Reviews by Ianbanz
Hisenior Audio's journey began in 2016, with a base in Chengdu, China. Their focus from the start has been on crafting professional in-ear monitors (IEMs) for musicians, audio engineers, and audiophiles. This dedication to exceptional sound quality has always been guided by an international vision.
Recently, Hisenior Audio has been making waves in the audiophile network, and their commitment to innovation continues. Their latest batch of IEMs expands their offerings while staying true to their roots – providing top-notch, custom and universal fit options for the discerning listener. With this foundation in mind, let's delve into the sound of the Hisenior T4 IEM...
The T4's magic lies in its mid-centric tuning, accentuated by a tasteful mid-bass boost. This focus translates to detailed, captivating vocals that take center stage, ideal for genres like jazz and acoustic. But the T4 doesn't stop there. The treble response is extended and smooth, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable listening experience without harshness or sibilance.
Beyond its sonic prowess, the T4 boasts a surprisingly compact and comfortable design, ideal choice for extended listening sessions. The included ear tips and long, ear canal-shaped nozzle ensure a secure and comfortable fit for a variety of ear shapes.
The T4's tuning switches allow for on-the-fly adjustments between bass and treble emphasis, tailoring the listening experience to your specific preferences. The included accessories are equally impressive, featuring a high-quality cable, a stylish and protective carrying case, and a generous selection of ear tips.
This review will delve deeper into the T4's strengths, exploring its technical performance, soundstage, and imaging capabilities. We'll dissect the bass, midrange, and treble response in detail, providing a comprehensive picture of what Hisenior T4 has to offer.
Comfort and Functionality:
• Tuning Switches: One of the standout features of the T4 is its tuning switch that actually works and have a very noticable difference which allows users to add either bass or treble boost to suit their preferences. This versatility makes the T4 adaptable to a wide range of music genres and personal listening preferences and i use the T4 with both switches on up posititon when writing this review.
• Surprisingly Small Size: Despite it has tuning switches, the T4 is still surprisingly compact, making it comfortable for extended wear.
• Long, Ear Canal Shaped Nozzle: The included nozzle boasts a long, ear canal-shaped design with a metal tip. This design caters to both shallow and deep ear canal fits, potentially enhancing comfort and isolation.
• Excellent Isolation: The lack of venting holes contributes to the T4's excellent passive noise isolation, ideal for blocking out ambient noise. On my ear it seats prefectly and seals very well, when removing the t4 you cant just yank it out because it seals so well that it creates a vaccum, what i do is i slowly pull it out while giving it a little twist at the same time to let the air in and break the seal.
Cable and Accesories:
The included modular cable is of high quality, offering flexibility and durability with the ring lock mechanism to securely lock-in your preferred termination. The accessories are impressive, with the Pelican like carrying case being a highlight. It is well-designed, providing ample protection for the IEMs while being stylish,portable and rugged it also includes 3 packs of tips, silicone wide and standard and foam tips, cleaning cloth, cable clip, a tool for the switch and a hisenior sticker.
Sound:
Treble:
The treble response of the HiSenior T4 is pleasantly extended, smooth, and coherent, making it an enjoyable listen without overwhelming the listener. This characteristic ensures that vocalists and instruments in the midrange are vibrant and natural, not overly forward in the mix. classical and slower-paced music comes across as appealing and well-suited to the T4’s tuning. The upper treble offers good detail without harshness, providing a full, linear extension
and sufficiently detailed to handle percussions and guitars with a pleasant snap. It avoids the pitfalls of sibilance and harshness, making long listening sessions fatigue-free. This soft treble approach ensures that the overall sound signature remains musical and engaging without sacrificing detail. but it remains smooth and relaxing.
Mid Range:
The midrange of the HiSenior T4 stands out with its upfront yet spacious presentation, contributing to a refined and effective soundstage. The upper midrange, resonating with the lower treble, brings warmth and focus to the notes, ensuring clear and balanced vocals and instrumentation. This openness helps avoid any metallic or harsh tones which usually you hear on some all BA iems, it is appealing to listeners who prefer a rich, natural response. The lower midrange, though not as weighty as my Tangzu Xuan NV, it still offers a clean and variable note outcome adding value to this frequency range. Overall, the midrange is lively, open and presenting vocals with remarkable clarity and emotion. Both male and female vocals are rendered free of sibilance or harshness. This mid-centric approach ensures that the listener feels enveloped in the music, with a holographic, intimate spatiality that is particularly impressive for live recordings or acoustic sets.
Bass:
The bass on the T4 is characterized by its fast, warm, and rounded thump. While there is a noticeable mid-bass boost, it is tastefully done, adding warmth and body to the sound without overshadowing the mids or treble. This results in a bass that is punchy and dynamic yet avoids becoming boomy or overwhelming. While it adds a pleasant tone to higher frequencies, The sub-bass extension is adequate, providing effective punch without prolonged impact or decay, and the mid-bass region, although gentle in its attack, offers a more pleasing slam. This bass response leans more towards warmth, extending into the lower midrange and providing a meatier overall sound. Despite this, the bass may not satisfy those who prefer a cleaner, more defined response, as it falls between clear and boomy. The notes are crisp and detailed, warm, velvety, and generally pleasurable.
Technical Performance:
In terms of technical performance, the HiSenior T4 competes well within its price range, if not surpassing some of its peers. The soundstage is spacious and immersive, contributing to a well-rounded listening experience. Imaging is precise, allowing listeners to pinpoint instruments and vocals within the soundstage accurately.
Musicality:
The T4 is incredibly addictive. Its musicality is fatigue-free yet far from boring, it manage to balance technical proficiency with an engaging, fun sound signature that keeps me coming back for more
Value:
In terms of sound quality and overall package, the Hisenior T4 offers excellent value. The combination of a punchy mid bass, lush smooth natural mids and energetic and detailed treble with versatile tuning options, and premium build quality, a very generous accesories and an option to customize your t4 at a competitive price point, i cant think of any stronger contender in its class.
Conclusion:
The Hisenior T4 IEM is a superb choice for audiophiles seeking a mid-centric sound with a satisfying mid-bass boost. Its excellent vocal reproduction, fast and warm bass, and soft, detailed treble create a non-fatiguing yet engaging listening experience. The holographic spatiality, combined with the practical tuning switch, robust build, and generous amount of high-quality accessories, further enhances its appeal. The T4 is versatile and addictive IEM that delivers outstanding sound quality and value, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile’s collection. Yours truly will be getting a customized T4 soon
Recently, Hisenior Audio has been making waves in the audiophile network, and their commitment to innovation continues. Their latest batch of IEMs expands their offerings while staying true to their roots – providing top-notch, custom and universal fit options for the discerning listener. With this foundation in mind, let's delve into the sound of the Hisenior T4 IEM...
The T4's magic lies in its mid-centric tuning, accentuated by a tasteful mid-bass boost. This focus translates to detailed, captivating vocals that take center stage, ideal for genres like jazz and acoustic. But the T4 doesn't stop there. The treble response is extended and smooth, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable listening experience without harshness or sibilance.
Beyond its sonic prowess, the T4 boasts a surprisingly compact and comfortable design, ideal choice for extended listening sessions. The included ear tips and long, ear canal-shaped nozzle ensure a secure and comfortable fit for a variety of ear shapes.
The T4's tuning switches allow for on-the-fly adjustments between bass and treble emphasis, tailoring the listening experience to your specific preferences. The included accessories are equally impressive, featuring a high-quality cable, a stylish and protective carrying case, and a generous selection of ear tips.
This review will delve deeper into the T4's strengths, exploring its technical performance, soundstage, and imaging capabilities. We'll dissect the bass, midrange, and treble response in detail, providing a comprehensive picture of what Hisenior T4 has to offer.
Comfort and Functionality:
• Tuning Switches: One of the standout features of the T4 is its tuning switch that actually works and have a very noticable difference which allows users to add either bass or treble boost to suit their preferences. This versatility makes the T4 adaptable to a wide range of music genres and personal listening preferences and i use the T4 with both switches on up posititon when writing this review.
• Surprisingly Small Size: Despite it has tuning switches, the T4 is still surprisingly compact, making it comfortable for extended wear.
• Long, Ear Canal Shaped Nozzle: The included nozzle boasts a long, ear canal-shaped design with a metal tip. This design caters to both shallow and deep ear canal fits, potentially enhancing comfort and isolation.
• Excellent Isolation: The lack of venting holes contributes to the T4's excellent passive noise isolation, ideal for blocking out ambient noise. On my ear it seats prefectly and seals very well, when removing the t4 you cant just yank it out because it seals so well that it creates a vaccum, what i do is i slowly pull it out while giving it a little twist at the same time to let the air in and break the seal.
Cable and Accesories:
The included modular cable is of high quality, offering flexibility and durability with the ring lock mechanism to securely lock-in your preferred termination. The accessories are impressive, with the Pelican like carrying case being a highlight. It is well-designed, providing ample protection for the IEMs while being stylish,portable and rugged it also includes 3 packs of tips, silicone wide and standard and foam tips, cleaning cloth, cable clip, a tool for the switch and a hisenior sticker.
Sound:
Treble:
The treble response of the HiSenior T4 is pleasantly extended, smooth, and coherent, making it an enjoyable listen without overwhelming the listener. This characteristic ensures that vocalists and instruments in the midrange are vibrant and natural, not overly forward in the mix. classical and slower-paced music comes across as appealing and well-suited to the T4’s tuning. The upper treble offers good detail without harshness, providing a full, linear extension
and sufficiently detailed to handle percussions and guitars with a pleasant snap. It avoids the pitfalls of sibilance and harshness, making long listening sessions fatigue-free. This soft treble approach ensures that the overall sound signature remains musical and engaging without sacrificing detail. but it remains smooth and relaxing.
Mid Range:
The midrange of the HiSenior T4 stands out with its upfront yet spacious presentation, contributing to a refined and effective soundstage. The upper midrange, resonating with the lower treble, brings warmth and focus to the notes, ensuring clear and balanced vocals and instrumentation. This openness helps avoid any metallic or harsh tones which usually you hear on some all BA iems, it is appealing to listeners who prefer a rich, natural response. The lower midrange, though not as weighty as my Tangzu Xuan NV, it still offers a clean and variable note outcome adding value to this frequency range. Overall, the midrange is lively, open and presenting vocals with remarkable clarity and emotion. Both male and female vocals are rendered free of sibilance or harshness. This mid-centric approach ensures that the listener feels enveloped in the music, with a holographic, intimate spatiality that is particularly impressive for live recordings or acoustic sets.
Bass:
The bass on the T4 is characterized by its fast, warm, and rounded thump. While there is a noticeable mid-bass boost, it is tastefully done, adding warmth and body to the sound without overshadowing the mids or treble. This results in a bass that is punchy and dynamic yet avoids becoming boomy or overwhelming. While it adds a pleasant tone to higher frequencies, The sub-bass extension is adequate, providing effective punch without prolonged impact or decay, and the mid-bass region, although gentle in its attack, offers a more pleasing slam. This bass response leans more towards warmth, extending into the lower midrange and providing a meatier overall sound. Despite this, the bass may not satisfy those who prefer a cleaner, more defined response, as it falls between clear and boomy. The notes are crisp and detailed, warm, velvety, and generally pleasurable.
Technical Performance:
In terms of technical performance, the HiSenior T4 competes well within its price range, if not surpassing some of its peers. The soundstage is spacious and immersive, contributing to a well-rounded listening experience. Imaging is precise, allowing listeners to pinpoint instruments and vocals within the soundstage accurately.
Musicality:
The T4 is incredibly addictive. Its musicality is fatigue-free yet far from boring, it manage to balance technical proficiency with an engaging, fun sound signature that keeps me coming back for more
Value:
In terms of sound quality and overall package, the Hisenior T4 offers excellent value. The combination of a punchy mid bass, lush smooth natural mids and energetic and detailed treble with versatile tuning options, and premium build quality, a very generous accesories and an option to customize your t4 at a competitive price point, i cant think of any stronger contender in its class.
Conclusion:
The Hisenior T4 IEM is a superb choice for audiophiles seeking a mid-centric sound with a satisfying mid-bass boost. Its excellent vocal reproduction, fast and warm bass, and soft, detailed treble create a non-fatiguing yet engaging listening experience. The holographic spatiality, combined with the practical tuning switch, robust build, and generous amount of high-quality accessories, further enhances its appeal. The T4 is versatile and addictive IEM that delivers outstanding sound quality and value, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile’s collection. Yours truly will be getting a customized T4 soon
The HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is the latest portable DAC/Amp from Hidizs in a compact and stylish form factor. In this review we delve in S8s technical capabilities, explore the design and functionality, and analyzes its sound signature to help you determine if it's the perfect audio upgrade for you.
Unboxing the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin is a fuss-free affair. The compact box opens to reveal a sturdy plastic case that holds the tiny DAC itself.Inside the case, you'll find the S8 Pro Robin nestled snugly. Hidizs throws in all the cables you need, USB-C to Lightning for iPhones, a standard USB-C cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older devices. A quick-start guide and warranty card round out the package.
Lifting the S8 Pro Robin out, we find a hidden compartment beneath it. This compartment holds the bundled accessories:
• A USB-C to Lightning adapter: Perfect for connecting the S8 Pro Robin to your iPhone or iPad for lossless audio enjoyment.
• A USB-C to USB-C cable: This is your main connection cable for Android devices, PCs, and Macs with USB-C ports.
• A USB-C to USB-A adapter: Don't worry if your device lacks a USB-C port. This adapter ensures broad compatibility with older laptops and devices.
• A user manual and warranty card are also tucked neatly within the box.
• As a bonus, Hidizs throws in a couple of "Hi-Res" stickers, allowing you to proudly proclaim your love for high-resolution audio
Dual CS43131 DAC Chips
At the heart of the S8 Pro Robin are its dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips. It supports high-resolution audio playback, reaching up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256. The S8 Pro Robin caters to a wide range of earphones and headphones with its dual outputs: a 3.5mm single-ended jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. The balanced output delivers significantly more power (160mW+160mW @ 32Ω) compared to the single-ended output (80mW+80mW @ 32Ω). This higher power output translates to better dynamics, tighter control.
Premium Build Meets Compact Convenience
The S8 Pro Robin design gives it a sense of luxury and elegance with its sleek and compact design. The CNC aluminum alloy shell feels incredibly sturdy and premium in your hand, accented by stylish glass panels. Its lightweight design makes it incredibly portable.
One of the first things you'll notice is the eye-catching, oversized gold or copper play/pause button. While it might initially appear to be a volume wheel, it serves a singular function. The volume up/down or skip track buttons complement the aesthetic with their shape and color. These buttons offer more than just basic controls; pressing both volume buttons simultaneously cycles through different digital filters, allowing you to tailor the sound signature to your listening preferences.
A small LED Hidizs logo on the faceplate doubles as a sampling rate indicator, providing a quick and convenient way to see the resolution of the audio file you're currently playing. While the S8 Pro Robin offers all the basic and practical features of a dongle dac, one minor omission is a dedicated gain switch. This could be a drawback for users with particularly sensitive IEMs.
Functional Yet Flexible Controls
The S8 Pro Robin prioritizes user-friendliness with its set of multi-functional buttons. Play/pause, volume control, and track skipping are readily accessible, allowing for seamless music control without ever needing to take your device out of your pocket.
Clarity and Detail
The sound signature of the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is characterized by its clarity and detail retrieval. The device leans towards a bright sound profile, which means it emphasizes the higher frequencies and brings out the intricacies in your music. This is particularly beneficial for genres like classical, acoustic, and vocal-centric music, where precision and detail are paramount. Instruments are well-defined, and vocals are clear and prominent, making it easy to pick out individual elements in a recording.
Bass: Punchy and Refined
While the S8 Pro Robin focuses on clarity and detail, it does not neglect the lower frequencies. The bass is punchy and impactful, providing a solid foundation for your music without overwhelming the other frequencies. The sub-bass extension is impressive, adding weight and depth to the overall sound. The mid-bass is smooth and clean, ensuring that drums and basslines have a satisfying presence without muddying the soundscape. This balance between clarity and bass presence makes the S8 Pro Robin versatile enough to handle a variety of genres, from electronic and hip-hop to rock and pop.
Mids: Intimate and Forward
The mids on the S8 Pro Robin are forward and intimate, which means that instruments like guitars, pianos, and vocals are pushed to the forefront of the mix. This characteristic creates a sense of intimacy and allows listeners to appreciate the fine details in vocal performances and instrumental parts. The forward mids are particularly well-suited for genres that rely heavily on midrange frequencies, such as folk, jazz, and classical music. However, listeners who prefer a more bass-heavy sound signature might find the mids a little overpowering. The emphasis on midrange frequencies can sometimes overshadow the bass, making it less prominent in the overall mix.
Treble: Energetic and Smooth
The treble on the S8 Pro Robin is energetic, which complements its overall bright sound signature. High frequencies are well-extended, contributing to a sense of airiness and creating a wide and expansive soundstage. This spaciousness allows you to better appreciate the placement of instruments within the mix and enhances the overall listening experience. Despite its energy, the treble is smooth and avoids the common pitfalls of harshness or sibilance. This ensures that listening sessions remain enjoyable and fatigue-free, even during extended periods.
Potential Drawbacks: Room for Improvement
While the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin offers a plethora of features and impressive performance, it is not without its minor drawbacks. One notable omission is a dedicated gain switch, which could be beneficial for users with particularly sensitive earphones or IEMs. A gain switch would allow for more precise control over the output level, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of headphones and earphones.
Additionally, while the forward mids and bright sound signature are appealing to many audiophiles, listeners who prefer a warmer or more bass-heavy sound might find the S8 Pro Robin's tuning less to their liking. However, the ability to customize the sound signature with digital filters helps mitigate this concern to some extent.
Conclusion:
In summary, the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is a remarkable device that combines advanced technical capabilities, a luxurious build design, and a meticulously detailed sound signature. if you are looking for high-fidelity audio on the go or simply looking for a high-quality DAC/Amp to enhance your listening experience, the S8 Pro Robin stands out as a stylish and versatile option.
Unboxing the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin is a fuss-free affair. The compact box opens to reveal a sturdy plastic case that holds the tiny DAC itself.Inside the case, you'll find the S8 Pro Robin nestled snugly. Hidizs throws in all the cables you need, USB-C to Lightning for iPhones, a standard USB-C cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older devices. A quick-start guide and warranty card round out the package.
Lifting the S8 Pro Robin out, we find a hidden compartment beneath it. This compartment holds the bundled accessories:
• A USB-C to Lightning adapter: Perfect for connecting the S8 Pro Robin to your iPhone or iPad for lossless audio enjoyment.
• A USB-C to USB-C cable: This is your main connection cable for Android devices, PCs, and Macs with USB-C ports.
• A USB-C to USB-A adapter: Don't worry if your device lacks a USB-C port. This adapter ensures broad compatibility with older laptops and devices.
• A user manual and warranty card are also tucked neatly within the box.
• As a bonus, Hidizs throws in a couple of "Hi-Res" stickers, allowing you to proudly proclaim your love for high-resolution audio
Dual CS43131 DAC Chips
At the heart of the S8 Pro Robin are its dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips. It supports high-resolution audio playback, reaching up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256. The S8 Pro Robin caters to a wide range of earphones and headphones with its dual outputs: a 3.5mm single-ended jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. The balanced output delivers significantly more power (160mW+160mW @ 32Ω) compared to the single-ended output (80mW+80mW @ 32Ω). This higher power output translates to better dynamics, tighter control.
Premium Build Meets Compact Convenience
The S8 Pro Robin design gives it a sense of luxury and elegance with its sleek and compact design. The CNC aluminum alloy shell feels incredibly sturdy and premium in your hand, accented by stylish glass panels. Its lightweight design makes it incredibly portable.
One of the first things you'll notice is the eye-catching, oversized gold or copper play/pause button. While it might initially appear to be a volume wheel, it serves a singular function. The volume up/down or skip track buttons complement the aesthetic with their shape and color. These buttons offer more than just basic controls; pressing both volume buttons simultaneously cycles through different digital filters, allowing you to tailor the sound signature to your listening preferences.
A small LED Hidizs logo on the faceplate doubles as a sampling rate indicator, providing a quick and convenient way to see the resolution of the audio file you're currently playing. While the S8 Pro Robin offers all the basic and practical features of a dongle dac, one minor omission is a dedicated gain switch. This could be a drawback for users with particularly sensitive IEMs.
Functional Yet Flexible Controls
The S8 Pro Robin prioritizes user-friendliness with its set of multi-functional buttons. Play/pause, volume control, and track skipping are readily accessible, allowing for seamless music control without ever needing to take your device out of your pocket.
Clarity and Detail
The sound signature of the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is characterized by its clarity and detail retrieval. The device leans towards a bright sound profile, which means it emphasizes the higher frequencies and brings out the intricacies in your music. This is particularly beneficial for genres like classical, acoustic, and vocal-centric music, where precision and detail are paramount. Instruments are well-defined, and vocals are clear and prominent, making it easy to pick out individual elements in a recording.
Bass: Punchy and Refined
While the S8 Pro Robin focuses on clarity and detail, it does not neglect the lower frequencies. The bass is punchy and impactful, providing a solid foundation for your music without overwhelming the other frequencies. The sub-bass extension is impressive, adding weight and depth to the overall sound. The mid-bass is smooth and clean, ensuring that drums and basslines have a satisfying presence without muddying the soundscape. This balance between clarity and bass presence makes the S8 Pro Robin versatile enough to handle a variety of genres, from electronic and hip-hop to rock and pop.
Mids: Intimate and Forward
The mids on the S8 Pro Robin are forward and intimate, which means that instruments like guitars, pianos, and vocals are pushed to the forefront of the mix. This characteristic creates a sense of intimacy and allows listeners to appreciate the fine details in vocal performances and instrumental parts. The forward mids are particularly well-suited for genres that rely heavily on midrange frequencies, such as folk, jazz, and classical music. However, listeners who prefer a more bass-heavy sound signature might find the mids a little overpowering. The emphasis on midrange frequencies can sometimes overshadow the bass, making it less prominent in the overall mix.
Treble: Energetic and Smooth
The treble on the S8 Pro Robin is energetic, which complements its overall bright sound signature. High frequencies are well-extended, contributing to a sense of airiness and creating a wide and expansive soundstage. This spaciousness allows you to better appreciate the placement of instruments within the mix and enhances the overall listening experience. Despite its energy, the treble is smooth and avoids the common pitfalls of harshness or sibilance. This ensures that listening sessions remain enjoyable and fatigue-free, even during extended periods.
Potential Drawbacks: Room for Improvement
While the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin offers a plethora of features and impressive performance, it is not without its minor drawbacks. One notable omission is a dedicated gain switch, which could be beneficial for users with particularly sensitive earphones or IEMs. A gain switch would allow for more precise control over the output level, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of headphones and earphones.
Additionally, while the forward mids and bright sound signature are appealing to many audiophiles, listeners who prefer a warmer or more bass-heavy sound might find the S8 Pro Robin's tuning less to their liking. However, the ability to customize the sound signature with digital filters helps mitigate this concern to some extent.
Conclusion:
In summary, the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is a remarkable device that combines advanced technical capabilities, a luxurious build design, and a meticulously detailed sound signature. if you are looking for high-fidelity audio on the go or simply looking for a high-quality DAC/Amp to enhance your listening experience, the S8 Pro Robin stands out as a stylish and versatile option.
This collaboration between Tangzu Audio and the revered reviewer HBB promises an experience as captivating as its name, The Xuan NV, which translates to "mysterious woman" in Chinese, promises an intriguing soundscape. But will it live up to the hype? Linsoul kindly sent this IEM my way for an honest review, and I'm eager to dissect its every aspect – from design and comfort to, most importantly, the soundscape HBB has helped craft.
UNBOXING:
Upon receiving the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV in the mail, the first thing that caught my eye was the stunning artwork adorning the box, featuring captivating waifu illustrations and yes i like waifu and It sets the tone for what's to come—a blend of artistry and craftsmanship and some HBB love.
Opening the box reveals a black soft leather pouch, It's a thoughtful inclusion for safely storing your iem but the real surprise are the two sets of balance and wide bore Tang Sancai tips nestled within the packaging. These tips when bought separately cost 12usd per set.
Moving on to the IEM itself, the shell immediately commands attention with its striking bright blood-red hue, exuding elegance and sophistication. The gold-painted graphic art on the face plates further enhances its aesthetic appeal, the black cable however feels cheap and has a sticky rubber like material which remineds me of my old kz zst cable but not a deal breaker i just replaced with my 4.4 balance cable.
FIT and DESIGN:
• The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM fits like a glove, providing a snug and secure fit that ensures comfort during extended listening sessions. Its ergonomic design contours to the shape of my ear, minimizing any discomfort or strain. The shape allows them to sit flush against my ears without causing any pressure points. Overall, the fit of the Xuan NV enhances my listening experience by providing stability, comfort and a good seal.
• 3D Printed Resin Shells: The Xuan NV utilizes lightweight and comfortable 3D printed resin shells. They come in a sleek red finish with gold artwork are visually appealing.
DRIVER:
Ceramic drivers are known for their high sensitivity and low impedance, which means they can produce ample sound output with relatively low power input. This makes ceramic driver IEMs generally easy to drive however, while ceramic driver IEMs may be easy to drive, they can still benefit from higher-quality amplification for optimal performance.
PU, known for its flexibility and damping properties, provides the foundation for the dynamic driver. Its ability to absorb unwanted vibrations helps minimize distortion and coloration, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction. Additionally, PU dynamic drivers often excel in reproducing mid-range frequencies with warmth and richness, making them well-suited for vocals and instrumentals.
On the other hand, LCP is renowned for its exceptional stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio. This allows LCP dynamic drivers to produce highly detailed and articulate sound. LCP's rigidity enables faster transient response and reduced resonance, resulting in improved clarity and resolution, particularly in the high-frequency range.
By combining PU and LCP dynamic drivers in the Xuan NV, most likely Tangzu audio aim to leverage the complementary strengths of both materials to achieve a balanced sound signature. The PU driver provides a solid foundation for the mid-range frequencies, delivering warmth and body to vocals and instruments, while the LCP driver adds clarity, detail, and precision to the overall sound presentation, especially in the treble region.
The dual dynamic driver configuration of the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM combining two distinct driver to deliver a balance audio experience with the help of a little amplification, its not hard to drive but to fully enjoy a dynamic sound of this iem a simple dongle dac amp will open it up to its full potential.
SOUND:
Bass:
One of the most impressive aspects of the Tangzu X HBB IEM is its clean and rich bass response. the Xuan NV delivers a bass that strikes a perfect balance between warmth and clarity. Sub bass rumble is strong but well controlled The mid bass is smooth, unintrusive, and maintains remarkable clarity and energy even in bass-heavy tracks. Whether you're listening to bass-shy tunes or 90s alternative rock anthems, the Xuan NV bass adds a layer of depth and richness without overshadowing other frequencies.
Mids:
The midrange of Xuan NV is the best part where i think it truly shines, offering a sweet and smooth thick sound signature that is captivating and immersive. Instruments and vocals are presented with a warm, rich, thick velvet like smoothness. Vocal clarity is superb, pristine and well-layered. Vocals sound so natural with warmth you can almost feel, the mids have weight, thick but not dark sounding. Male and female vocals are represented accurately without adding color.
Treble:
The treble of the Xuan NV is characterized by its inoffensive nature, lacking any harsh peaks or excessive emphasis. While it may not satisfy treble enthusiasts seeking heightened energy, its soft and smooth presentation makes it ideal for extended listening sessions. The treble energy is gentle and still manages to sound airy which adds to clarity and a sense of widened space and overall providing a relaxed listening experience without causing fatigue over time.
Technical Performace and Sound Signature:
• Warm Neutral with a U-Shaped Tilt: The Xuan NV strikes a delightful balance between warmth and neutrality. Bass is present and rich, adding a satisfying foundation to your music without overwhelming the mids. Vocals take center stage, presented smoothly and intimately. Treble is relaxed and inoffensive, avoiding harshness but maintaining enough sparkle to keep things interesting. This U-shaped tuning creates a very listenable and forgiving sound signature, perfect for extended listening sessions.
• Timbre and Tone: This is where the Xuan NV truly shines. Instruments and vocals have a natural and realistic quality, thanks to the excellent timbre and tonal balance. Guitars sound full-bodied, drums have satisfying impact, and strings have a smooth, articulate character. Vocals are a particular highlight, rendered with thick, warmth and clarity.
• Technical Performance: While not the most analytical IEM on the market, the Xuan NV offers a good level of detail retrieval for the price. It won't reveal every nuance of complex recordings, but it provides enough clarity to keep you engaged with the music. Soundstage isn't the widest, but imaging remains decent, allowing you to distinguish the placement of instruments within the mix.
Who is this for?
• Listeners who prefer a warm and musical sound signature.
• Vocal lovers: The smooth mids make vocals a real treat.
• Budget-minded audiophiles looking for great sound without breaking the bank.
• Those who find overly analytical IEMs fatiguing.
Things to Consider:
• If you crave a super detailed and analytical sound, the Xuan NV might not be your best bet.
• The bass, while present, might not satisfy extreme bassheads.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, the Tangzu X HBB IEM offers a compelling blend of design, sound quality, and technical performance at an accessible price point. The collaboration between Tangzu Audio and HawaiiBadboy (HBB) results in a finely-tuned, well balance and musical sound signature that strikes a good balance between audiophile performance and mass appeal with its clean bass, silky midrange, and smooth treble, it provides an immersive listening experience suitable for a wide range of music genres unlike my other fave hbb collab Xuan NVs alter-ego of sorts the Hades which shines and caters to a specific genre of music. In conclusion Xuan NV represents excellent value for listeners and enthusiasts who likes overall musicality and with the striking red with gold aesthetics this stand out in a crowded market by offering exceptional value and performance that appeal to both audiophiles and everyday music lovers.
https://youtu.be/NZP8PWkT00U?si=vLyezkOrLZYOY1CX
**Disclaimer:** The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEMs were provided to me by Linsoul Audio for the purpose of this review. I did not receive any compensation for my comments and the opinions expressed here are solely my own based on my personal experience with the product. This review is meant to offer an honest and unbiased impression to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
UNBOXING:
Upon receiving the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV in the mail, the first thing that caught my eye was the stunning artwork adorning the box, featuring captivating waifu illustrations and yes i like waifu and It sets the tone for what's to come—a blend of artistry and craftsmanship and some HBB love.
Opening the box reveals a black soft leather pouch, It's a thoughtful inclusion for safely storing your iem but the real surprise are the two sets of balance and wide bore Tang Sancai tips nestled within the packaging. These tips when bought separately cost 12usd per set.
Moving on to the IEM itself, the shell immediately commands attention with its striking bright blood-red hue, exuding elegance and sophistication. The gold-painted graphic art on the face plates further enhances its aesthetic appeal, the black cable however feels cheap and has a sticky rubber like material which remineds me of my old kz zst cable but not a deal breaker i just replaced with my 4.4 balance cable.
FIT and DESIGN:
• The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM fits like a glove, providing a snug and secure fit that ensures comfort during extended listening sessions. Its ergonomic design contours to the shape of my ear, minimizing any discomfort or strain. The shape allows them to sit flush against my ears without causing any pressure points. Overall, the fit of the Xuan NV enhances my listening experience by providing stability, comfort and a good seal.
• 3D Printed Resin Shells: The Xuan NV utilizes lightweight and comfortable 3D printed resin shells. They come in a sleek red finish with gold artwork are visually appealing.
DRIVER:
Ceramic drivers are known for their high sensitivity and low impedance, which means they can produce ample sound output with relatively low power input. This makes ceramic driver IEMs generally easy to drive however, while ceramic driver IEMs may be easy to drive, they can still benefit from higher-quality amplification for optimal performance.
PU, known for its flexibility and damping properties, provides the foundation for the dynamic driver. Its ability to absorb unwanted vibrations helps minimize distortion and coloration, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction. Additionally, PU dynamic drivers often excel in reproducing mid-range frequencies with warmth and richness, making them well-suited for vocals and instrumentals.
On the other hand, LCP is renowned for its exceptional stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio. This allows LCP dynamic drivers to produce highly detailed and articulate sound. LCP's rigidity enables faster transient response and reduced resonance, resulting in improved clarity and resolution, particularly in the high-frequency range.
By combining PU and LCP dynamic drivers in the Xuan NV, most likely Tangzu audio aim to leverage the complementary strengths of both materials to achieve a balanced sound signature. The PU driver provides a solid foundation for the mid-range frequencies, delivering warmth and body to vocals and instruments, while the LCP driver adds clarity, detail, and precision to the overall sound presentation, especially in the treble region.
The dual dynamic driver configuration of the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEM combining two distinct driver to deliver a balance audio experience with the help of a little amplification, its not hard to drive but to fully enjoy a dynamic sound of this iem a simple dongle dac amp will open it up to its full potential.
SOUND:
Bass:
One of the most impressive aspects of the Tangzu X HBB IEM is its clean and rich bass response. the Xuan NV delivers a bass that strikes a perfect balance between warmth and clarity. Sub bass rumble is strong but well controlled The mid bass is smooth, unintrusive, and maintains remarkable clarity and energy even in bass-heavy tracks. Whether you're listening to bass-shy tunes or 90s alternative rock anthems, the Xuan NV bass adds a layer of depth and richness without overshadowing other frequencies.
Mids:
The midrange of Xuan NV is the best part where i think it truly shines, offering a sweet and smooth thick sound signature that is captivating and immersive. Instruments and vocals are presented with a warm, rich, thick velvet like smoothness. Vocal clarity is superb, pristine and well-layered. Vocals sound so natural with warmth you can almost feel, the mids have weight, thick but not dark sounding. Male and female vocals are represented accurately without adding color.
Treble:
The treble of the Xuan NV is characterized by its inoffensive nature, lacking any harsh peaks or excessive emphasis. While it may not satisfy treble enthusiasts seeking heightened energy, its soft and smooth presentation makes it ideal for extended listening sessions. The treble energy is gentle and still manages to sound airy which adds to clarity and a sense of widened space and overall providing a relaxed listening experience without causing fatigue over time.
Technical Performace and Sound Signature:
• Warm Neutral with a U-Shaped Tilt: The Xuan NV strikes a delightful balance between warmth and neutrality. Bass is present and rich, adding a satisfying foundation to your music without overwhelming the mids. Vocals take center stage, presented smoothly and intimately. Treble is relaxed and inoffensive, avoiding harshness but maintaining enough sparkle to keep things interesting. This U-shaped tuning creates a very listenable and forgiving sound signature, perfect for extended listening sessions.
• Timbre and Tone: This is where the Xuan NV truly shines. Instruments and vocals have a natural and realistic quality, thanks to the excellent timbre and tonal balance. Guitars sound full-bodied, drums have satisfying impact, and strings have a smooth, articulate character. Vocals are a particular highlight, rendered with thick, warmth and clarity.
• Technical Performance: While not the most analytical IEM on the market, the Xuan NV offers a good level of detail retrieval for the price. It won't reveal every nuance of complex recordings, but it provides enough clarity to keep you engaged with the music. Soundstage isn't the widest, but imaging remains decent, allowing you to distinguish the placement of instruments within the mix.
Who is this for?
• Listeners who prefer a warm and musical sound signature.
• Vocal lovers: The smooth mids make vocals a real treat.
• Budget-minded audiophiles looking for great sound without breaking the bank.
• Those who find overly analytical IEMs fatiguing.
Things to Consider:
• If you crave a super detailed and analytical sound, the Xuan NV might not be your best bet.
• The bass, while present, might not satisfy extreme bassheads.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, the Tangzu X HBB IEM offers a compelling blend of design, sound quality, and technical performance at an accessible price point. The collaboration between Tangzu Audio and HawaiiBadboy (HBB) results in a finely-tuned, well balance and musical sound signature that strikes a good balance between audiophile performance and mass appeal with its clean bass, silky midrange, and smooth treble, it provides an immersive listening experience suitable for a wide range of music genres unlike my other fave hbb collab Xuan NVs alter-ego of sorts the Hades which shines and caters to a specific genre of music. In conclusion Xuan NV represents excellent value for listeners and enthusiasts who likes overall musicality and with the striking red with gold aesthetics this stand out in a crowded market by offering exceptional value and performance that appeal to both audiophiles and everyday music lovers.
https://youtu.be/NZP8PWkT00U?si=vLyezkOrLZYOY1CX
**Disclaimer:** The Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV IEMs were provided to me by Linsoul Audio for the purpose of this review. I did not receive any compensation for my comments and the opinions expressed here are solely my own based on my personal experience with the product. This review is meant to offer an honest and unbiased impression to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Embarking on my maiden voyage on reviewing Digital Audio Players (DAPs), I find myself in the capable hands of the Hiby R8II, a device that promises to redefine my audio experience. Join me as I navigate through its features, sound quality, and overall performance, offering short insights from a first time Dap reviewers perspective. Before we dive in, a heartfelt acknowledgment to Hiby for including me in their Philippines review tour, and a special thanks to my brothers and fellow audiophiles at Audio Geek Philippines for their support and camaraderie along the way.
Holding the R8 II in my hands and feeling the heft and weight of it i cant help but think that this dap is a peak of audio engineering, seamlessly blending technology with exquisite craftsmanship to deliver an unforgetable listening experience. In this short review, we explore the different features, technical specifications, and performance capabilities of this flagship digital audio player.
DAC
At the heart of the HiBy R8II lies the Darwin-MPA technology, a proprietary DAC solution crafted in-house by HiBy. This technology ensures pristine audio reproduction, with unrivaled clarity, detail, and fidelity. Darwin-MPA DAC architecture is a highly adaptable setup designed to optimize playback across various formats and resolutions. Coupled with high-quality opamps (OPA1612 and ADA4625-2) The DAP offers a powerful output of 710mW at 32 ohms in its balanced mode and 225mW at 32 ohms single-ended, providing ample power to drive even demanding iems and headphones. R8II offers support for high-resolution audio formats, including DSD 1024 and PCM 32-Bit at a very high sampling rate of 1536 kHz. This ensures that every nuance of the music is faithfully preserved.
Amplification
It also adopts a sophisticated balanced amplification design, seamlessly integrating both Class A and Class AB amplifiers to deliver optimal performance across the entire frequency spectrum. This ensures powerfull output with low distortion, and exceptional dynamics.
Battery
Powering the HiBy R8II is a 12000mAh battery, providing ample juice to sustain extended listening sessions. although the actual longevity will depend on usage patterns, particularly screen usage and playback settings. The charging time of 5 hours can be a bit lengthy, but this is somewhat expected given the battery size. A minor quirk i notice is that when charging the R8II the screen will stay lit, will not go to sleep or standy mode when charging and displays an annoying blinking charging percentage every second. you have to shutdown the dap while charging if you want to charge it with the display off.
Connectivity
With support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, along with Bluetooth 5.0, this ensures robust connectivity options for streaming and wireless audio transmission. The inclusion of USB 3.1 enhances its functionality, allowing for faster data transfer and better handling of external accessories.
Operating System
Seamlessly integrated into the HiBy R8II is the latest iteration of the Android operating system, Android 12. This not only provides access to a vast ecosystem of apps like UAPP, Tidal etc.. via the Google Play Store but also ensures a smooth and intuitive user experience, with snappy seamless navigation and multitasking. this also offers a familiar and flexible operating system that is both robust and customizable and with support for OTA updates and the ability to install third-party apps can significantly enhance the device's functionality.
Processor
Driving the performance of the R8II is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 CPU, renowned for its efficiency and processing prowess. This ensures swift response times, seamless playback, and lag free performance even when handling demanding audio processing tasks. Equipped with 8GB of RAM, the R8 II is on par with many modern smartphones in terms of processing power, ensuring a smooth user interface experience under Android 12. This allows the DAP to handle not only music playback but also the efficient running of third-party apps available for installation.
Memory and Storage
Ample memory and storage capacities, the R8II offers generous room for storing high-resolution audio files, apps, and multimedia content. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage expandable thru micro sdcard.
Build Quality
The R8II features a stainless steel chassis, providing a tough and premium housing for its internals. This not only enhances durability but also adds a touch of sophistication to the device's aesthetic appeal, premium feel and durability, albeit with a hefty profile at 515 grams. Its dimensions (149*78*23 mm) make it one of the bulkier players in the market, which might deter those seeking portability. However, the solid build is indicative of a device designed to offer a substantial tactile experience, befitting its flagship status.
Complementing the sleek stainless steel chassis is the luxurious Alcantara back panel with a choice of blue or red colourway, adding a tactile and premium feel to the HiBy R8II. This premium material not only enhances grip and comfort but also adds a touch of opulence to the device's design.
Display
Front and center, the HiBy R8II boasts a stunning 5.9-inch IPS 1080p+ display, offering vibrant colors, crisp details, and immersive visuals. Browsing through music libraries, navigating menus, or enjoying album artwork, the high-resolution display ensures a visually engaging experience looking at the album artwork while enjoying your favorite tracks.
SOUND
This dap delivers a sound signature characterized by its exceptional balance and neutrality, making it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking accurate and natural audio reproduction. With a touch of warmth that enhances natural vocal clarity.
The neutral sound signature of the Hiby R8 II ensures that every element of the audio spectrum is represented faithfully, from the deepest bass to the crispest treble. Vocals are particularly noteworthy, organic and warm sounding with a natural timbre.
One of the standout features of the R8 II's sound signature is its ability to deliver clean and clear details across the entire frequency range. Intricate instrumental passages or delicate vocals, every nuance is rendered with precision and clarity, allowing you to hear the music exactly as the artist intended.
BASS
The bass reproduction is tight, clean and controlled, with excellent accuracy that ensures a satisfying low-end response without overpowering the rest of the audio spectrum. This balanced bass response adds depth and dimension to music genres that rely mostly on low frequencies.
MIDS
In terms of mid-range reproduction, the R8 II excels at preserving the natural tonality of instruments and vocals, allowing them to shine through with clarity, warmth and detail. The mid-range is not recessed nor forward, striking a perfect balance that ensures every note and vocals is presented with accuracy and authenticity.
TREBLE
The treble performance is crisp and articulate and not too overly energetic delivering sparkling highs that add brilliance and airiness to the overall sound signature. High-frequency details are reproduced with finesse, enhancing the overall listening experience and providing a sense of openness and transparency.
PLUG-INS
The R8II have five plugins to play with. Convolution, Fixed Sample Rate, Sound Field, Balance and DRX10K Dynamics but i will discuss only the two plugins which i think makes a big noticable changes on my tracks the DRX10K Dynamics and my most used the Sound Field plugin.
The Sound Field Plugin is designed to augment the spatial characteristics of the audio playback, allowing users to tailor the width of the soundstage according to their preferences. By manipulating the stereo image, this plugin can create a sense of expansiveness and immersion, particularly suited for IEMs capable of delivering impressive staging depth.
What i really like about the Sound Field Plugin is its ability to enhance the perceived width of the soundstage, providing a more immersive and engaging listening experience. When paired with IEMs like the Symphonium Audio Meteor or The Hidizs MP145, which already exhibit a spacious sound signature, the plugin takes the presentation to new heights. The result is a captivating sense of width and clarity on both ends of the spectrum, particularly evident in airy and ethereal genres.
When setting the plugin value too high can lead to unintended consequences, such as a loss of vocal presence, heightened upper-mid frequencies, and a hall-like reverb effect. To achieve optimal separation and balance, it's recommended to find the sweet spot just slightly to the right of the slider's center. for me this 3 parameters i find best 1.65, 1.75 and 1.80 where the widening effect is pronounced yet controlled.
The DRX10K Dynamics plugin is designed to address perceived compression in recordings by teasing out desired levels of dynamics in specific frequency response areas. With individual sliders for bass, mids, and treble, users can fine-tune the gain levels with up to a potential 10 dB swing in 0.5 dB increments. This level of control allows for precise adjustments tailored to the characteristics of the audio source and personal preferences.
The DRX10K excels in unlocking the dynamic brilliance of audio recordings, offering users the flexibility to sculpt the tonal balance according to their preferences. While some poeple find that the stock settings may not always be ideal for every IEM or Headphone choice, the ability to customize the settings opens up a world of possibilities. By experimenting with different combinations of gain levels, users can achieve unique presentations that highlight specific aspects of the audio, such as vocal dynamics or instrument separation.
When adjusting the parameters of the DRX10K increasing the gain levels can enhance dynamics, it may also lead to potential issues such as clipping during dynamic peaks specially when using sensitive and low impedance iems like my 5 ohm Hidizs MS5. Therefore, it's advisable to keep the gain levels at least 3-4 dB below zero to prevent distortion. Additionally, users should be mindful of the trade-offs involved, including potential reverb, attenuation, and staging quirks. Moderation is key to achieving optimal results, especially when combining the plugin with other audio enhancement tools such as Sound Field and MSEB.
In conclusion, the DRX10K Dynamics plugin for the R8 II is not just a fancy EQ it actually offers a powerful tool for enhancing the dynamics of audio playback, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences with precision and flexibility. By manipulating bass, mids, and treble frequencies, users can unlock the full potential of their tracks, highlighting nuances and intricacies that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Conclusion
In wrapping up my inaugural journey into the world of Digital Audio Players and my exploration of the HiBy R8 II, I'm left deeply impressed and thoroughly enriched by the experience. The R8 II's exceptional blend of technology, premium craftsmanship, and outstanding audio performance has not only redefined my understanding of portable audio but has also set a high bar for future reviews. As I bid farewell to this remarkable device, I do so with gratitude to HiBy for the opportunity and to my brothers and fellow audiophiles in Audio Geek for their trust and support. Here's to many more adventures in the realm of high-fidelity sound, with the HiBy R8 II as a benchmark of excellence guiding my way.
Holding the R8 II in my hands and feeling the heft and weight of it i cant help but think that this dap is a peak of audio engineering, seamlessly blending technology with exquisite craftsmanship to deliver an unforgetable listening experience. In this short review, we explore the different features, technical specifications, and performance capabilities of this flagship digital audio player.
DAC
At the heart of the HiBy R8II lies the Darwin-MPA technology, a proprietary DAC solution crafted in-house by HiBy. This technology ensures pristine audio reproduction, with unrivaled clarity, detail, and fidelity. Darwin-MPA DAC architecture is a highly adaptable setup designed to optimize playback across various formats and resolutions. Coupled with high-quality opamps (OPA1612 and ADA4625-2) The DAP offers a powerful output of 710mW at 32 ohms in its balanced mode and 225mW at 32 ohms single-ended, providing ample power to drive even demanding iems and headphones. R8II offers support for high-resolution audio formats, including DSD 1024 and PCM 32-Bit at a very high sampling rate of 1536 kHz. This ensures that every nuance of the music is faithfully preserved.
Amplification
It also adopts a sophisticated balanced amplification design, seamlessly integrating both Class A and Class AB amplifiers to deliver optimal performance across the entire frequency spectrum. This ensures powerfull output with low distortion, and exceptional dynamics.
Battery
Powering the HiBy R8II is a 12000mAh battery, providing ample juice to sustain extended listening sessions. although the actual longevity will depend on usage patterns, particularly screen usage and playback settings. The charging time of 5 hours can be a bit lengthy, but this is somewhat expected given the battery size. A minor quirk i notice is that when charging the R8II the screen will stay lit, will not go to sleep or standy mode when charging and displays an annoying blinking charging percentage every second. you have to shutdown the dap while charging if you want to charge it with the display off.
Connectivity
With support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, along with Bluetooth 5.0, this ensures robust connectivity options for streaming and wireless audio transmission. The inclusion of USB 3.1 enhances its functionality, allowing for faster data transfer and better handling of external accessories.
Operating System
Seamlessly integrated into the HiBy R8II is the latest iteration of the Android operating system, Android 12. This not only provides access to a vast ecosystem of apps like UAPP, Tidal etc.. via the Google Play Store but also ensures a smooth and intuitive user experience, with snappy seamless navigation and multitasking. this also offers a familiar and flexible operating system that is both robust and customizable and with support for OTA updates and the ability to install third-party apps can significantly enhance the device's functionality.
Processor
Driving the performance of the R8II is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 CPU, renowned for its efficiency and processing prowess. This ensures swift response times, seamless playback, and lag free performance even when handling demanding audio processing tasks. Equipped with 8GB of RAM, the R8 II is on par with many modern smartphones in terms of processing power, ensuring a smooth user interface experience under Android 12. This allows the DAP to handle not only music playback but also the efficient running of third-party apps available for installation.
Memory and Storage
Ample memory and storage capacities, the R8II offers generous room for storing high-resolution audio files, apps, and multimedia content. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage expandable thru micro sdcard.
Build Quality
The R8II features a stainless steel chassis, providing a tough and premium housing for its internals. This not only enhances durability but also adds a touch of sophistication to the device's aesthetic appeal, premium feel and durability, albeit with a hefty profile at 515 grams. Its dimensions (149*78*23 mm) make it one of the bulkier players in the market, which might deter those seeking portability. However, the solid build is indicative of a device designed to offer a substantial tactile experience, befitting its flagship status.
Complementing the sleek stainless steel chassis is the luxurious Alcantara back panel with a choice of blue or red colourway, adding a tactile and premium feel to the HiBy R8II. This premium material not only enhances grip and comfort but also adds a touch of opulence to the device's design.
Display
Front and center, the HiBy R8II boasts a stunning 5.9-inch IPS 1080p+ display, offering vibrant colors, crisp details, and immersive visuals. Browsing through music libraries, navigating menus, or enjoying album artwork, the high-resolution display ensures a visually engaging experience looking at the album artwork while enjoying your favorite tracks.
SOUND
This dap delivers a sound signature characterized by its exceptional balance and neutrality, making it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking accurate and natural audio reproduction. With a touch of warmth that enhances natural vocal clarity.
The neutral sound signature of the Hiby R8 II ensures that every element of the audio spectrum is represented faithfully, from the deepest bass to the crispest treble. Vocals are particularly noteworthy, organic and warm sounding with a natural timbre.
One of the standout features of the R8 II's sound signature is its ability to deliver clean and clear details across the entire frequency range. Intricate instrumental passages or delicate vocals, every nuance is rendered with precision and clarity, allowing you to hear the music exactly as the artist intended.
BASS
The bass reproduction is tight, clean and controlled, with excellent accuracy that ensures a satisfying low-end response without overpowering the rest of the audio spectrum. This balanced bass response adds depth and dimension to music genres that rely mostly on low frequencies.
MIDS
In terms of mid-range reproduction, the R8 II excels at preserving the natural tonality of instruments and vocals, allowing them to shine through with clarity, warmth and detail. The mid-range is not recessed nor forward, striking a perfect balance that ensures every note and vocals is presented with accuracy and authenticity.
TREBLE
The treble performance is crisp and articulate and not too overly energetic delivering sparkling highs that add brilliance and airiness to the overall sound signature. High-frequency details are reproduced with finesse, enhancing the overall listening experience and providing a sense of openness and transparency.
PLUG-INS
The R8II have five plugins to play with. Convolution, Fixed Sample Rate, Sound Field, Balance and DRX10K Dynamics but i will discuss only the two plugins which i think makes a big noticable changes on my tracks the DRX10K Dynamics and my most used the Sound Field plugin.
The Sound Field Plugin is designed to augment the spatial characteristics of the audio playback, allowing users to tailor the width of the soundstage according to their preferences. By manipulating the stereo image, this plugin can create a sense of expansiveness and immersion, particularly suited for IEMs capable of delivering impressive staging depth.
What i really like about the Sound Field Plugin is its ability to enhance the perceived width of the soundstage, providing a more immersive and engaging listening experience. When paired with IEMs like the Symphonium Audio Meteor or The Hidizs MP145, which already exhibit a spacious sound signature, the plugin takes the presentation to new heights. The result is a captivating sense of width and clarity on both ends of the spectrum, particularly evident in airy and ethereal genres.
When setting the plugin value too high can lead to unintended consequences, such as a loss of vocal presence, heightened upper-mid frequencies, and a hall-like reverb effect. To achieve optimal separation and balance, it's recommended to find the sweet spot just slightly to the right of the slider's center. for me this 3 parameters i find best 1.65, 1.75 and 1.80 where the widening effect is pronounced yet controlled.
The DRX10K Dynamics plugin is designed to address perceived compression in recordings by teasing out desired levels of dynamics in specific frequency response areas. With individual sliders for bass, mids, and treble, users can fine-tune the gain levels with up to a potential 10 dB swing in 0.5 dB increments. This level of control allows for precise adjustments tailored to the characteristics of the audio source and personal preferences.
The DRX10K excels in unlocking the dynamic brilliance of audio recordings, offering users the flexibility to sculpt the tonal balance according to their preferences. While some poeple find that the stock settings may not always be ideal for every IEM or Headphone choice, the ability to customize the settings opens up a world of possibilities. By experimenting with different combinations of gain levels, users can achieve unique presentations that highlight specific aspects of the audio, such as vocal dynamics or instrument separation.
When adjusting the parameters of the DRX10K increasing the gain levels can enhance dynamics, it may also lead to potential issues such as clipping during dynamic peaks specially when using sensitive and low impedance iems like my 5 ohm Hidizs MS5. Therefore, it's advisable to keep the gain levels at least 3-4 dB below zero to prevent distortion. Additionally, users should be mindful of the trade-offs involved, including potential reverb, attenuation, and staging quirks. Moderation is key to achieving optimal results, especially when combining the plugin with other audio enhancement tools such as Sound Field and MSEB.
In conclusion, the DRX10K Dynamics plugin for the R8 II is not just a fancy EQ it actually offers a powerful tool for enhancing the dynamics of audio playback, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences with precision and flexibility. By manipulating bass, mids, and treble frequencies, users can unlock the full potential of their tracks, highlighting nuances and intricacies that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Conclusion
In wrapping up my inaugural journey into the world of Digital Audio Players and my exploration of the HiBy R8 II, I'm left deeply impressed and thoroughly enriched by the experience. The R8 II's exceptional blend of technology, premium craftsmanship, and outstanding audio performance has not only redefined my understanding of portable audio but has also set a high bar for future reviews. As I bid farewell to this remarkable device, I do so with gratitude to HiBy for the opportunity and to my brothers and fellow audiophiles in Audio Geek for their trust and support. Here's to many more adventures in the realm of high-fidelity sound, with the HiBy R8 II as a benchmark of excellence guiding my way.
hokagoteatimereviews
Great review!
Specifications:
Driver Type: Planar driver
Driver Size: φ14.5 mm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB +/- 3 dB
Impedance: 16 Ω +/-15%
Cable Length: 1.2 m +/-0.2 m
Plug Size: φ3.5 mm SE or φ4.4 mm BA
Weight: 6.3 g
The Kefine Klanar Planar IEM is a compelling blend of style, performance, and comfort. With a sleek, CNC machined shell design, these in-ear monitors exude durability and aesthetic appeal.
Driver Type: Planar driver
Driver Size: φ14.5 mm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB +/- 3 dB
Impedance: 16 Ω +/-15%
Cable Length: 1.2 m +/-0.2 m
Plug Size: φ3.5 mm SE or φ4.4 mm BA
Weight: 6.3 g
The Kefine Klanar Planar IEM is a compelling blend of style, performance, and comfort. With a sleek, CNC machined shell design, these in-ear monitors exude durability and aesthetic appeal.
Powered by a 14.5mm planar driver, the Klanar delivers an immersive audio experience. Its frequency response of 20 Hz - 40 kHz ensures rich, detailed sound across the entire spectrum. With emphasis on mid bass it adds depth to the low end, while the forward mids amplify vocal clarity, making every lyric pop with precision.
Kefine Klanar Planar IEM somewhat of a W shape sound signature with a focus on mid-bass, forward mids, and extended treble, it delivers an engaging listening experience with nuanced details and clarity.
What truly sets the Klanar apart is its bright and energetic treble without sibilance or harshness. The well-extended highs bring out intricate details in your music, enhancing every note with crispness and sparkle. listening to delicate strings or punchy percussion, the Klanar captures the nuances with finesse and speed.
What truly sets the Klanar apart is its bright and energetic treble without sibilance or harshness. The well-extended highs bring out intricate details in your music, enhancing every note with crispness and sparkle. listening to delicate strings or punchy percussion, the Klanar captures the nuances with finesse and speed.
In terms of technical performance, the Klanar excels. It offers good macro and micro details, allowing you to uncover layers of instrumentation with clarity with a moderate-sized soundstage offers above average instrument separation but interestingly i find the single DD Kefine Delci more holographic and has better imaging compared to the klanar.
Comfort is paramount during extended listening sessions, and the Klanar delivers with its lightweight construction and ergonomic fit. The 1.2-meter cable provides ample freedom of movement, while the option for both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BA plugs ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Comfort is paramount during extended listening sessions, and the Klanar delivers with its lightweight construction and ergonomic fit. The 1.2-meter cable provides ample freedom of movement, while the option for both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BA plugs ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Sound Signature:
Sub-Bass Presence: While the sub-bass is present and responsive when called upon, it leans more towards the mid-bass region. This ensures a solid foundation for the sound without sacrificing clarity or detail.
Mid-Bass Focus: The mid-bass takes center stage, providing punchy and well-defined bass notes that add depth and impact to the overall sound. It offers a satisfying low-end presence without overpowering the other frequencies.
Forward Mids and Vocals: The mids are forward and expressive, placing vocals and instruments at the forefront of the soundstage. This emphasis on the midrange adds warmth and intimacy to vocals, making them shine in every track.
Bright, Extended Treble: The treble is bright and well-extended, contributing to the overall clarity and airiness of the sound. It adds sparkle and detail to high-frequency instruments, enhancing the overall listening experience with good clarity detail without sounding harsh or sibilant.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Average Soundstage: The soundstage of the Klanar Planar IEM is average, providing a decent sense of space and separation between instruments. While it may not offer the expansive soundstage of some other models, it still provides an immersive listening experience.
Good Instrument Separation and Layering: Despite the average soundstage, the Klanar Planar IEM excels in instrument separation and layering. Each instrument occupies its own space within the soundstage, allowing for clear and distinct audio reproduction.
Average Imaging: In comparison to the single dynamic driver Kefine Delci, the imaging of the Klanar Planar IEM is average. While it accurately positions instruments and vocals within the soundstage, it may not offer the same level of precision and detail as its little single dd brother kefine delci.
Conclusion:
Sub-Bass Presence: While the sub-bass is present and responsive when called upon, it leans more towards the mid-bass region. This ensures a solid foundation for the sound without sacrificing clarity or detail.
Mid-Bass Focus: The mid-bass takes center stage, providing punchy and well-defined bass notes that add depth and impact to the overall sound. It offers a satisfying low-end presence without overpowering the other frequencies.
Forward Mids and Vocals: The mids are forward and expressive, placing vocals and instruments at the forefront of the soundstage. This emphasis on the midrange adds warmth and intimacy to vocals, making them shine in every track.
Bright, Extended Treble: The treble is bright and well-extended, contributing to the overall clarity and airiness of the sound. It adds sparkle and detail to high-frequency instruments, enhancing the overall listening experience with good clarity detail without sounding harsh or sibilant.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Average Soundstage: The soundstage of the Klanar Planar IEM is average, providing a decent sense of space and separation between instruments. While it may not offer the expansive soundstage of some other models, it still provides an immersive listening experience.
Good Instrument Separation and Layering: Despite the average soundstage, the Klanar Planar IEM excels in instrument separation and layering. Each instrument occupies its own space within the soundstage, allowing for clear and distinct audio reproduction.
Average Imaging: In comparison to the single dynamic driver Kefine Delci, the imaging of the Klanar Planar IEM is average. While it accurately positions instruments and vocals within the soundstage, it may not offer the same level of precision and detail as its little single dd brother kefine delci.
Conclusion:
The Kefine Klanar Planar IEM offers a balanced sound signature with a focus on mid-bass, forward mids, and extended treble. With its punchy bass, expressive vocals, and detailed treble, it delivers an engaging listening experience across various music genres. While its soundstage may be as expansive as some planar iems on the market, its strong instrument separation and layering ensure a captivating audio experience. Overall, the Klanar Planar IEM is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and well-rounded sound signature with excellent planar technicalities.
DriverDLC+PU Dynamic driver
Driver Size10 mm
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity108 dB +/- 3 dB
Impedance28Ω +/- 15%
Cable Length1.2 meters +/- 0.2 meters
Plug Size3.5mm single-ended
Weight5.3 grams for one side
Kefine Delci at its core lies a 10mm LCP + PU dynamic driver, delivering a rich and immersive sound signature that spans from the deep rumble of 20Hz to the crisp highs of 20kHz. With a sensitivity of 108 dB +/- 3 dB and an impedance of 28Ω +/- 15%, the Delci IEM strikes a balance between efficiency and compatibility, ensuring it can be driven easily by a variety of devices while maintaining clarity and fidelity.
Weighing in at just 4.8 grams for one side and made out of a one piece of solid aluminium by CNC machining which i heard took about 48 minutes to make just one earphone shell, the Kefine Delci is feather-light compared to some metal-shelled single DD items in the market which are heavy and i suspect made out of a cheaper die-casting which is brittle, cracks easy and prone to paint chipping.
The Delci at just 4.8 grams using my timemore coffee scale compared to Simgot EA500 with a weight of 10.6 grams.
Kefine Delci delivers where it counts in terms of sound quality. From the deep, rumbling bass to the crystal-clear highs, every nuance of your music is faithfully reproduced with precision and clarity.
One standout feature is its strong bass, particularly in the sub-bass range, which adds depth and richness to the sound without overpowering other frequencies, Mids are little recessed but vocals are lush and natural sounding with expansive soundstage providing a sense of immersion. the sparkling treble adds clarity makes every micro macro detail of your music shine through without sibilance.
Bass is impactful with resonating sub bass rumble, mid bass is fast tight and punchy does not bleed in to the mids.
Mids steps back just enough to add more space to the already big soundstage it lush and natural sounding, warm while maintaining clarity.
Treble is bright sparkly enhancing micro macro detail retrival and instrument separation adding to a more holographic sound experience.
Delci checks all the boxes i want in an iem, it has the crisp clarity and technicalities of simgot ea500 and the sub bass slam and mid bass smoothness of Hidizs mp145.
This is my new favorite sub 100usd iem Kefine Delci! it will immerse you with your favorite tracks with its powerfull smooth bass and indulge your craving for clarity and details with its well extended sparkly treble and the organic natural sounding mids that you get only from a well tuned dynamic driver. Subtle and elegant looking design, compact lightweight ergonomics fits and seals well in my ears.
In conclusion, the Kefine Delci IEM stands out as a compact powerhouse, offering exceptional sound quality and technicalities, comfort, and versatility in a sleek and portable light weight package, Delci delivers a performance that punches above its weight.
Driver Size10 mm
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity108 dB +/- 3 dB
Impedance28Ω +/- 15%
Cable Length1.2 meters +/- 0.2 meters
Plug Size3.5mm single-ended
Weight5.3 grams for one side
Kefine Delci at its core lies a 10mm LCP + PU dynamic driver, delivering a rich and immersive sound signature that spans from the deep rumble of 20Hz to the crisp highs of 20kHz. With a sensitivity of 108 dB +/- 3 dB and an impedance of 28Ω +/- 15%, the Delci IEM strikes a balance between efficiency and compatibility, ensuring it can be driven easily by a variety of devices while maintaining clarity and fidelity.
Weighing in at just 4.8 grams for one side and made out of a one piece of solid aluminium by CNC machining which i heard took about 48 minutes to make just one earphone shell, the Kefine Delci is feather-light compared to some metal-shelled single DD items in the market which are heavy and i suspect made out of a cheaper die-casting which is brittle, cracks easy and prone to paint chipping.
The Delci at just 4.8 grams using my timemore coffee scale compared to Simgot EA500 with a weight of 10.6 grams.
Kefine Delci delivers where it counts in terms of sound quality. From the deep, rumbling bass to the crystal-clear highs, every nuance of your music is faithfully reproduced with precision and clarity.
One standout feature is its strong bass, particularly in the sub-bass range, which adds depth and richness to the sound without overpowering other frequencies, Mids are little recessed but vocals are lush and natural sounding with expansive soundstage providing a sense of immersion. the sparkling treble adds clarity makes every micro macro detail of your music shine through without sibilance.
Bass is impactful with resonating sub bass rumble, mid bass is fast tight and punchy does not bleed in to the mids.
Mids steps back just enough to add more space to the already big soundstage it lush and natural sounding, warm while maintaining clarity.
Treble is bright sparkly enhancing micro macro detail retrival and instrument separation adding to a more holographic sound experience.
Delci checks all the boxes i want in an iem, it has the crisp clarity and technicalities of simgot ea500 and the sub bass slam and mid bass smoothness of Hidizs mp145.
This is my new favorite sub 100usd iem Kefine Delci! it will immerse you with your favorite tracks with its powerfull smooth bass and indulge your craving for clarity and details with its well extended sparkly treble and the organic natural sounding mids that you get only from a well tuned dynamic driver. Subtle and elegant looking design, compact lightweight ergonomics fits and seals well in my ears.
In conclusion, the Kefine Delci IEM stands out as a compact powerhouse, offering exceptional sound quality and technicalities, comfort, and versatility in a sleek and portable light weight package, Delci delivers a performance that punches above its weight.
The updated version of the Fosi Audio DS2 Dongle DAC is equipped with Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips, this compact device delivers powerful performance with single-ended power output of 128mW (32ohms) and balanced output of 510mW (32ohms). Its frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz with a deviation of only +/- 0.5dB ensures accurate sound reproduction across the audible spectrum. Supporting PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD 64/128/256, the DS2 provides versatility for various audio formats.
With a dynamic range of 130dB and an incredibly low THD+N of 0.0002%, the DS2 delivers pristine audio reproduction with exceptional clarity and detail, making it suitable for critical listening sessions.
Despite its compact size, the DS2 offers robust power output, particularly in balanced mode, providing ample drive even on some planar headphones and earphones.
The DS2 has a neutral to bright sound signature, characterized by clarity and precision, it has a wide airy sound stage, with good mid bass focus its fast punchy well defined bass with clear emphasized mids, natural sounding vocals and energetic and well extended treble with just the right amount of sparkle to give more detail and clarity, stellar instrument separation adds to a more holographic sound.
Compared to the Shanling UA4 Dongle DAC, the Fosi Audio DS2 offers several advantages, particularly in terms of power output and technical specifications. While both devices provide high-resolution audio support and compact form factors, the shanling ua4 offers a more complete feature rich dongle with a status screen, app support, filters and gain switch to name a few but the DS2 stands out with its simple compact elegant design with just a volume buttons on the side and a small rgb light to indicated track file type and a higher power output in both single-ended and balanced modes, and lower THD+N. Additionally, the DS2's neutral to bright sound signature may appeal to users seeking precise and detailed audio reproduction, whereas the UA4 may offer a different sonic character depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices may come down to specific audio requirements, budget considerations, features and personal sound preferences.
While the DS2 is a very good dac like any other dongle dacs its not without fault, i noticed when pushing the ds2 on balance 4.4 to almost max volume (painfully loud) using my Hifiman he400se planar headphones and ARTTI T10 planar iem there is a very noticable distortion on low and mid frequencies. i do believe the proclaimed output of 510mw on balance is accurate but its pushing the ds2 to its limits and resulting to a very noticable distortion.
I also noticed when using the DS2 on Samsung Galaxy tab A8 tablet, Samsung S23 Ultra mobile phone the sound cuts off and restarts every 10-20 seconds i tried tweaking usb settings on my tablet and the UAPP, Hiby and Tidal app, changed cables etc.. still the sound cuts off making the DS2 useless but it works perfectly on my old iphone 7 plus, ipad mini, iphone Xs Max and my older Samsung Galaxy tab A7. Hoping that Fosi Audio will have a fast fix for this compatability issue.
The DS2 is a very good sounding powerful dac, the compact elegant simple design, with stellar detail and clarity compared to dongle twice its price. it truly performs above its price range BUT with the current compatability issue in some android devices it is a total deal breaker for me. i would advice android users to wait until they fix this problem and for IOS users to go get one i have tested it with old and new models of iphone and ipads and i can confirm that there no issues with sound cutting off. this is really a good sounding solidly built dongle dac that out performs some that is above its price point.
I will update my post once Fosi Audio releases a fix for the Android compatibility issue.
With a dynamic range of 130dB and an incredibly low THD+N of 0.0002%, the DS2 delivers pristine audio reproduction with exceptional clarity and detail, making it suitable for critical listening sessions.
Despite its compact size, the DS2 offers robust power output, particularly in balanced mode, providing ample drive even on some planar headphones and earphones.
The DS2 has a neutral to bright sound signature, characterized by clarity and precision, it has a wide airy sound stage, with good mid bass focus its fast punchy well defined bass with clear emphasized mids, natural sounding vocals and energetic and well extended treble with just the right amount of sparkle to give more detail and clarity, stellar instrument separation adds to a more holographic sound.
Compared to the Shanling UA4 Dongle DAC, the Fosi Audio DS2 offers several advantages, particularly in terms of power output and technical specifications. While both devices provide high-resolution audio support and compact form factors, the shanling ua4 offers a more complete feature rich dongle with a status screen, app support, filters and gain switch to name a few but the DS2 stands out with its simple compact elegant design with just a volume buttons on the side and a small rgb light to indicated track file type and a higher power output in both single-ended and balanced modes, and lower THD+N. Additionally, the DS2's neutral to bright sound signature may appeal to users seeking precise and detailed audio reproduction, whereas the UA4 may offer a different sonic character depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices may come down to specific audio requirements, budget considerations, features and personal sound preferences.
While the DS2 is a very good dac like any other dongle dacs its not without fault, i noticed when pushing the ds2 on balance 4.4 to almost max volume (painfully loud) using my Hifiman he400se planar headphones and ARTTI T10 planar iem there is a very noticable distortion on low and mid frequencies. i do believe the proclaimed output of 510mw on balance is accurate but its pushing the ds2 to its limits and resulting to a very noticable distortion.
I also noticed when using the DS2 on Samsung Galaxy tab A8 tablet, Samsung S23 Ultra mobile phone the sound cuts off and restarts every 10-20 seconds i tried tweaking usb settings on my tablet and the UAPP, Hiby and Tidal app, changed cables etc.. still the sound cuts off making the DS2 useless but it works perfectly on my old iphone 7 plus, ipad mini, iphone Xs Max and my older Samsung Galaxy tab A7. Hoping that Fosi Audio will have a fast fix for this compatability issue.
The DS2 is a very good sounding powerful dac, the compact elegant simple design, with stellar detail and clarity compared to dongle twice its price. it truly performs above its price range BUT with the current compatability issue in some android devices it is a total deal breaker for me. i would advice android users to wait until they fix this problem and for IOS users to go get one i have tested it with old and new models of iphone and ipads and i can confirm that there no issues with sound cutting off. this is really a good sounding solidly built dongle dac that out performs some that is above its price point.
I will update my post once Fosi Audio releases a fix for the Android compatibility issue.
If you're looking for earphones that can deliver massive amount of deep thumping bass the QKZ X HBB Hades is here to satisfy your cravings. With its dual dynamic driver setup featuring 9mm PU and LCP composite diaphragms, these earphones are engineered to pump out deep, resonant bass while maintaining balance warm mids and highs, with a very attractive 3D printed resin shell and translucent blue wavy panels, compact, light and creates a good seal on my ears.
With a sensitivity of 95dB and an impedance of 15 ohms, the Hades is easy to drive and can be powered by a wide range of devices, from dsp cables, small dongle dacs to dedicated audio players. The frequency response of 20Hz to 20000Hz ensures wide range for balance sound despite the powerful bass.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the bass, the insanely massive amount of bass. The dual dynamic drivers work in perfect harmony to deliver bass that's not just powerful but also deep and boomy. Whether you're listening to rap, hip-hop, techno, deep house or any genre that demands a solid low end, the Hades doesn't disappoint.
Balance Mids and Highs: Despite the emphasis on bass, the Hades maintains a good balance in the midrange and treble frequencies with just enough warmness to encourage you to crank the volume up for more bass without the harshness, fatiguing upper mids and treble. Compared to rosefinch which have just a bit more sub bass and has a clearer more defined mids brighted upper mids and treble but can get harsh, fatiguing on high volumes.
I did a little mod with my Hades by changing the stock metal filters to the 7hz Legato filter (or you can just remove the stock metal filter) bumps up the upper mids and treble add extra clarity and brightness without losing the powerful bass as you can see in the graph. Thanks to @mars chan for the graph.
To fully enjoy the Hades it needs a curated playlist, a carefully selected tracks that showcases the full bass insanity that hades is capable of, it may not have the best cleanest sounding iem bass, but it perfectly recreates the vibe of bieng in the live venue, bieng in the middle of the club, or in a warehouse rave or in a car with a two 10 inch kicker subs driven by rockford fosgate amps this takes me back... Born in the 70s, Grew up in tghe 80s partied hard in the 90s! yes i am old.
Unboxing video of QKZ X HBB HADES
With a sensitivity of 95dB and an impedance of 15 ohms, the Hades is easy to drive and can be powered by a wide range of devices, from dsp cables, small dongle dacs to dedicated audio players. The frequency response of 20Hz to 20000Hz ensures wide range for balance sound despite the powerful bass.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the bass, the insanely massive amount of bass. The dual dynamic drivers work in perfect harmony to deliver bass that's not just powerful but also deep and boomy. Whether you're listening to rap, hip-hop, techno, deep house or any genre that demands a solid low end, the Hades doesn't disappoint.
Balance Mids and Highs: Despite the emphasis on bass, the Hades maintains a good balance in the midrange and treble frequencies with just enough warmness to encourage you to crank the volume up for more bass without the harshness, fatiguing upper mids and treble. Compared to rosefinch which have just a bit more sub bass and has a clearer more defined mids brighted upper mids and treble but can get harsh, fatiguing on high volumes.
I did a little mod with my Hades by changing the stock metal filters to the 7hz Legato filter (or you can just remove the stock metal filter) bumps up the upper mids and treble add extra clarity and brightness without losing the powerful bass as you can see in the graph. Thanks to @mars chan for the graph.
To fully enjoy the Hades it needs a curated playlist, a carefully selected tracks that showcases the full bass insanity that hades is capable of, it may not have the best cleanest sounding iem bass, but it perfectly recreates the vibe of bieng in the live venue, bieng in the middle of the club, or in a warehouse rave or in a car with a two 10 inch kicker subs driven by rockford fosgate amps this takes me back... Born in the 70s, Grew up in tghe 80s partied hard in the 90s! yes i am old.
Unboxing video of QKZ X HBB HADES
The EPZ Q1 Pro is my second iem from epz it has a gorgeous 3D printed resin shell with hand-painted panel, with
single 10MM dual cavity dual magnetic circuit PU+LCP liquid crystal molecular dome diaphragm driver with a frequency response range of 20Hz-20Khz and sensitivity 100db(+-3db)@Vrms, Impedance:32Ω@1kHz
Total harmonic distortion: <0.5% (@1kHz, 100db)
and a good quality single ended 3.5mm 4 core single crystal copper cable 0.78MM 2 pin connector.
The Epz q1 pro is a good all rounder iem with well balance sound, attractive looking shells, light and compact ideal for on the go or daily use. The tuning however is pretty much avarage, nothing really notable or stands out that make this a little special. the sub bass and mid bass are well balance but it lacks note weight or a little punch, vocals are not recessed but are a bit forward which i like and natural sounding, unlike the epz q5 which scales very well the q1 pro does not, on higher volumes upper mids and treble gets too energetic harsh, shouty and i hear sibilance on some tracks with every hit of the crash cymbals or some high note female vocals.
I was expecting the Q1 Pro to be the fun sounding little brother of the Q5, but its not the case. it still a very well made good looking iem and i would recommend this to a friend who is starting in this hobby and looking for his first pair of earphones, but if you already have like 5 or more sets of iem then for sure the Q1 pro will be more of a sidegrade than an upgrade to your existing collection.
EPZ Q1 PRO Unboxing vid:
single 10MM dual cavity dual magnetic circuit PU+LCP liquid crystal molecular dome diaphragm driver with a frequency response range of 20Hz-20Khz and sensitivity 100db(+-3db)@Vrms, Impedance:32Ω@1kHz
Total harmonic distortion: <0.5% (@1kHz, 100db)
and a good quality single ended 3.5mm 4 core single crystal copper cable 0.78MM 2 pin connector.
The Epz q1 pro is a good all rounder iem with well balance sound, attractive looking shells, light and compact ideal for on the go or daily use. The tuning however is pretty much avarage, nothing really notable or stands out that make this a little special. the sub bass and mid bass are well balance but it lacks note weight or a little punch, vocals are not recessed but are a bit forward which i like and natural sounding, unlike the epz q5 which scales very well the q1 pro does not, on higher volumes upper mids and treble gets too energetic harsh, shouty and i hear sibilance on some tracks with every hit of the crash cymbals or some high note female vocals.
I was expecting the Q1 Pro to be the fun sounding little brother of the Q5, but its not the case. it still a very well made good looking iem and i would recommend this to a friend who is starting in this hobby and looking for his first pair of earphones, but if you already have like 5 or more sets of iem then for sure the Q1 pro will be more of a sidegrade than an upgrade to your existing collection.
EPZ Q1 PRO Unboxing vid:
The Fosi Audio SK02 Dac Amp the latest in Fosi's SK line, it uses the Sabre ES9038Q2M dac chip and SGM8262 opamp same as what FIIO uses on the powerful KA13 dongle and supports up to PCM 384khz, DSD 256 and with an ouput power of 280mw @ 32ohms on 3.5 single ended and 1100mw on 4.4 balance.
It has the same design and built quality of Fosi SK01 amp basically bullet proof metal brick and probably will outlast all my audio gears, on the faceplate it sports 2 buttons for gain and mode usb, optical and below it are the led indicator lights and the solid metal knob with infinite rotation with tactile clicks you can feel when turning the knobs, push the knob once to play/pause push twice to mute/unmute and long press to power on/off, at the back you see 3 inputs, usb type c for input and power since the sk02 in usb powered, there is also 1 optical input and the 3.5 doubles as a analog output and optical out.
Fosi audio did a great job on the implementation of the ES9038Q2M dac chip, its not too warm analog sounding not also cold too bright and technical sterile sound its somewhere inbetween, like they hit the sweet spot. it has a natural neutral clean tone that you get to capture micro macro details in all musical genre you put it through without sounding too digital and a well defined accurate bass though on some tracks i tested it sometimes lean a little bit on the brighter side which also gives the sk02 good details and resolution. with an output of 1100mw on balance it can open up most hard to drive over-ear planar headphones as well as iems. you certainly get more than you paid for sure. Great job Fosi Audio, looking forward to SK03... perhaps making future models more portable and power efficient. SK02 is a fun dac that delivers and performs more that its worth.
True to their word ''HiFi Made Fun''!
Iems i used for testing : Tanchjim Zero, Simgot ea500, Hidizs mp145, ARTTI T10.
Over-ear headphones : Hifiman HE400se.
https://fosiaudio.com/pages/desktop..._xGjSAjHvSJmmFvZ0UGbXyoF5SJUjRb9DPsDhPxkBBCQ4
It has the same design and built quality of Fosi SK01 amp basically bullet proof metal brick and probably will outlast all my audio gears, on the faceplate it sports 2 buttons for gain and mode usb, optical and below it are the led indicator lights and the solid metal knob with infinite rotation with tactile clicks you can feel when turning the knobs, push the knob once to play/pause push twice to mute/unmute and long press to power on/off, at the back you see 3 inputs, usb type c for input and power since the sk02 in usb powered, there is also 1 optical input and the 3.5 doubles as a analog output and optical out.
Fosi audio did a great job on the implementation of the ES9038Q2M dac chip, its not too warm analog sounding not also cold too bright and technical sterile sound its somewhere inbetween, like they hit the sweet spot. it has a natural neutral clean tone that you get to capture micro macro details in all musical genre you put it through without sounding too digital and a well defined accurate bass though on some tracks i tested it sometimes lean a little bit on the brighter side which also gives the sk02 good details and resolution. with an output of 1100mw on balance it can open up most hard to drive over-ear planar headphones as well as iems. you certainly get more than you paid for sure. Great job Fosi Audio, looking forward to SK03... perhaps making future models more portable and power efficient. SK02 is a fun dac that delivers and performs more that its worth.
True to their word ''HiFi Made Fun''!
Iems i used for testing : Tanchjim Zero, Simgot ea500, Hidizs mp145, ARTTI T10.
Over-ear headphones : Hifiman HE400se.
https://fosiaudio.com/pages/desktop..._xGjSAjHvSJmmFvZ0UGbXyoF5SJUjRb9DPsDhPxkBBCQ4
Pros: • Neutral clean sound
• Compact and very light
• Powerful sound output for its size, dont let the 70mw fool you, its sounds more like 120mw, dont make the same mistake i did and please make sure your phones volume is not max when plugging and hitting play
• Wide and holographic sound.
• Balance and natural tone without sounding too warm or bright.
• Efficient. will not drain your phones battery.
• Compact and very light
• Powerful sound output for its size, dont let the 70mw fool you, its sounds more like 120mw, dont make the same mistake i did and please make sure your phones volume is not max when plugging and hitting play
• Wide and holographic sound.
• Balance and natural tone without sounding too warm or bright.
• Efficient. will not drain your phones battery.
Cons: • No balance 4.4 output.
• No direct Lightning plug version needs the included otg cable for ios.
• Not gonna win any beauty contest but the shape kinda grows on me, specially when i use it with my laptop or tablet.
• Faceplate with the mecha design is not a very attractive design choice for me, they should have gone for a all metal plain surface. simple.
elegant even with the polygon shape.
• No direct Lightning plug version needs the included otg cable for ios.
• Not gonna win any beauty contest
but the shape kinda grows on me, specially when i use it with my laptop or tablet.• Faceplate with the mecha design is not a very attractive design choice for me, they should have gone for a all metal plain surface. simple.
elegant even with the polygon shape.
Hidizs SD2 is the latest Dac Amp adaptor from Hidizs with ES9270 Dac chip and supports up to PCM 32bit/384bit and DSD128 and with an output power of 70mw at 32ohms and available only with 3.5mm no 4.4 balance version, it comes with a female type c to male lightning otg cable which allows you to use the SD2 like a regular dongle dac.
The SD2 is made out of metal frame and a plastic faceplate very compact and with a very odd polygon shape which when use on a cellphone or dap will look and feel unnatural for me but when i plug it in the side of my laptop or tablet the shape and the angle makes total sense with the cable of my iem facing me at an angle that is very convenient and doesnt get in the way.
The SD2 may not win in the looks department for me but sure wins in the sound, what it lacks in beauty makes up for it with its performance and portability, it has a neutral to a little bright tonality with good imaging and layering of voices and instruments, balance accurate bass, mids are a bit forward and emphasized with just the right amount of sparkle in treble. for its size and 35-40usd price the sd2 can out perform in sound some of my dongle dacs thats twice its size and cost.
https://www.hidizs.net/.../hidizs-sd2-hifi-type-c-to-3...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G9YMHV5
The SD2 is made out of metal frame and a plastic faceplate very compact and with a very odd polygon shape which when use on a cellphone or dap will look and feel unnatural for me but when i plug it in the side of my laptop or tablet the shape and the angle makes total sense with the cable of my iem facing me at an angle that is very convenient and doesnt get in the way.
The SD2 may not win in the looks department for me but sure wins in the sound, what it lacks in beauty makes up for it with its performance and portability, it has a neutral to a little bright tonality with good imaging and layering of voices and instruments, balance accurate bass, mids are a bit forward and emphasized with just the right amount of sparkle in treble. for its size and 35-40usd price the sd2 can out perform in sound some of my dongle dacs thats twice its size and cost.
https://www.hidizs.net/.../hidizs-sd2-hifi-type-c-to-3...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G9YMHV5
