NiceHCK Octave - A Solid Note

 4⭐️

+ Neutral-ish sound signature that pairs well with most tunings

+ Solid build quality and cool design available in 2 colors

+ Flexible, braided USB-C cable

+ Independent volume control

+ Gain switch

+ 10-band EQ via the companion app

+ Pause/play/next track functionality 

+ Decent power

- Extension on both ends could be better

- Not a technical powerhouse 

- More features would be nice

- Size is a little bigger than some of the competition 

- Priced a little high

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was sent to me by NiceHCK in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I receive no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Non-affiliated link for those interested:

https://nicehck.com/products/nicehck-octave-es9039q2m-flagship-portable-dac

https://aliexpress.com/item/1005009810830810.html

Gear used: 

● Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

● HiBy R3 II

● Various IEMs

Source:

● Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction:

I first became aware of NiceHCK early in my IEM journey because of their aftermarket cables. I've owned a few of the more moderately priced cables, and they all had very nice build quality and came in an array of colorful options. While known more as a cable and IEM manufacturer, the company dipped its toes in the source waters, so to speak, with the release of their new portable DAC/amp, the Octave. This one features an ES9039Q2M DAC chip and dual SGM8262 op-amps and is available in two color options: titanium or purple. It's currently priced at $89 and is available through multiple retailers worldwide. Let's break down the Octave and see what it's capable of.

Unboxing and build quality:

The packaging and unboxing is simple yet efficient, which is to be expected at this price. The box is small, but the Octave is secure and well-packaged inside a foam holder. Under the foam, you'll find a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. There's also an instruction manual that conveniently includes a QR code to download the companion app. The Octave itself has a decent build quality. The CNCed aluminum body feels sturdy, and there's a nice weight to it, which adds to the premium feel. The size is easily pocketable and transportable, though I'd say it's about average, if not just a bit larger. There are two colors available: titanium gray and purple. I was sent the purple variant for review, and the color is quite nice. Plus, the purple helps to set the Octave apart from the plethora of plain-looking black and gray models that flood the market. The front of the unit features a tempered black glass panel along with the company and model names. The back also has a glass panel and the company name and motto. There's a USB-C port on one end for connection to the source, and the 3.5 and 4.4mm outputs are located on the opposite end. The Octave also features a gain toggle switch on the top and three buttons on the bottom, including volume up/down and pause/play. The USB-C cable is a nice little inclusion because it's woven and pliable, and the purple connectors also match the color of the unit. It's a small thing, but I really appreciate this kind of attention to detail. Overall, the Octave might not surpass my expectations, but it does have nice build quality and a fun aesthetic that help set it apart.

Technical specifications and features:

• ES9039Q2M DAC chip

• SGM8262 Dual Op-Amp

• Up to 32Bit / 768kHz DSD256 playback

• High/Low 2-Stage Gain Adjustment

• 100-step Independent Volume Control

• 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL output

• Power Output - SE:150 mW @ 32Ω; BAL:550 mW @ 32Ω 

• Built-in Microphone for Calls/Recording

• 10-band PEQ Via Companion App

The Octave may be a little light when it comes to features, but let's go over what is included. The functions of the various buttons are pretty self-explanatory. There's a low/high gain toggle switch, volume up/down buttons, and a play/pause button which can be double-pressed to skip forward. Unfortunately, there is no previous track functionality, which might be a bit of an oversight. Also, there's no light or label to indicate which gain mode is selected. I mean, just simply printing it on the body next to the switch would be helpful. The smartphone companion app is called YUANDAO, and it's fairly easy to use. Simply plug the Octave into your phone and select the device on the list to open the settings. There are no pre-loaded EQ profiles, but the 10-band adjustment works great, and you can save your custom settings for ease of use. Also, the selected EQ settings persist when the device is unplugged, which can be nice, but if you're constantly cycling through different IEMs like myself, it can be a bit of a nuisance to have to open the app again to turn it off. It would be helpful if there were a button to enable/disable EQ on the unit itself, but that's a minor nitpick. There are really no other features to discuss besides the small indicator light on the front, which denotes the sample rate. Function-wise, the Octave may be a bit sparse, but it's not the most bare-bones device I've seen, and the addition of EQ through the app is nice. 

Power consumption:

With my devices in airplane mode, I let my library play at a medium-high volume with high gain enabled, while limiting unnecessary screen interaction. Here are the battery drain results after one hour:

24% on HiBy R3 II through 4.4 and 21% through 3.5.

6% on Galaxy S25 Ultra through 4.4 and 4% through 3.5.

The Octave is a fairly powerful little device, able to deliver up to 550 mW @ 32Ω through the balanced output. It stands to reason that it might draw a fair bit of power from the connected source, especially on high gain, but I'm not really surprised at the discrepancy between the results of the two devices. I partially attribute the large battery drain on the R3 II to it being an older device, and the battery life isn't optimal anymore. The S25 Ultra is much newer and better optimized, and the battery drain is about what I expected. One thing to note is that it can get pretty warm with prolonged use, though never quite hot. Overall, the Octave does pull a bit of juice from the attached source, but it should serve well as an all-day listening device when paired with today's smartphones.

Comparisons:

● ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 ($106) - The E3 is much smaller, maybe about 60% the size of the Octave, and has a nice build quality and a cool industrial-looking aesthetic. Both devices have low/high gain, 3.5 and 4.4 outputs, and independent volume control, but the Octave also features EQ through the app and pause/play/next track functionality. Both also have a decent amount of power, but the Octave is capable of delivering just a bit more through the balanced output. As for the sound, the E3 is a little V-shaped, while the Octave has a more neutral sound signature. The bass of the E3 is more sub-bass focused, with deeper extension and a deeper rumble. The Octave's bass can't quite reach as low, but the mid-bass is punchier and more impactful. In the midrange, the E3 is slightly recessed compared to the Octave. Vocals aren't as forward, nor are instruments as prominent in the mix. The Octave fares better with both, and it also adds a touch of warmth, while the mids are more engaging. The treble of the E3 is brighter, with a little more sparkle and air. The Octave sounds more rolled off in comparison, but it still has ample air for me, just not as well extended as the E3. The technical performance favors the E3 due to its wider soundstage and better imaging, separation, and detail retrieval, but it tends to sound a little too cold and clinical for me with certain pairings. Overall, both are nice little devices with nice build quality and plenty of power, but which one you prefer probably comes down to price, personal design preference, and what tuning it's being paired with.

● iFi GO link Max ($80) - These two devices are quite different when it comes to size and function. The Max is about as simple as it gets with a non-removable cable and no buttons at all—it's literally just a plug-and-play device. But in its defense, it is quite small compared to the Octave, about half the size. The Octave has more functions, including independent volume control, a gain switch, pause/play/next track buttons, and an app for EQ. Both are made of aluminum and feel solid, but the Octave also has glass panels on the front and back and a more premium design. Also, the purple color is a fun divergence from the usual more neutral-colored dongles. Regarding the sound, the Max is a bit more V-shaped compared to the somewhat neutral/mid-centric signature of the Octave. In the bass, the Max sounds a little fuller and more impactful, with better sub-bass extension. The Octave has more of a mid-bass focused low-end response with a cleaner texture. The lower midrange of the Max is somewhat recessed compared to the upper mids, while the Octave is smoother and more even-keeled across the entire midrange. In the treble, the Max is a little brighter and edgier, with certain notes exhibiting a bit more harshness, whereas the Octave does well to preserve the crispness without the slight piercing quality. In the technicalities, the Octave has a slightly wider soundstage but the Max's is a little deeper. The Max also has better separation and a touch more detail retrieval, whereas the Octave has better layering, more note weight. When it comes down to it, these two devices do sound different, but those differences aren't huge. I think owning both may be a bit redundant, and I would say the choice comes down to sound signature preference and whether the Octave's features are worth the extra cost.

● DUNU DTC480 ($70) - Besides their overall aesthetics, these two devices are quite alike. The Octave is a little bigger in size and has glass panels, while the DTC480 has a sleeker all-aluminum build. Both have 3.5 and 4.4 outputs, independent volume control, and low/high gain modes, but the Octave also has pause/play/next track buttons and EQ through the companion app. When it comes to the sound, these two are very similar, probably the closest in this comparison section, but there are still a few differences. The DTC480 is a little bit more V-shaped with slightly better extension on both sides, whereas the Octave sounds a touch more neutral and better balanced. The bass response is quite close, but the Octave does have a little more body and rumble. In the midrange, the DTC480 puts a bit more emphasis on the upper mids. The Octave doesn't push female vocals quite as forward, but it does have a sense of depth that's lacking in the DTC480. The treble is also quite close, but the DTC480 does tend to sound a little brighter and edgier. The Octave still has a nice crisp quality in the treble, but it lacks some extension and air compared to the DTC480. There aren't any huge technical performance differences to my ear, but the Octave does have a slightly wider and better-balanced soundstage, as well as more note weight, and better dynamics. Overall, because these two function and sound very similarly, I would advise against owning both. The decision ultimately depends on the price and whether PEQ is a necessity or not.

● Snowsky Retro Nano ($66) - The Nano may have a cheaper plastic build quality, but it's the most feature-rich device in this comparison section. It's also the only one with a screen. Both the Octave and the Nano include 3.5 and 4.4 outputs, independent volume control, gain adjustment, pause/play/next track functionality, PEQ through an app, and come in two color choices. The Nano, though, also offers three modes (PC, phone, and BT), a replaceable battery, built-in preloaded EQ profiles accessible through the menus on the device, and a cool '90s aesthetic. When it comes to sound, the Nano puts a little more focus on the upper mids and treble, while the Octave sounds more neutral. The bass of the Octave is better extended, fuller, and more impactful, with a satisfying rumble and reverberation, while the Nano sounds a touch bass-light in comparison. In the midrange, the Octave is more even-keeled and better balanced, whereas the Nano emphasizes the upper mids, pushing vocals a little forward in the mix. The biggest difference for me lies in the treble, where the Nano has better extension and air but also a little bit of thinness and brittleness that accompanies certain notes. The Octave sounds a bit more rolled off in comparison, but it doesn't have as many issues with piercing or harsh notes, which I prefer. Technically speaking, the Octave has better performance across the board, including more note weight, a larger soundstage, and better separation, but the Nano isn't too far behind. Overall, these two devices are quite different. The Nano is a great all-in-one device that offers a ton of versatility, but that does come at the expense of sound quality. For most people, it will probably sound just fine, and the added functionality will be the biggest draw. However, the Octave should still be considered by those wanting the best sound quality between the two and who don't mind losing out on wireless connectivity.

● BLON V1 ($40) - The BLON V1 is a simpler device and costs about half the price of the Octave. Size-wise, these two are roughly the same, but the Octave feels sturdier and has a slightly more robust build. As far as features go, both have independent volume control and pause/play/next track functionality, but the Octave also has a low/high gain switch and EQ via the companion app. The Octave is a little more neutral-sounding compared to the mid-centric signature of the V1. It's also a little more exciting and energetic, while the V1 has a slightly laid-back style. In the bass, the Octave has more body and depth, plus a more satisfying rumble. The V1 has less sub-bass extension and the mid-bass punch is pulled back a little in favor of more midrange emphasis. Speaking of midrange, the V1 is smoother and more emotive while the Octave is crisper and more lively, especially in the upper mids and leading into the lower treble. The V1 is a bit subdued and rolled off in the upper frequencies whereas the Octave has more sparkle and air and a crisper texture, though some notes can be a touch harsh at high volumes. Technically speaking, the Octave is a level above the V1 in just about every category save for the note weight. Overall, I feel like the Octave could be considered an evolved version of the V1. It sounds like it takes a similar blueprint and improves upon the foundation to offer a more complete-sounding device. The V1 still has a somewhat more relaxed tonality, though, that might pair better with brighter tunings, so it's not completely redundant, but the Octave generally feels like a better device with more features.

Sound impressions:

The Octave has a somewhat neutral, or at least neutral-adjacent, sound signature. There's a full-sounding bass response with decent enough sub-bass rumble to satisfy most. In the midrange, there's a slight recession to the lower half, and the upper portion is emphasized a touch, which tends to push vocals a bit more forward in the mix. The treble has a natural quality to it, and the Octave tends to slightly round off the edge of more troublesome notes, which I appreciate. When it comes to technical performance, the consistencies include added note weight and a small boost to the soundstage, but the improvements were only marginally better than some devices nearly half the cost, which is a little disappointing. Also, the extension on both ends of the spectrum could be further improvedI particularly enjoyed the Octave when paired with the Softears Volume and the AFUL Performer 5+2, though interestingly, there wasn't really a single pairing I tried that I outright disliked. I think the Octave makes a more than serviceable option for most tunings and could be a decent one-and-done DAC/amp for audiophiles on the go.

In conclusion:

The NiceHCK Octave is a somewhat simple device, but it's one that can absolutely take your portable listening experience to the next level. The build quality is decent, and the purple design is unique enough to stand out among all the black and gray options (there is a gray option though for those that prefer it). While it's not jam-packed with features, it does have what I consider to be the essentials, including 3.5 and 4.4 output, two gain levels, and independent volume control. The sound signature is mostly neutral, ensuring that the Octave pairs well with most IEMs and headphones. There are also EQ options through the companion app for those who want to further tweak the sound to their liking. At the end of the day, there's no shortage of portable DAC/amps on the market today, and while the Octave is a fine option, it doesn't really do much to differentiate itself from the competition. Some devices in the same price bracket include more features, like wireless connectivity or digital filters. Others have a smaller form factor, and some are priced lower with comparable build and sound quality. Still, I think it's a job well done by NiceHCK, and I can recommend the Octave due to the decent value it holds. However, an added feature or two, or even a more competitive price, could help this one stand out in today's very competitive market.