The Hidizs XO dongle is a safe, solid performer with a largely pre-fabricated standard sound based on the same SoCs (“systems on chip”) that is used in the popular Hidizs AP80 Pro-X dap. It also features 14 light effects that are not in sync with the music and therefore not beneficial for everyone.

The Hidizs XO was kindly provided by the manufacturer for my review – and I thank them for that. You find more information at Hidizs.net.

Introduction

Hidizs are an up-and-coming Chinese audio manufacturer that aggressively target Asian and western markets alike. They specialize in earphones but also in daps, dongles, and small headphone amps, and they also offer some nifty accessories.

We have collectively analyzed quite a few of their iems, daps and dongles, as listed here:

Hidizs’s best effort to date, in our collective opinion, is probably the AP80 Pro-X dap: works well, sounds good, and therefore has established itself as one of the most interesting budget to mid-tier daps. It features two SoCs, that is “System on Chip“, a combination of DAC and amp on a single chip. This saves space but also leaves the audio engineer little room for tweaking – and any two devices with the same SoCs sound very similar.

Interestingly, the Hidizs XO and the AP80 Pro-X feature the same set of two ESS9219C SoCs – and so do the Qudelix-5K, the FiiO BTR5, and some Shanling products, too. This means all these devices have identical data handling and amplification power, and only some tweaking can be done by filtering. But much of the sound is prefabricated by ESS.

This is in stark contrast to pure DAC chips. For example, the Hidizs S9 Pro features the ES9038Q2M chip (like so many other devices) but has its unique sound signature due to its proprietary analog output stage. No ES9038Q2M devices sound alike, despite the urban myths around them.

Specifications Hidizs XO

Physical Things and Functionality

In the box is the dongle, a short USB-C to USB-C cable, and a USB-C female to USB-A male adapter.

The Hidizs XO is a classic dongle: a small rectangular box made of metal with a USB-C port at the receiving end, and two headphone sockets at the opposite side: a 3.5 mm one for single-ended use, and a 2.5 mm for balanced use. Owing to is small size, Hidizs opted for the smaller 2.5 mm balanced socket, whereas the more rugged 4.4 mm plugs are increasingly becoming standard.

There are two buttons on the top a round, illuminated one for toggling between two digital filters and an X-shaped one for switching on light effects.

Yep, both long sides of the XO are covered with LED panels.

The Hidizs XO connects via USB to digital music sources (daps, phones, tablets, computers). It does not contain a battery and draws its power from the host. Its volume is also controlled from the host device.

Amplification and Power Management

The Hidizs XO performs amplification wise like the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X dap as it has the same SoCs. It can handle earphone and headphones up to 150 ohm with ease, while aching with 300 ohm headphones. This is only valid for a computer source and some phones.

That’s because there is one distinct difference: the AP80 Pro-X has its own battery, the XO draws from the host…and Apple limits the current draw to 100 mA for most of its mobile devices. The Hidizs XO draws up to 146 mA (with light effects on), which makes it the biggest current hog of all devices I have tested. It draws more than 3 times as much current as the AudioQuest DragonFly Red.

As a result of this poor power management, the Hidizs XO is throttled by my iPhone, that is its power output is greatly decreased. The device must also feature a “cheater chip” to deceive my iPhone.

Other phones may work better with the Hidizs XO, but their batteries are nevertheless emptied faster than with most other dongles. I hope Hidizs releases some firmware to fix this.

Light Effects

The Hidizs XO’s X-shaped button operates light panels on two opposite sides of the device. I counted 14 different settings that make the XO blink, move, and fade. Not a single one of the settings provides a fixed continuous light, there is always some movement. At least the lights are rather passive and do not drive you out of bed at night.

However, there is no coordination between the music and the dancing lights. One would expect the light effects being synchronized with the rhythm of the music….but they are not. Both are entirely independent of each other. You don’t even need to connect the XO to a music source, all it takes is a 5V USB power supply to run the light effects.

Considering that the lights do not contribute to the XO’s performance, but only to our phones’ battery drain, they may appeal to a limited audience.

Sound

Since The Hidizs XO and Hidizs AP80 Pro-X dap have the same SoCs, I A/Bed them by playing the AP 80 Pro-X with and without the XO. On a first listen, both sound almost identical (neutral with a tad of “warmth”), however there are distinct differences.

The XO sounds a bit airier, wider, fluffier, livelier, and edgier than the marginally darker, bassier, and more closed-in AP 80 Pro-X with its lesser perceive treble extension. The XO is definitely more open with a bigger headroom, however at the expense of depth. Nevertheless are the differences smaller and insignificant outside of analytical listening for testing purposes.

Hidizs did not have many options for creating a different sound signature between two devices using the same SoC. Their main option is filtering. The greatly announced “crystal oscillators” (quartz grains pulsating in an electric field…initally used for for achieving accuracy in quartz watches) is probably meant to minimize jitter, and therefore sound deterioration. If this really works, this may explain the performance differences between dap and XO.

Alternating between XO’s filters does not make any sonic difference to my ears.

The differences between the Hidizs XO and the frequently publicly shunned DragonFly Cobalt (at 3 times the price) are much more substantial: the Cobalt sounds fuller/richer in the midrange, has better extension at both ends (notably a deeper digging low end with more rumble), better midrange clarity/resolution, and a better spatial reconstruction. And it better does, considering the price difference.

The XO, in comparison, has a flatter stage, is light on bass, and offers leaner vocals and a smaller headroom. Nevertheless is the XO a better value and overall more than acceptable. It is also better resolving and livelier than the similarly priced Hidizs S9 Pro (difference: S9 Pro does not have a SoC but a dedicated DAC chip combined with Hidizs’ own analog output stage).

Comparing its own single-ended circuit with the balanced one, you are advised to only use the latter as it is more powerful and with better spatial rendering.

You probably will pair the Hidizs XO with iems and headphones in line with its price.

Concluding Remarks

If you already own a $100-$150 dongle, the Hidizs XO offers little new sonically owing to its use of standard SoCs. It is a tad better, that is livelier sounding, than the Hidizs S9 Pro dongle and similar to the Hidizs AP 80 Pro-X dap…and it also plays very similar to other dongles and daps with the same SoCs. It is best used with a computer as it draws a lot of power and may be throttled by your phone.

But if you you don’t have such a dongle, or have one without a balanced circuit, or you need some fancy illumination, the Hidizs XO could be the right one for you. And the price is right.

Until next time…keep on listening!

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Disclaimer

I thank the company for providing the XO unsolicited for my analyses. You can buy it from Hidizs.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

Gallery

The post Hidizs XO Review (1) – Dance The Light Away appeared first on Music For The Masses.

INTRO

The HIDIZS MD4 aims to please everyone with 12 tuning options combined between switches and eartips. If you haven’t checked out some of their other greatest hits such as the S9 Pro Dongle or the AP80 Pro-X, I suggest you go have a look. The HIDIZS MS1 Mermaid got mixed reviews from us, but I took on the challenge of seeing what they cooked up. Cue up the cheesy montage of movie dress-up scenes and come along for the director commentary.

While there feels like an overabundance of single dynamic mid-tier IEMs, HIDIZS MD4 decided to stick with the more complex full balanced armature 4 driver setup. The shells have built-in 3D printed sound tubes to make sure sound exits correctly and not just bouncing around inside the shell like budget offerings. It has all the ingredients of a proper mid-tier IEM, and caters perhaps to an eastern audience.

Disclaimer: These were free-ninety-nine from HIDIZS, and they sent me the white ones because I didn’t specify. Tested at $169 at the time of review.

GOOD TRAITS

• Generous complete package (case, tips, cable)
• Excellent Fitment (For me)
• Isolation
• Various tuning options

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

• Non-splashly cable
• Technical abilities clouded
• Case is too big to fit comfortably in a pants pocket.
• Hot tuning can lead to strained treble
• Impedance dips to around 5 ohms, source and power can impact sound

PACKAGE CONTENTS

While I don’t comment on packaging normally, I did enjoy the easy of which the HIDIZS MD4 box opened. Inside were the earphones, followed by 3 different types of tips, and finally the square leather carrying case that make it impractical to fit in your pants but looks uber cool pulling out of a bag. The cable is 2 twisted strands a notch above budget offering twisted cables, and it does the job of not transferring too many microphonics.

The shell of the HIDIZS MD4 is large solid metal with a fancy marbled stone appearance faceplate offered in White, Black and Blue and matching painted shell color. Nozzle length is Goldilocks for me, as well as the shape. Surprisingly, the switches were solid and hard to switch without some small tool like the included earpiece cleaning brush. I had always assumed these switch based earphones might have an additional mode of failure for later in life, but these switches feel high quality.

ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS

Based on their product page:
0,0 (off, off)=default treble enhanced
1,0 (on, off)=Balanced
1,1 (on, on)=Bass Enhanced
0,1 (off, on)=Warm

Let me describe the three types of eartips of the HIDIZS MD4 that do what they say:
1) Balanced=Firm full length stem with firm medium opening size
2) Bass=Olive shaped, medium length stem with medium firmness, larger opening than balanced set and squishier opening
3) Vocal=Shorter is length, shortest stem that is also thinner that is only thick on the very bottom, wide opening, very soft and squishy.

The bass tips clearly increase the upper bass thickening vocals and sounding a bit too full at times depending on 1,0 mode or 1,1 mode. With 0,0 or 0,1 this is a way to balance out the sharpness of the treble. For me the 0,0 with the bass tips was a good match, while the 0,1 is sort of jarring on both ends of the frequency spectrum.

Vocal Tips with mode 0,1 is a lot of upper midrange to take in, not my desired tuning, but for those that really want to be immersed and have a very forward experience this is it. 1,1 mode was well balanced bordering on nothing exciting. I enjoyed them most with 1,0 mode, and 0,0 was not as sterile as 0,0+balanced tips.

Balanced tips work best with modes 1,1 and 0,1 although 1,0 is good too if you want to really warm it up. These come installed by default with 0,0 which for me was too clinical sounding. Again personal preferences, I seem to lean to towards warmer sets these days, but can appreciate other tunings depending on mood. That is what makes this set so great.

SOUND

Reviewing a set like the HIDIZS MD4 is one of the more challenging endeavors due to the fact of having to pick a tuning and give a general description or trying to portray all combinations. While I used the 1,0 mode with the vocal tips as my preference, I might point out some other combos that highlight other things better.

Overall the HIDIZS MD4 bass is quick and snappy with not much emphasis down low. Utilizing the dual bass balanced armature drivers centered around a midbass hump, everything through the lower midrange sounds a bit colored and chesty. Between tips and switches, the bass/lower midrange can be colored or less colored to your liking.

Midrange is probably the weakest area, depending on tips it goes from sounding a tad dull, to edgy and pushing the envelope. I feel that one of my better vocal oriented sets is the TinHifi T2+, and the HIDIZS in mode 0,0/1,1 just can’t reach that level of transparency for example listening to some Holly Cole Trio – I Can See Clearly Now.

HIDIZS MD4 treble is nicely done and knows that wideband elevation makes for an exciting listen. Again using the tips and switches is it easy to dial in some extra boost and air to make them sound very delicate or really sterile without ear piercing. They can run rather hot sounding, the lower treble boost is on average 10-13db, but if we look at a smoothed 1/3 octave it doesn’t appear as boosted and my ears agree. The graphs make it appear worse than it sounds, so I included the 1/3 octave for reference which is more inline with how our brains interpret adjacent bands.

TECHNICALITIES

For being a four BA 3 way, I was hoping for some good separation, instead the HIDIZS MD4 feel a little narrow and congested on busier pieces. Timbre is not something I would associate with these, instead they come of more analytical and PA speaker sounding. Width and depth are balanced between the two, neither stands out.

Isolation is excellent, but that also depends on fitment for some. Sensitivity is on the lower side, but driven from my LG G8 with no issues. Some power helps given the low impedance. A good dongle would easily drive these as well.

QUICK COMPARISONS

The HIDIZS MD4 even in warm setting does not compete with one of my warm favorites the Shozy Form 1.4 ($179) , the Shozy bass is just excellent with more depth and fullness, and the MD4 just sounds more forceful than the sweetness of the Shozy as you continue up the spectrum.

Comparing to the Moondrop Kato ($179), the MD4 bass is thicker and less resolving, but the treble actually sounds more restrained towards the top. I attribute that to the super wide bass lower midrange hump. Width and depth are comparable, the Moondrop sounds less congested due the cleaner bass profile.

FINAL REMARKS

While the HIDIZS MD4 does not meet my preferred tuning style given the colored lower midrange and lack of bass fullness, others might like this style and it does take the edge off the hot treble. It’s all relative as they say. I love the fitment and the isolation, but this is one of those YMMV scenarios. The value proposition is that you get 12 tunings for the price of $169, but the tunings are not drastic changes but more nuanced. If your focus is towards accentuated treble with a colored bass profile, these might be up your alley.

SPECIFICATIONS

GRAPHS

• Left vs Right
• Balanced Eartip Switch Comparison
• Bass Eartip Switch Comparison
• Vocal Eartip Switch Comparison
• Switch Comparison Normalized and 1/3 octave smoothing
• Eartip Comparison 1/24 octave
• Impedance

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DISCLAIMER

Get it direct from HIDIZS or from other retailers.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

About my measurements.

The post HIDIZS MD4 (Review) – Hit With Switches appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — Timbre not the most organic; large shells; rose gold not for everyone.

Executive Summary

The Hidizs MM2 is a well resolving iem that let’s you adjust the sonic signature with three screw-in outer vents. Another novelty is a magneto-static driver for the treble.

Introduction

Hidizs are a Chinese company that came on strong recently with their dongles and digital analog players. We analyzed their popular S3 Pro and S9 Pro DAC/Amps and their very good AP80 and AP80 Pro X players. As it looks, the company has a bit of catching up to do when it comes to earphones. Their MS1 Rainbow model received a mixed reception from Durwood and Loomis.

Hidizs’ latest MME iem implements a few semi-novel ideas, “self tuning” and a magneto-static driver for the uppermost frequencies.

Earphone tuning, the practice of generating a specific frequency response, has become an important marketing tool. YouTube/blog influencers lately picked up on it, projecting their personal preferences in the shape of “target graphs” onto the consumer – which provides a new revenue stream for them and the companies alike.

The consumer also benefits – from the lack of unpleasant surprises: no more “screamers” with icepick signatures in the mail anymore means much less risk of losing our money. On the downside, the consumer has to cope with silly avatars of the “celebrity tuners” on the shells – and an extra royalty to them.

So, why not do it yourself? There are several methods to tune your earphone according to your taste. First, the old “taping vents and nozzle methods”, as described in many of our reviews and also explicitly in our blog. This is referred to as “reversible modding“, which is based on simple physical principles. It is called “reversible”, as you can easily bring the iem back to its original state without any damage done to it.

But there are more convenient methods. For example, the Anew X-One comes with tuning modules that are being plugged into the faceplate. These look like little opamps and probably alter the earphone’s impedance. JVC’s HA-FDX1 deploy exchangeable nozzles containing different filters that change the midrange frequencies but keep the low end consistent. BQEYZ use a different method in their Autumn iem in that the user can change the width of the inner vent with magnetic pucks.

Hidizs have yet another approach to user tuning in their $79 MM2 by providing screw-in outer vents that change both lower and midrange frequencies. For the case you are confused now: the physics of “venting” is explained in our article. Let’s see how well it works for the MM2.

Specifications Hidiz MM2

Physical Things and Usability

In the box are the earpieces, cable, 2 sets of silicone earpieces (wide-bores and narrow-bores), 3 sets of tuning valves (bass, normal, treble), carrying case, and the paperwork.

Each screw-on tuning valve represents an outer vent. The included tuning vents therefore differ in opening diameter: the bigger the “hole” the more bass is produced.

The earpieces are very light and somewhat bulky…you see a lot of space inside them. But maybe these large “resonance chambers” are needed for the sound signature. They fit well, are comfortable, and don’t seal very well for my ears. Their lightweight comes in handy.

The cable is excellent: pliable, light, and it has no microphonics. Just the rose gold colour mix (and maybe the handbag-like carrying case) may not hit everybody’s taste. Both sets of eartips fit me well but I prefer the wide-bores.

Tonality and Technicalities

Equipment used: MacBook Air | Earstudio HUD 100 (low gain) with AudioQuest JitterBug FMJ | stock bass filters | stock wide-bores.

Since Hidizs give you the option to perform your own tuning with the included screw-in filters, I started tinkering with them…and finally decided on the bass vents as the created the “most substantial” sound experience for me with a great vocals reproduction.

In the big picture, the Hidizs MM2 is all in one: a neutral sounding iem (normal filters), a warm one (bass filters), and a screamer (treble filters ).

In my favourite “bass” configuration, the MM2 deliver a “fun” signature with some surprisingly good sonic characteristics.

Bassy filters means serious bass, without being too serious. Focus is on sub-bass. It digs deep, very deep – and with some energy. Mid bass slam has still good impact. This makes the low end a bit blunt and less tight than I want in some tracks. I don’t think the bass is overdone, though. All in good doses. It’s fun tuning after all.

The transition to the midrange works rather well. I would not call it bleed but the bass re-inforces the vocals in the lower midrange department quite efficiently. Although recessed, female and male voices are not lean or thin but have some nice richness and creaminess. They are not your stale black coffee but more a mocha latte with 2% milk. Notes are surprisingly well rounded. The MM2 beats a notorious weakness of budget iems in this department. And, although there is enough energy in the vocals, there is no shoutiness.

Treble is well resolving. Cymbals are very crisp, clear, and well carved out, but also a bit robotic, which is an artifact of this kind of driver. And since the treble sits a bit back, the cymbals are frequently covered up to some extent. I take it the magneto-static drivers are connected and working (as opposed to some of the competition’s).

Stage is no the widest but has good height and decent depth (with the bassy filters). Resolution, separation, and layering are astonishingly good. But…the timbre…is somewhat plasticky and could be more organic. Once I got used to it is as fine. That’s the biggest concern I have about this earphone – and I’d take $20 off for that.

And if you want to know how the MME compares to its peers, you find it in Kazi’s review.

Concluding Remarks

So why not tune yourself? By screwing in tuning filters you also screw the noisy YouTubers…that bad pun may be allowed. Hidizs have done a decent job with the MM2 and the tuning filters, which can be helpful particularly for newbies who want to learn different sonic signatures. Nevertheless, the MM2 could be $20 cheaper imo. But, maybe Hidizs let you tune your own price, too…see included coupons.

Until next time…keep on listening!

The post Hidizs MM2 Review (1) – Screw The Tuners appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — Outdated Bluetooth 4.1; short battery life; no onboard storage for key files, no (more) radio; no case.

Executive Summary

The Hidizs AP80 Pro-X is a versatile and enjoyable dap with a proven SoC sound that probably offers excellent value at its $180 price tag.

Introduction

Hidizs is an up and coming company out of China that recently scored hits with their S9, S3 Pro and particularly their S9 Pro dongle DAC/amps. The latter is one of the most popular dongles in the overcrowded $100-150 class. My review made it into the upper third of our Top 20 most read reviews of 2021. Hidizs also focus on portable music players, bluetooth receivers, and earphones, such as the MS1 Rainbow. The AP80 Pro-X is their latest DAP.

Specifications

The ouput impedance is < 1 ohm…

Differences between Hidizs AP80 Pro and Pro-X

Compared with AP80 PRO using the final unfold (4X) of an MQA file, AP80 PRO X will use MQA technology for the final unfold (8X) of an MQA file.

The AP80 Pro-X is the update of the AP80 Pro. The main tech difference between the two is the chipset. The AP80 deploys two ESS ES9218P SoCs (introduced in late 2016; “System on Chip”), and the AP80 Pro-X features two ESS ES9219C SoCs (introduced in late 2019).

Both all-in-one DAC/amp chips have effectively the same specs, but the ES2919C features hardware-level MQA decoding and it has a lower battery consumption at standby/no load.

This results in essentially the same performance specifications between AP80 Pro and AP80 Pro-X with channel separation as apparent exemption. Hidizs lists a much improved channel separation for the AP80 Pro-X model. Upon further inspection, the AP80 Pro-X’s better value stems from a measurement at no load, whereas the AP80 Pro’s number was generated under load.

And since channel separation decreases with load, these two numbers cannot be compared. But even the AP80 Pro’s “worse number” is still very good. I speculate both models’ channel separation are identical.

Functional difference is a lack of radio and protective case, and a different shape in the AP80 Pro-X (the AP80 Pro’s case does not fit).

Not changed between models have operating system, buttons/potentiometer, and Samsung touchscreen.

In summary, although I have not auditioned the AP80 Pro, I do not expect any (significant) sonic differences between the two. In fact, there should not be any major difference between any model using these SoCs, as the engineer cannot manipulate the software (in contrast to a dedicated DAC chip). In other words, the sound is entirely made by ESS and not by Hidizs or whoever put their name on the dap.

Design, Build quality

Physical Things and Usability

IN THE BOX…

• Type-C cable
• Type-C to Type-C OTG cable
• User manual
• 2 Screen protectors
• Warranty card

The design is an aluminum chassis sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Not sure whether I did it right, but I used one of the screen protectors in the front, and the other in the back :). The square shape is a bit odd to get used to, and the small size is traded for battery size.

The Samsung screen is responsive and of good resolution. The buttons are precise and the Japanese ALPS potentiometer is suspended. The overall build is very good. The AP80 Pro-X does not come with a protective shell, and there is currently no after-market one available.

Functionality and Operation

What it does

• plays music through single-ended and balanced headphone circuits
• works as wired DAC with computer and cellphones
• features bi-directional Bluetooth 4.1
• offers unique sound adjustments through “MSEB”
• accepts micro SD card up to 512 mB
• updates its music library blistering fast
• lets you read ebooks
• counts your footsteps (pedometer)

What it does not

• play single-ended and balanced circuits simultaneously
• does not feature the latest Bluetooth standard
• have radio function anymore (lost with chip upgrade from AP80 Pro model)
• has no accessible onboard storage for key files
• have the greatest battery life between charges
• no case available (at the time of writing)

Handling, Software, operating system/user interface, sound settings, connection options and modes, internals, pairing/Bluetooth, updating the library…fast or slow…

Hidizs AP80 Pro-X Quickguide

[collapse]

HiBy 3.0 OS

HiBy is a company that produces their own daps, but they started out as software designers. Their OS 3.0 is therefore a mature product that I learnt intuitively and quickly by trial and error. No manual needed.

Compared to other OS, the HIBy has a few special features, such as pedometer and ebook reader. Two-directional Bluetooth may be more common. It can also be used as DAC with your computer or phone/tablet.

Unique to HiBy OS is the MSEB, which stands for “Mage Sound 8-ball”. It is a parametric, very intuitive EQ. The OS also includes a standard EQ. Other remarkable features of the HiBy OS are low/high gain selection, crossfade, and antialiasing in the play settings.

Amplification and Battery Consumption

Hidizs states 6-8 hrs playtime balanced and 8-11 h single ended, with a 40-day standby. That’s not great considering the iPod Classic’s 36 h playtime and is a function of the AP80 Pro-X’s small form factor (which does not leave space for a larger battery). But you are compensated with a fast 1h recharging.

Most of my power-hungry headphones are single-ended and the AP80 Pro-X had plenty of juice left with the 150 ohm Sennheiser HD 25. The single-ended output also handles the demanding planar-magnetic KBEAR TRI3 Pro with ease so that the more powerful balanced circuit probably plays any iem you throw at it.

DAC Use with Computer

Using the AP80 Pro-X as a “dongle DAC” with my MacBook Air worked very well, too. Particularly, the balanced circuit provides lots of power. When connected, the AP80 Pro-X’s battery is charging during use. Sound quality wise, it corresponds to a $120-150 dongle such as the Hidizs S9 Pro (I actually prefer the AP80 Pro-X’s sound). I was pleasantly surprised overall.

As dac compared to Cobalt: Cobalt sounds more natural with more depth/more 3D….and bassier WITH BETTER SEPARATION…and dynamics…HIDIZS SOUNDS FLATTER, less separation…much less depth…much less 3D..not even with bigger headroom…but AP80 is more powerful…

Sound

Equipment used: Sennheiser HD 25, KBEAR TRI3 Pro, Final E3000, IKKO OH10.

The AP80 Pro-X has its sound dictated by its prefabricated SoC. It will sound very similar to other devices using the same all-in-one chip. The presentation is neutral without being analytical or edgy. Nothing is boosted, which results in great midrange clarity. Staging is wide with good depth resulting in a decent headroom even with the single-ended circuit. Dynamics is great, the image is vivid. It also has good intimacy.

The single-ended output is good, but the balanced circuit is the star providing superb clarity and headroom…and a truly impressive listening experience. The clarity is adherent to the lack of USB noise in a dap – compared to a phone full of non-audio components. I find the overall sound better than that of my iPhone SE (1st gen.) with the Hidizs S9 Pro dongle.

Amazing what you get for $180 compared to iems at this price.

Hidizs recommends headphones/earphones between 8 and 200 ohm to be used with the AP80 Pro-X. It harmonizes perfectly well with the 150 ohm Sennheiser HD 25 (single ended circuit, high gain) doing justice to the headphone’s punchiness and dynamics. Lots of headroom.

Stepping over the upper limit with the 300 ohm Sennheiser HD 600, the headphone lost is smoothness and richness and became edgy sounding, while still playing loud enough.

Hidizs AP80 Pro-X Compared

Two candidates for comparison are the $109 Shanling M0 and the $220 Sony NW-A55.

The Shanling M0 features the same SoC as the original Hidizs AP80 Pro and sounds very similar to the “single-ended” AP80 Pro-X, too (I don’t have MQA). The Pro-X has bigger staging and more intimacy. But its balanced circuit with its much bigger headroom and dynamics removed any doubt and puts the Shanling to shame.

The Sony NW-A55 only features a single-ended circuit and sounds somewhat smoother and richer in the midrange, in comparison to the more brittle AP Pro-X. And it has a far superior battery life of >>20h owing to its larger size/bigger battery. The Sony can also be customized with Mr. Walkman firmware tailor the sound to the user’s particular taste.

Concluding Remarks

The Hidizs AP80 Pro-X is a versatile and competent dap with proven technology that provides me with lots of pleasure. Particularly its balanced circuit is impressive. As a DAC, it probably beats most budget dongles imo – including the Hidizs S9 Pro. The AP 80 Pro-X sits well in its price category – you probably cannot do better below $200 – which is a sweet spot for many.

Until next time…keep on listening!

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Disclaimer

The Hidizs AP80 Pro-X was provided unsolicited by Hidizs. You can buy it here: Hidizs.net. This is not an affiliate link.

Coupon Codes
AUDIOREVIEWS5 5% off for AP80/AP80 Pro//AP80 Pro-X/(DH80s/80)/MS2/MS4/S9 Pro/MS1/H2 and bundles
AUDIOREVIEWS3 3% off for S8/MS1 rainbow/Seeds/H1/BT01

Our generic standard disclaimer.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

Gallery

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Percentage of Single Pedestrians Wearing Headphones or IEMS: 60%

Wireless vs. Wired: 65%

Apple vs. Non-Apple: 60%

Headphones vs. IEMs:  5%

Over-ear cable IEMs: <1%

Conclusions:

1. A surprising number of people are plugging in—when I made the same informal survey two years ago fewer than half were wearing headphones or IEMs.
2. Wireless is the future.
3. We traditionalists, who tout fancy over-ear IEMs with  cable upgrades, external amps, etc., are a tiny, ever-dwindling minority.

Digression aside, I confess to approaching this review of Hidizs’s new $69 dongle with a fair amount of skepticism, mainly because its rated output power (55mW@32Ohm) is underwhelming on paper. However, as Sir Isaac Newton (or perhaps Ted Bundy) once stated, all milliwatts are not created equal—it’s all in the implementation. In any case, the Hidizs S3 Pro is a pretty impressive piece of kit whose performance, within its limitations, belies its modest specs.

The Hidizs S3 Pro is a well-machined, if diminuitive thing which, unlike the Hidisz S9, is strictly plug and play with my Android phone. It does run warm and seems to suck up an above-average amount of power.

Like the S9, the S3 Pro is by no means neutral-sounding—it has a bright tone and a forward, adrenalized L-shaped sound signature which, when paired with efficient (16-32Ohm) IEMs, has the effect of tightening and deepening the low end. Some of my more “referenced-tuned” IEMs, such as the TY Hi-Z G3 or the Vivo, which are conspicuously bass-shy when driven by my mobile, actually sound pretty punchy with the Hidizs S3 Pro, while the voluminous but slightly flabby low end of my Moondrop Kanas Pro sounded conspicuously faster and better-sculpted with the Hidizs S3 Pro.

The net result is to create the impression of more space between performers (since the low end has less bleed into higher frequencies) and, correspondingly, to make the soundstage seem wider. 

Results with less efficient phones such as my 150 Ohm Faeal Snow Leopard earbuds were less impressive—the Hidizs S3 Pro drives ‘em okay, but other than, again, a tighter and more impactful bass, didn’t really get louder than or improve on my LG V50 in high-impedance mode, which sounded less colored and truer to source.

The S3 also really struggled to drive my Beyerdynamic DT990 cans, which, in fairness, aren’t designed for portable use. However, the combination of the Hidizs S3 Pro with my power-hungry Shozy Rouge was revelatory—the Shozy took on a physicality and fullness I hadn’t previously heard.

The big distinguishing feature of the Hidizs S3 Pro is its ability to decode MQA. MQA has become the third rail of the audio world, with many churlish types opining that it’s somehow an overhyped scam because it’s a ”lossy” format. As presented by the Hidizs S3 Pro, however, you can fully hear the difference between FLAC and MQA masters on Tidal—the MQA is mega-detailed and more expansive, albeit somewhat overbright and overemphasized in the treble, which is more of a function of the recording than the S3. I did find the lower-rez FLAC tracks to be less fatiguing and more natural-sounding, but of course you may well think otherwise.

Ultimately, the pressing question is whether the Hidizs S3 Pro is a good buy  at $70 given the fact that a perfectly adequate dongle like the Meizu Master Hi-Fi can be had for <$25, while more powerful, well-reviewed pieces like the Hidizs S9, Cozoy or various Audioquest can be had for around a hundo.  

Well, unless you intend to pair the S3 Pro with challenging loads, I’d opine in the affirmative—in terms of refinement and esp. bass control the S3 is a step up from the budget class, while its beefier, pricier rivals get louder but don’t necessarily sound better. I’m sufficiently enamored to use the Hidizs S3 Pro as my daily driver, at least until a newer shinier toy comes along.

Disclaimer: Not like I needed or wanted another dongle, but the Hidizs S3 Pro was sent for review, unsolicited and free, by Hidisz.

Tested at：$70

Product Page/Purchase Link: Hidizs.net

Discount code：KEN5

5% off for AP80/AP80 pro/(DH80s/80)/MS2/MS4/S9 pro/MS1/H2 and bundles

Discount code：KEN3

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Cons — Hidizs AP80 Pro has average battery life
– Finicky touch response
– MSEB implementation isn’t the best
– Somewhat dry tonality
– Stock silicone case is horrible

INTRODUCTION

Hidizs have been around the block for a while now, mostly focusing on portable DAC/Amps, dongles, and the occasional DAP/IEM. The AP80 Pro is their update to the original AP80, and it brings in a dual-DAC architecture and a balanced output. The rest of the device is rather intriguing too with DAC support, MQA decoding capabilities, and sporting Hiby OS which has a lot of bells and whistles to tweak the sound.

Without further ado, let’s see if the Hidizs AP80 Pro can justify its $170 price tag.

Note: the ratings given will be subjective to the price tier. Hidizs was kind enough to send me the AP80 Pro for evaluation.

Firmware version: 1.5

IEMs/Headphones used: Final FI-BA-SS/E5000/Sonorous III, Dunu Zen, Campfire Audio Holocene, Meze 12 Classics V2, Etymotic ER2XR

Price, while reviewed: $170. Can be bought from Hidizs website (please note: this is an affiliate link, proceedings will go to a charity of choice)

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES

The packaging is fairly minimal but you get all that you need to get started: a type-C charging cable, an OTG cable, and a horrible looking silicone case. The case does its job but makes the entire device look ugly which is a shame given the great design. Nothing is left out, but nothing stands out either in terms of supplied accessories.
3.5/5

BUILD QUALITY AND HANDLING

The Hidizs AP80 Pro was quite a bit smaller than I assumed it to be. It fits right in the palm of your hand though the sharp edges can feel uncomfortable. The design is a popular one: aluminium frame sandwiched by two sheets of glass. The screen protectors are pre-applied and that’s a good thing.

The scroll wheel is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s rather sturdy (doesn’t wobble as much as many others) and has defined clicks. However, the clicks feel mushy and the movement has a scratchiness to it. I am nitpicking but hey – I am a bit too particular about rotating knobs.

The playback buttons have good feedback, however, and I love that Hidizs put all the ports at the bottom of the device (unlike many flagship DAPs out there). On the left side you’ll find the microSD card slot (up to 512GB+, absolutely necessary since the Hidizs AP80 Pro lacks in-built storage). The top is bereft of anything.

Overall, the Hidizs AP80 Pro has a good build and the design is rather unique indeed. I do wish the scroll wheel was better (despite using ALPS potentiometer).
4.5/5

DISPLAY AND USER INTERFACE (UI)

The display is a 2.45″ Samsung IPS panel (480*360) with capacitive touch layer underneath. Since the display isn’t laminated, it shows a loss of contrast when viewing from an angle (and not the best under direct sunlight). Display brightness is quite good though, and the pixel density is good enough to hide pixellation from working distance.

Hiby OS is what Hidizs is using here, and it’s a pretty solid DAP OS. It takes ~10 seconds to boot, and then you go straight into a “launcher” of sorts. Here, you can access the actual music player, or use the FM Radio/Pedometer/BT DAC/eBook reader (why?)/System Settings/About menus. It’s a pretty straightforward launcher though I wish there was a faster way to get back to the launcher screen from within the music player app (right now you have to exit the app and then only you can get to the launcher screen).

I think the most impressive/noteworthy part of the Hiby OS is its MSEB feature. It’s a sort of DSP/Parmetric EQ combo that allows you to fine tune aspects of the output such as warmth/brightness/bass rumble/male vocal thickness and so on. It’s fun to play with if you’re into tweaking the sound of your DAP, and can help in fixing some tonality issues in many IEMs.

However, the implementation here on the AP80 Pro isn’t as good as the one found on Hiby R6 2020, or even the Hiby R3 Pro Saber. Both of those had a more convincing tweak to the sound whereas on the AP80 Pro it feels like you’re just using a multi-band EQ and never really have the same control on shaping the sound.

Sliding up from the bottom of the screen brings a menu that’s not unlike iOS’ Control Center. Here you can adjust the volume/brightness, control playback, and switch Bluetooth on/off, select gain level (low/high), switch between DAC or Storage mode when connected to USB, and finally switch between line-out/headphone output mode. Use the last one with caution though since it just maxes out the volume to reach the nominal 2Vrms output level (it’s not a true line out where there is only voltage gain).

Speaking about the performance of the DAP, it’s pretty good and much better than a certain Fiio M6. However, you won’t get even low-end smartphone level of smoothness. There will be missed swipes and taps and the entire UI runs at 30fps or lower so things won’t be very smooth. It’s absolutely usable though and a far cry from non-touch DAPs like Questyle QP1R in terms of usability.
4/5

BATTERY LIFE

Battery life was about average especially from the balanced out. You get between 8-10 hours of playback based on the device/volume level used mostly due to the 800mAh battery used. This is far from the battery life you get from some competing DAPs, namely Sony NW-A55 (~35 hours) or the Cowon Plenue D (~90 hours, it’s not a typo). In AP80 Pro’s defense – those don’t have quite as much output power or balanced circuitry as the Hidizs DAP. However, we are considering raw battery life only, so it’s an area where Hidizs can do better. The battery charging speed is fairly good though and should top the DAP up within an hour and half.
3/5

PAIRING NOTES

The Hidizs AP80 Pro is not a powerhouse and won’t run the Sennheiser HD600 and the likes well. There’s a noticeable lack of bass extension and slam with the HD650, for example. Final Sonorous III fared much better though the bass wasn’t as well-controlled on the AP80 Pro as it is on desktop sources.

As for IEMs, even with the sensitive Final FI-BA-SS I couldn’t notice any hiss and the sound was fairly dynamic. Dunu Zen had a good pairing though the upper-mid glare was more noticeable here. Best pairing was with the Meze 12 Classics V2 and the Campfire Holocene.

TECH SPECS

Hidizs decided to use the tried and tested Sabre ES9218P DAC chips in dual-DAC configuration, and are using the built-in amp circuit of these DACs. This isn’t a bad thing really since it allows you to get reasonably good amp performance in a small package. I couldn’t find the output impedance figures anywhere though, bummer. Full specs are here.

TONALITY, TECHNICALITIES, AMP PERFORMANCE

The Hidizs AP80 Pro has a slightly colored tonal profile, with a bit more focus in the bass region and some emphasis in the upper-midrange (a common tonal trait of these ESS chips). There is some dryness in the midrange that makes male vocals sound a bit distant and coarse. This can be somewhat mitigated by the MSEB tweaks but I prefer not to use DSP/EQ too much myself. The bass and treble could be a bit more resolving given the competition.

The best part about the AP80 Pro’s sound signature has to be its soundstage which is quite wide and never feels closed-in even with IEMs that can feel narrow on some DAPs. Imaging isn’t as accurate as higher-tier DAPs but for the price I don’t expect much better. Separation is also very good provided you have a resolving enough IEM.

Speaking about amp performance, the balanced output was powerful enough to drive the Final E5000 quite loudly, but the E5000 didn’t have quite the bass control that you can get on something like Questyle QP1R/Apogee Groove. Also the balanced output won’t run pesky planars, though some low-end planars like Hifiman HE-400se sounded alright.

Still, for these headphones I’d recommend a desk amp. The balanced output also has better channel separation. I’d personally recommend using the balanced output on the AP80 Pro since it’s noticeably better than the single-ended output.

All in all, the Hidizs AP80 Pro is a good performer for the price bracket. It has good staging and separation capabilities but doesn’t stand out in the other performance criterion. The amp section is fairly powerful from the balanced out but won’t run high impedance headphones that well so it’s mostly for moderately sensitive IEMs and headphones.
4/5

SELECT COMPARISONS

vs Hiby R3 Pro Saber ($210): At $40 extra, the Hiby R3 Pro Saber gives you WiFI capabilities (supports Tidal playback) and a more powerful balanced out. It also noticeably increases the battery life. You do lose out on the superior industrial design of the AP80 Pro and the Hidizs DAP has a better display.

That’s all on paper though. In terms of absolute sound quality, I can’t really notice much difference between them. The Hiby R3 Pro Saber has a bit more sterile tone (not a good thing in my book) but counterbalances that with better MSEB implementation (also the OS is more feature-rich on the Hiby R3 Pro Saber). The extra output power is handy if you want to push some higher impedance headphones but with most IEMs this extra power didn’t really matter.

In terms of specs, the $40 extra for the R3 Pro Saber is well worth it. However, if you’re after absolute sound quality and not the extra bit of power and can live without Tidal playback, the Hidizs AP80 Pro will give similar performance at a lower cost.

vs Sony NW-A55 ($200): I’ll say it outright – the Sony NW-A55 is my most favorite DAP around the $200 price bracket. It’s got a great industrial design, the display is fabulous, the UI is snappy, and the sound signature is gorgeous (as Gordon Ramsey would say). The best part about them are the modded firmware by a certain MrWalkman and they bring different tuning to the stock signature.

The Sony DAP is hard to find (it’s biggest con), lacks balanced output, and doesn’t have a lot of output power. Oh, it also uses the forsaken WMPort so you gotta carry that cable around. Battery life is exceptional though at ~35-40 hours of playback. Standby times are also excellent as I rarely turn it off and still have enough juice left for on the go use.

As for sound, the Sony NW-A55 reigns supreme in midrange rendition. The mids on the Sony DAP is unlike anything you’ll hear in this range and has a analogue-ish feel to it. The bass and treble is about similar on both DAPs, though I felt the bass to have slightly better texture on the A55. Staging and separation is where the AP80 Pro pulled ahead. Also, Sony NW-A55 doesn’t have anything like MSEB (though it has Sony’s own proprietary DSP based tricks).

Between these two, I’ll personally pick the Sony NW-A55. If you need a balanced out and more bells and whistles – the Hidizs AP80 Pro may be a better fit for your use-case.

vs Fiio M6 ($150): The Fiio M6 is horrible in almost every aspect. The Hidizs AP80 Pro is far superior. Please avoid the Fiio and save yourself hours of frustration. Thank you.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Looking at the rest of the <$200 DAP market, the Hidizs AP80 Pro seems like a good value proposition. I don’t see a major weakness here. The issues I have are not really deal-breakers and competing DAPs have similar/worse problems. The display is good, the UI has quite a lot of features, and the design is a standout.

The middling battery life and the finicky touch response are the only sore points. Among its competitors, I do have a soft spot for the Sony NW-A55, but if you want better staging and separation over a more refined midrange tonality – the Hidizs AP80 Pro will serve you better than most other DAPs in this range.

MY VERDICT

4/5

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Get it from Hidizs Store. Check out their YouTube channel.
You can get 5% off with the following code: KMMBD5 (AP80/AP80 pro/DH80s/MS2/MS4/S9 pro/MS1/H2)
You can get 3% off with the following code: KMMBD3 (S8/MS1 rainbow/Seeds/H1/BT01/S3pro)

I have to mention the above offers due to contractual obligation. Also, the links above are affiliated, proceedings will go to a charity of choice.

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Cons — Balanced circuit only adds power but not headroom; two headphone sockets too close together; very high power consumption (on phone).

Executive Summary

The $109 Hidizs S9 Pro is a very powerful, linear, and good sounding portable headphone DAC & amp that features single-ended and balanced circuits.

Introduction

Ever since Gordon Rankin introduced the 2016 versions of the AudioQuest DragonFly Black/Red that could be used with a phone because of their intelligent power management, companies have jumped on that bandwagon. Many of them. After all, such devices are flexible in that you can use them with your computer and your phone…and you can migrate them to new devices should you replace the old ones. With no battery of their own, such dongles have an almost infinite life.

Some protagonists already predict the end of the dap as more and more listeners don’t want to have two devices in their pocket. I personally have been a huge dongle fan since 2016, whereas my dap is catching dust in the drawer.

Hidizs have been very active in the portable DAC-amp category lately, and co-blogger Loomis Johnson covered the original Hidizs S9. The S9 PRO is an upgrade in that it offers a different dac chip and two circuits, a balanced and a single-ended one.

Specifications

Physical Things and Usability

There is a little LED light between them indicating

Functionality and Operation

The Hidizs S9 PRO works like so many dongles of its kind. You connect it to your phone or computer, it is source-powered and operated, and therefore does not contain any on-board controls.

A Summary of what it does

• Can be connected to Windows/Mac computers or Android/iOS sources
• Works as a pre-amplifier or dac when connected to a dedicated headphone amplifier
• Features two circuits: 3.5 mm single ended and 2.5 mm balanced
• Drives small loudspeakers through its 3.5 mm output
• Handles even power-hungry headphones well, imo up to 300 Ω

…and of what it does not

• …has no physical controls
• …needs no battery; draws power from source…and lots of it
• …both sockets are too close together to operate simultaneously
• …is not driverless: needs a USB driver for Window computer
• …needs an Apple camera adapter or other third-party lightning cable for connecting to an iOS device

Amplification and Power Consumption

Amplification is stellar. CqTek of the Hi End Portable Blog measured the Hidizs S9 Pro with an oscilloscope. His results exceed the manufacturer’s claims. Hidizs recommends their S9 Pro to handle power-hungry headphones with impedances up to 300 Ω. And it drives my Sennheiser HD 600 well.

In my 3h battery drain test of several dongles, the DragonFly Red had the lowest consumption on my iPhone 5S, the Hidizs S9 consumed about 2-3 times as much, which placed it last.

Power Consumption Test: Parameters and Raw Results

I tested the power consumption of several portable headphone amps connected to my iPhone 5S. The conditions were as identical as possible: 3 h test, volume calibrated to 85 dB  ± 0.5 dB white noise with Dayton microphone, no sim card, BT off, no other apps open; network on, 32 ohm Blon BL-03 iem, Genesis’s Supper’s Ready (from the Seconds Out album) played in an endless loop.

The iPhone’s battery was fully charged at the start of the test and the remaining charge was measured thereafter. The result is shown in the table below. Since the tests were performed at different times and considering the ongoing battery deterioration, the results have to be seen with a grain of salt.

[collapse]

Sound

Equipment used: Macbook Air/iPhone SE first generation; Sennheiser HD 600 & HD 25, Sennheiser IE 300, Sennheiser IE 400 PRO, Moondrop Aria, Shozy Form 1.4; AudioQuest JitterBug FMJ.

TL;DR: I have been testing and testing and testing dongles lately, until I got dizzy. The Hidizs S9 PRO does not disappoint, it sounds good even when you use more expensive dongles as reference, and it has no deal-breaking flaws. It shows a strictly linear and neutral signature across the frequency spectrum and sounds rather natural. Fortunately, it does not have the metallic, analytical, sterile sound of some budget dongles, as reported to some extent for the original S9, for example.

This linearity creates clarity in the midrange which makes for good spatial cues but voices are a bit leaner than with pricier dongles. The bass is as crisp and tight as it should be. Macrodynamics and soundstage are average in its class. There is essentially no difference in headroom or soundstage between the single-ended and balanced circuits.

Using the Hidizs S9 PRO with the AudioQuest JitterBug FMJ (phone and computer alike) added substance (richness), depth, and smoothness to the sound.

Hidizs S9 PRO compared

Considering the selection of dongles on the market, it has become impossible to compare all of them. As a rule of thumb, pricier models do NOT have necessarily more amplification but a better dac in my experience, which translates to better sound. So your money really is in the sound quality.

“Better” in this context means richer/fuller, with better microdynamics (“the small things”) and macrodynamics. It also means more organic/natural as opposed to digital. These improvements result in a better musicality. Cheap dongles may produce sound, expensive ones may product music. It is similar to your desktop stacks.

The Hidizs S9 PRO has essentially the same specifications as the $85 Shanling UA2 and both feature single-ended and balanced circuits. Although amplification power is practically identical, sound is slightly different. The Shanling has a thicker, boosted low end, a smoother lower midrange and a less edgy top end. Vocals are more rounded but are also more prone to be covered up by the mid-bass. The coin toss between the two is whether you like it warmer/bassier or more neutral but the general quality is the same.

All dongles mentioned below vary in features, I mainly focus on sound quality.

The $300 AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt offers a richer and more intimate midrange and an organic smoothness across the frequency range, while not being as powerful. All three models mentioned so far feature the same dac chip and the Cobalt offers the best implementation by far. In the end, you pay a premium for sound quality and not for amplification power or features. The Cobalt is sound wise above anything I have tested but it is also the by far most expensive. It is definitely diminishing return and you get better value in the Hidizs S9 Pro.

The Hidizs S9 PRO is not as dynamic (“punchy”) as the $200 DragonFly Red, and it also cannot offer the Red’s full midrange (which is also a bit behind the Cobalt’s). The Red’s midrange is also more forward but it has no balanced circuit and weaker amplification..

The $129 EarMen Eagle is power wise also behind the Hidizs S9 PRO, does not feature a balanced circuit, but it is more organic, more dynamic, and a bit richer in the midrange. And it has a wider soundstage and better separation but is overall still behind the DragonFly Red. However the differences to the Hidizs S9 PRO are nuances and not earth shattering. Your tradeoff is the lack of a balanced circuit and amplification.

The $120 Earstudio HUD 100 is also 100% linear. Both HS9 PRO and HUD 100 are very close in terms of sound and I may actually fail a blind test between them. Because of its neutrality, the HUD 100 has been my go to for earphone reviewing and tuning.

In summary, you get the sound quality you pay for but some amplification for free. DAC quality (which is largely independent of chip) and therefore sound quality are broadly correlated with price, whereas features and amplification power are not. The more expensive dongles simply sound fuller and more dynamic in analogy to desktop dacs.

The diminishing return probably starts at below $100. It really comes down to personal preferences, expectations, and wallet which one to pick, but pairing a $50 iem with a $300 dongle is as futile as pairing a $1000 iem with a $100 dongle.

Concluding Remarks

The Hidizs S9 PRO joins the gigantic pool of portable, source-powered dac-amps first introduced in phone-compatible versions by AudioQuest in 2016. It offers powerful amplification, single-ended and balanced circuits, low output impedance, and a good sound quality at $100. And the price is right. But it also drains your phone’s battery fast.

Some reviewers put the S9 Pro ahead of the pack even compared to pricier dongles. I cannot really comment as I don’t know all competitors but am not surprised.

It is amazing, how dongle prices have dropped and you have the agony of choice to pick the one that’s best for you. The Hidizs S9 PRO is one of the $100 options to consider. You get a lot for your money. And it works for me, too.

Until next time…keep on listening!

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The Hidizs S9 PRO was kindly provided by Hidizs for my review and I thank them for that.

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I was surprised at the $69 SRP–on the basis of sonic merit and (plastic) build I would have guessed these were a $20 phone, although <$20 phones like the KZ ZSN or Senfer DT6 are much better tuned, while <$50 models from BQEYZ and TRN leave these in the dust in terms of refinement, timbre and coherence. Thumbs/earlobes down.

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DISCLAIMER

These were loaned to me for my probably unwelcome opinion.

Tested at $69. Get them from HifiGo.

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About my measurements.

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Lots of choices these days for single dynamic drive IEM’s how is one to choose? The HIDIZS MS1 Rainbow enters the ring and wants a chance and I think it should be given one. At $69 retail it is above the “budget” threshold of the magical $50 dividing line so it needs to prove it can compete with the likes of similar recent popular contenders such as the KBear Diamond and TinHifi T4 also found near this price range. The Hidizs MS1 Rainbow doesn’t have a fancy DLC or CNT driver, but boasts a bio-cellulose driver instead. Reminds me of fancy carbon fiber kelvar rein-enforced drivers vs. a tried and true paper cone driver in the speaker world. I think Hidizs has done a good job with the MS1 Rainbow and let me tell you why.

Standout Features-

• Bass is elevated without bleed and has a nice mild V treble to match.
• No sibilance detected
• Cable is above average and pliable with my favorite style of earguides
• Good fitment (varies by user)
• Driven easily by smartphone, good sensitivity

Needs Improvement-

• Inline mic barrel design makes it hard to locate buttons
• 5khz energy might be too much for some people leads to a little vocal scratchiness
• Slightly above average resolution

4 C’s, Case, Cable, Contents, Comfort

Let’s get the obvious out of the way, they throw in a pouch to hold the earphones made of a rubberized vinyl material. It’s ok, a bit small to hold the earphone tips and the earphones themselves. I would probably use it to hold the extra tips but find a new case that would properly protect the earphones…OR you could just opt for the higher end packaging of the MS1 Mermaid. I am making an assumption that the Mermaid is the same tuning as the Rainbow, but with better packaging and in a metal shell.

Cable is twisted (not braided) but it is thicker than other stock cables – maybe twice as thick as the standard KZ/TRN affair we all know. It is pliable and does a good job of minimizing microphonics – I dig it. Could it be better -of course, but I am perfectly happy with this as the included cable especially since it has a inline remote.  I know this is not the “audiophile” way however I personally prefer cables with inline controls. I like to advance my music without taking my LGV30 out of my pocket. The thin buttons on a round barrel design make it troubling however to actually operate in a timely manner. I wish they would have used a different design, rounded rectangle with bigger buttons. The earguides are not overbearing not too springy either.

Contents of the package are above average with both a narrow set and wide bore set of tips which I find acceptable. They are sticky and medium fits me well due to the long nozzle with a lip. They are short stemmed which is fine for these since the nozzle is long enough to stay in place. The narrow bore tips caused a bit of peakiness in the treble and the bass fullness suffered a bit so I used the wide bores for the purpose of this review.

Comfort-I would say the shell is on the medium yet bulbous size. It fits to my ear contours nicely for a universal fit that is devoid of sharp edges, and made of plastic resin. It is lightweight yet of similar quality of other budget friendly brands KZ, TRN, CCA. The nozzle stem points forward in a straight angle, as opposed to a downward (KZ ZS10pro/TRN V90) or upward tilt (BQEYZ Spring1).

Sound

I would label this as a balanced or mild V shaped tuning. Moderately elevated bass stopping short of true basshead levels with plenty of haptic rumble will satisfy those that like their bass without midbass bleed and leaning towards the sub-bass region. I believe the bass is excellent for my tastes but could use a little more articulation. Continuing into the midrange we find that it is balanced well with the amount of treble and bass to avoid a major recession. Male vocals tend to have a minor amount of scratchiness to them, but it is absent with female vocals. This is probably my only minor complaint. No offending major spikes into the upper midrange even though the graph shows one at 5khz, sibilance is only there if the recording has it. Treble extends perfectly to give it just the right amount of air to avoid sounding too sparkly, but not lacking in warmer sounding sets like the Nicehck M6. Cymbals sound great with a nice smooth shimmer. Very polite sounding, so if your preference is hard and aggressive these might not satisfy.

Technicalities

Sound-staging is above average prioritizing width over depth, and has good instrument placement and separation. Cohesion is there as expected for a single DD. Layering is nicely done and I find the timbre to be natural sounding.  I have thrown many genres at the Hidizs MS1 and it exhibits them all superbly with electronic sounding well… a bit electronic. That tells me it renders everything as it should without imparting it’s own signature too much. There could be more resolution, but at this price level it is satisfying. The Simgot EN700 pro for example has a similar tuning but with a tad more resolution. It also costs 2-3x as much. The airiness present in the treble aides in adding spaciousness or atmosphere, to me other earphones lacking this will comes off as flat sounding. It handles complex music just fine without too much congestion, but something like the TRN V90 with its five drivers does appear to offer slightly better clarity. Sensitivity is also great and easily driven by a smartphone, while a nice headphone amplifier might give it more oomph it doesn’t improve anything that much.

Closing

Instrument separation could use a bit more refinement, but still good. While it doesn’t seem to be boasting anything spectacular and looks like just another single DD earphone in a crowded market, it is the sum of all parts that came together to produce a great sounding earphone with some atmospheric qualities. I enjoy this earphone completely as is and while there is a bit of grain in the vocals and lacks some points on resolution, I could be very happy with this as my daily earphone. It checks off all my boxes without asking me to crack open my wallet too much. I prefer it over the KBear Diamond that is more aggressive in the lower treble. I was unable to compare to my Tinhifi T4 at this time since I loaned them to LoomisJohnson just before Covid lockdown, but these do have better fitment YMMV.

Specifications

• 10.2mm Dynamic Driver Unit with Double Magnetic Circuit and Dual Cavity Design.
• Skin-Friendly Resin Housings with Aluminum Alloy Sound Tubes.
• Impedance: 20 Ohms.
• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 112dB.
• 0.78mm Two-Pin Connector Type.
• Calling and In-Line Music Control on Cable.
• 4 Core High-Purity Silver Coated High Purity OFC Cable.
• Plug Type: 3.5mm.

MY VERDICT

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Disclaimer

I received these unsolicited from Hifigo. Tested at $69. Get them here.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

The post HIDIZS MS1 Rainbow Review (1) – Charming Luck appeared first on Music For The Masses.

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Reviews in Alphabetical Order:

1. 7Hz Timeless (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
2. 7Hz Timeless (2) (Durwood)
3. 7Hz Timeless (3) (Loomis Johnson)
4. Acefast T8 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
5. Acoustic Effect TRY-01 (Baskingshark)
6. AFUL Performer 5 (Jürgen Kraus)
7. Akoustyx R-220 (Jürgen Kraus)
8. Akoustyx S6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
9. Akoustyx S6 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
10. AME Custom Argent Hybrid Electrostatic (Jürgen Kraus)
11. Anew X-One (Jürgen Kraus)
12. Anker Soundcore Liberty Pro 2 (Loomis Johnson)
13. Astrotec AM850 MK2 (Jürgen Kraus)
14. Astrotec Vesna (Jürgen Kraus)
15. Audbos/Tenzh P4 Pro (Loomis Johnson)
16. Audiosense DT200 (1) (Baskingshark)
17. Audiosense DT200 (2) (KopiOkaya)
18. Aune Jasper (1) (Loomis Johnson)
19. Aune Jasper (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
20. AXS Audio Professional Wireless Earbuds (Loomis Johnson)
21. BCD X10 (Loomis Johnson)
22. Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd (Jürgen Kraus)
23. BGVP DM9 (Durwood)
24. Beats Powerbeats Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
25. Blon A8 Prometheus (1) (Loomis Johnson)
26. Blon A8 Prometheus (2) (Durwood)
27. Blon Bl-01 (1) (Baskingshark)
28. Blon BL-01 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
29. Blon BL-03* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
30. Blon BL-03* (2) (Loomis Johnson)
31. Blon BL-05 (1) (Baskingshark)
32. BLON BL-05 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
33. Blon BL-05s (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
34. Blon BL-05s (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
35. Blon BL-05s (3) (Baskingshark)
36. Blon BL-Max (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
37. Blon Mini (Baskingshark)
38. Brainwavz Delta (Jürgen Kraus)
39. Brainwavz Koel (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
40. BQEYZ Autumn (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
41. BQEYZ Autumn (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
42. BQEYZ KC2 (Jürgen Kraus)
43. BQEYZ Spring 1 (1) (Durwood)
44. BQEYZ Spring 1 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
45. BQEYZ Spring 1 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
46. BQEYZ Spring 2 (1) (Durwood)
47. BQEYZ Spring 2 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
48. BQEYZ Summer (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
49. BQEYZ Summer (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
50. BQEYZ Topaz (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
51. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 (Loomis Johnson)
52. Campfire Audio Ara (Alberto Pittaluga)
53. Cambridge Audio SE1 (Loomis Johnson)
54. Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 (Alberto Pittaluga)
55. Campfire Audio Honeydew (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
56. Campfire Audio Satsuma (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
57. Cat Ear Mia (1) (Loomis Johnson)
58. Cat Ear Mia (2) (Durwood)
59. Cat Ear Mia (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
60. Cayin Fantasy (Jürgen Kraus)
61. CCA C10 (Slater)
62. CCA C10 (Loomis Johnson)
63. CCA C10 Pro (1) (Durwood)
64. CCA C10 Pro (2) (Baskinghark)
65. CCA CA16 (1) (Durwood)
66. CCA CA16 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
67. CCA CKX (Durwood)
68. CCA CRA+ (Durwood)
69. CCA CX4 Wireless (Loomis Johnson)
70. CCA Duo (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
71. CCA Duo (2) (Durwood)
72. CCA Lyra (1) (Durwood)
73. CCA Lyra (2) (Loomis Johnson)
74. CCA Rhapsody (Jürgen Kraus)
75. CCZ Plume (Baskingshark)
76. Celest Pandamon (Jürgen Kraus)
77. Cozoy Hera C103 (Jürgen Kraus)
78. Creative Aurvana Ace 2 (Durwood)
79. CVJ CS8 (Baskingshark)
80. ddHiFi Janus1 (E2020A) (Jürgen Kraus)
81. ddHiFi Janus2 (E2020B) (Jürgen Kraus)
82. ddHiFi Janus3 (E2023) Jürgen Kraus
83. Donner Dobuds One (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
84. Drop Grell TWS1X (Darin Hawbaker)
85. Drop Grell TWS1X (2) Loomis Johnson
86. Drop + JVC HA-FDX1* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
87. Drop + JVC HA FDX1* (2) (Loomis Johnson)
88. Dunu DM-380 (Jürgen Kraus)
89. Dunu DM-480 (Baskingshark)
90. Dunu Falcon Pro (Alberto Pittaluga)
91. Dunu Kima (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
92. Dunu Luna (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
93. Dunu Luna (2) (Baskinghark)
94. Dunu Studio SA6* (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
95. Dunu Talos (Jürgen Kraus)
96. Dunu Vulkan (Jürgen Kraus)
97. Dunu Zen* (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
98. Dunu Zen* (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
99. DZAT DR-25 (Jürgen Kraus)
100. Earstudio HE100 (Jürgen Kraus)
101. Earsonics AERØ (Jürgen Kraus)
102. Earsonics ONYX (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
103. Einsear T2 (Loomis Johnson)
104. Elevoc Clear (Loomis Johnson)
105. Etymotic E2XR (Loomis Johnson)
106. EZAudio D4 (Jürgen Kraus)
107. FAAEAL Datura Pro (Baskingshark)
108. FIIL CC2 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
109. FIIL T1XS TWS (Loomis Johnson)
110. FiiO FA1 (Loomis Johnson)
111. FiiO FD1 (Jürgen Kraus)
112. FiiO FH1s (Jürgen Kraus)
113. Fiitii HiFi Air 2 (Durwood)
114. Fiitii HifiDots (Durwood)
115. Final Audio A3000* (Alberto Pittaluga)
116. Final Audio A5000 (Alberto Pittaluga)
117. Final Audio B3 (Alberto Pittaluga)
118. Final Audio E3000* (Baskingshark)
119. Final Audio E-Series Roundup (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
120. Final Audio F7200 (Alberto Pittaluga)
121. Final Audio ZE3000 (English) (Jürgen Kraus)
122. Final Audio ZE3000 (Japanese) (Jürgen Kraus)
123. Geek Wold GK10 (1) (Baskingshark)
124. Geek Wold GK10 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
125. Gravastar Sirius Pro TWS (Alberto Pittaluga)
126. Hidizs MD4 (Durwood)
127. Hidizs MM2 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
128. Hidizs MM2 (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
129. Hidizs MP145 (1) (Durwood)
130. Hidizs MP145 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
131. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow (1) (Durwood)
132. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow (2) (Loomis Johnson)
133. Hidizs MS3 (1) (Durwood)
134. Hidizs MS3 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
135. Hidizs MS5 (1) (Durwood)
136. Hidizs MS5 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
137. Hidizs MS5 (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
138. Hifi Walker A1 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
139. Hill Audio Altair • RA (Jürgen Kraus)
140. Hill Audio S8 (Jürgen Kraus)
141. Hisenior B5 (Loomis Johnson)
142. Hisenior Okavango (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
143. HZ Sound Heart Mirror (1) (Baskingshark)
144. HZ Sound Heart Mirror (2) (KopiOkaya)
145. iBasso IT00 (Baskingshark)
146. iBasso IT00/Tin Hifi T2 Plus/Moondrop Starfield comparison (Durwood)
147. iBasso IT04 (Alberto Pittaluga)
148. iBasso IT07 (Alberto Pittaluga)
149. Ikko OH1 (Jürgen Kraus)
150. Ikko OH1S (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
151. Ikko OH1S (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
152. IKKO OH5 Asgard (Alberto Pittaluga)
153. Ikko OH10* (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
154. Ikko OH10* (2) Jürgen Kraus
155. IKKO OH2 (Jürgen Kraus)
156. Intime Miyabi (Alberto Pittaluga)
157. Intime Miyabi (Italian) (Alberto Pittaluga)
158. Intime Miyabi (Japanese) (Alberto Pittaluga)
159. Intime Sora 2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
160. Intime Sho DD (Alberto Pittaluga)
161. ISN Audio Rambo (Jürgen Kraus)
162. KBEAR Aurora (1) (Baskingshark)
163. KBEAR Aurora (2) (Durwood)
164. KBEAR Aurora (3) (Loomis Johnson)
165. KBEAR Believe (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
166. KBEAR Believe (2) (Baskingshark)
167. KBEAR Believe (3) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
168. KBEAR Believe (4) (Loomis Johnson)
169. KBEAR Diamond in Japanese (Jürgen Kraus)
170. KBEAR Diamond (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
171. KBEAR Diamond (2) (Loomis Johnson)
172. KBEAR Diamond (3) (Christophe Branchereau)
173. KBEAR Diamond modding (Biodegraded)
174. KBEAR hi7 (Jürgen Kraus)
175. KBEAR KB04 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
176. KBEAR KB04 (2) (Baskingshark)
177. KBEAR KB04 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
178. KBEAR KS1 (Baskingshark)
179. KBEAR KS2 (1) J ürgen Kraus)
180. KBEAR KS2 (2) (Baskingshark)
181. KBEAR KS2 (3 (Loomis Johnson)
182. KBEAR Neon (1) (Baskingshark)
183. KBEAR Neon (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
184. KBEAR Lark (Jürgen Kraus)
185. KBEAR Qinglong (Jürgen Kraus)
186. KBEAR Robin (Baskingshark)
187. KBEAR Rosefinch (Jürgen Kraus)
188. KBEAR TRI I3 Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
189. KBEAR TRI Starsea (1) (Kopiokaya)
190. KBEAR TRI Starsea (2) (Baskingshark)
191. Kefine Klanar (Durwood)
192. Kinboofi MK4 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
193. Kinera BD005 Pro (Baskingshark)
194. Kinera Hodur (Alberto Piitaluga)
195. Kinera Idun 2.0 (1) (Durwood)
196. Kinera Idun 2.0 (2 (Loomis Johnson)
197. Kiwi Cadenza (Durwood)
198. Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
199. Kiwi Ears Quintet (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
200. Klipsch T5 II TWS Sport (Loomis Johnson)
201. Knowlege Zenith AS24 (Standard Version) (Jürgen Kraus)
202. Knowledge Zenith AS24 (Tunable Version) (Durwood)
203. Knowledge Zenith ASF (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
204. Knowledge Zenith ASX (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
205. Knowledge Zenith ASX (2) (Loomis Johnson)
206. Knowlege Zenith F-Fi (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
207. Knowledge Zenith ED9 (Loomis Johnson)
208. Knowledge Zenith ED16 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
209. Knowledge Zenith ED16 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
210. Knowledge Zenith EDX (Jürgen Kraus)
211. Knowledge Zenith ESX (Durwood)
212. Knowledge Zenith Ling Long (Jürgen Kraus)
213. Knowledge Zenith VXS Pro TWS (Durwood)
214. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
215. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (2) (Durwood)
216. Knowledge Zenith ZEX (3) (Alberto Pittaluga)
217. Knowledge Zenith ZSN (Loomis Johnson)
218. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro (Slater)
219. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro X (Jürgen Kraus)
220. Knowledge Zenith ZS4 (Loomis Johnson)
221. Knowledge Zenith ZS7 (Loomis Johnson)
222. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
223. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 Pro (Loomis Johnson)
224. Knowledge Zenith ZSX Terminator (Loomis Johnson)
225. Knowledge Zenith ZVX (Jürgen Kraus)
226. K’s Earphone Bell-LBs (Alberto Pittaluga)
227. K’s Earphone K300 (Alberto Pittaluga)
228. LETSHUOER Conductor (Biodegraded)
229. LETSHUOER DZ4 (Jürgen Kraus)
230. LETSHUOER EJ07M (Jürgen Kraus)
231. LETSHUOER EJ09 (Biodegraded)
232. LETSHUOER S12 vs. 7Hz Timeless (Jürgen Kraus)
233. Lker i8 (Jürgen Kraus)
234. Lypertek Tevi L3 Powerplay (Loomis Johnson)
235. LZ A2 (Jürgen Kraus)
236. LZ A7 (Baskinghark)
237. MEE Audio Pinnacle P2 (Loomis Johnson)
238. Meze 12 Classics V2 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
239. Meze RAI Penta (Kazi Mahbbub Mutakabbir)
240. Meze RAI Solo (Jürgen Kraus)
241. Mifo S TWS (Loomis Johnson)
242. Moondrop Alice (1) (Durwood)
243. Moondrop Alice (2) Loomis Johnson
244. Moondrop Aria (1) Jürgen Kraus)
245. Moondrop Aria (2) Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
246. Moondrop Aria SE (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
247. Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing2:Dusk (1) Jürgen Kraus)
248. Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing2:Dusk (2) Biodegraded
249. Moondrop CHU (1) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
250. Moondrop CHU (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
251. Moondrop CHU (3) Jürgen Kraus)
252. Moondrop Crescent (Jürgen Kraus)
253. Moondrop Illumination (Jürgen Kraus)
254. Moondrop Kanas Pro (1) Biodegraded
255. Moondrop Kanas Pro (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
256. Moondrop Kanas Pro (3) Loomis Johnson
257. Moondrop KATO (Jürgen Kraus)
258. Moondrop Lan (1) (Durwood)
259. Moondrop Lan (2) (Loomis Johnson)
260. Moondrop May (Durwood)
261. Moondrop Quarks (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
262. Moondrop Spaceship (Jürgen Kraus)
263. Moondrop Space Travel (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
264. Moondrop Space Travel (2) (Loomis Johnson)
265. Moondrop SSP (Jürgen Kraus)
266. Moondrop SSR (1) Jürgen Kraus
267. Moondrop SSR (2) (Baskingshark)
268. Moondrop Starfield (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
269. Moondrop Starfield (2) Loomis Johnson
270. Moondrop Starfield (3) (Durwood)
271. Moondrop Starfield II (1) (Durwood)
272. Moondrop Starfield II (2) (Loomis Johnson)
273. Moondrop Stellaris (Jürgen Kraus)
274. Naenka LITE Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
275. NF Audio NM (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
276. NF Audio NM2+ (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
277. NF Audio NM2+ (2) Loomis Johnson
278. NiceHCK Bro (Jürgen Kraus)
279. NiceHCK DB1 (Jürgen Kraus)
280. NiceHCK DB3 (Jürgen Kraus)
281. NiceHCK DT600 (Jürgen Kraus)
282. NiceHCK EB2 (Jürgen Kraus)
283. NiceHCK EB2S (Jürgen Kraus)
284. NiceHCK EBX21 (Baskingshark)
285. NiceHCK EP10 (Jürgen Kraus)
286. NiceHCK EP35 (Jürgen Kraus)
287. NiceHCK F1 (Jürgen Kraus)
288. NiceHCK Lofty (Jürgen Kraus)
289. NiceHCK HK6 (Loomis Johnson)
290. NiceHCK M5 (Jürgen Kraus)
291. NiceHCK M6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
292. NiceHCK M6 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
293. NiceHCK N3 (Loomis Johnson, Jürgen Kraus)
294. NiceHCK NX7 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
295. NiceHCK NX7 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
296. NiceHCK NX7 Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
297. NiceHCK NX7 MK3 (1) (Loomis Johnson)
298. NiceHCK NX7 MK3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
299. NiceHCK NX7 MK4 (Jürgen Kraus)
300. NiceHCK P3 (Jürgen Kraus)
301. NiceHCK X49 (Jürgen Kraus)
302. Oladance OWS Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
303. Oladance OWS Sports (Durwood)
304. Oladance Wearable Stereo (Loomis Johnson)
305. Oneodio OpenRock Pro (Loomis Johnson)
306. Oriolus Isabellae (Jürgen Kraus)
307. Oriveti OH500 (Alberta Pittaluga)
308. Paiaudio DR2 (Jürgen Kraus)
309. Penon Fan 2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
310. PHB EM-023 (Jürgen Kraus)
311. Pioneer CH3 (Jürgen Kraus)
312. Queen of Audio Pink Lady (Jürgen Kraus)
313. Reecho Insects Awaken (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
314. RHA CL2 (Alberto Pittaluga)
315. Rose Mojito (Alberto Pittaluga)
316. Rose Technics QT9 MK2S (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
317. Rose Technics QT9 MK2S (2) (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
318. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (Loomis Johnson)
319. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus (Loomis Johnson)
320. SeeAudio Bravery (1) (Loomis Johnson)
321. SeeAudio Bravery (2) (Baskingshark)
322. Semkarch CNT1 (Loomis Johnson)
323. Senfer DT6 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
324. Senfer DT6 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
325. Senfer UEs/NiceHCK Bro (Loomis Johnson, Jürgen Kraus)
326. Sennheiser CX 400BT (Loomis Johnson)
327. Sennheiser IE 40/400/500 PRO compared (Jürgen Kraus)
328. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
329. Sennheiser IE 200* (Jürgen Kraus)
330. Sennheiser IE 300 (Jürgen Kraus)
331. Sennheiser IE 400 PRO (Jürgen Kraus)
332. Sennheiser IE 500 PRO (Jürgen Kraus, Biodegraded)
333. Sennheiser IE 600 (Jürgen Kraus)
334. Sennheiser IE 600 and IE 900 Counterfeits (Alberto Pittaluga)
335. Sennheiser IE 900* (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)
336. Sennheiser IE 900* (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
337. Sennheiser IE 900* (Deutsch) (Jürgen Kraus)
338. Shanling ME80 (Jürgen Kraus)
339. Shanling Sono (Durwood)
340. Shuoer Tape (Loomis Johnson)
341. Shozy Form 1.1 (Biodegraded)
342. Shozy Form 1.1 vs. Form 1.4 (Jürgen Kraus)
343. Shozy Form 1.4* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
344. Shozy Form 1.4* (2) (Durwood)
345. Shozy Form 1.4* (3) (Loomis Johnson)
346. Shozy Rouge (1) (Loomis Johnson)
347. Shozy Rouge (2) (Durwood))
348. Shozy Rouge (3 (Jürgen Kraus)
349. Simgot EA500 (Alberto Pittaluga)
350. Simgot EA1000 (Alberto Pittaluga)
351. Simgot EM2 (Jürgen Kraus)
352. Simgot EM2 (Loomis Johnson)
353. Smabat M0 (Durwood)
354. Smabat M2 Pro (1) (Baskingshark)
355. Smabat M2 Pro (M2) (Jürgen Kraus)
356. Smabat Proto 1.0 (Alberto Pittaluga)
357. Smabat ST-10 (Jürgen Kraus)
358. Smabat X1 (1) (Baskingshark)
359. Smabat X1 (2 (Jürgen Kraus)
360. Sony MH755 (Jürgen Kraus)
361. Sony IER-ZR (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
362. Sony WX-1000XM3 (Loomis Johnson)
363. Soundpeats H1 (Loomis Johnson)
364. Soundpeats Opera (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
365. Status Audio Between Pro TWS (Loomis Johnson)
366. SuperEQ Q2 Pro ANC TWS (Loomis Johnson)
367. Tanchjim Blues (Jürgen Kraus)
368. Tanchjim Cora (Jürgen Kraus)
369. Tanchjim Darling (Aberto Pittaluga)
370. Tanchjim Ola (Loomis Johnson)
371. Tanchjim Oxygen* (Alberto Pittaluga)
372. Tanchjim Tanya (1) (Baskingshark)
373. Tanchjim Tanya (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)
374. Tangzu WAN ER (Jürgen Kraus)
375. Tansio Mirai TSMR-6 (Alberto Pittaluga)
376. TempoTec IM05 (Jürgen Kraus)
377. Tennmak Dulcimer (Loomis Johnson)
378. Tforce Yuan Li (1) (Durwood)
379. Tforce Yuan Li (2) (Loomis Johnson)
380. Tinaudio T1 (Jürgen Kraus)
381. Tinaudio T2 (Jürgen Kraus)
382. TINHIFI C2 Mech Warrior (Jürgen Kraus)
383. TINHIFI C3 (1) (Durwood)
384. TINHIFI C3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
385. TINHIFI C5 (1) (Durwood)
386. TINHIFI C5 (2) Loomis Johnson
387. TINHIFI P1 Max (Jürgen Kraus)
388. TINHIFI T2 DLC (Jürgen Kraus)
389. TINHIFI T2 EVO (Jürgen Kraus)
390. TINHIFI T2 Plus (1) Jürgen Kraus
391. TINHIFI T2 Plus (2) (Loomis Johnson)
392. TINHIFI T2 Plus (3) Durwood
393. TINHIFI T4 (1) (Durwood)
394. TINHIFI T4 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
395. TINHIFI T4 (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
396. TINHIFI T4 Plus (Jürgen Kraus)
397. TINHIFI T5 (Alberto Pittaluga)
398. TINHIFI Tin Buds 3 (Loomis Johnson)
399. Tinker TK300 (Baskingshark)
400. ToneKing Nine Tail (Loomis Johnson)
401. TOZO Golden X1 (Loomis Johnson)
402. Triaudio I3 (1) (Baskingshark)
403. Triaudio I3 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
404. Triaudio I3 Modding (KopiOkaya)
405. Triaudio I4 (1) (KopiOkaya)
406. Triaudio I4 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
407. Triaudio Meteor (KopiOkaya)
408. Tripowin X HBB Olina (KopiOkaya)
409. Tripowin Leá (Jürgen Kraus)
410. TRN BA5 (1) (Durwood)
411. TRN BA5 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
412. TRN BA5 (3) (Loomis Johnson)
413. TRN BA8 (1) (Baskingshark)
414. TRN BA8 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
415. TRN BAX PRO (Jürgen Kraus)
416. TRN Conch (Durwood)
417. TRN Kirin (Alberto Pittaluga)
418. TRN ST5 (Looomis Johnson)
419. TRN-STM (1) (Loomis Johnson)
420. TRN-STM (2) (Baskingshark)
421. TRN-STM (3) (Durwood)
422. TRN T300 (1) (Baskingshark)
423. TRN T300 (2) (Loomis Johnson)
424. TRN T300 (3) (Alberto Pittaluga)
425. TRN V80 (Jürgen Kraus)
426. TRN V90 (1) (Durwood)
427. TRN V90 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
428. TRN V90S (1) (Baskingshark)
429. TRN V90S (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
430. TRN VX (1) (Loomis Johnson)
431. TRN VX (2) (Baskingshark)
432. TRN VX (3) (Jürgen Kraus)
433. TRN-VX modding (KopiOkaya)
434. Tronsmart Apollo (Baskingshark)
435. Tronsmart Apollo Bold TWS ANC (Baskingshark)
436. Truthear Hexa (Durwood)
437. Truthear Hola (Durwood)
438. Truthear X Crinacle Zero (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
439. Truthear X Crinacle Zero Red (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
440. Truthear X Crinacle Zero Red (2) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
441. Unique Melody 3DT (Jürgen Kraus)
442. Urbanfun YBF-ISS014 (Baskingshark)
443. Venture Electronics BIE Pro (Jürgen Kraus)
444. Venture Electronics Bonus IE (Jürgen Kraus)
445. Venture Electronics Monk Go (Jürgen Kraus)
446. Vision Ears Elysium* and VE8 (1) (Jürgen Kraus)
447. Vision Ears Elysium* and VE8 (2) (Biodegraded)
448. Vision Ears EXT (Jürgen Kraus)
449. Vision Ears Phönix (Jürgen Kraus)
450. Westone MACH 40 and MACH 60 (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)
451. Whizzer BS1 (Jürgen Kraus)
452. Whizzer Kylin HE01 (1) Jürgen Kraus)
453. Whizzer Kylin HE01 (2) (Baskingshark)
454. Whizzer Kylin HE03AL (Jürgen Kraus)
455. Whizzer Kylin HE03D (1) (Durwood)
456. Whizzer Kylin HE03D (2) (Loomis Johnson)
457. Whizzer Kylin HE10 (Jürgen Kraus)
458. Yinyoo BK2 (Baskingshark)
459. Yinyoo D2B4 v2 (1) (Biodegraded)
460. Yinyoo D2B4 v2 (2) (Jürgen Kraus)
461. Yinyoo V2 (Jürgen Kraus)

Also check out our HEADPHONE REVIEWS

The post 461 Reviews – A World Class Earphone Database appeared first on Music For The Masses.

This database is constantly updated – bookmark it for your future reference!

Raw Frequency Responses: Jürgen and Biodegraded (2 cm Tube Coupler; 1.5 cm Insertion Depth) 

Note: Biodegraded and Jürgen use the same rig and coupler [our measurement setup]. No correction is applied. The raw database is internally consistent and can be used for earphone comparisons.

1. Anew X-One (3 modules)
2. Acoustyx R-220
3. AME Custom Argent Hybrid Electrostatic
4. Alpex HSE-A2000
5. Alpex HSE-A2000 (modded and measured by Biodegraded)
6. B&W C5 S2
7. Beyerdynamic Byron
8. Blitzwolf BW ES1 (modded)
9. Blon BL-03
10. Boarseman CX98 (modded)
11. Boarseman KR25D
12. BQEYZ KC2
13. Brainwavz Delta
14. Brainwavz Koel 1st pair (JK) | 1st pair (Bio) | 2nd pair (JK) 
15. Brainwavz B100
16. Brainwavz B200 v1
17. Brainwavz B400  1st pair | 2nd pair | 3rd pair (all by Biodegraded)
18. Cambridge Audio SE1
19. Cozoy Hera C103
20. Drop + JVC HA-FXD1
21. Dunu DM-380
22. DZAT DR-25
23. Earstudio HE100
24. Einsear T2
25. EZAudio D4
26. Fidue A65 1st pair | 2nd pair
27. Fidue A66
28. FiiO FD1
29. FiiO FH1s
30. Final Audio E1000
31. Focal Spark
32. Focal Sphear
33. Fostex TE-02
34. Hifiman RE-400
35. Hifiman RE-400 (measured by Biodegraded)
36. HifiWalker A1 (ootb; measured by Biodegraded)
37. HifiWalker A1 (modded)
38. HifiWalker A1 (modded, measured on two different rigs)
39. Hill Audio Altair • RA narrow-bore |wide-bore | comparison
40. Hill Audio S8 (default filters)
41. Hill Audio S8 (all included filters)
42. iBasso IT01 v1 ootb |  screens removed
43. iBasso IT01 v2
44. iBasso IT01 v1 and v2
45. Ikko OH1
46. JVC HA-FM103M-B
47. KBEAR Believe
48. KBEAR Diamond
49. KBEAR hi7 (Biodegraded)
50. KBEAR hi7 (Jürgen Kraus)
51. KBEAR KS2
52. KBEAR TRI I3
53. Kinboofi MK4
54. Knowledge Zenith ASX
55. Knowledge Zenith AS10
56. Knowledge Zenith ATR (measured by Biodegraded)
57. Knowledge Zenith EDR2 (different filters: silver metal and red textile)
58. Knowledge Zenith ED3 (as is and modded)
59. Knowledge Zenith ED3M
60. Knowledge Zenith ED4 (as is and modded)
61. Knowledge Zenith EDX
62. Knowledge Zenith ZS4
63. Knowledge Zenith ZS5 (measured by Biodegraded)
64. Knowledge Zenith ZS6
65. Knowledge Zenith ZSN
66. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro X
67. Knowledge Zenith ZSR (measured by Biodegraded)
68. Knowledge Zenith ZS10 (measured by Biodegraded)
69. Koss KSC75 [stock/Yaxi pads] (measured by Biodegraded)
70. LG Quadbeat 3
71. Lker i8 (as is and modded)
72. Moondrop Crescent
73. Moondrop Kanas Pro
74. Moondrop Kanas Pro (measured by Biodegraded)
75. Moondrop Starfield
76. NAD HP20
77. NiceHCK Bro
78. NiceHCK DB3 (measured by Biodegraded)
79. NiceHCK DT600
80. NiceHCK EB3
81. NiceHCK EP10
82. NiceHCK EP35
83. NiceHCK M6 (default filters)
84. NiceHCK M6 (default filters; 5 different cables)
85. NiceHCK M6 (all included filters)
86. NiceHCK M6 (3rd-party “aired” filters)
87. NiceHCK M6 (default filters and third party filters)
88. NiceHCK NX7
89. NiceHCK NX7 (ootb and after 70 hrs playtime)
90. NiceHCK NX7 MK3
91. NiceHCK NX7 PRO
92. NiceHCK N3
93. NiceHCK P3
94. NiceHCK X49
95. NF Audio NM2+
96. Paiaudio DR2
97. PHB EM-023
98. Philips SHE7055WT
99. Philips TX2
100. Pioneer CH3
101. Pioneer CH3 (modded)
102. Pioneer CH3 (ootb and modded)
103. Remax RM720i
104. Remax RM 720i (ootb and modded)
105. Senfer DT6
106. Senfer UEs
107. Sennheiser IE 40 PRO
108. Sennheiser IE 400 PRO
109. Sennheiser IE 500 PRO
110. Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear
111. Shozy Form 1.1
112. Shozy Form 1.4
113. Shozy Rouge
114. Simgot EM2 narrow-bores | wide-bores | both tips
115. Sony MH1C
116. Sony MH755
117. Sony XBA-C10W
118. Soundmagic E10C
119. Tanchjim Blues
120. Tanchjim Cora
121. Tennmak Dulcimer
122. Tinaudio T1
123. Tinaudio T2
124. Tinaudio T2 (taped front vents)
125. Tin Hifi T2 Plus
126. Tin Hifi T4
127. TRN BA5
128. TRN-STM
129. TRN V80 (measured by Biodegraded)
130. TRN V90
131. TRN V90s
132. Ultimate Ears 900s (measured by Biodegraded)
133. Xiaomi Piston 3
134. Venture Electronics Bonus Edition IE
135. VJJB K4S
136. Yinyoo D2B4 (pre-mid March 2019 tuning)
137. Yinyoo D2B4 (mid-March 2019 tuning) | FR vs. output impedance (measurements by Biodegraded)
138. Yinyoo V2
139. Zero Audio Carbo Tenore

Corrected Frequency Responses: Jürgen and Biodegraded (2 cm Tube Coupler; 1.5 cm Insertion Depth) 

Note: In this series, each raw measurement is adjusted by an empirical correction that attempts to emulate measurements from an imitation B&K IEC60318-4 system as used in the Crinacle database. This corrected database is internally NOT CONSISTENT. The degree and position of the inconsistencies are NOT PREDICTABLE . The correction is work in progress and needs improvement to increase the user’s confidence level. Right now, these corrected graphs are only useful as a qualitative/semi-quantitative approach for characterizing an earphone in a review.

1. Anew X-One (3 modules)
2. Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd
3. Blon BL-03
4. Cozoy Hera C103
5. Earstudio HE100
6. FiiO FD1
7. JVC HA-FDX1
8. KBEAR Believe
9. KBEAR Diamond
10. KBEAR KS2
11. KBEAR TRI I3
12. Knowledge Zenith ASX
13. Knowledge Zenith EDX
14. Knowledge Zenith ZSN Pro X
15. Earstudio HE100
16. Moondrop Illumination
17. Moondrop Spaceship
18. Moondrop SSP
19. Moondrop SSR
20. Moondrop Starfield
21. NiceHCK NX7 MK3
22. NiceHCK NX7 PRO
23. NiceHCK X49
24. NM Audio NF2+
25. Queen of Audio Pink Lady
26. Sennheiser IE40 PRO
27. Sennheiser IE400 PRO
28. Sennheiser IE500 PRO
29. Shozy Form 1.1
30. Shozy Form 1.4
31. Shozy Rouge
32. Sony MH755
33. Tanchjim Blues
34. Tin Hifi T2 Plus
35. Tin Hifi T4
36. TRN-STM
37. TRN-VX
38. TRN V90s
39. Venture Electronics Bonus Edition IE
40. Whizzer Kylin HE01

Raw Frequency Responses: Durwood (2.5 cm Tube Coupler; 2 cm Insertion Depth)

1. BCD X10
2. BQEYZ Spring 1 (small reference tips)
3. BQEYZ Spring 1 (reference tips)
4. BQEYZ Spring 2
5. Cat Ear Mia
6. CCA CA10 Pro
7. CCA CA16
8. Hidizs MS1 Rainbow
9. KBEAR Diamond
10. Shozy Form 1.4
11. Shozy Rouge
12. Tin Hifi T4
13. TRN BA5
14. TRN STM
15. TRN V9 (small silicone stock tips)
16. TRN V90 (stock tips)

IEC711 Coupler: KopiOkaya

1. Audiosense DT200
2. Blon BL-01
3. Blon BL-03
4. Blon BL-05
5. Blon BL-05s
6. Etymotic ER2XR
7. Etymotic ER4XR
8. FiiO FD1
9. JVC HA-FDX1
10. KBEAR Believe
11. KBEAR Believe vs. Dunu Luna vs. Final Audio A8000
12. KBEAR Diamond (Beta)
13. KBEAR KS2
14. KBEAR hi7
15. KBEAR KB04
16. KBEAR Lark
17. LZ A7
18. Moondrop Kanas Pro
19. Moondrop SSR
20. Sony MH1
21. Sony MH755
22. Tin Hi T2 Plus
23. TRI I3
24. TRI I4
25. TRI Starsea
26. TRN BA5
27. TRN BA8
28. TRN M10
29. TRN ST1
30. TRN V90 (three different IEC711 couplers)
31. TRN V90s
32. Unknown 2+1 prototype (2019-10-11)

You find over 300 earphone measurements in Crinacle’s database.

Headflux also offers a large database.

The post Our Raw and Corrected Frequency Response Curves appeared first on Music For The Masses.