XINHS HS80 Jupiter Ring

Welcome and moin moin ladies and gents!

Join me today when I check out an other IEM you probably have never heard of! The Xinhs HS80, basically the bigger brother of the HS10, here with 2x DD 6x BA! So let’s check out what this thing can or can’t do!

Packaging and Accessories​

Similar to the HS10, the HS80 comes in a bubble-wrap glued plastic bag directly in its carrying case. This is, considering the price, simply not enough. Sure, the argument this is best for the environment and still safe enough packed is fair, but at some point the price dictates what would be appropriate and this clearly isn’t: if you want to be good for the environment, then maybe offer your IEM without cable for cheaper or offer a better warranty.

Other than that, the HS80 comes with three sets of ear-tips… That only differ by color: they are all the same outlet diameter, all the same mantle thickness and all the same core-thickness. I do not understand why the Phoenixia gets the carrying-case with their own tips, plus the random tips, and the “flagship” set gets just the random tips.

Overall the packaging and accessories are very disappointing and not up to price.

IEM Build​

Similar to the HS10, the HS80 uses a semi-custom, one-piece resin shell that feels nice in the hand and doesn’t really have any weak-points. Even the pressure hole here is nearly identical to the HS10, that is, it has a metal inlet to prevent too big dust/dirt particles from getting in. I’d prefer a mesh as well, but this is a decent solution too.

My exact only super-small-nitpick is that the 2-pin connector isn’t color matched. Its integration though seems to be well done and the nozzle with its three sound-tubes also seems to be built well.

Overall, the build of the HS80 is nice, but not really a step-up from the HS10.

Cable​

At almost 3x the price, the cable the HS80 comes with is.. Exactly the same as the one of the HS10. That means while not a bad cable, it is not price-appropriate. And as Xinhs feels lazy with the cable here, I also do not feel like spending too much work with this chapter so here, copy-paste the same as the HS10. minus the verdict as the price here simply doesn’t match the cable:

From what I could see, Xinhs was created with the production of “hifi” cables in mind. And you definitively notice this trend in their cables: all three I have here are very smooth, don’t tangle and are generally very well usable in day-to-day life.

In this particular case, the cable is made of four medium thick cores that are woven well. My biggest complaint here probably is the slippery nature of the 3.5mm connector: it is simply matt-polished aluminium without any contouring or texture. Fortunately though, the strain-release does release strain as it is soft enough.

Further up, the splitter is kept in the same stile, as is the chin-slider. The latter also is very well made and slides smoothly while having enough friction to stay in place.

Further up, the ear hooks are rubberized medium-thick… But the bending-radius is rather small and that combined with the textured cable above your ears can lead to discomfort.

And last but not least, the connectors are again kept in the same matt polished style and the right side has a red R indicator, making it easy to find wherever you are.

All in all I think the cable is still not bad, but simply not price appropriate.

Comfort & Fit​

As in my last reviews, I did list the dimensions and specs of the Quintet my table of IEM measurements (which included the dimensions, some specs as well as the frequency response measurement): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/140ptVfmNcFF2ItPFMi_QEqm_J1iilu3EgUZ9YyNdX50/edit?usp=sharing



With a shell that I’d describe as medium big, the HS80 seems to utilize a shell-shape that is very similar to the HS10. Meaning, semi-custom, with a bigger nozzle but not too big with a not too long insertion. And while the contouring is relatively strong here, it isn’t overly strong and I doubt anybody will have problems with the fit of the HS80. Helping here is that the nozzle actually is a bit smaller than the one of the HS10 (here: 6.2mm).

For me personally, the HS10 fits very well with most of the tips I have and I can wear it for hours on end without any issue.

Isolation​

I do find the HS80 to isolate well in most situations and I’d say it should be enough even for louder environments. With foam, it should also be usable on busy roads and overall I’d say this isolates above average, very similar to the HS10.

Drivability​

Unfortunately, Xinhs does not provide an impedance rating of the HS80. But judging from the efficiency I hear, that is, it basically runs of everything well, I’d say you don’t have to worry about the details: even the apple dongle worked sufficiently well and I got about 85% of what this is capable of on it. Upping the power to my UP5 gave me a bit better staging and maybe slightly better bass, but the differences are really small. Upping the power even more, didn’t result in any other changes I could make out.

Sound​

General sound characteristic​

Without EQ, the HS80 is very oddly v-shaped like I have never heard so far, where the treble massively bleeds into the mids, while the bass also slightly bleeds into the mids.

(Green + Red = HS80, Blue + Orange = Zero2)

Treble​

As usual treble-extension first and here I have good news: the HS80 does extend to 20k and even has a decent energy there. Meaning, you do get a good feeling of air on top and it generally comes of as fairly detailed. Also the peak at per graph 9.3k is not too strongly pronounced, giving transients a good but not overly artificial tonality.

Unfortunately, the 8k peak on the graph does also resolve as such and therefore the HS80 comes of as sibilant. It doesn’t matter which track or interpret, all human voice had sibilance to my ear… Which somehow I couldn’t resolve with ear-tips either. Velvet, Omni, Liquid Silicone, Max, it doesn’t matter, all of them were sibilant to my ear.

This combined with a dip at 6k makes for a rather… Let’s say at best unique, at worst strange treble tonality. I suspect the 6k dip was supposed to be until 8k, but unfortunately simply isn’t. Thankfully, the 4.5k peak resolves as such and therefore I do not really get uncomfortable 5k energy.

Adding to the unfortunate tuning is the high amount of energy between 2.5k and 4.5k making this pretty v-shaped and treble forward sounding.

Mids​

And because that’s not bad enough, the mids are among the weirdest I have heard today… Which says a lot. So first, there’s a huge dip at 400Hz directly followed by a gain all the way to 2.5k. This makes most vocals sound very… Hollow, honky and shouty and the only thing remotely positive I can find here is a good clarity for female vocals IF the track is right. If not, then its again very shouty and hollow.

Plus, due to the raise below 400Hz, there also is some audible bleed going on that makes the tonality even stranger!

However, let me stress that this is most noticeable in vocal tracks. In pure instrumental ones, I didn’t notice it that much.

Bass​

Bringing me to bass and… Also here the HS80 isn’t really a strong performer: it isn’t as tight, controller or punchy as e.g. the Phoenixia or the Quintet and it doesn’t rumble as much as other v-shaped sets like the Relentless. Adding to this is a pretty average but not bad speed and decent but not great sub-bass performance (Mountains: 2.14min in the bass-drop starting at 2.10min).

Soundstage, Layering & Imaging​

Thankfully, not everything is bad here. The HS80 has a decent stage, mostly 5 layers and images fairly well, so you can most certainly play even hardcore games like Sandstorm with them.

Separation, Dynamics & Coherence (including timbre)​

Also the separation is rather good, but not great and the dynamics are very good for a hybrid set: it is really quiet when called for and contrasts that with really loud passaged when called for. Meaning, it manages to maintain most micro-details well, even in busy tracks.

Coherence also isn’t bad at all and while there is some BA timbre going on, for the bright treble it has, it is way, way less pronounced than you’d expect.

No EQ - ITS A GOD DAMN CATASTROPHE… AGAIN.​

Without EQ, as stated before, the HS80 really isn’t good at all. Even for a V shaped set, there are way, way better IEMs out there. The Relentless for instance, very V shaped for sure, but at least it sounds all right in that. This here though… As soon as you have any vocalist, it completely falls apart and only for slightly off tonality instruments… I wouldn’t say it’s worth it.

EQ - Its good… But is it worth it?​

I did spend about 30min EQing this to something that I’d say sound pretty good. Unfortunately, EQing it wasn’t that easy and it took me like 8 filters to get there, as the HS80 doesn’t really respond that well to EQ. However being there I’m, I do like the techs and tuning of it, as I did decide to keep its treble character intact, which generally does work for me. But I do like bright and if you already use >=8 filters to even get to a state where this is still bright and probably not for everyone… Well, I really am not sure if this is worth it…

(Blue = HS80 with EQ; Yellow = EJ07M; Red = Phoenixia)

​

Verdict​

Similar to the HS10, I have no clue what Xinhs thought they were doing here? The HS80 is badly tuned to a degree where I do not see anyone liking this without EQ. Sure, if you listen to it for ours on end, your brain will “auto-EQ” and you won’t hear its badness, but if you come from anything else… This is just bad… Which is a shame as the build is good, the comfort is good, the isolation is good and even the optics are cool. And on top, even the techs are good! So the only thing where they really fuc*ed up here is the tuning and a bit in the cable and packaging & accessories. But I could have lifed with the minimal packaging & accessories if this would have been tuned like the Phoenixia that Xinhs/ ivipq makes as well!

But as it stands here, this is bad and not worth the price asked for.

What is it?

The XINHS HS80 is a fantastic IEM that houses 2DD and 6BA drivers, and usually retails under $400, although the price often varies. There’s little actually helpful information from the manufacturer about the technical specifications of the HS80, but when you hear them, you can tell it’s a special set for sure.



Package:

The HS80 comes packaged in a modest black box. The included contents were so unremarkable that I can’t even remember what all was included. I don’t use the stock tips or case, and the included 4.4mm cable, while very high quality, was a silver/sandy beach color and I didn’t think it went well AT ALL with the black space theme of the IEM. Currently I’m using the sparkly black silver-plated cable that came with the ivipQ Phoenixia IEM.



Fit:

These IEMs are very chunky, and I did have trouble getting a comfortable fit until I tried the tacky and very short-flanged INfilter TPE tips. That being said, they still cause minor ear fatigue after about 60 minutes of usage. The manufacturer blurb about fitting 99% of ears simply isn’t true. You’ll need a good ear tips library to get these fitting comfortably, possibly even if you have spacious ears.




Build:

Smooth black shells that are slightly transparent feel quite premium, and they’re crowned with a beautiful faceplate that has a 90’s “New Year” aesthetic: gold, red, and aqua sparkly swirls on a jet-black background.

The nozzle is about 6mm in diameter.



Sound Summary:

The XINHS HS80 slowly grew on me. It certainly needs a healthy dose of burn-in before you start to get that “awed” sensation while listening to them. They sounded rather unremarkable to me at first.



The IEM’s general sound is treble and vocal-focused, while maintaining clean, punchy bass that doesn’t steal the show, but still provides a solid footing. The “atmosphere” is rather dramatic and spacious, almost holographic, balancing the importance of detail capability with musicality.



Treble:

Let’s get this clear: if you dislike forward vocals and a generally elevated treble, this IEM may not be for you.

The treble is hardly sibilant at all, but rather smooth and lush; however, it does not always have the most natural tonality with some instruments or vocals.

The “sparkle” region is present but not fatiguing (in my opinion). It’s enough to create a sense of space and air in the stage, and I quite like it.

The treble is snappy, capable, and detailed while not sounding too dry or clinical.

The vocals are lush, spacious, and forward; definitely more-so than the average IEM presentation. This emphasis can sometimes be revealing: nasal voices might sound even more nasal on the HS80 than on other IEMs.



Midrange:

I must confess I’m not an expert at dissecting and describing midrange in IEMs, but I can say confidently that the HS80’s midrange isn’t too thick or warmed-up by the bass. It seems clean, somewhat lush, and has a bit of “magic” to it that might not be quite up to the ISN H60’s holography, but certainly, it does sound very smooth and pleasing.



Bass:

I am not usually a fan of IEMs that don’t emphasize bass, but the HS80 is a remarkable exception. Don’t get me wrong, the bass isn’t weak or middling, but it just isn’t emphasized above the vocal and treble magic. The bass is more balanced than it is neutral, for sure.

Mid-bass is punchy and has authority but does NOT bleed into the mids. It knows its place and performs well there. It’s here that you will be surprised by how clean and professional the bass is while not sounding anemic. It’s not always the center of attention due to the vocal/treble emphasis, but it does not sound lacking either, in most cases.

Sub-bass is surprisingly capable and clean and provides a solid foundation that is required for these IEMs to not sound thin. It can dive into your gut and make you grin but won’t “crush” your ears.



Soundstage and other audio goodies:

I don’t want to leave any doubts in your mind: the HS80 can indeed leave your jaw dropped with its stage and grandeur. Now the left-right effect is strangely not as sharp as some other IEMs, but the soundstage is more about depth and immersion. It can give you the feeling of being…lost in space!

Coherence and capability during intense playback is quite good: it might not be the most clinical IEM when being thrashed by complicated pieces, but there’s no sense of mud or smear either. Think musical yet capable.

Comparisons with other hybrid sets:

HS80 vs ISN H60: The H60 has a more balanced sound and has better tonal accuracy than the HS80. It has a bit more bass punch as well. However, I feel that the HS80 can really give it a run for its money, because both have a real “wow” factor in their sound. I did extensive A-B testing, and found I liked both IEMs about equally, despite their differing tonalities. In my rating spreadsheet, the HS80 scored a bit higher than the H60, but realistically, the H60 is a safer purchase unless you love lush, holographic treble, and slightly richer lower-mids. But for me, it’s tough to pick a clear winner here… although I’m shocked to say I think I DO slightly prefer the HS80 in many cases.



HS80 vs Penon Fan 3: I wasn’t going to do this comparison because I thought these two would not sound anything alike, but I thought, why not give the Fan 3 a chance… and I was wowed by them yet again. Obviously, it has the advantage of a BC driver… so yea…the holography is kind of next level, throughout the frequency range. Vocals are warmer and richer on the Fan 3, but the soundstage is a little better on the HS80. Piano sounds more life-like on the Fan 3 for sure.
I would say the Fan 3 has a clear win here, but the bass is tighter on the HS80, and that’s a big deal to me.



HS80 vs CKLVX CK2V: This IEM tied in rating with the HS80 in my ranking system. The CK2V is more focused on dramatic sub-bass and treble sparklies, but still is a strong contender. The vocals aren’t nearly as forward as on the HS80; that’s the main difference for sure. Some might say the CK2V sounds thinner in the treble than the HS80; not as lush, but more clinical. And I love BOTH. However, the CK2V is WAY more comfortable with smaller shells.



HS80 vs PULA PA02: This IEM is showing its age a little… the treble sounds a little metallic, but not much more-so than the sparkly CK2V. Still, it’s a very strong lower mid-fi IEM that still can hang with these hybrid heroes. The mids/vocals are more recessed than the HS80, and the sound not nearly as lush. Still, the PA02 can still trade blows with the Jupiter Ring.



HS80 vs TRN Jaws: I have not listened to the Jaws much, nor have I rated it yet, but I can confidently say that Jaws is also a treble-focused IEM with forward vocals, so I did A-B it a little with the HS80 for this review. The Jaws’ treble has the benefit of micro-planar detail [like the CK2V,] and is also sparkly and extended.

The Jaws are certainly a VERY impressive set to me, and are spacious, detailed, and have similar bass to the HS80, that is, controlled yet not lackluster at all. But switching back to the HS80, there’s just no comparison to the MAGIC richness and immersion of the mids/vocals. Jaws is a CLEAN and detailed set, and that has its place, but I prefer the HS80 I think.



HS80 vs KZ ZS12 Pro X: Some may laugh that I’m including this IEM in this comparison list, but honestly, the ZS12’s sound quality is way ahead of its price range. The ZS12 has a more natural tonality, but less holographic magic lushness, and as should be obvious by now, not as forward vocals. The bass, on the bassiest switch settings, is on par with or slightly punchier than the HS80. I obviously prefer the HS80 for the most part, but the ZS10 keeps surprising me with how good they sound, and they should be a serious consideration if one is looking to save money on a hybrid set.



COMING SOON: HS80 vs Vzonis VP-07 [once they burn in, to give them equal footing.]



I could compare the HS80 to other hybrid IEMs that have a very different tonality such as the ivipQ Phoenixia [that one is smoother and safely-tuned] but honestly, I’ve not really heard any other IEMs that sound like the HS80. I think they set a benchmark on their own.



Conclusion:

I bought the HS80 with massive coupons, so it was around $160 for me, and I consider that a definitive steal.

The sound quality of the HS80 is truly remarkable, and its daring focus on forward, spacious vocals, and treble magic, is something that delights me every time I listen to them. The sound is not natural in the strictest sense, but masterfully colored in a way that gives a sense of wonder; of floating in space.