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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]-Introduction-[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Hidizs has been around for a number of years now, and released their first portable audio player back in 2014. In honor of their upcoming portable audio player, the AP60, I’ll be reviewing its older brother, the AP100. It’s a couple years old now, but I won’t be cutting it any slack.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Find the official Hidizs AP100 page here.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]You can find the AP100 on Penon Audio for $230, here.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Disclaimer: This review is based upon a sample unit provided to me by a manufacturer or distributor in exchange for my honest opinion and un-edited words. I do not profit in any way from the writing of the review. I would like to thank Hidizs and Penon Audio for sending me this review unit[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Preference and Bias: Before reading a review, it is worth mentioning that there is no way for a reviewer to objectively pass judgment on the enjoy-ability of a product: such a thing is inherently subjective. Therefore, I find it necessary for you to read and understand what I take a natural liking to and how that might affect my rating of a product.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]My ideal sound signature would be an extended sub-bass with a leveled, but textured, bass. The mids should be slightly less pronounced than the treble, but still ahead of the bass. I prefer a more bright upper range.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Tech Specs[/color]
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- Screen: 2.4inch TFT, 320px*240px
- Chip solution : CPU :JZ4760B DAC :CS4398 SRC: CS8422 DSP : OS48L10 LPF : AD823A
- Support Audio Format :WAV.FLAC,WNA(lossless supported 24bit/96khz) ,MP3,OGG,AAC,APE(NO RMAL,HIGH level 24bit/96khz,FAST 24BIT/192KHZ),ALAC and so on,highest 24bit/192khz
- Frequency response range :±0.02DB 20–20000HZ ±0.2DB 10–70000HZ
- SNR :108DB
- Total harmonic Distortion :<0.003%
- Separation :>92DB
- Po Output power : L : 2.2Vms R: 2.2Vms
- Lo Output power : L : 1.2Vms R: 1.2Vms
- Headphone jack : 3.5mm
- Line out : 3.5mm
- Digital audio output/input : 3.5mm coaxial
- Built-in battery :3000mAh
- Power interface ;Micro USB
- Built-in memory : 8GB
- Date transmission : USB 2.0 high speed ,reading/writing speed about 4.5MB/s
- External memory :64GB TF card (Micro SD card) supports 64GB max
- Support for user-defined custom playlists and maximum playback volume
- Size :107*65.5*16.2mm
- Weight : 156g
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]-Functionality-[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]In the event that Hidizs releases new firmware for the AP100, all you need to do is extract a ZIP file to a micro-SD card and run the built-in updater. It’s a very simple process.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Hidizs had the fantastic idea to put a dedicated EQ button on the top of the left side. Pressing it will cycle through your EQ presets. There are a number of general-purpose presets built by Hidizs for your use, most of which I found to be generally not useful. However, there are a couple user-defined EQ presets available for you to set yourself. But wait! There’s more! You can modify each of the preset options that come pre-loaded on the AP100. While it would be nice to also be able to change their names, I’ll take what I can get.[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The AP100 comes with a very small 8Gb of internal storage. For a $230 device, I expect there to be more than that. And yes, I do realize that in 2014, back when the AP100 was released, that was reasonable. However, it’s no longer 2014. Thankfully, you can add up to a 128Gb micro-SD card to the AP100 to expand its storage.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The AP100 is capable of playing “ WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, AAC, APE and ALAC. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think there’s a single consumer music file I’ve ever come across that isn’t on that list. Even when converting the same file between formats and replaying back on the AP100, I didn’t notice any real difference in quality or presentation.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Since launch, Hidizs has added gapless playback, channel balance, M3U playback capabilities, support for OTG playlists, DSD support, and more. While I don’t think the AP100 will be getting any more attention once the AP60 is released, it’s nice to know that it did get its fair share of attention.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The UI isn’t as modern as, say, an Android device’s media player, but isn’t a slouch either. The now-playing screen is pleasant and un-cluttered. My favorite part is the fact that the AP100 actually displays album art fairly well, despite it’s low resolution screen.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]-Sound Signature-[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]I don’t really have much to say here, given the AP100’s very neutral sound signature. It doesn’t have any noticeable coloring, and is leaps and bounds better than whatever you will find in a smartphone (barring possibly the upcoming LG V20). This makes it really easy to find great pairings with the AP100. Furthermore, you can create a very comprehensive EQ preset to enhance your listening experience. For example, the AAW Q sounded greatly improved by turning down some of the upper-treble, and increasing a little of the sub-bass.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Pairings[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]I’ve found the AP100 to pair well with: The Penon IEM, Shozy Zero, Rock Jaw Alfa Genus V2, and AAW Q, and ATH-M50x. Unfortunately, the inclusion of line controls has rendered the vast majority of my collection useless given the AP100 can’t figure out how to deal with a TRRS connector.[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]-Build-[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]Hidizs really nailed the AP100’s build quality on the head. Its shell is built from a matte-finished metal. The AP100 feels very solid and premium, as even the buttons are built from metal, and have a satisfying click to them.[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]The screen is a TFT, 2.4 inch low resolution screen. It works well enough, and has decent color reproduction. I am particularly impressed at how well I can read it in direct sunlight.[/color]
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[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]-Packaging and Unboxing-[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]-Accessories-[/color]
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)]- USB cable
- Screen protector
- 3.5mm audio cable
- Silicone case
- Manual
- Free PENON IEM (When buying from Penon Audio)