Nice HCK Himalaya VS Dunu DN242
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Nice HCK Himalaya and Dunu DN242 use 1DD and 2DD+4BA+2Planar driver setups respectively. Nice HCK Himalaya costs $329 while Dunu DN242 costs $349. Dunu DN242 is $20 more expensive. Nice HCK Himalaya holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.8 vs 6.8). Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better bass with a 1.3-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better dynamics with a 1.4-point edge and Nice HCK Himalaya has better details with a 0.9-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Nice HCK Himalaya | Dunu DN242 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.5 | 6.3 |
| Mids | 8.1 | 7.8 |
| Treble | 7.4 | 6.7 |
| Details | 7.6 | 6.8 |
| Soundstage | 7.7 | 7.6 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Dynamics | 7.7 | 6.3 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.1 |
| Technicalities | 7.2 | 6.7 |
Nice HCK Himalaya Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.8Strongly Favorable
Dunu DN242 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.8Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Nice HCK Himalaya reviewed by Web Search
7
Reviewer Score
The NiceHCK Himalaya is a single 10 mm CNT dynamic driver (1DD) IEM housed in a titanium-alloy shell, paired with a modular cable offering 3.5/4.4/2.5 mm plugs and replaceable tuning nozzles (grey/gold/blue). Official listings show a current price of $269 with a regular price of $329, positioning it in the mid-range segment; core specs include 22 Ω impedance and 110 dB/mW sensitivity.
Sonically it leans neutral to mildly V-shaped depending on the nozzle: the blue filter reduces upper-mid energy for a smoother, warmer tilt, while gold sounds more W-shaped and grey adds upper energy and clarity. Reviewers note good staging and layering for a single DD, with clear separation and a generally controlled, non-fatiguing treble (though not for treble-seekers).
Trade-offs include a heavier shell and relatively short nozzles that may affect fit for some ears; treble can feel soft with certain filters. Still, the Himalaya provides coherent single-DD timbre, solid imaging, and practical accessories at its price, with easy drivability from portable sources.
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Dunu DN242 reviewed by Web Search
7.4
Reviewer Score
The DUNU DN242 (often shortened to “242”) is an eight-driver tribrid with a 2DD (10 mm + 8 mm) + 4BA + 2 micro-planar array and a 5-way electronic + acoustic crossover. It’s listed at $349 USD and ships with DUNU’s Q-Lock Mini modular cable (3.5 mm & 4.4 mm), in lightweight resin shells (~6 g/side), 35 Ω impedance and 110 dB/mW sensitivity—specs that make it easy to drive from mainstream sources.
Listening impressions from early reviews point to a neutral-bright, vocal-centric balance: clear mids, quick upper-mids/treble, and articulate (rather than boosted) bass. Detail retrieval and treble “sparkle” are recurring themes, while staging is described as precise and reasonably open for the class. These traits are consistent with show-floor notes describing forward upper-mids/treble and high resolving ability.
On value, the DN242’s package (modular cable, accessories) and technical performance are strong for ~$350, but its energetic treble and mid focus may not suit listeners seeking a warmer, bass-tilted signature; some community notes also flag recording quality sensitivity. Within sub-$400, it competes well on clarity and imaging, though its tonality won’t be universally forgiving. Overall, it reads as a capable, detail-forward set with clear strengths—and a tuning that will reward the treble-tolerant more than bass-first listeners.
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Nice HCK Himalaya (more reviews)
Nice HCK Himalaya reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The NiceHCK Himalaya is a spectacular flagship IEM featuring a titanium alloy cavity that feels premium and has a beautiful sheen. It comes loaded with extras: a gorgeous purple and grey-blue braided cable (with interchangeable 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm terminations), a sturdy soft-hard case, various tips, and crucially, three interchangeable nozzle filters – gold, black, and blue. Remarkably, all three nozzles sound excellent, a rare feat where subtle tuning changes cater to different preferences without any duds; the blue nozzles deliver a particularly intense, club-like bass that feels physical.
Sonically, these are everything great about a dynamic driver: clean, open, wide, and smooth. They offer impressive bass weight and rumble, especially with the blue nozzles or Render tips, creating a sound reminiscent of a dark German dance club. The tuning flexibility is fantastic, allowing a shift from a cleaner presentation to a more intense, bass-forward signature. The ergonomic fit is comfortable, and the soundstage is expansive, drawing comparisons to the soundstage of the iKKO OH5 combined with the bass of the OH10, but with a superior stock cable. They handle different amps and tips well, proving to be happy go-lucky workhorses.
While minor quibbles exist – like the fiddly nozzle storage (they come in a bag, not a secure plate) and the potential to misalign the MMCX connectors – these are overshadowed by the overall excellence. The Himalaya delivers a powerful, immersive listening experience perfect for closing your eyes and getting lost in the music. For $300, they represent outstanding value, earning high praise as a goddamn yes and a strong contender, leaving little to disappoint.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Nice HCK Himalaya reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Dunu DN242 (more reviews)
Dunu DN242 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.2
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The DUNU 242 is a tribrid configuration with two dynamic drivers, four balanced armatures and two micro planars at around 350 dollars, and it comes with the kind of generous accessory package expected from DUNU. The modular cable feels premium and easy to handle, with matching colors and both 3.5 and 4.4 millimeter terminations, while the included case and wide selection of tips make it feel complete out of the box. Shells are on the larger side with a thick 6.4 millimeter nozzle and a shape that is not very contoured, so users with smaller ears may find the fit tricky even though overall build quality feels solid.
In terms of tuning, the 242 presents neutral bass levels with relaxed sub bass and only moderate mid bass presence, so it does not deliver strong slam or impact and clearly will not satisfy bass focused listeners. The mid range is the highlight, sounding balanced rather than recessed or shouty, with clear, dense and full bodied notes that give male vocals depth and instruments a grounded, natural weight, making this the most convincing part of the signature. Treble is forward and lively with pleasing shimmer that adds energy, but it can turn a bit peaky or edgy depending on the track, so treble sensitive listeners may wish it were smoother.
Technical performance is described as decent, roughly in the fifty to sixty percent range, which means resolution and separation are competent but not standout for the price, and competing models can offer more detail, sub bass extension or a more natural overall balance. The 242 fits listeners who want neutral bass, easygoing vocals and a sparkly top end in a compact package with great accessories, and who are willing to accept average technicals and some treble edge in exchange. For those who crave deep, punchy low end, smoother treble or a more obviously engaging presentation at this price, there are stronger all rounders, so this DUNU feels like a specialist choice rather than a default recommendation.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Nice HCK Himalaya Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Neutral, V-Shaped
Brand: NiceHCK Top NiceHCK IEMs
Price (Msrp): $329
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Dunu DN242 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+4BA+2Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $349
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Nice HCK Himalaya User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Dunu DN242 User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Nice HCK Himalaya Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-Dunu DN242 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Nice HCK Himalaya Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Overall balance feels confident and refined, rewarding long listening sessions. A reliable all-rounder for everyday listening.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Dunu DN242 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
B+- It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
Nice HCK Himalaya User Reviews
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Dunu DN242 User Reviews
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