Disclaimer
Hello everyone! I want to keep everything clear and say that the NX8 was provided to me by NiceHCK for the purpose of this review. They have not told me how to write it, when to publish it, and not even asked to see it before I share it with you. Everything in this review is based only on my own experience with the product and with no external influence whatsoever.
I would also like to thank NiceHCK for giving me this amazing opportunity to try out the NX8, and of course, a big thank you to you, the readers, for your time and trust in what I have to say. It truly means a lot to me!
Introduction
The NiceHCK NX8 is one of those IEMs that stands out because of its unique design and also an interesting driver setup. It offers a tribrid configuration with eight drivers per side: one dynamic driver for the bass, six balanced armatures for the mids and highs (2 for the mids and 4 for the highs), and a piezoelectric driver to handle the ultra highs in the treble. That’s a lot going on, and I was curious to see if it could actually deliver a sound that feels natural and well blended, or if it might end up sounding messy.
The design also caught my eye. It has this starry, space look on the faceplates, which I absolutely love, as I’m a space guy, and to the point where my arm is tattooed with a space tattoo. It looks cool in photos, but in person, it looks more like it is printed on paper and placed behind a clear plastic. It’s not exactly what it promises from the pictures, but it’s not bad either, and if you are not looking too closely at it, it looks good. Honestly, I still like it a lot, and it is definitely unique.
Going into this review, I wanted to really dig into how this driver setup works in real world listening. Does it live up to the promise of detail and balance, or does it fall short? Let’s find out if it worth the asking price of 199$.
Unboxing
Let’s unbox the NiceHCK NX8.
The packaging immediately stood out to me. The box is medium-sized, with the IEMs prominently displayed on a space background, which I find really appealing and beautiful looking.
Sliding the box open, I saw a cardboard with many cute stars and the NX8 logo in the middle, which is another nice touch that shows the attention to detail. Inside this box were the IEMs, each nestled securely in its slot.
Right under the IEMs, I found a nice box containing a variety of eartips:
- NiceHCK 07 Silicone Tips: Sizes S, M (preinstalled), L.
- NiceHCK C04 Liquid Silicone Tips: Sizes SS, S, M, L.
This is a pretty nice selection of tips, and they give a good comfort and sound isolation, although I would have loved to see more than 2 different types.
Underneath this box was a large, high-quality carrying case. The case is spacious and sturdy, perfect for storing the IEMs and accessories when not in use or during travel.
Additionally, the package included a cleaning brush to help maintain the IEMs and two additional nozzles, which are identical to the preinstalled ones. They are here just in case there is too much earwax on them. And of course a cable, which feels very nice, looks very good, but I would say is a bit thinner than what I would like to see, and it’s not modular.
The unboxing experience was actually very nice, with thoughtful presentation and a good set of accessories (I will talk more about the accessories later in this review).
Technical Specifications
Specs
- Driver Configuration: 1DD 6BA 1PZT
- Connector: 0.78 2pin
- Frequency Response: 20-30KHz
- Impedance: 19Ω
- Sensitivity: 111dB/mW
- Cavity material: Resin
- Plug: 3.5/4.4mm
- Cable: OCC+silver plated mixed
Driver Configuration
The NiceHCK NX8 uses a Tribrid driver setup, which means it combines three different types of drivers to handle different parts of the sound. It has:
- 1 Dynamic Driver for the bass.
- 2 Balanced Armature Drivers for the mids.
- 4 Balanced Armature Drivers for the highs.
- 1 Piezoelectric Driver for the ultra-highs.
This kind of setup can be a double edged sword. If it isn’t implemented correctly, it can sound really bad, and there is a reason for saying “quality over quantity”, but in this case, it is very good! The crossover is very nicely done.
Build Quality and Comfort
The build of the NX8 is something I find really impressive. The shell is made of 3D-printed resin, and it’s incredibly small and lightweight, especially for an IEM with eight drivers inside. I love how compact and ergonomic the design is. It fits my ears perfectly, and I can wear it for hours without any discomfort.
The faceplate has this cool starry design that looks nice at first glance. But if you look closely, it’s a bit of a letdown because it seems like the design was printed on paper and then placed under a layer of clear plastic. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it doesn’t feel super premium up close.
There are also three vent holes on the shell to help with airflow, which is important for reducing pressure and improving comfort.
Accessories
NiceHCK didn’t hold back with the accessories, and I really appreciate that. Inside the box, you get:
- A large, high quality carrying case to keep everything safe. This case is actually one of the better cases that I have seen at this price point.
- A cleaning brush to help maintain the IEMs.
- A pair of replaceable nozzles.
Two types of eartips:
- Their regular silicone tips (NiceHCK 07) in sizes S, M, and L.
- Their liquid silicone tips (NiceHCK C04), which come in four sizes: SS, S, M, and L. They are of every quality and with amazing isolation.
The cable is also worth mentioning. It’s a hybrid mix of OCC copper and silver-plated wires, and it’s available with either 3.5mm or 4.4mm terminations. It uses standard 0.78mm 2 pin connectors. This cable feels good and high quality, although I would have loved to see a thicker cable and a modular connector at this price.
Sound Performance
Bass
The bass on the NX8 is its standout feature, no doubt about it. It’s thick, fast, and has that satisfying deep punch. The sub-bass is nicely boosted, adding a deep rumble and weight to tracks without drowning out the rest of the mix. It feels full and dynamic, especially in bass-heavy genres like EDM, hip-hop, and pop. It’s a pretty tight bass, although because of its power, it leans a bit toward giving more impact than precision. The transients aren’t the fastest, so it doesn’t have that super snappy feel, but I don’t think it ever feels sloppy or out of control. For me, it hits a sweet spot for fun listening.
Mids
The mids are where things get interesting in my opinion. The lower mids have a warm, full-bodied quality that gives male vocals and instruments like guitars and cellos a nice richness. Male voices, in particular, feel strong and forward, which I really enjoyed. On the flip side, the upper mids take a bit of a backseat, which definitely impacts how female vocals and higher-pitched instruments come through. Women’s voices, while I would say are still pleasant, don’t have the same energy or presence as the male vocals. This recessed upper-midrange tuning also means that some of the finer details in this region can feel a little masked. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re someone who loves female vocals to be upfront and vivid, this is something to keep in mind.
Treble
The treble on the NX8 is smooth and laid-back, which makes for an easy, non-fatiguing listen. I didn’t experience any harshness or sibilance, which is always a plus, but I do think it could use a little more sparkle and air to bring out some extra excitement. The lower treble is slightly recessed, which probably contributes to the softer presentation of female vocals and some instruments. The detail retrieval there is decent, but it’s not the type of treble that really jumps out at you, but it still has a great extension to it, which I can most definitely feel, and it adds that fine detail and long lasting decay. So the treble stays polite and in the background, complementing the overall sound rather than taking the spotlight.
Vocals
Vocals on the NX8 are generally enjoyable, but they do depend on the track and vocalist. Male vocals are definitely the star here. They come across as full, rich, and very forward, which gives them a powerful and emotive quality. On the other hand, female vocals feel more laid-back and recessed compared to male vocals (although I still like how they sound, and they still give me an enjoyable listening). This difference is most noticeable in tracks where the singer’s range leans into the upper mids. It’s not that female vocals sound bad, they are just not as upfront as their male counterparts.
Technicalities
When it comes to technical performance, the NX8 holds its own pretty well, though I must say, it has its limits. The soundstage is pretty average for an IEM, and it gives a decent sense of space but not a particularly wide or open feel (I think it’s because of the well extended treble, as I notice a big soundstage whenever the upper treble is more recessed). However, the imaging is actually quite good, and I find instrument placement to be very precise, and I get a nice sense of depth. I also noticed that the layering is excellent, likely thanks to the combination of dynamic drivers, balanced armatures, and the piezoelectric driver working together in a great tandem with the amazingly done crossover. I can clearly pick out different instruments and sounds even in more complex tracks.
The detail retrieval is solid, especially in the upper treble region, where I can hear some finer textures in the track. For example, in the music “Gravity” by Steven Price, I can really feel the decay and the extension in both the vocals and the music itself (it’s something that is hard to explain… But I can really feel it rather than hearing it at those high frequencies). That said, the slightly recessed upper mids and lower treble do hold it back from being as resolving as some more analytical IEMs out there. Still, I think the NX8 balances musicality and technicality well. It’s not overly clinical, but it doesn’t feel congested or lacking either.
Quick comparison: NiceHCK NX8 (199$) vs Myer Audio CKLVX D62 (236$)
The NX8 and D62 both pack eight drivers per side and cost about the same, but they deliver very different experiences. The NX8 is a tribrid with a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, and a piezoelectric driver, while the D62 sticks to dynamic and BA drivers. And here’s how they stack up:
Bass
The NX8 hits hard with deep, rumbling bass that’s great for EDM or electronic music. It’s big and rumbly but not the fastest. The D62, on the other hand, has a cleaner, tighter bass that’s more polite and maybe even too soft. It doesn’t have the same slam or depth, especially in the sub-bass.
Mids
The NX8 is warm and rich, especially in the lower mids, making male vocals sound full. But it holds back on the upper mids, so female vocals and brighter instruments feel a bit recessed. The D62 flips this, with forward upper mids that make female vocals and violins shine. Male vocals can feel a bit thin, though, and there might be some sibilance on certain tracks.
Treble
The NX8 keeps the treble smooth and easygoing, which is great for longer listening. The D62 is much brighter and more detailed, with more sparkle and air, but it can get a bit harsh at times.
Build and Accessories
Both are very well built, but the D62 stands out to me with its unique wooden faceplates and thicker modular cable. The NX8 is more compact and comfortable for me, though, and comes with a bigger case, which I prefer. Though the faceplates of the NX8 are very unique, on closer look they are definitely not as shown in the pictures.
My Thoughts
If you are into bass heavy music or want a relaxed, smooth sound, the NX8 is the way to go. But if you are after detail, brighter treble, and more energy in the mids, the D62 is the better fit. Personally, I think it depends on what you listen to most!
Conclusion
The NiceHCK NX8 is a great pick if you love strong, rich bass and a warm, relaxed sound. I was impressed by how small and comfortable it is, especially since it packs eight drivers in each side. The faceplates look nice from a distance, but up close, they look a bit cheaper, which is a small letdown for an otherwise absolutely well made IEM.
When it comes to sound, I would call the bass the main star of the show. It is deep, powerful, and rumbly. The mids are smooth and warm, and I may just wish for the upper mids to be a bit more present, especially for female vocals. The treble is easy on the ears and great for long listening sessions, and the technicalities are overall good for the price.
Overall, the NX8 is an enjoyable set, perfect for bass lovers who want something comfortable, non fatiguing and laid back a bit. It might not have the widest soundstage or the sharpest detail, but it brings a solid, musical, and comfortable experience that’s hard to resist.
Pros
- Powerful, rumbly, and quality bass.
- Very comfortable fit due to really small shells and lightweight design.
- Good sound quality.
- Good technicalities.
- Generous amount of accessories.
Cons
- Upper midrange and lower treble are a bit recessed.
- Faceplates look cheap up close, despite the nice design.
- The cable a bit too thin and not modular.
Where to buy:(Non-affiliated! None of my reviews use affiliated links!)
