Questyle NHB12 Review

As an iPhone user, I’m always excited to see a Lightning termination on an IEM, especially if it comes from a brand that I respect. At least, that was until I found out that the new iPhone 15 uses a USB-C plug. So, this review is for those who plan to stick with their current/old iPhones for a while, or for those who plan to hold out for the Questyle model with a USB-C termination. So, what can you expect from the NHB12 in terms sound signature and performance?

What’s in the Box?

• NHB12 Earphones with true lossless DAC/Amp
• Five sizes silicone ear tips 
• Carrying case

Look and Feel

Questyle has been very smart with their design by making the cable detachable. Given that Apple so often updates its connectors, the brand has ensured the longevity of this model. The detachable cable also gives more adventurous audiophiles some flexibility over their source.

Although the metallic shells look sturdy, they’re on the lighter side. There’s nothing too striking about these earbuds other than their elegance and simplicity. The fit is perfectly comfortable, and even after extended wear, I never felt them pressing against any ear points.

Design

With a custom voice coil, the NHB12 houses a 10.2mm dynamic driver. Its built-in DAC/Amp employs ALAC lossless compression, which is the CODEC utilized by Apple Music, and one that enables you to listen to high-resolution audio up to 24bit 192kHz.

Sound Impressions

Soundstage

There’s almost a reverb-like feel to the stage, giving a life-like quality to live performances especially. So there is some scale here, though distant instruments lose some of their richness and definition. While there’s good width and accurate imaging along the vertical axis, the stage feels a little flat at times. Still, instrument placement across the canvas reveals enough dimension to create a reasonably holographic experience. 

Low-End

The low-end is characterized by a rich and fat bass. It can feel quite bold at times, with the upper bass frequencies creeping seamlessly into the juicy low-mids. It’s robust presence will be a welcome element for the “almost bass-heads” out there. Though it's not overkill. The sub-bass creates a bodily response, and you can feel it vibrating the teeth. And for those who enjoy a majestic sound, the NHB12’s low-end will provide that crowd pleasing, bassy sumptuousness. 

Mids

There’s a darkness to this sound signature that gets a lot of its lush qualities from the ever-present low-mids. There’s little added emphasis in the high-mids, so none of the treble is feels over-pronounced. And this is part of what lends the profile a smooth quality. The presentation also has a thickness that adds flesh to the mix, making for a full-bodied and all encompassing sound overall.

Highs

The highs are detailed and vibrant, with an easy sense of airiness. Similar to the midrange, the upper frequencies are smooth and rich, avoiding excessive brightness. The tone in the highs feels a little more natural as well, contrasting well with the more colored lower frequencies.

Final Verdict

If you enjoy a warm, smooth and immersive listening experience and want to get top-notch resolution from your iPhone, it doesn’t get much better than this for the price, especially given that there aren’t a tremendous amount of audiophile-grade iPhone-compatible IEMs out on the market. And with a detachable two-pin cable, you can rest assured that your investment is protected from Apple’s future shenanigans.

You can buy the Questyle BHB12 at Audio 46.