Hidizs MP143

Intro​

Planar driver IEMs really started to gain popularity when the 7Hz Timeless was released. Since then, many brands have begun creating their own versions. One of my favorites is the Hidizs MP145, which offers great sound along with solid build quality. Recently, Hidizs released the MP143, a more affordable cousin, and many reports suggest it shares a lot of similarities in sound with the MP145.

I’ve spent a good amount of time using both the MP143 and MP145 to really feel the difference between them. In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on the MP143 and what makes it special. Whether you’re a music lover or just want good sound without breaking the bank, I hope this review helps you decide if the MP143 is the right choice for you!

Disclaimer: This unit was sent to me directly by Hidizs for review purposes. I have shared my honest experiences with you, and no one has influenced me to say anything positive or different about it. Everything I discuss in this review is based solely on my personal use and experiences.

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If you’re interested in purchasing this, you can order it directly from Hidizs. For those in Bangladesh looking for an easy way to buy it, you can reach out to Geek Mart for assistance.

Design​

The Hidizs MP143 Salt comes in a CNC-machined aluminum shell that feels sturdy and well-built, giving it a solidly robust premium feel. My review unit came in the sleek Gun Black finish that gives it an understated yet classy look. The anodized matte finish adds to its appeal, keeping the surface resistant to fingerprints and oils to make it look clean even after extended use.

It’s aluminum, so it has that nice cool-to-the-touch feel, and the finish holds up quite well against all the minor scratches and wear and tear that come along with normal use. The faceplate features a minimalist ridged design, adding some subtle texture but not being too flashy in any way. It is sleek, streamlined, and aesthetic, one that supplies just the right amount of character while remaining subtle and refined.

The Hidizs logo is engraved in a discreet gray tone, adding a nice touch without being too loud. Overall, the design strikes a balance between elegance and functionality, giving the Hidizs MP143 Salt a premium feel.

Comfort & Isolation​

The Hidizs MP143 Salt is an impressively comfortable piece for a metal-bodied IEM, considering it will be in the ears. The lightweight, compact design easily sits within the ear during long listening sessions without discomfort. For my ears, these fit securely without sharp edges or uncomfortable pressure points, even during the longest listening sessions.

Thanks to their lightweight construction, you might even forget you’re wearing them—a major advantage if you enjoy long listening sessions.

The isolation is decent on the Hidizs MP143 Salt, considering it’s a vented design. Without music playing, you’ll still pick up some ambient noise, such as people talking or background chatter. With music playing, though, it can effectively drown out most of that. It may not fully isolate you in very noisy environments, but it strikes a good balance for day-to-day listening: it’s comfortable and offers enough sound isolation.

Note that for users with smaller ears, the Hidizs MP143 Salt will stick out a little, while medium or larger ear sizes fit about perfectly. Comfort might increase significantly when paired with the right tips, making it an even better listening experience.

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Stock Cable​

The cable included with the MP143 Salt feels quite basic overall. If you are accustomed to some of the newer IEMs on the market, even at lower price points, you will notice how far this one falls behind, especially in terms of versatility and build quality.

To begin with, this cable is very lightweight—almost too lightweight, to the extent that it feels a bit fragile. On the positive thing is that there are no significant issues with microphonics, but its lightweight nature means that it simply does not stay in place comfortably. It also tends to tangle quite easily, which can be a pain—especially when trying to store it in a case or even during regular use.

Compared to some of the more premium or modular options available, this cable is clearly made from more budget-friendly materials. It is functional, but nothing about it truly stands out, and for daily use, you might find it somewhat lacking—especially if you have experienced higher-end cables before.

Overall, this cable would suffice for casual use, although it is certainly not the most practical or durable option. If you are the type of person who values a good cable, this one may leave you wanting more.

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Tips​

The standard eartips that come with the Hidizs MP143 Salt leave much to be desired. They are rather basic and do not allow this IEM to shine as it should. The nozzle itself is quite short, and the walls are quite thin, making it difficult to achieve an effective seal. This affects both comfort and sound quality. It is quite disappointing that such a capable IEM has stock tips that are not up to the standard of the rest of the package.

Swapping out the stock tips with the NF Audio MS42 resulted in a noticeable improvement in sound quality. The MS42 tips provide a much better seal, which in turn tames the overall sound signature. The sharpness in the treble is significantly reduced, becoming more refined and less fatiguing. The midrange also benefits, sounding smoother and more detailed, while at the same time, the bass becomes better controlled and textured.

With the MS42 tips, the tonality quickly gave way to a more rounded, smoother, and better-balanced sound, greatly enhancing musicality and making for a far more enjoyable listening experience. If you want to get the most out of this IEM, I highly recommend giving these tips a try.

Tuning Nozzle​

Hidizs MP143 Salt features three tunings nozzles: Red, Silver, and Rose Gold, each having a different sound profile.

Red Nozzle: The nozzle has a focus on powerful bass, rich sub-bass, and mid-bass. It warms up male vocals but tends to overpower female vocals and instruments and darkens the treble.

Rose Gold Nozzle: Its characteristic sound is balanced, with controlled bass and not overpowering. The vocals sound clear and more natural; the instruments take on more presence, while the treble is well-defined without being aggressive.

Silver Nozzle: More mid and treble emphasis. It sounds much brighter and leaner. The female vocals sound very clear, while instruments have excellent detail and are brought forward as well, but there is practically no bass.

Personally, I preferred the sound of the stock nozzle, so I haven’t used the others as much. My full review will focus on the sound profile of the stock nozzle.

Testing Source​

Dap: •Cowon Plenue R2. •Astell & kern sp1000m. •Hiby R3 ii. •Ibasso dx180. •Cayin n3 ultra

Dongle:•Questyle M15. •Cayin ru7. •ONIX alpha xl 1. •Ddhifi tc44pro e2. •Kinera cd20. •Moondrop dawn pro. •Hidizs s8 pro robin. •Dunu DTC 480. •Hidizs sd2. •Nicehck TC3. •Apple dongle type c

BT DAC:•IFI Go Blue. •Fiio btr7.

Desktop:•Shanling h5. •IFI Zen dac V2. •IFI Hip DAC V2. •Xduoo xd05 basic

The Bass​

Sub-bass​

Yes, the sub-bass is there on the MP143, and it articulately handles the lower frequencies. However, if you’re used to that deep rumble or physical impact from a dynamic driver IEM, you may find the Hidizs MP143 a bit on the light side in this department. For tracks like hip-hop or bass-heavy songs, it doesn’t quite give you that chest-thumping feel. That said, I have heard this is not uncommon with planar magnetic IEMs, so I was not terribly surprised.

If you don’t always listen to genres relying on a lot of bass, such as hip-hop, you’ll most likely appreciate the balance it provides. It’s just that the sub-bass isn’t weak-it’s just a bit more contained and doesn’t swamp the rest of the music. In tracks for pop or classic music, the sub-bass is more than enough, and let’s be honest, unless you’re a basshead, you might not even miss the extra rumble.

Mid-bass​

The mid-bass is really where this set shines, in my opinion. I love a good punchy mid-bass, and the Hidizs MP143 nails it. It’s tight, impactful, and has just the right amount of body without feeling bloated. The clarity in this range is great, too. Listening to rock or metal, like “Hell on Earth” from Iron Maiden, drums hit hard, and the bass guitar sounds rich and full.

Separation between instruments is solid, and even with the heavier parts of the track, the MP143 does manage to keep everything in its place without it getting messy. It’s got that energetic feel which makes rock and metal tracks really enjoyable, and the vocals stay clear even with all the bass going on, which is something I really appreciate.

So, if you are one of those who really enjoy tight, punchy bass with decent control, you will probably enjoy the MP143. The sub-bass isn’t going to shake your bones, but it’s deep enough to be satisfying for most genres. And the mid-bass? That’s where it shines. If you’re not obsessed with having huge bass, I think you will really enjoy what MP143 has to offer.

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Mid Range​

The mid-range of the Hidizs MP143 strikes a balance between neutrality and warmth and offers vocals clearly, with well-separated instruments, which is very important to keep everything from sounding clear and separated in complex tracks.

Male Vocals​

Male vocals are reproduced with decent weight and texture, hence sounding deep naturally. On Kiss from a Rose by Seal, his voice sounds rich in tone while having enough body to keep it from sounding light yet clear. The separation ensures the vocals stay up front even on top of the background instruments.

Female Vocals​

Female vocals- smooth, neither too warm nor too bright. In Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack, her voice is soft and extended without any harshness or sibilance. Hidizs MP143 handles the upper frequencies delicately, making her voice soothing and easy to listen to.

Instrument Clarity​

Guitars and pianos sound clear, natural, and mid-range clarity assures that in populous songs, the vocals and instruments will not overlap and sound muddy. Guitars have a nice swing, and in general, the separation keeps everything tidy.

Treble​

The treble on the Hidizs MP143 is smooth and well-extended, offering a good balance between detail and comfort. It does not possess that sharp or piercing sound that could lead to listening fatigue; it should be easy to listen to for long periods of time. For instance, in Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack, the highs feel airy and open, adding a nice sense of space without any harshness. The treble extension is solid, and you can catch those subtle details like cymbals or high strings without being overwhelming.

However, where the treble is clean and controlled, it does lack a little sparkle to make it bright and energetic at the top. In tracks like Iron Maiden’s Hell on Earth, for example, the sound of the treble feels somewhat laid back, with some listeners perhaps missing a little bit of that bite or excitement, particularly during the high-pitched guitar solos. There’s decent clarity and detail, but it may get too smooth and restrained at times for aggressive treble lovers. In general, the treble has a natural sound and is pretty well-controlled. These could be ideal for listeners seeking a non-fatiguing sound, while listeners wanting highly energetic, bright treble should look elsewhere.

Sound stage​

The Hidizs MP143 has a pretty decent, solid soundstage considering it is an IEM – not the widest I’ve heard. There’s a good sense of space and air between the instruments, but it isn’t going to run open-back headphones or larger IEMs for much of their money. Tracks like TOOL’s Invincible do a fairly good job of showcasing this spaciousness: instruments get enough room to breathe without sounding congestive. But more about being “wide enough” rather than really expansive, so if you’re looking for something with a huge soundstage, this might fall a little short.

Imaging​

Hidizs MP143 does a very decent job of placing instruments and vocals with good precision, making it quite easy to pinpoint their positions in the mix. On more complex tracks, such as Hell on Earth by Iron Maiden, imaging helps to keep everything fairly clear so you can tell where an instrument might sit in the track. It’s not ultra-sharp, but it’s good and reliable for everyday listening.

separation​

Hidizs MP143 impresses with neat separations of different elements in a track. Even in busier tracks that have so much layering, the bass, mids, and highs did not bleed into each other to help preserve clarity in songs like Praise The Lord from A$AP Rocky and Skepta. You might notice a little blending of instruments in very dense sections, but nothing too distracting.

On the whole, the soundstage, imaging, and separation are pretty good for a planar IEM in this price range. It’s not going to blow your mind with some kind of enormous stage, but it is well-balanced, clean-of-artefact presentation that works for the large majority of music out there. Yes, there are a couple of minor limitations, especially to soundstage width, but it’s satisfying and enjoyable to listen to.

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Conclusion​

The Hidizs MP143 Salt is a great place to start for anyone interested in planar magnetic IEMs without spending a fortune. It has a sleek metal design and a comfortable fit, providing a warm and smooth sound that can be enjoyed all day. While the standard cable and eartips may not be perfect upgrading to something like the NF Audio MS42 tips and good quality cable brings out the best in them. If you’re seeking for an IEM that strikes a balance between clarity and polished, smooth sound, the MP143 Salt could be the perfect choice. It isn’t perfect, but for the price, it provides a lot of value.

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General Info (Packaging/Build/Comfort)
Hidizs is well known for their source namely dongles as well as mini DAP, but looks like they’re trying to up the ante by also tapping into the IEM’s market. They did have several releases previously but they aren’t that well known or widely received. Since the launch of MS5 which is the brand’s flagship, they have been gathering feedback and putting in the work, which can be seen in the subsequent release, which is the MS3. One year ago, I reviewed their MP145, which is the bigger brother of what I have today, the MP143. Hidizs is also collaborating with WDC(Whale and Dolphin Conservation) to help raise awareness about the vital roles that whales play in the ocean.
The build quality of the IEM is solid, feels quite hefty and the design inspiration does stem from the whale as well. The shell’s size is slightly smaller compared to MP145, same goes for The IEM’s nozzle is slightly smaller than MP145, good news for those who were having fit issues with it previously. Packaging is the usual Hidizs style which looks minimalistic and also presents a premium unboxing experience. The box consists of three types of eartips, the tuning filter/nozzle and also a storage pouch, a solid cable with the termination of your choice either 3.5 or 4.4.

Equipment and Software used

• Sony ZX300
• Hidizs S9 Pro Plus
• Hidizs S8 Pro Robin
• Apple Music/Tidal/foobar2k
• Hidizs MP143 Stock cable and Eartips

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression (Balanced Nozzle)
Upon first listen on MP143, it has got a relatively smooth tuning with plenty of details yet it remains safe sounding and not harsh sounding. Timbre sounds quite natural to my ears with a slight planar timbre if you try hard to listen to it. The nozzle is swappable to either bass or treble nozzle, the default one will be balanced which is the primary sound impression that I'm sharing now

Bass

• Bass is punchy and has good extension to my ears, but not too much to the point where it overpowers other frequencies, adequate amount for the fun factor if you ask me
• Good texture on the bass and the speed is adequate for most genres unless you're talking about insanely high-speed heavy metal, but it is adequate to handle anything you throw at it
• Slipknot's People’s= crap is being rendered effortlessly on MP143, there isn't a hint of muddyness during the intense drumming opening

Mids

• Mids are very lush to my ears, instruments in this range carries sufficient note weight and doesn’t sound thin at all
• I’d picture the vocal positioning as a few steps away from your face, not recessed nor too intimate, just nice in my opinion
• Female vocal has got decent texture and sweet sounding, evident when playing back Adele’s When We Were Young
• Male vocal is fairly thick with good textures, evident in low baritone note, doesn’t Upper mids are never offensive even when you turn up the volume, rather safe for those who are sensitive
• There’s a slight bleed of mid bass into the mids, but most of the time they are okay

Treble

• MP143’s treble is never offensive and yet it doesn’t sound dull and quite musical to my ears, enough energy but never harsh sounding
• Not as revealing in terms of detail retrieval but good enough for the price point, certain instruments can be picked up easily when listening to Hans Zimmer’s Why So Serious
• The treble is never sibilant even when you turn up the volume, or even on some sibilant prone track
• Good amount of air and presence

Soundstage/Imaging

• Soundstage on MP143 quite decent, slightly out of your head and doesn’t sound in your head at all, good width and depth but a little lacking in height
• Imaging is good as well, instruments can be pin-pointed easily and the left and right transition and vice versa is easily noticeable, instrument layering is good, the instruments doesn’t sound muddy and all mashed up in Kid Rock’s Bawitdaba
• Overall it is quite good for the asking price

Driveability

• MP143 is not hard to drive, you will be able to push out decent volume from Macbook Air M2’s 3.5mm jack
• It does scale with better source and amplification as with most planars, in terms of dynamic and more controlled bass
• Soundstage and imaging doesn’t really change that much based on my listening impression

Sound comparison with different nozzles
Bass

• On this nozzle, the low end is slightly lifted, due to the seesaw effect, the treble is tamer and less exciting, this in turn made the overall listening experience a little more laidback with slightly more warmth and body
• Soundstage is slightly smaller imaging capability remains more or less similar
• Still it is nowhere near basshead level, but overall very fun sounding

Treble

• This nozzle does lift the treble up on the MP143, at the expense of reduced bass quantity, but if you find the MP143 is too warm, maybe this nozzle will suit you
• Soundstage is slightly better with a little bit more air

Final Thoughts
I have tried several planar IEMs, namely TinHifi’s P1 Max and Letshuoer’s S12, they all have different characteristics and tuning style tailored to different audiences or music libraries. For the case of MP145, I find that it’s safe for me to label it as an all rounder (At least it works well with my library, Metal, Nu Metal, Jazz, Classical, Jpop, Rock, CantoPop). For those who prefer a less prominent bass response, or rather a neutral bass response, you might want to consider other options. I’m not a basshead myself but I do find myself enjoying the slight lift on the low end. Not to mention it is very versatile to change the tuning via the swappable nozzle to add more bass, or treble depending on your preference. For me personally i’ll stick to the balanced nozzle which offers a balance between bass and treble.

MP143 is an easy recommendation to anyone who is thinking to venture into planar iems or even seasoned audiophiles will like MP143 i’m sure, if you have tried the MP145 and think that the size might be too big or the 145 is slightly brighter to your taste, the MP143 is definitely the one for you.



*MP143 is sent over by Hidizs in exchange for this review. I am not under any influence nor do I receive any monetary compensation to produce this review.

The MP143 is currently available at 129$, quite a good deal in my opinion

Head over to the link below if you are interested in getting one!
Hidizs MP143 Official Store Link- Non affiliated

The Hidizs MP143 is a 14.3mm planar magnetic IEM and successor to their MP145. Its cost is in the ballpark of $129-it really fluctuates quite a bit. It's crazy how this, being lower in price compared to the MP145, performs even better. Like the MP145, with three tuning nozzles, it allows for customizable sound profiles. Improved in sound and design, the MP143 made it even more intriguing to have it in any collection!




If you're interested in picking up the MP143 Salt, please look up the price before hand. It has a tendency to change from time to time. Link Here (Non-Affiliated) : "SALT "

I've had the chance to hear the Hidizs MP145 earlier, and the sound was very good. It didn't sound like any other planar IEM in the market; the planar timbre was very minor, almost as if it were produced by a dynamic driver. But probably one trade-off I felt there was with regard to technical performance: it wasn't on the same tier as those other planar magnetic IEMs, it lacked in that aspect. Now with its successor, the MP143, all that has been magnified to positives, while retaining the same shortcomings in technical performance.

IEM Specifications:
Driver: HIDIZS 14.3mm 7+7 Array N52 Magnetic Circuit Large Planar Driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 103dB
Impedance: 17Ω
Ultra Low Distortion: <0.05%

What's Inside the Box:
- 1 x MP143 Salt
- 3 Pairs x Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters
- 3 Pairs x Ergonomic Silicone Black Ear Tips (Balanced)
- 3 Pairs x Ergonomic Silicone White Ear Tips (High Frequency)
- 1 x 3.5mm or 4.4mm Earphone Cable
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Warranty Card
- 1 x HIDIZS Pouch Bag

Testing Gear's:
- Cowon Plenue R2
- Astell & Kern SP1000M
- Questyle M15
- Cayin RU7
- DDhifi TC44C
- Moondrop Dawn Pro
- iFi Go Blue
- Fiio BTR7

The box of the Hidizs MP143 Salt is relatively small. Taking the top lid off reveals the IEM shells, and beneath this compartment sits the carrying pouch, which contains the eartips, cable, and nozzles. Unboxing is rather basic and straightforward.

The Hidizs MP143 Salt is made of CNC machined aluminum alloy and feels sturdy while being light. There is a version made from titanium alloy, but I don't have it on hand, so I cannot comment on it. Overall, the shells feel solid and lighter than the previous MP145, which is always a good thing.



The MP145 design previously was triangular in shape, with curved-in sides, along with strips on each side. For the MP143, only the strips, their name, and a triangular logo were attached to the shell. The strips have the design of two lines joined by a curvature, which, for me, looks better than the one used previously.



The fit on the MP143 Salt IEMs is excellent; these are designed to be a universal shape and aren't carrying any fins or complicated designs. It has made them rather easy for most people to wear in comfort; unless you have particularly small ears, they shouldn't pose any issues at all.

The comfort is also very impressive; they are even lighter than the MP145. I really don't see anyone having any problems with comfort with these IEMs.



Now, coming to the main part of this IEM, which is the sound. It's capable of producing whatever kind of sound you want. You may wonder how that is possible.



Well, the nozzles included actually work, not like some other IEMs we see out there in the market; this means a huge difference in sound. The rose-gold nozzle gives the most balanced sound, the red nozzle emphasizes the bass, and the silver nozzle gives a brighter sound profile.

Sub bass:

Red nozzle: It provides a formidable, richly textured rumble, which can always be distinctly felt in any mix. It's quite excellent at powerful sub-bass that resonates with clarity and depth-a very excellent option for people that love a strong low-end performance.

Rose gold nozzle: Sub-bass production is far more balanced and toned down, with still a decent amount of rumble going on. This makes the overall sound signature far more balanced, never overshadowing other frequencies.

Silver nozzle: Its presence is further reduced. The rumble is not completely gone, but less in amount for sure, since the emphasis shifts more to the mids and highs.

Midbass:

Red nozzle: The midbass hits with strength and power, which makes it very prominent in the overall sound. It also delivers a good amount of texture and clarity hence a blissful experience for anyone who loves such strong midbass.

Rose gold nozzle: The mid-bass is now more in balance, maintaining the punch but toned down-a lot like the sub-bass. The mid-bass does not bleed into other frequencies like it did with the red nozzle.

Silver nozzle: The mid-bass punch is less pronounced, and the reduced warmth makes the overall sound even leaner, which might not fit the taste of everybody.

Male vocals:

Red nozzle: As this nozzle amplifies the bass quite a bit, it warms up the lower mids, making male vocals sound warm, lush, and relaxed. However, the clarity takes a slight hit in general. Whether that is a trade-off you would be willing to make is completely up to you.

Rose gold nozzle: They are now evened out with the added warmth toned down, yet they still sound full and vibrant while maintaining a good amount of clarity as well.

Silver Nozzle: Male vocals lack the warmth and lushness they had, rather they have an upfront and clear presentation overall.

Female vocals:

Red nozzle: female vocals are overpowered by bass, therefore lacking liveliness and presence. They don't as upfront and lively as they should be rather they sound vague, hence less fun to listen to.

Rose gold nozzle: They no longer sound overshadowed or dull; instead, they are lively with a touch of warmth, creating a soothing listening experience. However, it might not be enough for people who prefer a more upfront and bright presentation

Silver nozzle: It makes them sound really bright, clear, upfront, and vibrant. While it might not be to everyone's taste, it certainly meets the desires of those that enjoy that approach.

Instruments:

Red nozzle: This nozzle's main priority is bass, the instruments are a bit overshadowed. They often sound less clear, not well separated and less detailed.

Rose gold nozzle: The bass no longer overshadows the instruments, giving way to them shining through in the mix. They don't pop at you with the highest clarity, but they still sound plenty rich and expressive to add depth without overpowering the overall sound.

Silver nozzle: Instruments now sound sparkly and clear, more upfront in your face with increased detail compared to the other nozzles.

Treble:

Red nozzle: Treble immediately gets much darker and loses air, sparkle, and brightness in general. This results in less detailed treble representation, which may be less interesting for listeners who liked a brighter profile of sound, yet it could just be what some people would like.

Rose gold nozzle: The treble section is well-balanced, offering plenty of detail without major harshness and sibilance issues. Overall it reaches an ideal treble reproduction.

Silver nozzle: In this nozzle, the treble is brighter, more energetic, and sparkly, with increased clarity and detail. This especially benefits the upper mids, creating a more spacious and open sound altogether.

Technicalities:

For technical performance, I’d describe it as a whole, meaning I won’t go into detail for every single nozzle. Instead, I’ll provide a summary of its overall capabilities.

Soundstage:
The soundstage varies in width depending on the nozzle used, performing just about average or slightly above. Overall, there are no complaints regarding height, width, or depth. If I had to nitpick, I’d say a bit more width would have been even better.

Imaging:
The imaging on this set is good—not exceptional, but effective. You can easily pinpoint the instruments, vocals, and other subtle details in the mix.

Detail retrival:
The detail retrieval on these is good, possibly slightly above average. Minute details are easily portrayed, allowing for a richer listening experience.

Dynamic and Transient Response:
Simply put, the dynamics on these are good. The transient response has improved compared to the previous MP145, but it still doesn’t reach the level of other planar options.

Power Requirements:
I’d say it doesn’t require as much power as some other planars; it can even be driven by a phone. However, it definitely benefits from the extra power for improved performance!

Tip Rolling:
I’ve paired it with the NF Audio MS42 eartips, and they do wonders for this IEM. I would heavily recommend these as a must-have for enhancing the overall sound and comfort.