Aful Explorer VS Nicehck Rockies
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Aful Explorer and Nicehck Rockies use 1DD+2BA and 1DD+2BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Aful Explorer costs $120 while Nicehck Rockies costs $499. Nicehck Rockies is $379 more expensive. Nicehck Rockies holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 8). Nicehck Rockies carries a user score of 9. Nicehck Rockies has significantly better bass with a 1.9-point edge, Nicehck Rockies has significantly better mids with a 2.5-point edge, Nicehck Rockies has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Nicehck Rockies has better dynamics with a 0.6-point edge, Nicehck Rockies has significantly better soundstage with a 1.9-point edge, Nicehck Rockies has significantly better details with a 1.6-point edge and Nicehck Rockies has significantly better imaging with a 1.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Aful Explorer | Nicehck Rockies |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.5 | 8.4 |
| Mids | 6.2 | 8.7 |
| Treble | 6.8 | 8.4 |
| Details | 6.5 | 8.1 |
| Soundstage | 6.3 | 8.1 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 8.3 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7.6 |
| Tonality | 6.9 | 8.6 |
| Technicalities | 6.6 | 8.7 |
Aful Explorer Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.3Generally Favorable
Nicehck Rockies Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Aful Explorer reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
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Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Super* Review
2025-09-13
6*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
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
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Aful Explorer reviewed by Jaytiss
7.3
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Jaytiss
2025-09-03
9.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
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 Youtube Channel
Aful Explorer reviewed by Audionotions
7
Reviewer Score
Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Audionotions
2025-09-09
8.5
Reviewer Score
Aful Explorer reviewed by Jays Audio
6
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Jays Audio
2025-08-28
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
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 Youtube Channel
Aful Explorer reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7
* score rescaled + normalized
Aful Explorer (more reviews)
Aful Explorer reviewed by Audio Amigo
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Aful Explorer reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Aful Explorer reviewed by Smirk Audio
6.8
Reviewer Score
Aful Explorer reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelAful Explorer reviewed by Shuwa-T
6.4
Reviewer Score
Nicehck Rockies (more reviews)
Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Fox Told Me So
2025-09-26
8.6
Reviewer Score
Tonally, Rockies follows JM1’s safe neutral-ish slope but with leaner mids and brighter treble. Bass is punchy, quick, and well-controlled; mids a touch dark but cleanly separated; and treble opens into airy, effortless EST sparkle with no sharp edges. Stage has decent depth over width, resolution solid for the price, immersive enough without grandeur.
Verdict: not flawless (could use more sub-bass reach, meatier bass, thicker mids, and wider stage), but well-executed overall. A satisfying, balanced tribrid that showcases EST treble gracefully without breaking the bank.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Tim Tuned
2025-07-16
8.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Nicehck Rockies reviewed by Web Search
2025-07-19
7.5
Reviewer Score
The NiceHCK Rockies is a five-driver tribrid using 1DD + 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST in a resin shell with Pietersite stone faceplates. Specs list a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable with swappable 3.5/4.4 mm plug, 9.8 Ω impedance and 121 dB/Vrms sensitivity, indicating easy driveability from portable sources.
Early third-party coverage characterizes the tuning as neutral with a sub-bass lift and smooth, controlled treble, with 5128 measurements available via Crinacle’s public database and a review on Hangout’s channel. These impressions emphasize strong imaging and detail without obvious harshness when recordings are clean.
At an MSRP of $499 (with a short launch price of $469), value hinges on preference for an energetic, U/neutral-with-bass presentation; listeners sensitive to upper energy may find mids a touch lean on certain material, as some impressions note. In short, Rockies trades a warm mid focus for sub-bass reach, treble resolution, and a stable stage that suits modern pop, electronic, and large-scale orchestral.
Aful Explorer Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $120
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Nicehck Rockies Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: NiceHCK Top NiceHCK IEMs
Price (Msrp): $499
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Aful Explorer User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Nicehck Rockies User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
9Outstanding
Aful Explorer Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.7Gaming Grade
B+Nicehck Rockies Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8.4Gaming Grade
A+Aful Explorer Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.
Average Technical Grade
B+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Nicehck Rockies Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- A masterfully balanced signature renders music effortlessly realistic and emotionally engaging. Nuanced mixes benefit from its balance.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Clarity and detail leap forward, with precise imaging and an expansive stage. Orchestral works feel spacious and layered.
Aful Explorer User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewNicehck Rockies User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA lively rendition of the diffuse field tuning that tilts slightly upward for additional clarity. Tastefully bass-boosted DD, clear and clean BA mids with slightly recessed vocals, and standout EST treble presence make an engaging JM-1 all-rounder.
Pros
Lively, unique take on neutral with bass boost. Excellent detail.Cons
An ever so slight increase in bass shelf could provide more dynamicism.Lively tribrid with engaging low end and airy detail that still sounds cohesive. Strong technical performance for the price without losing musicality.
Pros
Punchy, fast bass with good texture and sub-bass reach. Smooth-leaning EST treble with high detail and precise imaging; comfortable fit and solid isolation.Cons
V-shaped balance leaves mids a bit recessed. Treble can lean bright on poor recordings.Find your next IEM:
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