I will answer the questions in this review:
- How the headphones sound.
- I'll talk about the design, kit and comfort.
- I will compare it to other planar headphones I know.
- What sounds better TINHIFI P1 max or NICEHCK F1 Pro.
What does the manufacturer offer in wired headphones
NICEHCKF1 Pro?
NICEHCK F1 Pro wired headphones - sound
The NICEHCK F1 Pro wired headphones feature a 14.2mm planar driver, although with a 16 ohm impedance, it still requires a powerful source to reach its potential. A player or amplifier with a high level of detail and low noise, as they have a sensitivity of 104 dB/mW. I also want to pay attention to the selection of tracks for listening, as headphones with good detail will show all the smallest flaws of a bad recording.
Thesound of NICEHCK F1 Pro is balanced with an emphasis on detail and clarity. The headphones demonstrate a quick response to attacks and precise attenuation of sounds thanks to the planar drivers. The midrange feels a bit underdamped, lacking, as they say, breathability. Frequency response of the headphones has a characteristic U-shape with an emphasis on low and high frequencies.
- Bass – 8 : The NICEHCK F1 Pro’s sub bass is characterized by good depth and control. Without overpowering the overall soundstage, it emphasizes the depth of the bass. The midbass is fast and clear, making the headphones suitable for dynamic tracks, it is in its range without overpowering the midrange. The woofers are weighty and punchy, but not overpowering. Bass is relatively melodic and tonal. Test track: “Why so Serious?” (From “The Dark Knight”) – London Music Works.
- Midrange is 7.5 : male voices sound warm and rich, while female voices sound bright and expressive. Instruments such as trumpets, guitars and violins are rendered clean and detailed. However, there is a lack of breathiness and involvement in the MF sound and therefore they are perceived as underdamped and in some tracks synthetic. Track for testing: Paul Simon “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes”.
- High frequencies – 8 : clear, with noticeable brightness, which emphasizes cymbals and triangles well. Some tracks may show slight sibilance, but it is not too intrusive and rarely causes discomfort. The “W”, “S” and “C” sounds are reproduced in detail, although they can sound a bit harsh in certain tracks. Track for testing: Patricia Barber – “Code Cool”.
- Detail – 8 :The NICEHCK F1 Pro’s high level of detail allows you to clearly distinguish sonic nuances even in complex songs. Microdynamics are well-crafted, allowing the headphones to convey subtle textural changes and sonic transitions. A slight peak in the upper frequencies can add artificiality to the sound, but it is not critical to the overall picture. Test track: Lana Del Rey “Hope is a Dangerous Thing”.
- Stage – 7.5 : These headphones are not overly wide and spacious enough for a comfortable music experience. The depth and height of the stage make it easy to emphasize individual instruments and vocal parts, creating a good sense of space. Sounds are well placed without overlapping or merging. Test track: Ottmar Liebert – “La Luna”.
- Conclusion:The NICEHCK F1 Pro are suitable for those who prefer a balanced and detailed sound with an emphasis on well-crafted bass and treble. These headphones are great for jazz, acoustic and electronic music, but they’re no stranger to heavy rock or classical music. They will not be able to cope with tracks with a clear HF range. Recommended for music lovers and audiophiles who appreciate natural timbres and clear separation of instruments in complex musical compositions.
Comparison with competitors
-
- NiceHck F1 Pro
-
- TINHIFI DUDU
-
- TRN Azure Dragon
-
- TINHIFI P1 max
- For comparison, I chose the TINHIFI DUDU (which also has a planar driver, only smaller), which sounded more melodic than the F1s I reviewed, thanks to a more energetic midrange and weightier woofers. In the HF range, the parity is DUDU. They play more technically, but with a bright accent on the ts sounds, while the F1s play smoothly without accents, but less technically. It's hard for me to choose a winner, but I still prefer the sound of TINHIFI DUDU. In terms of the set, NICEHCK F1 Pro has the best set.
- Of the planar headphones I reviewed TRN Azure Dragon, they certainly look more attractive and the set is much larger, but the sound is strongly emphasized on the HF range. Because of the high frequencies, all their advantages like smooth and textured woofers, tonal and melodic mids lost their appeal. The F1's play smoother for less cost.
- TheTINHIFI P1 max sound similar to the NICEHCK F1 Pro, but the F1s sound more open and even. The P1 max has a more V-shaped response and the bass is more massive and weighty. High frequencies sound brighter and more often go into sibilants. The midrange is more muted and the midbass rides on the lower part of the midrange and their sound is more synthetic. Probably having the opportunity to listen to them in comparison I would choose NICEHCK F1 Pro.
Design, package and comfort - NICEHCK F1 Pro
The headphones are in a dark blue box with yellow font, no Chinese characters.
The cable is made qualitatively and aesthetically harmonizes with the headphones color solutions. It looks pretty good, moderately thick, not causing the desire to replace it with a more expensive. The sound does not spoil, quite comfortable in use. Jack 4.4 mm jack suggests using headphones with more kind sources than a smartphone. Connectors have metal chrome-plated shells with a strip of knurling along the diameter for better contact with the hand.
The set of ear cushions is huge – 12 pairs, for every taste, size and color.
Small size branded case made of black eco-leather with chrome snake in the color of the cable connectors. Inside is lined mesh organizer.
Design - 8
Comfort - 10
Kit - 9
NICEHCK F1 Pro Features
NICEHCK F1 Pro Specifications:
- New planar magnetic driver: 14.2mm.
- Diaphragm: ultra-thin 2 microns.
- Magnets: high performance N55.
- Double-sided magnet system.
- Impedance: 16Ω.
- Sensitivity: 104 dB/mW.
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 28 kHz.
- Enclosure: made of aluminum alloy with CNC machining.
- Cable: hybrid pure copper OCC and silver plated.
- Connector type: 0.78mm 2-pin.
- Connectors: 3.5mm and 4.4mm (selectable at purchase).
What's in the NICEHCK F1 Pro box?
A commendable package:
- NICEHCK F1 Pro headphones.
- Cable.
- Choice of 3.5mm or 4.4mm connectors (depending on your purchase).
- Three different sizes of silicone ear cushions for a personalized fit.
- Pouch for storage and transportation.
- User Manual.
Output NICEHCK F1 Pro
NICEHCK F1 Pro made me want to use them as references in the planar segment, as their sound can be characterized as average. They do not have clearly pronounced accents. The sound can be said to be smooth V-shaped with an acceptable slight surge in the treble, but with good detail in this price segment and a moderately wide stage.
I would recommend the headphones for use in musical genres such as classical and pop, reggae, jazz, melodic rock not loaded hard.
Not recommended in loaded thrash metal and rock, and tracks with an emphasis on the treble.
They are suitable for audiophiles who value accuracy and detail of sound, as well as for those who appreciate clean reproduction of instruments and vocals.
I liked the headphones in terms of sound, comfort and set. Recommended for purchase.
