64 Audio U12T VS Nicehck Rockies

The 64 Audio U12t lands exactly where its reputation suggests: a warm, laid-back, yet highly detailed all-rounder that stays engaging without ever turning fatiguing. With the apex M15 module, bass shifts toward a tasteful sub-bass lift that adds punch and body while keeping the midrange clean; vocals sit a touch relaxed, and the treble reaches high with smooth extension and air. Despite being an all-BA set, the low end carries surprising weight and macro-dynamics, and the overall presentation feels effortless and cohesive—“does-it-all” tuning done right.

Trade-offs are minor: timbre can sound slightly artificial at times, and dropping to the M10 module trims bass but also some excitement. Build is comfortable and compact, though the stock cable is annoyingly wiry and memory-prone. Against its stablemates, U12t stands as the benchmark: cleaner and less fatiguing than U18t, more versatile than the warmer Nio (with M15), and less head-stage wow than Trio but more universally balanced. End result: a confident 5/5 for a high-price IEM that actually feels worth chasing if this signature hits the brief.

Super* Review original ranking

NiceHCK Rockies lands as a $500 tribrid (1DD+2BA+2EST) that mirrors the Mega5-EST’s tuning with subtle tweaks. The unboxing is generous—three styles of tips (including AET07-style and tacky “medical” silicone), a large puck case, and a swappable 3.5/4.4 screw-lock plug. Build feels premium with a real pietersite stone faceplate; fit is comfortable but shell geometry is generic, so stability depends on tips. The stock cable looks nice but is stiff and, notably, has no chin slider.

Sonically, Rockies follows a tilted diffuse-field / “new meta” balance with slightly less bass and a touch more lower-treble than Mega5-EST—on the order of ~1 dB each way. That shift tightens the low end and improves separation/imaging, making the set feel more technical; however, it also trims warmth and depth, leaving the presentation a bit dry/brittle at times. Bass quality is clean and controlled rather than showy; treble reads clear without obvious harshness on the 711 rig readout, though it can edge lean.

Against peers, Mega5-EST stays the easier, warmer listen with slightly “thuddier” bass, while DUNU’s Brain Dance is the pick for maximum excitement and staging (more clinical up top). Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk (analog use) offers stronger imaging and notably satisfying bass execution at a lower price. Rockies ends up a very good, balanced all-rounder that some will prefer over Mega5-EST for its tidier bass and clarity, but the trade for brightness and dryness is real—final verdict: 3/5.

Super* Review original ranking

Presented as a former favorite turned cautionary tale, the 64 Audio U12t shows a **neutral-warm bass** with good texture, speed, and separation, though the **mid-bass** can feel unnecessary for a non–bass-head tuning. Trouble starts at the **3 kHz scoop**, where vocals lose presence and clarity; attempts to restore bite via added **treble** create **sharpness** instead of openness, with emphasized peaks around **13 kHz** and **17 kHz**. This combo makes volume scaling tricky—either accept **recessed vocals** or endure **fatiguing highs**—though the treble is otherwise solid from 6–10 kHz.

Technical chops are undeniably strong: **detail retrieval**, **instrument layering**, and **imaging** are top-tier, with quick attacks and clean separation across the stage. Still, the staging feels **wide yet flat**, as the recessed mids reduce depth and contrast, and dynamic tracks (K-pop/J-pop/J-rock) expose the unevenness, prompting constant volume tweaks; slower, softer material fares better. Given the vocal recession and treble fatigue, the value proposition is questioned for a **$2,000** set—alternatives like the **Variations** and **EGL7m** offer more **open, extended vocals** with smoother treble, while **RS5** and **Heyday** provide extra **warmth** without the same pitfalls.

Jays Audio original ranking

The NiceHCK Rockies have a balanced tuning with standout treble extension from its ESTs. Vocals are tamer with a cut in the upper mids, trading sparkle-forward presence for a smoother, airier presentation; staging feels more open because bass and vocals sit slightly back, while cymbal decay lingers with a pleasing airiness. Technical performance is very good for the price—punching above many $500–$600 peers—and the unboxing/accessories package adds to the overall value.

Low end is grounded and tidy rather than slammy; texture and separation are solid, but this isn’t for bassheads or those wanting vocal-forward excitement (sets like Top Pro or Volare cover that better). The Rockies excel with rock/metal/indie/classical where the extra air, layering, and controlled upper energy shine; they scale best at mid volumes, and tip rolling should avoid options that over-boost or dull the treble—the stock tips already hit a sweet spot. Net: a confident recommendation at ~$500–$600 for listeners prioritizing treble quality, detail, and spaciousness, with the main trade-off being a more restrained bass and laid-back vocal emphasis.

Jays Audio original ranking

NiceHCK Rockies lands in the ~$500 bracket with a 1DD+2BA+2EST setup and a surprisingly premium package. The hollow resin shell feels solid, with a metal nozzle, slightly recessed 2-pin, good isolation, and comfy fit. The swappable-termination cable is thick, pliant, and lays flat—no chin slider out of the box, but easy to add—and the excellent case and tip kit push the accessories into “above class” territory.

Tonally, Rockies goes for tight, controlled bass and a natural midrange, capped by upper-treble that’s sparkly yet refined—detailed without getting shouty or brittle. The graph reads largely flat with a tasteful treble lift, translating to a clean, clear presentation that stays engaging rather than fatiguing. It comes across as an “instant classic” tuning: lively, airy, but still grounded.

Compared with brand siblings (DB2 too upper-midsy; F1 Pro/NX8 fine but not special), Rockies feels like the step up. Versus peers, it splits the difference: more air and delicacy than RSV MK2 (which is bassier/darker), less sizzle than sets that chase treble for effect, and broadly similar endgame vibes to “good” units of Mega5-EST—variance there being the rub. Net: a high-value pick at its price, worthy of a Gold Star—not a universal “benchmark,” but a sweet, natural, clear listen that many will prefer, especially with the standout accessories.

Jaytiss original ranking

Presentation falls short of flagship expectations—especially the stock cable, which feels flimsy and uninspiring—but the tuning is where the 64 Audio U12t earns its reputation. With a gently U-shaped response and swappable apex modules altering bass quantity (M10 leaner; M15/M20 adding a deeper, sub-bass-tilted shelf), the low end carries uncommon texture and decay for an all-BA setup while preserving BA speed and control. The sub-bass shelf levels off around 200Hz, avoiding midrange bleed and keeping the overall tonality clean and balanced.

The mids are slightly scooped yet inoffensive, with ear-gain centering near 2kHz and a tasteful dip through 2–5kHz that preserves depth without hollowing out vocals. Treble is distinctive thanks to the tia super tweeter mounted at the nozzle: a mid-treble dip followed by pronounced peaks around 15–17kHz creates a sense of airy “pseudo-treble” that some listeners (especially younger ears) perceive as bright, while others may find it dark if those upper harmonics aren’t audible. Tip choice matters—Spinfits can emphasize air, while Final E can tame the top end—making the signature unusually tunable to preference.

On the technical front, the U12t is highly resolving, pulling micro-details forward with ease, yet its transient attack has a subtle softness that gives an “analog” character rather than razor-edged sharpness. Where it truly distinguishes itself is macrodynamics—quiet-to-loud swings feel visceral and engaging, a rarity among BA designs and rivaled only by a select few dynamic-driver flagships. Summed up, it’s the “90-in-every-subject” kind of performer: maybe not the single best at any one metric, but making the fewest compromises across the board. For anyone seeking a well-rounded flagship that handles almost anything with poise, the U12t remains a top recommendation.

Precogvision original ranking

NiceHCK’s new flagship Rockies is a tribrid tuned for modern detail: 1DD+2BA+2EST under $500, clearly squaring up to Hisenior’s Mega5. The build pairs a black resin shell with a real-stone Pietersite faceplate—distinctive without feeling flashy. The headline quirk: extreme sensitivity to source output impedance. With higher-OI sources (laptop/24Ω interfaces) the bass explodes into a clubby boom; with a low-OI dongle (e.g., <2Ω like FiiO KA13) the tuning snaps into place—tighter lows and balanced overall. Measured on a B&K 5128, the Rockies’ “properly driven” curve mirrors the original JM1 through upper mids and treble, then adds a narrow 14kHz lift for extra air and sparkle.

Once driven correctly, bass turns punchy, clean, and disciplined—impactful without bleed, earning a confident 4.5/5. Vocals image with razor-edged precision and a slightly darker hue, yet remain well-separated; treble flows smoothly with EST-powered extension, no harshness or sibilance, and even opens further after some burn-in. Resolution and depth layering impress more than width—the horizontal soundstage sits about average for the price. Wish-list tweaks would be a touch deeper sub-bass, a hair brighter mids, and a wider lateral spread. Overall, Rockies feels like a thoughtfully executed, source-dependent tribrid that rewards a low-impedance chain with a balanced, detailed, and satisfyingly airy presentation.

Fox Told Me So original ranking