NiceHCK Rockies VS Fiio FX17
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
NiceHCK Rockies and Fiio FX17 use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 1DD+4BA+8EST driver setups respectively. NiceHCK Rockies costs $499 while Fiio FX17 costs $1,500. Fiio FX17 is $1,001 more expensive. Fiio FX17 holds a clear 0.9-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 9). User ratings place NiceHCK Rockies at 9 and Fiio FX17 at 9.1. NiceHCK Rockies has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, Fiio FX17 has slightly better mids with a 0.4-point edge, Fiio FX17 has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, Fiio FX17 has significantly better dynamics with a 1.4-point edge, Fiio FX17 has slightly better soundstage with a 0.4-point edge, Fiio FX17 has significantly better details with a 1.7-point edge and Fiio FX17 has significantly better imaging with a 1.6-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | NiceHCK Rockies | Fiio FX17 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Mids | 8.7 | 9.1 |
| Treble | 8.3 | 9 |
| Details | 7.5 | 9.2 |
| Soundstage | 8.2 | 8.6 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 9.1 |
| Dynamics | 7.4 | 8.8 |
| Tonality | 8.5 | 7.9 |
| Technicalities | 8.7 | 8.8 |
NiceHCK Rockies Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Fiio FX17 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
NiceHCK Rockies Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with sub-bass boost
Brand: NiceHCK Top NiceHCK IEMs
Price (Msrp): $499
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Fiio FX17 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+8EST
Tuning Type: Warm-neutral (mild U-shape)
Brand: FiiO Top FiiO IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,499.99
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NiceHCK Rockies User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 2 user reviews
9Outstanding
Fiio FX17 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
9.1Outstanding
NiceHCK Rockies Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
8.4Gaming Grade
A+Fiio FX17 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
ANiceHCK Rockies Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Fiio FX17 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
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
NiceHCK Rockies Reviews
Jaytiss
2025-09-03
9.4
Reviewer Score
Trebble so nice. Feels faultless and amazing. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
NiceHCK Rockies lands in the ~$500 bracket with a 1DD+2BA+2EST setup and a surprisingly premium package. The hollow resin shell feels solid, with a metal nozzle, slightly recessed 2-pin, good isolation, and comfy fit. The swappable-termination cable is thick, pliant, and lays flat—no chin slider out of the box, but easy to add—and the excellent case and tip kit push the accessories into “above class” territory.
Tonally, Rockies goes for tight, controlled bass and a natural midrange, capped by upper-treble that’s sparkly yet refined—detailed without getting shouty or brittle. The graph reads largely flat with a tasteful treble lift, translating to a clean, clear presentation that stays engaging rather than fatiguing. It comes across as an “instant classic” tuning: lively, airy, but still grounded.
Compared with brand siblings (DB2 too upper-midsy; F1 Pro/NX8 fine but not special), Rockies feels like the step up. Versus peers, it splits the difference: more air and delicacy than RSV MK2 (which is bassier/darker), less sizzle than sets that chase treble for effect, and broadly similar endgame vibes to “good” units of Mega5-EST—variance there being the rub. Net: a high-value pick at its price, worthy of a Gold Star—not a universal “benchmark,” but a sweet, natural, clear listen that many will prefer, especially with the standout accessories.
Drew / Audionotions
2025-09-09
8.5
Reviewer Score
My favorite take on the JM1 meta so far. Bass tuning is well done with adequate weight and punch - it's not standout but it will do the job. Silky smoooooth and rich mids with very good clarity. Treble that leans slightly bright but is never sharp. Very good transient response, especially with things like plucking sounds and the like. Renders strings very well. Some people might find the treble a bit forward but I don't personally find this to be an issue, except on certain tracks. It's an IEM that is hard to fault and one that will handle anything you throw at it well. Very suitable as a one-and-done IEM. Previously Owned
Jays Audio
2025-08-28
8.5
Reviewer Score
Balanced, clean, airy, with a slight treble emphasis, good EST implementation, great overall package and accesories at the price. Similar to TOP PRO but with ESTs and not as vocal centric. Easy rec if you want something balanced and airy. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The NiceHCK Rockies have a balanced tuning with standout treble extension from its ESTs. Vocals are tamer with a cut in the upper mids, trading sparkle-forward presence for a smoother, airier presentation; staging feels more open because bass and vocals sit slightly back, while cymbal decay lingers with a pleasing airiness. Technical performance is very good for the price—punching above many $500–$600 peers—and the unboxing/accessories package adds to the overall value.
Low end is grounded and tidy rather than slammy; texture and separation are solid, but this isn’t for bassheads or those wanting vocal-forward excitement (sets like Top Pro or Volare cover that better). The Rockies excel with rock/metal/indie/classical where the extra air, layering, and controlled upper energy shine; they scale best at mid volumes, and tip rolling should avoid options that over-boost or dull the treble—the stock tips already hit a sweet spot. Net: a confident recommendation at ~$500–$600 for listeners prioritizing treble quality, detail, and spaciousness, with the main trade-off being a more restrained bass and laid-back vocal emphasis.
Tim Tuned
2025-07-16
8.5
Reviewer Score
The Mega5EST but a slight bit more technical and bright Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Super* Review
2025-09-13
6*
* score normalized
The NiceHCK Rockies is a $500 tribrid (1DD+2BA+2EST) tuned almost identically to the Mega 5 EST but with slightly less bass and a touch more lower treble, yielding tighter bass and clearer separation at the cost of a drier, slightly brittle tone; build is solid, though the stiff, slider-less cable and average fit detract. Overall it’s good, but the warmer Mega 5 EST is preferred, and the Rockies lands at 3/5.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
NiceHCK Rockies lands as a $500 tribrid (1DD+2BA+2EST) that mirrors the Mega5-EST’s tuning with subtle tweaks. The unboxing is generous—three styles of tips (including AET07-style and tacky “medical” silicone), a large puck case, and a swappable 3.5/4.4 screw-lock plug. Build feels premium with a real pietersite stone faceplate; fit is comfortable but shell geometry is generic, so stability depends on tips. The stock cable looks nice but is stiff and, notably, has no chin slider.
Sonically, Rockies follows a tilted diffuse-field / “new meta” balance with slightly less bass and a touch more lower-treble than Mega5-EST—on the order of ~1 dB each way. That shift tightens the low end and improves separation/imaging, making the set feel more technical; however, it also trims warmth and depth, leaving the presentation a bit dry/brittle at times. Bass quality is clean and controlled rather than showy; treble reads clear without obvious harshness on the 711 rig readout, though it can edge lean.
Against peers, Mega5-EST stays the easier, warmer listen with slightly “thuddier” bass, while DUNU’s Brain Dance is the pick for maximum excitement and staging (more clinical up top). Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk (analog use) offers stronger imaging and notably satisfying bass execution at a lower price. Rockies ends up a very good, balanced all-rounder that some will prefer over Mega5-EST for its tidier bass and clarity, but the trade for brightness and dryness is real—final verdict: 3/5.
IEMRanking AI
2025-07-19
7.5
Reviewer Score
The NiceHCK Rockies is a five-driver tribrid using 1DD + 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST in a resin shell with Pietersite stone faceplates. Specs list a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable with swappable 3.5/4.4 mm plug, 9.8 Ω impedance and 121 dB/Vrms sensitivity, indicating easy driveability from portable sources.
Early third-party coverage characterizes the tuning as neutral with a sub-bass lift and smooth, controlled treble, with 5128 measurements available via Crinacle’s public database and a review on Hangout’s channel. These impressions emphasize strong imaging and detail without obvious harshness when recordings are clean.
At an MSRP of $499 (with a short launch price of $469), value hinges on preference for an energetic, U/neutral-with-bass presentation; listeners sensitive to upper energy may find mids a touch lean on certain material, as some impressions note. In short, Rockies trades a warm mid focus for sub-bass reach, treble resolution, and a stable stage that suits modern pop, electronic, and large-scale orchestral.
Fiio FX17 Reviews
10
* score normalized
The FiiO FX17 is a mind-bending flagship IEM priced at $1,500, packing an absolutely hilarious 13-driver configuration per side: one dynamic for bass, four balanced armatures for midrange control, and a staggering eight electrostatic drivers for the highs. The sheer number of electrostats isn't a gimmick; FiiO explicitly states they're necessary to achieve sufficient sound pressure and avoid being mere "decoration," throwing serious shade at competitors. The result is nothing short of wild. Forget typical soundstage descriptions – the music doesn't feel like it's coming from two points in your ears or even from speakers in a room. Instead, it creates an entirely internalized, coherent performance happening inside your head, like the band is set up within your skull. It’s a cognitive living experience prioritizing placement and realism over simple frequency response graphs.
This psychoacoustic magic translates into pure, infectious enjoyment. Tracks feel aggressively present yet controlled, with kick drums hitting the back of your eyewall and intricate details like tap dancing percussively located behind your eyes. The separation and realism are phenomenal, making everything from the Beastie Boys to complex techno feel immediate and utterly engaging. While physically large with a fingerprint-prone mirrored finish and using the less-favored MMCX connectors, the FX17 is surprisingly comfortable and not overly heavy. Criticisms like the connector type are dismissed as irrelevant noise compared to the sonic achievement. Plugged into anything from a high-end stack to the included USB-C dongle DAC, the FX17 delivers its unique, immersive magic consistently.
The unboxing experience screams flagship, absolutely justifying the price tag visually. It arrives in a luxurious British Racing Green case with magnetic closure, featuring gold-accented packaging, a wooden storage plaque (unit 240 shown), a cleaning cloth, MMCX tool, ear wax brush, magnetic cable clip, and a mind-boggling 22 pairs of various eartips. Add in a very nice cable with interchangeable terminations (3.5mm & 4.4mm included, 2.5mm adapter not included) and the aforementioned USB-C dongle, and the package feels comprehensive and premium. Ultimately, the FX17 stands out dramatically in the crowded $1,500 IEM field. It’s declared worth every penny of $2,000, delivering a unique, transformative listening experience that prioritizes how the sound is presented over traditional audiophile checkboxes. It earns full, emphatic marks as FiiO's best audio reproduction product to date.
Super* Review
2025-08-23
9*
* score normalized
This is the best IEM Fiio has ever made. Very powerfull sound.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The Fiio FX17 emerges as a worthy flagship and a significant improvement over its predecessor, the FA19. This tribrid IEM boasts a unique driver configuration of one dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and a staggering eight electrostatic drivers, all housed within a solid, lightweight titanium shell. While its aesthetic is considered a bit plain, the build quality is excellent. The package is loaded with a massive assortment of accessories, including seven different styles of ear tips and a cable with a clever built-in DAC adapter for smartphones.
Sonically, the FX17 delivers a warm, powerful, and engaging sound signature. Its bass is a particular standout, described as meaty, well-textured, and highly engaging without bleeding into the mids. The overall tonality is natural yet contrasty, offering a dynamic and punchy listen. The treble provides excitement and definition, though it can be slightly aggressive or "crashy" for those with high sensitivity, making it far from a "safe" tuning.
In direct comparisons, the FX17 is deemed superior in every way to the FA19, which was criticized for its bloated bass and splashy treble. It trades blows with competitors like the Dunu Glacier and ThieAudio Monarch Mk IV, offering a denser, more tactile experience than the Monarch's airy presentation and a more natural vocal tonality than the Glacier's more exaggerated V-shape. Ultimately, the FX17 is declared not only Fiio's best IEM to date but a compelling and engaging option in the high-end market.
Gizaudio Axel
2025-08-09
8
Reviewer Score
Warm, non-fatiguing listen. Punchy mid-bass, warm, lush mids, smooth, detailed treble, wide soundstage. Warm sound signature may not suit everyone.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
The FiiO FX17 packs a hybrid 13-driver configuration featuring one dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and eight EST drivers, priced around $1,500. Unboxing reveals a generous accessory suite: a premium leather case with magnetic closure, an MMCX removal tool, cleaning brush, cleaning cloth, and a magnetic cable holder. The highlight is the included modular cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations plus a specialized USB-C dongle enabling parametric EQ and firmware updates. Buyers also receive a staggering 22 pairs of ear tips – including SpinFits, liquid silicone, foam, bass-enhancing, vocal-focused, balanced, and double-flanged options – neatly organized across two cases. The cable itself earns praise for being soft, tangle-free, well-behaved, and featuring a functional chin slider.
Built from chunky titanium shells, the FX17 feels premium but substantial. While weight distribution prevents ear fatigue for some, its large size may cause fit issues for those with smaller ears, making a demo advisable. The nozzle diameter is 6.1mm. Sonically, the FX17 delivers a powerful, mid-bass focused slam described as punchy and meaty, though sub-bass rumble takes a backseat. The mid-range is warm, lush, and slightly relaxed, offering surprising clarity and excellent detail retrieval without shoutiness. Treble stands out as smooth, highly detailed, and non-fatiguing, providing ample air and shimmer without sibilance. Technical performance is strong, with great detail and separation, but the true star is the exceptionally wide, immersive, and realistic soundstage, particularly noticeable in the upper mids and treble.
Compared to the FiiO FA19, the FX17 offers a significant upgrade in bass physicality, smoother treble refinement, and superior soundstage. It also surpasses the Unique Melody MEST MKIII CF in detail, separation, stage width, and bass weight/texture. Against the pricier Elysian Apostle, the FX17 is warmer and more relaxed; the Apostle boasts tighter bass, clearer vocals, and sparklier treble, while the FX17 counters with a wider stage. This IEM is strongly recommended for mid-bass lovers seeking physical slam, listeners desiring warm, lush, non-fatiguing mids with clarity, treble enthusiasts wanting detail without harshness, and soundstage aficionados. It's not ideal for those with small ears due to shell size, listeners prioritizing deep sub-bass rumble over mid-bass impact, or anyone seeking a neutral or bright tuning. The FX17 earns a four-star rating for its standout qualities.
IEMRanking AI
2025-09-15
8.9
Reviewer Score
The FiiO FX17 is a 13-driver tribrid with a 10 mm lithium-magnesium DD, four custom Knowles BAs, and eight Sonion ESTs in a five-way crossover, housed in a polished titanium shell. It’s rated at 16 Ω / 104 dB/mW and includes a swappable-plug cable plus a compact USB-C DAC in the box; MSRP at launch is around $1,499.99. These design choices target high treble extension and low distortion while keeping sensitivity reasonable for an EST set.
Tonally, the FX17 comes across as warm-neutral / mild U-shape: bass is tight and controlled rather than boosted, mids are natural with good timbre, and treble is smooth yet extended without obvious glare. Reviewers consistently highlight a slightly elevated mid-bass that adds body but can modestly constrain lateral staging, while the EST treble remains articulate and airy. Overall resolution and separation are strong for the price class, with high micro-detail retrieval that doesn’t tip into sibilance.
Technical performance is a clear strength: imaging is precise, layering is clean, and dynamics are punchy at moderate volumes; soundstage is spacious with more depth than width. The 16 Ω/104 dB spec translates to easy drivability (even from the included dongle), though higher-end sources can extract a touch more control and air. At ~$1.5k the FX17 prioritizes refinement and treble quality over sheer bass weight; listeners wanting sub-bass dominance may find it polite, but those seeking a balanced, resolving flagship with fatigue-free highs will consider it competitive.
NiceHCK Rockies User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA lively rendition of the diffuse field tuning that tilts slightly upward for additional clarity. Tastefully bass-boosted DD, clear and clean BA mids with slightly recessed vocals, and standout EST treble presence make an engaging JM-1 all-rounder.
Pros
Lively, unique take on neutral with bass boost. Excellent detail.Cons
An ever so slight increase in bass shelf could provide more dynamicism.Lively tribrid with engaging low end and airy detail that still sounds cohesive. Strong technical performance for the price without losing musicality.
Pros
Punchy, fast bass with good texture and sub-bass reach. Smooth-leaning EST treble with high detail and precise imaging; comfortable fit and solid isolation.Cons
V-shaped balance leaves mids a bit recessed. Treble can lean bright on poor recordings.Fiio FX17 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA technical marvel offering flagship-tier sound with lifelike realism and effortless musicality, justifying its premium status despite minor fit quirks.
Pros
Exceptional detail retrieval with natural yet engaging tonality, premium titanium build, and versatile accessories including hybrid cable and USB-C DAC.Cons
Large shells may challenge small ears; mid-bass warmth occasionally masks midrange clarity for analytical listeners.Buy Fiio FX17 on Aliexpress
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