Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch VS Nicehck Rockies
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch and Nicehck Rockies are 1DD+2BA+2EST in-ear monitors. Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch costs $450 while Nicehck Rockies costs $499. Nicehck Rockies is $49 more expensive. Nicehck Rockies holds a decisive 1.9-point edge in reviewer scores (7.5 vs 9.4). Nicehck Rockies carries a user score of 9. Nicehck Rockies has significantly better mids with a 3-point edge, Nicehck Rockies has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge and Nicehck Rockies has significantly better soundstage with a 2.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch | Nicehck Rockies |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 6 | 9 |
| Treble | 7 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7 |
| Tonality | 6.5 | 8.4 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch reviewed by
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The five-driver collab comes in at around $450 (initially closer to $400, even ~$350 with coupons) and feels thoughtfully put together: a playful, divisive faceplate, a slightly large but well-contoured shell with a nozzle that holds tips securely, and flat 2-pin connectors with proper venting. The included cable is soft and pleasant in hand with clear red/blue channel markers, though the chin slider is a bit loose; 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations are available. Comfort is generally solid—there’s a hint of pointiness for sensitive ears, but overall the ergonomics and case/cable package feel right for the price.
Sonically, this is a very bassy tuning that still keeps the mids clean and defined, pulling off that tricky combo of weight and clarity. Sub-bass digs deep, mid-bass stays controlled enough to avoid bloom, and there’s a touch of upper-air “twinkle” (more evident on some rigs than others); treble extension is tasteful rather than aggressive, which some may read as slightly relaxed. It’s also one of the more affordable EST implementations, delivering a bass-forward but detailed presentation that tracks close to target without sounding sterile.
Against peers, it mirrors the HiSenior Mega 5 EST in FR but adds a bit more pizzazz off-graph, while the Mega 5 feels smoother and more polite. Compared with HBB’s own Jupiter, that set feels technically superior and more refined, but also pricier; value swings back to the Punch—especially at coupon pricing—if oodles of sub-bass are the priority. It’s not for neutral-heads, yet as an all-rounder for bass-leaning listeners it checks most boxes with few real faults, earning a confident 92 (S-) for its fun-but-balanced tonality, solid build, and compelling price-to-performance.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Nicehck Rockies reviewed by
2025-09-03
9.4
Reviewer Score
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Basshead
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $450
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Nicehck Rockies Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: NiceHCK Top NiceHCK IEMs
Price (Msrp): $499
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Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Nicehck Rockies Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- You hear a mature integration of lows, mids, and highs that keeps music lifelike. Small tuning tweaks showcase expert restraint.
Average Technical Grade
S- It sounds masterful, combining swift transient response with panoramic spatial insight. Technical showpieces really shine here.
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewNicehck Rockies User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA 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.
Pros
Lively, unique take on neutral with bass boost. Excellent detail.Cons
An ever so slight increase in bass shelf could provide more dynamicism.Lively tribrid with engaging low end and airy detail that still sounds cohesive. Strong technical performance for the price without losing musicality.
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.Find your next IEM:
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