Here we go again with another in-ear review. This time, I’m going to talk about the ND NX2. Last time, I reviewed the ND Venus, which remains one of my favorites—not just for its aesthetics but also for its sound.
This will be my first review of 2025. I know I previously announced a break from reviewing, but I’ve really missed it. I’ve actually been using the ND NX2 for quite a while—in fact, I was already using it before I stepped away from the audio scene.
Before I dive into my formal assessment, I’d like to thank Garcia Kate and ND Audio for giving me the chance to try their products, especially the ND NX2, which has been my daily driver for the past few days.
Sound
I've been experimenting with different sound sources in my collection, particularly my dongles, which include the Tangzu Dongle, Tempotec E44, and Apple Dongle. The NX2 is highly responsive to these audio sources. I've tested both the 2.5mm balanced port and the 3.5mm port, and I find that the 2.5mm balanced port delivers a more refined and cleaner sound, whereas the 3.5mm port adds a slight warmth to the overall presentation.
As for using the NX2 as a daily driver for music enjoyment, it provides a dynamic listening experience. If you're a student looking for a sound signature that transitions from smooth to aggressive, the NX2 delivers that effect. Specifically, the treble can exhibit some sharpness at higher volumes, with noticeable peaks and a degree of sibilance.
Its sound signature leans somewhere between a V-shape and a balanced profile, depending on the audio source you're using.
Design and build Quality
The ND NX2 comes in different colors, but the version I have is the clear one, which is quite common among in-ear monitors on the market. It is made from medical-grade resin plastic, which is very lightweight on the ears, making it ideal for long usage and road trips. Its quite well built despite being it an medical grade plastic resin.
Review Proper
First of all, let’s talk about the bass, or in other words, the lows. It delivers the energy and excitement to satisfy those who want a party in their ears. Despite its lively nature, the bass remains controlled, striking a balance between aggressiveness and precision. The vibrations are pronounced, with a satisfying slam. The mid-bass is relatively controlled, though there are instances where it bleeds into other frequencies. If you're commuting and just want to relax while feeling the groove, this delivers. And if you need an energy boost to stay awake despite the chaos of traffic, it has you covered.
Secondly, the mid frequencies—where vocals and instruments are usually heard—are slightly recessed but not overly so. The vocals remain present in the mix, ensuring they are still audible within the track. Female vocals, however, sound somewhat unnatural, leaning towards a metallic tone that makes them less expressive. This characteristic is reminiscent of Vocaloid tracks and anime game music, where the focus is more on rhythm and accuracy rather than natural vocal warmth.
Male vocals sound heavier due to the aggressive bass, which enhances their depth and presence. This added weight benefits male voices, making them sound more powerful and full-bodied.
Lastly, the instrument presentation is not particularly well-balanced. The most prominent ones are drums, snares, bass guitar, electric guitar, and cello. However, the instrument separation is lacking, with some elements overlapping. While this may not offer the most accurate representation of instruments, it remains acceptable for casual listening—especially considering its price range.
Now, we can't overlook the treble region. Many of us tend to believe that boosting the treble in our EQ or setup makes the sound more detailed and exciting. In reality, this can be harmful to your eardrums. However, there is an exception—if your ears are highly tolerant to higher frequencies, the added brightness and shimmer can be beneficial and enhance your listening experience.
Now, let’s go back to the NX2. It has plenty of shine, especially at higher volumes. However, if not implemented correctly, this can result in sibilance and peakiness, which may cause discomfort during extended listening sessions. As I mentioned earlier, the NX2 has a tendency to exhibit sibilance and peaks, particularly with treble-heavy tracks. If your ears are sensitive to high frequencies, a possible remedy is to use ear tips that emphasize the lows and reduce the volume of your audio source.
Finally, let's talk about technicalities. Personally, I like to call these "hidden gems" because they represent the finer details in the sound spectrum—elements that some may not even notice. First of all the soundstage or headroom, This has ample height and layering for its price, which is really impressive. Casual listeners will notice the echoes in a small room. Imaging is quite present despite some recession, but it performs better in relaxed and classical music, as well as vocal-emphasized songs. Vocal and instrument separation is an improvement for ND, as the vocals are more noticeable and refined, even though the timbre remains metallic and unnatural. There are plenty of sound details, but they can be harsh on the ears due to the elevated treble, which emphasizes brightness and peaks.
In conclusion, the ND NX2 is a casual set that caters to a wide range of music genres. If it's your first set from ND Audio, it's not a bad choice for its price, as it offers plenty of details and well-emphasized lows that are clearly present in tracks.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Enjoyable bass with great punch and rumble
- Scales well with great audio sources
- Very comfortable and lightweight
- Versatile sounding set
- Enjoyable technicalities
- Higher treble frequency might hurt treble sensitive ears
- Slight recession to the middle frequency
- metallic timbre
- No included pouch bag (Nitpick)
- Stock cable is somewhat average (Nitpick)