NICEHCK NK1 ULTRA REVIEW

>>I am brazilian and I speak portuguese, so forgive my english, I’ll use translation tools to help<<

INTRO:

Since the 3.5mm jack was removed from smartphones, the best way to use our earphones is via a device known as a “dongle.” A dongle is essentially just a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. It is even better if the dongle is a DAC and amplifier, as this improves the smartphone’s audio quality.

It hasn’t been long since I reviewed the NK1 MAX, and now we have the upgraded NICEHCK NK1 ULTRA.

Price: $29.99 USD
Color: Silver

NICEHCK REVIEWS: NX8, NK1 MAX, NX8Ti.

NICEHCK LINKS:

https://amzn.to/4wtktzA (US)

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c41r0bV1 (PC)

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3O7F0hz (APP)

SPECIFICATIONS:

– Product model: NICEHCK NK1 ULTRA
– Power chip: LM27762
– DAC chip: CX31993
– Op-amp chip: SGM8262
– System support: Android/Windows
– Decoding support: Up to PCM384kHz/32bit
– Input: Type-C
– Output: 3.5mm single-ended
– Output power: 122mW @ 32Ω
– SNR: 115dB
– THD+N: -98dB
– DNR: 115dB
– USB-C to USB-A adapter
– Dongle dimension: 13.5cm (edge to edge)
– Dongle weight: 9.5g
– Total weight (packaging, dongle, etc): 33.7g
– Packaging size: 17cm [L] x 6.8cm [W] x 1.5cm [D]

UNBOXING:

PHYSICAL ASPECTS:

Sources: Samsung S22 Ultra, Dell laptop (Windows 10).
Dongle: FiiO KA11.
Earphones: Kiwi Ears Quintet, GK Kunten.
I reviewed the sound quality with the dongle connected to the computer.
Great build quality, aluminum alloy construction.
The design looks even better.
High-quality cable, good flexibility.
A very portable, lightweight, and compact dongle.
Didn’t show any abnormal heating.
Plug & Play: automatically recognizes the device.
Supports calls and in-line controls.
I use 16-bit/44.1–48kHz FLAC files and streaming services (Spotify, etc.).
I use VLC Player (on all devices).
Compatible with Android, HarmonyOS, Windows 10/11, iPhone, iPad, and macOS.
No LED indicator for operation status or sampling rate.
No app available (though one isn’t really necessary).

SOUND ASPECTS:

The new NK1 ULTRA has received an upgrade to its amplifier chip.
The SGM8262 op-amp delivers more power compared to the previous one (NK1 MAX).
To my ears, the NK1 Ultra’s audio quality is clean, defined, and transparent.
I didn’t experience any distortion, noise floor, or abnormal sounds.
The NK1 Ultra easily drove all the IEMs I tested with it.
At 25% volume, the dongle’s sound was already loud enough for my ears.
At max volume (100%), the dongle started to clipping (but only at 100%).
Obviously, max volume was just for testing, I wouldn’t recommend listening at that level.
My recommendation now includes both the KA11 and the NK1 Ultra.
Something to consider: The KA11’s cable tends to get dirty/discolored over time with handling.
The KA11 heats more than the NK1 Ultra.
You can certainly find the NK1 Ultra at a lower price than the KA11.
These are things where the NK1 Ultra has the advantage.
The KA11 wins by being genuinely a bit more powerful.
Plus, the KA11 has a companion app and an LED indicator.

PROS AND CONS:

– Great build quality
– Good value for money
– Very attractive design (subjective)
– Sufficient power for 99% of IEMs
– Great transparency and definition
– No audible distortion
– Doesn’t overheat
– Supports calls and in-line controls
– Compatible with various OS
– High-quality cable
– Very lightweight and portable
– USB-A adapter included

– No LED indicator
– No app (not necessary)

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