HIMALAYA Flagship Titanium Alloy Dynamic Driver earphone
- From a buyer's feedback
HIMALAYA comes with an elegant and refined packaging featuring a pure white paper sleeve and a black inner box. Besides the earphones themselves, the package includes a stock cable with interchangeable plugs, two types of ear tips, three pairs of interchangeable sound tubes, a zippered carrying case, and a cleaning brush.
The design and craftsmanship of the HIMALAYA are truly impressive. The aerospace-grade titanium alloy provides a premium feel with exquisite detailing, making it feel substantial and almost like a piece of fine art. The "HIMALAYA" and "NICEHCK" lettering on the faceplate is finely crafted and reflects a golden hue in the light. The seams between the faceplate and the body are uniform and delicate. A prominent ridge near the cable connector adds a striking touch. The overall build quality and aesthetics of the HIMALAYA are outstanding, with top-notch materials, texture, and precision. Despite its custom-like appearance, the overall size is well-controlled and compact. The nozzle is relatively short, so users with larger ears may need longer ear tips like Spinfit OMNI, W1, or similar for a perfect fit. The inner design of the earphones ensures a high degree of comfort during wear.
Some friends have told me, "This earphone is phenomenal for pop music." However, I hesitate to label it solely as a "pop earphone" because, while the HIMALAYA has a neutral-warm sound signature and smooth, delicate characteristics, it is versatile and compatible with various genres, not just pop. In my view, apart from heavy metal and other rhythmically intense genres, the HIMALAYA suits most types of music and excels in classical playback.
The HIMALAYA features a single 10mm dual-layer, dual-magnetic carbon nano dynamic driver unit with a 22Ω impedance and 110dB sensitivity, making it easy to drive on paper (and in practice). As with many flagship dynamic driver earphones, the HIMALAYA has a low barrier to entry but high potential, delivering great sound with basic equipment. Even with the stock NICEHCK NK1 dongle, it produces rich, full sound. The HIMALAYA is sensitive to source characteristics, with noticeable differences in warmth and control depending on the source. For example, the sound signature varies distinctly between the Astell&Kern SE300 and KANN ULTRA. While cable changes are unnecessary due to the excellent stock cable matching, those seeking a different style may experiment with alternatives. The original cable’s aesthetics and hardware design complement the earphone well.
Using the default gold tube with a 4.4mm balanced plug and KANN ULTRA (high gain) as the source, I find the HIMALAYA’S sound to be expertly tuned with a distinctive style. The sound is relaxed and natural, without being overemphasized. The three frequency ranges are well-balanced and restrained, not overly aggressive but present upon closer listening. The earphones have great potential, delivering full-bodied sound with adequate power, appropriate imaging size, and strong, defined lines.
The midrange is thick and dense, with appropriately sized imaging for vocals and wind instruments, creating a realistic sense of distance. Vocals are reproduced authentically with noticeable grain and magnetism, making them suitable for pop and other vocal-heavy genres. The mid-high and high frequencies also have realistic texture, with detailed resolution and smooth extension for instruments like pianos and violins, with minimal harshness.
While not emphasizing low frequency quantity, the HIMALAYA impresses with its deep extension, texture, and elasticity, performing admirably on bass-heavy tracks by Enigma and Karunesh. In everyday pop music, the low frequency complements the overall sound well.
The soundstage is spacious and layered, with clear boundaries, creating a realistic, elliptical shape. The dynamic range, a strength of traditional dynamic drivers, is well-represented, with clean, quick transient responses suitable for classical music. The HIMALAYA manages complex classical symphonies with ease, maintaining clear layering and rich details, positioning instruments precisely.
The three stock interchangeable tubes offer distinct sound profiles. The default balanced tube provides a well-rounded sound, the blue tube enhances low frequencies for those seeking more bass, and the silver-gray tube offers a more transparent and detailed sound, ideal for instrumental music. The interchangeable tube interface is compatible with tuning kits from brands like MAE, Moondrop, and others, adding to its versatility.
In conclusion, as NICEHCK’S first flagship earphone, the HIMALAYA delivers exceptional value with impeccable sound quality, both in tuning and technical prowess. It strikes an excellent balance between mainstream appeal and sophistication, resulting in a product that will satisfy audiophiles. The inclusion of interchangeable plugs, cable design, 0.78mm connectors, and interchangeable tubes enhances its versatility, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts who love to experiment.
