NiceHCK FirstTouch Review
NiceHCK’s USD $89 FirstTouch is a cheekily branded homage to PW Audio’s First Times that just happens to be $2,326 cheaper.
Containing both OFC & silver-plated conductors and sheathed in black polypropylene fabric, FirstTouch succeeds in replicating the iconic PWA cable appearance – at least when viewed from a few feet away.
NiceHCK have long been one of the most popular brands in the budget IEM cable space, so if you’re deep in the hobby like me you’ve probably tried a number of their cables over the years. I’m looking forward to seeing how this one stacks up!
Packaging
I purchased FirstTouch used from a friend, so I’m not sure if the full retail package contains accessories missing here but mine arrived simply in a leather carry case.
The carry case is actually terrific. Not the highest quality leather, but the size is absolutely perfect for an IEM with a chunky 8 wire cable with room to spare, yet it remains feasibly pocketable.
Ergonomics
At 48 grams FirstTouch is quite substantial, but of all the NiceHCK cables I’ve tried this one is definitely the most ergonomically pleasing.
The black polypropylene sheathing is much softer than most of the fabric alternatives out there, and the wire itself is extremely supple which causes it to drape impressively. If you’re looking for a cable that feels much more premium than its’ price tag warrants, no question this is the one to go for.
Even the hardware is probably the most of attractive of any NiceHCK cable I’ve seen, though I will subtract points for the stainless steel Y-split which is much heavier than it needs to be. Still, comfort is excellent despite weight pushing 50 grams.
Sound Performance
FirstTouch has that warm copper cable tonality that’s going to emphasise the lower midrange and bass frequencies, perhaps at the expense of the extra brightness you’d get from a silver cable.
Similarly FirstTouch is very good at improving the depth of the soundstage to increase the perception of layered instruments, but isn’t the cable that will stretch the stage wider quite as effectively.
I’m not sure sure if the fabric sheathing is responsible, but FirstTouch delivers a little of that shielded PWA cable magic by blackening the background so that individual instruments stand out more.
IEM Impressions
Simgot EA1000 – 1xDD 1xPR (USD $219)
I immediately notice bass impact is a little stronger, and the soundstage definitely feels a bit deeper as well though it may be a touch narrower.
The overall tonality is less bright than the more v-shaped S8 cable I’ve been using with the EA1000s, with less upper midrange emphasis and treble sparkle but more overall warmth. There’s also a little more midbass but vocals somehow feel further away. A decent pairing without being outstanding.
For some reason I find vocals actually sound more forward on the EST50s with FirstTouch, the opposite effect that it has on the EA1000s.
Midrange resolution is slightly higher, the soundstage is definitely deeper, I’m hearing a slightly uptick in dynamics and bass is punchier. This is a nice pairing but again, not exceptional.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
It’s immediately noticeable how much more emphasis is placed on the midrange, with vocals coming forward and gaining greater resolution, they really feel spotlit and stand out more.
The soundstage feels a touch narrower but is deeper, with a slightly blacker background yet treble is also darker than on the stock cable, and the Turbos are fairly dark to begin with. I couldn’t detect any bass improvements either.
Conclusion
Unquestionably my favourite NiceHCK cable so far from an ergonomic standpoint, many audiophiles would assume FirstTouch is their most expensive model after handling it in person.
So you can understand why I particularly hoped it would deliver the goods sonically & become a cable I’d happy use regularly. Sadly although FirstTouch is perfectly decent for injecting some warmth & delivering minor technical improvements, for me it’ll remain a cable more pleasant to use than it is to hear.
Admittedly USD $89 is not a fortune, for that price I’ve no problem recommending you pick one up to see what you think. I can imagine it being a great option for a budget everyday carry IEM where you may struggle to hear any performance benefits on noisy public transport anyway.
Introduction & Test Setup
Simgot LC7 Review
NiceHCK FirstTouch Review
NiceHCK DragonScale Review
Penon ASOS Review
Cable Roundup Summary
Comments