foxyyy

New Head-Fier
LETSHUOER S15 Third Generation 14.8mm Planar Driver - A Broader Soundscape
Pros: rich, smooth midrange
detailed, non-fatiguing treble
wide and accurate soundstage
favors musicality over analytical
lightweight and comfortable
high quality modular cable included
other accessories included in the box
Cons: highs lack air & sparkle, not that extended
needs more power to shine
price
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DISCLAIMER:

I want to extend my gratitude to Letshuoer for providing me with their third-generation planar earphone, the Letshuoer S15, for an honest review. This remarkable unit was sent to me as part of a review tour with my audio enthusiast group. Please note that all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, and I have not received any financial compensation for this review. While I don't claim to be an audio expert, as an avid music enthusiast, I hope my experiences and insights can offer a valuable perspective. I encourage you to audition the product yourself to see how it aligns with your preferences.

INTRO:

This is my first encounter with the Letshouer brand being a neophyte in this hobby for no more than a year. Letshouer is a brand founded by fellow veteran audiophiles on 2016. They seek for the ultimate natural listening experience for audiophiles and constantly finding ways to innovate and discover sonic materials to give the end-user musical satisfaction.

SPECS:
  • Third Generation14.8mm Planar Driver + 6mm R-Sonic Passive Filtering Module
  • New Acoustic Structure, A Sound Quality Powerhouse
  • Dual Acoustic Tubes With Filter Crossover
  • Smooth Transitions Across The Spectrum And Rich Sound Layering
  • High-precision 3D-printed Front Cavity
  • CNC Precision Carved Aluminum Alloy Panel
  • Lightweight Ergonomic Design, Fine And Delicate Touch
  • 216-strands Silver-plated Monocrystalline Copper Cable
  • Detachable 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm 90-degree Angle Connectors
  • 0.78mm Dual-pin receptacle
  • Practical Accessories
  • Every detail is implemented to contribute to the sound quality.
UNBOXING PHOTOS:

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What's inside the box:
  • 2 x S15 Earphone
  • 1 x Cable
  • 3 x Connector
  • 2 x Types Ear tips (3 sizes each)
  • 1 x Storage Box
  • 1 x Instruction Sheet
  • 1 x Warranty Card
The Letshuoer S15 is packaged in a neatly compartmentalized box like a jewelry box. All items are neatly arranged in their own slots. Their selection of color palette of powder blue and light gray, radiates calmness to the eyes. They included a high quality modular cable with L-shaped connectors, a big plus for me. You’ll also receive a rubberized plastic round container to store and protect your IEMs, cable, and ear tips. However, it is prone to fingerprints, so keep that in mind.

The Letshuoer S15 packaging may not reach the level of high-end brands, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression of quality and sophistication. Overall, Letshuoer has put considerable effort into providing a complete package that caters to audiophiles seeking both outstanding sound performance and an aesthetically pleasing experience.

BUILD AND DESIGN:

The S15 features a sleek 3D-printed resin shell with a smooth finish that exudes a subtle rubbery texture. Its thin, anodized silver aluminum faceplate adds a touch of sophistication, beautifully complementing the powdery blue shell. The faceplate design evokes imagery of a majestic whale or a sleek shark, reminiscent of the ocean’s depths. In terms of build quality, the S15 feels remarkably lightweight yet solid, very comfortable to my ears, making it an ideal choice for extended listening sessions.

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The technology employed in the S15 is Letshouer’s in-house R-Sonic Dynamic Harmonic Technology. Its basic idea is that to produce excellent sound reproduction, it must be first non-fatiguing and pleasant before setting the stage of introducing more details and technicalities in sound. You can read more here https://letshuoer.net/blogs/news/letshuoer-r-sonic-dynamic-harmonics if you wish to know about the details of this technology. Together with their 14.8mm third generation dual chamber planar driver and dual acoustic tubes with filter crossover, expect a broad sound stage, excellent transient response, and accurate sound reproduction, all with sonic balance.

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SOUND QUALITY:

Sound Signature: neutral with a hint of warmness in the lower midrange & mid-bass

Bass: controlled and punchy / above average speed and texture for a planar driver / decay is quick as expected

Midrange: has a rich and smooth midrange, not that detailed and transparent / vocals are forward and upfront / male & female voices sound natural and intimate / more musical than analytical

Treble: the highs lacks air and sparkle but are detailed enough to enjoy / non-fatiguing treble and no harshness or sibilance even at high volume / one can certainly listen with it the entire day

Soundstage & Imaging: wide and accurate / instrument separation is great, one can pinpoint where the instruments are playing and coming from

Detail & Clarity: detailed and smooth enough to hear nuances but not analytical sounding

Dynamics: above average dynamics and transient response / tone and timbre are delivered well

Sensitivity: with its 30 ohms impedance, you’ll unlock the S15 to its full potential at medium to high volume / most planar drivers are quite harder to drive versus the easy dynamic drivers

Resolution: not analytical in any way, emphasizes musicality more than very crisp details

Fatigue & Comfort: no pressure points in the ear / lightweight IEM you'll forget you're wearing them / can listen to music with it all-day long

Value: at $309 plus free shipping, this planar IEM positions itself at the midrange market, its price is justified with the included accessories that came with it, but wish they could have priced it a little bit lower

COMPARISON WITH HIDIZS MP145

Can only compare the Letshouer S15 with the Hidizs MP145 since that’s the only planar IEM accessible to me. It’s also one of the popular single planar IEMs among audiophiles with its sweet sounding sound. Comparing the two reveals some distinct characteristics and strengths for each IEM.

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Bass:

Letshouer S15: satisfying sub-bass extension while the mid-bass provides warmth and fullness to the sound / bass texture is excellent​

Hidizs MP145: speed slightly lacking but dense and punchy and slightly gives out rumbly bass​

Midrange:

Letshouer S15: natural, detailed and smooth with an added warmth in the lower section / both male and female vocals stand out naturally and a little forward​

Hidizs MP145: clear and detailed, making vocals and instruments stand out nicely / good balance that doesn’t overshadow the bass and treble​

Treble:

Letshouer S15: well extended and clear without being too bright and harsh / treble-sensitive listeners will like the smooth, relaxed treble even at higher volumes / those wanting more sparkle, airy and crispiness may be left wanting for more​

Hidizs MP145: bright and extends well / highs are crisp and airy and can sometimes sound too bright / good for treble heads who want a more analytical sound​

Soundstage & Imaging:

Letshouer S15: wide and precise / good separation and imaging of instruments​

Hidizs MP145: wide and expansive / good separation and imaging of instruments​

Detail and Clarity:

Letshouer S15: delivers excellent smooth details and clarity / not as analytical as the MP145​

Hidizs MP145: good for critical listening as it reveals fine details in the music​
Fit and Comfort:

Letshouer S15: very light to the ears due to its resin construction / has a good seal / can wear them all-day long​

Hidizs MP145: a little bit heavier due to its metal casing / seal can sometimes loosen up with movement in my ear​
Finish and Price:

Letshouer S15 ($309): smooth resin finish not prone to scratches / twice the price of the MP145​

Hidizs MP145 ($159): anodized metal easily gets nicks and scratches / half the price of the S15​

The Hidizs MP145 is ideal for analytical lovers and those who enjoy extra brightness in the treble, with its expansive soundstage and high level of detail making it great for immersive listening. In contrast, the Letshuoer S15 is suited for listeners who prefer a more balanced and natural sound signature, featuring neutral bass, a forward midrange, and smooth treble, making it versatile for various genres and detailed listening.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound signature and the type of music you enjoy.

CONCLUSION:
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I found the Letshuoer S15 to be a standout product. The S15’s build quality is sleek and sophisticated, with a powdery blue resin shell and anodized silver aluminum faceplate. In terms of sound quality, the S15 has a neutral signature with a hint of warmth in the lower midrange and mid-bass. The bass is controlled and punchy, the midrange is rich and smooth, and the treble is detailed but non-fatiguing. The soundstage is wide and accurate, with excellent instrument separation and smooth detail. If you want an IEM that you want to enjoy listening to for extended periods of time and just there to enjoy the music without overly critical, then the Letshouer S15 fits the bill.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Equipment used for evaluation:
  • Topping DX3 Pro Desktop DAC/Amp
  • Shanling UA4 DAC/Amp Dongle
  • Hifiman HE400SE Headphone
  • Tanchjim Zero IEM
  • Simgot EA500LM IEM
  • Hidizs MP145
Official Website: https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...ve-filtering-module-hifi-wired-in-ear-monitor

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foxyyy

New Head-Fier
HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin HiFi DAC Dongle
Pros: High-Quality Audio Performance
Sound Dynamics
Versatile Connectivity
Build Quality and Design
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Hi-Res Audio Certification
Comfortable Listening Experience
Affordable Price
Cons: No Independent Volume Control
Button Functionality
Limited Treble Sparkle and Air (user-preference)
No Gain Control
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DISCLAIMER:

I would like to extend my gratitude to HIDIZS for providing me with their newest DAC dongle, the S8 Pro Robin, for an honest review. This dongle was sent to me as part of a review tour with my audio enthusiast group. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, and I have received no financial gain for this review. While I do not claim to be an expert on audio, I am a passionate enthusiast who loves good quality music. My experiences and insights may offer valuable perspectives. I recommend auditioning the product yourself to determine how it aligns with your preferences.

INTRODUCTION:

HIDIZS is renowned for producing quality audio products for audiophiles, including IEMs, DAPs, DAC dongles, and cables. Their craftsmanship and excellence in manufacturing are outstanding. My first encounter with HIDIZS was through a friend's MP145 and MS5 earphones, which left me amazed by their sweet sound. Later, I had the opportunity to review their SD2 DAC dongle, which hooked me with its immersive music experience. HIDIZS truly knows how to deliver music to audiophiles' ears.

SPECS:
  • Dual 32-bit High-performance DAC Balanced Architecture - CS43131×2
  • PCM Supports Up to 32bit/384kHz
  • Native DSD 64/128/256
  • 4.4mm Balanced & 3.5mm Single-ended Output
  • CNC Aluminum Alloy Integrated Molding
  • Practical Function Buttons (volume +-/filter switching)
  • Sampling Rate Indicator
  • 80mW+80mW@32Ω 3.5mm SE / 160mW+160mW@32Ω 4.4mm BAL
  • Compatible with All Platforms: Windows/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS/Harmony OS
  • Hi-Res Audio Certification
UNBOXING PHOTOS:

What's in the box:
  • 1 x Type-C to Type-C Cable
  • 1 x Type-C to USB-A Adapter
  • 1 x Type-C to Lightning Adapter
  • 1 x User Manual
  • 1 x Warranty Card
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BUILD AND DESIGN:

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Introducing the HIDIZS S8 Pro, affectionately named "Robin" after the common migratory bird known as the thrush. Just as the thrush symbolizes the beauty of nature, the S8 Pro Robin embodies seamless harmony between technology and sound. Named to highlight biodiversity's importance, it serves as a reminder to cherish our natural world. Through "Robin", we hope to deepen appreciation for the creatures around us, bridging the gap between nature and innovation.”

"I have a Bird in spring
Which for myself doth sing -
The spring decoys.
And as the summer nears -
And as the Rose appears,
Robin is gone."

"I have a Bird in spring" Emily Dickinson

excerpt from the HIDIZS page

The design has a flying-wing shaped appearance to represent the “thrush”. The dongle body is made up of CNC aluminum alloy. Front and back are made of light glass panels. There are 3 big light bronze buttons on the side, one of which is a beautiful big knurled round button, all to control play/pause, volume and switch filter effects. The dongle has no LCD screen display, only a HIDIZS logo that changes color to show the sampling rate of the music playing, which they had implemented across most of their dongles. There are two output ports, one 3.5mm single-ended with 80mW+80mW@32Ω power while the other one is a 4.4mm balanced with 160mW+160mW@32Ω. There is no gain button for this dongle. It only weighs 17g.

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The dongle boasts a dual 32-bit DAC balanced architecture, powered by two CS43131 chips from CIRRUS LOGIC®. A tried and tested dongle used by some of their competitors, same chip used in Fosi Audio DS2, Moondrop Dawn Pro, Tanchjim Space, FiiO KA13, iBasso DC04 Pro and the HiBY Digital M300 DAP to name some. Its amp section provides excellent low total harmonic distortion, providing a clean, stable and noise-free music experience.

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Now let’s go back to the buttons. At first glance, I thought the nice knurled round button is for volume control. It is actually only for PLAY/PAUSE, while the two arrow buttons are for volume and change sound filter (pressing both buttons at once to cycle). I wish they made the circle button a volume knob at the same time play/pause when pressing while the arrow buttons for previous and next track. There is also no independent volume control on this dongle, on my experience when connected to my laptop running the Tidal app, every time I change tracks the volume also changes. Only when I use the HiBy app on my android phone did I find the volume controls work better. But still, for me an independent volume should be a norm in every dac dongle.

SOUND QUALITY:

Sound Signature:
Neutral, leaning towards analog

Bass: Punchy and dynamic

Midrange: Smooth, favoring musicality over detail and transparency

Treble: Non-fatiguing and polite, with limited sparkle and air

Soundstage & Imaging: Decent soundstage with good instrument separation

Detail: Smooth with good retrieval, prioritizing musicality over extreme detail

Dynamics: Above average, not at the level of more expensive dongles/DAPs

Sensitivity: Sufficient power to drive most IEMs and headphones with medium to high sensitivity

Resolution: Clean and above average, not overly analytical

Fatigue & Comfort: Comfortable for all-day listening (depends on IEM actually)

Value: Priced at $65.00 on their website, a good starter dongle with a nice design

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COMPARISON WITH SHANLING UA4:
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Sound Quality:

  • Shanling UA4:
    • The Shanling UA4 is known for its impressive sound quality. It tends to be more neutral, which means it doesn’t add any coloration to the audio. This neutrality is especially noticeable in the bass and treble regions.
    • If you prefer a clean, uncolored sound signature, the Shanling UA4 is an excellent choice.
  • HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin:
    • The HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin also offers good sound quality, but it leans slightly more toward an analog sound. This means it might introduce a touch of warmth or coloration to the audio.
    • If you enjoy a warmer, more organic sound, the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin could be a better fit.

Functionality:​

  • Shanling UA4:
    • The Shanling UA4 comes with an LCD display, which allows you to control various features directly from the device. For example, you can adjust the gain settings easily.
    • The added functionality and convenience come at a slightly higher price point.
  • HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin:
    • The HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is more straightforward in terms of controls. It lacks an LCD display but still provides essential functionality.
    • If you’re looking for a beautiful budget-friendly option without extra bells and whistles, the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin fits the bill.

Price:​

  • Shanling UA4:
    • The Shanling UA4 tends to be more expensive due to its additional features and superior sound quality.
  • HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin:
    • The HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is more affordable, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Remember that personal preferences play a significant role in audio gear selection. Consider your own listening preferences and budget when making your decision. Both dongles have their merits, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs!

RECOMMENDED

Equipment Used for Evaluation:

Topping DX3 Pro Desktop DAC/Amp
Shanling UA4 DAC/Amp Dongle
Hifiman HE400SE Headphone
Tanchjim Zero IEM
Simgot EA500LM IEM
Letshouer S15 IEM

Official Website: https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-s8-pro-robin-hifi-balanced-dongle-dac
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foxyyy

New Head-Fier
HiBy R8 II - the Portable Concert Hall
Pros: premium build and design
generous storage
beautiful IPS touchscreen display
custom DAC architecture
multiple output options
open-android system
exceptional sound quality
neutral signature
spacious soundstage
detailed music reproduction
superb timbre & texture
versatility
Cons: price
weight/portability
heat
HiBy R8 II - Portable Concert Hall--Flagship HiFi DAP


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Comes in silver, blue & red colors.

I would like to extend my gratitude to HiBy for providing me with their flagship HiBy R8 II DAP for an honest review. This incredible unit was sent to me as part of a review tour with my audio enthusiast group. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, and I have received no financial gain for this review. I do not pretend to be an expert on audio, but as a common, regular enthusiast who loves good quality music, my experiences and insights may offer valuable perspective. I recommend auditioning the product yourself to determine how it aligns with your preferences.

UNBOXING

Unboxing the HiBy R8 II is a delight. The outer box features a color-changing holographic print, hinting at the premium product inside. Sliding out the inner box reveals the DAP nestled within, presented almost like a butterfly opening its wings. Alongside the device, you'll find a TPU mixed Alcantara protective case, a screen protector, a charging cable, port protector films, a warranty card/QC certificate, and a user guide. The meticulous packaging leaves no doubt that you're experiencing a flagship product from HiBy.

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HARDWARE

Once you pick up the DAP from the box, it exudes and projects a P-R-E-M-I-U-M product. From its slick stainless-steel chassis to the dual curve design of its sides and how the reflection of light dances around it’s mirror-like metallic finish, it radiates a visually stunning product as well as comfortable to hold and use. At the back of the unit, you will find a beautiful and elegant clad Alcantara material, a synthetic textile with a soft, suede-like microfiber pile, noted for its durability. Even the included TPU protective case is adorned with Alcantara on its sides.

There is no denying the fact that one of the thing you'll notice immediately upon holding the HiBy R8 II is it's weight. Its size is just about the same as my Samsung S23 Ultra smartphone, just slightly shorter and narrower but very thick and heavy. Imagine holding a 12,000mah powerbank in your hands, around 515 grams as stated in their website. This is one DAP I wouldn't be carrying around in my pocket for sure. As you would expect from a high power device, expect it to get warm when charging and in-use. Nothing to be of a concern though, normal for devices these days that uses a lot of juice. Using a 33w charger adapter, was able to charge the device from 50% to 100% in around 3 hours. So expect the most 6 hours to fully charge from a fully drained battery.

It uses a snappy Snapdragon 665, has generous amount of storage (8GB+256GB), Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port. Upon turning on the unit, you'll be greeted with a beautiful 5.9" IPS touchscreen with a solid and razor sharp 1080x2060 resolution. The display is bright, same with my Samsung S23 Ultra. Here is a pic compared to a Fiio M15 DAP:

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Being their flagship product, this is their only DAP that uses their very own evolutionary Darwin-MPA custom DAC architecture. Developed by HiBy to be fully configurable and flexible. Here’s an animation of how it works:

Darwin-MPA Animation

We ordinary consumers don’t need to fully understand the inner workings of Darwin, just the end product..a spacious, detailed, dense and powerful sound for our ears to enjoy & appreciate. Truly an evolutionary design that HiBy will continue and further improve with their future products. Here is a graph taken from their Instagram page of the comparison of their R-series DAPs:

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The unit’s amplification can be selected thru software. It has two options: class A and class A/B, which can be selected on the fly. As expected, class A would drain more battery and make the unit warmer. I chose to use class A/B instead as I find the sound difference very negligible. But if you want to absolutely have the best amplification, then you can leave it at class A for the readily available juice for your music. It also has a turbo mode which increases the max voltage therefore increases the max volume. Expect the battery to drain faster and the unit to heat up faster if both class A and turbo mode is on. You can play around which combination setting is best for you.

You can output thru it’s 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced port at the bottom, both capable enough to drive most iems and headphones with a decent output of 225mW and 710mW @ 32ohms respectively. It also has a 3.5mm & 4.4mm line-out as well. All four are available and all are physically separate from each other. Of course, Bluetooth is also an option.

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Overall, the presentation of the unit, the materials used, the technology inside screams top of the line. Indeed a flagship product that truly is worth its price.

SOFTWARE

HiBy digital audio players run on an open-Android system, meticulously tweaked to maximize the device's hardware capabilities. The HiBy R8 II operates on Android 12, providing a user experience that is familiar and intuitive, especially for long-time Android users. While it lacks phone functionality, it offers a wide range of capabilities akin to a smartphone. With access to the Play Store, users can install various apps such as social media, messaging, and even video streaming platforms. Additionally, users can choose their preferred music streaming service, including popular options like Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify, alongside the pre-installed HiBy Music App.

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The HiBy Music App, a staple for HiBy users, has undergone significant improvements since its inception, now offering a smooth and lag-free experience. Users can access high-resolution music files stored on the device and stream from services like Tidal and Qobuz. Personal playlists can be created using a combination of streamed tracks and local files. The app also features a software remote, allowing users to control the device from another device using HiByLink Controller, or to use the device as a server for remote music access through HiByLink Server.

Moreover, the app offers a range of audio customization options, including an equalizer, parametric equalizer, and the proprietary MSEB (Mage Sound 8-ball Tuning) for fine-tuning the frequency response to match your earphones or headphones. The system-wide plug-ins, meticulously tuned by HiBy engineers, subtly alter the tonality and dynamics of the audio without affecting the overall spectrum, providing a tailored sound experience based on individual preferences.

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LISTENING IMPRESSION

Let's dive into the heart of the matter: the quality of music delivered by HiBy's flagship DAP. To put it simply: WOW! After spending a week with the HiBy R8 II, I can't imagine going back to using my DAC dongle. The sound from the R8 surpasses expectations in every aspect.

The HiBy R8 II's sound signature is fairly neutral, offering a spacious soundstage reminiscent of a concert hall. It allows you to precisely locate instruments and vocals, whether they're in front, behind, above, below, or around you. The spatial sound is truly remarkable, immersing you in a three-dimensional sonic experience.

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Every minute detail in the music is presented, whether it's the grand macro elements or the subtle micro nuances. There's no bleeding between instruments, and the timbre and texture of each sound are incredibly lifelike. Vocals are particularly striking, with each tone and timber coming through distinctly, from the initial note to its lingering decay. This authenticity in rendering vocals and instruments allows listeners to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of the music, as if they were seated in the front row of a concert hall.

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Every headphone I connected, from the budget-friendly Tanchjim Zero IEM to the high-end Focal MG Clear headphones, sounded noticeably better with the HiBy R8 II. I even used it as a DAC for my home audio setup, and the richness and musicality it brought to my B&W speakers were exceptional. When connected to the head unit of my car, the sound was nothing short of exhilarating. The vocal and instrumental textures were a sheer delight to my ears. The HiBy R8 II's timbre stands out as one of its greatest strengths, unmatched by any other DAP.

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Listening to music on the HiBy R8 II is a testament to cutting-edge technology. Whether you're using IEMs, headphones, or other audio equipment, the Darwin-MPA ensures a premium listening experience. If audio quality is your top priority, then the HiBy R8 II is a flagship product that should be at the top of your list.

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Equipment used for evaluation:

  • Topping DX3 Pro Desktop DAC/Amp
  • Shanling UA4 DAC/Amp Dongle
  • FIIO M15 DAP
  • Hifiman HE400SE Headphone
  • Audio-Technica ATH-R70X Headphone
  • Focal Clear MG Headphone
  • Tanchjim Zero IEM
  • Simgot EA500LM IEM
  • Symphonium Meteor IEM
  • Marantz PM-6006 Amplifier
  • B&W 606 Speakers
  • Stock Head Unit Ford Everest 2018

Official Website: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r8-ii
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mars chan
mars chan
NIce review :beerchug:
Zerstorer_GOhren
Zerstorer_GOhren
Nice review!
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foxyyy

New Head-Fier
HIDIZS SD2 HiFi Dongle DAC Type-C to 3.5mm Adapter “Soulful music beyond time and space”
Pros: +neutral
+good soundstage
+highly detailed
+very good imaging
+very good instrument separation
+musical and non-fatiguing
+enough power to drive most IEMs
+efficient power usage
+led indicator for sample rate
+supports in-line mic for phone calls & video conferencing
+small & portable
+unit itself is sturdy
Cons: -no lcd display
-no buttons for volume, play/pause & switching tracks
-no 4.4mm balanced port
-might strain phone's usb port when used mobile
-no usb-c to lightning direct cable capability, need the included otg adapter
-looks won't win the hearts of many but will eventually grow on you
  • Independent Audio DAC Chip ES9270
  • Supports up to PCM 32Bit/384kHz
  • Supports up to DSD128
  • Integrated Design with Type-C to 3.5mm Audio Phone Jack
  • Support iPhone15 Type-C Port
  • Multi Compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, etc
  • Support Hi-Res Streaming Audio
  • New Generation Aluminum Alloy Mecha Design Adapter
  • Zero Delay in Audio & Video Games
  • Support In-line Control and HD Microphone
  • Sampling Rate Indicator Light
  • 20Hz-40kHz Ultra-wide Frequency Response Range
  • Support Multiple Music APP EQ Sound Effect Adjustment
  • Hi-Res Audio Certified
Comes in black, white and gray colors

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I'd like to express my gratitude to Hidizs for providing me with their SD2 dongle DAC/amp for an honest review. This unit was sent to me as part of a review tour with my audio enthusiast group. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, and I have received no financial gain for this review.

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The Hidizs SD2 DAC Dongle features a unique shape compared to others on the market. It plugs directly into the USB-C port of your phone, PC, laptop, or tablet, eliminating the need for annoying dangling wires. While it lacks an LCD display to show music format and resolution, as well as physical buttons for volume and playback control, it does have a small LED light that changes colors based on the resolution of the source being played. Additionally, it only offers a 3.5mm port and does not include a 4.4mm balanced port, making it a straightforward and user-friendly device.

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In terms of performance, the Hidizs SD2 exceeded my expectations. When paired with my Simgot EA500LM earphones and playing songs from my Qobuz account through my Samsung S23 Ultra, I was immediately transported to a musical fantasyland. I found myself listening to my music playlists for four hours straight, captivated by the synergy between the EA500LM and the SD2. The SD2 delivered the musical prowess that a good DAC should possess, offering a very musical and neutral sound profile that truly enhanced my listening experience.

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For critical listening, I switched to my Tanchjim Zero earphones, known for their very neutral sound signature. Once again, the Hidizs SD2 did not disappoint. It demonstrated excellent technical performance, allowing me to hear every instrument used in the music while providing a soundstage and imaging that made the listening experience truly immersive.

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One drawback I noticed when using the SD2 directly plugged into my phone's USB port is the potential for mechanical stress on my phone, especially when mobile. However, when used with PCs and laptops, the design is perfect, with the angled 3.5mm port positioning the earphone/headphone wire naturally toward the user.

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With a suggested retail price of only $39.99 on the Hidizs website, the SD2 is an excellent value for a DAC/amp, especially for use with PCs or laptops where it can remain plugged in. Overall, I highly recommend the Hidizs SD2 for its exceptional performance, user-friendly design, and affordability.

Sound Signature: fairly neutral
Soundstage: spacious..has good depth and height
Detail: highly detailed
Imaging: superb imaging..can precisely locate where instruments and vocals are placed
Separation: good instrument separation
Dynamics: good dynamics..each tone delivered well and timbre is good
Sensitivity: enough power to drive most IEMs..didn’t need to go past the halfway mark on the volume
Fatigue: can listen to music all-day long with it
Build Quality: unit seems robust, no delicate parts that can easily be broken
Value: at only $ 39.99..you can’t go wrong with the SD2

Equipment used for evaluation:
  • Topping DX3 Pro Desktop DAC/Amp
  • Shanling UA4 DAC/Amp Dongle
  • Simgot EA500LM IEM
  • Tanchjim Zero IEM
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Official Website: https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-sd2-hifi-type-c-to-3-5mm-adapter-dongle-dac
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G9YMHV5?th=1
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