NICEHCK OCTAVE: Comprehensive And Powerful Diminutive Amp

NICEHCK is an audio company based in mainland China and it was founded around 2015 by the acoustics engineers and hi-fi enthusiasts alike as it was originally established as an audio retailing store. And after a few years, they branched out and became an audio product manufacturer themselves that specialises in premium cables and flat earbuds, and then expanded into IEMs and portable headphone DAC/Ampliers. They are also known for their high quality audio products that offer at affordable and reasonable prices that will be accessible to all audio enthusiasts around the globe.

And portable headphone DAC/Amplifiers are now becoming one of the most staple devices for audio enthusiasts who were in a portable or mobile set-up. And also with the removal of headphone jack on most flagship smartphones (with the exception of Sony Xperia I series handsets) also has a major impact among mobile audio enthusiasts as wired headphones still offer a better sound quality with zero latency and a reliable plug and play usage without worrying a battery life like the TWS.

What I have here is their first flagship portable headphone DAC/Amplifier, The NICEHCK OCTAVE. This portable headphone amplifier share similar features with other mobile headphone amplifiers like elongated rectangular-shaped design, a dual power, gain mode output switches, a USB type-C port, a detachable cable and an implementation of off-shelf high quality DAC chips from reputable audio component manufacturers, either from ESS, Cirrus Logic or AKM.

The OCTAVE has a compact size with a usual elongated rectangular-shaped design that shares the same layout profile of a typical modern portable headphone amplifier. Its overall frame is made of solid CNC-milled  aerospace-grade aluminium alloy frame that undergoes an anodising process to achieve its dull colour and matte-like finish on its surface that offers resistance from light scratches and fingerprint marks.

There are tempered glass panel plates on both front and rear that add a more sleek sophisticated-look to its overall aesthetics. The glass panels were tinted with black colour and it has some prints etched on it with the brand logo, model name and a tagline.

The OCTAVE has hardware button keys and toggle switch in both side panels. The left side panel has a toggle switch for adjusting gain output for low-impedance and high-impedance IEMs, earbuds and full-size headphones. The left/up toggle position is to activate the high gain mode, while the right/down toggle position denotes low gain mode.

Usually, the low gain mode is ideal to drive on low-impedance IEMs, earbuds and headphones, and the ones will benefit on this amplification setting will be likes of the extremely sensitive IEMs like the Campfire Audio Andromeda models which are known for their hissing issues if it was fed with a high power output source that can produce more background noises, while the high gain mode is usually used on hard to drive IEMs with planar magnetic drivers or ceramic dynamic drivers, and also on power hungry high-impedance headphones, in which these complex transducers need more power output to activate it for optimal performance.

On the opposite side panel, there are three hardware key buttons and they are quite snappy and responsive to press that gives me that satisfying tactile click on my fingers. The first and third key buttons are independent volume controls used to increase and decrease volume level that enables a more precise and incremental adjustment up to 100 levels of volume steps that also can be done through press and hold, while the second or middle key button is used for basic media control, like play and pause.

On its connectivity interfaces, it has a USB Type-C port to pair it with other host devices with USB type-C like DAPs, smartphones, tablets, PCs and laptops through play and plug protocol. On its output jack interface, there are two types of audio jacks, a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output and each of them have different power output that allows seamless connectivity on the variety of headsets to match with proper connection and amplification requirement to utilise their sound quality at optimal level.

On its internals, the OCTAVE features an ESS flagship mobile DAC chip, the ES9039Q2M, which is a low-powered high performance 32-bit two-channel stereo audio chip that deliver a high fidelity sound with a stronger power output that greatly decreases digital noise inside the device for better audio reproduction with transparency, rich and high detail sound quality. This latest generation of flagship audio IC is quite capable that it can decode PCM formats like WAV, FLAC and ALAC files up to 32bit/768kHz, and it also supports native DSD decoding up to DSD256.

Another thing that NICEHCK did to OCTAVE was the implementation of an additional two discrete operational amplifier chips from SG Micro Corp instead of relying on the built-in Sabre headphone amplifier on the ESS chip just like some portable headphone DAC/Amplifiers had. The op-amp chip provided by SG Micro is the SGM8262 model, and this one is a proven op-amp chip which is used in portable headphone amplifiers and other hi-fi devices, and it has a dual channel configuration with a high speed performance and an ultra-low noise that is used to enhance power output and better audio clarity. The pairing of the DAC chip and op-amp chips will reduce crosstalk, better stereo channel separation and it will provide a full dynamic range even when driving high impedance, power demanding earphones and headphones alike.

The OCTAVE also has an LED indicator with a colour-coded feature to determine status and sampling rate.

• Yellow - Stand by mode
• Red - PCM on 16 bit/44.1kHz - 24 bit/48kHz
• Green - PCM on 24-32 bit/96kHz
• Blue - PCM 24-32 bit/192kHz, DSD64 - DSD256

Just like most portable headphone amplifiers in the market at under US$100, it has a small packaging box, enough to accommodate a few contents inside.

These are the following contents:

• NICEHCK Portable Headphone DAC/Amplifier.
• A short USB Type-C to Type-C cable
• USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter for PC use
• Paperwork like warranty card and q.c. card.

The cable of this device is braided four-core high purity silver-plated copper as it offers high conductivity for a reliable and consistent data signal transmission with less to none signal losses. The cable itself is a short one yet well-built and flexible.

This portable headphone amplifier is almost universally compatible with multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, PCs, laptops and DAPs as long as it supports USB audio mode.

On the software side, it has a wide range of support on mainstream operating systems on both mobile and desktop ones.

MOBILE OS

• Android
• iOS/iPadOS
• Harmony OS

DESKTOP OS

• Windows 10/11
• MacOS
• Linux

In this testing, I will use the HiBy Music App on my phones with Android 10, Android 11 and Android 13, and also, I will test this one on the HIDIZS AP80 PRO MAX as it has USB Audio support that allows third party pairing.

NICEHCK provided an exclusive app for the OCTAVE and other NICEHCK products with a built-in10-band EQ, Sound Settings and Filter Type that allows to adjust specific part of frequency in a precise manner, custom EQ features and digital filter presets to choose from as it will modify the frequency and impulse responses through algorithmic digital processing.

The NICEHCK OCTAVE provides a balanced-neutral sound profile with just a hint of energy that there will be no further colouration with exception on the brightly tuned IEM which has some slight emphasis on the high frequency.

These are the following IEMs and headphones that will be used on conducting a test with the OCTAVE:

• TANCHJIM SODA
• LETSHUOER EJ07
• LETSHUOER EJ09
• LETSHUOER CADENZA 12 (1st Version)
• TINHIFI P2 ULTRA
• ZIIGAAT ODYSSEY II
• HISENIOR MEGA7
• TANCHJIM SODA
• SENDY AUDIO AIVA II
• SIVGA PENG
• BQEYZ WIND
• HIDIZS X DUCBLOKE MK12
• TANGZU OX DEMON KING
• TANGZU X HBB ELUA

LOWS/BASS:

The bass response on neutral IEMs that I'm pairing with, remains to sound tight, precise and incisive with excellent segregation. The sub bass presence can be felt with deep reverberating sound, and also, It still has a good definition on the bass notes; it doesn't add more texture on the mid bass section that won't sound more punchier and impactful.

MIDRANGE:

The midrange maintains that neutral, balanced, transparent and clear profile that there's not a hint of added warmth on the lower midrange that might add some texture on vocals and instruments. I don't hear any some sort of smoothening on the note definition as brightly-tuned sets still retains that liveliness and vividness on the female vocals particularly on soprano singers, the crisp, sweet and lingering sound on some strings like guitars and violins, and then, the brilliance and the ethereal sound from woodwinds. On some sets with slight elevation on the upper mids section, It still retains that expansive, airy and openness on its black sonic background.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

Depending on the digital filter setting that you set on the NICEHCK App, there are some slight marginal changes on its treble response as it adds a bit of shimmer, sparkle and a tad airy extension. On some sets with a neutral, smoother and even treble response, it adds a little bit of brightness just to give some emphasis on the presence section for clarity and definition, although on the brightly-tuned IEMs, it does add some negligible intensity that instances of a sharp, shrill and piercing sound might occur

Some treble-clef instruments like cymbals and hi-hats might sound a bit brighter as it sounds as it somehow adds more shimmer and glistening on the former while a crisp, sharp and sizzle on the latter instrument that I've mentioned.

OVERALL TECHNICALITIES:

This device is capable of projecting a moderately spacious acoustic landscape with a clean, pitch-black background without any presence of unwanted noises and artifacts. It is also capable of displaying clear and distinct layers on its nuanced depth of its soundscape as the placements of the instruments and vocals were more focused that it will easily be pinpointed within our spatial auditory.

It has a strong contrast on its resolution capabilities as the macrodynamics is able to scale the variable degree on its volume dynamics from its quietest section up to the loudest level on both chorale lines and instrumental passages, while its microdynamics able to exhibit some fine details, grains and other subtleties from the background within its sonic canvas.

PEER COMPARISONS:

HIDIZS S9 PRO + MARTHA

• One of the latest models of portable headphone DAC/Amplifier from HIDIZS.
• It is also equipped with an ESS DAC albeit an older generation, ES9038Q2M which is capable of processing audio signals that it can decoding up to 32 bit/768kHz on PCM and up to DSD512 on DSD format.
• It has a lower output power register compared to the OCTAVE as it has a 136mW on 3.5mm SE @32 ohms, and a 180 + 180mW on 4.4mm balanced @32 ohms.
• Its overall structure is made of a light aluminium alloy and it has two physical buttons for volume control.
• It features a built-in digital tuning filter presets but it doesn't have a manual gain output mode.
• This device has a balanced-neutral sound with a smoother treble response.
• It has similar technical performance with the OCTAVE from a clean sonic background up to its resolving resolution capabilities.

FOSI AUDIO DS2

• An old portable DAC/Amplifier model from Fosi Audio.
• This one uses a dual Cirrus Logic CS43131, a proven and reliable audio chip on par with ESS DAC, although its audio process is rather limited on paper as it was rated that it can only decode up to 384kHz on PCM format and up to DSD256 on DSD format which is the same with the OCTAVE.
• It has also similar output power with the OCTAVE as it has 128mW on 3.5mm single ended @32 ohms, and a 510mW on 4.4mm balanced.
• Its frame is made of solid aluminium alloy with a sand-blasted finish on its surface and two physical buttons for volume control.
• It doesn't have manual gain output control nor built-in digital filters.
• This device has a warm-ish neutral sound profile, that some add some slight warmth for a rich and lush vocals and a punchier percussive sound.
• The technical performance of this one is similarly impressive as It can project a pitch black sonic background and well-defined layering on its soundscape, but it has a firmer scale and visceral on its macrodynamics.

To sum up the product assessment, NICEHCK shows that it can deliver a solid device with excellent tonal performance and strong technical capabilities that punches above its weight class. It has a strong output that you can plug almost all types of earphones like IEMs and earbuds and also headphones that even the most power-hungry and high impedance cans or with specialised drivers like planar magnetic and ceramic dynamic driver which are quite notoriously for their hard to drive characteristic that they need a substantial amount of output power just to amplify them properly.

Another thing that OCTAVE has was its software support with its own brand app with PEQ and digital filter presets that allows some limited customisation in a software level to improve the sound quality of the paired earpieces. Overall, this portable headphone DAC/amplifier is pretty competent that makes it one of my top five of these devices under US$100/£90 that I could recommend easily without hesitation at all.

NICEHCK OCTAVE is now available at NICEHCK Official Online Store, I just posted a link below for those who are interested in purchasing this device.

LINK:

https://www.nicehck.com/products/nicehck-octave-es9039q2m-flagship-portable-dac (OFFICIAL)

 https://ko.aliexpress.com/item/1005009810830810.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2kor (ALIEXPRESS)

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNQLR5QF (AMAZON)

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: NICEHCK OCTAVE

WEIGHT: 25g

DAC CHIP: ESS ES9038Q2M

OP-AMP CHIP: 2x MICROSYSTEMS SGM8262

DECODING FORMAT: PCM up to 32 bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD256

DYNAMIC RANGE: 130dB

FREQUENCY RANGE: 20-40kHz

SNR: 130dB

OUTPUT POWER: 150mW (3.5mm SINGLE-ENDED)@32 ohms, 550mW (4.4mm BALANCED)@32 ohms

DISTORTION: 120dB (3.5mm SE), 120dB (4.4mm BAL) 0.0001% (600 ohms)

PROS:

● The elongated rectangular frame is made of high quality aerospace-grade aluminium which is pretty sturdy yet lightweight.

● Manual gain toggle switch.

● Three physical key buttons that are quite snappy and responsive to press.

● Independent volume key buttons.

● LED indicator offers different colour-coded status based on its sampling rate.

● Detachable two-way high quality short cable.

● Implementation of a high grade mobile DAC from ESS, ES9309Q2M.

● The said DAC chip can process and decode audio signal formats up to 768kHz on PCM and up to DSD256 on DSD format.

● Another implementation of two separate operation amplifier chips to support the DAC chip.

● Its output power can drive almost anything, even the most stubborn power-hungry high impedance headphone, and it can drive some of the most power-demanding planar IEMs with an ease.

● Somehow good thermal control on its internals as it barely feels warm on an hour of usage.

● A balanced-neutral sound profile.

● Tight and precise bass response without sounding exaggeration.

● Neutral, clean and transparent midrange presentation with less to none of colouration on vocals and instruments.

● Clear and detailed treble presentation

● Pitch-black sonic background.

CONS:

● It adds some emphasis on the treble section that some brightly tuned sets might sound a bit too intense.

● For now, the app support with this device is only limited to Android and HarmonyOS

● Doesn't have any built-in advanced PEQ and digital filters as you need to access it through software.

● It won't add some colouration if you are looking to improve the warmth and fullness on your paired earphones or headphones that will increase a bit of mid bass and lower midrange, then look for the other portable DAC/Amp dongles with a bit warmer sound profile.

● Output power mode on the 4.4mm balanced is a bit of a battery guzzling on my phones, especially on a high gain output mode.

TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

Type O Negative - Black No.1 *

Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **

Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *

Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to NICEHCK AUDIO nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to MS. MOCHA & MS. CLOVER for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.