Reviews by Arijit From HiFiManiac
The Hidizs S3 Pro is a feature-packed USB DAC/amp dongle that offers excellent build quality, technology, and sound in a super compact form factor.
It uses the ESS ES9281C Pro DAC chip, capable of decoding high-res audio up to 32-bit/384 kHz along with DSD and full 8x MQA unfolding.
The sound signature is smooth, balanced, and natural, with good detail retrieval. Bass is deep and controlled, mids are slightly forward with good timbre, and treble is non-fatiguing.
Unique features include an RGB sample rate indicator, microphone passthrough support, and changeable sound signatures via firmware flashing.
It has enough power (55 mW at 32 ohms) to drive most IEMs and efficient headphones under 80 ohms. But they may struggle with high-impedance models.
Easy plug-and-play usage with smartphones, laptops, etc. There is no need for extra drivers. It also works with USB audio apps seamlessly.
At its compact size with premium build and features, the S3 Pro provides excellent value compared to more expensive DAC/amp dongles.
In summary, the Hidizs S3 Pro packs an impressive set of features into a tiny yet premium chassis. It offers smooth, natural, and detailed sound with the ability to tweak the signature. Easy usage, good drivability for most IEMs, and efficient headphones make it a versatile dongle DAC/amp. Lack of onboard volume controls and limited power for high impedance models are the only notable drawbacks. But overall, it provides great value.
It uses the ESS ES9281C Pro DAC chip, capable of decoding high-res audio up to 32-bit/384 kHz along with DSD and full 8x MQA unfolding.
The sound signature is smooth, balanced, and natural, with good detail retrieval. Bass is deep and controlled, mids are slightly forward with good timbre, and treble is non-fatiguing.
Unique features include an RGB sample rate indicator, microphone passthrough support, and changeable sound signatures via firmware flashing.
It has enough power (55 mW at 32 ohms) to drive most IEMs and efficient headphones under 80 ohms. But they may struggle with high-impedance models.
Easy plug-and-play usage with smartphones, laptops, etc. There is no need for extra drivers. It also works with USB audio apps seamlessly.
At its compact size with premium build and features, the S3 Pro provides excellent value compared to more expensive DAC/amp dongles.
In summary, the Hidizs S3 Pro packs an impressive set of features into a tiny yet premium chassis. It offers smooth, natural, and detailed sound with the ability to tweak the signature. Easy usage, good drivability for most IEMs, and efficient headphones make it a versatile dongle DAC/amp. Lack of onboard volume controls and limited power for high impedance models are the only notable drawbacks. But overall, it provides great value.
Attachments
The Hidizs MS2 in-ear monitor aims to deliver audiophile-level sound quality at an ultra-affordable price point. Retailing for under $80, this capable hybrid IEM utilises a configuration of one balanced armature driver and one 10.2mm dynamic driver per earpiece.
This dual-driver setup brings together strengths from both transducer technologies: bass depth and impact from the dynamic driver and top-end airiness and detail from the armature. The result is a cohesive and balanced sound with nice engagement across the frequency range.
Tonality is mildly V-shaped, providing an energetic and fun signature without major coloration. The bass has nice sub-bass rumble and added mid-bass impact while avoiding bloating or muddiness. Mids take a slight step back in the mix but retain good transparency and natural tone. Treble has crispness and extension without getting harsh or peaky.
The technical performance is impressive for the ultra-budget price bracket. Soundstage has good width, with accurate imaging lending an open, spacious quality. Separation is above average for a hybrid, allowing you to pick out individual layers and nuances. Fine details are well-defined, from subtle textures to background flourishes.
Build quality inspires confidence, with sturdy metal nozzles, removable cables, and cleanly assembled resin shells. The slick design stands out with colourful “phosphorescent” faceplates embedded with the Hidizs logo. Comfort and noise isolation are excellent for long listening sessions.
It delivers engaging, balanced tuning in a premium design well above its class.
This dual-driver setup brings together strengths from both transducer technologies: bass depth and impact from the dynamic driver and top-end airiness and detail from the armature. The result is a cohesive and balanced sound with nice engagement across the frequency range.
Tonality is mildly V-shaped, providing an energetic and fun signature without major coloration. The bass has nice sub-bass rumble and added mid-bass impact while avoiding bloating or muddiness. Mids take a slight step back in the mix but retain good transparency and natural tone. Treble has crispness and extension without getting harsh or peaky.
The technical performance is impressive for the ultra-budget price bracket. Soundstage has good width, with accurate imaging lending an open, spacious quality. Separation is above average for a hybrid, allowing you to pick out individual layers and nuances. Fine details are well-defined, from subtle textures to background flourishes.
Build quality inspires confidence, with sturdy metal nozzles, removable cables, and cleanly assembled resin shells. The slick design stands out with colourful “phosphorescent” faceplates embedded with the Hidizs logo. Comfort and noise isolation are excellent for long listening sessions.
It delivers engaging, balanced tuning in a premium design well above its class.
Attachments
Hoping to shake up the ultra-competitive budget IEM market, the new Tangzu Wan'er SG packs a surprising sonic punch for its paltry $20 price tag. This compact single-dynamic driver earphone goes for an enjoyable, musically engaging sound rather than ruthless technical prowess.
Aesthetically, the Wan'er SG keeps it simple, with a lightweight plastic build in smooth or transparent flavors. The angular shape offers a secure and comfortable fit for long listening sessions. The included cable is nothing special, so an upgrade may be in order.
Sonically, these IEMs live up to their name, with a playfully musical tuning. There's a mild V-shaped signature at play, with a mid-bass bump lending a pleasing warmth and weight. The low end shows decent impact and extension but skimps on textures.
The midrange takes on a natural timbre but lacks crisp clarity and detail due to the warmer orientation. Lower mids avoid thinning out, while an upper mid dip results in smooth, if not totally transparent, vocals. Treble is politely relaxed, losing sparkle and air but gaining listenability across a wide variety of tracks.
Technical performance is merely passable, with an intimate soundstage and average levels of imaging precision, detail retrieval, and resolution. The dynamic driver keeps up well enough but won't impress purists.
The Tangzu Wan'er SGs make sensible sonic sacrifices to deliver a smooth, fatigue-free listening experience well beyond typical budget offerings. If you value engagement over analysis for not much money, their charming sound should bring a smile to your ears.
Aesthetically, the Wan'er SG keeps it simple, with a lightweight plastic build in smooth or transparent flavors. The angular shape offers a secure and comfortable fit for long listening sessions. The included cable is nothing special, so an upgrade may be in order.
Sonically, these IEMs live up to their name, with a playfully musical tuning. There's a mild V-shaped signature at play, with a mid-bass bump lending a pleasing warmth and weight. The low end shows decent impact and extension but skimps on textures.
The midrange takes on a natural timbre but lacks crisp clarity and detail due to the warmer orientation. Lower mids avoid thinning out, while an upper mid dip results in smooth, if not totally transparent, vocals. Treble is politely relaxed, losing sparkle and air but gaining listenability across a wide variety of tracks.
Technical performance is merely passable, with an intimate soundstage and average levels of imaging precision, detail retrieval, and resolution. The dynamic driver keeps up well enough but won't impress purists.
The Tangzu Wan'er SGs make sensible sonic sacrifices to deliver a smooth, fatigue-free listening experience well beyond typical budget offerings. If you value engagement over analysis for not much money, their charming sound should bring a smile to your ears.
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