Reviews by jreqtech

Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal preferences and limited audio experience, not expert analysis. The Planet was provided to me by ND Audio but opinions remain my own.

Note: This review was first published on my blog here.

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions

• IEM shells & cable
• 3 pairs of generic silicon eartips in S, M, and L sizes

Technical Specifications

• Drive unit: 12mm Dynamic Driver
• Sensitivity: 112 db
• Interface type: 0.78mm
• Frequency response: 20-40K Hz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Cable: Four-strand braid 120±5cm

The IEM Shells

• There are 2 different colors of the ND-Planet - transparent black with a red spherical driver or transparent white with a blue spherical driver.
• On the underside of the shell is a small branding mark as well as an indicator if the shell is for right or left.
• The shells are made of plastic, making it very lightweight. The transparent nature of the shells reveal the internal components clearly. A small vent hole can be seen on the driver and shell for pressure release.
• The nozzle is also made of plastic and has a small lip . The lip is covered with a metal mesh.
• The earpieces are super light, weighing in at just around 4.4g!

The Cable

• When purchasing the ND Planet you can choose between 3.5mm and USB C, and then have another option if you want with or without a microphone. I have the 3.5mm with microphone option but am unable to test out the mic since my phone does not have a headphone jack.
• The cable has 2 thin strands that are braided and terminates with a straight 3.5mm jack. It seems to be of similar quality to the ND NX2 cable, but the NX2 has an angled 3.5mm jack.
• The earhooks have a plastic wrap around them to keep their shapes and these terminate with QDC connectors.
• The cables weigh about 12.3g so you hardly feel like they’re there.

Part 2: Subjective review
Sources

• PC + ifi nano iDSD Le
• Xiaomi 13T + Letshuoer DT03
• Snowsky Echo Mini DAP

Songs

• Asticassia - Takahashi Ohmama
• The Witch From Mercury - Takahashi Ohmama
• Otonoke - Creepy Nuts
• Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Masayoshi Soken
• Answers - Masayoshi Soken
• Close in the Distance - Masayoshi Soken
• Wasted Nights - ONE OK ROCK
• Falling (Feat. Taka) - Jin, Taka
• Hatena - Penguin Research
• Something Comforting - Porter Robinson
• Shelter - Porter Robinson, Madeon
• Hello - Adele

General Usage Impressions

• The eartips that come out of the box are not the best, and don’t give me a good fit. so I replaced them with my favorite Spinfit CP100.
• The cables were also annoying to use, as they tend to want to move in different ways because of its own memory. I replaced it with Moondrop MC1 for 3.5mm and NiceHCK JIALAI JLY2 4.4mm cable.
• The R and L on the cables are hard to see, I wish they painted the right side red instead so it’s clear which side goes where.

Sound Impressions

• Bass: There’s a good amount of bass and some sub-bass rumble, but for songs like Close in the Distance and Close in the Distance both by Masayoshi Soken, as well as Falling by Jin and Taka, the bass can bleed into the mids and can sometimes overpower the vocals.
• Mids: The mids sound recessed, especially for male vocals. Female vocals sound slightly so but sound clear.
• Treble: Detail and instrument retrieval in the treble sounds average as well. It doesn’t sound sibilant, though there is a hint of sparkle but mostly should be inoffensive even to those who are treble sensitive.
• Technicalities: Soundstage feels narrow, average at best. Imaging is and accuracy are both average, and I can also say the same about the details.
• Tonality: The ND Planet sounds like a “relaxed” V-shape, which I like more than the regular V-shape since most of them sound too sibilant or too bassy for me. Notes feel warm and thick thick without being overwhelming.
• Gaming: I played Overwatch 2 with the ND Planet. While the soundstage isn’t wide, the Planet works pretty well and provides clear imaging and directionality for voices, footsteps, and gunfire.

Final Thoughts
For the price, the ND Planet offers a fun kind of tuning for both casuals and audiophiles alike. Though it’s not without its flaws, the price makes it hard to complain. With a few personal touch and upgrades - a different cable and new eartips - it can become a capable daily driver, whether you’re chilling with music or competitively gaming.

Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal preferences and limited audio experience, not expert analysis. The NX2 was provided to me by ND Audio but opinions remain my own.

Note: This review was first published on my blog here.

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions

• IEM shells & cable
• 3 pairs of generic silicon eartips in S, M, and L sizes

The IEM Shells

• There are 3 different colors of the NX2 - Black, Clear, and Purple, I was sent the Black version.
• The shells are made of resin, with the ND logo painted in gold on the angular-shaped faceplate.
• The earpieces are super light, weighing in at just around 3.1g!

The Cable

• The cable has 2 thin strands that are braided and terminates with a 3.5mm jack.
• The earhooks have a plastic wrap around them to keep their shapes and these terminate with QDC connectors.
• The cables weigh about 11.6g, they’re very light.

Part 2: Subjective review


General Usage Impressions

• The freebie silicon eartips feel thinner than the ones that I regularly use. I also noticed that dust stick to them more easily.

Sound Impressions

• The first time I tried this on, I was simply amazed at how much BASS and bass rumble it had. I was listening to Otonoke by Creepy Nuts and the NX2 really accentuated the beat. About a minute in though I started feeling the pressure in my ears so I had to turn down the volume.
• Listening to songs like Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Flow by Masayoshi Soken though is a treat. The piano and strings weigh heavy, and Amanda Achen’s voice rings clear.
• I like the NX2 for listening to relaxed music, since music that have frequent repetitive bass lines seem to be sending more pressure into my ears. BUT if your eardrums can handle it, I think it will work well with electronica and rock genres.
• For gaming, the NX2 performs well enough to use in casual and competitive play. Playing Overwatch with this set allowed me to hear footsteps loud and clear, and the directional audio was decent enough to pinpoint their general directions.

Final Thoughts
The ND Audio NX2 IEMs offer incredible value at around 10 USD, delivering a powerful bass response and decent soundstage, making them suitable for bass enthusiasts and gamers alike. Their lightweight build might seem fragile, but their performance in both music and gaming is impressive for dirt-cheap.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the DAC/Amp. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Snowsky Echo Mini and Snowsky Wind were sent to me by Fiio, but opinions remain my own. My review was not checked by them prior to publishing.

Price: 49.99 USD
Link: https://www.fiio.com/echomini

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• The Echo Mini DAP (in Black, other colors available are Cyan and Pink)
• USB C to A cable
• Documentation (Warranty card and manual)

General Specifications

• Input: USB-C
• Output: 3.5mm Single-Ended,4.4mm Balanced, Bluetooth 5.3
• OS: RTOS
• DAC Chip(s): CS43131 x 2
• Storage: 8 GB internal, expandable up to 256 GB
• Battery: 1100 mAh
• Screen: 1.99” 170x320 IPS screen
• Weight: ~55g

Audio Parameters

• 3.5mm rated power output: L+R≥100mW+100mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%, USB IN)
• 4.4mm rated power output: L+R≥250mW+250mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%, USB IN)
• Bluetooth codec: SBC
• SNR: ≥131dB (32Ω A-weighted)
• THD+N: <0.0004% (-4dB, 32Ω)
• Noise floor: 0.8uV
• Formats supported: DSD, WAV, FLAC, APE, MP3, M4A, OGG
• Sampling rates supported: DSD: 64/128/256; WAV: 24bit/192K; FLAC: 24bit/192K; APE: 24bit/96K

The DAP

• The body and buttons are all made of plastic.
• There’s a molded portion at the back that makes it look like there’s a battery compartment. This is just a design and not functional. There are also 4 visible screws which seem to be the only thing stopping you from opening the Echo Mini. Yay for repairability?
• At the top are the buttons:
  • Power - turns the Echo Mini on/off, also toggles the screen on/off
  • Volume Up/Down - also used for navigating up/down or left/right when in menus. When playing music, double press to go to previous/next song. Press and hold to fast forward/rewind music
  • Play/Pause - also used for confirming menu choices
  • Menu
  • Back - mainly used for navigation
• The front has an IPS ~2” screen. You can brighten or dim it through the menus
• One side has the SD Card and USB-C charging port
• The other side has the reset hole, 3.5mm jack, and 4.4mm jack
• In the bottom left corner is a strap for lanyards.

Part 2: Subjective review

Gear Used

• Philips SHP9500 via 3.5mm
• Snowsky Wind via 3.5mm
• Letshuoer S08 via 3.5mm and 4.4mm
• Moondrop May via 3.5mm and 4.4mm
• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE via Bluetooth

Songs

• Asticassia - Takahashi Ohmama
• The Witch From Mercury - Takahashi Ohmama
• Otonoke - Creepy Nuts
• Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Masayoshi Soken
• Answers - Masayoshi Soken
• Close in the Distance - Masayoshi Soken
• Wasted Nights - ONE OK ROCK
• Falling (Feat. Taka) - Jin, Taka
• Hatena - Penguin Research
• Something Comforting - Porter Robinson
• Shelter - Porter Robinson, Madeon

General Usage Impressions

• It’s so TINY! Even smaller than my phone’s charging brick! It’s also super light because it’s made of mostly plastic. Being used to large handheld devices, it took me some time to get used to how small it was.
• The screen is surprisingly good, clear and bright enough for glancing in direct sunlight.
• Setting up the Echo Mini was very much straightforward, just grabbed my already prefilled SD Card, insert it, navigate to the SD card, and the Echo Mini updates all the songs on the device.
• Updating firmware was pretty straightforward too. Just go to the website and follow the instructions at the top. I didn’t check the firmware version on first run, but I did make sure to update it to 1.3 when I got it, and then to 1.4 when that was announced.
• I had no problems learning how to use the Echo Mini’s controls, the buttons had a very tactile feel to them as well as audible “clicks”.

Sound Impressions

• The Echo Mini’s wide soundstage and crystal clear details really blew me away.
• The tuning is neutral with a bit of warmth and it is fascinatingly transparent and clean.
• The bass is average to above average, and there’s some subbass rumble which are pretty satisfactory for listening to Rock, JRock, and Dance/Electronica.
• The mids are also above average, when it comes to the clarity of male and female vocals.
• The treble is satisfactory to me, I can’t detect any sibilance and my treble-sensitivity isn’t triggered when using the Echo Mini

Nitpicks

• No USB-C output - this would have been a HUGE game-changer!
• The newly added feature to turn on Cover/Album art is cool! Though I had some FLAC files that already had embedded album covers that were not showing up on the Echo Mini. When I asked support why this was so, it turns out my album cover photos were PNG format and the Echo Mini only supports JPG. Kinda a bummer, I'll have to go through my music and update the covers.
• Non-removable/replaceable battery - a missed opportunity here, they could have done the same to the Echo Mini what they did with the Retro Nano. The Echo Mini’s battery are soldered with 2 wires inside.

Comparison with the Hiby R1

• The Hiby R1 is a more modern DAP with it’s Linux-based OS and touch screen with an 85USD base price. It’s packed with features like the MSEB and you’re able to use USB-C out.
• The Hiby R1 is a vocal-forward set that I honestly had a hard time adjusting to, while the Echo mini has a warm-balanced tone with satisfying bass rumble, which I preferred more. This is more of a preference opinion though.
• Depending on what you're going for, if you want something that can connect to WiFi and has a USB-C output, the Hiby R1 is for you. Otherwise if your goal is to do a digital detox and go as simple as possible, the Snowsky Echo Mini is perfect for you!

Final Thoughts
Budget DAPs are definitely getting better and better, giving more value at a price point that’s hard to ignore, and the Snowsky Echo Mini is not an exception. Despite its compact form factor, an all-plastic build and modest storage, it delivers clear, engaging sound with versatile output options like the 4.4mm balanced jack. Its design also makes it an appealing choice for those who miss the 90s vibes but value high-fidelity audio on the go.

It's not hard to like the Echo Mini, and I've found myself daily driving it each time I have had to go out and pairing it with wireless headphones for exercise, or my Moondrop May to relax. This is so far my favorite DAP.

More Photos

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the DAC/Amp. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The FOSI K7 was lent to me as part of a review tour.

Price: 155 USD (Kickstarter) / USD (Retail)
Link: https://fosiaudio.com/pages/fosi-audio-k7-dac-amp

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• The K7 DAC/Amp
• DC 12v power supply
• USB-A/C to USB-C cable
• Bluetooth antenna
• 3.5 headphone splitter
• User manual

General Specifications

• Input: Coaxial, Optical, USB-C,Bluetooth,3.5mm Microphone
• Output: RCA, 3.5mm Single-Ended,4.4mm Balanced
• Bluetooth Version: 5.0
• Bluetooth Transmission Audio Format: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL
• Chipset: XMOS XU208+AKM4493SEQ+QCC 3031+TPA6120
• Headphone lmpedance: 16-300Ω
• Input Voltage and Current: DC 12V 2A

Audio Parameters

• 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Rated Power Output: L+ R≥600mW+600mW (32Ω/THD+N<1%)
  • SNR: 122dB
  • THD+N: 0.0005%
  • Dynamic Range: 121dB
  • Noise Floor: ≤2.5μV
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
• 4.4mm Headphone Output
  • Rated Power Output: L+R≥2100mW+2100mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%)
  • SNR: 121dB
  • THD+N: <0.0002%
  • Dynamic Range: 121dB
  • Noise Floor: ≤ 6.5μV
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
• RCA
  • Rated Power Output: ≥2Vrms
  • SNR: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • THD+N: 0.0005%
  • Dynamic Range: 121dB
  • Noise Floor: ≤3μV
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)

The DAC/Amplifier

• The body of the K7 is made up of cnc-ed aluminum, while the knobs and buttons are made of plastic. The knobs have tactile bumps per step and have around 20 steps each. The knobs are also clickable and has a tactile bump and an audible metallic click when you do.
  • On the front of the K7 are:
  • 3.5mm microphone input
  • 3.5mm headphone output and
  • 4.4mm balanced headphone output
  • On the rear of the K7 are:
  • DC 12V power
  • USB-C input
  • Optical input
  • Coaxial input
  • Bluetooth antenna (input)
  • RCA output
• On the top are two 3.5cm stepped knobs and a small 1-inch LCD that shows information on currently used settings and connectivity.
• The left knob controls volume when turned, and toggles gain level when pressed. The right knob controls input mic volume, and tone adustment for treble and bass when turned, and toggles mic mute when pressed.
  • Below the knobs and LCD are 5 buttons:
  • On-Off/UAC: turns the K7 on and off. If the K7 is on, this button toggles between UAC1 and UAC2
  • Input: toggles between the possible inputs
  • Output: toggles between RCA and headphones (either 3.5mm or 4.4mm - NOTE that it is NOT recommended to use 3.5mm and 4.4mm at the same time)
  • Bypass: overrides the bass and treble tone adjustments if you changed them. Use this to hear the natural sound of the K7
  • Tone/Mic: Toggles between bass and treble for tone adjustment, and can also control microphone volume if on UAC1

Part 2: Subjective review

Setup #1 - PC Gaming

• Source: PC (thru USB C to A)
• Headphones: Philipa SHP9500
• Games: Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, Subnautica

Setup #2 - Mobile Gaming

• Source: Xiaomi Pad 5 (thru Bluetooth 5.0)
• Headphones: Philips SHP9500
• Games: Wild Rift, AFK Journey, CoD: Mobile, Wuthering Waves

Test Notes

• Due to a recent ear infection I am opting to use headphones for this review.
• I will be using my iFi nano iDSD LE for comparing, as it’s the only desktop DAC/Amp that I own.
• As much as possible I will be using the BYPASS output as to only hear the natural sound of the K7.

General Usage Impressions

• The K7 heats up quite a bit, but with the power it’s about to output I think it’s normal, especially since it has an aluminum case.
• As a gaming DAC/Amp, the feature that I expected to be there isn’t. It’s called “Chatmix” (like the one on the Steelseries Arctis 5) or GameVoice (like the one on the Soundblaster G8)
• There’s definitely a splitsecond delay when using the Fosi K7 on Bluetooth mode. This is very apparent when pulling the trigger in CoDM and the explosion comes in a little late so I can’t recommend using this on Bluetooth mode.
• As mentioned, the soundstage and holographic imaging of the K7 is excellent! Combined with the easy tone-adjustment of changing the bass, footsteps and in-game skills used in Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals was much more easier to hear coming. As a support main in both games, it’s always pesky to know when a Sombra or Spider-man is about to jump you.
• Subnautica is another atmospheric game where you play as a stranded astronaut on another planet, forced to scavenge for your survival mostly underwater. It gets a little too real when you hear the water behind you suddenly bubbling.
• All in all, non-Bluetooth gaming with the K7 is a treat and can give you an advantage if paired with the right headphones, people might even accuse you of using wallhacks!

Sound Impressions

• Right off the bat, the Fosi K7 sounds strong, orchestral music sound fuller. Musical details and and clarity is excellent.
• The details are clear and holographic, it’s definitely immersive.
• Despite my headphones already being open back and therefore offers some good soundstage, the K7 enhanced that a bit more, and the sound felt wider in comparison to what I already hear from my ifi DAC.

Nitpicks

• I have a keyboard with a knob that I use for volume control and mute/unmute. The K7 at times ignored any changes to the volume as well as muting/unmuting. I installed the provided driver here (link provided to us by Ryan of the Fosi team), but after a while it occurred again.
• The K7 has a 3.5mm microphone input on the front panel. I wish the microphone input was on the back instead, as it’s cleaner.
• The Bluetooth functionality of the K7 is for receiving audio (connect your phone or DAP to it), not transmitting audio (connecting to bluetooth headphones/in-ears). This would have been nicer especially if you have a wireless PCVR setup.
• The 3.5mm microphone input is in the front. Would have been better to have it at the back for less cable clutter in the middle of the table. A USB or XLR input for the microphone would have been nice as well but maybe that’s asking for too much?

Other Notes

• Maximum volume stops at 62. Sounds like a very arbritrary number right? They gave us the following explanation:
  

  Our product manager said that the maximum volume is 62%:
  

  1. Limited by the amplification level of the main control chip;
  2. Based on point 1, if the volume level is designed too fine, the number of rotations will increase.

  Click to expand...

• The K7 is another device you have to manually turn on after you turn on your PC or console. It won’t turn on automatically since it uses external power.
• I was confused what the UAC 1 and 2 were for at first but here’s the gist: UAC1 (USB Audio Class 1) supports up to 24-bit/96kHz audio with limited bandwidth and broader compatibility, while UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2) will disable microphone input in exchange for higher resolution, lower latency, and better synchronization. UAC 1 is present on the K7 because some consoles like the PS5 don’t support UAC2 yet, which makes UAC1 essential for GAMING DACs.

Final Thoughts
The Fosi K7 is a functionally versatile but powerful DAC/amp, that punches above its price point. It’s a highly capable HiFi device with a wide soundstage, excellent holographic immaging, and immersive sound. And while it falls short of expectations with regards to gaming features, it’s no big deal as the Fosi K7, even if not marketed for gaming, will still be an excellent choice, especially with the discounted kickstarter price, making it a solid option for audiophiles and gamers looking for a budget-friendly HiFi experience.

I’m definitely looking forward to the next product Fosi makes, hopefully it’s going to have more gamer-centric features! Oh and next time, maybe some RGB for the 10% FPS boost? /s

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Tanchjim Bunny was sent to me to review by Mic Audio Store over on TikTok.

Price: 19 USD

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• IEM shells & cable
• Carry pouch
• 6 pairs of eartips (3 pairs wide-bore tips, 3 pairs standard tips)
• A waifu postcard may or may not be included

The IEM Shells

• The shells are made of a completely transparent resin, showcasing the internal components and drivers.
• The metallic faceplates have “Tanchjim” and “Bunny” have printed on each iem in white ink.
• These are very light, weighing 3.2g only.
• The form factor seems to be similar to the Tanchjim 4U

The Cable

• There are two choices when you order the Bunny, a 3.5mm version and a Type-C DSP version. I have the former.
• These are non-braided, but rather are like 2 strands stuck together and wrapped with a flexible plastic material. I don’t mind these, they are easy to wind and unwind but I think they will develop “memory” over time so mind how you wind them.

The Carrying Pouch

• The pouch is a small drawstring bag made of a gray suede fabric. It has the Tanchjim logo debossed in the center of one face of the pouch.

Part 2: Subjective review

General Usage Impressions

• The eartips have a certain smell to them out of the packaging. Letting them air out helped reduce the smell
• I did not recieve the waifu postcard with my review unit, but it should be included for those who buy this pair.
• The fit of the earpieces are comfortable and the included eartips also give a good seal.

Sound Impressions

• There’s an acceptable amount of bass power and bass rumble, which can be felt listening to Otonoke by Creepy Nuts.
• In Falling by Jin and Taka the vocals are a little thin, feels like there’s not much power in them. This is the same for Moongazing by Kenshi Yonezu as well as the intro of Answers by Masayoshi Soken.
• Female vocals however ring clear and vibrant. In ebb and flow by Ray and Hero too by Kyoka Jiro and Chrissy Costanza, their voices are crisp, well-defined, and carry an engaging energy that sits forward in the mix.
• Musical instruments on the treble also ring clear. Piano and violin instrumentals are a treat to listen to
• Soundstage is narrow to average at best. Resolution is acceptable.
• The impression I have of this set points to mean that this set, while it can be considered a generalist IEM, excels best when listening to KPOP and JPOP music
• For gaming it does its job fine. I put the Bunny through a few games of Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals and the directional audio as well as imaging are accurate enough.

Final Thoughts
The Tanchjim Bunny is a great budget earphone. And while it's a good all-rounder IEM set, I think it shines best for people who like music with clear and strong female vocals, like K-pop and J-pop.
It doesn’t have the deepest bass or the widest sound, but it’s well-balanced and clear. It’s comfortable to wear for a long time and looks really nice.
If you want a good-sounding, stylish earphone that’s easy on your wallet, the Tanchjim Bunny is a great starting choice.

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Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast was lent to me as part of a review tour.

Price: 49 USD
Link: https://kineraaudio.com/products/ignitex-beast

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• IEM shells & cable
• 6 pairs of eartips (3 pairs wide-bore tips, 3 pairs standard tips)

The IEM Shells

• There are two (2) variations of the shell design, one is the Kuno (Golden-Red) and the one I have with me is the Zyra (Purple-Red).
• These IEM shells have a bold design with faceplates that shift from deep magenta to rich purple, featuring a pattern that looks like flowing lines or waves. The iridescent effect adds depth, giving a layered look.
• The body is made of smoky black, see-through material, letting you see some of the internal parts. The brand name 'Celest' is printed on the side in cursive, adding a touch of elegance.
• Each earpiece weighs 4.8g so they are very light, you’ll hardly feel the weight on your ears.

The Cable

• A tightly wound basic black cable terminating to a 3.5mm jack. When buying the set, you have an option to get 3 types of cables: no mic, regular mic on the cable, and a boom mic.
• The cable is probably one of my favorites in the <$50 range, as it’s light and has little to no “memory”. They are well behaved are are easy to “pose” for photos.
• The cable weighs ~16g so it’s lightweight.

Part 2: Subjective review

Sources

• PC + ifi nano iDSD Le
• Xiaomi 13T + Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha

Song List

• Asticassia - Takahashi Ohmama
• The Witch From Mercury - Takahashi Ohmama
• Otonoke - Creepy Nuts
• Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Masayoshi Soken
• Answers - Masayoshi Soken
• Close in the Distance - Masayoshi Soken
• Wasted Nights - ONE OK ROCK
• Falling (Feat. Taka) - Jin, Taka
• Hatena - Penguin Research
• Something Comforting - Porter Robinson
• Shelter - Porter Robinson, Madeon

General Usage Impressions

• The shell body really stick out of your ear. At first I thought it would fall right off when I had them inserted but that didn’t turn out to be a problem at all
• It wasn’t noticeable at first, but after a few hours of wearing this set, some pressure build-up can be felt. I had to tip roll and find a pair of basic thin silicon eartips that worked for me

Sound Impressions

• The sound quality of this set stands out for its balance. Nothing about the sound was off, annoying, or exhausting. It's tuned in a warm-balanced manner, making it a versatile "generalist" IEM.
• The mids and highs are clear without being fatiguing, providing a pleasant listening experience.
• In gaming, I tested these with Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals, and the soundstage, imaging, and clarity were impressive.

Final Thoughts
The IgniteX Beast by Kinera Celest is a strikingly designed IEM that balances aesthetics and an inoffensive warm-balanced tuning that provides a well-rounded listening experience across various music genres and even gaming. This set is a great option for those looking for a versatile, budget-friendly IEM and it has definitely earned a spot on my “things I want to buy” list.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Juzear Butterfly 61T was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Price: 219.99 USD
Link: https://hifigo.com/products/juzear-butterfly-61t

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• IEM shells & cable
• Carry case
• A piece of microfiber cloth
• 5 pairs of eartips - 2 foam in and 3 silicon with differing sizes

The IEM Shells

• The shells are made of near-opaque black resin. The silver metal nozzles are substantially wider than what I’m used to, wider than my Moondrop May and Truthear Holas, even with the lips.
• The faceplate has a beautiful painted pattern with silver trim that really shines in natural light. The text “Juzear” is written on the left ear faceplate. Right and left iems are clearly labelled at the bottoms of each shell.
• Each earpiece weighs ~6.3g, but are well balanced that they won’t fall out of your ears.

The Cable

• The cable weighs ~37g and reminds me of NMD Audio’s Mist cable in terms of quality, both feel very premium, though this one is lighter by a few grams.
• The cable is well-wound and braided and doesn’t tangle easily.
• The earhooks don’t “lock in” behind my ears so I need to readjust them from time to time when I move my head.
• R and L are clearly labelled on the 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, and terminates with a 3.5mm jack.

The Carrying Case

• A basic silver-gray textured case with black zippers weighing ~47g. The Juzear logo is embossed on a badge on the front. This badge seems to have dislodged itself during shipping so I had to stick it back onto the case with CA glue.

Part 2: Subjective review



General Usage Impressions

• First time I tried this, it felt so tight with the provided eartips. I had to use the smallest silicon eartips in my collection, which was the SS from the Truthear Holas. This helped alleviate the ear pressure build up, and helped with the nozzles not scraping in my ear.
• I thought I would have a problem with the weight of this set but it seems like I’ve become used to bigger sized ones or the weight balance is well done so I don’t feel them.

Sound Impressions

• I don’t have the Dynaquattro on hand now but it seems like the Juzear Butterfly is just about at par with it in terms of sound quality.
• This set has great soundstage, imaging, and clarity, so much so that it’s great for competitive and immersive gaming.
• The bass is rich and the rumble it produces doesn’t overpower the higher frequencies, but without compromising on the details.

Final Thoughts
Despite the nozzle size issue (which just seems nitpicky for me), the Juzear Butterfly is PERFECT! This set is one of my favorites, contending with the Dynaquattro in terms of sound quality, and both are almost at the same price range.

I’m definitely putting this on my “Things I Want to Buy” list for later on. It’s just so easy to like!

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the cables. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The NMD Cables Nova, Mist, Sakura, and Dusk were lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Package Inclusions

• The cable itself
• A cable strap
• A round storage case
• A pouch
• An aluminum calling card
• A storage box

Note: For the purpose of lighter shipping, NMD Audio sent 2 storage boxes and 1 storage case instead of 4 of each. Nonetheless when buying the cables from them, you’ll get all of these.





General Usage Impressions

• All the cables feel weighty and heavy. Since my IEMs are all lightweight, all of the cables feel like they are pulling them out from my ears if they were not sealed well.
• I like the red and blue strips on the connectors to denote right or left. Very easy to tell which side goes where at a glance.

Storage Case

• The storage case weighs ~52g with an internal diameter of about 7.3cm.
• It seems to be a little small for some of the cables, especially the Mist, since it’s pretty thick.

Cable Strap

• The cable strap is made out of washable kraft paper. I’m not familiar with this material, but I’ve read online that some companies make bags out of this material and it’s safe to machine wash and iron or steam. Not sure if that will fix the creases that were already on them.

---

Nova - 161 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/nova

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 21 AWG
• Material: OCC Silver x 1 (Centre) / Silver-Plated OCC Copper x 2 / OCC Copper x 4
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2
• 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: Gold-plated Tellurium Copper / Rhodium Plated Tellurium Copper
• 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 5u Gold-plated Tellurium Copper
• Length: 1.2 m

Nova Impressions

• The Nova cable weighs ~31.6g.
• Since the cables are pretty thick and don’t bend easily, the earhooks are loose and are not “locked in” behind my ears, which can be annoying at times.
• Coming from a budget 3.5mm cable, the Moondrop May that I used sounded a tad bit warm, but with the Nova, it not only brightened the vocals, but also boosted the bass! I was pleasantly surprised by the big difference. I like how these are tuned the best!

Mist - 471 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/mist

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 20.5 AWG
• Material: Copper & Rare-Earth Element Alloy (Core) / 7N OCC Copper (Shielding Layer)
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2 wIth Shielding Layer
• Connector: Gold-plated OFC / Silver-plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Mist Impressions

• The Mist cable weighs ~41.7g.
• The earhooks for the Mist are better locked behind my ears compared to the Nova. I think it’s because of how heavy the cables are.
• Coming from the Nova, the sound these cable changed were the lows to mids. It’s warm, but not as warm as the Nova. The soundstage seems to also have changed, but I can’t put my finger on how.

Sakura - 619 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/sakura

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 24 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated 5N OCC Silver
• Structure: 3 Different Wire Gauges / 4-layer Golden Ratio Structure / Clockwise and Anticlockwise Twisted Layer
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Sakura Impressions

• The Sakura cable weighs ~36g.
• Similar to the Mist, the earhooks are better locked behind my ears and don’t slip out if I tilt my head to the sides.
• I also noticed that the soundstage is wider, bass is deeper than the budget 3.5mm cable. The tuning is very neutral and I think will not be fatiguing for long listening sessions.

Dusk - 743 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/dusk

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 19 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated & Graphene Coated Copper / Silver /Platinum Alloy
• Structure: Air-Tube Core / Crossed Overlapping Stranded Design
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Dusk Impressions

• The Dusk cable weighs ~44.6g.
• Same as the Mist and Sakura, the Dusk also are better locked behind my ears due to the wire weight. Unfortunately, being the heaviest of the bunch this one fatigued me the fastest.
• It sounds almost similar to the Sakura, but has more bass

Final Thoughts
I honestly don’t have any IEMs worthy of these cables, as I only have the Moondrop May and Truthear Hola, both under $70. But since I recently borrowed a Moondrop May, I was able to do an A/B test between the cables

I always thought that cables won’t make much of a difference, as long as they’re all made the same way. NMD Cables proved me wrong by actually making cables that DID make a difference that a casual like me can hear!

And while the price isn’t for everyone, I think these cables are a worthy upgrade down the line for those who are passionate about high fidelity music.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the cables. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The NMD Cables Nova, Mist, Sakura, and Dusk were lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Package Inclusions

• The cable itself
• A cable strap
• A round storage case
• A pouch
• An aluminum calling card
• A storage box

Note: For the purpose of lighter shipping, NMD Audio sent 2 storage boxes and 1 storage case instead of 4 of each. Nonetheless when buying the cables from them, you’ll get all of these.





General Usage Impressions

• All the cables feel weighty and heavy. Since my IEMs are all lightweight, all of the cables feel like they are pulling them out from my ears if they were not sealed well.
• I like the red and blue strips on the connectors to denote right or left. Very easy to tell which side goes where at a glance.

Storage Case

• The storage case weighs ~52g with an internal diameter of about 7.3cm.
• It seems to be a little small for some of the cables, especially the Mist, since it’s pretty thick.

Cable Strap

• The cable strap is made out of washable kraft paper. I’m not familiar with this material, but I’ve read online that some companies make bags out of this material and it’s safe to machine wash and iron or steam. Not sure if that will fix the creases that were already on them.

---

Nova - 161 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/nova

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 21 AWG
• Material: OCC Silver x 1 (Centre) / Silver-Plated OCC Copper x 2 / OCC Copper x 4
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2
• 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: Gold-plated Tellurium Copper / Rhodium Plated Tellurium Copper
• 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 5u Gold-plated Tellurium Copper
• Length: 1.2 m

Nova Impressions

• The Nova cable weighs ~31.6g.
• Since the cables are pretty thick and don’t bend easily, the earhooks are loose and are not “locked in” behind my ears, which can be annoying at times.
• Coming from a budget 3.5mm cable, the Moondrop May that I used sounded a tad bit warm, but with the Nova, it not only brightened the vocals, but also boosted the bass! I was pleasantly surprised by the big difference. I like how these are tuned the best!

Mist - 471 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/mist

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 20.5 AWG
• Material: Copper & Rare-Earth Element Alloy (Core) / 7N OCC Copper (Shielding Layer)
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2 wIth Shielding Layer
• Connector: Gold-plated OFC / Silver-plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Mist Impressions

• The Mist cable weighs ~41.7g.
• The earhooks for the Mist are better locked behind my ears compared to the Nova. I think it’s because of how heavy the cables are.
• Coming from the Nova, the sound these cable changed were the lows to mids. It’s warm, but not as warm as the Nova. The soundstage seems to also have changed, but I can’t put my finger on how.

Sakura - 619 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/sakura

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 24 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated 5N OCC Silver
• Structure: 3 Different Wire Gauges / 4-layer Golden Ratio Structure / Clockwise and Anticlockwise Twisted Layer
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Sakura Impressions

• The Sakura cable weighs ~36g.
• Similar to the Mist, the earhooks are better locked behind my ears and don’t slip out if I tilt my head to the sides.
• I also noticed that the soundstage is wider, bass is deeper than the budget 3.5mm cable. The tuning is very neutral and I think will not be fatiguing for long listening sessions.

Dusk - 743 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/dusk

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 19 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated & Graphene Coated Copper / Silver /Platinum Alloy
• Structure: Air-Tube Core / Crossed Overlapping Stranded Design
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Dusk Impressions

• The Dusk cable weighs ~44.6g.
• Same as the Mist and Sakura, the Dusk also are better locked behind my ears due to the wire weight. Unfortunately, being the heaviest of the bunch this one fatigued me the fastest.
• It sounds almost similar to the Sakura, but has more bass

Final Thoughts
I honestly don’t have any IEMs worthy of these cables, as I only have the Moondrop May and Truthear Hola, both under $70. But since I recently borrowed a Moondrop May, I was able to do an A/B test between the cables

I always thought that cables won’t make much of a difference, as long as they’re all made the same way. NMD Cables proved me wrong by actually making cables that DID make a difference that a casual like me can hear!

And while the price isn’t for everyone, I think these cables are a worthy upgrade down the line for those who are passionate about high fidelity music.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the cables. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The NMD Cables Nova, Mist, Sakura, and Dusk were lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Package Inclusions

• The cable itself
• A cable strap
• A round storage case
• A pouch
• An aluminum calling card
• A storage box

Note: For the purpose of lighter shipping, NMD Audio sent 2 storage boxes and 1 storage case instead of 4 of each. Nonetheless when buying the cables from them, you’ll get all of these.





General Usage Impressions

• All the cables feel weighty and heavy. Since my IEMs are all lightweight, all of the cables feel like they are pulling them out from my ears if they were not sealed well.
• I like the red and blue strips on the connectors to denote right or left. Very easy to tell which side goes where at a glance.

Storage Case

• The storage case weighs ~52g with an internal diameter of about 7.3cm.
• It seems to be a little small for some of the cables, especially the Mist, since it’s pretty thick.

Cable Strap

• The cable strap is made out of washable kraft paper. I’m not familiar with this material, but I’ve read online that some companies make bags out of this material and it’s safe to machine wash and iron or steam. Not sure if that will fix the creases that were already on them.

---

Nova - 161 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/nova

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 21 AWG
• Material: OCC Silver x 1 (Centre) / Silver-Plated OCC Copper x 2 / OCC Copper x 4
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2
• 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: Gold-plated Tellurium Copper / Rhodium Plated Tellurium Copper
• 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 5u Gold-plated Tellurium Copper
• Length: 1.2 m

Nova Impressions

• The Nova cable weighs ~31.6g.
• Since the cables are pretty thick and don’t bend easily, the earhooks are loose and are not “locked in” behind my ears, which can be annoying at times.
• Coming from a budget 3.5mm cable, the Moondrop May that I used sounded a tad bit warm, but with the Nova, it not only brightened the vocals, but also boosted the bass! I was pleasantly surprised by the big difference. I like how these are tuned the best!

Mist - 471 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/mist

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 20.5 AWG
• Material: Copper & Rare-Earth Element Alloy (Core) / 7N OCC Copper (Shielding Layer)
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2 wIth Shielding Layer
• Connector: Gold-plated OFC / Silver-plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Mist Impressions

• The Mist cable weighs ~41.7g.
• The earhooks for the Mist are better locked behind my ears compared to the Nova. I think it’s because of how heavy the cables are.
• Coming from the Nova, the sound these cable changed were the lows to mids. It’s warm, but not as warm as the Nova. The soundstage seems to also have changed, but I can’t put my finger on how.

Sakura - 619 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/sakura

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 24 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated 5N OCC Silver
• Structure: 3 Different Wire Gauges / 4-layer Golden Ratio Structure / Clockwise and Anticlockwise Twisted Layer
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Sakura Impressions

• The Sakura cable weighs ~36g.
• Similar to the Mist, the earhooks are better locked behind my ears and don’t slip out if I tilt my head to the sides.
• I also noticed that the soundstage is wider, bass is deeper than the budget 3.5mm cable. The tuning is very neutral and I think will not be fatiguing for long listening sessions.

Dusk - 743 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/dusk

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 19 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated & Graphene Coated Copper / Silver /Platinum Alloy
• Structure: Air-Tube Core / Crossed Overlapping Stranded Design
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Dusk Impressions

• The Dusk cable weighs ~44.6g.
• Same as the Mist and Sakura, the Dusk also are better locked behind my ears due to the wire weight. Unfortunately, being the heaviest of the bunch this one fatigued me the fastest.
• It sounds almost similar to the Sakura, but has more bass

Final Thoughts
I honestly don’t have any IEMs worthy of these cables, as I only have the Moondrop May and Truthear Hola, both under $70. But since I recently borrowed a Moondrop May, I was able to do an A/B test between the cables

I always thought that cables won’t make much of a difference, as long as they’re all made the same way. NMD Cables proved me wrong by actually making cables that DID make a difference that a casual like me can hear!

And while the price isn’t for everyone, I think these cables are a worthy upgrade down the line for those who are passionate about high fidelity music.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the cables. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The NMD Cables Nova, Mist, Sakura, and Dusk were lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Package Inclusions

• The cable itself
• A cable strap
• A round storage case
• A pouch
• An aluminum calling card
• A storage box

Note: For the purpose of lighter shipping, NMD Audio sent 2 storage boxes and 1 storage case instead of 4 of each. Nonetheless when buying the cables from them, you’ll get all of these.





General Usage Impressions

• All the cables feel weighty and heavy. Since my IEMs are all lightweight, all of the cables feel like they are pulling them out from my ears if they were not sealed well.
• I like the red and blue strips on the connectors to denote right or left. Very easy to tell which side goes where at a glance.

Storage Case

• The storage case weighs ~52g with an internal diameter of about 7.3cm.
• It seems to be a little small for some of the cables, especially the Mist, since it’s pretty thick.

Cable Strap

• The cable strap is made out of washable kraft paper. I’m not familiar with this material, but I’ve read online that some companies make bags out of this material and it’s safe to machine wash and iron or steam. Not sure if that will fix the creases that were already on them.

---

Nova - 161 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/nova

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 21 AWG
• Material: OCC Silver x 1 (Centre) / Silver-Plated OCC Copper x 2 / OCC Copper x 4
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2
• 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: Gold-plated Tellurium Copper / Rhodium Plated Tellurium Copper
• 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 5u Gold-plated Tellurium Copper
• Length: 1.2 m

Nova Impressions

• The Nova cable weighs ~31.6g.
• Since the cables are pretty thick and don’t bend easily, the earhooks are loose and are not “locked in” behind my ears, which can be annoying at times.
• Coming from a budget 3.5mm cable, the Moondrop May that I used sounded a tad bit warm, but with the Nova, it not only brightened the vocals, but also boosted the bass! I was pleasantly surprised by the big difference. I like how these are tuned the best!

Mist - 471 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/mist

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 20.5 AWG
• Material: Copper & Rare-Earth Element Alloy (Core) / 7N OCC Copper (Shielding Layer)
• Structure: Coaxial Litz Type 2 wIth Shielding Layer
• Connector: Gold-plated OFC / Silver-plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Mist Impressions

• The Mist cable weighs ~41.7g.
• The earhooks for the Mist are better locked behind my ears compared to the Nova. I think it’s because of how heavy the cables are.
• Coming from the Nova, the sound these cable changed were the lows to mids. It’s warm, but not as warm as the Nova. The soundstage seems to also have changed, but I can’t put my finger on how.

Sakura - 619 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/sakura

• Wire Number: 4 Strands, 24 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated 5N OCC Silver
• Structure: 3 Different Wire Gauges / 4-layer Golden Ratio Structure / Clockwise and Anticlockwise Twisted Layer
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Sakura Impressions

• The Sakura cable weighs ~36g.
• Similar to the Mist, the earhooks are better locked behind my ears and don’t slip out if I tilt my head to the sides.
• I also noticed that the soundstage is wider, bass is deeper than the budget 3.5mm cable. The tuning is very neutral and I think will not be fatiguing for long listening sessions.

Dusk - 743 USD / https://nmdaudio.com/products/dusk

• Wire Number: 4 strands, 19 AWG
• Material: Cryogenic Treated & Graphene Coated Copper / Silver /Platinum Alloy
• Structure: Air-Tube Core / Crossed Overlapping Stranded Design
• Connector: Silver-Plated OFC / Gold-Plated OFC
• Termination: 10u Gold-Plated OFC
• Length: 1.2 m

Dusk Impressions

• The Dusk cable weighs ~44.6g.
• Same as the Mist and Sakura, the Dusk also are better locked behind my ears due to the wire weight. Unfortunately, being the heaviest of the bunch this one fatigued me the fastest.
• It sounds almost similar to the Sakura, but has more bass

Final Thoughts

I honestly don’t have any IEMs worthy of these cables, as I only have the Moondrop May and Truthear Hola, both under $70. But since I recently borrowed a Moondrop May, I was able to do an A/B test between the cables

I always thought that cables won’t make much of a difference, as long as they’re all made the same way. NMD Cables proved me wrong by actually making cables that DID make a difference that a casual like me can hear!

And while the price isn’t for everyone, I think these cables are a worthy upgrade down the line for those who are passionate about high fidelity music.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the DAP. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Hiby R4 was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Introduction

Before I review the Hiby R4, I need to explain what DAPs are. Digital Audio Players (DAPs) are portable devices designed to play high-quality music. Unlike the old-school MP3 players of yesteryear, DAPs focus on delivering superior audio quality. They achieve this by supporting a wide range of audio file formats (such as FLAC, WAV, DSD, and MQA) and incorporating high-end components like Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) and amplifiers.

Most DAPs look and feel like phones. Most even run a custom OS with an Android core, but make no mistake, this is NOT a phone, and therefore needs to be treated as such. Don’t expect to surf the internet with DAPs as most don’t have SIM cards. Again, DAPs are NOT phones.

I also have not reviewed any other DAPs so I don’t exactly have a benchmark for any comparison except my Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet with the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha dongle DAC.

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions

• The Hiby R4 DAP
• A TPU case
• Extra screen protector film
• USB C to C cable
• Documentation (Warranty cards and manual)

Specifications

• OS: HibyOS (Android 12)
• SOC: Snapdragon 665
• DAC Chip: ES9018C2M
• 3 GB RAM
• 32 GB internal memory (expandable with a micro SD card up to 2TB)
• 4500 mAh battery (20W charging)
• 4.7” 1080x720 IPS screen
• Weight: ~232g (w/o case), ~264g (w/ case)

Notable Features

• Working Modes - Switch modes for different ways you want to listen to music
  • Android Mode - The default mode of the R4, lets you do everything you need to do with an Android phone.
  • Pure Audio Mode - Minimizes the Android resources used and runs just the Hiby Music player. Potentially can save battery life.
  • USB DAC Mode - When you want to use the R4 as a DAC for your PC, or your phone. I mean it’s possible, I’m not going to stop you.
  • Bluetooth Receiving Mode - Takes advantage of the Bluetooth 5.0 capability and will allow you to use wireless headsets.
• MSEB - short for MageSound Eight-Ball is a Hiby-exclusive functionality that lets users alter the sound output besides the regular 10-band equalizer. In MSEB there are a few parameters that you can alter in a scale, like the overall sound temperature, bass extension & texture, note thickness, and more. You can actually try this out on the HibyMusic app.

Part 2: Subjective review



General Usage Impressions

• The review unit already had quite a few scratches when it arrived. Not really a big deal, as I’m sure it won’t affect the sound output. I did eventually decide to replace the screen protector for the next reviewer, but that was after I had already taken photos.
• The R4 feels very solid and weighty. The frame is made of metal, with some parts made of plastic. I’m not a fan of its angular design, especially the edges. They are definitely sharp, don’t expect to use this without the protective case.
• Setting up the device was painless, boot it up, setup the theme, the language, connect to a wifi, and you’re done. I did run into a minor hiccup where Settings stopped responding (see screenshot).
• 11GB out of the 32 GB is already occupied by system files, leaving me with ~20GB. Fortunately I had a microSD lying around so I filled that up with my FLAC files.
• It was a little disorienting to traverse the OS since you don’t have the usual 3-button navigation at the bottom. Android 12 though has gestures so you can use that to go where you need to be.
• By default Hiby Music was already installed, which is one of my offline players of choice. Hiby Music also has a Tidal integration, but I much prefer using the standalone Tidal app. Since the Tidal app isn’t available in the Philippines, I sideloaded the APK which was not a problem.
• If you rather listen to Spotify, Youtube Music, Apple Music, or any other streaming services, you can download those on the Google Playstore. Don’t forget to save your music on the device when you’re going out though!
• Don’t expect to use the R4 for movies, the screen resolution is small and not bright enough for me. Just use your phone.

Sound Impressions

• Without fiddling with any settings, the R4 blew me away with how much power it gave the Moondrop May even at a low volume the difference in sound as compared to using a dongle with my phone was apparent.
• Using the R4 as a desktop DAC was a surprise, I didn’t know DAPs could do this. It was able to go head to head with my current iFi Nano iDSD LE.
• The R4 has a neutral sound, nothing really stands out to me as off.

Nitpicks

• The Previous / Play / Next buttons only make sense if the R4 is faced down. When I had the R4 in my pocket, I instinctively pressed the top button for Next and was surprised when it went to the previous instead.
• The Power, Previous, Play, and Next side buttons also don’t feel consistent. The Previous button feel like it’s almost stuck. The Volume Up and Down feel very tactile
• The screen / screen protector is a fingerprint magnet. I wish the screen had a more rectangular shape so I can get a generic screen protector and easily cut it to size. I also wish they added wet and dry wipes for when you need to replace the screen protector - which I did. I also wish they had tempered glass instead of film screen protectors, as the ones that come with the R4 are total fingerprint and scratch magnets.
• The rear RGB lights are basically covered by the case. A light colored case would have been better to showCASE (eeeey) the colors of the back and the lights

Final Thoughts

The Hiby R4 is an interesting piece of tech to me. Being able to have mulitple output options as well as working modes, the R4 can truly be called an all-in-one audio device. As a guy who works 90% on my computer, being able to use it as a DAC was a treat and my favorite use of the R4.

For a casual like me, the price is a little steep but if I could afford it, the R4 would be the DAP I’d love to have in my possession for its sheer versatility and value without compromising on audio quality and battery life.

More Photos


___________________________________________________________________________________
6-Hour Battery Tests

Overnight Idle (Connected to Wifi)
Start: 99% at 11:20pm
End: 97% at 8:51am

Charging (R4 is off)
65W GAN charging brick
Start: 27% at 3:50pm
Check 1: 55% at 4:13 pm (+28% after 23m)
Check 2: 70% at 4:30 pm (+15% after 17m / 40m total)
Check 3: 91% at 4:56 pm (+21% after 26m / 1h6m total)
Full: 5:20 pm (+9% after 24m / 1h30m total)
Charging time from 27% to 100%: 1h30m
Note: When the battery got to 91% I was watching and waiting like a hawk, that last 10% took way longer than it should. to charge.



Streaming music via Tidal app
Hiby R4: Low Gain / Volume: 30 / 3.5mm out / Screen Off / Android Mode / Moondrop May IEMs
Start: 96% at 9:31am
Check 1: 76% at 11:30am (-20% after 2h)
Check 2: 53% at 1:30pm (-23% after 2h / 4h total)
Check 3: 29% at 3:30pm (-24% after 2h / 67% after 6h total)
Notes:

• The R4 got warm to the touch, but not to an uncomfortable level.
• At some point I think I accidentally pressed the volume down button twice and it was at 28 when I checked for the last photo.

Playing FLAC files with HibyMusic app (Android Mode)
Files are loaded from a microSD
Hiby R4: Low Gain / Volume: 30 / 3.5mm out / Screen Off / Android Mode / Moondrop May IEMs
Start: 100% at 7:50am
Check 1: 85% at 9:50am (-15% after 2h)
Check 2: 67% at 11:50am (-18% after 2h / 4h total)
Check 3: 45% at 2:06pm (-22% after 2h16m / 55% after 6h16m total)
Note: Same as the previous test, the R4 got warm, but not as warm as the previous test. It was very much tolerable.



Playing FLAC files with HibyMusic app (Pure Audio Mode)
Files are loaded from a microSD
Hiby R4: Low Gain / Volume: 30 / 3.5mm out / Screen Off / Pure Audio Mode / Moondrop May IEMs
Start: at 97% at 2:07pm
Check 1: 82% at 4:07 (-15% after 2h)
Check 2: 65% at 6:07 (-17% after 2h / 4h total)
Check 3: 45% at 8:07 (-20% after 2h / 52% after 6 total)
Notes:

• The heat generated by the R4 during this test was basically the same as when it was on Android mode.
• Looking at the difference in bettery consumption between Android Mode and Full Audio Mode, I think it’s negligible.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Oriveti bleqk "Dynabird" was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Price: 99.99 USD
Link: https://hifigo.com/products/oriveti-bleqk-dynabird (non-affiliate)

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions

• IEM shells & cable
• Carry case
• 7 pairs of eartips

The IEM Shells

• The shells are black cnc-ed aluminum pieces with a brutalistic shape to them that reminds me of Empire tech in Star Wars.
• Each earpiece weighs about 5.6g

The Cable

• The cable has a good thickness to it and is braided well. It terminates with a 3.5mm jack.
• The chin clinch and splitter are made of plastic.
• It is well behaved and easy to wind and unwind.

The Carrying Case

• A basic soft carry case with the Oriveti logo printed on the top.
• It’s a little small but should fit most headphones.

Part 2: Subjective review


General Usage Impressions

• The fit is just right, it gives me a good seal.
• Using this pair for long periods isn’t a problem, not fatiguing at all.

Sound Impressions

• This is a forward vocal pair, meaning the higher frequencies are more pronounced. Sometimes it can be sibilant.
• There’s a respectable amount of bass and bass rumble
• The sound effects for games are brighter, but the clarity, and details are good. Soundstage is average or above average at least.
• This pair reminds me of the NF Audio RA15 that I’ve reviewed before, both have great details and imaging, above average soundstage, but the Dynabird is less brighter than the RA15 and has better bass presence.

Final Thoughts

The Dynabird is an interesting pair, while it has a particularly bright tuning that brings with it above average details, and imaging, the bass performance is decent. It’s a pair that is not fatiguing to use for long periods.

Overall, the Dynabird are great headphones. But for 99 USD it finds itself in a position where some other budget headphones that have similar tuning can be more appealing like the NF Audio RA15 (with the tradeoff of the decent bass and bass rumble).

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Neohipo DC10 was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞: 79.99 USD
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007425780820.html (non-affiliate)

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions

• The DAC/Amp
• A USB-C to USB-C cable

The DAC/Amp

• Made from black-painted aluminum, giving it a sturdy feel.
• Front panel features toggle switches for power and mode, with LEDs for DSD and PCM indicators.
• Back panel includes RCA output, Optical input, Coaxial input, and a USB-C port for power/data connection (e.g., PC).

The Cable

• A generic-looking USB-C to USB-C cable with an attached USB-C to A adapter. It’s functional, though unbranded.

Part 2: Subjective Review

The Neohipo DC10 is designed to be paired with an amp and used primarily with a speaker system. Since I don’t have a speaker setup or desktop speakers, my review will focus on its performance as a headphone and mobile device user.

For this review, I’ll compare the DC10 with my daily driver, the iFi Nano iDSD LE.


General Impressions

• When connected to a PC, it shows up as either "SPDIF Interface (NEOHIPO DC10)" or "Headphones (2-ROSE RZ500S)."
• The device feels somewhat hollow, and toggling the switches produces an audible "ping" sound.
• Be cautious when plugging it into your computer and playing audio as the volume is at its loudest.
• The lack of a 3.5mm output adds a bit of frustration, as I had to purchase an RCA to 3.5mm adapter separately. An integrated amp or better output options would have simplified the setup.

Sound Impressions

• Overall sound quality is on par with my iFi Nano, offering a warm-neutral tuning. It performs well for its price range.
• The DC10 packs enough power to drive higher-impedance headphones, making it versatile.
• However, using an RCA to 3.5mm adapter introduced static when moving the wire. This is likely an issue with the adapter itself, but it highlights the importance of a built-in 3.5mm jack.

Final Thoughts

While the Neohipo DC10 is a solid DAC, it struggles to stand out in a competitive market. For standalone use, the lack of features like a 3.5mm jack and volume control detracts from the experience. It could be a good budget option for desktop setups with the right pairing, but I recommend considering it alongside an amp with a proper headphone jack.

One suggestion for Neohipo: If you’re a new brand entering a crowded market, branding and presentation are key. The packaging for this product felt generic and didn’t distinguish itself, which is a missed opportunity to create a stronger brand identity.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Letshuoer S08 was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Price: 99 USD
Link: https://letshuoer.net/products/lets...tor-earphone-for-audiophiles-musicians-studio (non-affiliate)

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions

• IEM shells & cable
• Carry case
• 6 pairs of eartips
• 4.4mm jack

The IEM Shells

• The shells are made of black cnc-ed aluminum. An “S” design is on each of the faceplate. Each earpiece has a different wordmark debossed on the faceplate; on the right you have the Letshuoer logo, while on the left you have the “Letshuoer” word.
• The earpieces weigh ~6g, each side seems to have about a 0.1g difference? After being able to use heavier headphones, I think I’ve gotten used to the weight easily. My last reviewed headphones was the NF Audio RA15, which were at 9.4g!

The Carrying Case

• The carrying case is a small round cylinder with a twist-to-open lid. The lid has the name logo of Letshuoer front and center.
• The carrying case is made of a matte plastic covering material that is prone to marks, so you have to be careful or you might scratch it easily.
• It is also very bulky as a carrying case, weighing at 76g and has a dimensions of 8cm x 8cm x 3.5cm. I think it would be better called a storage case

The Cable

• The cable is pretty good! It doesn’t feel cheap at all, and is wound and braided very well. There are no kinks or bends to it and does not tangle easily. It has a straight 3.5mm jack at the end.
• It is made of braided brown rubber-covered cables that terminates with a 3.5mm jack and 0.78 2-pin. There are other available variations of this cable with 2.5mm and 4.4mm available when purchasing the set
• The chin clinch and splitter are made of plastic.
• The jack can be switched between the included 3.5mm and 4.4mm! You won’t get the orientation wrong, as there’s a peg-and-hole to guide the insertion of the jack to the cable as well as an arrow as to where that peg is.

Part 2: Subjective review


General Usage Impressions

• I like how consistent Letshuoer is with their packaging. The unboxing experience is similar to the DZ4 headphones.
• The nozzles are a bit on the large size, so I needed to use smaller eartips. My MS wide-bore eartips were too large for this pair.

Sound Impressions

• The bass is deep and thick, I really like how full it is. There’s a satisfying amount of bass rumble, but not to the point that it overpowers the higher frequencies.
• The higher frequencies sound warmer, and doesn’t have the usual vibrance I am used to
• There’s a good amount of instrument separation and details
• The soundstage is narrow, to the point that I feel a little claustrophobic. It was a little difficult using this for competitive gaming since I’m used to wider soundstages to pinpoint distance and location of opponents and allies.

Final Thoughts

The tuning of the Letshuoer S08 is new to me, it’s like dark coffee with a hint of fruitiness. The deep bass intermingling with clear vocals and details that create a vibrant sensation in my head.

And though I mainly like headphones with more soundstage, the S08 was a pair I thoroughly enjoyed using while I went through my playlists. It’s definitely not for competitive gaming, but for a more personal experience.

The Letshuoer S08 isn’t the cheapest planars on the market, but it delivers a different sort of tuning, more bass less treble, less brightness and more warmth. Have a taste and you’ll see, or in this case “hear”!

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The NF Audio RA15 was lent to me by @mars chan because I was in the market for headphones under 100USD that could be used for casual gaming and music listening, it's not a part of any tour.

Price: 89 USD
Link: https://hifigo.com/products/nf-audio-ra15 (not affiliate)


Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• IEM shells & cable
• Carry pouch
• 4 pairs of MS42 Eartips
• Tuning Nozzles

The IEM Shells
- The shells are greenish-grey teardrop shaped cnc-ed aluminum with the NF Audio logo printed in light brown on the faceplate.
- Weighing in at 9.4g, these are the heaviest IEMs I’ve tried, and the MP143 Salt pales in comparison at 7.8g. It’s a little fatiguing to use for more than a few hours for me due to the weight but over time, I got used to it and was able to wear this pair without any problems.




The Carrying Case
- The pouch is a plain white drawstring piece with black cord. Nothing special about it

The Cable

• The cable is of a pearlescent white color. It’s very thin and feels like it can easily be damaged. despite that, it’s very well behaved and easy to wind or position.
• The silver chin clutch and black splitter are both made of plastic.

Part 2: Subjective review


General Usage Impressions

• The shell is a little slippery due to the shape and material. You need to be very careful when handling these
• Despite being heavier than the Hidizs MP143 Salt at 9.4g, I didn't have trouble getting used to the weight. Maybe because the center of gravity was inside my ear instead of outside.
• The shells are small, and are able to give me a good seal. This set made me realize that my right earhole needs one size smaller eartips than my left earhole.
• You won’t have trouble with fitting the shells to the cable, there’s a jacket over the 2 pins that will only fit on the correct pair so it’s much easier to fit the two sides together!

Sound Impressions

• Gold Nozzle
  • The treble is less pronounced, so it’s just warm. I guess this nozzle is supposed to be the “balanced” one.
• Silver Nozzle
  • The treble is more pronounced, more bright. Some songs are are a bit more sibilant to me.
  • I don’t like using this as it seems exhausting to me.
• The soundstage is average at best, it’s not as wide as I hoped, but it’s good nonetheless.
• I used this set for gaming competitively (Overwatch 2) and it was able to give me good information on where certain enemies are, details were great.

Final Thoughts
Premium build quality, outstanding details, with some excellent accessories I think it’s a no brainer that the NF Audio RA15 is a great buy for its price. I have yet to try out any IEMs in the same price bracket that can give the same performance as these (See my profile for what I've reviewed, there's just a few of them. ).

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Roseselsa RS9039 was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Price: 77.99 USD (or roughly 4.5k PHP)
Link: https://hifigo.com/products/roseselsa-rs9039 (not affiliate)

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• The RS9039 DAC/Amp
• A USB-C to USB-C cable
• A storage case

The DAC/Amp

• The Dac is made of a bluish-gray cnc-ed aluminum material.
• A 4.4mm and 3.5mm input is on one side and a light indicator on another.
• The Roselsa branding as well as other details are printed in white ink on the top. There is a
• Under seems to be the electronic schematic of the DAC/Amp.
• It weighs 14.6g, and the dimensions is small enough to pocket.

The Storage Case

• A large rubber coated clamshell case approximately 5 times the volume of the RS9039 that can only contain the DAC/Amp and its cable because of a molded base.

The Cable

• It’s a black braided USB-C to USB-C cable, nothing special about it

Part 2: Subjective review



Devices Used
- PC
- Mi Pad 5
- Xiaomi 13T

Headphones Used
- BQEYZ Cloud
- Truthear Hola

General Impressions

• The Hola paired with the warm tuning of the RS9039 elevated the quality of this 20 USD headphones, giving me more rumble
• Meanwhile the Cloud’s bright tuning is toned slightly down, and the bass a bit more emphasized

Comparison vs Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha

• RS9039 has sightly better details
• Other than that, both sound very similar to me.

Final Thoughts

The Roseselsa is a great DAC/Amp for the price, beating the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha in terms of power output, size, and value. If you value buttons though, get the Hidizs Martha. If not, the RS9039 is a worthy contender.

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The BQEYZ Cloud was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Price: 169 USD
Link: https://hifigo.com/products/bqeyz-cloud (not affiliate)

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• IEM shells & cable
• Carry case
• 6 pairs of eartips
• Cleaning brush

The IEM Shells

• Beautifully colored in metallic green, the Cloud is made of cnc-ed aluminum, the faceplate has 2 parallel lines running through it horizontally
• The underside has a word for each earpiece: BQEYZ on the left and CLOUD on the right
• The earpieces each weigh 5.6g, not too light and not too heavy

The Carrying Case

• A basic soft carry case with the BQEYZ logo debossed on the top and zipper to open and close in the middle.
• It has a netted lid compartment just enough to fit the included BQEYZ eartips and cleaning brush.
• It’s a little shallow so it might be wise to not cram too many things into it.

The Cable

• The cable is pearlescent that terminates with a 3.5mm jack and 0.78 2-pin. There are other available variations of this cable with 2.5mm and 4.4mm available when purchasing the set
• The chin clinch and splitter are made of plastic.
• The cable has “memory” so be careful when storing it, as it tends to bend that way after.

Part 2: Subjective review


General Usage Impressions

• The fit is comfortable, and all the eartips I had in my possession were able to give me a good enough seal.
• The cables have memory, and are not very well behaved. I had a hard time organizing them for product shots.

Sound Impressions

• Using the provided BQEYZ-T2 foam eartips muffled the brightness of these IEMs, but at the expense of soundstage and bass. It felt a bit cramped for me so I switched to the Divinus velvet wide bore eartips, and while the soundstage felt wider, the brightness came back harsher than ever. I opted to use my trusty Spinfit CP100s, which struck a balance between them.
• With songs like A Long Fall by Masayoshi Soken (FFXIV), the male vocals are overlapped by the instruments on the higher frequencies
• In Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Masayoshi Soken (FFXIV), Amanda Achen’s vocals ring clear, and there is distinction between the background voices. In the later part of the song, the piano instrumental starts sounding sibilant as it seems to fight for dominance against the vocals.
• Hatena by Penguin Research is a busy and challenging track for some of the IEMs that I’ve tried, and the Cloud had great instrument separation
• The sound effects for games are brighter, but the clarity, details and soundstage are excellent in competitive games to pinpoint where enemies are coming from.

Final Thoughts

In the first few days of using the BQEYZ Cloud, I hated the bright tuning. I then set it aside to review the Hidizs MP143 Salt (find it on my profile). But as I came back to this and listened to it for a few weeks, I started getting used to the tuning, and loved listening to the details and clarity of sounds.

I told a friend a week ago that “this is hardly worth 169 USD,” but I have to admit that I was wrong, the BQEYZ brings to the table excellent clarity for higher treble, and an immersive soundstage that’s definitely worth the price!

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Binary Dynaquattro was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Price: 259.99 USD
Link: https://hifigo.com/products/binary-dynaquattro

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• IEM shells & cable
• Carry case
• 6 pairs of eartips in 2 separate baggies inside a small plastic case

The IEM Shells

• The shell body is made of a translucent black plastic that when hit by light in a certain way will let you see a bit of the inner workings of the IEMS. The faceplate is made of CNC-ed aluminum, with some debossed gear designs, the inner recesses seem to be painted black.
• The earpieces weigh ~6.6g. You will definitely feel the weight on your ears after some time.

The Carrying Case

• The carrying case is a clamshell made of thick abs plastic. The cover is transparent while the bottom is black. Inside is a
• The carrying case is made of a matte plastic covering material that is prone to marks, so you have to be careful or you might scratch it easily.
• It is also very bulky as a carrying case, weighing at 76g and has a dimensions of 8cm x 8cm x 3.5cm. I think it would be better called a storage case

The Cable

• Nicely wound and braided, the cables feel premium! It doesn’t tangle at all, but it definitely has “memory” - meaning if you leave it coiled in a certain way for some time, it will want to keep that form.
• The chin clinch and splitter are also made of metal and feel heavy.
• The jack can be switched between the included 3.5mm and 4.4mm! There’s a peg-and-hole to guide the insertion of the jack to the cable so you won’t get the orientation wrong.

Part 2: Subjective review


General Usage Impressions

• I originally used small sized wide bore Divinus Velvet eartips. They were definitely comfortable eartips, but I found the nozzles were just too wide and it felt like it was directly scratching my ear canal, so I switched to my small CP100. The fit and seal were better but I would have really liked the softness of the velvet eartips.
• The shell’s shape is great! It gave me a great seal that my wife had to shout at me a few times before I could hear her.
• Due to the weight of the shells as well as the splitter and chin clinch, I am unable to wear these for an extended period of time.

Sound Impressions

• Right off the bat, I noticed just how VAST the soundstage is, it’s so good! It’s very immersive, and I enjoyed using these IEMs for watching movies as well as competitive gaming.
• Speaking of competitive, I felt like I had wallhacks while using these! I caught enemies trying to sneak behind me in multiple games of Overwatch
• I love how balanced the sound profile of these IEMs are, they don’t fatigue me at all.
• Listening to music has also been quite enjoyable!

Final Thoughts

The Dynaquattro is now one of my favorite IEMs! The sound, comfort, and build quality is perfect! If only it were a tad bit lighter, I would say these would be the most perfect IEMs for me! If I owned these, I would look into aftermarket cables to get rid of that weight.

The price isn’t for everybody, that’s for sure. But if you have a 250 USD budget and are looking for a premium-feeling and sounding IEM, these might be just for you!

Disclaimer
Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Hidizs MP143 Salt was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Price: 99 USD (Kickstarter price), 159 USD (regular price)
Link: https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-mp143-large-planar-magnetic-hifi-in-ear-monitors

Part 1: General Product Details

Package Inclusions:

• IEM shells & cable
• Carrying Pouch
• 6 pairs of Eartips
• 3 tuning nozzles

The IEM Shells

• The shells are CNC-ed from one piece of aluminum and has that bare-metal look. The sample I got was silver, but I know that there’s a bluish-black variant. The faceplate has the Hidizs logo printed with black ink (?) and below that are grooves in a staircase pattern (for lack of a better description)
• Each earpiece weighs 7.8g without eartips. These are probably the heaviest IEMs that I’ve ever tried on!
• These IEMs use the standard 0.78mm 2 pin connectors, so they are compatible with most aftermarket cables.

The Carrying Case Pouch

• The pouch is made of polyurethane leather, with the Hidizs logo printed in black. The pouch is easily opened and closed by a cinch.
• It honestly feels cheaply made, and I don’t think this will last for a long time. I suggest using a hard case or one that has more padding to safely carry around your IEMs.

The Cable

• Feels just like my Truthear Hola cables, nothing fancy on the outside.
• My review unit had the 4.4mm jack so I had to use the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha as source when using my computer instead of my ifi nano LE

Extra: The Tuning Nozzles

• This is a first for me to be able to use IEMs that have replaceable nozzles! Each nozzle changes the tuning slightly, and are of different colors to easily identify what each one is for.
• The Red nozzles change the tuning of the IEMs and give it more BASS.
• The Silver nozzles changes the tuning to have more TREBLE.
• The Rose Gold nozzles are for a more balanced tuning. These are what I use and are my favorite!

Part 2: Subjective review


General Usage Impressions

• I was super hyped to try these out, but the first time I tried them on and the right IEM wasn’t going in well. The IEMs are heavy and have a large shape, which reminded me of the Elysian Pilgrims since I had the same problem with them as well.
• Due to the above, I am unable to get a good seal, and have to constantly adjust the right IEM so it won’t fall off, which just made it frustrating to use.
• I love the concept of tuning nozzles, it’s a great way of appealing to a crowd that have differing preferences, and makes the IEMs flexible enough to appeal to the majority. It was very easy to switch nozzles: just twist to remove and replace.
• Since the MP143 I received only had the 4.4mm jack, I had to use a mobile DAC/AMP, I used the HIDIZS S9 Pro Plus Martha that was loaned to me by Mars.

Sound Impressions

• I used the Rose Gold nozzles the most since I prefer the more balanced tuning than more bass and treble. The Red nozzles boosts the bass while reducing the the higher frequencies. The Silver nozzles do the opposite of this, reducing the bass while boosting the higher frequencies.
• The first thing I noticed was the soundstage and details. These are AMAZING for listening to music and gaming! Definitely a set that I would want to use to give me a competitive edge when gaming
• Listening to a busy track like Hatena by Penguin Research, the MP143 had great clarity and detail. I was able to hear specific instruments when I focused on them.

Final Thoughts

The MP143 sounds, looks, and feels amazing, the price to performance and value you get out of the box is a great deal! Plus you get to help protect whales, as Hidizs has partnered with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation! If you hadn’t noticed, they chose not to add plastics in their packaging. Thanks Hidizs!

But no matter how much I wanted to love this set so much, and how I was looking forward to get myself a pair, the fitment issues were the biggest detriment for me. If you do have larger ears, it’s a no-brainer, grab the Hidizs MP143 while it’s still on Kickstarter to save yourself 60 USD, and also save the whales!