Hidizs MP145 Review
Hidizs MP145 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 MP145 is the first planar magnetic In-Ear Monitor of the company featuring a large 14.5mm planar driver housed within an aviation-grade aluminum alloy shell, the MP145 is paired with a high-purity silver-plated single-crystal copper cable, available with either a 3.5mm or 4.4mm connector, the MP145 aims to deliver exceptional sound quality. This review will explore the performance and features of this new product.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Hidizs for providing the MP145 In-Ear Monitor 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 price of the Hidizs MP145 In-Ear Monitor is 159.00 US$. More information can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The Hidizs MP145 comes in a rectangular black box with a cardboard sleeve. The sleeve’s top features product illustrations and branding, while the back provides product information.
Inside the box are the following contents;
- 1 x pair of Hidizs MP145 In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x 2-Pin detachable cable with 3.5mm or 4.4mm headphone jak
- 9 x pairs of silicone ear tips
- 3 x sets of Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters
- 1 x Storage bag
- 1 x Print Material
Design & Build Quality:
The Hidizs MP145 features a distinctive, organic design with curved ear shells crafted from CNC-machined aluminum alloy. This construction results in a durable, premium build, while the ergonomic shape ensures a comfortable fit despite its larger size.
The Hidizs MP145 employs a 14.5mm planar magnetic driver featuring a fully symmetrical magnetic circuit with 7+7 N52H magnets. This configuration contributes to a lower harmonic distortion rate, improved magnetic circuit efficiency, and a high magnetic flux of approximately 1 Tesla at the magnetic gap.
The faceplate of the MP145 features a unique design inspired by nature, with a subtle resemblance to a whale’s tail fin.
Additionally, discreetly integrated into the transition area of the whale tail fin-shaped panel are two hidden ventilation ports. These vents optimize airflow within the earphone cavity.
The inner surface contacting the ear concha features the sound output nozzle. This includes a Pneumatic Sound Tuning filter system with three different sets included in the package.
Near the sound nozzle is a small opening dedicated to sound pressure relief, L/R markings, and the Hidizs MP145 branding.
On the top of the monitor shell is a 0.78mm diameter 2-Pin connector interface offering a tight and secure connection with the detachable cable.
The Hidizs MP145 comes with a detachable cable featuring a braided design, constructed from four strands of 99.9999% high-purity single-crystal oxygen-free copper silver-plated wire. This combination results in a cable that is both flexible and durable. The cable’s silver-plated layer enhances conductivity, minimizing signal loss.
The cable features 0.78mm diameter 2-Pin male connectors that do fit pretty tight to the the female connectors that are located on the top of the monitor shell. Each connector features a metal housing with left and right color indicators (blue for left and red for right.
The cable features a metal Y-splitter and chin slider with a glossy silver finish.
The detachable cable is available in both 3.5mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced headphone plug options that you can choose while ordering the product. The plugs have a straight-profiled metal housing in the same silver finish as all other metal parts on the cable. A transparent plastic strain relief provides extra protection.
The overall build quality of both the cable and the monitor shells is quite good for a product at this price range.
Fit & Isolation:
The Hidizs MP145 is a larger-than-average IEM, but its ergonomic design ensures a surprisingly comfortable fit. The inner surface has a rounded shape that fits perfectly into my moderately sized ear concha. The passive noise isolation is at an efficient level, which can vary depending on the selected ear tips.
Paring & Drivability:
The Hidizs MP145 is relatively easy to drive for an In-Ear Monitor equipped with a large 14.5mm planar magnetic driver. It has a sensitivity of 104dB and an impedance of around 30Ω. It performs decently with small USB DAC/AMP dongles like the S8 Pro Robin, but demonstrates improved performance when paired with a DAP (iBasso DX180, FiiO M23), portable DAC/Amplifier (FiiO Q15), or a desktop unit (FiiO K9). These pairings unlock the full potential of the driver and allow you to experience the MP145’s true capabilities.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : MP145
- Driver Type : Hidizs 14.5mm Ultra-Large Planar Magnetic Driver unit
- Frequency Response : 20 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sensitivity : 104dB
- Impedance : 30Ω
- Cable Material : high-purity single-crystal oxygen-free copper silver-plated wire
- Cable Length : 1.2m
- Plug : 3.5mm Single-Ended or 4.4mm Balanced
- Weight : approx. 19g (exclusive cable)
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : Hidizs M145, TIN HiFi P1 Max
- DAP/DAC : Hidizs S8 Pro Robin, FiiO M23, FiiO Q15
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
- 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)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (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)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “ Album” (Deezer HiFi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- 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)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- 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 – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The Hidizs MP145 delivers a sonic performance that leans towards a well-rounded, balanced character. Its bass response is satisfyingly deep and impactful, providing a solid foundation for various genres without overwhelming the mix. The midrange is a particular strength, showcasing vocals and instruments with clarity, warmth, and natural timbre. Treble is handled with finesse, offering detail without veering into harsh territory. While the soundstage is respectable, creating a sense of space and instrument separation, it might not be as expansive as some top-tier models.
Hidizs Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters:
The Hidizs MP145 offers three interchangeable filters to tailor its sound to your preference. The Rose Gold filter provides a balanced, neutral listening experience with clear mids and controlled bass. For those seeking extra low-end punch, the Red filter delivers a boosted bass response without sacrificing overall clarity. Alternatively, the Silver filter brightens the sound, emphasizing treble details and creating a more energetic, lively presentation.
Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage & Imaging:
The Hidizs MP145 delivers a satisfyingly deep and impactful bass response, which was pretty audible in tracks like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Armin Van Buuren’s “Vini Vici.” Its low-end is generous, providing a solid foundation for various genres. The bass is well-controlled, avoiding muddiness, and offers a good sense of punch and speed, as shown in the complex bass passages of Gogo Penguin’s “Murmuration.” While the mid-bass impact is commendable, some listeners might crave slightly more prominence in the sub-bass region for an even more immersive experience, as found in tracks like Armin Van Buuren’s “Vini Vici.” Overall, the MP145’s bass performance is commendable, catering to those who enjoy a robust low-end without sacrificing clarity. The Bass Boost filter, which significantly enhances this low-end impact, is a great option for those seeking a more pronounced bass response.
The midrange of the Hidizs MP145 is a highlight, characterized by its thickness, fullness, and natural presentation. Vocals are reproduced with clarity and detail, striking a balance between intimacy and openness, as exemplified by Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me” and Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.” The IEM excels in retrieving subtle nuances in the midrange, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricacies of instruments and vocal performances, as in Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful.” This balanced and engaging midrange presentation contributes significantly to the overall listening experience. The Balanced filter preserves this neutral midrange character, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a well-rounded sound.
The Hidizs MP145’s treble range is well-executed, offering a smooth and extended response without exhibiting harshness or sibilance. It delivers a good amount of detail, allowing listeners to discern the intricacies of high-frequency instruments, as demonstrated in Megadeth’s “Sweating Bullets.” While the treble is refined, some might desire slightly more airiness and sparkle for an even more open and expansive soundstage. Nevertheless, the overall treble performance is commendable, providing a clear and controlled presentation. The Treble Boost filter accentuates the high-frequency details, offering a brighter and more energetic sound for those who prefer a lively treble response.
The MP145 presents a respectable soundstage with decent width and depth, creating a sense of space and instrument separation. Imaging is generally precise, allowing for accurate placement of sound elements within the listening space. While the soundstage might not be as expansive as some flagship models, it provides a satisfactory listening experience, contributing to the overall immersive quality of the MP145.
Comparison:
Hidizs MP145 versus TIN HiFi P1 Max:
The Hidizs MP145 delivers a superior low-frequency performance compared to the TIN HiFi P1 Max. Its bass response is deeper, more extended, and offers a greater sense of impact. The MP145 excels in reproducing the nuances of sub-bass frequencies, resulting in powerful and immersive low-end presentation. Kick drums hit with authority, and basslines are rich and textured. In contrast, the P1 Max’s bass, while competent, lacks the depth and power of the MP145, feeling somewhat restrained in comparison.
Both the Hidizs MP145 and the TIN HiFi P1 Max present a neutral midrange, allowing for accurate and natural reproduction of vocals and instruments. However, the MP145’s slightly warmer tonal balance lends a touch of richness and body to midrange frequencies, creating a more engaging and involving listening experience. Vocals sound more natural and present, while instruments retain their clarity and detail. The P1 Max, while competent, can sound slightly thinner in comparison, lacking the same level of body and warmth in the midrange.
The MP145’s treble is more refined and engaging than that of the P1 Max. It offers a subtle lift in the upper frequencies, adding sparkle and airiness to the overall sound without becoming harsh or fatiguing. This presentation enhances the clarity and detail of high-frequency instruments, such as cymbals and string sections. The P1 Max, on the other hand, exhibits a more subdued treble response, which can lead to a smoother but less exciting listening experience. While it avoids harshness, it also lacks the sparkle and energy that the MP145 brings to the table.
The TIN HiFi P1 Max offers a wider and deeper soundstage, creating a more expansive listening experience. The Hidizs MP145, on the other hand, prioritizes instrument separation, providing a more focused and precise soundstage. The P1 Max excels in creating a sense of space, while the MP145 emphasizes clarity and definition within its sonic presentation. Ultimately, the choice between a wider soundstage and enhanced instrument separation depends on individual listener preferences.
Conclusion:
The Hidizs MP145 stands out as a strong contender in the planar magnetic IEM category. Its precise engineering and craftsmanship, exemplified by the 14.5mm planar driver and robust build, culminate in a substantial audio performance. The MP145 delivers a rich and entertaining sound profile characterized by dynamic bass, pretty detailed midrange, and smooth treble. While the soundstage may not the largest and deepest, it provides an immersive listening experience. The inclusion of interchangeable filters offers users the ability to fine-tune the sound to their preferences. Moreover, the MP145 delivers exceptional value for its price. This combination of performance, features, and affordability makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking a satisfying listening experience.
Pros & Cons:
- + Powerful and impactful bass response
- + Detailed and natural midrange presentation
- + Smooth and extended treble without harshness
- + Durable build quality with aviation-grade aluminum alloy shell
- + Interchangeable filters for sound customization
- + Excellent value for the price
- – Soundstage is not as expansive as some other planar IEM’s at this price level
- – Larger size might not fit all ear shapes optimally
