HIDIZS MP145: A SONIC EXCELLENCE
INTRO
Attention, audiophiles and would-be planar enthusiasts! The Hidizs MP145 is here to stir up the IEM world, housing a huge 14.5mm planar magnetic driver-a technology reserved for high-end headphones-and it promises a taste of high-fidelity audio at a surprisingly affordable price. But is it all hype, or does it really deliver clarity, detail, and immersive soundstage that planar drivers are known for? Buckle up, folks, as we are about to go deep into the sonic world of the Hidizs MP145, to see its strengths and weaknesses and whether it is a set that deserves to be in your ears-and your wallet.
CONTEXT
It’s been a while with MP145 and it had a long burn in period as I used it as one of my daily driver for most of the time along with other favorites. To me this is an enjoyable warm neutral tuning set with boosted bass. The most enjoyable thing in this IEM is it’s 3D holographic sound stage. It will make you feel that the sounds are coming from the space around you.
The supplied cable is ‘OK’ and sounds good, just good. But with a copper cable it shines too much. Bass opens up a bit with texture and fuller in nature, which is my personal preference. I tried a lot of tips with it to find the perfect pair. Keep in mind that, without proper tip, it won't give you proper comfort & fit as it is a bit bulky & heavy IEM.
I will explain more on cable & tips later in this review.
DISCLAIMER
‘Hidizs’ send me this IEM for review purpose. And there is no guidance by the respective company about what to write and what not. The whole review is my unbiased experience and honest opinion with the sound I listened to.
One thing more. The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different IEMs. Your experience may very due to personal preference and physical difference like the shape & depth of ear cannel.
Click Geek Mart or Hidizs for your purchase and different offers. [Non-affiliated link]
GEAR USED
• Cowon Planue R2
• Hiby R3
• ifi Hip DAC 2
• Moondrop Dawn Pro
TECHNICAL DETAILS
• 14.5mm Ultra-large Planar Magnetic Driver
• Whale Tail & Rorqual Pleats Design Inspiration
• Hidizs Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filter
• Target H-2019 Curve & Hidizs Style Professional Tuning
• Fully Symmetrical Magnetic Circuit
• Hidden Bionic Breathing Holes
• 6N Silver-Plated Single-Crystal Copper Wire
• Ergonomics Design with Comfortable Extended Wear
• 20Hz to 40kHz frequency response
• 30Ω Impedance
• 104dB Sensitivity
• 3.5mm or 4.4mm cable optional
• 0.78mm 2-Pin Cable
• Hi-Res Certification
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
• Hidizs MP145 IEM
• Silver plated copper cable
• Three types of tuning nozzle (two in a tiny box & one in the IEM)
• A synthetic leather made carrying pouch
• Nine pairs of ear tips (three types, three sizes)
• Some official papers
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE
This kind of straight forward and nothing fancy at all. It comes with a secured & hard plastic case covered by cardboard wrap. The IEMs are placed securely in place. Inside a hard paper box you will find the pouch with the cable and a tiny box with tuning nozzles. First of all, it’s a ‘how to open it’ type of box that contains tuning nozzles and when you find the technique, you will see it’s easy. And beneath everything you will find nice pairs of ear tips organized in a foam sheet. They are categorized with “Vocal ear tips”, “Balanced ear tips” and “Bass ear tips”. And I don’t know what to do with them, as they feel very basic to me.
In a nutshell, the packaging is good but the contains, other that the IEMs, are not fancy rather very basic in this price point.
DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY
Impressive attention to detail in the MP145 design, drawing inspiration from one of the earth's majestic marine creatures: the Whale. With a whale fin on the backplate that visually strikes, epitomizing the capture of oceanic grace, the MP145 doesn't contain sleek, low-profile housings but chunky metallic shells inspired by the intricate design of the whale's flipper. These "gill-like" vents are more than cosmetic; they serve as pressure relief mechanisms and help suppress unwanted resonances in the IEMs. The CNC machined shells in aviation-grade aluminium alloy emerge as among the finest shells to have ever been fitted on an IEM. It's not just about the looks-whale-inspired, it suggests that this brand is serious about creating instantly recognizable, memorable audio gear.
CABLE & EAR TIPS QUALITY
These are not justified at all. The cable is good but not worthy for this IEM, it deserves something that have a look & feel more premium. Tips supplied with is totally basic. You will find total nine pairs of tips in three different labels (mentioned earlier) with three different sizes (S, M & L). They will give you a ‘OK’ type of fit which is not good enough and they are not comfortable for long listening. I had an uncomfortable pain in my ear while using them just for 4-5 songs!
If you have different cables & tips in your collection, don’t forget to explore them. Cable swapping and tip rolling is very important here as they will give you a good fit, comfort and perfect sonic experience. More on this later.
FIT & COMFORT
It’s a huge IEM, seriously! Despite its large size, the Hidizs MP145 offers a surprisingly comfortable fit. The ergonomic design features smooth contours that mold against the ear, providing a secure and comfortable fit even during extended listening sessions. Perfect choice of ear tips will help to achieve the best fit and noise isolation, ensuring they sit well in the ear without causing discomfort. Additionally, the inner part of the earphones follows the natural shape of the ear, which helps distribute the weight evenly and reduces any pressure points, making them suitable for long-term use. And when you will use a well-built cable with a sturdy ear hook, you will feel literally zero weight in your ear.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
The general sound impression from the Hidizs MP145 is pretty good: alive, immersive, neutrally to slightly warm-tuned. The general balance of the sound profile is good, showing proper bass response, which at the same time sounds tight and precise to avoid bleeding into other frequencies. The mids are clear and natural, while the treble is detailed with no brightness or harshness. This actually makes the MP145 fit into many genres as it offers decent resolution and clarity across the frequency spectrum.
Before going into the breakdown of the sound, let me first point out that the tuning nozzles provided do play a very huge role in the sound signature. How do the three tuning nozzles included affect the overall sound? Well, here's the breakdown:
- Balanced (Rose Gold): This is the default configuration; it should have a well-rounded sound, clear mids, and controlled low-end response-a great starting point for listeners who want a very balanced accurate presentation.
- Bass Boost (Red): The name says it all, this is the nozzle that really dials in the bass response. Bassheads will love the deep, punchy lows. Still, for listeners who like an even sound, it might come at the cost of a little bit of detail in the higher frequencies.
- Treble Boost (Silver): This nozzle brightens the general sound signature, placing extra emphasis on cymbals, high hats, and other treble details. This would be perfect for listeners who enjoy that crisp energetic sound, especially in the case of classical or acoustic music. To treble-sensitive people, though, or those who find certain recordings harsh, it can be a bit too bright.
In my listening sessions, I mostly use Red & Rose gold nozzles simultaneously. And the chapters next are mostly based on these two, in a very rare occasion I used the Silver nozzle.. As I’m a treble sensitive guy, it’s not possible for to enjoy anything that increase the treble higher!
So, let’s dive deep. Shall we?
SUB-BASS
The sub-bass performance of the Hidizs MP145 is one of its defining characteristics. These planar drivers pack a serious punch, delivering deep, impactful lows that will have bass lovers grinning from ear to ear. There's a satisfying fullness and presence to the low end, but it avoids becoming boomy or overwhelming. The bass remains controlled and articulate, allowing you to appreciate the texture and detail within the low frequencies.
Playing George Michael's "A Different Corner" with the Hidizs MP145 is a revelation for the sub-bass: that iconic opening bassline doesn't play-it pulsates. The sub-bass isn't exaggerated on this track, deep and resonant, providing a foundation that supplements Michael's emotive vocals and a soft, subtle instrumental arrangement. The Hidizs MP145 captures this with remarkable clarity and precision to make sure the sub-bass is felt without overwhelming the mix. Every note is satisfyingly weighted, with a rumble almost felt in the chest.
MID-BASS
The ultra-large 14.5mm planar magnetic driver of the Hidizs MP145 houses an expressive and weighty mid-bass, rich in body, with a decent punch. The midbass has great presence that gives full-bodied weight to the overall sound.
Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me" is a classic staple among rock songs, especially famous for its rhythmic appeal and powerful bass line. Then, when played on the Hidizs MP145, that song's mid-bass becomes three-dimensional. An explosion of satisfying growl greets your ears with the iconic opening riff. Every note is tight and impactful without bleeding into the mids. The kick drum hits like a heartbeat, driving the infectious rhythm section, making you want to air guitar along. The mid-bass on the MP145 avoids the muddiness that sometimes affects IEMs, keeping the bass tight and controlled. This allows the other instruments to cut through-Rick Allen's signature snare cuts through with a sharp crack, and Phil Collen's guitar riffs still retain their bite.
MALE VOCALS
Hidizs MP145 has a little double-edged sword to male vocals. One could say, on one side, clarity and details of mid are something commendable, where usually male vocals are presented with a general crispy and defined edge that lets the listener hear nuances and emotion in a singer's voice. You almost feel like you're being taken on a journey as you listen to George Jones' iconic track "He Stopped Loving Her Today" on the Hidizs MP145, with Jones' vocals coming through almost vividly real and emotionally heavy in seriousness. His voice is sonorously warm and rich, gorgeously complemented by the MP 145's sound signature. For sure, the mids sound crystal clear. Every crack and tremble in Jones' voice-instilled with the emotional weight of the lyrics-is delivered clearly in detail. The rawness of the pain and heartbreak is almost audible in this performance, giving the song's emotional feel a deeper meaning.
FEMALE VOCALS
Where the Hidizs MP145 tends to shine is with female vocals. The slightly brighter lean of the signature sounding really pairs beautifully with higher frequencies, making female voices clear and airy, often captivating. Alanis Morissette's power-loaded vocals in "Thank U" were the perfect test for how well the Hidizs MP145 would handle female vocals. Clarity and poignancy are but undeniable. Everything from whispered verses to soaring choruses is crystal clear with every nuance and inflection in Morissette's voice. You will appreciate better the raw emotion and facility of storytelling in her performance. At times, it's also a bit too bright and makes for fatiguing extended listening sessions. The edge on the upper register of the Morissette may be a bit overbearing for some listeners, certainly when compared to a warmer presentation that would ease off the intensity. Fortunately, the included tuning nozzles do offer some options for tailoring.
INSTRUMENTS
The Hidizs MP145 presents a good separation of instruments. It does the soundstage very clear and highlighted, where every instrument may become the star. It is like listening to an orchestra mixed well, when every string, brass, and woodwind has its own space in the mix and does not bleed on others. As clear as that, this MP145 sounds. MP145 does a very fine job with the instrument particulars on Jeff Beck's "Nadia". The guitars, in particular, are very distinct: one gets a good sense of the warm strumming of the rhythm section, then the sharp bite of Beck's lead lines. Note separation is nice and clean, making that sometimes complex interplay between instruments easy to keep track of. It's not just the guitars, though-the basslines are firm and articulate, lending a sure foundation to the music without bleeding into the mids. The smallest touches, like the shimmering cymbals and keyboard flourishes, each stands with impressive precision within a layering that completely immerses one in the energy of Beck's legendary guitar work.
TREBLE
The Hidizs MP145's treble performance with rock and metal leans towards the detailed and energetic side. Cranking up Metallica's "Master of Puppets" reveals a crisp and well-extended treble. You'll get the full force of James Hetfield's aggressive scream and the sizzling bite of Kirk Hammett's leads. However, some audiophiles have remarked that this emphasis sometimes can result in a hint of harshness or sibilance, notably on poorly mastered recordings where cymbals can be exceedingly prominent. This is more evident with the default "Balanced" nozzles in Rose Gold color.
The set of included tuning nozzles provides limited possibilities of adjusting the treble response to your taste. The "Treble Boost" (Silver) nozzles, as the name suggests, push the treble further forward. This can be a good choice for those who enjoy a brighter sound and want even more detail and sparkle from their cymbals and lead guitar work. For those who prefer a smoother or more relaxed treble presentation, like me, the "Bass Boost" (Red) nozzles might be the better option. These attenuate the upper treble slightly, taking the edge off any potential harshness. Say, Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle", where Slash's solos are meant to be smooth and singing rather than piercing. It provides a smoother experience, slightly taming that treble edge and making Slash's solos sound a bit warmer and more fluid.
SOUNDSTAGE & SEPARATION
That said, the Hidizs MP145 approaches the soundstage in its own manner, using more of a "3D holographic" presentation rather than sticking to traditional width and depth. Translated, that means captivating and immersive across most genres. Take for example Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon". Here, the MP145's soundstage doesn't sound so much as wide but layered. Ticking clocks and synthesizers on the "Time" track are perfectly placed across the soundstage, placing you inside the music.
However, I did find that there is some subtle variation in soundstage presentation, based on the selected tuning nozzle. The bundled "Balanced" Rose Gold nozzles present a largely neutral and well-rounded soundstage; there's a good sense of width, though depth isn't too shabby either. Those who need and want a wider, airier presentation might be better off with the "Treble Boost" Silver nozzles. These do manage to slightly expand the soundstage, making it feel more open and spacious.
TECHNICALITIES
The Hidizs MP145 throws its hat into the budget planar IEM ring with a heavy focus on technical performance.
Clarity and Precision: The MP145 tends to shine most when it comes to pulling out details buried deep in the mix. This is, of course, a major plus for those genres that operate very much on subtle instrumentation. Take Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" as an example. The MP145 reproduces the subtleties of texture and nuance within that iconic synth bass line-and the various percussion elements that often get lost with less resolving IEMs-well. This translates really well to rock, too. You can hear the subtle keyboard work weaving through powerful guitars and soaring vocals with impressive clarity in Europe's "The Final Countdown.".
Exceptional Detail Retrieval: MP145 tends to shine in terms of minute detail in the recordings, making it very apt for those genres reliant on subtle instrumentation. This is further clarified with "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake. MP145 plays back the interaction of keyboards and guitars with accuracy, not to mention the subtlety that David Coverdale provides vocally.
POWERING IT UP
Planar magnetic drivers are known for their exquisite sound quality, but they come with a thirst for power. Typically, these drivers require a good amount of juice from your source device (DAC, AMP, DAP) to truly unleash their potential. The Hidizs MP145 isn’t any exception with its massive 14.5mm planar driver. And it's surprisingly efficient compared to some other planars but feeding it more power can truly unlock its full sonic potential.
Unlike some planars that sound good only with high-powered setups, the MP145 is still enjoyable with various sources. It delivers a detailed and engaging experience even when paired with portable DAC/AMPs. But providing more power from sources like high-output DAPs, DAC/AMPs or dedicated amplifiers can take the MP145 to another level. You might experience an extra layer of detail, improved dynamics, and a more controlled soundstage. This scalability allows the MP145 to cater to different preferences. You can enjoy great sound on the go with a portable source, while also having the option to truly unlock its potential with a more powerful setup at home.
So, while the MP145 is efficient for a planar, it does benefit from additional power. This flexibility makes it a great choice for those who want a high-fidelity IEM that can adapt to their listening environment and preferences.
CABLE & TIPS
I mentioned earlier about the supplied cable & tips, they are not sufficient enough to give this awesome IEM the true justice. The stock cable is well enough if you don’t wanna spend extra or if you are that kind os listener who loves to listen IEMs with their stock configuration. But if you are someone like me who always love to swap cables and have a lot of them in collection, hen you must experiment with some. To my journey with MP145, I found that copper cable makes the tune a bit thicker and tame the treble even with the Rose Gold nozzle. You may use a upgrade cable like MixPP from NiceHCK. It will bring out a bit more potential. I personally use NiceHCK’s MixPP (modified to interchangeable terminal), Starry Night (2.5mm variation) and a hand braided pure copper cable (4.4mm). They give me the result I want.
Talking about ear tips, I truly disappointed to see the delivered stock tips from Hidizs. Yes, they are plenty, but they are not with quality and feels very basic in this price point. I’m not spending USD 159 (current price while writing this review) for this kind of stock materials. I personally have a good number of ear tip collection and among those, I tested MP145 with Spinfit 100+, 145, W1, Omni, Divinus Velvet, Penon Liqueur (Orange & Black), Dunu S&S, Tangzu Tan Sanchi etc. I find the Spinfit W1, Omni, Divinus Velvet & Tangzu Tan Sanchi did a great job of delivering the perfect sound while Penon boosted the bass a bit. Now, come to the main point and that is – fit and comfort. As this IEM is very tricky when it comes to this. And after a lot of tips rolling my clear winners are Spinfit W1 & Omni (while using Red nozzle). Though Divinus Velvet gives a sweet sound but it’s not comfortable on a longer listening sessions for a marathoner like me. And I also listen with Penon tips if I use the Rose Gold nozzle, this combination also gives me good fit & comfort.
WHO SHOULD GET IT
The Hidizs MP145 can involve a lot of listener profiles, but here are those who would find it especially tempting:
Planar Enthusiasts on a Budget: The MP145 gives a nice taste of high fidelity planar magnetic sound, all the while retailing at an extremely affordable price point. At least for those curious about planar and hesitant due to cost, the MP145 is an easy entry point for that "high-life".
Genre Agnostic Listeners: The MP145, in general, has a slightly warm signature with good retrieval of details, and can be considered genre-agnostic-be it the intricacies in classical music or the power in rock and metal music. The included tuning nozzles offer further customization to tailor the sound to your preference.
Those Who Appreciate a Spacious Soundstage: The MP145 sports an unusual "3D holographic" soundstage that extends well past simple width and depth. This provides for a better, deeper type of listening, in which you can more accurately locate the positions of instruments around the soundscape.
People Who Want Flexibility with Power: While the MP145 scales well with many sources, it also responds well to additional power. You can enjoy good sound on the go with a portable source while truly unlocking its potential with a high-output DAP or dedicated amplifier at home.
Those Who Enjoy Experimentation: The set of tuning nozzles will provide subtle changes in the sound signature of the MP145, enabling you to find a tonal balance that best suits your personal preference.
MAYBE LOOK ELSEWHERE
Here is why one might look elsewhere when considering the Hidizs MP145:
Primarily Listen on Low-Power Sources: You only listen to music on low-powered sources, such as lower-end smartphones or DACs. The MP145 itself will not stretch its wings. Efficient for a planar, for sure, but some audiophiles may still find that a dedicated amplifier unlocks that extra layer of detail and control.
Prioritize Secure, Compact Fit: The MP145, with its large drivers, is clearly not the most discreetly designed monitor. If you need a very secure and compact fit for active listening, or if you have small ears, you will be better off looking elsewhere.
Dislike Warm Sound Signature: The MP145, although quite versatile, still does lean to the warm side. If you are very particular and want a bright, analytical sound signature with all the treble details up front, there may be better IEMs for that.
Tight Budget: For a planar, while more affordable, it still may be a little above your budget. You can find great sound quality with dynamic driver IEMs for much cheaper.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Hidizs MP145 carves its unique position in the IEM market by featuring a large planar driver for delivering an entertaining sound with very good instrument separation and a roomy "3D holographic" soundstage. Driven very easily, it surprised me and showed it could be flexible as a model with either portable or home use. Tuning nozzles could still offer some tweaks into the sound signature. But the bulkier design may not be for everyone, and the tiniest minority of listeners found it a bit mid-forward-congested on the stock nozzles. The Verdict Ultimately, the MP145 is a compelling choice for budget-minded audiophiles seeking a taste of high-fidelity planar sound-as long as they're willing to experiment with ear tips or a more powerful source to unlock its full potential. It may not be the best choice for listeners who place a huge emphasis on an ultra-compact, secure fit or strictly a bright sound signature. However, if one is on the lookout for a versatile, adaptive IEM that focuses on delivering a clear, immersive listening experience, he may want to audition this MP145.
Thank you for your reading.
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