Moondrop Kato VS Nice HCK Himalaya
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Kato and Nice HCK Himalaya are 1DD in-ear monitors. Moondrop Kato costs $190 while Nice HCK Himalaya costs $329. Nice HCK Himalaya is $139 more expensive. Nice HCK Himalaya holds a decisive 1.6-point edge in reviewer scores (6.1 vs 7.8). Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better bass with a 2-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better mids with a 1.7-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better dynamics with a 3.5-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better soundstage with a 1.2-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better details with a 1.9-point edge and Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better imaging with a 1.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Kato | Nice HCK Himalaya |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 6.4 | 8.1 |
| Treble | 5.9 | 7.4 |
| Details | 5.7 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 6.5 | 7.7 |
| Imaging | 5.7 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 4.3 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 6.1 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 6 | 7.2 |
Moondrop Kato Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.1Mixed to Positive
Nice HCK Himalaya Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.8Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Kato (more reviews)
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Super* Review
8.5*
* score normalized
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
6.5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Crin
6.5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Jaytiss
6.3
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Shuwa-T
6.2
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Precogvision
5.8
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Audionotions
5.5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Jays Audio
5.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Tim Tuned
5.5
Reviewer Score
Moondrop Kato reviewed by Nymz
4.9
Reviewer Score
Nice HCK Himalaya (more reviews)
Nice HCK Himalaya reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score normalized
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 IEMRanking AI
2025-09-07
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.
Moondrop Kato Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $190
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Nice HCK Himalaya Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Neutral, V-Shaped
Brand: NiceHCK Top NiceHCK IEMs
Price (Msrp): $329
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Moondrop Kato User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Nice HCK Himalaya User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Moondrop Kato Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6Gaming Grade
BNice 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-Moondrop Kato Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Nice HCK Himalaya Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
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