HIDIZS MP145

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Hidizs MP145

The Hidizs MP145 have been sent to me directly by Hidizs in exchange for me posting my thoughts and opinions in this review. The only request was that I publish the review as close to the official launch date on Kickstarter, 6th of September, as possible. I will, as always, do my very best to be as unbiased as humanly possible in my review, yet it is always good to consider the fact that these IEMs have been sent to me free of charge.

You can find the official Kickstarter page for the MP145 here: https://www.kickstarter.com/project...rge-planar-hifi-iems-9-sound-types?ref=7ke7sd

As always, this is a non-affiliate link, meaning I do not receive anything in exchange for clicks or purchases made. However, in the case of this link that Hidizs asked me to publish, it does include tracking. In other words, if you click on the link, Hidizs will see that the person has come from my review. I guess they want to see if I am worthy of being sent review items or not

To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

It seems like quite some time since the planar boom died down, with the latest trend being combining them with other drivers in hybrid configurations. However, Hidizs presents us with their latest model that is using an “Ultra-Large” planar driver according to them. This is to say that the MP145 are using 14.5mm planar drivers, along with three individual tuning nozzles to tailor the sound to your preference. These are currently available on Kickstarter for an early bird price of $109, which may not make them the cheapest set of planars on the market but still puts them in a reasonable budget category.

For those of you that don't know how Kickstarter works, basically you make a pre-purchase of an item and it is shipped to you at a later date. The earlier you join the list, the cheaper it is (in the case of the MP145). Usually this is used for companies to raise funding to create a product that is only in the design/prototype phase. In this case, as you can see from my review (and probably many more reviews that are being published), the IEMs already exist, so it is a little bit of a strange way to use Kickstarter.

I will get to the sound in a moment but something that is certainly worth mentioning about this model is the fact that Hidizs is collaborating with the WDC, which is for Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

Here is some info that Hidizs provided me:

“Hidizs x WDC cooperation info.

WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation) is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins. Inspired by the Whale Tail & Rorqual Pleats Design of MP145, we're collaborating with WDC to raise awareness of whales' vital role in nature and ocean health. As part of our commitment, we have formed a preliminary agreement for collaboration and assistance. We will maintain open communication with WDC and provide the necessary support to aid their work. Specific details about the donation can be found on Hidizs and WDC's official social media platforms and website. Further information will be provided after the campaign.”

I applaud any kind of initiative that helps charities and in this case, as someone who has spent a lot of time at sea, I am happy to see them collaborating with the conservation of Whales and Dolphins. No matter if the outcome is small or large, every little bit counts in the attempt to save our oceans and I hope it turns out to be a very useful collaboration.

This will not affect my opinion on the sound of these IEMs but does of course mean that I am starting on a positive note with them.



Presentation…

The usual cardboard sleeve, with images and specifications of the IEMs, slides away to reveal a not so usual plastic box with a lift off lid. While it is something different, I find it strange that Hidizs would decide to collaborate in saving the oceans and then opt for using more plastic than necessary in the product packaging. Saying that, it is quite a sturdy box which I am sure will come in useful for storage, so at least it isn’t going to get thrown away.

Inside the box we find the IEMs sitting in foam cutouts at the top of the box, with a smaller cardboard below it that contains the cable, a spring top pouch and a user manual together with the usual paperwork.

There is no mention of the collaboration with the WDC on any of the paperwork or the box, which I feel is a bit of a missed opportunity but maybe something will be included with the actual retail version (remember that this is a pre-production unit, so things may be slightly different). The user manual also says that they are “Mermaid Series Earphones”, which I guess is sea related.

Underneath the foam cutouts and the accessories box, we find a tray in the bottom of the box that contains 9 sets of ear tips, with three different types. These are labelled as “Vocal”, “Balanced” and “Bass”. Personally I found the medium size “Balanced” to be my preference and are the tips that I have used throughout this review.



Build and aesthetics…

The IEMs are certainly on the large side of things, also being a bit heavier than many other sets, although still reasonable. The shape of the shells has been inspired by the tail of a whale and this does show when looking at them. This also means that they have some strange shapes going on on the outer part of the shells which looks uncomfortable but actually, in my case, does not affect the comfort at all. I in fact find them comfortable for long sessions, even if they are on the large side.

They are available in 3 colours: silver, black and titanium. Hidizs asked me which colour I would like and I chose the titanium, just to break from the norm of silver or black, and I have to say that I am a fan of them. They look good, seem to be well built and, as I already said, they are comfortable.

The matching cable also looks very good and gets high praise from me. It’s a quadruple weave that breaks into two wrapped cores on each side, along with matching metal hardware (and 4.4mm in my case). It is not microphonic, not too thick and is, in general, a very pleasant cable.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

As mentioned in the intro, the MP145 come with three sets of filters that screw on to the nozzle and allow you to change the tuning to suit your tastes. There are not huge differences between the three filters but they are enough to be clearly noticeable when swapping.

Here is a graph of the 3 nozzles with my usual preference target for reference:



Let’s get the red nozzles out of the way first as I am not a fan of them. With these filters I find that the upper mids / lower treble is reduced too much, making vocals lack presence and putting too much emphasis on the low end. There is actually some higher treble presence that stops them from sounding completely dark with these filters and I can see some people enjoying this signature, just I am not one of them.

So, focusing on the Silver and Gold filters, the differences between them are quite minimal in comparison to the Red ones, especially if looking at the graph. When listening, I find that the upper ranges of the Gold filters seem slightly less peaky than the Silver ones and, although it does bring the bass slightly more forward, I found myself preferring the Gold option.

To be honest, both filters have a bit too much in the mid bass region for my personal preferences but I find that the sound signature with the Gold filters is slightly more coherent overall than with the Silver (and more preferable to me personally than the Red filters). I think that the Gold filters generally present a smooth and bassy signature which can be considered a fun listen.

So, I am going to focus on the Gold filters and share my usual detailed opinions on the result of listening to my test track playlist.

While I would usually separate the subbass and midbass regions, I feel that on the MP145, these areas work together to present a full bodied and rather “thick” bass range in general. Although I use the word “thick” (for lack of a better term to describe them in my opinion), that doesn’t mean that they are loose and boomy. In fact, although there is a clear focus on the bass range, the IEMs do a decent job of being coherent when tasked with bassy tracks. The MP145 are very reminiscent of the Letshuoer S12 in these bass ranges, which, as a fan of the S12, is a good thing. I do feel that the MP145 put more emphasis on the lower ranges than the S12 but that is due to the upper regions, which we will get to shortly.

To refer to my usual subbass test, “Chameleon”, there is plenty of rumble going on with the additional boost of the midbass, which makes for an impressive low range on the track, with the MP145 doing a decent job of keeping it under control. I can’t say it is the best I have heard in these lower ranges but it is still impressive nonetheless.

Moving to something less rumbling but still in the electronic domain, “Shot Me Down” has a much cleaner and more defined low end, with bass hits being clean and distinct. With “No Sanctuary Here”, which is sort of halfway between the two, again the bass range performs well, with clean and defined notes that give the sensation of very good bass.

Moving into the mid range, it is nice to see that the bass doesn’t invade it and make things muddy in the lower mids, unless of course you have something extremely boosted going on in the mid bass range.

Instruments and lower ranges of vocals are clean and present, with a decent body to them but without becoming overly muddy. “Elephants on Ice Skates” presents a large bass guitar in the lower ranges, with a cleanliness to the mid range of both the guitars and the bass that is not invaded by those lower notes.

Listening to “These Bones”, those low vocals have a nice body to them but without becoming overly warm and interfering with the other vocals of this acapella track.

The upper mids leading into the lower treble is where I am least fond of the MP145 tuning. While the rise to 2kHz is enough to bring vocals forwards and not get lost against that lower range boost, the response dips just after this mark and returns with a small peak at around 5kHz.

I have said plenty of times in the past that I am very sensitive to 5kHz peaks and while the MP145 is not overly boosted at this mark, the dips surrounding it make that frequency stand out much more, making things quite harsh to my ears. For example, Zella Day in “Seven Nation Army” has a harshness to the vocals that I can find quite uncomfortable.

This can be tamed quite a bit by using the Red filters, yet I find that swapping to the Red’s reduces the 2 to 3kHz region too much, putting more emphasis on the lower ranges and making vocals lack presence.

Moving into the upper ranges, there is quite a nice extension and sensation of air that stops the overall signature becoming dark and overly bass focused. Even with the Red filters, the upper ranges are nicely recovered, making the presentation bass focused but not overly dark in general. Yes, you lose that vocal presence that I just mentioned, but it doesn’t become dull and dark.

Details are pretty good, easily appreciated without being made the center of attention. When a track has a lot of detail going on in the background, the MP145 make it apparent but without making it the focus.

I also find soundstage to be above average on the MP145, with images nicely located and spread out in a left to right stage. As an example, “La Luna”, which is a binaural recording, has a nice placement of the instruments, each with their own location, although I find the back left guitar to be more “left” and slightly less “back” than on some other sets.



Conclusion…

I think that the planar novelty has worn off and is now more about the performance of the IEMs than the fact that they use planar drivers. In the case of the MP145, I think Hidizs has presented a very respectable set of IEMs at a very reasonable price. They are not the cheapest planar out there (nor are they the most expensive, by a long way), but in terms of performance for cost, I would say they do a good job.

Also, add to it the fact that they are collaborating with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation and, while this may not change the way it sounds, it does give them more points in my personal opinion.

In general, I think that if you are looking for a good all round set of planars and you like a bit of additional bass presence, then the MP145 are a good option. You also get the 3 different filters to adjust them to your preference and maybe go for that extra bass emphasis when you are in the mood!

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As always, this review is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.yotube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

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Hidizs MP145​

Intro ​

Hello everyone, this is my full written review from one of Hidizs latest iems, the Hidizs MP145. The MP145 is a Planar Magnetic earphone with an MSRP of $199 (limited early bird Kickstarter offer of $109 HERE) and the first from the good people of Hidizs. Friends, Hidizs has been on a landslide tear through the Audioverse with absolute contenders in many different price brackets. Recently I reviewed the Hidizs MS5 (MS5 Review HERE), as well as the Hidizs MS3 (MS3 Review HERE) and truly have enjoyed them and if I’m being honest… “lauded” each set for their individual appeal and unapologetically unique tunings, build, design and the accessories… really the whole nine yards. Hidizs has covered it all. This is one of those audio companies who seeks to impress in every regard and that is always refreshing to see.

WDC​

Of course, the Hidizs MP145 actually begins as a “Kickstarter” program. However, this isn’t any regular ole Kickstarter as Hidizs has actually partnered with the “WDC” (Whale & Dolphin Conservation). I think this is the first time I’ve seen an audio company partner with a charity organization, and I find it commendable and a great cause to further help fund. I told y’all, Hidizs is “Different”! The WDC is fighting the good fight in many ways for Dolphins and Whales of all types by pushing to end captivity of these beautiful creatures, by fighting to stop any “whaling” and killing of these species, and by cleaning up the seas which house these animals. Truly a great cause to get behind and a nice vote of confidence that your dollar will not only buy you a great set of earphones, but also will go to helping some very precious and majestic marine animals.
The MP145 fights for relevance in a very loaded price point with a mountain of solid planar magnetic earphones, not to mention the other great iems with different driver configurations. I do hope I can help you to narrow that field a bit and also help you figure out if the MP145 is something that makes sense for your rotation. So, I think I’m going to cut this intro a bit short and get into it, the Hidizs MP145 everyone…


One more thing before the review, please check out the KICKSTARTER at the link provided below
– MP145 Kickstarter

Save the whales, save the world.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is the leading global charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, and their ocean homes. As the design of the MP145 was inspired by whales, we’re proudly supporting WDC’s Green Whale work and helping to raise awareness about the vital role whales play in the health of our oceans, and ultimately our planet. Learn more about these amazing animals here, and follow us on social media to get updates about our partnership.
Hidizs Promotional​

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Gear used for testing​

–Ifi Go Blu

–Hidizs S9 Pro

–Moondrop Dawn 4.4

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2

–Shanling M6 Ultra

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Packaging / Accessories ​

Hidizs put together another nice packaging yet a bit less wasteful and in step with their environmental involvement with the WDC. The box which arrived at my home is a small rectangular box, best guess is 6″ x 2.5″. You see a picture of the beautiful MP145 on the front sleeve as well as some logos and a few other details that you can simply see by looking at my pics. Anyways, as you slide off the sleeve, you’ll notice a black fully plastic inner box (no this isn’t the carrying case). Take off the lid and the MP145 will be staring right back at you as they are set in some cardboard covered foam cut-outs. Next to the earphones is a small box which houses the carrying pouch. By the way, the pouch actually has the beautiful cable inside as well as the tuning nozzles which are given a cute little case to store them in. So, once you take off the box and the foam, you’ll notice all the nice tips in a very neat holder with labels explaining the tuning for each.

I absolutely love the choice of accessories that Hidizs decided upon as well as the quality of the accessories. Hidizs kept this box compact, small and not even slightly wasteful. I won’t call this Hidizs most lavish unboxing to date but for the price being asked the MP145’s packaging is truly up there with some of the best.

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Carrying Pouch​

As far as a carrying case goes, Hidizs left that one out in the accessory count as they instead opted for a pocket friendly storage bag. The bag itself is black in color with what appears to be a faux leather type material covering it. The opening mechanism is done by pinching the sheet metal ends together and releasing to close. An actual case would’ve been nice, but also… who cares? I don’t even use them anyways. I will say that the pouch that is provided is perfectly pocketable and is able to just hold the MP145 along with the cable. The material seems durable and nicely stitched.

Eartips​

Hidizs provides a total of nine pairs of eartips. Actually, they provide three sets of three (S, M, L) and each set of tips renders the overall sound in a way that confirms the validity of the labels given for each set of tips (Vocal, Balanced, Bass). The “Bass” tips are a longer style gray silicone with a narrow bore and a firm stem. The “Balanced” tips are a white silicone tip with a black stem. These tips are similar to something like the KBear 07’s having a medium-wide bore. The last set is the “Vocal” tips. These ones have a wide bore, shallow fit, firm flange and are very nice indeed. Each set does very well with effecting the sound and each set is quality, not just some random tips thrown in for good measure.

Tips make a difference

Let me offer a bit of direction when choosing tips for the MP145. This is one set which truly makes nice changes through the use of tip-rolling. In fact, the sound is affected enough that I didn’t stop at the included tips but in fact went through just about every tip in my arsenal. Now if I was choosing any of the included tips, I’d use the large sized “Balanced” tips. However, in my tip-rolling escapades I found that the Dunu S&S tips performed the best of any set of tips I tried out. In my opinion. The MP145 and S&S tips will reward you with their wider bore and the S&S tips also have a deeper fit. With them installed the bass tightened, the stage grew, and the treble had a bit more bite and weight to it. So be sure to check out every tip you can to make the sound perfect for you.

Cable​

The included cable is a very nice-looking wire which looks very handsome offsetting the silver of my MP145’s. One thing Hidizs is very well aware of is our love for a solid cable. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “cables matter“… quite a lot actually. A good cable is the dressing on the salad, the sauce on the steak… actually… These are terrible analogies. It doesn’t matter though because Hidizs gets it. We are visual creatures, and we love to see that fly lookin cable just… dripping off our earphones. I can’t tell you how many cables I’ve purchased just for this purpose. So, how nice is it that Hidizs adds in cables that complement the product? Both in auditory joy and visually? Pretty cool Hidizs!

The cable I’m referring to is a 0.78mm 2-Pin cable which comes in either a 3.5 single ended variant or a 4.4 balanced which you can choose when ordering. The cable is a beautiful 4 strand 99.9999% high purity, single-crystal “oxygen-free” copper cable with silver plating. Hidizs promises an ultra-low resistance transmission… Ya know what, let’s hear it from the horse’s mouth…

“Crystal Clear Connectivity: The Uncompromising Signal Cable
Equipped with a signal cable crafted from a blend of four strands of 99.9999% high-purity single-crystal oxygen-free copper silver-plated wire, the MP145 ensures a amorphous low-resistance and high-tensile listening experience.
This exceptional cable allows for greater driving current with its low-resistance transmission, while the silver-plated layer enhances the conductivity of the single-crystal copper rod’s surface, minimizing signal loss.
The result is enhanced resolution in the mid-to-high frequencies, delivering astonishingly clear vocals and making it an essential feature of high-end headphone signal cables.”​

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Quality materials ​

To me, the included cable is much more like a very nice upgrade cable. Hidizs uses quality materials in this cable, and it has a very nice feel to it. Now, this cable isn’t as beefy as the MS3 cable and not even close to as fat as the MS5 cable, but it is a good size for this set. I don’t have any microphonic effects when rubbing it against my shirt and for the most part the cable is pliable and rolls up nicely without becoming a spiderweb of cable mess. Also, I love the subtle white gloss on the insulation cover of this cable. It really pops next to the MP145.

Earhooks
However, I should also add (full transparency) that the cable which comes with the MP145 does fit on my ears, kinda funny. Almost as though the female 2-Pin is a little bit too far back and up on the MP145. Every now and again the earhooks come out from behind my ears as they are simply too high on the ear. Understand, I do think it is mostly my ear anatomy that is the issue but something worth noting.

You’ll notice that I used the Hidizs MS3 cable for some of the pictures as I went back and forth between the two. I found that the “shark fin” style 2-pin connectors of the MS3’s cable were just enough to fix where the earhooks sat behind the ear. Another cable which works nicely is the KBear Chord 4.4 oddly enough. Obviously, this won’t affect everyone. Also, the included cable is very nice and looks great and this likely won’t be an issue for everyone.

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Build / Design / Internals / Fit / Drivability​

Build Quality​

Now we get into the meat of this review! This is where things begin to get really interesting. I say this because the build quality of the Hidizs MP145 is absolutely THROUGH THE ROOF GOOD!!! Pick these up and feel them in your hand and I promise you’ll have zero choice whether you are impressed or not. The actual milling of the Shells was done using advanced molding and five-axis CNC machining & carving of aviation grade aluminum. To build the faceplates it took them 12 steps of milling to complete the “whale tail” design. The build is phenomenal and should not go understated. I do think this is the best build in the price point and I give that distinction without any internal pushback. The Shells are very solid.

Bravo!​

You’ll notice some very large vents on the faceplates on either side of the “whale tail” and another smaller vent near the nozzle. We have slightly deeper fitting nozzles as well, so take that into account. Also, these shells are absolutely enormous, like, bigger than the KZ AS24 shells. Their large, so smaller ears may want to try before you buy if that is feasible. Now, I realize that I just told you that the MP145’s are enormous but I also have to add that they are 100% ergonomic in design. Meaning, even though they are large, they fit fantastic, but I’ll cover that later. One more thing, the aluminum used provides a reasonably lightweight earphone at under 9.5 grams. All in all, Hidizs… Bravo! Truly an exceptional build! I do hope those who designed and built the MP145 know how well they did.

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Tuning Nozzles​

Hidizs adopted many tuning methods used in the creation of the MP145. There is nine to be exact when you figure in the eartips as well as the tuning nozzles. There are three female threaded tuning nozzles which I must say that I appreciate. Usually, tuning nozzles have the male threads on the tuning nozzle which makes them small and easy to lose. Not with the MP145. Hidizs actually reversed it, it makes the nozzle diameter a hair larger, but it is 1000% easier to install the tuning nozzles. Like I said, there are three nozzles labeled “Low Frequency” (Charm Red), “Balanced” (Rose Gold), & “High Frequency” (Quiet Silver).

What do they do?

I’ll be honest, you are not getting three different earphones in one, but you are getting substantial changes to the target tuning that relates to the naming scheme of each tuning nozzle. Also, be aware that also using the tuning eartips included in the packaging adds even more to the tuning nozzle’s efficacy. I am quite surprised at how well these options are implemented. Let me complete a very quick and general look at how the sound is affected using each tuning nozzle.

Low Frequency Nozzle (Charm Red)​

The “low frequency” nozzle adds some warmth by dropping the ear gain in the upper mids/lower treble along with some obvious bump in the sub-bass. I find the bass nozzle (as I’ll call it) does add some meat to the sound, note weight gets a bump, yet also there is increased softness at note definition with this nozzle. I find the speed of attack/decay lingers a bit longer and the snappiness is slightly flattened a pinch, but I do like this version of a bass replay from a tuning option. That said, the bass nozzle adds a nice chunk of real bass density and gain. This all gets more inflated if you couple the bass nozzle with the bass eartips. Please trust me, the MP145 becomes a flat-out BASS CANON! Hidizs wasn’t lying when they said they had nine different options as they picked the perfect tips to affect the sound.

Balanced Nozzle (Rose Gold)​

The balanced nozzle is the most balanced of any of the tuning options as the name suggests. What we have is an increase from the bass nozzle in the ear gain by a few dBs and the difference is very easy to hear. The bass doesn’t really lose any emphasis with this nozzle, but the increased ear gain does add some levity to the sound with an increased punch in the bass region and better note definition. Macro-dynamics seem to get a boost with this nozzle as well. I like the openness of this balanced nozzle paired with either the balanced or vocal tips, or like I said earlier, with the Dunu S&S tips. Just so you are all aware, this is the nozzle that I used for the majority of critical listening.

High Frequency Nozzle (Quiet Silver)​

I actually enjoy this filter as well, but you do lose a bit of thunder in the bass region. Don’t get me wrong it isn’t a huge loss but when you couple that with the increased lower treble energy than what you have is a more neutral sounding set. The treble filter has a snappier sound across the board, and this is the most detail friendly of any of the nozzle configurations. The sound is still very musical but just a pinch less dynamic as a whole and a touch more analytical too. I feel the stage flattens out a hair with this nozzle but that is certainly debatable. I think that many hobbyists will enjoy this sound.

Design​

This is one area that I may gush a bit hard. I have to be totally honest with you, that I am crushing a little bit over the look of the MP145! Good Lord… look at this set people! Hidizs! My word whoever designed this set deserves some sort of a trophy. The design is stunning. You see the pictures and I can promise that not even one of them does this set even the slightest bit of justice.

Again, the MP145 is crafted entirely out of aviation grade aluminum and has one of the most intricate and imaginative design concepts. The faceplate area is actually supposed to mimic the look of a whale tail. One person on Facebook also remarked that the design on the faceplate resembles more of a shark tooth… I do agree with that assessment. Anyways, I digress, the MP145 from Hidizs may just be the best design of the year within the price point.

Whale Inspired Design
With WDC’s(Whale and Dolphin Conservation) assistance, we drew inspiration from whales’ biological features for Hidizs MP145 in-ear monitors. By seamlessly incorporating whale tail and rorqual pleat characteristics, we achieved a smooth, ergonomic shape that fits the human ear canal perfectly. Utilizing advanced molding and five-axis CNC carving, the earphone panel is divided into 3 parts with a twelve-layer milling pattern, resembling whale tail fins and pectoral flippers.
Hidizs Promotional​

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Color choices​

The MP145 actually comes in three (actually four) of the best colors Hidizs could’ve chosen. They come in “Blue” which is more like a navy blue. It’s a very bold looking marine type of color which certainly fits the motif. The next color is “Titanium” which is tinted closer to a sandy tan if I were to try to describe it. Just beautiful. The last “regular” color is the “Silver” set that you see in the pictures. Honestly, I don’t know which I like the best. When Bella asked what color, I wanted it was kind of a nail biter.

Golden Special Edition​

I do have one more thing to add to this review as far as color choices; Hidizs will also be offering a limited number of “Gold” colored MP145’s which Hidizs aptly named the “Golden Titanium Edition”. There will be 199 units available to be exact. These will be a limited edition and I have to be honest; they look like jewelry.


Again, the whale tail itself took 12 steps of milling and carving to create that look and each step is finely laid out. One thing that I love is that Hidizs chose not to put any logo on the faceplate which is a classy move and it paid off because the design speaks for itself. Who needs logos and names? The rest of the design language is smooth lines and feels premium from the 2-Pin connectors all the way to the nozzles. Truly a beautiful set that deserves some praise. In the same breath I’m sure there will be those who don’t enjoy this look as much as I do.

Internals​

Hidizs decided upon a massive Planar Magnetic Driver for the Hidizs MP145 and they happened to name this Driver… “Fast”. Yes, it’s a strange name but I’m not here to judge my friends. If it’s any consolation, it’s nice that they named the Driver after one of its many attributes… Speed. To be exact, “Fast” is a 14.5mm Planar Driver with a fully symmetrical magnetic array with 7+7 N52 magnets which achieve up to 1 Tesla at the magnetic gap. Hidizs states that this configuration ensures a lower harmonic distortion as well as magnetic circuit efficiency. I can actually attest that distortion is not in the MP145’s vocabulary. This is a solid Driver folks.

What is “FAST”
“FAST”is the secret code of Hidizs’s customized Ultra-large Planar Magnetic Driver. It features a symmetrical planar magnetic driver with a 14.5mm diaphragm diameter. This large diaphragm size offers inherent advantages in audio information and dynamic range compared to other driver types. FAST is also the code name for the largest radio telescope on Earth. We used the same code to pay tribute to this groundbreaking achievement in astronomy.
Hidizs Promotional​

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Drivability​

Planar Magnetic earphones have come a very long way as far as Drivability is concerned. It used to be the case that you’d need a good and strong amp to power any Planar to bring them to good fidelity. However, nowadays this isn’t so much of the case. As far as the MP145, it can jam out at decently low power. Still, before I get into this section just know, the MP145 definitely scales with power.

Mobile listening​

The MP145 is rated with an impedance of 30 ohms and a sensitivity of 104db’s which makes it pretty darn sensitive on paper. I did try out one 3.5 single ended cable with my iPad 6th gen and that was short lived. Not that it couldn’t bring the MP145 to volume, but it couldn’t bring out the dynamics in this set. So, I stopped playing that game and figured, “Anyone purchasing the MP145 must have at least a decent Dongle Dac at their disposal”. So, I next went to the IFi Go Blu and easily drive the MP145. The sound was bold, big and the MP145 reacted to the CS43131 dac chip and strong amping power under 4.4 balanced very well.

Dongle Dacs​

Listening with the MP145 attached to the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 is where things get even more fun. Again, the Dawn 4.4 has a CS43131 as well, but it is tuned much differently than the Go Blu. The Dawn is a snappy, neutral sounding dongle with loads of energy and macro-dynamics. The MP145 does very well paired with a sound like this. I briefly used the Hidizs S9 Pro and came to a very nice conclusion as well, but I had to use a 2.5 balanced cable which was cumbersome to keep switching out, so I stuck with the Dawn 4.4. Synergy is very nice between these two and the amping power of the Dawn really begins to draw out the vivacity and macro-dynamics of the MP145 and the musicality.

Daps​

Stepping up to my Daps I always begin with the iBasso DX240 which carries a flagship level ES9038Pro dac chip and about 1W of power. I use the MP145 on either medium or high gain and didn’t see much of a difference between the two. These two-sound nice but I did detect a hint of odd timbre in the upper regions for whatever reason. However, nothing paired as well with the MP145 as did my Shanling M6 Ultra. The M6 Ultra is in my opinion the best dap under 1k, and it showed itself true as the lush yet ultra resolving sound played through the MP145 was the golden ticket. That velvet AK4493SEQ Flagship dac chip along with the rest of the tech housed within the M6 Ultra strikes such a nice balance against the tonality of the MP145.

The least you’ll need​

In the end, not everyone has a Dap or even a $100 dongle dac at their disposal. I think what it really boils down to is this… Make sure to have a well powered dongle dac, it doesn’t have to be ultra expensive. There are many on the market that you can get relatively cheap. Honestly, the MP145 paired pretty well with every source I used so I truly don’t think you’ll have a synergy problem.

An IEM for Everyone: Perfect Match with Any Dongle DACs/Music Players/Smart Devices
With its 104dB high sensitivity, it can be easily driven to the optimal volume when paired with a cell phone, dongle DAC, or music player. Mild audiophiles and music lovers will find it perfect to match with a small dongle DAC, or any smart devices. While hard-core HiFi audiophiles will enjoy pairing it with a music player or a powerful amplifier. Experience fast response, excellent dynamic range, and impressive frequency characteristics.
Even when listening to music on streaming platforms and playing games on multiple devices, the Hidizs MP145 will deliver a unique and exceptional audio experience.
Hidizs Promotional​

Click to expand...

Sound Impressions​

Note: I feel I need to preface this entire portion of my review with this; all impressions are done after extensive burn-in. I’m talking up to 175-200 hrs. I simply let this set play for days and days friends without thinking about it. Of course, I don’t think it necessarily needs this much. You should be fine with probably 25 to 50 hrs I’m sure. Without question this paid off. However, I don’t think it’s mandatory because this set does sound very good out the gate. Listen-in should be perfectly fine and probably what I would’ve done if I actually purchased this set. Also, all impressions are based off of the price point and against other planar sets. This is how I went into this review; I believe it makes the most sense as well. All listening was done using my devices, 4.4 balanced, high gain, using Dunu S&S eartips and flac files stored on my devices.

The Hidizs MP145 comes across as a Harman inspired V-shaped set which can double as an almost U-shaped, or even triple as a soft W-shaped set too… depending on what tuning nozzle and eartips are used. The sound is mostly warm with a spritz of neutrality and it comes across very clean, controlled, dynamic & snappy. Yet it’s also lush, weighted, authoritative and bold. I find the MP145 to be a very musical set which isn’t something that I easily say about most Planar earphones. It has a very nice timbre throughout and is a “stand-out” in the “technicality” department. The stage is enormous, vast, with good depth. Layering is fantastic. Detail retrieval is great with a tuning that is well adept to pick out the subtle things in my music, even with the bass emphasis.

Between the 20’s​

If this is all that you read just know this, the MP145 can flat out BANG! The bass can be BIG and can be pretty boomy under the right conditions. Generally, I find the bass to be punchy, deep enough and pretty fast to keep up with complex basslines. The midrange comes across more smoothly yet doesn’t skimp on separation and note definition. Vocals of both males and females sound nicely weighted yet still airy and I also like how well the imaging is in this region. The treble has nice note weight, punch, and there is adequate bite to treble notes with very nice extension. In total the sound is actually great, truly. I am impressed that this is a planar earphone, and I don’t hear that annoying planar timbre but instead hear a nicely organic sound that has fantastic macro-dynamics.

Bass Region​

Let’s talk about the bass. One of my favorite subjects. I love good bass, in fact I listen for it, wait for it, and when I hear it done well… I may get a little giddy. What’s a hobby without some childlike joy? So, I’m just going to preface this entire section with this… The MP145, without the shadow of a doubt, has some very nice planar bass. The low-end is clean, nicely deep with pleasurable extension as well, ranging from moderate to Bass Boi levels depending on your nozzle and tip situation as well as the track being played. What I like about the bass is the speed of the bass per the quantity as well as the note definition. Nothing pillowy, nothing fuzzy, nothing hollow at all and truthfully, the MP145 doesn’t even sound like a planar completely. Of course, a good DD will have a slight bit more organic oomph, but it’s very close.

Sub-bass​

Again, using the Rose gold nozzle I feel the sub-bass can get low with very nice extension. The MP145 is very close to DD type levels of haptic energy and controlled resonant vibration. When I listen to “Don’t Look At It” by Ashnikko I feel every last note down low. The best part is the precise energy and attack that the MP145 is able to deliver. The sub-bass has very nice agility with an almost ductile ability to stay composed in most any musical arrangement. This track is not my favorite but it’s a great tool to show off the MP145’s abilities. The leading edge of attack provides good note definition in the lowest of lows. Not perfectly clean note outline but very well contoured and controlled.

“Take” by Westerman is another solid example of a track in which I can 100% feel the vibrational energy from the bass guitar which is the running undercurrent of this song. If you enjoy a solid sub-bass RUMBLE & DRONE, then you’ll like the MP145 in this regard. What’s great is that the sub-bass never seems to impede on the rest of the mix. It stays in its lane, so to speak. There is a depth to the rumble, a concrete solidity that stays relatively solid, undistorted even at high volumes and is always in control it seems. Another track is “Down by Law” by Killer Mike off his latest album where I can definitely feel that dirty sub-bassline which is great to see from a planar set.

Mid-bass​

The mid-bass is also in good control and holds a tight edge and also with nice note definition that doesn’t sound flabby and doesn’t negatively affect any other area of the mix. Though I’m quite positive some will not want as much emphasis. This is not the type of mid-bass that slams and lingers too long either. Meaning, it isn’t that slow and intrusive type mid-bass. It’s moderately tight for its size, it’s impactful and makes its presence felt & heard. “Uncle M” by Young Thug is a good example of the MP145’s ability to attack with authority and with a nicely concrete edge and then decay and release relatively quickly, or appropriately. Let’s put it this way, when the MP145 needs to be speedy it can easily handle that. Yet in a more atmospheric bass track the MP145 doesn’t disappoint either, at least for me it doesn’t.

I also enjoy the texture and tactility of the mid-bass and the fact that this is not at all a one-noted affair. It isn’t so boomy-bland and over saturated that it brings upon any veil to the rest of the mix. Like I’ve said a few times… This is a clean mid-bass for its size which helps the overall sound to be much more satisfying. Not every set can pull off such an emphasized sound without coming across as intrusive or overbearing. Also, not every planar can pull off decent texture while sounding as robust as the MP145. Let’s also dispel any thoughts about planars not being able to thump with some real gusto because the MP145 can be an absolute BEAST when it is called upon to do so.

Audiophile Basshead?​

Bass guitars have a full growl and I hear bulbous kick drums with a solid and hollow boom and a tacky edge on attack. Really the MP145 should make fans of Hip-Hop, R&B, EDM, metal etc. very happy. The low-end can handle multiple basslines with ease and never seems to be over matched in complexity of my musical library. The thing I like the best is that the low-end is very technical as well as authoritative which isn’t usually something which goes hand-in-hand with each other. My only real question is this… Is this an “Audiophile Basshead” or a “Mature-Bass Boi”?

Downsides to the Bass Region​

The only downside that I can come up with is that not everyone will enjoy the emphasis. Of course, they can always opt for a different nozzle situation or simply EQ the low-end down a few db’s. The Bass can at times take center stage over other instruments, but this is a rare occurrence on the MP145. In truth… this is a great bass if you like a bigger bass section. Perhaps at times on extremely bass heavy songs some of the details may be overshadowed, of course I don’t know who’s seeking out the finer details in ultra heavy bass jams.

Midrange​

The mids have a decent smoothness which isn’t always a quality of planar sets. Many times, there will be a certain coarseness to the sound on a planar. Not as much on the MP145, it’s smooth, semi-lush yet rich. However, it’s not so smoothed over that it dulls and flattens note definition or covers over details in a bad way. One nice feature is that the MP145 has less “Planar timbre” than most other planar iems. It is a very rare occurrence that I hear that metallic type of electrical sounding note outline like many planars. Though it can happen at rare times. The only other planar set which succeeded in this regard was the Hook-X (that I’ve heard). Truly the MP145 is a very well-tuned and very well-designed set, and the midrange is just another example of this.

Lower-midrange​

In the low-mids we have a very slight recession, but this only helps this set to sound more correct to me. Males have nice weight to their vocals, and they carry a very nice presence in the mix. In “Jake’s Piano” by Zach Bryan the MP145 creates a beautifully emotional experience by sounding more natural and organic than anything. The instrumentation around Zach is very well executed as well. People, I really do enjoy male vocals listening with this set. There is just enough warmth from the low-end for nice body yet enough of a crispness when needed too.

Jason Isbel sounds very melodic and the timbre to his voice can be captivating in a track like “Cover Me Up“. In his more vulnerable lines, he sounds soft yet clean and very much stalwart in the more aggressive chorus lines where he really goes for it. Thankfully in those passages the MP145 doesn’t kill my ears in fatigue like other sets can with this track. I will say that in the more aggressive passages of music you may get the slightest sense of planar effects in the timbre, but this shouldn’t bother anyone.

Upper-Midrange​

That resolute delivery is even more evident when listening to females, and this can be heard on the track “Want You Back” by Maisie Peters. She sounds forward, but not in your face. She sounds rightly vibrant and crisp when the articulation in her voice requires that out of the MP145. However, for the most part females have a smoother timbre and body, yet also have plenty of shimmer and glow as well. The MP145 has a nice ability to highlight a female voice without causing the sound to be too forward or too hot which is something that is a common tuning theme of late. Thankfully Hidizs tuned the MP145 to be held in check in the ear gain area yet still come across vibrant and emotionally dynamic. If that makes sense.

Honestly, I feel the MP145 does everything very well and female vocals are not an exception. The MP145 can sound dulcet, birdsweet, and songfully smooth yet just as easily sound exuberant, symphonic and rotund in a ballad. For instance, Sierra Ferrell sounds angelic listening to “Whispering Waltz” on the MP145. There’s this haunting type of sweet longing presented in this track which can only be truly appreciated on a set that can adequately replay that emotional feeling. Please trust me, not every set can do it. The MP145 displays the secondary harmonics of a female voice very well and the fundamental body of a female note has yet to sound “off” to me. In fact, I’d argue it’s the exact opposite.

Instruments ​

I don’t hear any instruments that sound completely unnatural or odd in any way. Most instrumentation isn’t overly colored which is something I’d think the low-end emphasis would have done. However, this isn’t really the case and any coloration that we do have, I think helps the sound altogether.

The fundamental tone of a cymbal strike provides a full “chisk” with plenty of meat or body to them. Of course, this greatly depends on the track. Not all recordings are created equal my friends. I am speaking in generalizations here. Anyways, most percussion has a nicely wet edge, like snares, which have a snappy “pang” and a quick decay. Piano is mellifluous and charming for the most part. Strings sound nice and in my opinion have good secondary harmonics, especially in acoustic tracks where you can single those out. I like that I can easily hear the finger slides, or the fact that I can hear each individual string when listening to an artist strum his guitar. Even electric guitar is nice and held in check and without that piercing glare which can so easily occur. Violin has a very nice sound as well on the few test tracks that I have using the instrument.

It’s the structure​

I won’t go through every instrument and to be fair; I haven’t heard every instrument through the MP145. Furthermore… these are only “MY” opinions of the sound I’m hearing so try to be understanding of that. Still, for the most part, the MP145 does very well with instruments in this region. I think the best part of the instruments isn’t simply the tone & timbre though, I think it’s actually the structure of the sound, the cadence of the sound, and the atmosphere surrounding the instruments. Also, layering is through the roof as if each instrument can give you a 3D vision with sound from every side of it. Separation results from the wider stage and the clean playback of resolving notes. All the while the sound is lusher than it isn’t, more smooth than crisp, and more timbre-accurate than it is processed sounding.

Downsides to the midrange​

Honestly, I would say that if there was a downside to this region it would be that some DD sets can come across more organic and even more natural sounding. Please believe me that I’m splitting hairs here or I’m grasping for faults. I would say the midrange’s biggest issue is probably the timbre. In the same breath, the timbre is fantastic for a planar… No doubt about it! There is the faintest hint (and I do mean faintest) of planar timbre towards the upper-mids but much less than most any other planar.

Hidizs did a wonderful job with this set. I don’t hear any sibilance at all, no glare or shout either and trust me I searched for it with a Playlist specially designed to listen for these things. I’m excluding a lot here guys and gals. If you saw my listening notes, you’d be happy I am. Trust me, this review would be twice as long and so I have to pick and choose to keep the word count down. In the end, the midrange is musical, lush, clean, detailed and expressive… what more could you ask for at $109, heck even at $199?

Treble Region ​

The treble has a nice snap to it, some precision, some pep. It’s intricate, articulate and at the same time the treble is nicely bodied and weighted. Treble sections are always the shorter of the sound sections being that there is simply less to say most of the time, but I really do appreciate the tuning of the highs. Timbre is very well done with the right amount of treble rise to accommodate different instruments in this region. It isn’t over-cooked or shrill, not even in the slightest. Even on treble heavy tracks and at high volumes I really don’t hear any sibilance up top, and I also don’t hear any odd planar timbre either. The treble is well extended into the highest of highs with plenty of info easily heard out past 10k. In truth, I’m finding it hard to knock this set for what it’s being sold for.

Examples ​

Listening to my “Treble Playlist” and the track “Keel Over and Die” by Old Crow Medicine Show the first thing I noticed was how distinct the fiddle play was apart from everything else. The great thing was that the fiddle can really move extremely quick which on most sets sounds a bit more mashed together. With the MP145, each note has its own lifespan of attack through sustain. I’m not saying this is the best treble I’ve ever heard but I am saying that I’m surprised by how well rounded this set is. Truly!

Another track is Billy Strings song “Secrets” which displays his rapid-fire banjo play extremely well. Each pluck is so well rounded and clean. So very clean. I hear the entire soundstage filled with treble activity and every other frequency and each blistering note is palpable, distinct, definite, and transparent. “Satisfaction Feeling” by Stick Figure is another track where the treble play stands out well against the canopy of the rest of the mix including some nice and heavy bass play.

Must be the driver​

This driver is very fast when it needs to be, and it is evident the difference between a good planar and something like a BA or DD. I still think a good EST Driver can manifest a bit better treble play but that is absolutely debatable. The MP145’s Driver comes across controlled and picks up every last little detail in my music providing the recording is a decent one.

Downsides to the Treble Region ​

As far as downsides in the treble, if I’m being picky, I would say that I’d like a bit more of an etched out note definition with more feel to treble notes. In all truth, I don’t really think that is a real downside, however. Perhaps treble heads would like even more of an emphasis, maybe more of a forced resolution up top? I find it hard to put down such a well-rounded effort from a company who isn’t trying to price gouge when clearly, they could’ve sold this set for quite a bit more and I wouldn’t bat an eye over it.

​

Technicalities ​

Soundstage ​

The stage size is absolutely one of the “Pros” of the MP145. It’s pretty large for an in-ear. Not just in width either and not like 90% of planar iems where the stage is a flat wall in front of the listener. The depth of field is fantastic, height fills my head space, and the width reaches outward past my ears all the while retaining the integrity of each note, no matter where it resides in the sound field. Do yourself a favor and put on any track from Stick Figure or Home Free and you’ll notice that they use every square inch of the psycho-acoustic stage in damn near every track. Stick figure uses instruments while Home Free fills it with male vocals. The point is that you’ll notice the sheer size right away when you put on the MP145. It isn’t a coliseum or the size of a good set of over-ears but for an iem the stage is very well done on the MP145.

Separation / Imaging ​

For the most part while listening with the MP145, the separation of elements of an imaginary stage within my library has proven to be quite good. The sound comes through pretty transparent, the stage is big, resolution is great, depth of field is fantastic which corresponds to the layering abilities. All of these attributes combine to help the MP145 in its ability to separate and create a clear and precise image of the stage as well as partitioned off pieces to the band or music in front of the listener. Separation is a “Pro” and so is the MP145’s imaging ability. Imaging is very good friends. Walking step by step with separation, the imaging has all the tools, meaning left to right, front to back and every angle in between.

Details​

This is one area where there is a bit more dependance on the type of recording and even the genre to some extent. I will certainly say that no matter what you are listening to, the detail retrieval is very well done. However, providing there isn’t a ton of complexity, mixed with a ton of bass, you will have extremely good detail retrieval. Also, bad recordings will show their fruit, or lack thereof. So, as long as the track isn’t a bass heavy and bass obliterated banger, or the track isn’t so complex that hearing the subtleties is just impossible, then you’ll like what you hear if detailed listening is your bag. In any other track I’d say that macro-details as well as micro-details come through pretty darn well. Now, the sound is a hair lusher in some areas of the midrange and so there are some caveats but for the most part you aren’t missing anything in your music.

Comparisons​

Note: I just wanted to note prior to these comparisons that these will be ultra-condensed “pint-sized” comparisons. I will be very generic in my verbiage and will speak in generalities. This will not be like my usual 2000-word comparisons. Also, any comparison I perform is not supposed to be a duel to the death but simply a way to better explain the set I’m reviewing. However, this shorter form may sound like more of a duel. One more thing, all comparisons will be completed using the “balanced” nozzle on the MP145 so you can imagine how these comparisons would change when you decide to go with another tuning nozzle.

Tangzu Wu-Zetian ($149)​

The “Zetian Wu” or “Wu Zetian” is one of those sets that just exploded onto the scene right in the middle of the planar wars and quite literally stole the show. We were in the middle of obsessing about the 7Hz Timeless when all of a sudden, this set comes along and (in my opinion) renders the Timeless… pointless. The Zetian Wu also has a large sized 14.5 mm Planar Magnetic Driver.

Differences

As far as build is concerned, let’s face it… This is no competition. Obviously the MP145 is superior. Also, I would say in the looks department the MP145 is also vastly superior as well. Accessories are mostly equal except Hidizs does provide the better cable. Both sets are on the warmer side and both sets are fantastically tuned sets with a nice balance across the frequencies. The MP145 is a hair easier to drive but both sets are pretty sensitive and simple to drive.

Sound Differences ​

The MP145 has a punchier and deeper bass region with a denser slam and better low-end details as well. The Zetian-Wu can still slam pretty good but there is a hint of fuzz at note ends that the MP145 simply doesn’t have. As far as the midrange, I find both sets really perform well here, however the Zetian Wu has a bit of Planar timbre while the MP145 sounds cleaner in the timbre. I do like vocals a bit better on the MP145 as they have the lusher presentation, and it also has the more detailed sound in this region. In the treble region the MP145 has more emphasis but this is very close between the two. However, the MP145 carries better details, and the treble has better bite. Although, once again, both sets do very well here. Basically, as far as sonics are concerned, the price differential is warranted as the MP145 is “in a nutshell” the more refined unit with grander & more expressive macro-dynamics and sound density throughout. Not taking anything away from a great tuned set in the Zetian Wu.

Technicalities ​

The stage size of the MP145 is grander in every direction, coming across more 3D. The MP145 also has superior separation, imaging and details. I would say that transient attack on the Zetian Wu is a hint more atmospheric and a hair slower. Which by the way, is not a bad thing, but it is a preference thing. The MP145 and the Zetian Wu are very clean across the mix but the MP145 has a bit better resolution throughout. Neither set is plain bad in the technicalities department and both sets are truly fantastic iems in their respective price points.

There you have it, my ultra condensed “pint-sized” comparison. I squeezed as much as I could in as few words as possible for an a/b comparison which lasted well over three hours long and a ton of notes. Really this comes down to what is best for you. Honestly, I do feel that the MP145 outclasses the Zetian Wu in almost every category. I suppose that this doesn’t really tell the tale though because the Zetian Wu is a very nice set which has many redeeming qualities which doesn’t get translated in this format very well. It’s one of those sets that sounds amazing as it is, a set you have to judge as a whole and not broken down into fragmented attributes like I have here. Nevertheless, if it was me choosing, I’d take the MP145 all day long, even at the increased price.

Letshuoer S12 Pro ($169)​

Ya know, I could’ve added any planar to this list, but I chose the sets for these comparisons which made the most sense to me. One set that is wildly underrated and an absolute Kingpin in the Audio game at its price point is the Letshuoer S12 Pro (My S12 Pro Review HERE). I felt it was a very nice upgrade from the OG S12 and honestly one of the dopest looking sets at any price. That blue folks! Anyways, not that the Zetian Wu isn’t a great set, it certainly is. However, it ain’t the S12 Pro my friends! The S12 Pro is another step up the ladder in my humble opinion. Naturally it lands on this list which should tell you at least a little bit on how I feel about the MP145. Now, the S12 Pro utilizes an even larger 14.8mm Planar Magnetic Driver and can seriously jam out! Let’s check out some differences.

Differences

To begin, there is a bit of a price difference, and that price difference is definitely suitable in my opinion. However, as far as construction, both of these sets are built like absolute studs. Both made out of metal alloy, both gorgeous and unique in design, only the MP145 is much larger and much more intricate in its build. Still, both sets are absolutely striking and very robust and durable with a premium feel. They are both easy to drive with the MP145 being a hair easier and both sets will reward you with more power. Both sets have the same harmanish yet dynamically pregnant sound and both sets are very clean in replay.

Sound differences​

Honestly these two are way more alike than they are different (as a whole) when speaking about the sound. Literally they both follow the same tuning philosophy as well. I do think the macro-dynamics of the MP145 are more stirring and fervent. As far as the bass, both sets have about the same amount of rise down low but there is still a bit rawer density in the MP145’s replay. The MP145 is a bit punchier as well but that is seriously close. Perhaps a bit more slam in the S12 Pro but the sound is still cleaner on the MP145, better detailed and separated.

The midrange of both sets is close to identical with some small deviations. The MP145 has better resolution and is a bit more forward in the upper-mids. This is evidenced in many of my tracks. Note weight is about the same on both and there is a hint more shimmer and vibrance on the MP145. The treble is more pronounced on the S12 Pro by the tiniest of margins with seemingly better extension past 10k but that could simply be my brain dreaming it up. The MP145 has the snappier, punchier, and better-rounded treble region. Again, splitting hairs.

Technicalities ​

The stage of both sets is rather large but the MP145 does have the S12 Pro beat as far as height and depth goes with a more holographic presentation. Not to take anything at all away from the S12 Pro as it has a very well laid-out stage. I find layering of the sound field to be better on the MP145, to a slight degree, but still good on both sets. I also feel that detail retrieval goes to the MP145 with its very clean sound though you aren’t missing much with the S12 Pro. The transient response is about the same on both sets, but separation and imaging seem to be easier to discern on the MP145.

In the end​

To me, I know which set I think is better, but you have to look at pricing as well. Now, the MP145 will be about $30 more unless you get the initial Kickstarter deal of a ridiculous $109. Honestly your choice may just come down to the size of the earphones. In my humble opinion, after a couple hours spent going back and forth between the two, there is enough of a separation sonically to justify the price difference of $30. I do feel the MP145 is a slight degree of refinement above the S12 Pro. It’s close, but to me the MP145 is a hair more dynamically vivid with fuller macro-dynamics. Plus it has better technicalities across the board. Both sets have a nice timbre for planars. It’s actually hard to adequately describe all the differences in this short comparison model I’m trying out. However, I love both sets and I truly enjoyed the couple hours of comparisons between these two.

Is it worth the asking price? ​

This is always a poignant question to answer in any review and it’s one I do take seriously. I don’t feel comfortable deciding what is, or what isn’t “worth” your hard-earned money, especially in this day and age. So, I answer this question for “Me”. The regular MSRP of the MP145 is set at $199 which is a bit higher than many planar magnetic iems on the market and also lower than some sets as well. Now, if we are talking about the $109 early bird offer then that is a no brainer for anyone. However, even at $199 I think the MP145 is actually a very good price for what you are getting, and I still think it is a deal at the full price.

Competition ​

Of course, you do have some very nice planar iems priced lower than the MP145 like the BASN ASONE (ASONE Review HERE), Letshuoer S12 & S12 Pro (My S12 Pro Review HERE), Tangzu Heyday, Zetian Wu, and the 7hz Dioko. These are just to name a few. There are also some heavyweights like the Raptgo Hook-X (Hook-X Review HERE), Raptgo X-HBB Hook-X or the Dunu Talos among others. So, as you can easily see, the MP145 has some serious competition. I haven’t heard them all, but I have heard most, and I simply want to state that the MP145 may be the best one yet for many hobbyists. This is a loaded statement and I am very well aware of that as I sat here for a very long time debating if I should even write those words. I wish I would’ve had time to compare the Hook-X but simply fell short. Perhaps I will edit it in at a later date.

The Why… ​

The reason that the Hidizs MP145 is worth the $199 that Hidizs is asking for begins with the build. This is without question the best built planar iem in the price point and truthfully, I think it is the best built set of any driver configuration as well within the price point. Of course, that is highly subjective. It is a gorgeous set too. Again, subjective but… show me a better-looking set. The accessories are nice too, but the number one reason that the MP145 is worth every last penny is the sound quality. Truly, the MP145 absolutely charmed me! What a well done iem. In fact, my “Cons” that I list are blind stretches at best. This is a no hype place here friends and so any excitement you see from me is as genuine as it gets. The Hidizs MP145 is truly a contender at its price and worth every penny!

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Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Hidizs MP145 ratings below, that would be $100-$220 planar iems. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5” is exactly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $100 – $220 US is a small scope of iems and so seeing a 9 is easy to understand. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings it will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.

Aesthetic ​

-Build Quality: 10.0

-Look: 9.8

-Accessories: 8.7

–Overall: 9.5

Sound Rating ​

-Timbre: 9.9

-Bass: 9.8

-Midrange: 9.5

-Treble: 9.5

-Technicalities: 9.6

–Overall: 9.7

Ratings Summary:​

Due to the enormous size of this review, I will keep this short. Basically, I can keep it short because every Rating is pretty self-explanatory and there aren’t any ratings that I feel questionable about. Looking at any planar set between $100 – $220 US isn’t the largest pool of iems and so those high scores are very much understandable considering that I truly feel the MP145 is the best planar in that price point (in my opinion). I’m sure that some folks will feel differently and that is what makes this hobby truly special and completely personal. 9.5 in “Aesthetic” and a 9.7 in “Sound Rating” sounds about right to me but I’d love to hear your comments about it.

​

Conclusion ​

To conclude my full written review of the Hidizs MP145, I want to graciously thank the truly awesome people of Hidizs. In fact, I want to brag on these people and this company for a spell. I have never dealt with a brand who encourages me to speak my truth about a set. Most companies will simply not say anything and then ghost you when you are a bit too harsh. And that is okay by me, fair enough. Not Hidizs. Hidizs stands by their product and truly believes in their products and always encourages me and every other reviewer to speak their mind and then they simply live with the results. Also, no company has sent their review units to more regular people, not just established reviewers. A genius move to incorporate the “internet” and their social media reach to promote their products.

This is all good stuff, and I am happy to sing their praises. To say it was a “treat” to receive this set from Hidizs is a massive understatement and I want to thank Bella, Zoie, Rainie and everyone at Hidizs that I’ve dealt with leading up to the release of this set. The people I have dealt with represent their company in a new and fresh way which is…refreshing. So here is my small thank you to some extremely professional and extremely sweet people. Thank you.

Thank you reader​

Also, thank you to anyone who has read this review. I spend a ton of time on this and truly enjoy and love the process. I do hope this review helps at least a little bit. Please comment under this review any questions you may have, or misunderstandings and I will surely get back to you. Please don’t stop at my review. I urge you to seek out other opinions about the MP145. It will only educate you further and help you to make an educated decision. Please take care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Hidizs for furnishing this unit.

The MP145 can be obtained here: https://www.hidizs.net/products/hid...ear-monitors-for-audiophiles-and-music-lovers

Of note, Hidizs has partnered with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) for this project, and further information on this can be found on their Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/project...en-ultra-large-planar-hifi-iems-9-sound-types. Hidizs will be supporting WDC’s Green Whale work, and it really warms the heart to see manufacturers contributing back to charitable causes, so kudos to Hidizs.




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 14.5 mm planar magnetic driver
• Impedance: 30 Ohms
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 104 dB
• Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm. 4 strand silver-plated single-crystal copper cable; 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination available
• Tested at $109 USD (Kickstarter pricing); usual pricing $199 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of "balanced" silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of "bass" silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of "vocal" silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- Leatherette storage pouch
- Plastic box case
- Cable
- 3 pairs of tuning nozzles



Other than perhaps the lack of a modular cable and foam tips, the accessories are really generous at this price point. I've definitely seen pricier competitors with way less goodies. It is a nice touch that the accessories come in a large plastic casing.




3 variants of silicone eartips are included. The "bass" tips have the narrowest bore, and increase bass the most, as per its namesake, though at the expense of soundstage. The "vocal" tips lie on the other extreme, with the widest bore, and they increase air, sparkle and soundstage. Last but not least, we have the "balanced" tips, which as their name suggest, are a midpoint between the above two tips in sonics.




The stock cable is one of the better ones. This is a 4 strand silver-plated single-crystal copper cable that is well braided with minimal tangling. There is a chin cinch for added grip, with negligible microphonics. When placing an order, one can opt for a 4.4 mm or 3.5 mm termination, depending on your source.




Three tuning nozzles are included, and they come in their own transparent case. We will talk more about the nozzles below.

Lastly, we have a leatherette storage pouch. It operates via a clasp, and the innards are lined by a velvety material. Honestly, I would have preferred a hard or semi-rigid carrying case to protect the MP145, but this is just nitpicking.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock "balanced" silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT

Fashioned from aviation-grade aluminum alloy, via 5-axis CNC machining, the MP145 is built like a tank. No complaints on this front. When placing an order, one can opt amongst a silver, blue or titanium-hued shell. There seems to be a pricier gold version too.

As alluded to above, with Hidizs' support of the WDC, the MP145's housing takes a book out of a whale's tail and pectoral flippers. There are 3 separate triangles of 12 tapered layers, giving it an extremely unique aesthetic.



Unfortunately, the shells are literally whale-sized, and they are actually one of the largest IEMs I've encountered in my IEM journey. Well, this is no surprise, with the need to fit a 14.5 mm planar driver inside, but surprisingly ergonomics are very decent for my average sized ears. Weighing in at 9.5 g apiece, the shells are light, with no rough protrusions on the inner aspects to poke the ears. I can wear the MP145 for hours without any issues.




This IEM contains multiple vents - one on the inner aspects, and two lateral vents that are "hidden" along the whale's tail face plate. The vents probably contribute to the tuning and soundstaging, but are a double-edge sword, as isolation is sub-par.



Despite being heavily vented, I did detect instances of driver flex during IEM insertion, but this can be mitigated with eartip choice. Driver flex is also partially dependent on ear anatomy, so YMMV.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the MP145 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is moderately easy to drive. While weaker sources can power the MP145, amplification will help it to scale better, in terms of dynamics, bass tightness and soundstage.


INTERNALS/TUNING SWITCHES

The MP145 packs a 14.5 mm planar driver, with 7 N52H magnets sandwiching it on the front, and 7 more on the back; these are marketed to decrease distortion and provide a more efficient magnetic circuit, with the MP145 advertised to hit close to 1 Tesla flux.




The MP145's selling point is the 3 tuning nozzles, which do bestow some differences in the frequency response:

Graph of the various nozzles of the MP145, via an IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The nozzles change the sound from 1.5 kHz and above, and ain't gimmicks. As the ears take the entire frequency spectrum as a whole, an increase in upper mids/treble will be perceived as a lighter bass, and vice versa.

Here are the sound impressions with the various nozzles:


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The rest of this review will be done with the MP145 on the balanced (gold) nozzles.

The U-shaped tonality on this setup is quite all-rounded for most music genres. I would consider it very balanced compared to planar rivals such as the Letshuoer S12 Pro or Tangzu Zetian Wu, which are bright and bassy respectively.

The MP145 is mid-bass focused, with the bass just slightly north of neutral. Sub-bass extends quite well, with a nice rumble. There's just a tinge of sub-bass roll-off, but the MP145 is the bee's knees when it comes to quality. The bass is very fast and clean, with no mid-bass bleed; texturing is top-notch.

The midrange is just slightly recessed with this U-shaped profile, and the lower mids are very transparent, without a big bad bleeding bass to encroach here. With a 5 - 6 dB ear gain, the upper mids are not too shouty or fatiguing (many planars end up overly boosting this region for clarity, which isn't the case with the MP145).

The treble is nicely dosed, we have very mild sibilance but decent air and sparkle. Cymbals and high hats are not overly splashy, and ample resolution is heard (without needing to artificially boost this region for "fake" clarity).

Timbral accuracy is surprisingly organic, considering this is a pure planar IEM. It has to be said that most planar IEMs fail at timbre, and though the MP145 still has a whiff of planar timbre for acoustic instruments, it is probably one of the best planar IEMs in this department.

Like most IEMs in the planar pantheon, the MP145 does technicalities very well. Micro-detailing is solid (without needing to resort to fake clarity), and imaging is quite accurate, with commendable instrument separation. When well amplified, soundstage width is above average, but there is cavernous height and depth on display.


COMPARISONS

Comparisons were made against other planar IEMs. Hybrids, single DDs and pure BA IEMs are omitted, as the different transducers have their own pros and cons.

Once again, comparisons will be done with the MP145 on the balanced (gold) nozzles.




Letshuoer S12 Pro


Graph of the MP145 (gold nozzle) versus Letshuoer S12 Pro, via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The S12 Pro is a more V-shaped set, with more treble and upper mids. It is more fatiguing and sibilant as such.

The S12 Pro has an artificial planar sheen to the timbre, and the MP145 sounds much more organic in this area, especially when acoustic instruments come out to play.

In technicalities, the S12 Pro has a smaller soundstage, but slightly better micro-detailing and imaging.

The S12 Pro has a modular cable, and does not have driver flex.


Tangzu Zetian Wu


Graph of the MP145 (gold nozzle) versus Tangzu Zetian Wu, via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The Zetian Wu is a bassier IEM, though the bass isn't as tight, and smears quite a bit. The Zetian Wu is also a bit darker in the treble.

The Zetian Wu's timbre is not bad for a planar IEM, though the MP145 is still better in this area.

In technicalities, the Zetian Wu is a step behind, with inferior micro-detailing, soundstage, imaging and instrument separation.

There have been QC complaints on forums of the Zetian Wu's nozzle breaking off, and it does feel plasticky compared to the solid heft of the MP145's earpieces.


NiceHCK F1


Graph of the MP145 (gold nozzle) versus NiceHCK F1, via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

Unbeknownst to most, there was an under-the-radar tunable-nozzle planar IEM released last year during the height of the planar craze. The F1 wasn't as well-received as contemporaries like the Timeless and S12 due to its price and less refined technical chops, but the F1 has more marked changes with the tuning nozzles than the MP145.

To compare oranges to oranges, we will do A/B testing with the F1 on the silver filters, which is similar to the gold nozzles on the MP145 in tonality (ie both are the most "balanced" with these nozzles installed).

The F1 is not in the same ballpark as the MP145 when it comes to technicalities. The F1 is quite lowFI sounding in comparison, with fuzzier imaging, weaker micro-detailing and instrument separation. Soundstage is also poorer on the F1.

The F1 has round shells with a stubby nozzle, and it has poorer fit compared to the whale-sized shells of the MP145.


CONCLUSIONS



I had a whale of a time listening to the MP145, and am happy to recommend it as one of the standout planar releases of 2023. At the Kickstarter pricing of $109 USD, it is really a no-brainer.

The build is solid, with surprisingly good ergonomics, and an attractive accessory packaging. Since we are on externals, just to get it out of the way, most of my complaints have to do with aspects such as driver flex, sub-par isolation and the large shell size, rather than the tuning itself.

The MP145 has great versatility, with 3 tuning nozzles on tap to vary sonics - from a more trebleheaded bright tone, to something more bassy and warmish, to a balanced U-shaped profile. Thus, most listeners other than diehard bassheads should find something to like about the MP145, and it is kind of getting 3 IEMs with one purchase.

Like most planar IEMs, the MP145 has up-to-scratch technicalities, with soundstage a highlight. However, the difference is that it has a natural timbre, which cannot be said for most planar rivals. When compared to benchmarks like the S12 Pro, the MP145 only slightly loses to the former in technicalities, but tonally and timbrically, the MP145 handily beats the S12 Pro, with less fatigue and sibilance on the MP145's balanced nozzle. Compared to a more bassy and natural-sounding planar IEM like the Zetian Wu, the MP145 is leagues ahead in technicalities, with a faster and cleaner bass to boot.

Thus, in the MP145, we are minimizing compromises of planar timbre and tonality, yet keeping their raison d'etre, which is exemplary technicalities. Think of something close to DD timbre, yet with a high standard of technicalities - musicality meeting technicalities in a nutshell. Add in the 3 tuning nozzles, and that's the feather on this IEM's cap!

Having said all that, arguably the most praiseworthy part, is Hidizs' charitable act of helping whale and dolphin conservation with the proceeds - that is indeed the most heartening aspect of the MP145's journey.

Cetaceans are order of aquatic mammal family consists of dolphins, porpoise and whales. These creatures known to have a distinctive streamline physiological features that were adaptive on their environment, carnivorous diet, high intelligence in animal world and magnificently enormous sizes that makes them one of the most fascinating critters out there. Blue whales are the largest living animal in existence while the pod of the Orcas are one of the successful hunters in animal kingdom for their complex hunting tactics.


This is HIDIZS MP145, this is HIDIZS' effort for collaboration project with a conservation group that specifically taking care of these magnificent aquatic mammals and their habitat. Some of its initiatives will be donated and proceeds towards Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).


HIDIZS MP145 is actually HIDIZS' first attempt on planar magnetic configuration on their latest line-up. As I mentioned that about its driver configuration, we in the audio enthusiast community already knows the capabilities of planar magnetics particularly on tonal performance and technical competency that only some few hybrids IEMs will able to match its resolution capabilities but at the expense of better current output to amplify these type of transducers.



HIDIZS MP145 have a new generation, 14.5mm planar magnetic driver. The composition of the driver are made of multi- layers of high quality N52 neodymium magnets which also have thin flat diaphragm with etched wirings on it that are precisely match to have a better sensitivity for faster transient response, better power efficiency of its magnetic circuitry with low distortion rating to deliver a crisper and rich detail with better technical performance.



These well-engineered drivers were enclosured into a solidly constructed metal alloy shell. The shape and an its overall aesthetics of the shell chassis were inspired by some physiological features of a whale like the tail at center with ventral grooves of bottom part of rorquals whales like Finbacks and Blue Whales. It also has cleverly-placed ventilation ports for better bass response and at the same time, an escape hole for excess air pressure generated by its high performance driver. Like all current HIDIZS models, it takes a feature from its recently released Mermaid series with its innovative detachable tuning filter system, The "HIDIZS Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters". These feature will became a staple feature of all current HIDIZS sets as it offers three types of sonic profiles for better tonal preferences.



Like all HIDIZS IEMs, it uses a proven and sturdy 2-pin connector as its detachable mechanism along with a high quality, 4-core, high purity single crystal, oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable to ensure better flow of signal output. HIDIZS offers two option for its termination plug, either its a 3.5mm SE and a 4.4mm balanced.



Despite of its heft and size, MP145 still offers a good comfortable wear as it rest well into my lugholes even in a long listening. Its contours also gives a better sealing and a good passive noise isolation as it able to blocks some external noises from the outside surroundings.



In product packaging, HIDIZS is one of the few audio companies that gives a good product presentation on their products with its well-organised placements of contents and other accessories that gives a pleasant unboxing experience.



Here are the contents inside of its packaging box:

■ a pair of HIDIZS MP143 IEMs.

■ a 4-core stock cable.

■ a miniature transparent box for HIDIZS Pneumatic Tuning Filters sets.

■ 3 pairs of "vocal" ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ 3 pairs of "balanced" ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ 3 pairs of "bass" ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ an IEM storage case with magnetic clasps.

■ Some paperwork like instruction manual and warranty.



Like all planar magnetic sets, MP145 needs a better current output to amplify it properly and to deliver a very vivid and full range sound. But to my surprise, MP145 is one of the few IEMs with planar magnetic that easy to drive especially on my LG phones in normal gain mode at decent amplitude level (around 60-75% of its volume level) but you will still find it lacking of its dynamics knowing the inherent principle of magnetic planar.



Since it has a tuning filters, HIDIZS MP145 offers 3 kinds of sonic profiles with its colour-coded tuning filters. Here are some sound signatures that MP145 has to offer:

ROSE GOLD - it offers a mild U-shaped sound signature. It has slight accentuated lows and highs with a neutral midrange to give a balanced presentation.

RED - it focuses more on low frequency while there is a noticeable attenuation between midrange to the presence part of the treble to give a more L-shaped sound.

SILVER - it gives a brighter U-shaped response due to some noticeable boosts on the presence part to the brilliance part of the treble region.




Here are some of my observations on its sound characteristics.


LOW/BASS:

The low frequencies of MP145 are absolutely elevated and well-emphasised especially on red tuning filter mode. It is quite punchy, tactual and considerably clean given that it has a well-textured mid-bass that gives more body on bass instruments and a certain type of male vocal. All tuning filter modes have similar bass response characteristics. If you want to focus more on bass quantity, try the combination of red colour tuning filter with bass ear tips to give a more fuller and authority but don't expect that this is basshead's bass quantity.

It has a good sub-bass quality as I clearly hear those reverberations and rumble from octabasses, synthesisers, low toned bass guitars and drum machines from orchestra, hip-hop and synth-pop tracks. Mid-bass is quite well-textured that it gives more note weight on instruments like bass kick drums, bass guitars, cellos and also on bass-baritones vocals. Bass kick drums have a thudding and sustaining sound as it can handles some fast double bass kicks from extreme metal tracks while bass guitar have good weight and resonant tone from them on any plucking techniques from Steve Digiorgio's masterful fretless to Les Claypool's distinctive strumming and slapping. Then on cellos, it has this sonorous, full and open sound (on red filter and bass ear tips, it sounds more weighty and power). On bass-baritone, this is probably one of the best rendition on how it projects its tonal quality in a quite natural way in the realm of planar IEM sets as it has this wool-like and dark timbre with good depth as I listen to some singers with this kind of male vocal type like Andrew Eldritch, Louis Armstrong, Peter Steele and Barry White.


MIDRANGE:

The midrange was presented in a more neutral and somehow a tad notch especially on rose gold filter and silver filter. But due to the intrinsic nature of planar magnetic, it has quite detail, clean sounding sounding and somehow it has an ample warmth to give some dense on note weight for vocals and instrument to sound more natural. I'll divide my observations regarding the tonal qualities of vocals and instruments for each tuning filters:

RED COLOUR FILTER - This setting seems to make all types of vocals either from male and female more balanced and neutral. It also observe that it lessens a bit the pitches of sopranos particularly on lyric and coloratura types but it gives more emphasis on baritones, tenors and contralto. Same with instruments especially on strings and woodwinds that it diminishes the shimmering and crispness a bit. Baritones have a rich, authoritative and lush tone especially on noble baritones, verdi and kavalierbariton. Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix and Dmitri Hvorostovsky were few examples of baritone singers that they sound great on this setting. Tenors have a clear and dazzling sound as I listen to spinto types like Luciano Pavarotti which has more dark and heft on his vocals and lyric baritones like Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. I also enjoy some modern contemporaries like Freddie Mercury, Lenny Kravitz and Prince. On instruments, it appears that some brasses and percussions benefited more on this type tuning. Trumpets have fuller and warm tone while horns have ponderous, full and sonorous sound from them, and trombones have powerful sound and brassy tone. Field drums and tom drums have warmer, sonorous and sombre sound from them while timpanis have a heavy and thunderous sound which quite blend well with other bass-focused instruments on orchestral tracks in unison.

ROSE GOLD FILTER - This give a brighter and more open sounding on female vocals and gives more bite and attack on strings and woodwind instruments. It gives more brimming and spiceness on some vocals particular on modern contemporaries genres like Robert Plant, Dio, Klaus Meine and Justin Timberlake. Countertenors seems to have that agile, "golden" and velvety on which it happens that it share similar characteristics with mezzo-sopranos vocals. Contraltos have a natural tone as I listen to Toni Braxton and Tracy Chapman as they have that particular husky sound, sufficient weight and dark timbre from their low chesty tone. On mezzo-sopranos, I'm enjoying to listen the vocal qualities of Ella Fitzgerald, Andrea Corr and Sharon Den Adel on contemporaries, and on operatic ones like Simone Simons and Cecilia Bartoli. Sopranos looks to be have these more energetic, vivid and spacious sounding that leaves me a captivating as they have a shining and crystalline quality of their tone as I'm enjoying listen to Alison Krauss and Tarja Turunen. Strings instruments like acoustic and electric guitars have a sparkle, balance and lingering tone as I enjoy either acoustic or solo guitar lines, while on violins, it does have a vibrant, clear and sweet sound from them. On woodwinds, flutes have brilliant and silvery sound from as I enjoy flute lines on Jethro Tull and some military marches like Ottoman Mehters. Saxophones and clarinets have these forceful, reedy and mild tone. Pianos have rather brighter tone as they sound clean with brilliance.

SILVER COLOUR FILTER - this particular setting will give more intensity and expressiveness to vocals and instruments at some point that they might sound a bit overstated from its supposely natural and correct tone. It gives more range and strength on lyric and coloratura sopranos as they sound more shimmering and brimming with velocity as l listen to Diana Damrau and Olga Pereyatko that leaves me into euphonic and hypnotic state. It seems that it gives more crisp and brighter tone on acoustic guitars, a more metallic and shrill on violins, a more sharper and brighter tone on snares drums. And a tad brighter and brilliant sound on picollos in which might be too extreme to some listener who are quite sensitive on this frequency spectrum.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

Due to constitutive quality of planar magnetics, MP145 is definitely a bright sounding set that it has crisp, gleam and excellent delineation on details. It is also noted that it has very airy and sparkling with sufficient amount of harmonics. Different tuning filters somehow influences the quantity of treble response.

RED COLOUR FILTER - Somehow it attenuates a bit the emphasis on upper-mids and presence treble region but it still retain a good attack and definition while it lessens the possible occurrences of sibilant and stridency. Hi-hats seems to have a good shortened buzzing sound while celestas have lustrous and ethereal sound. Cymbals have a lustrous to glistening tone yet quite sizzling.

ROSE GOLD FILTER - compare to the red colour filter, it has tad more boost and intensity on the upper midrange towards presence treble to give a more "balanced" sound. It sharpens the attack and precision on vocals and instruments to have more presence ane intensity while it has more clarity and crisp on the presence part of the the treble region. It gives a brighter and resonating sound on celestas while a cymbals have a bright and glistening tone.

SILVER COLOUR FILTER - it has similar tuning alignment with Rose Gold filter albeit it has noticeable more boost that some treble-sensitive folk might find it unpleasant. The particular boost gives more emphasis on consonants that might gives some instances of being sibilant while a tad shrilly and piercing sound in high-pitched female vocals. Its gives more metallic and piercing sound on cymbals while a strident and shrill on glockenspiel.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Depending on the ear tips that will be used on MP145, It varies as it gives an above average to reasonably spacious sound field dimensions. It has an above average lateral wingspan, good height ceiling and pretty immersive depth that gives me a moderately spacious head room within my aural sense.

As for its imaging projection, It seems that it presents a rather concave-like sound field as I was able to pinpoint and panning the position of instruments and vocals in a spatial stereo. It has good separation and layering as I was able to perceive a fairly arranged frequency and tonal layers of each instrument and vocals in a sonic canvas, so playing a more complex multi-instrumental is not an issue for MP145 at all.

Coherency of the planar magnetic is unmatched when it comes to speed and precision that it will be able execute an envelopment of sound. It still has that "planar sheen" timbre but to a lesser degree compared to some planar sets that I have tested before.

Resolution capability of MP145 is perfectly rendered on both macro-dynamics and micro-dynamics as it was able to deliver a solid and astounding dynamic sound while it has sharper detail retrieval as it is able to gain some nuances of info from an audio track.


PEER COMPARISONS:

MUSEHIFI POWER

● Product presentation-wise and quantity amount of inclusions, both products are on par. They even have quality accessories, from cables to storage cases. While MP145 is an all metal build with detachable tuning filters, POWER has a high quality medical grade resin as its prime material of its shell chassis. Both have rather chunky shell sizes but MP145 has a better fitting in my opinion.

● As for tonality, POWER is a U-shaped sound signature that has punchy bass but not the most authoritative unlike MP145's bass response. Midrange has an ample warmth to give a texture but on tonal and timbre on vocals and instruments, it sounds less natural to overboost that affects the tonal qualities. Treble response of POWER was less refined and needed some polish as it has observable jarring and sibilant sound and it was also less airy to compare to MP145.

● On technicalities, they are quite similar but POWER appears to have more "planar sheen" characteristic to give that buzzing, tinny and jingling sound that most planar has. Also, POWER is more power demanding than MP145.


TANGZU AUDIO ZETIAN WU HEYDAY

● Both have excellent product presentation and quality accessories. Like MP145, HEYDAY's shell chassis is also made of metal, in particular aluminium alloy. Both of their shell designs are contrasting as HEYDAY takes some inspiration from the curved geometrical pattern from the Tang dynasty era. Although HEYDAY's stock cable is a modular one to make it more versatile to most known device sources. And also HEYDAY was more expensive when the time of its release.

● HEYDAY has a warmer U-shaped which is quite similar to the rose gold tuning filter mode of MP145 albeit it is less warmer. Both have solid midbass response but HEYDAY is less brighter, less crisper and even less airier compared to MP145's rose gold and silver colour tuning filter mode due to HEYDAY's safe and smoother treble quality.

● It seems that HEYDAY and MP145 are alike when it comes to technical performance. Both of them have less "planar sheen". But HEYDAY is more power demanding than MP145 as it needs more power current to drive it properly.


LETSHUOER S12 PRO

● Again, S12 PRO's shell chassis are made of metal alloy that undergoes a CNC-milling process. It has smooth finished surface and more rounded contours unlike MP145's edgy and groove aesthetics . It has a similar price tag with MP145 but the difference that it has a modular cable to make it more versatile to all types of headphone jacks from DAPs to desktop amplifiers.

● As for tonality, it has more U-shaped which is more comparable to MP145's silver tuning mode as both sounds quite bright and energetic, S12 PRO has more sub-bass focus and a less textured midbass compared to MP145. Midrange of S12 PRO is quite leaner and noticeably more recessed compare to MP145 but both have similar vocal and instruments rendering to have crisper and brighter tone especially on strings and woodwinds. S12 PRO's treble response have similar qualities with MP145's silver tuning filter as both have boost on the upper mids and airy response albeit occurences of sibilance are quite present.

● Both S12 PRO and MP145 are eerily similar when it come to technical capabilities but S12 PRO has a tad wider sound/speaker stage and more height ceiling. And its seems that S12 PRO has more noticeable "Planar Sheen" compared to MP145 which has more characteristics of a high performance dynamic driver rather than a magnetic planar.



Before I end my review on HIDIZS MP145, Let me share some of my previous insights and impressions regarding planar magnetic IEMs. To be honest, I'm quite very sceptical on the implementation of planar magnetic drivers on IEM transducers due my animosity on the first generation of planar IEMs for being power hungry as it needs more power output from its source which should be desktop-grade DAC/Amp. That excessive power demanding nature of Planar IEMs really kills off the portability and mobility function of a portable audio stuff.

But as time goes by and some improvements of miniaturise planar technology. It became less power demanding that a competent smartphone with high quality Hi-Fi grade DAC or a portable USB Hi-Fi DAC/Amp dongle able to drive them decently. And HIDIZS MP145 is one of the refinement product that it able to execute an amazing performance with remarkable sound quality and competent technical performance.

I also noticed that HIDIZS is quite adaptive and even persistent on refining its product in every next release which makes them very commendable audio companies out there. If you want a planar IEM which very capable on both technical and tonal performance at a very reasonable price, then MP145 is for you.

HIDIZS MP145 will be available for pre-order at KICKSTARTER. It will be also available on LINSOUL in the future, so check out the links down below.

★★HIDIZS MP145 - KICKSTARTER★★

★★HIDIZS MP145 - LINSOUL★★


There's also a limited edition of HIDIZS MP145.



Here are my other reviews of other HIDIZS products:

■ HIDIZS S9 PRO

■ HIDIZS XO

■ HIDIZS MS5

■ HIDIZS MS3




SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: HIDIZS MP145
IMPEDANCE: 30Ω
SENSITIVITY: 104dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR (0.78MM)
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) PLANAR MAGNETIC DRIVER



Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)


Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to HIDIZS nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to ZOIE HELLO of HIDIZS for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

Hidizs MP145
14.5mm Planar Unit
$109 (super early bird)



Hi there, before I begin this review, let me first thank Hidizs for sending me the MP145 for this review purposes, rest assured, this review is 100% my own opinion and Hidizs don't have any input on it.

Hidizs MP145 is a single 14.5mm Planar Driver unit.

Just in case you're interested on getting the MP145,
you can get it on KICKSTARTER below
https://hidizs-mp145.kckb.st/85d08a94 (referral links)

there is also a limited edition of the MP145 with titanium body and only 199 unit available with its own unique serial number.


Unboxing

Build Quality

The IEM design itself is inspired by "Whale"
it has some design element like whale tail fins, whale blowhole, and rorqual pleat.

The build of the IEM is pretty chonky and thicc but feel premium in hand, it looks kind of luxurious in a way (though its only $109USD on the super early bird price)

The nozzle size is also on the larger side, but it has a removable filter feature that can altered the sound a bit (more on this later).

As for the cable, it is not the premium looking one but it works, at least it doesn't super thicc like the previous MS5 cable, it is super comfortable and free of microphonic effect, you can choose between 3.5mm or 4.4mm plug.

While the limited 199 unit Titanium edition I believe comes with both 3.5 and 4.4mm (not modular though)



Fitting
of the MP145 is pretty comfortable for my big ears regardless of its super chonky IEM size, there are no pain spot and no drag from the cable at all, pretty good fit for a good long listening session, though be careful if your ears are on the smaller side, your mileage may vary.

Sound
Tested using Stock Cable, Rose Gold Filter, Acoustune AET08 Eartips, plugged into iFi ZEN DAC V2, iFi GO blu, Moondrop DAWN PRO, Hidizs AP80 PRO-X
Song is mostly from Apple Music (J-POP, Jazz, EDM, Rap, Anisong, Metal)

Tonal : Mid-Bass Boosted Harman Tuning

Bass : Very satisfying dynamic sounding bass with planar speed, the bass presentation of the MP145is very safe for all kinds of genre, you listen mainly to EDM? You got it, satisfying punchy deep bass.
Double pedal / metal? Yeah sure, the speed definitely can keep up with it.
Jazz music? No problem, it sounds grand and satisfying.

The bass shelf boost of the MP145 is ranging from sub bass – mid bass, and it somehow colors the mid a bit, but in a good way (it adds additional weight to how the midrange sounds on this set, without making it muddy).

Mids : Midrange of the MP145 isa very musical, weighty, lush WITH ORGANIC TIMBRE, yes you read it right, PLANAR but ORGANIC and NATURAL sounding.
The MP145 is one of the most organic timbre sounding planar I've ever heard.
Vocal rendition on this set is spectacular, it sounds natural without any plasticky or metallic sound, both male and female vocal sounds pretty natural thanks to the added weight that I mention earlier.

Not only vocal, instruments such as violin and trumpet and sax also sounds very lovely on this set, I really enjoy listening to jazz music with the MP145.
It sounds super organic and when I close my eyes while listening to the MP145, it renders the sound like I'm in a live cafe performance.

Treble : The treble of MP145 is definitely balanced and not piercing at all, I think Hidizs tuned the MP145 to be a safe set for all kinds of genre.
It has a very good treble extension, but rendered in a very smooth manners.
There are no peaks to be found on this set, I'm really impressed.

So while you think the treble is smooth meaning there are going to be less details offered?
NOPE, theMP145 also has a very good micro details on all of its frequency including treble, thanks to its planar configuration.

You can also change a bit how the bass, midrange and lower treble sounds with the included tuning filters.


With the Red Filter, you get less forward midrange and lower treble that makes the MP145 sounds more mellow and has more focused on its bass.
With the Rose Gold Filter, it is pretty balanced between all bass – mids- treble frequency.
With the Silver Filter, you get more energic presentation with a bit more forward vocal and lower treble presentation.

So the filters does indeed works not only there just to be a gimmick.

Not only that, you can also change a little more of how the MP145 by eartips rolling, there are 3 sets of eartips included with the MP145, though I personally use third party eartips from Acoustune (AET08)

Technicalities :
Well, as a context, I will compare the MP145 to the likes of Dioko, Timeless, and S12 Pro a lot.

Stage : Above average, it is on the larger side.
The stage of MP145 has a bit more width and depth to it but not by much.

Separation : Is just like every planar, very good sound separation, no congestion could be found on every song I test (Plini, nZk, J-POP, Trivium)

Imaging : Spectacular, this set imaging is just sounding like a full sized headphone planar type (ahem, Sundara).
It rendered sound with good and lots of 3D depth information to it.

Detail Retrieval : Is also very good, it competes toe to toe with the likes of OG Timeless and S12Pro.

While both of the OG Timeless and S12Pro presents bass – treble in a more “barbaric” fun sounding way to create a sense of details to it, the MP145 rendered it on a more controlled manners without losing any details at all.

If I have to describe how the MP145 sounds in with one word, it mostly going to be “Elegant”

Pairings :
Personally myself love to use the MP145 with iFi stuff, it seems both combination creates a very good synergy because of the added warmth typical iFi house sound, but paired with AP80 PRO-X and DAWN PRO the MP145 offers more neutral tonality with good treble air and added details.


You can also use the MP145 with your smartphone since it is not that heavy to drive, though you kind of lose some of the MP145 greatness, so if possible ,please use the MP145 with at least a dongle DAC !

Comparison :

7Hz Timeless OG : The Timeless presents sound in a more fun way BUT it has a bit of peak – dip problem on its treble region that makes overall sounds less balanced and less natural compared to the MP145.
Timbre wise the MP145 beats the Timeless hands down.
Technicality wise, MP145 pretty much toe to toe and in the same class as the Timeless OG.
So if you get the MP145 on its super early bird price ($109) its pretty much a steal deal for real.

LetShuoer S12 Pro : The S12 Pro presents sound in a more V-shaped like tuning.
It has super fun bass and treble in cost of sounding a bit more metallic and not natural sounding,
The S12 Pro treble is a bit bright sounding to my ears, it is pretty good for short listening session, but is tiresome for a long listening session.
Also soundstage of S12 Pro is noticeably more smaller compared to the MP145.

What I like about the S12 Pro is their accessories, better cable with modular system and an actually usable carrying pouch that you can use.

7Hz Dioko : It is cheaper and sounds more lean and bright, the Dioko fitting hurts my ears, it is one of the IEM that my ears cant use more than 2 hours, and it makes my ears sore for nearly 2 days.
Not only that, the treble of the Dioko is very tiring to listen and sounds metallic.
Technicality wise, the MP145 easily beats the Dioko on all aspects.

HiFiMan Sundara : The Sundara is a full sized headphone with a neutral – bright tonality.
The MP145 beats the Sundara on its timbral accuracy, the MP145 presents sound in a lot more organic way compared to the Sundara.
Technicality wise, Sundara still wins on its stage size thanks to its open back design and its overall detail retrieval.

Conclusion :

The MP145 is a very surprising releases from Hidizs that makes me sell a lot of my collection because I never touch it anymore since I have the MP145 with me.
It is pretty much in line with my own personal preferences, grand, deep, punchy bass with superior planar speed, weighty lush vocal, and smooth but super extended treble.

I thought at first the MP145 would cost to be around at least $200 USD with how its tuned and very good technicalities.
When I got informed that its super early bird price going to be $109 USD I was shocked, A lot of my IEMs is beaten by a $109 USD set.

From me the MP145 get a very easy YES BUY THIS IEM recommendation, but in the end it is only you who can decide with your own judgement if the MP145 is in line with your preferences or not.

It is pretty rare to see myself got this excited for an IEM and telling people to buy the IEM, good stuff Hidizs !
Just in case you're Indonesian or understand Bahasa Indonesia, you can watch my video review of the MP145 here


That's all from me for now, thanks for reaching this far.

-littlenezt.