NiceHCK Octave dongle DAC

[VyseLegendaire]

USB signal isolator + linear power supply—feeding the HS02 I assume…. Why don’t use a good desktop DAC/Amp combo instead of a dongle? Oh, and you’ll only need one USB cable…

not sure if I would spend more than the dongle itself to add a USB signal isolator

I purchased the isolator, other parts mentioned for use with several different DACs from portable to desktop, or all-in-one. Just trying to preface why I could be getting a very favorable impression of some rather budget DACs.

As for all-in-one DAC/Amps or Desktop amp, dac combo, there is still the issue of a linear PSU if you inclined in that direction, while some these do have them built-in its definitely not standardized. Ultimately the same amount of cables will used, plus the audio cables needed to feed a DAC into a standalone amp.
Also I find nearly all non-portable DAC/DAP to be far too powerful if using headphone at approx. 70 Ohm or less. I can get a very comfortable volume at a more moderate position on the dial without blasting my ears off by using an all-in-one dongle.

 

[CedarX]

For those who want a dongle with similar power and UAC1 option, there is the Cayin RU3. It has a 10band peq also. But yeah, it costs a tad more.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mr96W1R

Just received the RU3. As far as I can see, it doesn't have a customizable PEQ: the presets (Jazz, Pop, Rock...) are visualized on a 10-band GEQ (not PEQ). There is a "Custom" slot and a "More" option in the (Android) Cayin Control app, but these don't do anything except triggering a "more coming" popup.
It's a nice dongle, but with the current FW (V0.1), the functionalities are subpar...

 

[mattsrs]

Octave FW V1.3 [2025.10.14]：
This update resolves stuttering, compatibility, and loud pop issues.
Reconstruct the underlying logic and restructure it.

Download

Firmware & App Downloads Zisan Z5c DAP Firmware Upgrade Package NICEHCK App Download NICEHCK Octave Firmware Upgrade Tools & Tutorials NICEHCK Octave ファームウェア更新ツール及びマニュアル NICEHCK Octave 펌웨어 업그레이드 도구와 사용 안내

nicehck.com

View attachment 483475

Just got mine today. Trying to update the firmware but in that link, I don't see 10.14 firmware. The folders/firmware files that are available to download for Octave have v0.4.3_20250909 timestamp (NICEHCK_Octave_アップグレードツール_v0.4.3_20250909) to be specific. While in the ppt photo below from the upgrade manual, it says it should have 20241014 in the folder name. Any idea where I can download the latest firmware?

 

[CedarX]

Just got mine today. Trying to update the firmware but in that link, I don't see 10.14 firmware. The folders/firmware files that are available to download for Octave have v0.4.3_20250909 timestamp (NICEHCK_Octave_アップグレードツール_v0.4.3_20250909) to be specific. While in the ppt photo below from the upgrade manual, it says it should have 20241014 in the folder name. Any idea where I can download the latest firmware?

View attachment 488122

If you select the last entry in NiceHCK download page, it points to: "NICEHCK Octave 펌웨어 업그레이드 도구와 사용 안내1014.zip"


The .bin file (FW) is actually V1.3 as indicated by @SlowLife : "NICEHCK_Octave_VID3302_PID39C3_V1.3_20251010升级固件.bin".
I selected the English firmware upgrade tool, and the .bin file is the same V1.3: "NICEHCK_Octave_VID3302_PID39C3_V1.3_20251010升级固件.bin"
v0.4.3. is the version of the updater tool.

I had no issue upgrading the FW, following the upgrade manual (PPT file) indications. WalkPlay with @SlowLife Tampermonkey script shows VERSION 1.3. The NiceHCK App in its current stage does not show FW version (it's actually pretty much limited to PEQ and Gain settings for now).

 

[Matias]

I also could not update mine following their instructions. The ideal would be the app to do it easily on the phone.
I gave up, whatever.

 

[mattsrs]

If you select the last entry in NiceHCK download page, it points to: "NICEHCK Octave 펌웨어 업그레이드 도구와 사용 안내1014.zip"
View attachment 488156

The .bin file (FW) is actually V1.3 as indicated by @SlowLife : "NICEHCK_Octave_VID3302_PID39C3_V1.3_20251010升级固件.bin".
I selected the English firmware upgrade tool, and the .bin file is the same V1.3: "NICEHCK_Octave_VID3302_PID39C3_V1.3_20251010升级固件.bin"
v0.4.3. is the version of the updater tool.

I had no issue upgrading the FW, following the upgrade manual (PPT file) indications. WalkPlay with @SlowLife Tampermonkey script shows VERSION 1.3. The NiceHCK App in its current stage does not show FW version (it's actually pretty much limited to PEQ and Gain settings for now).

Do you know what they have changed/fixed on this 1.3 firmware?

 

[CedarX]

Do you know what they have changed/fixed on this 1.3 firmware?

From included text file:

2025.10.14 Firmware：

This update resolves stuttering, compatibility, and loud pop issues.
Reconstruct the underlying logic and restructure it.

 

[SlowLife]

FW	Date	CRC32	SN [VID+PID+YYMMDD]	Note
V0.8	2025-07-22		330239C3250722	Initial Firmware
V0.9	2025-09-01	579F606C	330239C3250901	This update introduces the hardware volume memory function. After the first update, you need to adjust the volume of the Octave. You can press the "Volume Down" button on the Octave 18 times consecutively.
V1.1	2025-09-09	6F0E97C8	330239C3250909	This update adds a hardware volume memory feature. Refactor the underlying volume control logic Fix the issue of no sound when switching from high gain to low gain Fix volume adjustment discontinuity on iOS devices Fix volume adjustment discontinuity on PC platforms
V1.3	2025-10-10	BD4BFD5C	330239C3251010	This update resolves stuttering, compatibility, and loud pop issues. Reconstruct the underlying logic and restructure it.

 

[mattsrs]

Anyone know if Amir is going to review this? When I ordered, I chatted with Nicehck folks on Discord and they asked me how ro contact Amir and I sent them his profile to message him. Not sure whats the latest on that

 

[Matias]

Using another computer I think the firmware upgrade was OK to version 1.3. How can I check what firmware I am in? The NiceHCK app does not show.

 

[CedarX]

Using another computer I think the firmware upgrade was OK to version 1.3. How can I check what firmware I am in? The NiceHCK app does not show.

The WalkPlay WebApp + tampermonkey script will tell you:


Until NiceHCK adds this feature to their app, I don't think there is another way...

 

[SlowLife]

Serial number can tell the FW version.

USB Device Tree Viewer [PC]

TTGK Station App [Android]

 

[Matias]

Found it under Windows - Device Manager - Octave - Properties - Details - Father Parent.

 

[jkim]

Anyone know if Amir is going to review this? When I ordered, I chatted with Nicehck folks on Discord and they asked me how ro contact Amir and I sent them his profile to message him. Not sure whats the latest on that

A review sample of Octave sent by Nice HCK is on my test bench. An actual review may take time, though, as I found weird PEQ behavior and contacted Nice HCK to ask how to proceed. If they want to address it before I write a review, I will let them do that.

 

[mattsrs]

Found it under Windows - Device Manager - Octave - Properties - Details - Father.

Nice find! Its called "Parent" in English windows. Was searching for father and didn't find it.

 

[SlowLife]

FW	Date	CRC32	SN [VID+PID+YYMMDD]	Note
V0.8	2025-07-22		330239C3250722	Initial Firmware
V0.9	2025-09-01	579F606C	330239C3250901	This update introduces the hardware volume memory function. After the first update, you need to adjust the volume of the Octave. You can press the "Volume Down" button on the Octave 18 times consecutively.
V1.1	2025-09-09	6F0E97C8	330239C3250909	This update adds a hardware volume memory feature. Refactor the underlying volume control logic Fix the issue of no sound when switching from high gain to low gain Fix volume adjustment discontinuity on iOS devices Fix volume adjustment discontinuity on PC platforms
V1.3	2025-10-10	BD4BFD5C	330239C3251010	This update resolves stuttering, compatibility, and loud pop issues. Reconstruct the underlying logic and restructure it.
V1.5	2025-11-18	9D02B124	330239C3251118	This update optimizes and resolves the popping sound issue. 1. Optimized background noise during pause, play, and song switching (POP sound). 2. Resolve the issue of popping sounds when the device has not played audio for an extended period of time. * After the update, the default hardware volume is 15% (factory setting).

 

[Shynx]

View attachment 492952
View attachment 492955

FW	Date	CRC32	SN [VID+PID+YYMMDD]	Note
V0.8	2025-07-22		330239C3250722	Initial Firmware
V0.9	2025-09-01	579F606C	330239C3250901	This update introduces the hardware volume memory function. After the first update, you need to adjust the volume of the Octave. You can press the "Volume Down" button on the Octave 18 times consecutively.
V1.1	2025-09-09	6F0E97C8	330239C3250909	This update adds a hardware volume memory feature. Refactor the underlying volume control logic Fix the issue of no sound when switching from high gain to low gain Fix volume adjustment discontinuity on iOS devices Fix volume adjustment discontinuity on PC platforms
V1.3	2025-10-10	BD4BFD5C	330239C3251010	This update resolves stuttering, compatibility, and loud pop issues. Reconstruct the underlying logic and restructure it.
V1.5	2025-11-18	9D02B124	330239C3251118	This update optimizes and resolves the popping sound issue. 1. Optimized background noise during pause, play, and song switching (POP sound). 2. Resolve the issue of popping sounds when the device has not played audio for an extended period of time. * After the update, the default hardware volume is 15% (factory setting).

I tried fw 1.3 with fw 1.5 like there was no significant improvement, there was even still a popping sound.

 

[Matias]

For some reason my home PC won't recognize the Octave no matter what, says either a peak in power drawn or incorrect identification whatever. My work PC, both Win11 based, finds the Octave no problem and updates the firmware normally. Go figure.

251118 installed here. Just wish the app did the update seamlessly without having to use this Chinese written Windows program.

 

[Calypso1]

@SlowLife - Any idea what FW version is running on this device? Thanks.

 

[aewyli]

For some reason my home PC won't recognize the Octave no matter what, says either a peak in power drawn or incorrect identification whatever.

Try connect directly to a non-shared USB 2.0 port. I had similar issues using a hub.

Anyway, the V1.5 update does tame down this "popping" issue. Well, it's more like the good old CD-skipping sound for me, it was just a subtle minor issue for me ootb(I received Octave with V1.3 factory pre-flashed). Though, I only noticed this if I try skipping durations within a song, rarely during pause/unpause or changing songs abruptly. With V1.5 firmware this issue is almost gone, I'm using PC for this btw.

My only concern is that this thing can get very warm, very quick.