
The Nicehck DB3 is a hybrid in-ear monitor (coaxial 10mm dual dynamic driver + one balanced armature per side). The DB3 will retail for under $17 during the upcoming 11/11 sale, and retails for just under $20 at the time of this review at the Nicehck Audio Store on Aliexpress. The DB3 was provided to me by Nicehck in exchange for a fair and objective review.
SOURCES:
I have used the Nicehck DB3 with the following sources:
Windows 10 PC > JDS Labs The Element > Nicehck DB3
Pixel 3 > Fiio BTR1K (Bluetooth Apt-X) > Nicehck DB3
Windows 10 PC > Fiio BTR1K (USB-DAC) > Nicehck DB3
Pixel 3 > Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle > Nicehck DB3
I have tested these headphones with local FLAC, Spotify Premium, and Amazon Music HD. Visit my last.fm page to get an idea of what I listen to.
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES:

The NiceHCK DB3 comes in a rectangular white box. The DB3 is pictured on the front of the box, the selected color and mic options are displayed on the left side, NiceHCK’s contact information is listed on the right side, and technical specifications for the DB3 are given on the back in Chinese, English, and Japanese. The IEMs are held in a white foam mounting sheet underneath a clear plastic cover. Included with the DB3 is a detachable .78mm 2-pin cable, 3 pairs of grey silicone eartips (S, M, L), one pair of larger black double-flange eartips, and a NiceHCK-branded drawstring bag.
BUILD QUALITY / DESIGN:

The NiceHCK DB3 is similar in design to the Nicehck NX7, with a zinc alloy faceplate and a translucent polycarbonate body. The NiceHCK logo and L/R indicators are printed in white on top of the housing on the polycarbonate surface, and “DB3” is printed on the faceplate. The nozzle is polished metal with a substantial lip for securing eartips. Each housing has a circular vent on the inner face of the housing. I experienced major driver flex in one of the earpieces but none in the other.
The 2-pin connectors use the same design as the NX7’s connectors, with protruding connectors similar to but not interchangeable with QDC-type connectors. The corners of this connector are less rounded than QDC type connectors. The cable is tin-plated oxygen-free copper with an L-shaped 3.5mm jack. The 2-pin connectors have raised markings to indicate left and right. The cable has pre-formed ear-guides without memory wire. There is a chin-adjustment choker. The cable is moderately tangle-prone. There is strain-relief above the 3.5mm jack but none at the Y-split.
COMFORT / FIT / ISOLATION:

The NiceHCK DB3 is intended to be worn cable-up only. Comfort is excellent, though secureness of fit is average. The nozzles provide a deep enough insertion depth to facilitate a good seal with the included eartips. Isolation is slightly below average.
SOUND:
The Nicehck DB3 has a mildly V-shaped tuning with a somewhat dry tonality.
The DB3 has a moderately elevated bass response with good sub-bass extension. There is surprisingly little mid-bass bleed into the lower midrange. There is a good amount of rumble and slam but neither are overwhelming. The bass has good speed, articulation, and texture. Bass resolution is middling.
The midrange emphasizes vocal clarity. Both male and female vocal intelligibility are very good, athough male vocals compete with instruments in the lower midrange for attention. Both male vocals and lower midrange instruments sound a little thin. Female vocals are slightly more forward and vibrant than male vocals. There is abundant presence and a fair amount of accompanying sibilance. The midrange timbre is slightly plasticky.
The treble is elevated and slightly metallic. The treble can be harsh thanks to a large lower treble peak around 8k. There is a good amount of both sparkle and air. Transients are relatively clean. Detail retrieval is good.
Soundstage is larger than average. Imaging is rudimentary. Instrument separation is okay.
MEASUREMENTS:

My measurements were conducted with a Dayton iMM-6 microphone using a vinyl tubing coupler and a calibrated USB sound interface. The measurements use a compensation file derived from relating my raw measurements to published measurements from Crinacle and Antdroid. The measurements are presented with 1/24th smoothing. The magnitude of the valley around 7k is a coupler artifact. There is a resonant peak around 8k, which is distinct from the actual mid-treble peak just before 9k. Measurements above 10k are not reliable.
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE PAIRING:
The Nicehck DB3 can be driven to comfortable listening volumes with a smartphone or dongle. There is very faint hiss with some sources.
COMPARISONS:
At the moment I do not possess any IEMs that currently retail for between $15 and $20 USD. The DB3 is a clear step up from IEMs retailing around the $10 mark in terms of tuning maturity and technical performance.
CLOSING WORDS:

When evaluated at its sale price of $17, the Nicehck DB3 is a solid introduction to hybrid IEMs with few deal-breaking flaws beyond a potentially harsh lower treble spike. Its issues with tonality and timbre are par for the course at this price point. It offers good detail retrieval and clarity, and the transition from bass to midrange is particularly well done for a budget IEM.

