Nicehck Rockies - Reviews & Ratings

8 Reviews (A Tier | 8/10)

Summary

Reviewers consider the Nicehck Rockies to be an impressive standout that invites serious listening and rewards it richly. It layers instruments with precision and paints a stable, convincing space. Busy music stays intelligible and engaging.

Average Reviewer Scores

Super* Review
Head-Fi.org Web Search
Fox Told Me So Audionotions Jays Audio Tim Tuned
Jaytiss

Average Reviewer Score:

8

Very Positive

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 2 user reviews

9

Outstanding

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

8.4

Gaming Grade

A+

Reviews

Reviewed by: Jaytiss

2025-09-03
Jaytiss 9.4 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S Tech
Trebble so nice. Feels faultless and amazing.
Youtube Video Summary

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.

Mids: S Treble: S Dynamics: A- Soundstage: S-

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Price: $499

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Reviewed by: Fox Told Me So

2025-09-26
Fox Told Me So 8.6 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S- Tech
NiceHCK Rockies is a tribrid (1DD + 2BA + 2EST) that rides the “golden formula” with a twist: output impedance matters—a lot. Driven from low-impedance sources, it delivers its intended tuning; from laptops or interfaces with higher Z-out, bass balloons uncontrollably. All after all, its' impedance curve isn’t flat, with higher impedance in the low frequencies. This means that if your source has a high output impedance, the bass will draw more power than other frequencies.

Tonally, Rockies follows JM1’s safe neutral-ish slope but with leaner mids and brighter treble. Bass is punchy, quick, and well-controlled; mids a touch dark but cleanly separated; and treble opens into airy, effortless EST sparkle with no sharp edges. Stage has decent depth over width, resolution solid for the price, immersive enough without grandeur.

Verdict: not flawless (could use more sub-bass reach, meatier bass, thicker mids, and wider stage), but well-executed overall. A satisfying, balanced tribrid that showcases EST treble gracefully without breaking the bank.

Fox Told Me So original ranking

Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: S- Treble: S- Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A+ Details: S- Imaging: S

Reviewed by: Audionotions

2025-09-09
Audionotions 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.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Reviewed by: Jays Audio

2025-08-28
Jays Audio 8.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S- Tech
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.
Youtube Video Summary

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

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Reviewed by: Tim Tuned

2025-07-16
Tim Tuned 8.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S Tech
The Mega5EST but a slight bit more technical and bright

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: S Mids: S Treble: A+

Reviewed by: Super* Review

2025-09-13
Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + 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.
Youtube Video Summary

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

Super* Review Youtube Channel

Reviewed by: Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7 * score rescaled + normalized
4 community members have rated the NiceHCK Rockies at an average of 3.8/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Strongly Favorable.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Web Search

2025-07-19
uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 7.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech

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.


Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A Soundstage: A Details: A Imaging: A

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Nicehck Rockies Infos

Compare Nicehck Rockies to popular alternatives

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Nicehck Rockies vs. Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk
Similar overall performance.
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Best IEMs from $400 - $600
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Price: $549

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Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

S-
  • A masterfully balanced signature renders music effortlessly realistic and emotionally engaging. Nuanced mixes benefit from its balance.

Average Technical Grade

S-
  • Clarity and detail leap forward, with precise imaging and an expansive stage. Orchestral works feel spacious and layered.
Bass A+
It delivers flagship-worthy bass, rich in both rumble and nuance. Reference tracks showcase its grip.
Mids S-
Expect an immersive mid band where every vocal inflection and texture shines. Complex arrangements stay perfectly composed.
Treble A+
Treble reaches superb heights, offering effortless extension and crystal clarity. Every cymbal crash resolves into fine mist.
Dynamics A
You get outstanding dynamic agility, from subtle nuances to big hits. Impact comes with quick recovery.
Soundstage A+
It crafts a floating sphere of sound where directional cues shimmer with precision. Layering remains stable even when pushed.
Details A+
The tiniest inflections pop into view as if spotlit within the mix. Low-level details feel magnified yet natural.
Imaging A+
Even dense mixes remain locked in place, reinforcing the illusion of physical performers. The stage remains stable regardless of complexity.
Gaming A+
Reliable positional tracking with good environmental awareness. Maintains clarity during busy scenes while conveying atmospheric depth. Good value for serious gaming performance.

User Reviews

Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.

WTW3
9.5

A 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.

Tuning: S Tech: S Bass: S Mids: S Treble: S+ Dynamics: S- Soundstage: S Details: S Imaging: S
Pros
Lively, unique take on neutral with bass boost. Excellent detail.
Cons
An ever so slight increase in bass shelf could provide more dynamicism.
Zale
8.4

Lively tribrid with engaging low end and airy detail that still sounds cohesive. Strong technical performance for the price without losing musicality.

Tuning: A+ Tech: S- Bass: S- Mids: A+ Treble: A+ Dynamics: S- Soundstage: A+ Details: S- Imaging: S-
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.
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