Fiio FH7S VS Nice HCK Himalaya

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The FiiO FH7S comes in at around $400 and feels like a course correction after the troubled FH5s. Build is robust with an angular, all-metal shell and a handsome—if stiff—stock cable that supports swappable terminations (3.5 mm and 4.4 mm). Accessory loadout is generous: SpinFit tips, FiiO’s new grippy silicone tips, foams, a tip case, tuning filters, and an MMCX tool. Comfort is very good with easy insertion and medium-sized shells, though fit security is only so-so, benefiting from slightly longer SpinFit tips. The included filters make measurable but minor changes; “balanced” proves the safest bet for most use.

Sonically, the FH7S is a bassy hybrid tuned somewhere between warm V and warm neutral: thick low end, well-extended treble, and upper mids that sit close to Super* Review’s preferred target. The story here is the excellent treble—smooth, airy, and detailed—plus a wide headstage; a new notch filter appears to curb sibilance effectively on hot recordings. The downside is the bass quality: abundant in quantity but soft on attack and a bit bloated/smeary (“nightclub” vibe), which can blur momentum even if it doesn’t cloud that superb top end. Versus peers, Dunu’s Vulcan offers the better bass texture but duller, clackier treble and weaker imaging, while the Mangird T2 is the most neutral/easy listen with excellent fit yet less excitement overall. As a package, FH7S reads as a redemption for FiiO’s hybrids—treble and stage are standout—and ultimately earns 4/5 stars despite the swampy low end.

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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.