I/O Sogno VS Nice HCK Himalaya

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I/O’s Sogno lands as a more Harman-esque, musical follow-up to the Vol with a punchy, dimensional bass that’s quick in attack and decay, slightly forward mids, and an upper end that can be nudged down with the right tips (stock tips run a touch brighter). Resolution is solid and the stage isn’t huge, but it never feels congested. The unboxing is class-leading for the $400 bracket: an all-resin shell with a beautiful faceplate, an interchangeable-termination cable, hard case with removable foam, pouch, and five full sets of tips. Fit is snug and lightweight, though the lower protrusion can cause minor irritation after ~4 hours.

For competitive gaming, tip choice is everything thanks to the “fish-mouth” nozzle. TW40 tips work well in Valorant, while third-party AZLA SednaEarfit ORIGIN tame the hot 2–4 kHz band in Apex and COD so gunfire doesn’t mask shuffles, climbs, and utility cues. With the ORIGIN tips, separation, verticality, and imaging lock in nicely; microdetail and depth read (front/back/over/under) still leave a little on the table, keeping Sogno at a strong B on the Wallhack-Certified tier list—on the cusp of B+ with perfect synergy. Footsteps and positional cues remain clear even while shooting, bass stays controlled, though aerial killstreaks in COD can sound a bit abrasive. Net: an excellent music-first IEM that crosses over well for ranked play if you roll the right tips.

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I/O Sogno aims for big “perceived value” at $400: a robust, watch-style carry case, an unusually rich ear-tip kit (multiple five styles neatly boxed, including foam and wide-bore variants), and a swappable-termination cable (3.5mm to 4.4mm) with tidy hardware and standard recessed 2-pin. The shell mirrors the Volare—medium-large with a longish nozzle—and the semi-custom shape sits securely enough but feels a bit wedge-like, not deeply locked behind the anti-tragus. Build and accessories are excellent for the price; comfort is fine, if a touch chunky.

Sonically it’s very Harman-compliant: a mostly sub-bass lift, leaner mids with forward vocals, and a treble that follows the target’s gentle roll-off. That tuning makes the Sogno sound dry and somewhat narrow/congested; cymbals and hi-hats lack shimmer (a slightly “plasticky” timbre), and staging isn’t especially open. Versus Volare, Sogno is less warm and less airy; versus Truthear Nova it hits a bit harder down low but remains similarly clinical; and value pressure comes from cheaper sets like the 7Hz Zero. In direct comparison, Moondrop × Crinacle Dusk (also below this price) feels miles ahead in technicalities and overall engagement. A solid, accessory-rich Harman option, but not quite the “dream” its name suggests—overall 3/5.

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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.