NICEHCK NX7 MK3 Review

Sound

I plugged the NX7 into my Bluetooth adapter and tried it for the first time. I was not quite impressed and I wanted to see how it scaled with the source. I plugged it into my desktop setup, the SMSL M300MK2 & Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 Pro combo and, WOW. It is not a simple case of just going from a wireless source to a desktop rig, it is more than that.

The NICEHCK NX7 loves power. I plugged it into Shanling’s powerful Bluetooth adapter, the MW200 via my MMCX-2Pin adapter and voila, the result was also great! This confirmed my theory, it may seem like it doesn’t need a lot of juice on paper but the NX7 MK3 surely loves power.

So how does it sound? Well the NICHCK NX7 MK3 has a V-shaped sound signature. It has a a detailed presentation with a semi-wide and tall soundstage. Instrument separation is impressive for the price and so is its transparency.

The midrange is recessed and a tad on the leaner side. The NX7 MK3 comes with 3 different sound filters and I will divide this section to describe them better.

Black Filter (Smoothest)

This filter has the boldest bass response but general bass response does not change marginally via the filters. Thr NX7 MK3 has a powerful, authoritative, round bass. However, midrange being the weakest link of NX7, does not complement this virtue very well.

More bass means a more recessed midrange in the NX7’s case. For me, this filter is most suitable for pop and electronic music. The upper mids are skived for a smoother presentation and it works as intended.

Treble extension is good and I think that it does much better than what the price tag indicates. It is probably the most special side of the NX7 for me. For example, Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean is a great benchmark for the NX7. It captures you with the treble and powerful, continuous sub-bass goodness. The price to value ratio is very good. Resolution-wise it is most surprising. The detail retrieval through my desktop rig & DSD-tracks are certainly impressive.

Blue Filter (Medium-rare)

Th blue filter is a bit in-between. It tries to balance things but in audio, things do not work as simple as that.

Bass response takes a small step back, making more room for the midrange to shine, however, note thickness is still a nail in the back. Upper mids are mildly more energetic and treble feels the same. Same, you know, as in great. I really like the extension and the definition of the treble region. Some crazy idea pops in my head while listening to Zero from Olafur Arnalds.

What if I move onto another stack, maybe one with more midrange energy: the JDS Element II Stack. The midrange opens up a notch, everything feels more balanced now. Presentation is really great compared to what it was before. I wonder what is going to happen with the red filter?

Red Filter (Most Energetic)

Well, of course I am listening through red filter via the old stack to benchmark it properly. “Energy” is the magical keyword here.

Bass is wandering around the same levels of the blue filter, perhaps subtly forward, still in the game, strong as ever. I like the midrange, it is more forward, but definitely recessed compared to the rest of the spectrum. This is the last filter and this is probably as forward as it gets without a source change. Note thickness is a tad better with this filter and upper mids are more energetic.

I did not hear any sibilance, if you hear sibilance it is most probably source-based. Treble quality is still superior compared to any other frequency group. The red filter also improved PRaT and dynamics and makes the NX7 MK3 more coherent and vivid. Plugging the red filtered NX7 to the JDS Element II stack fixed the midrange by a big margin, so I definitely recommend you to match the NICEHCK NX7 MK3 with a midrange forward source with plenty of power.

Resolution-wise, the red filter is the most competent one as well, it is easier to pinpoint instruments compared to the blue & black ones.

Last Words

Overall the NICEHCK NX7 MK3’s sound quality is good for the price tag, and it does more than the tag indicates.

Imaging, PRaT, separation and resolution are all quite impressive for merely a hundred bucks. The package and accessories surprised me a lot, I really liked the carrying case and the cable. Rest of the accessories are plenty and all-good quality, including the tips.

You have the ability to change the sound in seconds via filters, that’s another plus if you listen to a wide range of genres. The build quality is also good. It is mostly plastic but you get to change the faceplates and those are metal. You can also get creative with the faceplates as I mentioned in the design section.

I recommend getting the NICHCK NX7 MK3 or at least trying it. Pair it with a midrange forward source and lean back.