Nocs NS200 review

First off the blocks for Swedish manufacturer Nocs, the NS200s are a weighty and enjoyable listen that are great value for the money Tested at £45

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Despite some minor quibbles these Swedish buds are a great listen

Pros

  • +

    Full-bodied and weighty sound, space and accuracy, good value for money

Cons

  • -

    Need some more detail, bass should be tauter

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With the matte finish and basic, rounded design, the Nocs are unassuming.

They’re light and comfy, too, which makes it easy to forget you’re wearing them – a rare compliment in the world of in-ears.

Perhaps most surprising, given that understated design, is that they’re close to excellence, at least for the very reasonable price tag.

What the NS200s offer is a weighty, full-bodied delivery that’s full of energy and enthusiasm and free of harshness.

There’s space to the soundstage and a degree of accurate placement to individual sounds when tracks require it (think along the lines of Hans Zimmer’s Inception OST), which is very impressive for a pair of in-ears at this sort of money.

They aren’t astonishingly detailed, and we wouldn’t mind a bit more tautness to the bass, but the NS200s remain an always enjoyable listen.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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