Hidizs MK12 Turris Review

  

Introduction:

Founded in 2009, Hidizs is a respected Chinese audio brand renowned for its portable audiophile products, including Digital Audio Players, DACs, amplifiers, and In-Ear Monitors. The Hidizs MK12 Turris is their latest foray into the premium single dynamic driver market, featuring a 12mm driver with a 91% pure magnesium diaphragm housed in a CNC-machined aluminum alloy shell. Drawing inspiration from the regenerative Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish, the MK12 Turris embodies adaptability and resilience, aiming to deliver a versatile and high-quality listening experience. This review explores its design, build, and sonic performance in depth, with a focus on its unique character and value.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Hidizs for providing the MK12 Turris 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 & Availability:

The MSRP of the Hidizs MK12 Turris In-Ear Monitor is $199.00 US, with a promotional price of $179.00 US available at the time of this review. More information can be found under the link below;

• Hidizs MK12 Turris

  

Package & Accessories:

The MK12 Turris arrives in a sleek, medium-sized box featuring an illustration of the IEMs and product branding on the top, with detailed specifications on the rear. The contents are neatly organized in layered foam cutouts, creating a premium and satisfying unboxing experience that balances minimalism with elegance.

The box of the Hidizs MS5 comes with the following contents;

• 1 x Hidizs MS5 In-Ear Monitor
• 1 x 8 Strand Silver + OFC Cable 2-Pin Connectors
• 9 x pairs of silicone ear tips
• 3 x pairs of Sound Tuning Filters
• 1 x Protective Case
• 1 x Print Material (User Manual & Warranty Card)

The inclusion of nine pairs of ear tips, categorized for bass, vocal, and balanced profiles, offers extensive customization options. The tuning filters, stored in a compact plastic case, enhance the IEM’s versatility. However, the synthetic leather pouch, while portable, provides less protection than a hard case, which would have been a valuable addition at this price point.

 

Design & Build Quality:

The Hidizs MK12 Turris shows a striking and unconventional design, inspired by the Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish. The CNC-machined aluminum alloy shells are available in three finishes: classic black, metallic gray, and ocean blue.

The angular, almost futuristic aesthetic of the shells may divide opinions; some will appreciate its bold, sci-fi-inspired look, while others might find it reminiscent of a trilobite or an alien artifact. The faceplate features a subtle, textured pattern that catches the light, adding a touch of sophistication to the robust construction.

Despite their larger-than-average size, the shells are relative lightweight at approximately 10 grams per earpiece. The ergonomic inner contour ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, though users with smaller ears may need to experiment with ear tips to achieve an optimal seal.

The build quality is exceptional, with no visible seams or imperfections, reflecting Hidizs’ commitment to craftsmanship.

A standout feature of the MK12 Turris is its interchangeable pneumatic sound tuning filters, located on the rear of the monitor shell. The Gold (Balanced), Red (Bass), and Silver (Treble) filters, crafted from aluminum alloy with protective mesh tops, allow users to tailor the sound signature to their preferences.

The 0.78mm 2-pin connector on top provides a secure connection with the detachable cable, and a pressure relief vent on the rear enhances acoustic performance by minimizing internal pressure.

Left and right indicators, along with the Hidizs website, are discreetly printed in white on the rear surface, preserving the sleek aesthetic.

 

Detachable cable:

The MK12 Turris includes a detachable cable made of high-purity oxygen-free copper, available with either a 3.5mm or 4.4mm plug. The cable features a braided design with a soft PVC coating, which reduces microphonic noise but has a slight tendency to tangle, particularly near the connectors.

The 2-pin connectors are housed in transparent plastic with clear left/right indicators, and transparent heat-shrink ear guides enhance comfort during mobile use. The metal Y-splitter and chin slider are finished in a sleek gunmetal color, while the straight-profiled plug sports the Hidizs logo and a robust strain relief.

While the cable is functional and well-constructed, it feels slightly basic for an IEM in this price range. A thicker, more premium cable or a modular design with interchangeable plugs would have elevated the package. Nevertheless, the cable performs adequately and does not significantly impact the overall listening experience.

 

Fit & Isolation:

The Hidizs MK12 Turris generally provides a comfortable fit, thanks to its thoughtful ergonomic design. For my ears, the shells sit securely and comfortably in the ear concha. However, individuals with smaller ear structures might find them less comfortable, particularly during extended listening sessions. The short nozzles may also require tip-rolling for users with deeper ear canals to achieve a secure seal.

Passive noise isolation is satisfactory, effectively reducing ambient noise in moderately noisy environments, such as public transport or busy cafes. However, due to the shallow nozzle design, the isolation is not exceptional, and users in louder environments may need to experiment with ear tips to optimize the seal and enhance isolation.

 

Paring & Drivability:

The MK12 Turris features a 32Ω impedance and 111dB sensitivity, making it compatible with low-powered sources such as smartphones and USB DACs. Despite this ease of drivability, its sonic performance significantly improves when connected to more robust equipment, revealing greater clarity, dynamic expression, and a deeper soundstage. During testing, it was paired with the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus (DAC/AMP) and the FiiO M21, both are capable of delivering enough power to fully realize the MK12’s capabilities. While casual listening is still enjoyable on less powerful devices, a source outputting at least 550mW is recommended to achieve optimal results.

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model                          : MK12 Turris
• Driver Configuration   : Single Dynamic Driver
• Driver Type                 : 12mm 91% Pure Magnesium Diaphragm
• Frequency Response : 20 Hz – 40 kHz
• Sensitivity                   : 111dB
• Impedance                 : 32Ω
• Cable Material            : High-Purity Oxygen-Free Copper
• Connector Type         : 0.78mm Diameter 2-Pin
• Cable Length              : 1.2m
• Plug                            : 3.5mm Singe-Ended & 4.4mm Balanced
• Weight                        : approx. 10g (exclusive detachable cable)

 

Equipment’s used for this review: 

• IEM’s              : Hidizs MK12 Turris, MEZE Audio Alba
• DAP/DAC      : Hidizs S9Pro Plus, FiiO M21

  

12mm Single Dynamic Driver with 91% Pure Magnesium Diaphragm:

The heart of the Hidizs MK12 Turris is its 12mm single dynamic driver, featuring a diaphragm composed of 91% pure magnesium. This design choice is significant, as magnesium is known for its lightweight yet rigid properties, making it an ideal material for audio drivers aiming to deliver precise and dynamic sound reproduction. The large 12mm diameter allows for substantial air movement, contributing to the IEM’s ability to produce deep, impactful bass and a wide soundstage, while the high purity of the magnesium diaphragm ensures low distortion and excellent transient response across the frequency spectrum.

The use of a single dynamic driver, as opposed to multi-driver configurations, emphasizes coherence in sound delivery. Unlike hybrid or balanced armature setups, which can sometimes introduce phase or crossover issues, the MK12 Turris’ single driver produces a seamless and unified sound signature. The magnesium diaphragm’s low mass enables rapid response to audio signals, resulting in tight, controlled bass, clear mids, and detailed treble without the risk of frequency overlap. This is particularly evident in the driver’s ability to handle complex passages, where instruments like double basses and vocals maintain clarity and separation.

The 91% pure magnesium composition enhances the driver’s stiffness, reducing unwanted vibrations and resonance that could color the sound. This results in a clean and natural presentation, with a slight warmth that adds musicality without sacrificing accuracy. The driver’s wide frequency response, rated from 20 Hz to 45 kHz, ensures that it captures both the sub-bass rumble and subtle high-frequency details, making it versatile for genres ranging from electronic to classical. Additionally, the driver’s design works in tandem with the interchangeable pneumatic sound tuning filters, allowing users to fine-tune the sound signature to emphasize bass, mids, or treble, further enhancing the IEM’s adaptability.

The combination of the 12mm size and magnesium material also contributes to the MK12 Turris’ impressive dynamics and efficiency. With a sensitivity of 111dB and an impedance of 32Ω, the driver is highly responsive, requiring minimal power to achieve high volume levels while scaling well with more powerful sources.

 

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 (feat. Panda Bear) – 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)
• Photek – The Hidden Camera (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Abel Korzeniowski – Dance For Me Wallis (Deezer HiFi)
• 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)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Rush – 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 Hidizs MK12 Turris delivers a warm, musical, and cohesive sound signature that blends technical precision with emotional engagement, powered by a single 12mm dynamic driver with a 91% pure magnesium diaphragm. The sound is characterized by a smooth and natural presentation across the frequency spectrum, with a slightly warm tonality that enhances the texture of vocals and instruments. This makes it particularly well-suited for genres such as jazz, pop, rock, and indie, where its ability to convey emotional depth and detail shines. The included pneumatic sound tuning filters provide significant customization, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences, from bass-heavy to treble-focused profiles. The MK12 Turris excels in delivering a balanced yet engaging listening experience, with a focus on musicality, clarity, and texture, making it a versatile choice for both casual and critical listening.

Hidizs Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters™ Explained: 

Gold (Balanced) Filter:

The Gold filter serves as the reference tuning, offering a neutral yet engaging sound signature. It maintains a balanced presentation across the bass, midrange, and treble, making it versatile for most genres. The lows are well-controlled, the mids are smooth and natural, and the treble provides clarity without fatigue, ideal for critical listening and extended sessions.

Red (Bass) Filter:

The Red filter emphasizes the low end, boosting both sub-bass and mid-bass for a warmer, more impactful sound. It adds depth and body, making it ideal for bass-heavy genres like electronic, hip-hop, and rock. The treble is slightly attenuated, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed presentation that avoids harshness but sacrifices some airiness.

Silver (Treble) Filter:

The Silver filter enhances the upper midrange and treble, creating a brighter, more airy sound. It increases detail and sparkle, particularly in classical and acoustic music, without introducing sibilance or harshness. The bass remains intact, but the overall tonality leans toward a more vibrant and energetic presentation, appealing to listeners who prioritize clarity and resolution.

 

Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage & Imaging:

Please note that the sound impressions below are based primarily on the Gold filter, using the stock cable and balanced silicone ear tips, paired with high-quality sources to maximize performance.

Bass:

The MK12 Turris delivers an exceptional bass performance, characterized by depth, texture, and control, driven by its magnesium diaphragm driver. In Massive Attack’s “Angel,” the sub-bass extends deeply, producing a visceral rumble that fills the soundstage with a palpable sense of weight and intensity, yet remains articulate and well-defined, capturing the low-frequency pulses with precision. Lorde’s “Royals” highlights the mid-bass, which is punchy and full-bodied, adding warmth and body to bass guitar lines and kick drums.

The mid-bass maintains a natural decay, ensuring it remains engaging without bleeding into the mids, creating a clean and dynamic low-end presence. Gogo Penguin’s “Murmuration” showcases the bass’s speed and control, with rapid bass lines and intricate percussion, such as double basses and electronic synths, rendered cleanly and dynamically. The Red filter enhances the bass further, adding intensity and warmth for bass-heavy genres, while the Gold filter strikes a balance that suits a wide range of music, from electronic to jazz. Instruments like cellos and bass drums are reproduced with excellent texture and authority, maintaining clarity even in complex passages.

 

 

Midrange:

The midrange of the MK12 Turris is smooth, musical, and slightly warm, creating an inviting and emotionally engaging atmosphere for both vocals and instruments. In the lower midrange, male vocals shine with remarkable depth and richness. Barry White’s “Just The Way You Are” is delivered with a velvety, full-bodied quality that conveys emotional resonance, with the natural timbre of his deep voice preserved beautifully. Similarly, David Bowie’s “Heroes” benefits from the warm and intimate presentation, with his voice carrying a lifelike quality that draws the listener into the performance.

In the upper midrange, female vocals are equally compelling. Sertab Erener’s “Aşk” is rendered with a lively and emotive quality, with clear articulation and no trace of sibilance, making her vocal delivery vibrant and engaging. Diana Krall’s “The Look of Love” showcases a smooth, jazzy warmth, highlighting the nuances of her vocal phrasing with excellent clarity. Instruments such as acoustic guitars, pianos, and violas are presented with a natural tonality and balance, as heard in Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” where guitar strums and piano chords are distinct and well-integrated into the mix. The Red filter slightly recesses the mids, prioritizing bass, while the Silver filter enhances upper midrange clarity, adding vibrancy to vocals and instruments like violins, clarinets, and saxophones. The midrange remains cohesive, free of nasal or compressed qualities, and is ideal for extended listening sessions across genres like jazz, pop, and rock.

 

 

Treble:

The treble is detailed, transparent, and non-fatiguing, striking a balance between clarity and smoothness that suits a wide range of listeners. In Metallica’s “Sad But True,” percussion elements such as cymbal crashes and hi-hats are crisp and well-defined, with the Gold filter providing just enough sparkle to keep the presentation lively without introducing harshness. The cymbals have a natural decay, and the metallic sheen of the percussion is rendered with precision, enhancing the energy of the track. Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song” demonstrates the treble’s control, with delicate piano notes and cymbal taps presented with a smooth decay and no sharpness, even in bright recordings.

The Silver filter boosts the treble, adding brilliance to tracks like Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” where violin sections and harpsichord notes shine with enhanced clarity and airiness, maintaining a natural timbre without sounding thin or metallic. Instruments like electric guitars, bells, and flutes, do benefit from the treble’s transparency and detail, with micro-details like string plucks and breathy flute tones clearly audible. However, the upper treble extension is slightly limited, lacking the extreme airiness desired in highly analytical tracks. The treble remains safe and controlled across all filters, making the MK12 Turris suitable for listeners sensitive to sharp highs, while still delivering sufficient detail for genres like metal and classical music.

  

Soundstage & Imaging:

The MK12 Turris offers an expansive soundstage that rivals many higher-priced IEMs, with impressive width and depth. Imaging is precise, allowing for easy placement of vocals and instruments, with excellent separation and layering for genres like jazz and rock. The Silver filter enhances soundstage airiness, while the Gold filter provides a balanced, intimate presentation. While not as vast as some planar IEMs, the MK12’s soundstage is highly competitive for a single dynamic driver, creating an immersive and engaging listening experience.

 

 

Comparison:

Hidizs MK12 Turris versus Meze Audio Alba:

The Hidizs MK12 Turris and Meze Audio Alba are both strong contenders in the sub-$200 IEM market, each offering distinct sonic profiles and design approaches. Both utilize a single dynamic driver, while the MK12 Turris is equipped with a 12mm 91% pure magnesium diaphragm and the Alba with a 10.8mm driver, catering to different listener preferences due to their tuning and features.

In the bass region, the MK12 Turris provides a warm and full-bodied low-end, particularly with the Red filter, which emphasizes deep sub-bass and punchy mid-bass while maintaining clarity and control. This makes it well-suited for genres like electronic and hip-hop that benefit from a robust low-end presence. The Gold filter offers a more balanced bass that suits a wide range of music. The Meze Audio Alba, in contrast, delivers a tighter and more neutral bass response, focusing on precision and control rather than warmth. The Alba’s bass is clean and articulate, with a slight emphasis on mid-bass, making it suitable for genres like acoustic and vocal-focused music. Both IEMs handle bass well, but the MK12 Turris leans toward a more engaging and impactful low-end, while the Alba prioritizes a more restrained and precise presentation.

The midrange presentation differs noticeably between the two IEMs. The MK12 Turris offers a lush and musically engaging midrange, particularly with the Gold filter, which enhances the richness of male vocals and the vibrancy of female vocals. Instruments like pianos, acoustic guitars, and violas are rendered with a natural, full-bodied timbre, creating an intimate and immersive listening experience. The Silver filter adds clarity to the upper mids, bringing out details in instruments like violins and clarinets. The Alba, however, provides a brighter and more neutral midrange, emphasizing transparency and detail. The Alba’s mids are crisp and articulate, with a focus on clarity that suits analytical listening. While both IEMs deliver detailed mids, the MK12’s richer and more cohesive presentation feels more emotionally engaging, particularly for lower vocals, whereas the Alba’s mids are slightly leaner but excel in precision for genres like jazz and classical.

In the treble range, the MK12 Turris balances detail and smoothness effectively. The Gold filter delivers crisp, non-fatiguing highs, while the Silver filter adds sparkle and airiness, making it ideal for genres like classical music where instruments like violins and flutes shine. The treble is well-controlled, avoiding sibilance while maintaining clarity. The Meze Audio Alba offers a brighter and more extended treble, with a focus on airiness and detail that highlights high-pitched instruments like trumpets and cymbals. The Alba’s treble is more open and revealing, which enhances clarity but may feel slightly bright for some listeners in certain recordings. Both IEMs perform well in the treble, with the MK12 offering a smoother and more forgiving presentation.

In terms of soundstage and imaging, the MK12 Turris offers a wider and more immersive soundstage, enhanced by its tuning filters, particularly the Silver filter, which adds airiness and depth. Its imaging is precise, with excellent separation of vocals and instruments, creating a near-holographic experience for genres like jazz and rock. The Alba provides a respectable soundstage with good width and accurate imaging, but it feels slightly more intimate compared to the MK12. The Alba’s soundstage is well-suited for vocal-focused and acoustic genres, where its clarity and precision shine, while the MK12’s broader presentation creates a more enveloping experience.

 

 

Conclusion:

The Hidizs MK12 Turris is an impressive entry in the sub-$200 IEM market, featuring a 12mm single dynamic driver with a 91% pure magnesium diaphragm that delivers a rich, detailed sound. Its standout feature is the interchangeable pneumatic sound tuning filters, which allow users to precisely adjust the audio signature. This flexibility makes the MK12 Turris suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Built with CNC-machined aluminum alloy shells, the IEM offers superior durability. While the larger shell design may pose a challenge for users with smaller ears and the stock cable is not exceptional, the MK12 Turris remains a strong choice for those prioritizing sound quality, adaptability, and robust construction.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Rich, musical sound with a 12mm single dynamic driver and 91% pure magnesium diaphragm
• + Interchangeable tuning filters for customizable sound profiles across genres
• + Expansive soundstage with precise imaging for immersive listening
• + Warm, cohesive midrange ideal for vocals and instruments
• + Detailed, non-fatiguing treble with balanced clarity
• + Deep, controlled bass with excellent texture and impact
• + Durable CNC-machined aluminum alloy shells
• + Wide variety of ear tips for personalized fit and sound
• + Easy to drive with modest sources, scales well with powerful setups

 

• – Larger shell size may be uncomfortable for users with smaller ears
• – Stock cable feels basic for the price range
• – Shallow nozzle design may require tip-rolling for optimal fit
• – Synthetic leather pouch offers less protection than a hard case

 

Thank you for the Read!