Disclaimer:

Good morning MBA readers, Today we have in our hands a small dongle, the Nicehck NK1 MAX, an entry-level product that mounts a Conexant CX31993 chip but coupled with a MAX97220 OP-AMP, which, compared to the first models, is a much more refined version.

The review, as always, will be completely unbiased and uninfluenced.

I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.

My opinions are obviously subjective.

Tech Specs:

• Colors: Mint Green, Silver
• DAC: CX31993
• Op-amp: MAX97220
• Max supported formats: 384kHz/32bit, DSD256
• Input: Type-C or USB
• Output: 3.5mm headphone jack
• SNR: 115dB
• DNR: 111dB
• THD: -95dB

Packaging:

The Nicehck NK1 MAX comes in a small, well-designed, and minimal box, perfectly suited for a product like this.

Inside, we find nothing but the dongle, an adapter that matches the color of the dongle (a quality detail), and a simple QC certificate.

We don’t find anything else, but we have everything we need.

Build quality/First impressions:

The Nicehck NK1 MAX looks impeccable. It’s an entry-level product, but the build quality is excellent. It features a semi-transparent connector with a gold-plated terminal, a decent and fairly flexible cable, and a CNC-machined aluminum chassis with a window for the chips. That’s all there is to it, but I noticed it’s missing a status LED. I was pretty sure there would be an LED either on the Type-C port or in the window, but it’s not there. It’s not strictly necessary, but I think it could have been installed like most dongles made today.

Power:

The Nicehck NK1 MAX automatically becomes a sort of competitor to the Fiio KA11, although less powerful and much cheaper. It’s not the same product, but it’s more than adequate for an entry-level user with two pairs of IEMs.

Although less powerful if you have less demanding IEMs, its power is abundant on various DD or hybrid IEMs.

I performed some tests with the Twistura Beta and Hidizs MK12 without noticing any noticeable loss of dynamics. The NK1 MAX has good volume and the ability to maintain a good bass level even with slightly more demanding IEMs. Obviously, if you plan on using planar IEMs or full-size headphones, this product is not suitable.

Sound & Usage Impressions:

This new generation of Conexant dongles is nothing like the first ones that came out. The first ones I tried sounded inconsistent and were a cheap alternative to the already very affordable Realtek ones, but today I’d say the quality is the same for all of them, obviously much better. It sounds very neutral, without coloration, and maintains a full, rich bass without losing dynamics. Since a dongle shouldn’t cause any alteration or coloration of the sound, this new generation of chips, coupled with an OP-AMP, sounds remarkably good.

In use, I didn’t notice any heating of the case, even under stress in summer temperatures; a status LED is definitely missing.

Fast Comparison:

vs Fiio KA11

The Fiio KA11 remains the undisputed king of entry-level dongles in this size and shape, but it also costs more and might be too much for someone new to this world. We can define the Nicehck NK1 MAX as a budget-friendly but still well-made alternative.

Conclusion:

This is the kind of dongle that’s perfect for those who buy their first IEMs and aren’t satisfied with the sound, or rather, the performance, of their smartphone. Nicehck has always made excellent accessories, and I’m a loyal customer of their cables and various eartips, and this product confirms the quality of their products. I personally own several devices, but for the $20 it’s offered for, it’s definitely much better than other cheap, unbranded products.

8.5/10

Pros:

• High-quality build
• Premium finish & materials
• Nice power for entry-level
• New Chip Gen Conexant + OP AMPS
• Balanced sound
• Super portable

Cons:

• No status LED
• No Buttons
• No App

Q/A:

Who is the NICEHCK NK1 MAX for?

For the audiophile who approaches this world with entry-level or mid-range IEMs, therefore a user who doesn’t want to spend too much or who is experimenting.

Who should avoid the NICEHCK NK1 MAX?

Experienced audiophiles with IEMs or very high-end headphones that require a lot of power should not purchase a product like this.

Similar alternatives to consider?

The most popular alternative is definitely the Fiio KA11, but there are certainly plenty of alternatives just by searching on Aliexpress. For example, the brand JCally certainly has an alternative with a similar configuration.

More informations: