NiceHCK YDX

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Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
• I bought this unit with my own money, without NiceHCK’s knowledge. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• Tanchjim Space
• Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• Fosi Audio DS1.
• Sony Xperia X Compact
• Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock earbud foams, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

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Sound signature:

• Unlike its previous siblings, the EB2S and EB2S Pro, the NiceHCK YDX leaned slightly to its MX500 (NiceHCK YD30 and Traceless) siblings in terms of soundThe YDX exhibits an all rounder, mild-v sound signature that tilts slightly to the brighter sound of the spectrum.

Lows:

• - The lows on this earbud are a little elevated for an earbud, and it has a punchy character. Its decay is quick, monotonous, and lacks detail to my liking. Because of this type of bass, bleed is minimal to none, resulting in very clear mids. Without a doubt, this is not a "budget basshead's dream," but it will suffice for most tracks as an earbud.

Mids:

• - When describing this region of the set, the words clear, crispy, and open came to my mind. Lower mids are clear, bleed-free, and have a good amount of thickness and texture. On very heavy/busy passages, this region will sound slightly boxy, but on most tracks, it will sound clear and open. Upper mids are light, airy, crisp, and clear. On poorly recorded tracks, this region is prone to mild peaks and excessive harshness, but not to the point where it will be tiring, given that the user is conscious of his/her listening volume level. Overall, this earbuds sounds very goods and enjoyable on most tracks, but excels mostly on vocals and instrument-oriented tracks that I listen to with it.

Highs:

• - This region is definitely elevated, bright, airy, and well-extended. Just like its mids, it will introduce mild peaks on poorly-recorded tracks. Detail retrieval is average and renders most of the nuances and details as is.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• - As for the soundstage, it is wider than deep, but has a noticeable height and depth. Separation and layering is average for its price and will sound congested on very heavy passages. Imaging is average at best and will render vocal and instrument placement accurately.

Other Earbud Comparisons!

- VS NiceHCK EB2S Pro

• The EB2S Pro is a neutral-midcentric set to me, due to its forward mids when compared. Bass however, has more quantity and elevation on the YDX, but not by a mile. Treble is elevated on the YDX but exhibits the extension the EB2S Pro has. Detail retrieval and technical performance are better on the EB2S Pro, but the YDX has better height and depth when compared.

- VS NiceHCK EB2S

• The EB2S is definitely warmer compared to the YDX. The rest of the comparison are identical to the EB2S Pro vs YDX.

- VS Temparament X6

• The Temparament X6 is a step above in the overall sound compared to the YDX, particularly in the technical department. Everything sounds immersive on that set, as it should be due to its price compared to the YDX.

- VS Faaeal Iris Ancestor

• The Ancestor is a warmer, smoother sounding set that excels on the tonality, while the YDX excels on the technical performance when compared. The Ancestor also need a bit more power to sound “correct”.

- VS NiceHCK Traceless

• The Traceless is a warmer, mildly thicker set, but has a smaller soundstage compared to the YDX.

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Pros:
- A well-done, go-to earbud under 20 USD!
- All-rounder, well done, mild-v sound signature.
- Non-lacking bass quantity for an earbud.
- Tight, elevated lows.
- Clear, open mids.
- Well-extended, airy upper frequencies.
- Average technical performance, a “substantial” step up from Vido earbuds (subjective).
- Very good fit and comfort.
- Removable 2-pin cable connector, something that you don’t usually see on earbuds!
- Very good cable quality!
- Very good quality of accessories!
- Enticing, visually-pleasing packaging and aesthetics (subjective)
- Easy to drive.

Cons:
- Upper frequencies will be prone to peaks/excessive brightness when used without earbud foams (subjective).
- Bass may sound “monotonous” to some.
- Bass may lack texture to some.
- Mids may sound boxy on busy tracks.

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The NiceHCK YDX is definitely added to my “EDC Recommendation” list! Aside for having a really good, all-rounder sound, it is quite practical due to its removable cable, prolonging its lifespan, unlike most earbuds in this price range (under 20USD). This earbuds definitely checks all the boxes of my EDC criteria. Very good quality as always, NiceHCK!

Pairing recommendation/s:

• - Earbud foams: Full foams will add more depth in exchange for a less clearer mids. Earbud foams will retain the mids wile adding bass.

• - Source: This earbud is easy to drive, but will sound better on warmer sources.

• - Cable: is already good as what it is, but you may use what you prefer. Normal 2-pin IEM cables will work just fine with this IEM.

Thank you for reading!

Additional Photos Here: