Punch Audio Martilo VS Nice HCK Himalaya
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Punch Audio Martilo and Nice HCK Himalaya use 2DD+2BA+1Planar and 1DD driver setups respectively. Punch Audio Martilo costs $329 while Nice HCK Himalaya costs $329. Nice HCK Himalaya holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7.6 vs 7.8). Punch Audio Martilo has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has significantly better mids with a 1.1-point edge, Nice HCK Himalaya has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge and Punch Audio Martilo has significantly better dynamics with a 1.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Punch Audio Martilo | Nice HCK Himalaya |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8 | 7.5 |
| Mids | 7 | 8.1 |
| Treble | 7 | 7.4 |
| Details | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| Imaging | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 9 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 7.2 | 7.2 |
Punch Audio Martilo Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
Nice HCK Himalaya Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.8Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Z-Reviews
7.2
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Punch Audio Martilo shows up screaming BASSHEAD on the box, but the tuning is smarter than that. A hybrid stack—2×8 mm DD + 2×BA + 1 planar—delivers bass that hits when the track calls for it, then gets out of the way. The surprise is the huge soundstage: airy, wide, borderline cinematic, so pianos, crowds, and live recordings feel expansive rather than claustrophobic. Low 9 Ω impedance and easy efficiency keep the power demands chill, though a low-impedance cable is recommended.
Tip rolling matters. With thin-wall silicone (e.g., Dunu S&S) the stage opens up and balance feels right; foams and some wide-bore options can push treble into a slightly sharp zone on certain tracks. Tonality reads clean and natural—warm-adjacent without a blanket—so everyday music stays unbloated, while proper sub-bass test tracks pressurize with that “firm hand on the chest,” not a sledgehammer.
Build is solid: thick, comfy modular cable with swappable plugs, flashy red shells, and a comically oversized box for a modest accessory set (silicone + foams). Street price around $330 lands in the sweet spot—easily justifying $375 by ear. Think “poor man’s Mega 5 EST Bass Plus”: similarly satisfying slam and stage, with the pricier set showing a touch more upper-mid/treble refinement. Not just for bassheads—more like a full-range thrill ride that lets music breathe and hit when it should.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
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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
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Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Nice HCK Himalaya reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8
* score rescaled + normalized
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Web Search
8
Reviewer Score
The Punch Audio Martilo delivers a powerful bass experience that dominates its signature, featuring a substantial 14dB sub-bass boost. This emphasis creates visceral, physical rumble, especially in electronic or hip-hop tracks, yet avoids overwhelming the lower mids due to a precise 200Hz crossover. While the dual dynamic drivers generate impressive slam and texture, a slight bloom can occasionally creep into the low-mids on very busy tracks, though it generally maintains better control than many bass-focused rivals.
Surprisingly, the midrange retains clarity and naturalness despite the bass foundation, handled competently by the Knowles balanced armatures. Vocals, both male and female, sound full-bodied and avoid the huskiness or recession common in bass-heavy tunings, while instruments like guitars retain decent texture. The planar magnetic driver contributes a smooth, non-fatiguing treble with adequate air and detail retrieval, though it doesn't quite reach the sparkle or ultimate extension of dedicated electrostatic tweeters.
Technical performance is solid for its price and tuning goal, offering a wide soundstage with good depth and effective layering, particularly impressive given the bass quantity. Imaging is precise enough for accurate placement of instruments. While the bass is the star, the overall presentation manages to avoid being a one-note experience, offering a fun yet reasonably balanced listen that works across more genres than typical basshead sets.
Nice HCK Himalaya reviewed by Web Search
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.
Punch Audio Martilo (more reviews)
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Jaytiss
8.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Punch Audio Martilo steps in as a new-brand debut with a confident package: a hybrid array (planar + BAs + DDs), a metal nozzle, proper venting, and a recessed 2-pin socket set into a shell that sits securely thanks to an anti-tragus catch. The faceplate gives off AFUL Performer 7 vibes, the included cable is supple with clear R/L markings, and the textured carry case plus two tip sets round out a thoughtful accessory kit. Priced around $329—with occasional deep discounts during big Linsoul sales—build and accessories feel dialed in for the bracket.
Sonically, this is a bassy set that still behaves like an all-rounder. The bass shelf rises from roughly ~150 Hz, bringing weight and warmth without turning podcasts and vocals into mud; upper-mids are present yet controlled, minimizing shout, while mid-treble energy keeps things crisp. Female vocals avoid huskiness, note weight is satisfying, and the tuning strikes a balanced, fun profile that works across genres. On the graph it hugs a safe line, then sprinkles in extra low-end for flavor—bass-head friendly, but not a blunt instrument.
In A/Bs, it addresses the AFUL Explorer’s softness with more bass and mid presence, and compared to similarly priced Kiwi Ears Astral (the safer neutral pick), Martilo offers the spicier, more engaging option. Against “specialist” bass sets like Deuce or Quantum, Martilo feels cleaner in the mids, less abrupt in its slam, and more universally usable; versus warmer bass champs (e.g., Mega 5 Bass), it trades some warmth for clarity and refinement. This isn’t sterile “audiophile-neutral”—it’s audiophile-fun done with taste. Scoring reads like: bass (10/10), note weight (10/10), mids (9/10), with surprisingly solid highs, stage, and imaging for the money. Not flawless, but distinctive, well-tuned, and easy to recommend—especially for listeners who want real bass without sacrificing everyday versatility.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Bad Guy Good Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Punch Audio Martilo hits the brief for bass-centric listeners. The tuning kicks up from ~200 Hz, driving a potent low end, then rides a flat porch through the mids with a gentle ear-gain that crests around 3 kHz before easing off. It mirrors the well-known Kiwi Ears collab curve but with a touch more upper-mids energy for cleaner, clearer vocals. At $279 with the card (and still competitive around $320), this set undercuts many rivals and, for libraries heavy on rock and hip-hop, feels purpose-built.
The hybrid stack—2DD + 2 BA (branded) with a planar on top—keeps the upper-mids sensible and lets the treble play from roughly 5 kHz+ without glare. Personal preference might lean to EST or a high-end BA super-tweeter, but here the planar’s implementation stays out of trouble by avoiding an overcooked 1–3/4 kHz shelf. Result: strong slam, stable mids, and treble that’s present yet subordinate to the preceding bands—focused on transparency rather than flash.
Beyond sound, the packaging and cable show real forethought—distinct from the usual cookie-cutter unboxings—and the overall execution reads like a brand finally dedicated to the low-end community. With more models in the pipeline (including a budget single DD and a planar+DD combo), Martilo arrives as a market shaker for bass lovers seeking muscle without muddying the mids. For the asking price, it’s an easy recommendation to audition—especially if the playlist is built on rhythm sections and big grooves.
Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube ChannelPunch Audio Martilo reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Boom — time for bass. Punch Audio’s Martilo is a tribrid (2×8 mm DD + 2 BA + 1 micro planar) coming in around $330. The package is stacked: sturdy square case, extra filters, multiple tip sets, and a genuinely excellent modular 3.5/4.4 cable that lays flat, has no microphonics, and a firm chin slider. The shells are ergonomic with venting, metal nozzles with a proper lip, and a small nozzle diameter (5.9/5.0 mm) that helps seal; comfort and passive isolation are both strong.
Sonically, this is unapologetically bass-focused without being bass-only. Expect massive sub-bass depth and a punchy mid-bass, yet the low end stays tight, controlled, textured and doesn’t bleed. Mids retain clarity with non-shouty presence, while treble is crisp, smooth, non-fatiguing with decent extension (not ultra-airy). For a bass-heavy set, technical performance is solid: detail is good, and imaging/separation keep busy tracks coherent and energetic.
Against Hisenior’s Mega5EST Bass Plus, Martilo hits harder, feels more engaging, and offers better vocal clarity — and it steamrolls on value at the lower price. Compared with Xenns Tea Pro, the Tea Pro is a bass-lover all-rounder that spotlights vocals/instruments more; Martilo goes full bass-head with bigger rumble and impact. Ideal for listeners who crave deep slam but still want clarity, comfort, and great accessories; not for neutral/reference chasers. Final verdict: 4/5 — it truly punches above its price.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelPunch Audio Martilo reviewed by Jays Audio
7.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Punch Audio Martilo reviewed by Tim Tuned
5.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Punch Audio Martilo Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA+1Planar
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $329
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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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Punch Audio Martilo 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
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Based on 0 user reviews
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Punch Audio Martilo 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-Nice 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-Punch Audio Martilo 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-- Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
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.
Punch Audio Martilo User Reviews
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