NiceHCK NX8 Hybrid Universal IEM

NiceHCK recently introduced its latest iteration of the famous “NX” series of hybrid IEMs. They introduced the NX8, featuring an 8-driver setup on each side with 1DD, 6BA, and 1 PZT driver. I have previously tried different products from NiceHCK, including their flagship Himalaya Single DD IEMs. This time, I am going to give the NX8 a go and see where it stands in the tough, competitive $200 price bracket.

From the little experience that I have gained during the past few years in the hobby, I have found the budget segment getting competitive with every new release. Under and around the $200 price bracket, we have some solid products like the AFUL P5+2, Juzear 81t, PULA ANVIL114, etc. NiceHCK NX8 falls under the same category priced at $199. It gives a tough battle to the competition with its eye-catching design and mouth-watering driver configuration. At the time of this write-up, I have done 15 days of extensive listening with the NX8. In today’s review, I will be covering different aspects of the pair, from its design to its positioning compared to other models in this category. Let’s begin.

A Short Disclaimer:-

NiceHCK NX8 was sent to me as a sample from the generous people at NiceHCK. Although, this doesn’t affect my judgment by any means and I will try to share the impressions as objectively as possible. I would like to thank NiceHCK for the sample. If you would like to purchase it, you can purchase it from the HiFiGo website priced at $199 at the time of this blog.

https://hifigo.com/products/nicehck-nx8

Design and Build Quality:-

At a far glance, the NiceHCK NX8 looks stunning. We have beautiful Milky Way style face covers with metallic edging combined on to black resin material shells. On closer inspection, the face covers have a little grainy image that looks like a high-ISO image clicked from a crop-body DSLR. But as a whole, I personally liked the look of the pair. It fits me perfectly, the shells are ergonomic. Although the shells are a little heavier than other resin-material shells, that doesn’t affect their fit for me. I find the pair to give me good isolation as well. It’s kind of a beater set that I have used extensively for the past few days and found no issues in fit or isolation at all.

The included cable has a soft in-hand feel. It looks quite premium and comes in a fixed termination plug. I have the 4.4mm termination here, one can also purchase it in 3.5mm. In this price segment, some brands are offering cables with interchangeable plugs, which should have been included here as well. In accessories, we also get these soft silicone ear tips that are quite good with the NX8. I have been using them only, they look like a combination of SpinFit tips and Sifters Ultra Clear tips.

Driveability:-

During my usage period, I have used the NiceHCK NX8 with a bunch of gear at different price points. This includes my budget BT DAC/AMP, the FiiO BTR17, my portable DAC/AMP, the Chord Mojo2, and my top-tier HiBy R8ii. I don’t find the NX8 to be demanding at all. Even with my BTR17 which I use in BT connection with my smartphone, I am at like 30% volume level(40/120) on high-gain mode). For testing purposes, I have put it on my MacBook Air as well, direct 3.5mm output and it is still going well at around 50% volume on my MacBook. Although I don’t see the need for any portable DAC/AMP with the NX8, I recommend using one as it would provide better sound signal processing resulting in a cleaner and more enjoyable sound signature.

Sources that I used for my critical listening on NX8:-

1. FiiO BTR17

2. Chord Mojo2

3. HiBy R8ii

Sound Impressions:-

NiceHCK NX8 instantly impressed me with its big bass response, sweet midrange, and clear treble region. Bass gets the most love as the mid-bass impact is fuller and feels big giving a massive feel to Drum Kicks. Sub-bass Rumble has a good presence. Lower-end entirely feels boosted giving a bassy feel with the set. It definitely sounds warm with a powerful bass-boosted presentation.

Lows:-

As I have already mentioned, a strong bass presence instantly gets my attention on the NX8. It sounds punchy, dynamic, and fuller. The sub-bass rumble is strong and sensational. The mid-bass impact is full-sounding. Mid-bass gets more attention compared to the Sub-bass from me. The hits are slightly loose, giving a bit of warmth to the lower-mids as well. Don’t worry, it isn’t much and doesn’t sound overly warm or muddy in the midrange section. Listening to some of my favourite test tracks for a bass region like Dark Knight Rises, Limit to Your Love, and Bad Guy, leaves me with a smiling face on the NX8.

Midrange:-

Midrange has a bit of warmth present. The lower-mids are slightly recessed and the upper mids especially vocals have a rounded presentation. Vocals have good clarity to them. I was listening to French Exit by Duo Lipa live from the Royal Albert Hall recording, the vocals sounded quite good here on the NX8. Both male and female vocals have a slightly warm tone and a good heft to them. There is no sibilance or harshness in vocals even at louder volumes. Coming to the instruments, they are decently detailed, I won’t call them to produce supreme details or extreme precision, but they have good clarity and good separation.

Treble:-

The treble on the NX8 has a rounded presentation. It has no sharpness or harshness present, details are also slightly masked here in the Treble region. NX8 does a decent job of providing an inoffensive, smooth presentation with rounded notes. Although I would personally love slightly more crispness in the treble region and I also expected that with the PZT driver here. But I can see here that NiceHCK has tried to tune the NX8 in a safe manner.

Tonality:-

As I have mentioned previously as well, the NiceHCK NX8 sounds warm and smooth. It has a mellow tone throughout the frequency band. It’s quite good for longer listening sessions with its smooth sound profile.

Dynamics and Imaging:-

NiceHCK NX8 handles dynamics quite nicely. It has a pretty good macro presentation, the changes between two macro elements are well separated. Micro-dynamics are above average for the price bracket. The imaging capabilities of the NX8 are quite good. I can actually place different instruments on the stage quite precisely. The soundstage of NX8 is decent enough as well. It has good separation, good details, and ample room even during busy tracks like These Walls by Dua Lipa has a lot of things going on still manages good separation and doesn’t sound congested to me.

Now it’s time for some comparisons. As I mentioned at the beginning of today’s blog, the $200 bracket is full of competition with some solid products. Today, I am going to compare the Nx8 with two of my favourite sets around the price bracket.

NiceHCK NX8 vs Juzear 81T:-

Juzear 81t is like $50 more than the NiceHCK NX8 and has a different driver setup as well. Let’s see how it fares against the NX8.

1. NX8 has more weight and more quantity to the lower end. Juzear 81t sounds tighter and has less quantity but more quality in the bass region.

2. NX8 vocals have a rounded and weighted presentation, 81t sounds more natural and has a forwarded vocal response.

3. 81t Treble has a boosted presentation in comparison to the NX8. It has better micro-dynamics as well.

4. 81t Stage feels bigger as well.

5. 81t takes slightly more power as well.

NiceHCK NX8 and Juzear 81t are differently tuned IEMs. The NX8 has a smooth and sweet sound profile, the 81t has a lively and more energetic presentation. Also, 81t is $50 costlier.

NiceHCK NX8 vs PULA ANVIL114:-

PULA Anvil114 and NiceHCK NX8 have the same pricing, both are available for $199 although both of them differ in driver setup and sound delivery.

1. NX8 has a heavier mid-bass response, PULA ANVIL114 has a more balanced approach.

2. NX8 bass sounds more boosted in the bass region, the mid-bass heft gives a better punch.

3. Vocals on the NX8 sound rounded and rich, PULA has a more natural presentation. Vocals are also slightly more forwarded on the ANVIL, although not as much as the 81t.

4. Treble on ANVIL has a better defined response. NX8 sounds rounded in that regard.

5. Micro-dynamics, micro details are better on the ANVIL. NX8 maintains its smooth signature.

Similar pricing, but a different sound approach, this is how I would describe these two IEMs. NX8 I would prefer for a smoother signature with denser vocals, ANVIL I would pick for a bigger stage, better micro-dynamics.

Final Words:-

Well, this is how the NiceHCK NX8 sounds to me. The previous iterations in the series were called a little bright and peaky, imo, NiceHCK has improved on that front and delivered us with a smooth-sounding set. The Overall response of the NX8 is warm and has a dense tone to the sound. I hope, you guys enjoyed reading my take on the NX8, if you guys have any questions or queries, feel free to connect with me in the comments section below.

Introduction

All CHI-FI fans know the NiceHCK Audio store. It not only sells audio accessories, such as cables and silicone tips, but also has a real tradition in the manufacture of headphones and IEMS. For this occasion, the brand has created a new model of the NX series, called NX8, which consists, of course, of 8 drivers per capsule inside a resin unit printed with a high precision technology. The driver configuration is 1DDD + 6BA + 1PZT. Two of the BA drivers are used for mid frequencies, four for high and very high frequencies, and one piezo ceramic driver for ultra high frequencies. For the dynamic driver, NiceHCK has adopted a large, high-performance dual magnetic transducer. The 10mm diaphragm is titanium coated. The assembly is completed with a frequency divider plate of its own design. In tuning, a different profile than the classic Harman profile has been chosen to emphasize the sub-bass and smooth the upper mids without losing too much energy in the treble. The NX8s use replaceable mouthpieces that are compatible with others on the market, so that the user can play with different tunings or replace them when they become unusable for other reasons.
The outer face of the capsules has a starry texture simulating the deep universe and an aluminum alloy frame. As it could not be otherwise, the NX8s use the 0.78mm 2-pin connection interface, while the cable used is made of high-purity OCC copper wires with silver plating. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the NiceHCK NX8 comes with the new C04 transparent silicone tips, which help to expand the scene, and with the classic 07 tips. Let's see what this new model has to offer in this review.



Specifications

• Driver Type: 1DDD+6BA+1PZT.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 30kHz.
• Sensitivity: 111dB/mW.
• Impedance: 19Ω
• Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm / BAL 4.4mm.
• Cartridge Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Capsule Material: Resin with aluminum alloy frame.
• Cable Material: OCC+Silver plated mixed.
• Starting Price: $199.

Packaging

The NiceHCK NX8 comes in a dark and relatively elongated 200x127x50mm box. The bottom of the case is similar to the outer face of the IEMS, with a star pattern that simulates a view of the universe. At the top left is the brand logo and, in the center, the model name and a short description of the model. In the center is an actual photo of each capsule and, below, another product description. All the text is written in white letters. On the back side, the model name and description are repeated. Below is an exploded view of the capsule, revealing all its components and internal construction. Underneath are the specifications in Chinese and English, as well as the brand indications, maintaining the white color of the lettering. Removing the outer cardboard reveals a black box with silver stars and the model name in the center. Inside is a black cardboard lid that protects the product and exposes the two capsules at the top. In the center is the brand logo and, underneath, a product legend in silver lettering. When the cardboard is removed, a black foam mold containing the capsules can be seen, along with a small box containing the two sets of silicone tips. At the bottom is the classic rectangular, large, black box with a faux-leather zipper and the brand logo in the center. The complete contents are as follows:

• The two NiceHCK NX8 capsules.
• One cable with BAL 4.4mm connector.
• One Velcro strip.
• One cleaning brush.
• Two spare nozzles of the same size.
• Four pairs of silicone tips C04 sizes SxMxLxLxXL.
• Three pairs of silicone tips 07 sizes SxMxL.
• Zippered carrying case.
• User's manual.
• Warranty certificate.
• QR link card.

As usual with NiceHCK products, the NX8 includes the entire classic battery of accessories. Highlights include the case and the new C04 clear silicone tips in four sizes. Among so many good cables manufactured by the brand, the cable of the NX8 (as well as that of other models of the brand) seems simple to me.



Construction and Design

The NiceHCK NX8 are made of resin printed by high precision 3D printing. The capsules are black and their outer face has an aluminum alloy frame, on the edge of which is written the model name and the topo indicating the channel. There is a small groove between the frame and the edge of the capsule. The outer face has a star pattern, as if it were a view of the universe. On the edge of the capsule there are two holes between the 2Pin 0.78mm connection interface. This interface consists of a rectangular, transparent plate completely integrated into the surface. The connections are gold-plated. The inner side is smooth, rounded at the edges and without protrusions. The slope towards the mouthpieces is slight and starts from the center of the capsule. The mouthpieces are screw-in, brass, with a length of 3.6mm, a minor diameter of 5.25mm and a crown diameter of 6mm. The protection grid consists of a perforated metal plate. It is worth mentioning that as an accessory there are other mouthpieces exactly the same as the ones installed in the capsules and that they are compatible with other tuning mouthpieces available on the market.
The cable consists of two coiled strands of pale copper color. The connector sleeve is a metal cylinder that has the brand name longitudinally in white. There is a textured pattern below while the cylinder is rounded in a decreasing fashion at the cable exit. The splitter piece is made in the same way, without the textured part. The pin is just that textured part missing from the divider piece, with a through oval. The cable adjustment is relative, it slides smoothly and the adjustment function is performed because the cable has a tendency to open or coil. The cable has transparent plastic ear guides. The sleeves of the 2Pin 0.78mm connectors are two rounded metal cylinders with a decreasing shape at the cable outlet, with two grooves colored in red or blue to indicate the channel. On the connector plate there is a dot to indicate the polarity of the cable. All cable sheath finishes are metallic with micro texturing. As I said, the cable is somewhat simple compared to the high quality and quantity of cables in the brand's catalog. I think it is the same as the one used in the M5 model.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

It could be said that the size of the capsules is medium and their weight is light. They are made of polished resin and the surface is very smooth. The ergonomics are simple, but well resolved. It is a proven and efficient design, with no annoying protrusions. The angle of the nozzles is quite good, although they are slightly short. The fit is medium to shallow and with suitable tips the level of sound insulation is high. They fit the pinna very well and can hardly rotate inside the ear. The low weight, great fit and minimal friction make them very comfortable for long sessions and if an occlusive and durable fit is achieved they can be very valid for daily use, such as for light sports.



Sound

Profile

I would say that the NiceHCKs aim for a current planar tuning, but with differences in the upper mids and treble. Thus, a W profile is maintained with emphasis on the sub-bass, clean drop towards the mids and slightly softened treble, but with a sustained energy level. The first thing I have to say is that I like this tuning, because the bass is present, the upper mids are smoothed out and the treble maintains a moderate but continuous energy profile, making it sound present and natural. The result is a sound in which the first two bands have a lot of representation, achieving a sound that is quite full, dense, rich and with that wall-of-sound style that impresses so much.



Bass

The bass is undeniably powerful, big, voluminous, dark, heavy and even dense. They are quite textured and have a medium degree of gumminess. They are also quite physical and sensory. In the very low frequency pure tone test, one senses that darkness and physicality at the first audible note. There is a wave character that fits the nature of the wave, as it does not generate color or excessive loudness from its vibration. In this sense, it feels controlled, but it is not a canonical behavior, but it escapes that more explosive character that the NX8 bass possesses. In this way, there is a feeling that it is difficult to contain the punch of the bass kicks. However, the NX8s manage to do so almost entirely. Even so, these bass kicks have elasticity, they linger subtly in the environment and their dissipation is not immediate. It is not a slow bass, but one of those whose energy level is a little difficult to dissipate. It is not a dry bass, but rather juicy, with a predominance of depth and a darker color in which the physical part, energy and punch are accentuated.
But it is in the dirty, complex and unfiltered bass test that a model has to prove its worth. This is where control and technical skill are put to the test when it comes to bass performance. And the NX8s don't flinch at all, demonstrating plenty of control despite the darkness, physicality and volume that they pack. At no point do the basses lose control, their characteristic sonority remains unchanged and they are relatively adept at following fast bass lines, although this is where they suffer the most. So much energy, darkness, volume and that not-so-fast character can subtly blur the more complex bass lines, making them more diffuse and less marked and outlined than those of other more technical IEMS. The NX8s don't miss a beat, but they don't have the resolution to maintain a completely clean and tight profile on all bass notes. However, the physical feel is high, something that, combined with the sense of volume, darkness, elasticity and that rubbery point, makes it very fun and even addictive. It also slightly resents the layering by presenting the lines more united and persistent, which gives the impression of a more uniform and, above all, dense bass.



Mids

The mids have warmth and feel accompanied by that generalized darkness throughout the sound of the ensemble. This favors the fullness of the first half of the mids, where much of the physical and corporeal presence that already existed in abundance in the bass is maintained. Thus, the male voices are dense and full from the beginning, they are not in the foreground, but they are perceived in a close and almost protagonist way when they stand out in the mix. The full-bodied feel alternates with upper mids with just the right amount of excitement to enhance the details and highs that reinforce the harmonics. In this way, the vocals feel very full, very well represented throughout and exposed, with a slight dark touch, but very well garnished by the presentation of all the upper frequencies. Thus, the richness expands quite analogically, almost sweet, very musical, but also very informative. In the same way, the instrumentation of the first half is imposing and forms an integral part of the wall of sound erected by the NX8s. On the other hand, despite the maintained energy level of the treble, the detail is still somewhat diffuse and the bass presentation and its persistence in the ambience can become nuanced, drowning out such details slightly. This is not an analytical ensemble, but is slightly softened at the edges. Therefore, the female voices are not perceived as piercing, but thicker, silky and sweet, where the base and the body are more protagonists, maintaining the physical part that makes them dense and lush. On the other hand, the sibilances are kept completely under control and softened. There is no trace of sharp notes; this is not a splashy sound, but a warmer, musical, analog and controlled one. It is true that a certain sense of transparency and brightness is lost, accentuating the thickness of the notes. At this point, the female vocals and instruments in this second half are perceived as relaxed and relatively muted, less vivid and with a somewhat lower level of excitement.



Treble

The treble has an extended and sustained, but diminishing energy level. The resulting exposure is smooth and controlled, perhaps too much so. I was hoping for a little more sparkle from the graphic and a little more expressiveness, both informative and luminous. But that was not the case. In this respect, the NX8s benefit from somewhat cooler sources to expand their treble level and achieve a more appropriate level of brightness. In this situation, the NX8s seem to be sensitive to the profile of the sources: those that are neutral and warm will muffle the character of the NX8s with evidence, while with those that are brighter and/or analytical they will be able to express the upper range more adequately and realistically, but within that commented softness. At no point will the treble be sharp, crisp, sharp or elevated, but will retain that thickness and level of density existing from the low end. The sensation of extension is good, although it seems to lack a little more air and separation above.



Soundstage, Separation

As I said, the NX8s are sensitive to sources and with those of a cooler or more analytical character they can give a more satisfactory result. With dongles like the EZP TP50 or the Aune Yuki they sound very good and these combinations are more successful in order to highlight detail, maximizing the sense of scene and separation.
The wall-of-sound sensation makes all the elements feel close together and the higher density makes the separation less, as well as generating layers. When there are few elements, the background detail is more noticeable. However, the volume and energy of the bass can overpower the micro-detail, preventing it from being more explicit. It follows, therefore, that the NX8s are expressive in many instances, but not in all scenarios. They are capable of showing microdetail, but they are not as defined or neat as in other sets. The thickness of the notes and their density work against them. However, it does possess enough resolution to show it. In short, it is capable of doing so, but only when conditions permit.
The scene is wide, lateral, deep, high and eminently frontal. The layers are not very prominent, but their presence is imposing. The physical part, the sense of volume and energy, are remarkable. The sound is clean and clear, and has good crispness, but it is not as neat and sharp. It is more warm, musical, analog and smooth than analytical. This limits the sense of a dark, clean, fully defined and empty background. Separation is clear, although the distance is not as great, especially in depth, but stands out more in width. Thus, although the scene is wide, there is not a very high three-dimensional sensation, as the notes feel more attached to their base, with a limited expansive sensation.



Comparisons

LetShuoer S12 2024

Being priced at $199 means rubbing shoulders with a lot of competition. And among those worth exactly the same are the Letshuoer S12 2024. Although a limited edition, their frequency response is very close to that of the NX8s. It is clear that the S12 2024s have special anniversary packaging. The cable is better, as it is detachable. As for tips, the S12 2024s have good sets, three for them and two for the NX8s. Both bring their classic packaging boxes and here the taste of each one will be the one to decide (cylindrical screw-on rubber box vs large rectangular box with zipper in black leather). As for the design, I really like the shape of the S12 2024, but I'm not convinced by the gold. The NX8s are a bit simpler, but the outer face is nice. The NX8s are larger in size, with a thicker and larger capsule. The S12 2024s are smaller and fit better in the ear pinna. However, their problem is that the nozzles are somewhat short, which creates a problem for me between the ear canal and the choice of tips, versus the greater versatility of the shape of the NX8s, despite their larger size.
The first major difference is the amount of power needed to level the volume of both models: the NX8s are much easier to move. As you know, planar models need considerably more power.
Starting with the bass, the S12 2024s are more accurate, faster and have good texture. The NX8s are more elastic and rubbery. Of note is the energy both models have and the sense of volume generated by each, which is very similar. In the pure tone test, the NX8s sound natural, without the undulating character that the S12 2024s do have in the lower frequencies. However, the bass of the S12 2024s is somewhat darker, with a deeper position, while the NX8s sound with a lighter timbre and are better integrated into the mix.
In the midrange, the S12 2024s sound more blended and with a longer distance to the listener. Vocals sound clearer and more evident in the NX8s, with more prominence and closeness. Vocally speaking, I prefer the NX8s. There is also more light and brightness in the center range over the S12 2024s. However, the S12 2024s have a punch and a superior wall-of-sound feel in the center range. In information-rich environments, the planar models stand out very strikingly. The NX8s are somewhat softer in this respect and are not as expressive, informative and dramatic as the S12 2024s.
Up to now, the ranges were very evenly matched. However, the clear difference is in the treble, which is clearly superior in the S12 2024. They are more natural, have more energy, more adequate brightness and more extension.
At the detail level, the two are at similar points. The greater darkness of the S12 2024s may hinder this aspect. While that extra point of light in the NX8s seems to give a bit more light in the background.
Neither model stands out too much in scene or separation. The S12 2024s are deep, front and wide, while the NX8s are closer, showing more foreground elements, which detracts from their depth and gives the sense of a wider scene, with more volume and a gauzy, ethereal feel.



Conclusion

In my opinion, the NiceHCK NX8s are the best IEMS in the NX series. They have evolved from previous tunings, adopted a more attractive and practical design, and incorporate more drivers than ever before. The result is quite satisfactory. The NX8s are IEMS with a tuning similar to current planars, but with a tribrid configuration of 1DDD+6BA+1PZT. The sound is based on a powerful and voluminous low end, with organic, defined and present mids, whose voices have enough presence and prominence, while the treble is more relaxed than expected. The result is a sound that is not dark, with a neutral level of clarity that exploits the lower range and mids. NiceHCK will always be criticized for the competition they have within their same price range. But I can't help but comment that the NiceHCK NX8s are to my taste and a nice model to turn to when I don't know what else to choose. Also, as always, the brand's accessory set is very complete and includes interchangeable mouthpieces compatible with many of the existing ones on the market, so you can experiment and alter the sound.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• EPZ TP50.
• Aune Yuki.
• iFi GO bar Kensei.
• Tempotec V3.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.

Purchase Link



https://hiendportable.com/2025/01/12/nicehck-nx8-review/

NiceHCK NX8

NiceHCKs budget tribrid IEMs started with the first iteration of the NX7 tribrid IEMs back in November of 2019. The NX7s always consisted of dual dynamics for bass + 4BAs for mids and trebles, lastly a Piezoelectric ceramic or PZT driver for upper trebles. I had the opportunity to see the evolution of the NX7 sound as I have reviewed all 4 versions of them. The most discouraging aspect of the NX7 was that it was using a very confined smaller all plastic housing which limited the sound stage of the given sound. The MK2 version which was labeled as the NX7 Pro came with changeable face plates and different tuning nozzles. Better BAs were added with a newer look on the NX7 MK3 and finally the MK4 got a bit more smoother tuning overall.

So not exactly a huge leap in performance from one iteration to the next if I am to be honest with the one constant in that they kept using the same cramped confined housing for their entire 4 IEM NX7 series. Which resulted in the same confined in your head stage of the NX7 IEMs.Its not that the tunings were bad or even the tech behind the sound. It was going for a higher end sound but my point is, how many higher end sounding IEMs have you heard with a confined stage? The reason why I mention this as a negative is that it was literally a con even on the first NX7. I have never been a fan of the housing being used for this IEM and I have always wanted NiceHCK to try a new housing for this line up and the good news for the NX8 is that it is finally using a new 3D printed housing design.

The new NX8 no longer uses changeable face plates but it does come with a 2nd set of nozzles. Which I am actually glad they did and I will get into why later and show how users of the NX8 can upgrade the given sound performance via a simple nozzle change at the bottom of the reader. For now both sets of nozzles are identical in what they do. My review here is based on what you will get out of the box. It's not written on their web site that is what the 2nd nozzle is for, however they do hint at this aspect shown on this page. Again I will get into that a bit more later but for now the NX8 is using a single 10mm titanium plated dual cavity dynamic, 6BAs and a PZT driver for the upper highs all in a smaller side of medium sized 3D printed shells.

Standardly disclaimers: The NiceHCK NX8 was provided for the purpose of a review. The unit has been burned in fully for a period of a week's time and is now ready for full evaluation using my sources. Ibasso DX300Max, Ibasso PB5 amp, Ibasso DX180, IFI signature, IFI Gryphon, Fiio M15, M15S and Fiio K9 pro ESS desktop.


What you get.
The NX8 comes in a rectangular black box, included are NiceHCKs all black rectangular zip up case with enough room for tips, IEMs and cables and an extra cable or two if you wish. A nice plastic case filled with 2 sets of tips and new to me 4 pairs of NiceHCK C04 eartips in various sizes. Newer grippier type that I definitely appreciate. A 2nd set of nozzles, the cables, a cleaning brush and velcro tie. Its included cable a standard silver plated copper cable can be bought with either single ended or balanced. There is also an option to include some of NiceHCKs higher end cables when buying the NX8 on their website here and here. Amazon also sells them here and here.

Build
As I was mentioning before, the NX8 is a completely new design from what NiceHCK has done before. I suppose when you are physically adding more drivers here to call it an 8 driver IEM you will need a more roomier housing design. Something the prior NX7s did not do well as they barely fit the 7 drivers of the NX7s. It is about time they moved on from the housing used over and over and over again. The new housing shape and size is a compact smaller side of medium in size for universal IEMs and also has a new shell design called Resin droplet starry faceplate.

Which seems to be a printed design. The housing is a 3D printed plastic design and works well enough for the NX8. Its build quality is about par for what you would expect for a $200 IEM and what is important here is how they sound as per looks, I hate to say it but they aren’t the most premium in the looks department. Solid enough and compact in design which I appreciate but the colors of the NX8 don’t really match. Looks are just ok with a brown colored cable, a black housing and a purplish back shell and metal accents don’t scream premium. What matters here is the sound.

Sound
Meta tunings have become the norm nowadays and the tuning on the NX8 is best described as a balanced harmonish tuning with a lift for bass and lower mids. If you're wondering if the NX8 is an upgrade on the sound of the older NX7s. The short answer to that is yes it is but it will depend on if you end up doing a nozzle replacement shown at the bottom of the reader. As they are, it definitely has a more spacious meatier presentation vs the prior NX7 sounds and maybe it might be due to using more BA drivers for the mids and trebles. According to NiceHCK Web site. 2BAs dedicated for mids and 4BAs for trebles. The clear upgrade for the NX8 vs the NX7 is its mids presentation.

Trebles.( Based on the stock included nozzles)
Its treble presence is a touch reserved, smoother sounding vs being exaggerated and enhanced for the sake of fidelity. Trebles are balanced decently and has a nicely present amount of relaxed detail to the sound presentation. While I don’t find the trebles to be particularly airy, it does have good extension and is balanced with its overall sound presentation. What I don’t understand is how NiceHCK can use 5 drivers for trebles to make it sound a touch reserved. ( This turned out to be the nozzle filter underneath the stock nozzles, again see below) The treble is more moderate in emphasis and clearly lacks air and range for its treble region. If you're treble sensitive this is the type of treble you will appreciate but for me I am a bit underwhelmed for its stock treble presentation, especially since it is using a boat load of drivers just for the trebles at 4BAs and a PZT.

Unlike the hyped trebles of NX7 past, the NX8 trebles present a balance of presence with a slightly subdued level of detail. That is unless you start messing with different nozzles. The reason why NiceHCK has included a 2nd nozzle was not because the 2nd nozzle has a different tuning filter in it. I think they know folks have been modding their IEMs as I personally have been using Simgot nozzles on their Himalayas which I pointed out in my review of them in the past. The 2nd nozzle is exactly the same as the included nozzle. Which means you can easily replace them with any nozzle you wish including if you have any extra nozzles from Simgot IEMs. This smoother treble response from the NX8 focuses the sound for their mids and thicker bass end giving it more warmth and body to the sound. Which some folks will like the more musical approach on the NX7 sound formula. If you're happy with what you're hearing from the NX8, no reason to do any nozzle swap like I did but, I bet you're curious about what that nozzle swap does for the sound.

Pic shown of Simgot nozzle left. Stock nozzle right.

Which one you think will bring out a more open proper sound on the NX8?

Just my opinion but what NiceCHK should have done is used a longer/ roomier nozzle for their 2nd nozzle with no filter in it at all. ( A message to NiceCHK designers. Please study the Simgot filters and extra nozzle kit here. This nozzle design is superior to what you guys provide.) This nozzle does several things to advance the NX8 sound and fitment. I am not a fan of the stock nozzle of the NX8 as it is short and on top of that has their tuning mesh/ filter underneath that actually is the reason why the treble is a bit reserved for the stock sound design. When using the Simgot nozzles on the NX8. Not only does this nozzle fit like it was made for the NX8. Which also happens to fit their Himalayas and enhance their sound as well. It also provides a more substantial longer stem. Better fitment and deeper insertion of both the Himalaya and the NX8. You can use more tip designs for the NX8 and will seal better inside the ears which also brings a better sound using this nozzle. The different nozzle opens up the sound and stage of the NX8 is the idea here.


The great aspect of being able to use different nozzles is that you can now mod the 2nd filter with a denser foam piece underneath the 2nd nozzle set to bring down a bit of the upper mids and trebles of the NX8 for even more warmth or in my case. Use a different longer no filtered nozzle altogether for a proper treble presence on the NX8. I also noticed the Simgot kit has better foam mesh filters that are less dense which can get you somewhere between open nozzle and the stock included filter which you can't even see light shining through meaning it is a denser filter. Hampering the details the NX8 can actually portray.

The NX8 is using 5 drivers for its treble presentation. And here is a bit of a head scratcher for me. It's a smoother, easier listening, slightly restrained treble presentation and not all that dynamic sounding I might add but I have had hybrid IEMs in the past where one BA had more treble presence and detail aspects vs the trebles I am hearing on the NX8. I suppose you can’t make an NX8 with lesser drivers so having 4BAs and Piezo doing the treble work was done out of numbers sake more than actual function? In any case this is a case where more drivers don’t necessarily give you more or better sound. I certainly appreciate the trebles are easier to listen to but at the same time, I would much rather NiceHCK use their double dynamic array for bass and use less treble BAs and give us more Nozzle options with filter variations that matter. I suppose you have to leave a driver out for their next NX9 iteration.

Mids
And this is the reason why you would want to upgrade to the NX8. It was the first thing that I noticed was clearly an upgrade on the NX7 sound. The NX7s was not necessarily known for their rich mids presentation. And here is where the upgrade from the NX7s comes into play. The mids of the NX8 has a natural full bodied slightly forward and present mid range. NiceHCK is using two BAs, most likely a dual BA for the mids presentation for the NX8. Full bodied, meaty even with a natural tonal character. The balancing of the NX8 is a bit more tilted toward its bass and lower mids vs the upper mids and trebles which brings more body and fullness to the sound.

Where the mids of the NX8 shines is in its depth and height of sound which is good at the price range. Mids technicalities. Its stage, layering, imaging, detail and timbre are all kinda average here at the price. However I do appreciate a more substantial body of note. Which I can’t say was the best on the prior NX7s. So it is definitely an improvement there. However I find the stage of the NX8 to be average for hybrid IEMs but not confined sounding like the NX7s can. This bit of extra space in the sound presentation enhances the NX8 to also be an upgrade on the older NX7 sound. Though I find this to be yet another lost opportunity. I have reviewed and heard other NiceHCK IEMs that have better stage though they cost more, Himalayas. Don't know if it is due to BA placement in the shells or if it is due to the shells being as compact as they are. Its sound stage is more spherical but not exactly wide in presentation. It's certainly better vs their prior NX7s in that regard but nothing that will make you take notice, stage wise.

Maybe it was due to the more forward bass and mid range on the NX8 presentation that make the sound stage sound average but I do find music with a lot of busy aspects to sound somewhat limited in scope. Also adding the fact that its trebles are not the most present in stock form which seem to hamper better technicalities, stage, imaging, layering, sound separation and detail for the NX8 altogether.

Bass
The bass is muscular and full on in the NX8 but I don't necessarily find that it is an upgrade to the excellent bass ends of the NX7s and here is also a bit of a lost opportunity. While I don’t feel it's an upgrade it is certainly not a downgrade in the area. But for a monitor which NiceHCK is charging double the price of the prior NX7 to attain. It would have been nice if NiceHCK actually improved in the bass area but I can’t say that it does. More manufacturers are using two dynamics for bass nowadays vs the single dynamics for bass. And yes it all depends on implementation. Bass on the NX8 is generally in the good category. It's a deep hitting full bored bass, beefy at times with enough presence for modern music. It's more of a moderate emphasized bass. Shows good texture, fairly tight with good level of definition and enough energy when called for. Its rumble is once again good, but it's not exceptional by lower midfi standards. Bass speed is once again just average here but it does show good definition and the ability to punch hard when needed. NX7s bass ends were always good for the price. Even the most critical reviews of the prior NX7s at least liked what NiceHCK was able to do with the bass end of them. The NX8 lives up to the bass end of what was established but I don't feel it moves the bass end forward enough. Everyone nowadays is making hybrid IEMs with decent to good bass.
I suppose I am a bit more critical of the NX8 bass as I have heard every single version of their NX7 and now the NX8 bass and it's a good present borderline meaty in the bass department but it's nothing special at the same time. I was hoping it would lean more toward exceptional here but. If you have owned any of the prior NX7s, you will know what I am talking about here.

In the end
The NX8 are a moderate step forward but certainly not a step backwards. It's not the leap I was hoping for, especially sold at double the price point of the prior NX7s. You are certainly not getting double the sound performance. I would say the main reason for getting the NX8 if you're already an NX7 owner would be for its better, more musical present mids presentation. The mids on the NX8 reminds me a lot of their single dynamic IEMs, the Himalayas mids and how those were tuned, down to the tonality. NX8 timbre and technical elements are not as good nor its stage element but you can certainly tell the NX8 was tuned by the same folks that made the Himalayas. The sound has decent technicalities and I do feel it is an upgrade in general over the older NX7s in both design and sound, but somehow I feel it could have been more. The NX8 nowadays is good for the money but certainly nothing exceptional. Everyone is bringing their A game for IEMs and here is where good is not good enough. Things have to be exceptional nowadays to create a buzz. Unfortunately the NX8 is another option in the sea of hybrid IEMs one can buy that don't necessarily separate itself from the crowd.

However here is where I will highly recommend using and trying a different nozzle altogether on the NiceHCK NX8. I know Simgot has nothing to do with NiceHCK products but you can purchase an extra nozzle kit on Simgot web site here. As stated above in the Treble section, I found out through trial and error that the included nozzles NiceHCK is using has somewhat of a thicker white filter mesh underneath the included nozzles that do exactly the same thing for both sets of nozzles. You can do one of two things here. Since the 2nd set of nozzles give you pretty much the same sound. Take a sharp pin and poke holes into the front mesh of the 2nd set of nozzles.

Or just buy the Simgot filter kit for something like less than $10 on sale and use their included nozzles here with no mesh underneath, or a single foam mesh to smooth out the overall sound of the NX8 a touch- this is nothing like the restrictive white thicker mesh NiceHCK has included on the stock nozzles. This is how you open up the sound on the NX8. I honestly believe this is what NiceHCK should have included as an option for their NX8, or something very similar I should say.

A longer more substantial open nozzle, one where it does not restrict the sound of the NX8 especially its trebles and upper mids. The sound now becomes more spacious with a wider stage, trebles not only have proper presence but sounds cleaner and more detailed showing some air and finesse, finally with some shimmer involved. I can say the stock tuning the treble sounds a bit dull in comparison. This open nozzle mod brings more present and proper trebles to the NX8 formula, making it sound like an upgraded NX8 to my ears in every way possible. The mids sound much more open with better clarity, imaging and precision. The stock nozzle filter can make the mids sound a touch too warm and a touch muted. The open nozzle mod opens up the mids. Bass has more reach and has more authority to my ears with this mod as well.

It makes the NX8 sound proper is the best way to describe what I am hearing. This nozzle mod is so substantial, I feel folks will be missing out on an optimized NX8. A veil has been lifted literally from its stock form and why wouldn't you want to get rid of a veil.

It isn’t like you need to actually do anything for this mod. You just have to screw on a different manufacturer's IEM nozzle which happens to fit perfectly with the NX8 and is a much better designed nozzle with nothing underneath. Simple as that. The Simgot nozzles happen to fit exactly into place like it was made for it. Add to this is that with the Simgot nozzle kit, If you find the sound to be a touch too forward for your likes, the kit does come with better mesh foams than what was included with the stock NX8 nozzles. The Simgot foams smooths out the sound just a touch and sometimes I prefer using a mesh depending on the source I have the NX8 connected to but it is nice to have an option here.

You can basically tune the NX8 to be as warm or as present as you would like. The NX8 with this different nozzle makes them sound more higher end to my ears with a proper treble presentation. Not so much the stock configuration. To me it is a simple but necessary fix. With Simgot IEMs you need to add tuning foams underneath their nozzles but for NiceHCKs new NX8.. YOU NEED TO OPEN UP THAT SOUND! And this is how you do it. Adding a better cable helps in this department as well. I know it's not common to see mods suggested for an IEM that is being reviewed but in this case. It will be worth your time and effort if you choose to go this way. You have literally nothing to lose but more so discover just how good the NX8 can sound.

In their stock state. They sound warm and thick but have zero shimmer to the trebles with an overly damped treble note. Not only does this add a proper presence for treble, it opens up the stage with better clarity and brings better technicalities altogether. I was hoping this was what the intended sound was going for and the good news there is it is as easy as throwing on a nozzle that was not a design aspect of the NX8. Let's call this mod the NX8s. The small s stands for Simgot nozzle or special edition.

If you like a smoother, easy to listen to frontal musical warmish sound to your IEMs presentation. There is no need for a mod at all. You will definitely appreciate what the stock NX8 sounds like in its intended form. But if you're like me where you own much higher end IEMs that actually have excellent treble notes and what that does for your sound. Track down a Simgot nozzle for the new NX8s configuration. Look at it as a special edition NX8 one where you don’t have to spend another $200 for another variant of the NX8 be it a pro or MK2 to find out what an upgraded NX8 would sound like. Do the mod and find out for yourself it won't cost much and if you actually own any of the Simgot models, any of their included 2ndary nozzles will work. Thanks for taking the time to read.