Moondrop Quarks 2 VS Nicehck StringSnow
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop Quarks 2 and Nicehck StringSnow use 1x Dynamic (7.8mm) and 1DD (10mm PEEK LCP) driver setups respectively. Moondrop Quarks 2 costs $17 while Nicehck StringSnow costs $19. Nicehck StringSnow is $2 more expensive. Nicehck StringSnow holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (4.9 vs 5.6). Nicehck StringSnow has better bass with a 0.8-point edge, Nicehck StringSnow has slightly better mids with a 0.4-point edge, Nicehck StringSnow has significantly better treble with a 1.5-point edge, Nicehck StringSnow has better dynamics with a 0.7-point edge, Nicehck StringSnow has better soundstage with a 0.6-point edge and Nicehck StringSnow has better details with a 0.9-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop Quarks 2 | Nicehck StringSnow |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 5 | 5.8 |
| Mids | 6.2 | 6.5 |
| Treble | 5.2 | 6.7 |
| Details | 5.1 | 6 |
| Soundstage | 5 | 5.5 |
| Imaging | 5.6 | 5.8 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 5.7 |
| Tonality | 5.9 | 6.4 |
| Technicalities | 5.4 | 6.5 |
Moondrop Quarks 2 Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
4.9Generally Unfavorable
Reviewer Average Score
5.2Mixed to Negative
Nicehck StringSnow Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
5.6Mixed
Reviewer Average Score
6.4Mixed to Positive
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop Quarks 2 (more reviews)
Moondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by ATechReviews
5.9
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop Quark 2 is a very affordable pair of IEMs around 17 USD that focuses on practicality, combining a fixed USB C cable with an integrated DAC, mic and simple bullet shaped shells. Build feels surprisingly solid for the price, with a sturdy USB C plug that inspires confidence and a light, comfortable fit that can be worn straight down or over ear. Isolation is a major highlight: the seal is so strong that office noise, fans and even mechanical keyboard clatter are largely blocked out, making this a compelling option for commuting or noisy environments, although potential pressure build up should be kept in mind for sensitive users.
On the tuning side Quark 2 delivers a smooth and safe response with a sub bass focused lift that keeps the low end clean but on the lighter side, so bass quantity and slam will not satisfy those who want a heavy hitting presentation. Midrange is the clear star, with male and female vocals rendered cleanly and without shout or harshness, helped by controlled bass and relaxed upper treble that let voices sit a little forward in the mix. Treble provides enough energy to prevent the sound from becoming dark and cymbals and high frequency instruments are present without sibilance, but extension, air and sparkle are modest, giving an overall character that is more relaxed and easygoing than bright and exciting.
From a technical standpoint Quark 2 is solid for its price but not a detail monster, with detail retrieval and dynamics sitting around average, an average to slightly below average stage and imaging that still places sounds clearly to the left and right. For budget listeners the mix of clean tonality, good channel matching and the integrated USB C DAC makes the overall sound quality feel excellent at the price, yet when compared directly to the Moondrop Chu II the Quark 2 reaches only around sixty to seventy percent of its performance in bass impact, naturalness, separation and micro detail. Quark 2 clearly wins on cost, isolation, comfort and cable durability, while Chu II still takes the lead for pure sound quality, versatility and accessories, so the better choice depends on whether maximum isolation and convenience or higher technical performance matter more.
ATechReviews Youtube Channel
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Moondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
5.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Moondrop Quark 2 is an ultra budget in ear monitor that comes in around 17 dollars and focuses on practicality and convenience as much as sound. The tiny bullet style shells are easy to wear, the materials feel simple but sturdy enough for daily use, and the built in microphone and USB C termination make it a grab and go option that hobbyists can toss in a bag without worry. At this price it already brings a sense of value before any music starts.
Sonically the tuning leans toward a neutral signature with mid range forwardness, putting vocals and instruments front and center while bass and treble sit slightly in the background. Upper mids are shaped in a way that makes voices and many instruments sound fairly natural, but the lower mids and mid bass sit below a more typical preference, which can leave notes a little thin and lacking weight. Sub bass is emphasized more than mid bass, keeping things clean and avoiding bleed into the mids, yet the overall bass level is still lighter than ideal and does not fully balance the upper mid energy.
The top end has enough treble presence to hear cymbals and higher frequency information, but there is not a lot of shimmer, sparkle or air, so extension and micro detail are limited and the presentation stays on the relaxed side. Technical performance is about what can be expected at this price, with some detail and a stage that is not wide but also not overly intimate. While several rivals like the Chu, Waner and especially the Celest Wyvern Abyss offer a tuning that lines up closer with a typical preference for bass and treble, the Quark 2 still makes sense for vocal focused listeners who value its tidy form factor, built in features and are happy with a slightly leaner and more easygoing sound for seventeen dollars.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelMoondrop Quarks 2 reviewed by Audio Amigo
4
* score rescaled + normalized
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
Nicehck StringSnow (more reviews)
Nicehck StringSnow reviewed by Kois Archive
6.4
Reviewer Score
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Nicehck StringSnow reviewed by Web Search
6.3
Reviewer Score
The NiceHCK StringSnow is an entry-level 1DD bullet-style IEM built around a 10 mm dynamic driver with a PEEK/LCP diaphragm, offered with either a standard 3.5 mm plug or a Type-C cable variant. Its design emphasizes simplicity and portability, but the non-detachable cable limits upgradeability and longevity compared with 2-pin/MMCX designs. (Specs and variants from the manufacturer’s product page; pricing typically around $19–22.)
Tonally, StringSnow leans neutral-bright, with lighter bass presence, forward upper-mids, and a clean but sometimes sharp treble—better suited to clarity-focused listening than to heavy-hitting low-end. Multiple budget-tier reviews characterize it as a “bright neutral” tuning with modest bass weight, aligning with expectations for a small single-DD set at this price.
Technical performance is adequate for the segment: detail retrieval and imaging are respectable for sub-$25, while soundstage remains compact and dynamics are on the gentler side. The Type-C version integrates a small DAC, keeping hiss low and drive requirements simple from phones or laptops, but the fixed cable and basic accessory set underscore its budget intent. (Type-C DAC/cable variant noted on retail listings.)
Moondrop Quarks 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1x Dynamic (7.8mm)
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $17
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Nicehck StringSnow Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD (10mm PEEK LCP)
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: NiceHCK Top NiceHCK IEMs
Price (Msrp): $18.99
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Moondrop Quarks 2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Nicehck StringSnow User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Moondrop Quarks 2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.6Gaming Grade
B-Nicehck StringSnow Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.5Gaming Grade
B+Moondrop Quarks 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B-- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
C+- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Nicehck StringSnow Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.
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.
Moondrop Quarks 2 User Reviews
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