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NiceHCK NX8 Hybrid Universal IEM
- Added by Redcarmoose
- Create date
Scubadevils
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: > A solid all-rounder for any genre
> Excellent comfort with small shells
> Very good performance at this price point
> Excellent comfort with small shells
> Very good performance at this price point
Cons: > Being a Jack (or Jill...) of all trades, may lack a bit of pizazz for some
> Stumpy nozzle can lead to fit challenges depending on ear anatomy
> Stumpy nozzle can lead to fit challenges depending on ear anatomy
NiceHCK NX8
1x DD, 6x BA, 1x PZT - $199
Introduction
I was aware of the NiceHCK brand for quite a while, mostly due to their prominence in the cable space. In early to mid-2024, an opportunity arose to review their ‘Himalaya’ flagship single DD, a set I really enjoyed at the time, and gave me a sense as to what NiceHCK could achieve in the IEM space. When they reached out again to see if I would like to try their latest tribrid, it was hard to say no – even though I really am trying to say no now… there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Disclaimer: NiceHCK sent me the NX8 in exchange for my review, as I always, all thoughts and pictures are mine without any input from the brand. I would like to thank NiceHCK for the opportunity!
About Me
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).
My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.
While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.
I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears—rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly "bad" IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit—things that can detract from the overall experience.
Specifications:
About NiceHCK
“NiceHCK was founded in 2015 by the HiFi Music enthusiasts and acoustic engineer.
Focus on R&D and selling HiFi iem earphones, iem headphone cables and audio accessories to global customers that combine creative design, high performance, premium quality and affordable price. Provide well customer service support worldwide”
Unboxing & Accessories
I’m a bit of an unboxing snob, which means I’ve an expectation for high standards when it comes to packaging and accessories, even though logically I know it really doesn’t matter a whole lot… blame the fact I worked in the industry for so long, and I guess being spoiled by brands like DUNU and FIIO to name just two. So with that ‘disclaimer’ of sorts out of the way, the NX8 falls into a bit of a ‘meh’ category in this regard – nothing wrong, you get what you need and the packaging does what it is supposed to, just no really warm fuzzy feeling, let alone a wow factor.
As noted, you get what you need in terms of accessories – a selection of tips (in a case thankfully, not a rubbishy/cheap little Ziplock bag), a cleaning brush, some spare nozzles (which don’t make a tuning difference, just literally spares), plus what I consider a decent IEM case.
Comfort & Fit
The shells are very small, especially considering there are 8 drivers packed into each side. They are made from a 3D printed resin, and very smooth with no protruding uncomfortable edges. As always, tip experimentation is encouraged - I personally found I needed to use the largest in my collection as the nozzle is a touch stumpy.
The stars/galaxy finish on the outer segment is a simple, and somewhat unassuming design. While they are not ‘bling’, they aren’t totally minimal either, I’m not quite sure what they are really to be honest – but for me what matters is that they are small and comfortable. I’ve worn out walking countless times over the last few weeks, and never an issue with comfort – they can be worn for hours without an issue.
Of course, being a multi-driver set that contains a DD, they naturally have a vent and as such no problems with pressure build.
Listening Impressions
I’ve had the NX8 for several weeks now, and they’ve been put through the ‘morning walk the dog’ test on several occasions, giving me a good opportunity to evaluate numerous genres on these early morning, often quite cold winter walks around my neighbourhood. The NX8 isn’t fussy, and will happily play anything from the most chilled ambient, to complex electronic or classical – it is a rather balanced tuning profile, that as is often the case, leans a touch warm and with a sub over mid-bass bias – a positive box tick for me, as I do prefer sub extension over mid-bass prominence.
Bass
Sub-bass extends well with a decent sense of rumble when called for, yet never overpowering. Mid-bass kicks with good authority, nothing too dense and has decent speed. I’ve found it perfectly capable and realistic whether it’s a deep synth, kickdrum, bass guitar to name a few…
Mids
The mids are clear and again that touch of warmth is evident, allowing both male and female vocals in my experience to sound authentic and with a delivery that is central and slightly forward. There is a nice sense of note weight, with what I would consider a good balance of being not too thick, but nor is it a thin presentation. The upper mids are polite, and never stray into anything shrill or harsh – with that in mind, it is a touch safe and perhaps lacks the emotive edge from this region when dealing with violins or some of the higher registers of female vocals for example. Broadly speaking, the mids are well executed with plenty of space and clarity.
Treble
Moving on to the treble, the theme sort of remains the same in that it is in keeping with the overall well-balanced tuning – safe, but with a nice sparkle and good sense of air which allows some of the smaller details to shine. In my countless hours of listening, I have not once encountered anything harsh or too zesty up top, no matter what genre I choose.
Technical
There is a good sized soundstage both from a width and depth perspective, and an impressive level of detail retrieval – easy to pick out small nuances in complex music. The layering presentation works well, albeit nothing ground-breaking or attention grabbing per se – but I think well executed in that there is a cohesive focus in the tuning, allowing you to just enjoy your chosen music. Again, the clarity and balanced tuning really does allow for zero congestion even in the busiest of tracks, and I have tried many.
Test Tracks
Voice Actor, Squu – Rattle
A rather simple yet captivating track from the excellent album ‘Lust (1)’. I love the extension of the swirling synths, giving a good sense of space to the stage. The kick drums hit with good authority and you can hear and almost feel the thud – yet with sufficient speed to not linger beyond their call of duty.
Jessica Pratt – By Hook or by Crook
This is a great example of how the NX8 handles female vocals and more subdued instrumentals. Jessica’s voice has good body, positioned centrally and a touch forward – sounding lifelike with a sultry and captivating tonality. The accompanying instruments sound silky smooth, and support the vocals in a well-behaved, and articulate manner.
VC-118A – Spiritual Machines
Moving back to electronica, and in this case an electro vibe, with slight offbeat percussion that again showcases the mid-bass authority, but also reveals the capability more up top, demonstrating the safe, subtle, but sufficiently airy treble. While not overly complex, the track does progress to a reasonable amount of percussion and synth layering, giving again a feeling of a soundstage that extends outside my head, and indeed impresses when taking the size of the shells into consideration. This is very typical of an album I’ll choose for those early morning winter walks, there is a dark almost foreboding character that not only suits the surroundings, but also works really well on the NX8.
Banco De Gaia – Drunk as a Monk
Another morning favourite, but probably more as the Spring months kick in – there is an uplifting vibe to Banco De Gaia in general, but also highly emotive and many tracks quite epic in terms of runtime… something I’ve quite a soft spot for when done right, which Banco indeed always excels in.
There is quite a long intro to this track, which involves somewhat dominant percussion – this demonstrates the well-executed treble where it extends well, allowing a crisp and airy presentation of the hi-hats and snares. As the track progresses, we are greeted with very captivating melodies that occupy both the middle and spread outwards left and right. The chanting vocals make their appearance, and again have excellent clarity and sit nicely in the mix with the synths and percussion. It is a busy enough track at times, yet the NX8 never breaks even the tiniest bead of sweat, handling it all with ease, and sounding really nice at the same time.
Comparisons
AFUL P5+2
The P7 immediately sounds brighter, and somewhat more detailed as a result too. There is an obvious sense of airiness, which leads to a more spacious and layered sense of space in the presentation. The NX8 I would say has a touch more bass, and leans warmer – obviously, seeing as I just said the P7 sounds brighter… but hey, worth pointing out! Actually a tough call here, both perform incredibly well at the price points, and a lot more in common than in contrast – slightly different takes on a similar tuning I would say, with the NX8 being a touch safer due to the more subtle treble response.
BGVP NS10 Pro
And now for a set that hasn’t had much attention from what I can see, and in my opinion that is a shame – the NS10 Pro is a deviation from the more conventional tuning of both the NX8 or P7, taking a step into more risky waters where it plays more in a slightly specialist territory – brighter than the P7, which means of course brighter than the NX8 and has an edge or bite in the upper mids that can add a touch of magic when called upon, especially in those violin or even higher synth register moments that lead to some hairs standing due to the emotive kick. Early days for me with the NS10 Pro, but I would say the edge will be won in particular with less complex arrangements, and definitely more emotive for genres that I personally love such as ambient or modern classical – the NS10 Pro manages to better captivate, especially with those somewhat risky upper mids… a topic anyway for a later review. The NX8 and P7 both safer and more competent all-rounders, but the NS10 Pro has a emotive and captivating slant with the right music.
Conclusion
The NX8 to my ears is a solid, impressive all-rounder, or jack (or Jill…) of all trades – it will happily play any genre that takes your fancy, and sound at the very least good, if not very good. It perhaps lacks a touch of magic somewhere, be it a hefty dose of bass, thick and emotive mids, or ultra-sparkly uppers – the theme really is one of safety and balance – not doing anything wrong, but maybe not wowing you either. Overall though, it is an excellent recommendation if you want something that just works, no matter what the genre and I would expect pretty much guaranteed a good fit and comfort.
All things considered and especially at a $200 price point, I think the NX8 is a solid 4.5-star IEM and certainly one I recommend if in the market for a set that will play well no matter what you throw at them. The only reason I’d say not a 5-star is simply as there is a bit of a lack of pizazz in the tuning, the safety keeps them safe, but maybe just doesn’t quite captivate when some music seeks to do so.
1x DD, 6x BA, 1x PZT - $199

Introduction
I was aware of the NiceHCK brand for quite a while, mostly due to their prominence in the cable space. In early to mid-2024, an opportunity arose to review their ‘Himalaya’ flagship single DD, a set I really enjoyed at the time, and gave me a sense as to what NiceHCK could achieve in the IEM space. When they reached out again to see if I would like to try their latest tribrid, it was hard to say no – even though I really am trying to say no now… there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Disclaimer: NiceHCK sent me the NX8 in exchange for my review, as I always, all thoughts and pictures are mine without any input from the brand. I would like to thank NiceHCK for the opportunity!
About Me
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).
My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.
While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.
I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears—rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly "bad" IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit—things that can detract from the overall experience.
Specifications:

About NiceHCK
“NiceHCK was founded in 2015 by the HiFi Music enthusiasts and acoustic engineer.
Focus on R&D and selling HiFi iem earphones, iem headphone cables and audio accessories to global customers that combine creative design, high performance, premium quality and affordable price. Provide well customer service support worldwide”
Unboxing & Accessories

I’m a bit of an unboxing snob, which means I’ve an expectation for high standards when it comes to packaging and accessories, even though logically I know it really doesn’t matter a whole lot… blame the fact I worked in the industry for so long, and I guess being spoiled by brands like DUNU and FIIO to name just two. So with that ‘disclaimer’ of sorts out of the way, the NX8 falls into a bit of a ‘meh’ category in this regard – nothing wrong, you get what you need and the packaging does what it is supposed to, just no really warm fuzzy feeling, let alone a wow factor.

As noted, you get what you need in terms of accessories – a selection of tips (in a case thankfully, not a rubbishy/cheap little Ziplock bag), a cleaning brush, some spare nozzles (which don’t make a tuning difference, just literally spares), plus what I consider a decent IEM case.




Comfort & Fit

The shells are very small, especially considering there are 8 drivers packed into each side. They are made from a 3D printed resin, and very smooth with no protruding uncomfortable edges. As always, tip experimentation is encouraged - I personally found I needed to use the largest in my collection as the nozzle is a touch stumpy.

The stars/galaxy finish on the outer segment is a simple, and somewhat unassuming design. While they are not ‘bling’, they aren’t totally minimal either, I’m not quite sure what they are really to be honest – but for me what matters is that they are small and comfortable. I’ve worn out walking countless times over the last few weeks, and never an issue with comfort – they can be worn for hours without an issue.
Of course, being a multi-driver set that contains a DD, they naturally have a vent and as such no problems with pressure build.

Listening Impressions

I’ve had the NX8 for several weeks now, and they’ve been put through the ‘morning walk the dog’ test on several occasions, giving me a good opportunity to evaluate numerous genres on these early morning, often quite cold winter walks around my neighbourhood. The NX8 isn’t fussy, and will happily play anything from the most chilled ambient, to complex electronic or classical – it is a rather balanced tuning profile, that as is often the case, leans a touch warm and with a sub over mid-bass bias – a positive box tick for me, as I do prefer sub extension over mid-bass prominence.
Bass
Sub-bass extends well with a decent sense of rumble when called for, yet never overpowering. Mid-bass kicks with good authority, nothing too dense and has decent speed. I’ve found it perfectly capable and realistic whether it’s a deep synth, kickdrum, bass guitar to name a few…
Mids
The mids are clear and again that touch of warmth is evident, allowing both male and female vocals in my experience to sound authentic and with a delivery that is central and slightly forward. There is a nice sense of note weight, with what I would consider a good balance of being not too thick, but nor is it a thin presentation. The upper mids are polite, and never stray into anything shrill or harsh – with that in mind, it is a touch safe and perhaps lacks the emotive edge from this region when dealing with violins or some of the higher registers of female vocals for example. Broadly speaking, the mids are well executed with plenty of space and clarity.
Treble
Moving on to the treble, the theme sort of remains the same in that it is in keeping with the overall well-balanced tuning – safe, but with a nice sparkle and good sense of air which allows some of the smaller details to shine. In my countless hours of listening, I have not once encountered anything harsh or too zesty up top, no matter what genre I choose.
Technical
There is a good sized soundstage both from a width and depth perspective, and an impressive level of detail retrieval – easy to pick out small nuances in complex music. The layering presentation works well, albeit nothing ground-breaking or attention grabbing per se – but I think well executed in that there is a cohesive focus in the tuning, allowing you to just enjoy your chosen music. Again, the clarity and balanced tuning really does allow for zero congestion even in the busiest of tracks, and I have tried many.
Test Tracks
Voice Actor, Squu – Rattle
A rather simple yet captivating track from the excellent album ‘Lust (1)’. I love the extension of the swirling synths, giving a good sense of space to the stage. The kick drums hit with good authority and you can hear and almost feel the thud – yet with sufficient speed to not linger beyond their call of duty.
Jessica Pratt – By Hook or by Crook
This is a great example of how the NX8 handles female vocals and more subdued instrumentals. Jessica’s voice has good body, positioned centrally and a touch forward – sounding lifelike with a sultry and captivating tonality. The accompanying instruments sound silky smooth, and support the vocals in a well-behaved, and articulate manner.
VC-118A – Spiritual Machines
Moving back to electronica, and in this case an electro vibe, with slight offbeat percussion that again showcases the mid-bass authority, but also reveals the capability more up top, demonstrating the safe, subtle, but sufficiently airy treble. While not overly complex, the track does progress to a reasonable amount of percussion and synth layering, giving again a feeling of a soundstage that extends outside my head, and indeed impresses when taking the size of the shells into consideration. This is very typical of an album I’ll choose for those early morning winter walks, there is a dark almost foreboding character that not only suits the surroundings, but also works really well on the NX8.
Banco De Gaia – Drunk as a Monk
Another morning favourite, but probably more as the Spring months kick in – there is an uplifting vibe to Banco De Gaia in general, but also highly emotive and many tracks quite epic in terms of runtime… something I’ve quite a soft spot for when done right, which Banco indeed always excels in.
There is quite a long intro to this track, which involves somewhat dominant percussion – this demonstrates the well-executed treble where it extends well, allowing a crisp and airy presentation of the hi-hats and snares. As the track progresses, we are greeted with very captivating melodies that occupy both the middle and spread outwards left and right. The chanting vocals make their appearance, and again have excellent clarity and sit nicely in the mix with the synths and percussion. It is a busy enough track at times, yet the NX8 never breaks even the tiniest bead of sweat, handling it all with ease, and sounding really nice at the same time.
Comparisons
AFUL P5+2
The P7 immediately sounds brighter, and somewhat more detailed as a result too. There is an obvious sense of airiness, which leads to a more spacious and layered sense of space in the presentation. The NX8 I would say has a touch more bass, and leans warmer – obviously, seeing as I just said the P7 sounds brighter… but hey, worth pointing out! Actually a tough call here, both perform incredibly well at the price points, and a lot more in common than in contrast – slightly different takes on a similar tuning I would say, with the NX8 being a touch safer due to the more subtle treble response.
BGVP NS10 Pro
And now for a set that hasn’t had much attention from what I can see, and in my opinion that is a shame – the NS10 Pro is a deviation from the more conventional tuning of both the NX8 or P7, taking a step into more risky waters where it plays more in a slightly specialist territory – brighter than the P7, which means of course brighter than the NX8 and has an edge or bite in the upper mids that can add a touch of magic when called upon, especially in those violin or even higher synth register moments that lead to some hairs standing due to the emotive kick. Early days for me with the NS10 Pro, but I would say the edge will be won in particular with less complex arrangements, and definitely more emotive for genres that I personally love such as ambient or modern classical – the NS10 Pro manages to better captivate, especially with those somewhat risky upper mids… a topic anyway for a later review. The NX8 and P7 both safer and more competent all-rounders, but the NS10 Pro has a emotive and captivating slant with the right music.
Conclusion
The NX8 to my ears is a solid, impressive all-rounder, or jack (or Jill…) of all trades – it will happily play any genre that takes your fancy, and sound at the very least good, if not very good. It perhaps lacks a touch of magic somewhere, be it a hefty dose of bass, thick and emotive mids, or ultra-sparkly uppers – the theme really is one of safety and balance – not doing anything wrong, but maybe not wowing you either. Overall though, it is an excellent recommendation if you want something that just works, no matter what the genre and I would expect pretty much guaranteed a good fit and comfort.
All things considered and especially at a $200 price point, I think the NX8 is a solid 4.5-star IEM and certainly one I recommend if in the market for a set that will play well no matter what you throw at them. The only reason I’d say not a 5-star is simply as there is a bit of a lack of pizazz in the tuning, the safety keeps them safe, but maybe just doesn’t quite captivate when some music seeks to do so.

kesobie
100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Superb coherency for a tribrid
Versatile Tuning
Warm but technically capable sound
Good details
Beautiful aesthetic
Good accessory inclusion
Versatile Tuning
Warm but technically capable sound
Good details
Beautiful aesthetic
Good accessory inclusion
Cons: Not the most stable or best sealing fit
Occasional metallic timbre
Not the most technical or detailed tribrid for the price
Occasional metallic timbre
Not the most technical or detailed tribrid for the price
NICEHCK NX8 REVIEW: A STAR UNDER $200!
WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE:
PROS:
- Superb coherency for a tribrid
- Versatile Tuning
- Warm but technically capable sound
- Good details
- Beautiful aesthetic
- Good accessory inclusion
CONS:
- Not the most stable or best sealing fit
- Occasional metallic timbre
- Not the most technical or detailed tribrid for the price
WHO THIS SET IS FOR:
- People who are looking for a coherent tribrid sound
- People looking for a warmer tilt to the modern hybrid sound
- People looking for a versatile tuned IEM
WHO THIS SET ISN’T FOR:
- People who want a technical-focused IEM
- People who want a snug-fitting and sealing IEM
- People who want a more nuanced sound
RECOMMENDED GENRES:
- Most genres work well
SHORT REVIEW:
NiceHCK’s improvement in the NX series peaks with the NX8 with impeccable tuning, good technicalities and superb coherency for a tribrid under $200. There’s so much to love about this IEM and very little to hate, but its versatility is also its achilles heel as it just doesn’t excite you as much as other more fun-tuned sets in this very competitive price range. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!FULL REVIEW:
In the advent of multidriver IEMs, it’s hard to deny that the “more is better” movement has come back swinging with multitude of different driver types in the market, one conduction, piezoelectric, microplanars and passive radiators just to name a few. This, expectedly, leaves many companies scrounging up the best ways to implement multidriver tech into their IEMs. But what about those who have been doing multidrivers sets for a while? Let’s see how NiceHCK implements their own with the NX8.
THE NEXT IN LINE
If you’re familiar with NiceHCK, you should know that they’re quite prestigious in the audio market for being one of the few that have been consistent with their releases in the last few years. They have never really been the type to be trend setters, but they’ve always been close by whenever something new came around. This was evident in their products like the planar F1 and the topic of today’s review, the NX8.The NX8 is a $200 tribrid featuring a single dynamic driver, 6 balanced armature drivers and 1 piezoelectric driver. Technically speaking, this should make it fall in line with the previous NX7 series of IEMs. However, the NX8 fundamentally changes the driver configuration by adding an additional balanced armature to the set-up. There are also physical changes, but let’s talk about that later. Let’s start with the unboxing experience.
UNBOXING:
As far as unboxings go, the NX8 does not disappoint for $200. A good amount of accessories with a good enough quality to keep you from needing to buy anything else.Here’s a full list of the accessories:
- NX8 IEMs
- Cable
- Carrying Case
- Eartips
- Cleaning Tool
- Paperwork
What I find most fascinating is the inclusion of this liquid-silicone style eartip. While not a new concept, including something like this in your package is much appreciated especially considering the other ear tips included are unfortunately not very good to pair with the IEMs.
The case is high quality and spacious, but most importantly very compact unlike other cases. It has a surprisingly large volume while being small enough to be chucked into my back without issues. Not pocketable though, sadly.
BUILD & FIT
On first glance, the NX8 has got to be one of the prettiest looking IEM that I’ve seen with it’s purple theme and soft appearance. Looking closer, however, will stun you with how detailed the design on the faceplate is. It seems to be inspired by a beautiful purple galaxy with little glittering stars shining with the right lighting. I absolutely love how this looks and has become one of my favorite IEMs in terms of aesthetics.
The quality of the build on the other hand is just about average for a resin IEM. The faceplate is thankfully covered in a layer of resin which protects it from being damaged or scratched and the inner shell is just pure resin. The decision to finally go 2-pin over the weird protruding connector is a plus, but that also means that the NX8 and NiceHCK seems to have finally let go of that connector all-together.
My biggest gripe with the build is this nozzle. NiceHCK decided to make the NX8’s nozzle removable and include a replacement nozzle. This isn’t to change to sound and is instead for either repairs or modding opportunities. Unfortunately, that nozzle is ridiculously easy to unscrew and I’d find myself unintentionally turning the nozzle as I adjusted the eartips or the earpieces in my ear. I assume it has to do with the fact that resin just isn’t very good for maintaining screw-ability, compared to its contemporaries, but I think they could have done a better job with the nozzle.
Fit wise, it’s nothing special as it just fits alright with good comfort but subpar stability and seal. The cable pairing doesn’t help with stability as it ends up hovering over my ear rather than wrapping around my ear, but we’ll talk more about the cable later. The earpieces themselves are small enough to fit snugly into my ear, but the shape is a little too rounded for my ears to grip onto the IEM and prevent it being dislodged.
Cable wise, NiceHCK included a high quality cable with the NX8. It’s a dual strand cable with a nice brown tint and uses a nice material both physically and aesthetically. Could it have been more premium? Of course, but they made the material of the cable comfortable and very functional. My only gripe is the ear hooks are a bit too curved up. I would usually say it might be a QC thing for the earhook to be this far up, but I experienced the same thing with the F1 Pro a few months prior. I assume that whoever’s molding the ear hooks are being used for NiceHCK cables, their ears are way too big.
SOUND:
Sound Signature:
The NX8 has a modern “neutral” sound signature with a slight emphasis on the low end. Many IEMs in the $200 have this kind of tuning, but the NX8 stands out as it sounds more natural timbre wise. Hybrids, particularly, suffer from this incoherency that is caused by the treble being a bit too defined and the bass sounding slower or warmer. Essentially, this gives the effect of specific regions having a very defined contrast between low and high frequencies that sounds “unnatural”. This is less present in single DDs, but can still happen if the DD quality is poor or the tuning is poor.
Source and AMP Pairing:
The NX8 is an easy to drive and responsive pair where using a cheaper or lower quality amp can overemphasize the metallic timbre or the sloppiness of the bass. Using a higher quality source in turn makes the NX8 sound considerably more consistent and better separated overall.Volume Scaling:
One of my favorite things about the NX8 is how well it scales with volume compared to other hybrids I’ve tried in this price range. I can jack up the volume pretty well without harshness, but not as high as darker/warmer sets that I’ve heard. I can comfortably go medium to high volume with the NX8.Listening Experience:
I want to try something different with the NX8 review as I want to share my experience with this with the songs I listened to rather than throw random terms that some people might not understand.The NX8 excels with basically most genres as I found its tuning to be very versatile. From bass to treble, most tracks that I listened to on the NX8 were satisfactory. However, this versatility also made it not the most “exciting” to listen to on specific genres that likes a more specialized.
Necry Talkie’s album, ZOO !!, was one such album where its versatility made the overall experience genuinely so good. ZOO !! is such a dynamic album that leans to a brighter overall mix with the drums and cymbals having such a distinct sharp and fast attack that the NX8 was able to present beautifully. You Should Head North has, and will always be, one of the best test tracks in my arsenal as it combines a very thick but nuanced bass and the tendency to shout that I absolutely love to test on the products that come to my doorstep.
The NX8 presents that track and, in general, the whole album with such balance that gave me a new appreciation for the album that other IEMs and headphones don’t really do. However, it’s not really “perfect” in the way that due to the brighter mixing, the incoherency and metallic timbre stands out. Thankfully, the shout isn’t really that strong due to the somewhat subdued upper midrange paired with the warmer tone. Speaking of, the warmer tone does stand out as while it does provide the bass notes good definition and detail, the warmth can occasionally get overwhelming. I think this is an effect of this style of tuning with the mixing of the album, but it’s also my own personal tastes as I do want a leaner but more nuanced bass in my IEMs.
Another album I experienced the NX8 on is the Hold Up, Look Back album of Woody and Jeremy. This is an album that I’ve had a slow burn love for as I didn’t really enjoy it on first listen, but grew to love it more and more. The NX8 is also partially to blame as its funky nature somehow fits the NX8’s neutral-warm tuning really well. The funky synths and bass paired with the distinctly crisp cymbals and hi hats are so satisfying to listen to on that specific album with the NX8. Once again, however, the issue of the treble occasionally sounding metallic is the main issue I had with this album. It’s not as bad as the ZOO !! album, but still distinct enough to be an issue for some people.
Listening to something more nuanced like Hotel California does show the NX8’s weakness of sounding a little bit cramped overall. While separating the instruments are great for the price, the overall sound is a bit in your head and not very “wide” or “tall”. I know that this is a tuning thing more than a physical thing for IEMs, but really good IEMs can present that “headstage” in a very wide sense. The NX8 is not one of those IEMs, however. Thankfully, it makes up for having superb instrument separation especially with separating the more dominant guitars, the Eagles’ wonderful vocals and the very clean but rich bass guitar. However, I wouldn’t say that this is the most “resolving” IEM that I’ve heard for the price as it’s more focused on warmth and relaxation overall.
Probably my biggest gripe with the NX8 overall is also what makes it good. I personally enjoy more engaging and energetic sets and the NX8 just isn’t that. It’s a neutral leaning warm set with impeccable tonal balance but just doesn’t have the kick that I usually look for in an IEM. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t make this set bad at all. But as someone who’s used to more v-shaped and u-shaped sets, this level of “neutrality” can be a bit sterile especially when doing direct A/B with other sets. Speaking of which;
COMPARISON:
vs Aful Performer 5+2
I’ve made a short comparison with the Aful and I pointed out the fact that the NX8 has got to be the closest comparison to the former. More listening time on both sets did not change my mind as I genuinely think that the Aful and the NX8’s main differences is not in tuning but execution of the driver. The NX8 has a stronger emphasis on the low end compared to the Aful’s slightly more v-shaped tuning. Paired with Aful’s treble tuning also makes it a considerably less coherent sounding IEM which I’ve pointed out in my comparison. But that doesn’t mean that the NX8 is outright better as the Aful has a superior detail, separation and headstage and far superior fit and comfort. One of the things I can give credit to Aful is how well they craft their IEMs and their molds. Regardless, both IEMs are great choices and comes down to whether you want something more natural or more “technical
vs Rose Technics QT9 MK3
A simpler yet more specialized hybrid, the QT9 MK3 has a considerably brighter and leaner sound compared to the NX8’s more neutral leaning warm sound. I want to say they contrast each other, but the NX8 has a bit of brightness in its tuning. The main difference and the “selling point” between the two is whether you want a specialized bright-neutral sounding IEM with impeccable technical ability or a more neutral and more versatile tuned IEM. Additionally, the QT9 MK3 is prone to sibilance and harshness due to that emphasis in the treble which makes it unbearable for treble sensitives or treble heavy tracks. NX8 handles treble heavy better, but is less engaging in return.
vs Simgot EA1000
Compared to the EA1000, the EA1000 follows the QT9 MK3 by being a more specialized kind of sound compared to the NX8 as it’s brighter than balanced. However, the emphasis in the lower mids does give it a far more balanced listening experience compared to the NX8. The highlight and the main comparison between the two is definitely the EA1000 having a far superior technical ability compared to the NX8. The EA1000’s level of detail and nuance is some of the best I’ve heard for the price and is arguably the reason why it’s such a compelling set for me personally. Tactility is amazing and the details is crazy good while maintaining a very listenable sound for most genres. It all comes down to whether you want a slightly more balanced QT9 MK3 in the EA1000 or a more neutral, leaning warm with the NX8
vs Dunu Falcon Ultra
Falling in line closer to the NX8 than the last two, the Falcon Ultra is a traditional U-Shaped IEM with emphasis on both ends giving it a very engaging but expectedly less “neutral” sound compared to the NX8. Interesting, the Falcon Ultra ends up sounding more “natural” timbre wise while also being more v-shaped over the NX8’s more neutral but less consistent sound. Like the EA1000, the Falcon Ultra is also a more technically capable sounding IEM compared to the NX8. However, the tuning is definitely more skewed to a more “colored” and “fun” sound over the NX8’s more reference-like tuning.
CONCLUSION:
NiceHCK has undoubtedly made their mark in the budget tribrid with the NX series of IEMs and the NX8 is arguably their best release by far. Great unboxing experience, beautiful aesthetics and impeccable tonal balance with good technical ability. While it’s not necessarily the “best” hybrid to come out in recent times, it’s still a testament to NiceHCK’s ability to create a consistent product that lines up with their ideologies while also being able to keep up with the competition pretty well.
My only wish for NiceHCK is that they’d experiment with more driver types in the future and maybe create a series successor the NX lineup so we can see them flex their tuning muscles a bit more. But as it stands, the NX8 is an impressive IEM not only for NiceHCK, but also for anyone looking for a balanced, versatile but technically capable IEM.
Thank you for reading my review on the NX8. If you would like to get one, consider using the non-affiliated link below:
NICEHCK Website:
https://nicehck.com/products/nicehc...t-hybrid-earphone?_pos=1&_sid=5bbab3099&_ss=r
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW4DKFF
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW3MRPK
AliExpress :https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008113784727.html
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gadgetgod
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: 1. Good bass punch
2. Hefty mid-bass
3. Rumbling sub-bass
4. Smooth, warm tone
5. Rounded, rich vocals and hefty instruments
6. Sweet sound profile
7. Enjoyable Signature
2. Hefty mid-bass
3. Rumbling sub-bass
4. Smooth, warm tone
5. Rounded, rich vocals and hefty instruments
6. Sweet sound profile
7. Enjoyable Signature
Cons: 1. The included nozzle replacement has no sound change, its the same as stock
2. Treble sounds rolled-off, I would have loved more excitement
3. Micro dynamics could be a bit better
2. Treble sounds rolled-off, I would have loved more excitement
3. Micro dynamics could be a bit better
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 following links(non-affiliated):-
NiceHCK Website:https://nicehck.com/products/nicehck-nx8-in-ear-monitor-with-1dd-6ba-1pzt-8-unit-hybrid-earphone
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW4DKFF
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW3MRPK
AliExpress :https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008113784727.html
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.
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 following links(non-affiliated):-
NiceHCK Website:https://nicehck.com/products/nicehck-nx8-in-ear-monitor-with-1dd-6ba-1pzt-8-unit-hybrid-earphone
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW4DKFF
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNW3MRPK
AliExpress :https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008113784727.html
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.
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S
syd67
hello! try changing the nozzles to similar ones from the simgot ea1000, in particular with a red rubber ring. Thanks for the good review.
cqtek
1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Powerful, big, voluminous, dark, dense and weighty bass.
- Midrange with forward and very full voices.
- Benefit from more analytical and neutral sources.
- Elegant and ergonomic design.
- Interchangeable mouthpieces.
- Good set of accessories, including the new C04 transparent silicone tips in four sizes.
- Midrange with forward and very full voices.
- Benefit from more analytical and neutral sources.
- Elegant and ergonomic design.
- Interchangeable mouthpieces.
- Good set of accessories, including the new C04 transparent silicone tips in four sizes.
Cons: Treble and smooth tuning.
- The thickness of the notes prevents it from being more defined.
- NiceHCK knows how to make better cables, at least, more eye-catching.
- The thickness of the notes prevents it from being more defined.
- NiceHCK knows how to make better cables, at least, more eye-catching.
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



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:
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




Purchase Link


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


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.


NiceHCK 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


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


Dsnuts
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: First NX tribrid with a newly designed original shell.
Comes with an excellent case and usable tips.
Option for upgraded cables when ordering
Well-fitting smaller side of medium in size
Easy to listen to smooth treble response
Full forward meaty, musical sound signature
Punchy bass with good extension and definition
Decent height and depth to the sound.
Comes with an excellent case and usable tips.
Option for upgraded cables when ordering
Well-fitting smaller side of medium in size
Easy to listen to smooth treble response
Full forward meaty, musical sound signature
Punchy bass with good extension and definition
Decent height and depth to the sound.
Cons: Color scheme doesn't match well
Average stage and passive isolation
PZT timbre- not for everyone
Not the best cohesion
2ndary set of nozzles has no change to the sound
Short overly dampened nozzles which hampers the sound
Average technicalities for the price point.
Lacks treble sparkle due to the stock nozzles
Needs an aftermarket nozzle to bring out the best sound.
(Read the review)
Average stage and passive isolation
PZT timbre- not for everyone
Not the best cohesion
2ndary set of nozzles has no change to the sound
Short overly dampened nozzles which hampers the sound
Average technicalities for the price point.
Lacks treble sparkle due to the stock nozzles
Needs an aftermarket nozzle to bring out the best sound.
(Read the 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.

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.
Last edited:
Kerwen911
New Head-Fier
Pros: 1.Good frequency response range.
2.Beautiful starry panel design.
3.The earphones are lightweight, allowing for extended wear.
2.Beautiful starry panel design.
3.The earphones are lightweight, allowing for extended wear.
Cons: 1.There are subtle differences in sound between the left and right sides.
2.The left ear cable does not fit well against the ear.
2.The left ear cable does not fit well against the ear.
NX8 from Starry Sky !!
Declaration: I wrote this review out of passion to express some of my own opinions. This review is not sponsored in any way.
Specifications:
Brand: NICEHCKModel:NX8
Product type: IEMDriver Configuration:1DD 6BA 1PZT
Connector:0.78 2pinFrequency Response:20-30KHz
Impedance:19Ω Sensitivity: 111dB/mW
Cavity material:Resin Plug:3.5/4.4mm
Cable:OCC+silver plated mixed
Unboxing & Accessories
After you unwrap the outer delivery box, you'll find a small box about the size of a palm. Let’s open this little box adorned with star patterns to see what’s inside. (You can hold it with one hand and let it slowly drop; I really enjoy this process.)
Once opened, you immediately see two beautiful purple starry designs. By lifting the top layer of black cardboard, you'll find a white translucent box containing six pairs of ear tips (I believe it includes small, medium, and large sizes). By the way, a pair of white ear tips is already attached to the headphones. You’ll also find a small black zippered pouch. So, what’s inside the black pouch? That’s right, it contains cables, a user manual, and a warranty card.
Now, let’s get everything assembled and start our musical journey. (Since my phone has a Type-C port, I’ve also prepared a decoder to connect.)
First Listening Impression
Fantastic Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAbokV76tkU
The first song I listened to was Bigbang's "FANTASTIC BABY." I was really amazed by it; the background sounds are processed with incredible detail. It has a very atmospheric feel, and the vocals are also very natural.
Sound
I don't have professional tools to test the sound variations in different frequencies, but I can describe some of my feelings when listening to music.
Bass
Cantatas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SJxUZj0PDU&list=PLecKPCyj4yRMxTujJw1hSwtFK0-KiUTx1
Fugue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym6CMpyoN5U
When I first listened to Bigbang's "FANTASTIC BABY," I was very satisfied with its performance. Perhaps it’s the effect of combining six balanced armature (BA) drivers; it has excellent separation and rich detail handling.
Later, I tried many different styles of music, including rock, DJ, pop, and some sonatas. The NX8 was able to reproduce these genres very well. However, the ultra-bass section didn’t quite shock me. This means it might lose some very subtle sounds, but that’s not important since they are almost inaudible anyway.
Midrange
Lonely Warrior
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJee3mkRdzk
Warmth and richness are probably the main characteristics of the midrange. The hybrid driver configuration also gives it a high level of separation. Both the vocals and background music are very full and powerful. I’m not sure if I’m being a bit picky, but I feel that in some songs, the background music seems to envelop the vocals. Maybe it’s due to the songs themselves?
Treble
I Knew You Were Trouble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORvS3S_UyX0
Its treble does have a certain extension, but I don't want to use the word "airy" to describe it. Maybe "detailed" is more appropriate. In the ultra-high frequencies, there are occasionally slight sibilant sounds, perhaps once in a song or not at all. Overall, the treble section is very powerful.
Conclusion
Overall, the NX8 achieves a good level of comfort and sound performance. If you’re not looking for extreme bass or treble, I think it would be a great choice. It performs well in terms of frequency response, separation, and detail handling, and it’s priced at just $199.
For me, the only flaw is that the left ear cable doesn’t fit my ear perfectly, but I still believe it’s worth recommending.

Declaration: I wrote this review out of passion to express some of my own opinions. This review is not sponsored in any way.
Specifications:
Brand: NICEHCKModel:NX8
Product type: IEMDriver Configuration:1DD 6BA 1PZT
Connector:0.78 2pinFrequency Response:20-30KHz
Impedance:19Ω Sensitivity: 111dB/mW
Cavity material:Resin Plug:3.5/4.4mm
Cable:OCC+silver plated mixed
Unboxing & Accessories

After you unwrap the outer delivery box, you'll find a small box about the size of a palm. Let’s open this little box adorned with star patterns to see what’s inside. (You can hold it with one hand and let it slowly drop; I really enjoy this process.)

Once opened, you immediately see two beautiful purple starry designs. By lifting the top layer of black cardboard, you'll find a white translucent box containing six pairs of ear tips (I believe it includes small, medium, and large sizes). By the way, a pair of white ear tips is already attached to the headphones. You’ll also find a small black zippered pouch. So, what’s inside the black pouch? That’s right, it contains cables, a user manual, and a warranty card.
Now, let’s get everything assembled and start our musical journey. (Since my phone has a Type-C port, I’ve also prepared a decoder to connect.)
First Listening Impression
Fantastic Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAbokV76tkU
The first song I listened to was Bigbang's "FANTASTIC BABY." I was really amazed by it; the background sounds are processed with incredible detail. It has a very atmospheric feel, and the vocals are also very natural.
Sound
I don't have professional tools to test the sound variations in different frequencies, but I can describe some of my feelings when listening to music.
Bass
Cantatas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SJxUZj0PDU&list=PLecKPCyj4yRMxTujJw1hSwtFK0-KiUTx1
Fugue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym6CMpyoN5U
When I first listened to Bigbang's "FANTASTIC BABY," I was very satisfied with its performance. Perhaps it’s the effect of combining six balanced armature (BA) drivers; it has excellent separation and rich detail handling.
Later, I tried many different styles of music, including rock, DJ, pop, and some sonatas. The NX8 was able to reproduce these genres very well. However, the ultra-bass section didn’t quite shock me. This means it might lose some very subtle sounds, but that’s not important since they are almost inaudible anyway.
Midrange
Lonely Warrior
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJee3mkRdzk
Warmth and richness are probably the main characteristics of the midrange. The hybrid driver configuration also gives it a high level of separation. Both the vocals and background music are very full and powerful. I’m not sure if I’m being a bit picky, but I feel that in some songs, the background music seems to envelop the vocals. Maybe it’s due to the songs themselves?
Treble
I Knew You Were Trouble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORvS3S_UyX0
Its treble does have a certain extension, but I don't want to use the word "airy" to describe it. Maybe "detailed" is more appropriate. In the ultra-high frequencies, there are occasionally slight sibilant sounds, perhaps once in a song or not at all. Overall, the treble section is very powerful.
Conclusion

Overall, the NX8 achieves a good level of comfort and sound performance. If you’re not looking for extreme bass or treble, I think it would be a great choice. It performs well in terms of frequency response, separation, and detail handling, and it’s priced at just $199.
For me, the only flaw is that the left ear cable doesn’t fit my ear perfectly, but I still believe it’s worth recommending.
o0genesis0o
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: + Indulgent, thick bass response
+ Comfortable fit due to small shells and small nozzles
+ Good tonal balance and overall technical performance to complement the bass
+ Comfortable fit due to small shells and small nozzles
+ Good tonal balance and overall technical performance to complement the bass
Cons: - The soundstage could be more spread out and open to take advantage of the good imaging
- Printed faceplates do not stand up well to closer inspection
- Printed faceplates do not stand up well to closer inspection
Today, we look at the flagship from the current line up of NiceHck, the tribrid NX8.
My main impression of NX8 is that it is much smaller its online photos, which is particularly impressive given the number of drivers it packs. The combination of small shells, small nozzles, and the new silicone tips NiceHck C04 leads to a very comfortable wearing experience. My only nitpicking about the design of NX8 is the fact that the nice starry faceplates are actually printed plastic plates covered by a layer of clear coating. I find this cost cutting design element cheapen the nice design and build quality elsewhere on the earpieces.
Timbre:
NX8 does not deviate far from the success formula followed by various IEMs in 2024, with a warm-neutral with sub-bass boost sound signature. On both graph and cursory listening across genres, there are very little that I can fault NX8 in terms of tonality and tonal balance. However, closer listening to the midrange region leaves me wanting. Despite the tastefully boosted lower-midrange, I’m surprised to find that there is just a slight lack of richness in most voices and instruments, preventing them from achieving the same emotional response that I anticipated. I admit it’s rather nitpicking and would be hard to engineering a solution.
The treble of NX8 also has a … particular timbre to it. It’s not offensive or off-putting, and I found that I don’t notice it anymore after spending a few weeks with this IEM.
Percussion, Bass, and perceived dynamic:
The calling card of NX8 is the bass. Powerful, indulgent, and satisfying all around. Yes, NX8 does sacrifice a certain degree of tightness and control over bass transient to gain a stronger sense of impact, but ultimately, it’s quite rare for this IEM to be too “slow” for a bassline across my library.
Resolution:
Good, but not outstanding. NX8 never sounds particularly blunted or congested, and the detail retrieval in the treble region is commendable in sparse recordings. However, it’s not particularly resolving either.
Stereo imaging and soundstage:
Again, NX8 is good but not quite outstanding when it comes to stereo imaging and soundstage. The main advantage of NX8 is the sense of depth and the overall accuracy of localisation. However, the stage size of NX8 is only average in the realm of IEMs, thus nullifying some of its advantages.
NX8 is relatively easy to drive. It requires a few extra volume notches compared to easy-to-drive IEMs like AFUL Performer5+2, but it’s not difficult enough to cause any problem for a small DAP like HiBy R3II. I did not hear substantial “scaling” when moving from smaller DAP to larger DAP and desktop DAC/amp setup besides a slight improvement in soundstage size.
Vs AFUL Performer5+2 (P7):
What I like about this IEM:
What could be improved:
Updated: December 14, 2024
Forewords
- What I look for in an IEM is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around my head, track individual instruments, and hear all of their textures and details. I’m not picky about tonality, as long as it does not make the orchestra, violin, cellos, and pianos sound wrong.
- I rate IEMs within with a consistent scale from 1 (Poor) to 3 (Good) to 5 (Outstanding). An overall ranking of 3/5 or above is considered positive.
- Ranking list and measurement database are on my IEM review blog.
- The terminology for subjective impressions in this review is based on the Audio Wheel for reproduced sound defined in the technical report ITU-R BS.2399-0
- This review is based on a review sample from NiceHck (Thank you!). I have no affiliation with or financial interest in NiceHck.
- The unit retails for $199 at the time this review was published. Unaffiliated link: NiceHck Web Store
General Information

Non-sound Aspects


My main impression of NX8 is that it is much smaller its online photos, which is particularly impressive given the number of drivers it packs. The combination of small shells, small nozzles, and the new silicone tips NiceHck C04 leads to a very comfortable wearing experience. My only nitpicking about the design of NX8 is the fact that the nice starry faceplates are actually printed plastic plates covered by a layer of clear coating. I find this cost cutting design element cheapen the nice design and build quality elsewhere on the earpieces.
Sonic Performance
Timbre:





NX8 does not deviate far from the success formula followed by various IEMs in 2024, with a warm-neutral with sub-bass boost sound signature. On both graph and cursory listening across genres, there are very little that I can fault NX8 in terms of tonality and tonal balance. However, closer listening to the midrange region leaves me wanting. Despite the tastefully boosted lower-midrange, I’m surprised to find that there is just a slight lack of richness in most voices and instruments, preventing them from achieving the same emotional response that I anticipated. I admit it’s rather nitpicking and would be hard to engineering a solution.
The treble of NX8 also has a … particular timbre to it. It’s not offensive or off-putting, and I found that I don’t notice it anymore after spending a few weeks with this IEM.
Percussion, Bass, and perceived dynamic:

The calling card of NX8 is the bass. Powerful, indulgent, and satisfying all around. Yes, NX8 does sacrifice a certain degree of tightness and control over bass transient to gain a stronger sense of impact, but ultimately, it’s quite rare for this IEM to be too “slow” for a bassline across my library.
Resolution:

Good, but not outstanding. NX8 never sounds particularly blunted or congested, and the detail retrieval in the treble region is commendable in sparse recordings. However, it’s not particularly resolving either.
Stereo imaging and soundstage:


Again, NX8 is good but not quite outstanding when it comes to stereo imaging and soundstage. The main advantage of NX8 is the sense of depth and the overall accuracy of localisation. However, the stage size of NX8 is only average in the realm of IEMs, thus nullifying some of its advantages.
Driveability
NX8 is relatively easy to drive. It requires a few extra volume notches compared to easy-to-drive IEMs like AFUL Performer5+2, but it’s not difficult enough to cause any problem for a small DAP like HiBy R3II. I did not hear substantial “scaling” when moving from smaller DAP to larger DAP and desktop DAC/amp setup besides a slight improvement in soundstage size.
Comparisons
Vs AFUL Performer5+2 (P7):
- Despite having identical graphs, NX8 sounds like a bass-focused IEM whilst P7 sounds more open and “lighter”.
- The midrange tonal balance of P7 and NX8 are nearly identical. That said, the timbre of the midrange of P7 and NX8 are different. I found that NX8 lacks some richness and density in the midrange. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable with cellos and male vocals.
- The bass of NX8 sounds thicker and with seemingly longer decay, whilst P7 sounds more “bouncy” and elastic. The amount of bass is quite similar, but the “slower” bass of NX8 makes it feels more bassy, if not slightly “bleeding” over the midrange.
- P7 has an advantage when it comes to overall clarity and detail retrieval.
- The soundstage of P7 spreads out more and feels more open than that of NX8.
Gallery






Conclusions
What I like about this IEM:
- Indulgent, thick bass response
- Comfortable fit due to small shells and small nozzles
- Good tonal balance and overall technical performance to complement the bass
What could be improved:
- The soundstage could be more spread out and open to take advantage of the good imaging
- Printed faceplates do not stand up well to closer inspection

Updated: December 14, 2024

lycos
Your review really set high benchmark for any reviewers. Excellent presentation: clean summary in table form which is easy to follow, graphics to describe what you heard, lovely photos and again nice sum up !!

Kerwen911
Great review! I also wanna post a review about this Iem.However the left cable always run away, i don't know if this caused by ear shape.
Redcarmoose
Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: It's almost 2025, time for earphone Science Fiction to become a reality
Amazingly well rounded playback, all day long with all music
You can hear (it seems) all 8 drivers
At only 6 grams each, an amazing miniaturization for an 8 driver Hybrid
A single 10mm Titanium Coated DD, 1PZT and 6 BAs
Special rectangular faceplate vent for extra (large) open stage
Two lower vents for air-ventilation, adding to comfort
New super clear NiceHCK C04 ear-tips, also regular 07 ear-tip models
Super comfortable shell design with longer nozzle than previous Himalaya
Fancy aftermarket level cable demanded to be used due to keeping the NX8 real
Comes with the same nice case as more expensive Himalaya
Simply sounds like a more expensive IEM
Complete and correct tonality
Such a even and balanced tone probably will be loved by many?
Amazingly well rounded playback, all day long with all music
You can hear (it seems) all 8 drivers
At only 6 grams each, an amazing miniaturization for an 8 driver Hybrid
A single 10mm Titanium Coated DD, 1PZT and 6 BAs
Special rectangular faceplate vent for extra (large) open stage
Two lower vents for air-ventilation, adding to comfort
New super clear NiceHCK C04 ear-tips, also regular 07 ear-tip models
Super comfortable shell design with longer nozzle than previous Himalaya
Fancy aftermarket level cable demanded to be used due to keeping the NX8 real
Comes with the same nice case as more expensive Himalaya
Simply sounds like a more expensive IEM
Complete and correct tonality
Such a even and balanced tone probably will be loved by many?
Cons: Not extreme sub-bass or exteme treble, genuinely balanced while still vivid
It came from space!
The new NiceHCK NX8 Hybrid Universal IEM
Redcarmoose Labs December 2nd, 2024
It seems out of nowhere, the NX8 Universal IEM arrives to really set the midrange price point bar as to just how great you can make $199.00 sound. Over a week ago I was 5 feet off-the-ground over the sound response and fitment, and I still am. Let me tell you a story!
So 8 days ago the NX8 arrived and I made first impressions. The NX8 has undergone 7 days of burn-in. This it seems added to the stage girth and fluidness along with a beautiful added effortlessness. I was going to report on a few cable rolls in this review, and after doing the tests I came upon a very different idea. Yep, the included cable is not modular, but can come in 3.5mm or 4.4mm. Upon testing the NX8 with a few pricey aftermarket ideas, I thought to myself…………actually the included cable is still comparable to alternative expensive aftermarket choices. Plus the NX8 was in 4.4mm some of the best sounding reminding me that this must have been the exact sound NiceHCK was going for when they invented the 8 driver Hybrid? I mean sure I used a colored cable which boosted the stage ever-so slightly and added to the vocal presence, yet the cable made the NX8 slightly strange and while this playback may be preferred by some, the differences were not night and day from the included cable. Then I tried an uncolored cable that is known for adding a toned down upper midrange and adding lower midrange girth. And once more there was really no need for an aftermarket cable. Make no mistake the NiceHCK is resolute enough to fully parley these new cable changes. Except NiceHCK is a cable builder as much as they are an IEM maker, so they must know what they are doing with providing the included cable? Plus the included cable is super ergonomic and feels great in use! 10 points.
Note the rectangular vent under faceplate border
Fitment:
What, why am I talking about fit so early in the review? Again just like how the cable emulates more expensive cables and brings about satisfaction, at just 6 grams each weight, and the overall smallness for an 8 driver IEM is totally special. Better fitting maybe (due to a longer nozzle) for some than last February’s NiceHCK Himalaya? But really we have the exact size of a small-medium and offers silky smooth curves and lines. It is maybe the results of these 3 air-vents creating equal pressure allowing for a comfortable deep fitting seal and prefect positioning? Never moving out of place, never asking for an adjustment.
Build:
Here we are met with a 3D resin build offering no air-ports near or under the nozzle. Nope, instead an experimental rectangular vent off to the side of the faceplate as seen in pictures. There are also two different side air-vents on the side of the shell. Flush 2Pins have a way about then, never having to force 2Pin cables in. Just as easy going as the sound here, everything slides in place.
The identical change-out nozzle choice:
They also look for all intents and purposes the same. I tried the two alternate Himalaya nozzles besides gold, and while they looked very much the same, they for some reason didn’t screw down. These styles of situations require care as to not to cross thread the NX8 IEM receivers. So I just left it as that. But you are given an extra set of identical nozzles, also they sound identical.
Packaging:
Here we are awarded by plastic covers on the IEMs. After the single piece of black paper is removed we are provided with seeing both the ear-tip case and IEM case, as well as the IEMs themselves. While our cable is different from the Himalaya, and is not modular like the Himalaya, the ear-tip case is the same, though filled with a new style of ear-tips, and the IEM cases are identical. Really for this price point, NiceHCK has been very complete and nice with the packaging and extra included supplies.
Cable:
As talked about earlier, the included cable has been tested among more expensive aftermarket cables and does a great job letting the NX8 be itself. An OCC Silver plated cable comes in your choice (when ordered) of 3.5mm or 4.4mm. While it has ear-hooks they are so supple and relaxed, the ear-hooks seem to go with the whole program at hand. You have an aluminum branded plug and right and left color coded markers on the 2Pins.
Ear-tips:
The new C04 (super clear) ear-tips (are included) which were a blast, and provided the older style NiceHCK 07 models. To reiterate these new clear tips allow the NX8 to join a little farther back in placement due to thin walled construction, and therefor gets a fantastic seal. I can't wait to try them on other IEMs to see if they hold the same magic!
Sound and driver ideas:
This is the quintessential Hybrid sound.
What that should mean to you is you are offered a physical bass, a fully itemized midrange and mid-treble found under a slightly different (in a good way) PZT ultra-treble. It is in fact that NiceHCK has now gone all out to provide 6 BAs, which you can actually seem to hear in action, providing every nook-and-cranny of small sonic fill-in here? Yep, there is detail, only somehow NiceHCK has gone and added correct timbre in the BA examples. What I mean by this maybe happens due to two choices. 1) The drivers are slightly tuned-down which never exacerbates off treble, and 2) these are a whole new design of BA, at least to my hearing it is. What I mean is after burn-in the timbre is pretty much dead-on correct, even with my difficult test tracks? It really has a good timbre, and probably besides stage size is one of the most important features today.
Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1kHz - 24bit
Treble:
At the 00:39 mark there are piano keys which hold correct timbre, but also are not in any way annoying (stark) or overbearing. This fact is an example of how the NX8 walks that perfect line, a line that has the treble be not bright, or dull, it really is the middle of the road. This was something I have always asked myself while listening from time to time, like straight out of the box the NiceHCK was one IEM that I simply kept listening to, finding a full fascinating first listen. You may get the idea about it written in the First Impressions segment following this……………..To where here we have what I would call a very serviceable treble. What that means is it is bright enough to hold the contrasts needed to separate it from the mids, but at the same time it is not overly bright or a thing of concern to those who may be treble sensitive? Now there is another reason I have put the reprint of First Impressions to follow this sound section, as I found the PZT to be a little more” PZT” sounding straight out of the box. What that means is now we are blessed with pure sounds, and very much any of that PZT character has been smoothed out. To be sure you still hear how it is different from BAs as it has a crispy and separated tone, that is closer to static, but not really going that direction. It is if there was a slight fuzz that you don’t get with BAs, but at the same time, remember this is only the very top of the treble, where BAs make the lower treble area. This extra zone is cool because it also holds a small separation in the stage, where the instruments were already mixed to go, but now they are also separated in texture ability to boot!
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
Mids:
Here I have a test track which goes ahead to delineate the most important set of midrange features. 1) The mids are gigantic. Flowing effortlessly into the stage, we seem to grasp a truly decent stage size, both forward and back, top to bottom and left to right. Inside of that presentation we are gifted with a deep lower midrange as a break into the song at the emotional introduction at 00:42. It is this added synth activity that is both smooth and exciting. A critical tone in this song happens around the drum texture which really starts at 00:09. It is this tone, which in many ways could appear as not a big deal, but I can’t tell you how many IEMs I have simply avoided due to this slapping sound in the drums. The NX8 does not do that, and it is really (actually) correct and beautiful that the NX8 gets this drum (which is all through the song) right!
Bass:
Big bass, while fast, is also well separated like the best Hybrids do. Though do you see the graph? Normally I don’t resort to graphs all that much, but it helps make my point here. While the bass is both firm and dramatic, it is not reaching down into the sub-bass territory all that deep. The way I found this out is by accessing deep Dub music, that with some sets becomes almost overbearing to hear. And while there is nothing wrong with overboard Dub bass, the NX8 has a way to showcase more mid bass and upper bass. Now I want to emphasize that I didn’t even know this, till I looked at the graph and tried my Dub music. And that is the best compliment I can give the NX8 bass, that it is so powerful and emotional and even complete, but just like the rest of the signature walks that balanced line, so provocatively. So just imagine, full-on bass textures with regular Rock and Orchestral music, that it is only when you have electronic bass (like Dub music) that you find out just what character the bass is. What I’m saying is the ambient bass genre like this "Gdanian" uses the utmost of bass authority to get their kicks. And without a prominent bass, music like below would not workout.
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1kHz - 24bit
https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/track/shield-emitter-feat-tineidae
Here the very first message that all is well is the opening bass riffs at really 00:12. To where again the NX8 walks the line of putting enough physicality to make this song work, but not over the top like some IEMs. What this means in the end, the treble, the mids and the bass character is that we can choose any genre, any style of music and have it work-out. But more than work-out, none of this is boring, the NX8 is one of the most well rounded IEMs I have come across in a while! It is the round physicality bass hold here, that is the money!
Hans Zimmer
Wonder Woman 1984 (sketches)
No Hero Is Born from Lies
44.1kHz - 24bit
This is actually a song that should be in the treble section, as far as treble items. And I will get to that, but now we are going to go over Orchestra bass. Again at the opener……00:00. You hear the bass, but what is left out is the dramatic sub-bass this song holds. Not a big deal, just so you know, is the reason I am talking about it. Because if I didn’t look for these test tracks, no one would know! Same as this song has a tremendous amount of way high up tiny hits and bells, and no those sounds are not brought to our attention, yes they are there, but closer to the other sounds. This isn’t a big deal for me, it is just when you read 8 drivers you think you would have it all, when in fact it is a very careful placement of these tone responses that go ahead and do add contrast and have a wide frequency response, it is just they have rolled off a tad bit of highs and the sub-bass. Yet this was all done with such sophisticated demeanor that you would be forgiven for never noticing. Yep, it is that close to the edges of the full frequency, that it makes the NX8 well rounded in the end!
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
Texture:
The texture is both the feeling of the tactile presence in the bass, the way the bass changes notes, and the new places it climbs in the stage. The PZT texture holding electricity into how some of the high pitched bells and cymbals are created. The fact that these textures are more separated inside the midrange to show a kind of perfect world for all to live and enjoy!
It is the separation of textures in how with 8 drivers each element is doing its job. Did I say it really sounds like 8 drivers because it does!
Timbre:
As such the timbre can be thought of a pretty close to perfect, though there may be times (like first impressions) where you need to give the NX8, or rather give yourself time to adjust. But all and all I would rate it at 90% great timbre.
Stage:
It is one of the nicest stages I have heard in the price bracket, there is no way to stop it with a DD, a PZT and 6 BAs all firing off at the same time!
Naturalness:
This naturalness is a positive thing, but I don't exactly know where it is from, but it is there. Meaning there is a special dose of evenness, correctness and completeness that goes one step further to promote such happenings.
Conclusion:
What can I say, I absolutely love the NiceHCK NX8, I really do. Upon first impressions I thought the NX8 sounded like a TOTL Flagship headphone.........and I still do.
This opinion was due to the itemization into the stage and the imaging present, as well as the sheer size of the stage.
Tune:
It really is some of the most sophisticated replay you’re going to find for under $200.00! I don’t care what you try and throw at it, somehow the NX8 seems to play it correctly? While the nozzles are replaceable only in-case your original nozzles get occluded with wax, there may be other nozzles (from other manufactures) that fit. But why? I seriously question why anyone would ever want to change or modify the tune from exactly how it sounds……..it’s really almost perfect.
Fitment:
Then……….then fitment took the cake. I mean I am not sure when I ever wrote a review using simply the included cable and ear-tips? I know that seems lame, but I always seem to fall into liking other cables and ear-tips. Reason being I’m just trying to make the IEM (being reviewed) become the best it can be. And yes, these extras included with the NX8 in the package are making the NX8 come alive! Fitment here is a winning combo of size, weight and shape!
Value:
Really this all comes down to a single concept that says how much sound you are getting for how many dollars spent.
It is a lot of sound for the money!
Notice I never mentioned, if you like excited treble responses or extra bass. While sure there are those types of listeners in IEM land, people that truly adore an extra sub-bass response, or an extra tinkle of the metallic chimes upon hearing it in their favorite song. It is just that I consider myself a pretty good reviewer of IEMs, and I would know if anything was left out. Now of course maybe NiceHCK has dialed in my tune. Meaning they are simply giving me all I want and need and pricing it competitively? I will not argue with that, only because when you are given your exact sound signature, you don’t recognize it in any other way other than perfect. I mean I had to break out the test tracks. And those tracks came way later, after I became lost in simply playing music and forgetting about the tone or technicalities. Yep, I was simply enjoying the NX8 for what it was. And sure after I really got critical, when this written review got started, I looked, then I first looked at the graph and I noted a roll-off of sub-bass and a curtailment of trebles. But this just goes to make the idea of the NX8 that much more special, because it plays it all, even your brightest tracks or your murkiest tracks, and it finds an ample stage, clean pace and provocative tonal replay.
The NX8 simply does it all!
I know this because I tried lots of other tracks to study this, and not because I had to, no…………..because it was fun. What was fun was simply going through my collection of music and that’s what this is supposed to be about anyways! Right!
It's almost 2025, time for earphone Science Fiction to become a reality.
$199.00
https://nicehck.com/products/nicehck-nx8-in-ear-monitor-with-1dd-6ba-1pzt-8-unit-hybrid-earphone
Disclaimer:
I want to thank NiceHCK for the love and exquisite NX8 Universal IEM 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
The new NiceHCK NX8 Hybrid Universal IEM
Redcarmoose Labs December 2nd, 2024


It seems out of nowhere, the NX8 Universal IEM arrives to really set the midrange price point bar as to just how great you can make $199.00 sound. Over a week ago I was 5 feet off-the-ground over the sound response and fitment, and I still am. Let me tell you a story!
So 8 days ago the NX8 arrived and I made first impressions. The NX8 has undergone 7 days of burn-in. This it seems added to the stage girth and fluidness along with a beautiful added effortlessness. I was going to report on a few cable rolls in this review, and after doing the tests I came upon a very different idea. Yep, the included cable is not modular, but can come in 3.5mm or 4.4mm. Upon testing the NX8 with a few pricey aftermarket ideas, I thought to myself…………actually the included cable is still comparable to alternative expensive aftermarket choices. Plus the NX8 was in 4.4mm some of the best sounding reminding me that this must have been the exact sound NiceHCK was going for when they invented the 8 driver Hybrid? I mean sure I used a colored cable which boosted the stage ever-so slightly and added to the vocal presence, yet the cable made the NX8 slightly strange and while this playback may be preferred by some, the differences were not night and day from the included cable. Then I tried an uncolored cable that is known for adding a toned down upper midrange and adding lower midrange girth. And once more there was really no need for an aftermarket cable. Make no mistake the NiceHCK is resolute enough to fully parley these new cable changes. Except NiceHCK is a cable builder as much as they are an IEM maker, so they must know what they are doing with providing the included cable? Plus the included cable is super ergonomic and feels great in use! 10 points.

Note the rectangular vent under faceplate border

Fitment:
What, why am I talking about fit so early in the review? Again just like how the cable emulates more expensive cables and brings about satisfaction, at just 6 grams each weight, and the overall smallness for an 8 driver IEM is totally special. Better fitting maybe (due to a longer nozzle) for some than last February’s NiceHCK Himalaya? But really we have the exact size of a small-medium and offers silky smooth curves and lines. It is maybe the results of these 3 air-vents creating equal pressure allowing for a comfortable deep fitting seal and prefect positioning? Never moving out of place, never asking for an adjustment.


Build:
Here we are met with a 3D resin build offering no air-ports near or under the nozzle. Nope, instead an experimental rectangular vent off to the side of the faceplate as seen in pictures. There are also two different side air-vents on the side of the shell. Flush 2Pins have a way about then, never having to force 2Pin cables in. Just as easy going as the sound here, everything slides in place.
The identical change-out nozzle choice:
They also look for all intents and purposes the same. I tried the two alternate Himalaya nozzles besides gold, and while they looked very much the same, they for some reason didn’t screw down. These styles of situations require care as to not to cross thread the NX8 IEM receivers. So I just left it as that. But you are given an extra set of identical nozzles, also they sound identical.


Packaging:
Here we are awarded by plastic covers on the IEMs. After the single piece of black paper is removed we are provided with seeing both the ear-tip case and IEM case, as well as the IEMs themselves. While our cable is different from the Himalaya, and is not modular like the Himalaya, the ear-tip case is the same, though filled with a new style of ear-tips, and the IEM cases are identical. Really for this price point, NiceHCK has been very complete and nice with the packaging and extra included supplies.






Cable:
As talked about earlier, the included cable has been tested among more expensive aftermarket cables and does a great job letting the NX8 be itself. An OCC Silver plated cable comes in your choice (when ordered) of 3.5mm or 4.4mm. While it has ear-hooks they are so supple and relaxed, the ear-hooks seem to go with the whole program at hand. You have an aluminum branded plug and right and left color coded markers on the 2Pins.


Ear-tips:
The new C04 (super clear) ear-tips (are included) which were a blast, and provided the older style NiceHCK 07 models. To reiterate these new clear tips allow the NX8 to join a little farther back in placement due to thin walled construction, and therefor gets a fantastic seal. I can't wait to try them on other IEMs to see if they hold the same magic!



Sound and driver ideas:
This is the quintessential Hybrid sound.


Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1kHz - 24bit
Treble:
At the 00:39 mark there are piano keys which hold correct timbre, but also are not in any way annoying (stark) or overbearing. This fact is an example of how the NX8 walks that perfect line, a line that has the treble be not bright, or dull, it really is the middle of the road. This was something I have always asked myself while listening from time to time, like straight out of the box the NiceHCK was one IEM that I simply kept listening to, finding a full fascinating first listen. You may get the idea about it written in the First Impressions segment following this……………..To where here we have what I would call a very serviceable treble. What that means is it is bright enough to hold the contrasts needed to separate it from the mids, but at the same time it is not overly bright or a thing of concern to those who may be treble sensitive? Now there is another reason I have put the reprint of First Impressions to follow this sound section, as I found the PZT to be a little more” PZT” sounding straight out of the box. What that means is now we are blessed with pure sounds, and very much any of that PZT character has been smoothed out. To be sure you still hear how it is different from BAs as it has a crispy and separated tone, that is closer to static, but not really going that direction. It is if there was a slight fuzz that you don’t get with BAs, but at the same time, remember this is only the very top of the treble, where BAs make the lower treble area. This extra zone is cool because it also holds a small separation in the stage, where the instruments were already mixed to go, but now they are also separated in texture ability to boot!
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
Mids:
Here I have a test track which goes ahead to delineate the most important set of midrange features. 1) The mids are gigantic. Flowing effortlessly into the stage, we seem to grasp a truly decent stage size, both forward and back, top to bottom and left to right. Inside of that presentation we are gifted with a deep lower midrange as a break into the song at the emotional introduction at 00:42. It is this added synth activity that is both smooth and exciting. A critical tone in this song happens around the drum texture which really starts at 00:09. It is this tone, which in many ways could appear as not a big deal, but I can’t tell you how many IEMs I have simply avoided due to this slapping sound in the drums. The NX8 does not do that, and it is really (actually) correct and beautiful that the NX8 gets this drum (which is all through the song) right!

Bass:
Big bass, while fast, is also well separated like the best Hybrids do. Though do you see the graph? Normally I don’t resort to graphs all that much, but it helps make my point here. While the bass is both firm and dramatic, it is not reaching down into the sub-bass territory all that deep. The way I found this out is by accessing deep Dub music, that with some sets becomes almost overbearing to hear. And while there is nothing wrong with overboard Dub bass, the NX8 has a way to showcase more mid bass and upper bass. Now I want to emphasize that I didn’t even know this, till I looked at the graph and tried my Dub music. And that is the best compliment I can give the NX8 bass, that it is so powerful and emotional and even complete, but just like the rest of the signature walks that balanced line, so provocatively. So just imagine, full-on bass textures with regular Rock and Orchestral music, that it is only when you have electronic bass (like Dub music) that you find out just what character the bass is. What I’m saying is the ambient bass genre like this "Gdanian" uses the utmost of bass authority to get their kicks. And without a prominent bass, music like below would not workout.

Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1kHz - 24bit
https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/track/shield-emitter-feat-tineidae
Here the very first message that all is well is the opening bass riffs at really 00:12. To where again the NX8 walks the line of putting enough physicality to make this song work, but not over the top like some IEMs. What this means in the end, the treble, the mids and the bass character is that we can choose any genre, any style of music and have it work-out. But more than work-out, none of this is boring, the NX8 is one of the most well rounded IEMs I have come across in a while! It is the round physicality bass hold here, that is the money!


Hans Zimmer
Wonder Woman 1984 (sketches)
No Hero Is Born from Lies
44.1kHz - 24bit
This is actually a song that should be in the treble section, as far as treble items. And I will get to that, but now we are going to go over Orchestra bass. Again at the opener……00:00. You hear the bass, but what is left out is the dramatic sub-bass this song holds. Not a big deal, just so you know, is the reason I am talking about it. Because if I didn’t look for these test tracks, no one would know! Same as this song has a tremendous amount of way high up tiny hits and bells, and no those sounds are not brought to our attention, yes they are there, but closer to the other sounds. This isn’t a big deal for me, it is just when you read 8 drivers you think you would have it all, when in fact it is a very careful placement of these tone responses that go ahead and do add contrast and have a wide frequency response, it is just they have rolled off a tad bit of highs and the sub-bass. Yet this was all done with such sophisticated demeanor that you would be forgiven for never noticing. Yep, it is that close to the edges of the full frequency, that it makes the NX8 well rounded in the end!
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
NiceHCK NX8
1PZT, 6BAs and 1DD
An 8 driver accomplishment $199.00
How I see it is an incredibly smooth idea while still going and providing a spacious top-end that you would expect from 6BAs. Deep lows and a truly fun stage, though I ask myself.............with all these custom BA, does the NX8 sound natural, and it does. Probably going to be end-game for many. Yep, I just said that about a $199.00 IEM. Don't believe me? Try it!
I mean you can hear all 6BAs, then the DD for the lows.......the PZT is tuned so high up, and you can hear how it plays out, at times and depending on the instruments it has this light airy wash of sorts...........this pizzaz that is taking cymbal splashes and accessing them in the most wonderful of ways. This character is simply a technicality that the NX8 does on a regular basis, but depending on the instruments in the songs you may encounter more of it or less, but it is always there, it is what the NX8 ultimately is in the end. OH and the bass........this just ever so slightly lumbering bass that finds itself in the zone, apart from this Hybrid skill, that it is fully defined and separated. The reason I have and will always like Hybrids best. I just got done listening to the Noble Audio Encore, a 2017 $1850.00 TOTL model. And while sure the Encore has a wild tune that only some really understand or like, what it does at the end of the day is make this big treble stage. I don't know how to value it now, maybe a $500.00 IEM, but here we don't have such fireworks, we have instead like the 10BA $599.00 Night Oblivion Butastur, actually a little warmer. But what makes the NX8 is the no nonsense tuning that it is even, complete and correct, while still putting out a very detailed response with just a hint of warmth. But the other strange thing besides the note weight, is the decay..................choke choke. This can't be real, OH it was the decay in the song.......sorry.
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
But that is the thing, all of a sudden I had to travel though about 5 test tracks to truly figure out what was up here. And this is actually well rounded. Sure you may hear a hint of BA timbre, but really it is pretty natural and goes away when you're mentally adapted to the song after 10 seconds. Even my most ridiculous Symphonic Female Fronted Power Metal.......LOL. The guitars are in timbre, and that is short of a miracle? I mean this song maybe 20% of IEMs can even pull-it-off and that is across the whole gambit of price ranges, they just can't get it right. But the NX8 does? Plus the imaging and the separation makes this song so much fun with the NiceHCK NX8! At 01:36 there is a place where Charlotte Wessels is singing with multitracks of herself, and they are separated so well with all these BAs, it is incredible! Now remember this is not the best song, it is a challenge to the NX8. Pretty much any other song will be even better. But the choir here, the buzzsaw guitar, the deepness and speed of the drums, some IEMs will make a mess of this song, but not the NX8, sure it is not perfect, but as perfect as your going to get for $199.00
Delain
Apocalypse & Chill
Burning Bridges
44.1kHz - 24bit
1PZT, 6BAs and 1DD
An 8 driver accomplishment $199.00
How I see it is an incredibly smooth idea while still going and providing a spacious top-end that you would expect from 6BAs. Deep lows and a truly fun stage, though I ask myself.............with all these custom BA, does the NX8 sound natural, and it does. Probably going to be end-game for many. Yep, I just said that about a $199.00 IEM. Don't believe me? Try it!
I mean you can hear all 6BAs, then the DD for the lows.......the PZT is tuned so high up, and you can hear how it plays out, at times and depending on the instruments it has this light airy wash of sorts...........this pizzaz that is taking cymbal splashes and accessing them in the most wonderful of ways. This character is simply a technicality that the NX8 does on a regular basis, but depending on the instruments in the songs you may encounter more of it or less, but it is always there, it is what the NX8 ultimately is in the end. OH and the bass........this just ever so slightly lumbering bass that finds itself in the zone, apart from this Hybrid skill, that it is fully defined and separated. The reason I have and will always like Hybrids best. I just got done listening to the Noble Audio Encore, a 2017 $1850.00 TOTL model. And while sure the Encore has a wild tune that only some really understand or like, what it does at the end of the day is make this big treble stage. I don't know how to value it now, maybe a $500.00 IEM, but here we don't have such fireworks, we have instead like the 10BA $599.00 Night Oblivion Butastur, actually a little warmer. But what makes the NX8 is the no nonsense tuning that it is even, complete and correct, while still putting out a very detailed response with just a hint of warmth. But the other strange thing besides the note weight, is the decay..................choke choke. This can't be real, OH it was the decay in the song.......sorry.
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
But that is the thing, all of a sudden I had to travel though about 5 test tracks to truly figure out what was up here. And this is actually well rounded. Sure you may hear a hint of BA timbre, but really it is pretty natural and goes away when you're mentally adapted to the song after 10 seconds. Even my most ridiculous Symphonic Female Fronted Power Metal.......LOL. The guitars are in timbre, and that is short of a miracle? I mean this song maybe 20% of IEMs can even pull-it-off and that is across the whole gambit of price ranges, they just can't get it right. But the NX8 does? Plus the imaging and the separation makes this song so much fun with the NiceHCK NX8! At 01:36 there is a place where Charlotte Wessels is singing with multitracks of herself, and they are separated so well with all these BAs, it is incredible! Now remember this is not the best song, it is a challenge to the NX8. Pretty much any other song will be even better. But the choir here, the buzzsaw guitar, the deepness and speed of the drums, some IEMs will make a mess of this song, but not the NX8, sure it is not perfect, but as perfect as your going to get for $199.00
Delain
Apocalypse & Chill
Burning Bridges
44.1kHz - 24bit


Texture:
The texture is both the feeling of the tactile presence in the bass, the way the bass changes notes, and the new places it climbs in the stage. The PZT texture holding electricity into how some of the high pitched bells and cymbals are created. The fact that these textures are more separated inside the midrange to show a kind of perfect world for all to live and enjoy!
It is the separation of textures in how with 8 drivers each element is doing its job. Did I say it really sounds like 8 drivers because it does!
Timbre:
As such the timbre can be thought of a pretty close to perfect, though there may be times (like first impressions) where you need to give the NX8, or rather give yourself time to adjust. But all and all I would rate it at 90% great timbre.
Stage:
It is one of the nicest stages I have heard in the price bracket, there is no way to stop it with a DD, a PZT and 6 BAs all firing off at the same time!
Naturalness:
This naturalness is a positive thing, but I don't exactly know where it is from, but it is there. Meaning there is a special dose of evenness, correctness and completeness that goes one step further to promote such happenings.

Conclusion:
What can I say, I absolutely love the NiceHCK NX8, I really do. Upon first impressions I thought the NX8 sounded like a TOTL Flagship headphone.........and I still do.
This opinion was due to the itemization into the stage and the imaging present, as well as the sheer size of the stage.
Tune:
It really is some of the most sophisticated replay you’re going to find for under $200.00! I don’t care what you try and throw at it, somehow the NX8 seems to play it correctly? While the nozzles are replaceable only in-case your original nozzles get occluded with wax, there may be other nozzles (from other manufactures) that fit. But why? I seriously question why anyone would ever want to change or modify the tune from exactly how it sounds……..it’s really almost perfect.
Fitment:
Then……….then fitment took the cake. I mean I am not sure when I ever wrote a review using simply the included cable and ear-tips? I know that seems lame, but I always seem to fall into liking other cables and ear-tips. Reason being I’m just trying to make the IEM (being reviewed) become the best it can be. And yes, these extras included with the NX8 in the package are making the NX8 come alive! Fitment here is a winning combo of size, weight and shape!
Value:
Really this all comes down to a single concept that says how much sound you are getting for how many dollars spent.
It is a lot of sound for the money!
Notice I never mentioned, if you like excited treble responses or extra bass. While sure there are those types of listeners in IEM land, people that truly adore an extra sub-bass response, or an extra tinkle of the metallic chimes upon hearing it in their favorite song. It is just that I consider myself a pretty good reviewer of IEMs, and I would know if anything was left out. Now of course maybe NiceHCK has dialed in my tune. Meaning they are simply giving me all I want and need and pricing it competitively? I will not argue with that, only because when you are given your exact sound signature, you don’t recognize it in any other way other than perfect. I mean I had to break out the test tracks. And those tracks came way later, after I became lost in simply playing music and forgetting about the tone or technicalities. Yep, I was simply enjoying the NX8 for what it was. And sure after I really got critical, when this written review got started, I looked, then I first looked at the graph and I noted a roll-off of sub-bass and a curtailment of trebles. But this just goes to make the idea of the NX8 that much more special, because it plays it all, even your brightest tracks or your murkiest tracks, and it finds an ample stage, clean pace and provocative tonal replay.

The NX8 simply does it all!
I know this because I tried lots of other tracks to study this, and not because I had to, no…………..because it was fun. What was fun was simply going through my collection of music and that’s what this is supposed to be about anyways! Right!
It's almost 2025, time for earphone Science Fiction to become a reality.
$199.00
https://nicehck.com/products/nicehck-nx8-in-ear-monitor-with-1dd-6ba-1pzt-8-unit-hybrid-earphone
Disclaimer:
I want to thank NiceHCK for the love and exquisite NX8 Universal IEM 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

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