NiceHCK BlackSoul
Configuration: 2 wire, five element alloy
Weight: 31g
Ergonomics: 9/10
Cost: $50
NiceHCK are one of the more popular retailers of budget IEM cables on the AliExpress platform, and over the past few years have become one of the most recommended cable brands on Head-Fi for those with smaller budgets.
Known for running sales with heavy discounts of 50% or more on popular models, cables like BlackSoul can be frequently purchased at much lower than their displayed retail prices. Their range of cables contains an almost endless variety of choices in a multitude of materials, geometries, sizes & prices.
BlackSoul has garnered a very popular following on Head-Fi in recent times, becoming known as a safe choice for anyone unsure which NiceHCK model might suit them.
Is it as versatile as some claim? Let’s test that theory.
Ergonomics & Build Quality
Once glance at BlackSoul’s appearance is enough to see why it has been likened to Liquid Links’ Venom by many in the hobby looking for a more cost-effective alternative. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but not only do these two cables sound nothing alike, they also feel quite different.
The good news is BlackSoul’s ergonomics are vastly superior to Venom’s – it is very light even by 4 wire standards, reasonably flexible and lacks the somewhat ‘tacky’ feeling of Venom’s insulation.
In fact BlackSoul is one of the most comfortable cables in the shootout and I would sometimes find myself reaching for it on those grounds alone. Something about the minimalism of containing only two wires makes the cable enjoyable to handle.
Sadly build quality is one area where BlackSoul demonstrates its’ modest cost – the connectors, plug & Y-split may look expensive at a distance but feel & look the opposite up close. This is a shame, because I do really love the unique appearance of the wire itself and would enjoy seeing it further-enhanced with nicer hardware, perhaps on a more upscale model.
Sound
BlackSoul’s performance matches the uniqueness of its’ appearance.
This is a cable which creates a wide soundstage that is rather flat, but it is the way BlackSoul handles treble you’ll probably notice most.
A perfect candidate for smoothing out IEMs with troublesome treble peaks without necessarily robbing the performance of life, BlackSoul is ideal for dampening treble response in V-shaped IEMs in particular.
So it probably won’t pair quite as easily with the overwhelming majority of IEMs, but is a valuable addition to your collection for those times when an IEM’s treble is bit too spicy.
IEM Comparisons
Penon 10th Anniversary
BlackSoul predictably flattens the 10th Anniversary’s treble so that it sounds even smoother without losing any detail. The 10th Anniversary sounds quite refined already, so you may feel this blunts an excessive amount of excitement depending on your source.
The pairing is quite dynamic with a good perception of detail, though the lack of soundstage depth is quite noticeable.
ISN EST50
Again BlackSoul creates the perception of a wide but flat stage, but imaging doesn’t seem particularly strong. Dynamics seem to be negatively affected and bass also feels a tad muted.
However the cable does a splendid job of flattening the EST50’s treble response to deliver a much smoother presentation, which may be perfect if you happen to find the EST50’s treble a touch too excited.
Penon Impact
Though the Impacts’ treble is extremely high in quality, as is the case with the Oriolus Traillii it does take a backseat to the midrange and I occasionally yearn for extra treble sizzle at times. So I expected BlackSoul to pair poorly with the Impacts given it excels at rolling treble off somewhat, but surprisingly this is not the case.
Instead BlackSoul pairs very well, and by dampening the higher frequencies allows the Impacts’ fantastic midrange to shine even more. I also notice more midbass emphasis over sub bass, and a reasonably flat stage but still enjoy the pairing far beyond the expectations of BlackSoul’s modest price.
Verdict
It can be surprisingly difficult to explain why we love or hate something, and generally much easier to know when we do. I’ve taken a real liking to BlackSoul that reaches far beyond its’ performance, leading me to recommend it quite easily.
Part of that may be due to its’ terrific ergonomics and another factor is probably its’ distinctive appearance. NiceHCK certainly know how to make a lot of cable for very little money, so it’s hardly a surprise to learn BlackSoul has become a popular choice.
BlackSoul isn’t going to pair well with every IEM thanks to the way it blunts treble, but will be handy to keep for the next time a bright IEM pops up in your collection.
Introduction
Cable 1 & 2 – EA Ares S 4 Wire & 8 Wire
Cable 3 – Effect Audio Cadmus 8 Wire
Cable 4 – Effect Audio Code 23
Cable 5 – ISN S8
Cable 6 – Liquid Links Martini
Cable 7 – Liquid Links Venom
Cable 8 – NiceHCK BlackSoul
Cable 9 – Penon CS819
Cable 10 – Penon Leo Plus
Cable 11 – Penon Obsidian
Cable 12 – Penon Vocal
Cable 13 – DIY Cardas Clear
Cable 14 – DIY Hakugei Gray Dragon
Cable 15 – DIY Hakugei Sky-Sea Voice
Talking Point – Cable Performance vs Ergonomics
Talking Point – Cable Value
Talking Point – Cable DIY
Cable Awards
Conclusion
Cable Manufacturer Links & Acknowledgements
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