eyes, it hurt your ears.

Well, when we think spectacular wow effect, we might think impressive technicalities but again, NX7 mk3 surprise us here by using drivers ''potential'' as mass destruction weapon. Its too energize and in a hurry to shoot at you everything it got without taking acoustic laws in account. Imaging is ultra fuzzy and confusing, mixing random layers of mids, sharp highs out of place and bass that bleed on everything without embracing it (like it do with single DD for example). The soundstage is average wide and thats about it: no tallness nor deepness.

Tonality is off. Timbre is thin- cold-hissy. Attack is shouty, no snap no weight (apart mid bass and upper treble). Oh, to note you have 3 filters, so tonality go from V to W. Red Filter is the ''best one''.

Bass hit hard sloppy way with weak resonance, transistor-like sub-bass, grainy thin timbre, poor definition and control. Its plain disgusting and will never extend naturally...making acoustic bass sounding like amped tom.

Mids are forwards, thin, dry and shouty. Both male-female vocal sound like if it was filtered by defective auto-tune. You will be sometimes distracted by lips sound. Their zero body or warmth to the vocal...again, utterly disgusting to listen at. Sibilance: check. Unbalance: check. Lack of separation: check.

Treble is the most aggressive part of the sound, which includes...damn do I need to keep on ? I just throw those IEM insanities away and will never touch them again. Aaaaargh. OK, so both ba and piezo highs are unbearable, one is grainy shouty (ba) and the other is metallic spiky (piezo). Micro details can take the first seat like if a retard percussionist decides to sit in front of the singer....

CONCLUSION:
There was a time where audio enthusiast can get hooked by exotic drivers combination and got placebo effect about it which make them forgive lot of tonal and timbre unbalance due to new drivers technical euphoria, but it's the third version of a disaster that never finds its way to tune the 3 type of drivers properly so we forget...it's a heterogeneous mix. BQEYZ Spring2 is the perfect example of a well-balanced, tuned and damped piezo-dd-ba hybrid and put to shame the NX7 MK3 even more as an immaturely tuned IEM on steroid. If your an intense treble head with suicidal thoughts, perhaps NX7 will be music to your ears, for anybody with sane hearing it isn't suggested to put this in.

Utterly NOT RECOMMENDED (and please NiceHCK don't launch an MK4 version)



Thanks to Hifigo for this review sample...and sorry for collateral damage this honnest impressions can do.

This review was original posted at audioreviews.org

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The NiceHCK NX7 MK3 is a 4BA + 2 DD + 1 Piezo hybrid earphone is characterized by a warm bass superimposed over an otherwise neutral tuning that excels in resolution. It comes with three tuning filters two of which are too hot for me. The third, black filter is the long awaited fix for the western ear plagued by the two previous NX7 iterations.


INTRODUCTION

NiceHCK is one of the most respected Chinese budget brands on aliexpress. They mainly offer great-quality budget cables and hit-and-miss earphones. While their earphones are always built well, some may not have hit their western clientele’s taste. For example, their beautiful 2018 NiceHCK N3 hybrid was a first attempt to integrate a piezo in order to optimize treble resolution. However, the N3 failed to provide a soothing listening experience – it was overly harsh sounding.

In 2019, NiceHCK issued the original NX7, which was hailed by one influencer as rivalling the >$1000 Andromeda. This resulted in increased sales but also in disappointment by many early adopters. NiceHCK reacted and spiffed the model up to the NX7 Pro in early 2020, introducing tuning filters, a fancy cable, and exchangeable faceplates. This did not help them with the majority of reviewers who dismissed the Pro because of shoutiness.

Not much later, in Q3 of 2020, NiceHCK released the third iteration of their NX7, with cosmetic changes but also upgraded driver, and changes in the tuning filters. I have worked out the basic technical differences between NX7 Pro and MK3 here, let’s find out how the MK3 sounds and whether NiceHCK has addressed the Pro’s “hotness”.


SPECIFICATIONS

Impedance: 58Ω…likes amplification
Driver Unit: “Upgraded” 4BA + 2DD (Dual Carbon Nanotube Dynamic) + Piezoelectric Ceramics Driver, hybrid 7 units each side.
Frequency: 20 – 25000 Hz
Cable Material: 16 core silver-plated copper
Cable Length: 1.2m ± 3 cm
Plug Types: 3.5mm/2.5mm/4.4mm balanced/3.5mm balanced, gold plated
Connector: 0.78mm 2 pin
Replaceable Facepanels: silver/red/blue
Sensitivities: blue filter 107dB/mW, red filter 108dB/mW, black filter 104dB/mW
Tested at: $119/135 (balanced cable)
Purchase Link: NiceHCK Audio Store


PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY



The NiceHCK NX7 MK3 continue the tradition of their predecessor NX7 Pro with one of the best accessories kit in its class. The accessories come in a fancy (and bulky) faux-denim box. The three exchangeable metal faceplates (red, blue, black) have been re-designed and streamlined; I particularly like the Navy blue. The shells underneath the faceplates are as generic and as in the NX7 Pro – which takes a bit away from my overall impression.

Of the three included screw-on tuning filters, the red (hottest signature) and blue (second hottest) appear to have remained the same or very similar from the previous NX7 Pro. The black filter is different in that is offers a substantially tamed upper midrange – that’s the one I use for my sound description.

New are also the two sets of of silicone tips of which the largest of the semi-transparent ones actually fit my teutonic ear canals. NiceHCK have obviously been listening to the reviewers’ feedback. The NiceHCK C16-5 16-core silver-plated copper cable is absolutely superb in terms of haptic – and it has zero noise transfer. The cable is also individually available – I wrote a separate review. And while it comes with different connectors, NiceHCK include the QDC 2-pin version with the NX7 MK3, which only works for earpieces with a recessed socket. If they had included the cable in the standard 0.78 mm 2-pin version, it would be more widely usable with any other 0.78 mm earpieces.

Comfort, fit, and isolation are all good and the same as the previous iterations of the model. The piezo jacks up the impedance to an impressive 58 Ω, which is borderline high for a phone. Above 50 Ω the listener should use amplification for best results.

Equipment used: MacBook Air with Earmen Sparrow dac/amp; stock balanced cable and largest stock tips (yellow stems); iPhone SE (1st generation) with Hilidac Atom Pro dac/amp.


TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

My tonal preference and testing practice

My test tracks explained

Loomis has already established the basics in his review [here]. He was mainly testing with the blue default filters, I start with the black ones. I also discussed a lot of the changes from the previous iterations in this article.





BLACK FILTERS

The black filter is the only one that actually adds a real “new” sound signature to the NiceHCK NX7 MK3 (compared to the first two iterations). It cuts down on the highly criticized overcooked upper midrange, which saves the eardrums of many – and it adds warmth….which results in a somewhat L-shaped frequency response. This increases the bass perception. Bass is well extended but it can be thumpy and it is a bit fuzzy…it it not wooly or overly soft but it could be tighter and more articulate. Lots of rumble down there. The bass also smears into the midrange and adds a slight veil in some situations.

Moving into the upper midrange, vocals are somewhat recessed and with a lean note weight, but they are generally well sculptured and sound reasonably natural. The upper midrange is well behaved and makes the bass stick out more, a principle well established by the JVC HA-FDX1 nozzle filters.

Treble extension is far reaching but cymbals are a bit tizzy. Not sure whether the implementation of a piezo driver helped this or whether it was merely a marketing gimmick.

Soundstage is expansive, it is wider than deep and reasonably tall. Midrange timbre is ok but it is getting out of whack when approaching the piezo-controlled upper frequencies where timbre becomes artificial. Up there attack and decay are unnaturally fast. Overall detail resolution is good and so are separation and layering. Spatial cues is also ok. Transition between drivers, from the low-end DD to the upper-end piezo is so so.


BLUE FILTERS

These change the L-shape of the black filters into a W-shape. This means a brighter sound with less perceived bass and leaner, sharper vocals, more in the foreground, and prone to sibilance. This widens the stage abut also takes out quite a bit of depth and it lowers the ceiling. The staging has become flat. Bass is still thumpy and cymbals are still tizzy. The sharper midrange quickly got to my eardrums and I reverted to the black filters.


RED FILTERS

The red filters roughly produce the same piercing as in the previous NiceHCK NX7 Pro and in the original NX7. This is bordering on physical assault and only works for the hardest of us.


CONCLUDING REMARKS

Did NiceHCK get it right with the third iteration of their NX7 model? That is in the eye of the beholder. Two of the three filters are still essentially unbearable for most. Only the new black filter diffuses the heat of the previous models and the “upgraded” drivers provide for good resolution and an appealing sound to my ears – but this also introduces a somewhat softer low end. Unfortunately, the piezo is still working against the other drivers rather than with them – and it raises the impedance and therefore pushes the NX7 MK3 from phone into amplifier territory. On the good side, the NiceHCK NX7 MK3 has now a broad appeal to many different tastes. Whether it is able to rival the Andromeda, as claimed for the 1st iteration, still remains to be seen .

Until next time…keep on listening!



DISCLAIMER

The NiceHCK NX7 MK3 earphone was provided unsolicited by NiceHCK Audio Store for my analysis – and I think them for that.

Get it from NiceHCK Audio Store

Our generic standard disclaimer.

About my measurements.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

NiceHCK NX7 MK3

NiceHCK is at it again. One aspect I admire about the group is they keep on keeping on. Their most successful IEM to date I do believe was the original NX7. Then a few months later introduced an advancement of the NX7 with the Pro version. Which introduced a way to tune the earphone using nozzle filters. Took it one step further by adding a nice upgraded cable and was able to change the plates on the ear pieces for a more customized look.

Today we have the MK3 edition which utilizes the same set up of the pro model but with some changes to the BA drivers for treble, a newer tuning tweak, a different cable and a different look to the shells. Much like how Hollywood capitalizes on a successful movie franchise. We have the 3rd iteration of the popular NX7. Does the new MK3 do enough to justify another go round? This will ultimately be up to you but for fans of the NX7 tri brid formula. The new NX7 MK3 represents the best version of what these guys can do with this particular configuration. Dual dynamic CNT for bass to mids, 4 BAs for treble, 1 7 layer Piezo ceramic super treble using the same housing.

I would like to thank NiceHCK for the review sample for the purpose of review. You can purchase and find more about the NX7 pro here.

The good news here is the MK3 is still very affordable for a 7 driver tri brid. Truth be told however. I really wanted NiceHCK to try a new housing. It isn’t because the housing is a bad design or anything like that. For me it is due to stuffing so many drivers in a confined housing no matter how good the tuning is, limits the stage perception of the earphone. Lets get that out of the way. The same intimate stage exists on the MK3 from their previous versions. The real limitation of the sonics is that these earphones have an average in head stage. Meaning it doesn’t sound expansive or has a lot of air to the sonics. It sounds like a closed headphone and in your head like all the NX7s.

Put these drivers and tuning in a more spacious housing and these could have become something very special in my view. However as nice as the whole package is. I honestly hope NiceHCK moves on from this particular housing design. It is the exact same shell used for all 3 iterations of the NX7 and while it is ergonomic with an easy fit for most folks. I do believe NiceHCK has done everything they could using this particular design.

So what is different you may ask? The build is the same using the same plastic housing, the included 3 filters have just about the same amount of upper mids treble emphasis as the previous pro model filters but the main difference is in the base tuning. The MK3 version brings down the treble in the 7Khz brilliance range of the tuning from the previous models and now has a more proper transition from the mids to the treble region, giving the MK3 the best balanced signature out of the 3 versions.

Included in the MK3 is a newly designed square clam type magnetic case. Within the spacious case includes, black and red faceplates, Blue comes stock, a tool to change up the plates, 8 pairs of good usable silicone tips, some extra screws just in case, 3 sets of tuning nozzles and a nicer 16 core copper based cable. True to marketing on the filters the included blue filters provides the best balanced tuning among the 3 filters. The red filter has no dampening material in it which ups the treble emphasis but still is listenable bringing the most amount of presence and brilliance emphasis to the treble. Black filter gives the most dampening of the frequencies which ends up sounding warm smooth and more bass focused.


Included with the Mk3 is another color variation on their H-16 cable, brown and silver colored, which stands for hybrid 16 cores. Consists of 8 cores of SPC or silver plated copper and the other 8 cores which is copper interweaved to make the 16 cores of the cable. These cables are solid, soft and the benefit there is that you can order the MK3 with whichever termination you want so you can get this cable in a 2.5mm, 3.5mm, or a 4.4mm balanced versions instead of the usual 3.5mm single ended. Saving the need to buy a balanced cable.


Switching out the plates on the shell is fairly easy using the included tool, just be careful not to put too much torque on the screws or the plastic base on the housing will crack or strip. Just lightly tight and you're done.

Overall base tuning is very similar to how the Pro sounds with their silver or balanced filter on. But due to the slight decrease in overall upper end tuning and utilising new BAs the sound now has become better balanced and more refined in the process. The 4 BAs used for the highs have been upgraded from the previous models. The same dual dynamic CNT driver was used for the mids to the lows. The ultra highs are using the same 7 layer piezoelectric ceramic driver.

In lessening the treble emphasis in the base tuning from the previous efforts and using some better BAs results in the best treble response from the NX7 series. No longer does the Piezos here sound like they are separated from the tuning. The 3 filters have a more distinct difference here than the previous pro model. Using the black filter and going to the red yields a completely different sound. Folks that were worried about too much treble will not have to worry about that on the new MK3. Even with the red filter the stock tuning is more energetic in general but not overly bright. You're bound to find one filter set that is closer to how much upper mids and treble you want in your NX7.

The MK3 version actually comes to you with the best balanced sounding filter, the Blues and in this configuration I can say the MK3 is the best version of the NX7. Vocals have more body due to the more balanced tuning from the previous iterations. Another aspect that was improved is the sound cohesion from the previous models, due to the treble actually having more of a natural tone and level to the sonics vs standing out. I can tell the treble BAs are better like the marketing claims. Sometimes introducing a new driver is all that is really needed to make something sound better and in this case that is exactly what NiceHCK has done with the MK3.

Treble has good clarity and seems to have just the right amount of definition and sparkle to the region. Blue filters tames up to 5 dbs of the upper mids treble emphasis from the base tuning on peaks in the 2Khz, 4Khz and a lower peak at 7Khz which makes a difference that brings the treble more in line with the rest of the sonic balancing. Treble extension was one aspect of the NX7s that excelled just like the bass extension on the other end. Here the peaks are well controlled and brings a good amount of clarity and presence without fatigue.

Mids to bass is seamless but now has the treble adding good clarity and detail for the sonics. The mid bands sounds more natural sounding a bit smoother and is more present vs the previous models. Mids detail has always been good from the very capable CNT dual dynamic drivers and here that aspect has not changed but seems that added presence is the result of the better balancing on the MK3 version.

Bass is and always has been very good on the NX7 models. It has just the right amount of emphasis and that low end power and definition to really show good ability for dynamics. Low end rumble and punch hasn’t been touched at all from the previous versions and I always thought the bass end of the NX7 was exemplary for what I consider good bass for the price range. Not too emphasized but most definitely not weak in the region. Showing good speed, tightness and reach, the bass end has always been my favorite sound aspect of the NX7s. Since the same dynamic drivers are doing mids that seamless bass to mids transition is ideal.

Overall I would say even though I am a bit disappointed that the new MK3 did not get the new housing I so much wanted with this driver formula. In using the same housing I bet NiceHCK was able to cut down on costs of manufacturing therefore keeping the price affordable. I really do hope NiceHCK will consider a new design for their next version if only to expand that stage and give some air to the sonics.

As they are, the MK3 is competitive for the price and has a very versatile balanced base tuning that you can switch on the fly with some tried and true tuning filters on the nozzle. The sound balancing is superb on these with each region of sound that shows good ability and definition. Included you get a solid cable, a premium case and tips that actually sound great on the earphones.

For a complete package, NiceHCK is clearly showing the dedication they have put toward the NX7 design. They have improved the NX7 to the point where I feel they need to move on and make something new for their next version. For folks that own the original NX7 I feel the MK3 should be considered. Or if you're just a fan of any of the NX7s. But the sound changes are not a leap from the pro model. If you feel you need the absolute best version of the NX7 formula. That my friends, will be up to you. As always thanks for reading and happy listening always.