Hidizs H2 BT DAC/AMP Review

 

 

 

 

 

Hidizs H2 BT DAC/AMP Review

 

Introduction:

Hidizs Technology Co. Ltd. was founded in 2009 and offers a wide variety of portable audiophile equipments such like Digital Audio Players (DAP), Digital to Analogue Converters (DAC), Amplifiers and In-Ear Monitors.

The Hidizs H2 is the second member of the H series and is a LDAC & UAT capable Lossless Bluetooth Receiver that is equipped with Qualcomm’s CSR8675 Bluetooth Chip with BT 5.0 support and MAX97220 amplifier of the company Maxim Integrated.

 

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Hidizs for providing me the H2 BT DAC/AMP as review sample for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Hidizs beyond this review and these words reflect my true, unaltered, opinions about the product.

 

Price:

The actual price for the Hidizs H2 is $64.99 USD and can be purchased under the link bellow;

 

  

Package and Accessories:

The Hidizs H2 came in a pretty small cardboard box in black colour with some product brandings on the top and some product related specifications/information’s about the product at the bottom.

This box contains the following items;

  • 1 x Hidizs H2 Bluetooth DAC/AMP
  • 1 x USB Type-C to USB A data and charging cable
  • 1 x Short profile USB Type-C to USB Type-C Data Cable
  • 1 x Transparent Protective Case with rear clip
  • 1 x Quick Start Guide
  • 1 x Warranty card

 

  

Design, Buttons and Build Quality:

The Hidisz H2 is an ultra small almost tiny sized device with a very nice to hold square shaped minimalistic design. The body is made of resin with raw material from the German Company Makrolon, which is a material that can be very rarely seen on such type of devices. The Hidizs H2 is available in two colour options that are the Black and the White colour variants.

The ultra small H2 has dimensions of only 32×32×10mm and weight’s only 12grams (exclusive shirt clip) which makes it highly portable.

On the top of the device is the NFC logo printed in silver colour.

The left surface features a multifunctional hardware button for power on/off, play/pause or call answer. Here is also a small LED indicator that lights up in Green for sampling rates between 44.1 – 48kHz, in so called Baby Blue for 88.2 – 192kHz and in Red colour when the device is charging.

The right surface features a second multifunctional button for volume “up/down button” and that acts also for previous and next track actions if you push on them for about 2 seconds.

At the bottom of the device is the USB Type-C data and charging port, which is easier to use than older Micro USB connectors. This allows you to insert the cable in either way.

On the top are the 3.5mm Single Ended headphone output and a small hole for the microphone that supports Qualcomm’s cVc noise cancelling technology.

The backside of the device sports some product related brandings and some industrial certifications.

The overall build quality of the H2 is of is fine for a device at this price category and feels pretty nice in your hand.

 

 

 

Technical Specifications:
  • Model                         : Hidizs H2
  • BT Version                 : Bluetooth 5.0
  • Supported Codec’s    : UAT/LDAC/apt-X/apt-X HD/apt-X Low Latency/SBC/AAC
  • Bluetooth chip            : Qualcomm CR8675
  • AMP                           : MAX97220
  • Output Power             : 8mW + 8mW @ 32 Ohm
  • THD+N                       : 0.008% (1kHz)
  • SNR                            : 92dB
  • Crosstalk                    : 68dB @ 32 Ohm
  • Output                        : 3.5mm Single Ended
  • Drivability                    : 8~60 Ω
  • Battery (Li-Polymer)   : 160mAH
  • Play Time                    : ≥7 hours (SBC Codec)
  • Charging Time            : ≤1.5 h (5V/2A)
  • Size Device                : 32mm*32mm*10mm (exclusive back clip)
  • Weight                        : 12grams

 

 

 

Hardware and Functionality:

The Hidizs H2 features the CSR8675 Bluetooth Chip of the company Qualcomm that are also used in higher priced devices, while the amplifier is the MAX97220 from Maxim Integrated.

 

a) Bluetooth Chip & Connections Capabilities:

The Qualcomm CR8675 Bluetooth chip inside the Hidizs H2 is a premium low-power solution designed for enhanced audio applications with support for 24-bit transmission and processing, thanks to its 120MHz DSP. This chip is also much more stable in signal strength than other competing chips, especially in situations with lots of interference.

The Hidizs H2 is capable of reproducing major Bluetooth transmission formats including UAT, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC and AAC. The UAT (Ultra Audio Transmission) codec is a new audio coding method based on DCT supports sampling frequencies up to 192kHZ and a bit rate up to 1.2Mbps.

The UAT audio codec is compatible with Android mobile phones, and Hi-Fi DAP’s like the Hidizs AP80, Hidizs AP80 Pro and all HiBy players.

What I like really like about the Hidizs H2 is the Auto Reconnect feature. The H2 connects automatically with my phone or tablet as soon I power on the device.

Another nice feature is the so-called DUAL Audio support that means two Bluetooth devices can be connected to the Hidizs H2 at the same time. For example, one BT Speaker and one BT Headphone can work simultaneously.

 

b) NFC, Signal Strength & Latency:

The Hidizs H2 is equipped with a build-in NFC antenna that is a great solution to pair it easily with devices like Smartphones, Tablets or BT Speakers with NFC support.

The operating distance of the Hidizs H2 is about 10 meters and very stable with codecs like SBC and AAC, while the distance drops up to 4 meters when you chose HD codecs like LDAC & UAT.

The BT latency performance of the H2 is not the best I have experienced. I have notice a short (some milliseconds) lip sync issue, while I have watched to some Netflix Movies or YouTube videos with my Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus or Apple iPad Air2 tablet.

 

c) Amplifier:

The Hidizs H2 MAX97220 from Maxim Integrated. The rated output power of the H2 is 8mW+8mW @ 32 Ohms, while the Total Harmonic Distortion+Noise is pretty low with 0.008% (1kHz). The signal to noise ratio (SNR) is 92dB, while the Crosstalk value is rated 68dB @32ohm. The recommended impedance range for the H2 is between 8 – 60 ohms.

The Hidizs H2 is able to drive most of my IEM’s and the full sized ATH-M50 to pretty loud volume levels especially compared to my Samsung Galaxy S9Plus or iPad Air2, while it has not the power to drive power hungry headphones like the HiFiMAN Ananda or SIVGA P-II or earphones/earbuds with higher impedance & low sensitivity .

The background of the H2 is not pitch black, but surprisingly silent for such a budget device.

 

d) USB DAC function:

The Hidizs H2 supports beside its Wireless DAC/AMP feature also USB DAC functionality.

The USB DAC mode supports sampling rates up to 48kHz/16bit.

 

e) Battery Life:

The Hidizs H2 comes with a built-in 160 mAh battery with a charging time of approx 1.5 hours.

My experiences in terms of battery life are listed bellow;

  • AAC / SBC     : about 6.5 Hours
  • aptX HD          : about 3.5 – 4 Hours
  • LDAC              : about 2.5 Hours

The overall battery performance is pretty good for such a small device.

 

f) HiBy Blue APP:

The Hidizs H2 supports the HiBy Blue APP that allows you to overview the real-time sample rates, Bluetooth formats, Battery Life, EQ adjustments and the Firmware updates of the device.

 

 

Equipments used for this review:
  • BT DAC/APM’s          : Hidizs H2, Colorfly BT-C1
  • IEM’s                          : Hidizs MS1 Rainbow, Meze Rai Solo, Dunu SA3
  • Headphones              : Audio-Technica ATH-M50

 

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:
  • 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)
  • Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • B.B. King – Riding With The King (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
  • First Aid Kit – My Silver Lining (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • London Grammar – Interlud (Live) (Flac 24bit/44kHz)
  • Laura Pergolizzi – Lost On You “Live at Harvard and Stone” (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Spotify)
  • Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Lorde – Royal (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Twerl – Lishu (Spotify)
  • U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Portishead – The Hidden Camera (MP3 320kpbs)
  • Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
  • Tom Player – Resonace Theory “Album” (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)

 

 

The Sound:

The Hidizs H2 shows a warmish tonality with slightly amount of coloration. The bass has good intensity and depth, the midrange on the other hand shows sufficient clarity and detail retrieval, while the treble range has moderate level of extension and nice amount of sparkle.

 The Review is written after a burn-in process of about 50 hours, while the sound analyzes below are based on experiences with earphones like the Meze Rai Solo, Dunu SA3 and Hidizs MS1 Rainbow paired in BT mode with the Samsung Galaxy S9Plus with LDAC codec enabled.

The lower frequency region of the Hidizs H2 offers a good amount of weight and fullness that makes the general presentation pretty full bodied and musical. The subbass area shows an average level of depth and extension, with surprisingly good control for an entry level DAC/AMP.  The overall tonality is warmish and fairly soft.

The midbass region on the other hand has an above average intensity and a sufficient level extension that is ok for such a budget device. It doesn’t show any noteworthy negative situations like a midbass hump or mixings. Percussion instruments such as snare drums have moderate emphasis, while the notes are clearly audible.

The midrange of the Hidizs H2 has a fairly warm tonality with moderate amount of clarity and airiness. The lower midrange shows a good level of depth and intensity while listen to instruments such like string instruments like violas and acoustic guitars and male vocals like Barry White or Dave Gahan.

The upper midrange of the Hidizs H2 is nicely pronounced with good level of extension for an entry-level device while listen to female vocals or instruments such like pianos or violins. The level of transparency and airiness in this frequency range is on an average level, whiel the transitions from the upper midrange to towards the treble region are in general controlled.

The treble range of the Hidizs H2 shows in genral a smooth and warmer than neutral tonality. The lower treble range has sufficient quantity, while the upper treble range is mildly pronounced. The lower treble range shows slightly more intensity and detail retrieval.

The treble extension is a bit short, while the overall intensity and airiness of this region is on an average level. The general treble presentation of the Hidizs H2 is fatigue free and relaxing.

The soundstage performance of the Hidizs H2 is quite ok regarding the price and small form factor. The stage is slightly wider than its depth, while the distance and air between instruments is on a sufficient level without to sound to narrow or dense.

 

Comparison:

Hidizs H2 versus Colorfly BT-C1:

The Hidizs H2 has a slightly warmer and overall softer/smoother sound presentation compared to the Colorfly BT-C1. The lower frequency region of the H2 has a bit more intensity, depth and extension compared to the BT-C1 that shows slightly more neutral/linear presentation.

The midrange of the Colorfly BT-C1 has a brighter and slightly more neutral tonality, compared to the Hidizs H2, which shows more warmth and musicality. The lower midrange of the H2 offers a higher level of depth and additional body, while the BT-C1 shows a bit more upper midrange intensity and extension.

The treble region of both devices has a moderate level of definition, detail retrieval and sparkle, while the Hidisz H2 has the slightly edge in terms of overall treble extension.

The soundstage of both devices is pretty successful in terms of separation and placement of instruments and vocals, especially at this price level. The Hidizs H2 has the upper hand when it comes to the soundstage wideness, while the performance of the soundstage depth is nearly similar.

 

Conclusion:


The Hidizs H2 is very functional ultra portable Bluetooth DAC/AMP solution with a minimalistic design language that will fit even in your smallest pocket. It supports any Bluetooth codec including LDAC & UAT, can be paired easily via NFC and works as USB DAC. All these features are packed in to one device that is available for an affordable price.

  

Pos and Cons: 
  • + Sound Performance & Tonality
  • + Ultra Small Form Factor
  • + Supports Any BT Codec
  • + Price to Performance
  • – Bluetooth Latency
  • – Output Power

 

Thank you for the Read!

 

 

 

 

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6 Responses

  1. Battut says:

    Hi what do u think hidizs h2 betwen qudelix 5k ? Maybe is 5k better for my Galaxy s7 or hidizs h2 is enough for listen spotify ??
    I have iem cca c16.

    • Gökhan AYDIN says:

      Hi there, I didn’t have had the opportunity to listen to the Qudelix 5K, which seems to be a very popular device these days. However, the H2 is a small and very capable device that will for sure satisfy with your S7, but if you can spend slightly more I would highly recommend you to get the FiiO BTR3K, which is my favourite BT DAC/AMP these days! Cheers

  2. Fred says:

    I read review of btr3k but some guy say qudelix is better, Im a french guy live taiwan i see on website hidizs, for me delivry taxe is expansive…

  3. Fred says:

    I read review of btr3k yes is à Nice product and betwen qudelix 5k more cheap…

    • Gökhan AYDIN says:

      The BTR3K offers a great value for its price. It is small small and very well built, has both 2.5mm Balanced and 3.5mm Single Ended outputs and a dark background.

  4. Fred says:

    I dont know if u have try iem cca c16 is balanced 8 ba..
    For u what kind chifi iem best for médium and voice ?

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