ddHiFi Surface Review
ddHiFi Surface Review
Introduction:
ddHiFi has earned a strong reputation in the HiFi audio industry for crafting high-quality audio accessories and In-Ear Monitors. Their latest release, the Surface, is a hybrid driver IEM developed in collaboration with Moondrop, a brand celebrated for its audiophile-grade products. Featuring a single dynamic driver paired with four balanced armature drivers, the Surface aims to deliver a balanced and detailed sound signature. This review explores the Surface’s design, build quality, sound performance, and overall value, drawing on available specifications and brand expertise due to the limited availability of in-depth user reviews.
Disclaimer:
would like to thank ddHiFi for providing the Surface IEM for review purposes. I am not affiliated with ddHiFi beyond this review, and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The ddHiFi Surface is priced at $279.99, positioning it as a competitive option in the mid-to-high-end IEM market. It can be purchased directly from the official ddHiFi website. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
Moondrop has packed the Blessing 3 in to a stylish looking white box with a nice hinged design that sports some brandings and an anime character on the front, while the rear surface shows some technical details and a disassembled illustration of the Blessing 3.
The box of the contains the following items/accessories;
- 1x pair of ddHiFi Surface In-Ear Monitors
- 1x BC120S detachable cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and a 4.4mm balanced plug
- 3x pairs of KIWIFLEX Silicon Ear Tips (S/M/L)
- 1x Sealed Storage Case
- 1x Print Materials
Design & Build Quality:
The ddHiFi Surface is designed with a premium aesthetic, featuring metallic faceplates paired with a transparent 3D-printed inner shell crafted from medical-grade resin. This transparent shell reveals the intricate five-driver hybrid configuration, providing a visual insight into the craftsmanship and technical complexity of the IEMs.
The faceplates are sleek and polished, contributing to a professional, high-end look. The design, inspired by Moondrop’s Blessing series, incorporates a “Come to the Surface” concept, where complex 3D textures appear as a flat 2D plane from the front, with a side profile resembling an equalization curve.
The Surface houses a five-driver hybrid setup per side, consisting of one dynamic driver for low frequencies and four balanced armature drivers for midrange and treble, arranged in a three-way crossover system. These drivers are integrated into a 3D-printed acoustic chamber with three acoustic ducts designed to balance frequency output for a cohesive sound profile.
An electronic crossover board organizes internal wiring to minimize electromagnetic interference, which reduces distortion.
Build quality is a highlight, with meticulous attention to detail. A CNC-machined aluminum two-pin socket cover (0.78mm) protects the connectors, ensuring durability and a secure cable connection.
The ear shells, shaped to fit the ear’s contours, aim to enhance comfort and passive noise isolation, though fit may differ across users.
The use of AL6063 aerospace-grade aluminum in the cable hardware and high-precision 3D printing contributes to a robust and well-constructed feel, instilling confidence in the IEMs’ longevity. The internal wiring is neatly arranged on the crossover board, maintaining both functionality and visual appeal.
Overall, the ddHiFi Surface combines a visually striking design with a sophisticated driver configuration and durable construction. Its transparent shell and refined build cater to audiophiles who value craftsmanship, but potential buyers should consider their specific needs and preferences when evaluating its intricate design and performance.
BC120S Detachable Cable:
The BC120S cable included with the Surface is a highlight of the package.
It features silver-plated oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors arranged in a 4-strand twisted configuration with a Litz braided structure. This design minimizes microphonics and ensures efficient signal transmission, potentially enhancing sound quality.
The cable terminates in a 4.4mm balanced plug, making it ideal for users with balanced audio sources.
The 0.78mm 2-pin connectors provide a secure and reliable connection to the IEMs.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The ddHiFi Surface is designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring a semi-custom inner surface shape that conforms to the ear’s contours. This design ensures a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions. The included KIWIFLEX silicone ear tips offer flexibility in achieving the perfect seal.
The passive noise isolation is above average, particularly when using the appropriate ear tips. This makes the Surface suitable for use in moderately noisy environments, such as public transportation or busy offices, allowing users to focus on their music without external distractions.
Paring & Drivability:
With an impedance of 15Ω and a sensitivity of 118dB/Vrms, the Surface is highly efficient and easy to drive. It pairs well with a wide range of audio sources, including smartphones, portable digital audio players, and desktop setups. This versatility makes it an good choice for audiophiles with diverse audio equipment, as it requires minimal amplification to achieve optimal performance.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : E14D (Surface)
- Driver Configuration : Hybrid Driver
- Driver Type : 1x Dynamic Driver + 4x Balanced Armature Drivers
- Frequency Response : 10 Hz – 30 kHz
- Sensitivity : 118dB/Vrms (@1kHz)
- Impedance : 15Ω±15% (@1kHz)
- THD : ≤1% (@1kHz)
- Plug Size : 4.4mm Balanced
- Cable Length : approx. 120cm
- Weight : about 11.7g (exclusive cable)
Sources used for this review:
- IEM’s : ddHiFi Surface, Hidizs MS5
- DAP/DAC’s : HiBy R6 III 2025, ddHiFi TC44Pro M3
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Adele – My Little Love (Spotify)
- Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
- Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Sonya Yoncheva – (Giuseppe Verdi) II Trovatore, ActI (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert & Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Master of Puppets (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The ddHiFi Surface delivers an engaging and cohesive sound signature, characterized by a smooth, lively presentation with a touch of warmth. Its hybrid driver configuration, tuned with precision by ddHiFi and Moondrop, produces a detailed and dynamic sound that excels across various music genres. The three-way crossover ensures seamless integration of the drivers, resulting in a low-distortion, immersive experience.
This review is based on a burn-in period of approximately 60 hours, using the stock BC120S cable and KIWIFLEX silicone ear tips. The sound impressions reflect pairings with sources like the HiBy R6 III 2025 and ddHiFi TC44Pro M3.
Bass:
The Surface’s dynamic driver produces a punchy and well-textured bass response with a lively yet controlled character. The subbass extends deep with a satisfying thump, as heard in Portishead’s “It Could Be Sweet,” where the low-end adds a rich foundation to the atmospheric basslines. In Toutant’s “Rebirth,” the subbass delivers impact and energy, maintaining clarity without bleeding into the mids. The quantity is ample for most listeners but leans toward musicality rather than overwhelming power, appealing to those who prefer a dynamic low-end over a bass-heavy one. The midbass is articulate and energetic, providing a solid backbone for rhythm sections. In Ferit Odman’s “Look, Stop & Listen,” the kick drums and basslines are rendered with precision and drive, avoiding any hint of muddiness. The Surface’s bass tuning prioritizes texture and engagement, making it ideal for music requiring a lively low-end presence.
Midrange:
The Surface’s midrange, handled by four balanced armature drivers, is smooth and detailed, with a slightly warm tilt that enhances musicality. The lower midrange offers good body and richness, bringing male vocals like Sting’s in “Englishman in New York” or Eric Clapton’s in “Wonderful Tonight” to life with a natural, emotive tone. Instruments such as acoustic guitars and cellos, as heard in Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight,” are presented with warmth and clarity, though a subtle boost in fullness could add extra depth for some listeners. The upper midrange is lively and articulate, elevating female vocals like Edith Piaf’s in “Non Je Ne Regrette Rien” or Sarah McLachlan’s in “Angel” with a vibrant, detailed delivery. The tuning avoids harshness, ensuring vocals remain smooth and free of sibilance. Instruments like violins and pianos, as in Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 20,” are rendered with excellent clarity and extension, making the midrange a versatile highlight for vocal and instrumental performances.
Treble:
The Surface’s treble is crisp and airy, with a refined presentation that balances detail and smoothness. The lower treble region, with a gentle lift around 5kHz, adds clarity to instruments like electric guitars in Deftones’ “My Own Summer (Shove It),” delivering a controlled and articulate sound even in distorted passages. Soprano voices and organs, as in Sonya Yoncheva’s “Il Trovatore,” are rendered with precision and sparkle, meeting expectations for an IEM in this price range. The upper treble introduces a touch of airiness, enhancing cymbals in Charly Antolini’s “Duwadjuwandadu” and hi-hats in Yosi Horikawa’s “Bubbles” with a lively, extended quality. A slight roll-off after 8kHz keeps the treble fatigue-free, making it ideal for long listening sessions. The Surface’s treble tuning prioritizes musicality over analytical sharpness, offering a polished high-end experience.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The Surface offers a spacious and well-defined soundstage, with notable width and depth that enhance immersion. In Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” orchestral elements are placed with precision, creating a three-dimensional space. Similarly, Lunatic Soul’s “The Passage” showcases the Surface’s imaging capabilities, with clear separation of layered instruments. The soundstage’s transparency and coherence make it suitable for complex compositions and live recordings, delivering a realistic and engaging experience.
Comparison:
ddHiFi Surface vs Hidizs MS5:
The Surface’s bass is punchy and textured, emphasizing musicality with deep subbass and controlled, energetic midbass. Its dynamic low-end offers an engaging texture. The MS5 provides fast, tight bass with efficient subbass depth and a warmer, fuller midbass, enhanced by its tuning options, which adds richness for those seeking a warmer tone. However, the Surface’s precision in the midbass gives it a subtle advantage for clarity-focused listeners. The MS5’s midrange is transparent with excellent upper midrange resolution, though it can sound compressed or nasal, particularly in the lower mids, which may affect vocal naturalness.
The Surface, in contrast, delivers a smooth, detailed midrange with a warm tilt, offering good lower midrange body and vibrant upper mids without harshness. This cohesive, emotive presentation makes the Surface slightly more versatile for vocals and instruments. The Surface’s treble is crisp and airy, balancing detail and smoothness with a gentle lift for clarity and a fatigue-free roll-off, making highs lively and open. The MS5’s treble is smoother but less extended, with subdued lower treble and recessed upper treble, limiting its sparkle. While the MS5’s softer highs suit those sensitive to sharpness, the Surface’s refined and more extended treble provides a slight edge for detail-oriented listening.
The MS5 offers an airy soundstage with decent depth and placement, enhanced by its treble filter for a more expansive feel. The Surface, however, provides a spacious soundstage with excellent width, depth, and precise imaging, creating a more immersive experience for complex tracks. Its transparent presentation gives it a subtle advantage over the MS5’s less open soundstage. Overall, the ddHiFi Surface slightly outperforms the Hidizs MS5 with its lively, cohesive sound, excelling in dynamic bass, smooth midrange, crisp treble, and a spacious soundstage. The MS5 counters with warm bass, clear upper mids, and tuning versatility, making it a good choice for those prioritizing warmth and customization. However, the Surface’s balanced and engaging profile makes it the preferable option for a vibrant, immersive experience.
Conclusion:
The ddHiFi Surface is positioned as a notable option within the mid-to-high-end IEM market. The text describes its key features as a combination of premium design, robust build quality, and a vibrant sound signature. Its hybrid driver system, comprising a dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers managed by a three-way crossover, is presented as delivering a cohesive and detailed listening experience. The described sonic characteristics include punchy bass, a smooth and emotive midrange, crisp treble, and a spacious soundstage, suggesting versatility across music genres. Furthermore, the ergonomic design, effective passive noise isolation, and versatile drivability are noted as enhancing its appeal. A significant feature is the Premium detachable BC120S cable with a 4.4mm balanced plug. With a listed price of $279.99, the ddHiFi Surface is presented as offering exceptional value for individuals seeking a refined audio experience with visual appeal.
Pros & Cons:
- + Engaging, musical sound with punchy bass, smooth mids, and crisp treble
- + Spacious soundstage with precise imaging
- + Premium build with durable resin, aluminum, and transparent shell
- + Comfortable ergonomic fit for extended listening
- + Effective passive noise isolation for noisy environments
- + Easy to drive with versatile device compatibility
- + Premium detachable BC120S cable with 4.4mm balanced plug
- – Lower midrange could use slight boost for depth
- – Treble roll-off after 8kHz may limit sparkle
- – Limited ear tip options included
