Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk VS Nice HCK Himalaya
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk and Nice HCK Himalaya use 2DD+2BA+2PLA and 1DD driver setups respectively. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk costs $400 while Nice HCK Himalaya costs $329. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk is $71 more expensive. Nice HCK Himalaya holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.7 vs 7.8). Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk carries a user score of 7.7. Nice HCK Himalaya has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has better dynamics with a 0.7-point edge and Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk has slightly better details with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk | Nice HCK Himalaya |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 7.4 | 8.1 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Details | 8 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 7.2 |
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.7Strongly Favorable
Nice HCK Himalaya Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.8Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
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Nice HCK Himalaya reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Buy Nice HCK Himalaya on NiceHCK
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Price: $269
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Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk (more reviews)
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Super* Review
8.5*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The new Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk borrows the Blessing 3’s ergonomics and accessory spread—spring tips, a lightweight 3.5 mm cable, and a braided USB DSP cable—while switching to a tribrid driver array: 2DD for bass, 2BA for mids, and 2 micro-planars for treble. The shell is medium-large yet secure and comfortable, with a narrower nozzle than earlier Blessings and a cleaner faceplate design. The DSP cable can sweeten tonality, but there are caveats: occasional artifacts, spotty DAP compatibility, and an Android-only app with EQ limits (no tweaks below ~60 Hz or above ~10 kHz).
On the analog cable, tonality lands neutral and mid-centric with a tasteful sub-bass lift and slightly eased presence region—still a touch clinical, but now with added body and engagement. The star is the bass quality: tight, punchy, and tactile without masking the mids. Imaging/separation are clearly above average, and treble has better extension and metallic timbre than older Moondrops. Swapping to the DSP cable warms the mids and adds a bit of mid-bass punch (less brightness, richer tone), trading a hint of separation for extra smoothness.
Comparisons: vs OG Dusk, the new set’s bass is less blammy but higher quality, and the treble timbre is more realistic; vs Blessing 3, this is fuller, deeper, and less thin; vs Hype 4, stage width and bass quantity favor the Hype, but the Dusk keeps vocals cleaner and more balanced. DSP experiments show Blessing 3 + DSP can get very close to the Dusk’s FR, and even the budget Moondrop May narrows the gap—yet the Dusk still wins on bass tightness, treble refinement, and overall technical polish. As an analog IEM around $360, this is the one to beat—an easy 5/5.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build impresses out of the box: a premium case, a handsome semi-transparent shell that’s a touch larger than AFUL’s Magic One, a smaller nozzle, and excellent comfort—easy A+. The included DSP cable feels great, while the analog cable comes off a bit cheap for the price. Packaging and accessories sit at an average level overall.
In analog form, this is a Jekyll-and-Hyde situation. Channel matching is spot-on, but the presentation reads flat/neutral to a fault—solid, yet not especially competitive, fitting more a $150–$170 tier for raw value. Versus the original Blessing 2 Dusk, the new Dusk extends better up top with more air, but from bass through upper mids (to ~8 kHz) the older set still vocals better and feels more engaging; upgrading for the analog tuning alone isn’t advised. Alternatives like the PULA PA02 or CKLVX 1DD+4BA hit a similar, clean-neutral aim, while Gizaudio Chopin shows a smarter 5–6 kHz dip, livelier mids, and punchier bass at roughly half the price. Among Crin collabs, it’s clearly more refined than the Dioko, but not a slam-dunk over his other budget-minded sets.
The story flips with the DSP. Engaged, the Dusk becomes an easy recommendation: noticeably more balanced, resolving, and simply fun, earning a “perfect score for value” within the DSP lane. Caveats: Android support is the sweet spot; iPhone compatibility can be finicky, pushing some users to desktop—where manual EQ already exists. Still, the app is simple, the extra tunings are useful, and plug-and-play convenience (no dongle DAC dance) is a win. Bottom line: as an analog IEM, only “good” and overpriced; as a DSP IEM, genuinely excellent—highly worth it if the use case fits.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Audionotions
8
Reviewer Score
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
7.5
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelMoondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.2
Reviewer Score
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by Jays Audio
7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Stock tuning lands in the safe-and-smooth lane: a gently warm balance with a slight treble emphasis, nothing egregious and nothing especially standout. It works well for J-pop/K-pop at mid volume thanks to tamed upper-mids that keep sibilance in check. The trade-off is softer, “vanilla” vocals that miss the last bit of extension, air, and micro-detail; turn it up for more presence and the treble gets spicy—not helped by unit variance that can throw a 16k peak. Cymbal detail is decent with minimal “planar timbre,” but it can get a touch sizzly.
Against the field, Dusk struggles to justify the premium. Truthear Nova plays the same all-rounder role for much less while feeling more open up top; want a bit more top-end than Nova, there’s the Chopin at ~$200. Hype 4 comes off as a more well-rounded Dusk—better low-end texture, a hint more vocal reach, and less sharpness—and Quintet delivers a similar idea for cheaper. Even with EQ in the mix, Blessing 3 can match or better the result (smoother treble, no channel imbalance). Net: the sound is good but not special, and the value calculus isn’t favorable.
The supposed differentiator—DSP—isn’t it. The app feels unstable (settings not applying, frequent crashes), Android-only for adjustments, and awkward with external DAC/amps where EQ may not pass through. There’s a minor noise floor between pauses. Of the presets, “Stock 3.5mm (Analog)” and Bass+ are the only keepers; “Stock USB” is warmer but needs more upper-mids, and the Diffuse Field Tilt lands awkwardly. Phone amps also bottleneck staging; better sources open it up—but then the DSP conflicts. Add in QC concerns, and the verdict is clear: a pleasant, inoffensive listen, yet overhyped and overpriced for what it delivers; a solid sub-$200 proposition, not at its current bracket.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Youtube Video Summary
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk earns raves for music: a clean, textured, fast low end with real sub-bass punch that avoids bloat, a natural, resolving midrange for male/female vocals and instruments, and crisp, well-controlled treble that delivers cymbal air without harshness. The overall presentation feels well-rounded and technical enough to spar with sets far above its price, evoking “revisit the whole library” vibes. Build and comfort impress too—lightweight shell, transparent chassis with a wood-like carbon faceplate, and an ergonomic fit. Tip-rolling matters: Spring Tips add a touch of openness and air, while SpinFit W1 tightens stage and teases out more bass on the “fish-mouth” nozzle.
Accessories are solid: a standard 3.5 mm cable plus a USB-C DSP cable that’s great for Android/iPad on-the-go listening, though PC gaming revealed instability in some titles (stutters/freezes in Apex Legends and Call of Duty). Day to day, the cable’s braid resists tangles, and the included case/tips round out a tidy package.
For competitive play, performance is mixed. Imaging is good and the bass gives an immersive punch, but the stage skews intimate and heavy effects can mask subtle cues. In Apex Legends, verticality and depth perception suffer—overhead action blends at forehead level, distant slides/grass shuffles fade, and chaotic fights cause layering to mush before quickly recovering. Call of Duty shows similar trade-offs with aerial and fine details under bombardment, while Valorant fares best thanks to tighter maps and fewer simultaneous effects (though horizontal peeks and micro-depth could still be sharper). The takeaway: S-tier for music in this bracket and a fun, cinematic gamer, but not the most surgical pick for top-ranked competitive play.
Fresh Reviews original ranking
Fresh Reviews Youtube ChannelNice 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 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.
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+2PLA
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Moondrop Top Moondrop IEMs
Price (Msrp): $400
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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 x Crinacle Dusk User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.7Strongly Favorable
Nice HCK Himalaya User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.6Gaming Grade
ANice 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 x Crinacle Dusk Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
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.
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewMust use DSP default, much much better than analog
Pros
Very impressive across the board.Cons
Feels kinda "I don't want to hear them for a while" after long sessions. Not sure whyNice HCK Himalaya User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
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Cons
- Example con 1
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