Nicehck Rockies VS Penon 10th Anniversary

NiceHCK’s new flagship Rockies is a tribrid tuned for modern detail: 1DD+2BA+2EST under $500, clearly squaring up to Hisenior’s Mega5. The build pairs a black resin shell with a real-stone Pietersite faceplate—distinctive without feeling flashy. The headline quirk: extreme sensitivity to source output impedance. With higher-OI sources (laptop/24Ω interfaces) the bass explodes into a clubby boom; with a low-OI dongle (e.g., <2Ω like FiiO KA13) the tuning snaps into place—tighter lows and balanced overall. Measured on a B&K 5128, the Rockies’ “properly driven” curve mirrors the original JM1 through upper mids and treble, then adds a narrow 14kHz lift for extra air and sparkle.

Once driven correctly, bass turns punchy, clean, and disciplined—impactful without bleed, earning a confident 4.5/5. Vocals image with razor-edged precision and a slightly darker hue, yet remain well-separated; treble flows smoothly with EST-powered extension, no harshness or sibilance, and even opens further after some burn-in. Resolution and depth layering impress more than width—the horizontal soundstage sits about average for the price. Wish-list tweaks would be a touch deeper sub-bass, a hair brighter mids, and a wider lateral spread. Overall, Rockies feels like a thoughtfully executed, source-dependent tribrid that rewards a low-impedance chain with a balanced, detailed, and satisfyingly airy presentation.

Fox Told Me So original ranking

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.

Jays Audio original ranking

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.

Super* Review original ranking