HIDIZS XO: CLEARLY A NATURAL SOUNDING ONE

USB DAC/Amp Dongles are the future of Hi-Fi mobile devices as I mentioned in my review on Hidizs S9 PRO as to how this important feature, the analogue headphone jack is withdrawn little by little to almost  current flagship smartphones. Either we accept the current trend of the omission of certain feature as an evolution process of technology or we will not accept the outcome, USB DAC/amp dongles are the only possible solution if we want a portable, analogue-ish set-up or else we will go wireless which gives you an inferior listening experience as current transmission of wireless data is still gives lossy audio format.

This is my second review article for a Hidizs product and what I have here is their latest USB DAC/Amp Dongle offering, The Hidizs XO.

Hidizs XO is somewhat a successor unit of Hidizs S3 Pro and like its predecessor unit, it has a smaller form factor in a rectangular shape which is contrast to a circular shape of its precursor model and a detachable cable. Its shell chassis is made of a solid CNC-milled aluminium alloy with a circular switch button for filter phasing and sample rate indicator and a X-shaped key button with a built-in  RGB LED light at the top and at both sides of this device along some brand and supported codecs at the bottom part of the panel. You can locate the two audio jacks of different termination output and a USB type-C port at both opposite ends of this device. Like all Hidizs DAC/Amp dongles, it doesn't have a hardware volume key button which is more logical. (My unit has my name laser-etched on it which makes this unit more "special".)

When it comes to audio codec support, Hidizs XO supports all known lossless codecs such as PCM ones like FLAC, ALAC, WAV and other lossless type format, DSD which can decode up to DSD256 on either DOP or native. Hidizs XO also supports MQA format via streaming and can unfold up to 16x.

As I aforemention a while ago about the LED outer ring of the circular button on sampling rate indicator which also acts as a filter mode switch. Here are some colour-coded scheme on sampling rate:

GREEN - PCM 44.1- 96KHz

BLUE - PCM 192KHz

RED - PCM 384KHz

YELLOW - DSD64 - DSD256

ORANGE - MQA unfolding (works only in streaming services like Tidal).

As for digital filter switch:

RED (Hybrid Phase Fast Roll-off) - The high frequency will be reduced to 30-40% and the low intermediate frequency will be more elevated in the overall frequency response.

BLUE ( Linear  Phase Fast Roll-off) - The high frequency will be reduced to 20-30% and the low intermediate frequency will be likely to be protruding in the overall frequency response.

Regarding its built-in RGB LED lights inside of this device, it gives a stylistic sense of a PC gamer vibe that it has 15 different types of LED lighting effects for more visually appealing to its users (I usually turn off this feature as it is quite distracting to my eyes in most cases). Another thing that I almost forgot to mention was the most important component in the overall aspect of this device was the implementation of the DAC chip. It uses a popular ESS DAC for mobile use, a dual ES9219C for better audio sound quality and good amplification due to the proven SABRE amp with newer generation of quartz oscillator for clocking and phase reference signal for accuracy and lesser power drag on better consumption rating.

Hidizs XO has two types of output audio jacks, a standard 3.5mm SE and a 2.5mm with balanced output. Both audio jacks can amplify high-impedance cans with a rating up to 300 ohms. I've tested most of my IEM collection and Hidizs XO can drive them decently even some of my planar IEMs like KZ PR1.

Here  are some power output rating of each audio jacks:

◆ 3.5mm SE - 78mW + 78mW at 32 Ohms

◆ 2.5mm Balanced - 195mW + 195mW at 32 Ohms

As for compatibility, Hidizs XO has a seamless connectivity to most devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs by using a short detachable type-C cable and ad. For OS and software support, Hidizs XO can be compatible with most known current popular OS either mobile or full desktops like Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, iMac and Linux. For Android, you should use an app that supports USB DAC connectivity like UAPP, Hiby Music Player and Neutron.

Like its older sister, The Hidizs S9 Pro, The Hidizs XO doesn't have a built in battery and like most usb dongle it will syphons off some substantial power from its host devices. But its power draining ratings seems to be in a trickle that makes this device very power efficient due to the built-in power regulator that regulates the temperature of this device to avoid heat build-up. Processing on higher sampling rate plus activating the RGB LED lights will have a noticeable warm on Hidizs XO.

The inclusions inside of the packaging box of Hidizs XO are the following:

● Hidizs XO DAC/Amp dongle

● Short Type-C to Type-C cable

● USB-A adapter for PC/Laptop connectivity

● Some paperworks like instruction manual, Q.C. card and calling card.

As for its tonality, Hidizs XO has a neutral sound signature with just a tad of warmth just to sound more organic akin to an old definition of analogue "neutrality"  (I'll just explain more about its characteristics in an orderly manner.)

BASS/LOWS:

Bass seems that have an ample punch, precise and expressive on how it gives a definition on specific bass regions. Sub bass has a sufficient rumble to reverberate if some certain tracks demand it to be played upon likebsome low bass guitar register, synthesisers and electronic drums especially on synth-pop tracks.

Mid bass has a reasonable texture to give a well-bodied sound on bass kicks, bass-baritone vocals and bass guitars.  It gives a sustaining and thudding sound on bass kicks, an ample heft and depth on bass-baritone vocal to have a more guttural sound and bass guitars to have a satisfactory growl to sound broady and sombre. Bass trumpets seem to have this intense full and darker timbre.

MIDRANGE:

The mids of Hidizs XO seem fairly neutral, with sufficient warmth, clean and "silky" delivery. Both male and female vocals benefited from that warmth that added some density to their note weight. Male voices has this power and heavily gravelly to project its strong presence in all types of male vocals especially on counter-tenors and tenors. Female vocals has this euphonic and sensous that I can describe upon its voice quality.

Instruments are all depicted in almost in an accurate manner from percussive to wood winds. Percussives like field drums and snare drums has this sonorous, hard, penetrating and precise sound. Brass instruments like trumpets and tuba has a blaring, metallic and robust sound that gives a  "heroic" vibe. Woodwinds like fife and flutes has this shrill and ethereal sound. Strings like acoustic guitars have this buttery and balanced sounding, Violins has this lustrous and yet vibrant sound that listening on it gives me a pleasant manner. And last but not the least, the sound of piano has this warm, rich and vibrant sound that I was able to describe.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

Hidizs XO definitely has a clean, smooth treble. It has enough brightness just to give enough details on the elements and harmonics. Not a hint of harshness or sibilance that I discerningly hear even to my treble-laden tracks.

It has a good treble air that every cymbal or xylophone strikes has a shimmer with an adequate amount of sizzle. Hi-hats has a life-like  sound with its distinctive shortened buzzing.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Overall soundstage dimension of Hidizs XO seems to have an above average on wideness, with good height and a valid sense of depth on how I perceived it within my headspace. Imaging is decently enough that I was able to distinguish the placement of the elements (vocals and instruments) on its spatial cues but not the most accurate that I've encountered on such a device.

Separation and layering performance is commendable; it gives a sufficient spacing and gaps of elements in a track. And both dynamic and frequency layering has its distinctive placement within its sonic canvas with its sustain, attack and release of each specific instruments.

Resolution capability of Hidizs XO has an acceptable presentation of delineating elements either on macro-dynamics or micro-detailing. Micro-detail retrieval is somehow least edgy and sharper that is quite unusually different to typical characteristics of most ESS DACs which has some emphasis on treble region. Tonal colour is more on a natural state with just added warmth to make it sound more "analogueish" rather than digital one.

PEER COMPARISONS:

AUDIOQUEST DRAGONFLY BLACK (2016)

■ Compared to Hidizs XO, Dragonfly Black has a larger chassis with matte-coating finish. It has only a 3.5mm single-ended port and a USB Type-A port which is more beneficial on PC and laptop connectivity but needs some add-on adapter  for mobile usage which makes the connection a bit more complex. It has a volume control which is better than more choices on RGB LED lights.

■ On paper, Dragonfly Black's sample playback was capped to 96kHz compared to 32/384khz of Hidizs XO but most of us aren't really that concerned for a hi-res playback rating. With a rating of 1.2 Vrms, It is noticeable that its power output is a bit lower compared to Hidizs XO but at least it can drive some IEMs and low-impedance cans properly without a hitch.

■ Tonality-wise, both Dragonfly Black and XO have an eerily-similar timbre as they have more leaning more on the musical side as they have some warmth to make a sound more organic and "analogue-ish". But  Dragon Black is more U-shaped sounding as bass and treble is more prominent than the midrange. Technicalities are even analogous on both devices.

HIDIZS S3 PRO (2021)

■ It is Hidizs XO's predecessor, it has a contrasting shape as this has a circular shape chassis and a detached Type-C connector. It has only a single-ended 3.5mm jack unlike its successor unit which has another jack, a 2.5mm balanced. Both devices have MQA-support for Tidal playback.

■ S3 Pro has a better DAC chip, a flagship ES9281C which is similar to the TOTL DAC/Amp dongle, Questyle M15. It can drive most of the IEMs and some power-efficient headphones.

■  Both the tonality of these devices leaning towards a neutral side of tuning but they have different perspectives on neutrality, S3 Pro is more transparent and sterile compared to a more organic and analogue-ish tuning of Hidisz XO.

As I conclude my review regarding Hidisz XO. Hidizs managed to make Hidizs XO more appealing to some transitional audio enthusiasts who are still in the exploring phase towards more matured, reference-level tuning. A balanced-neutral with a hint of warmth to make a more natural sound and an above-average technicalities in an affordable price is indeed a very compelling offering for a budget audiophile.

With the exception of those implementations of RGB LED lights which I honestly feel a bit "out of place" and somehow it is more palatable towards Video/PC gamers than serious audiophiles, Hidizs XO is a decent device that delivers a sufficient power output and to deliver the best possible clear and clean sound.

Hidizs XO DAC/Amp dongle is now available in HIDIZS official site and if you are interested to purchase this device, simply click HERE.

USB DAC/Amp Dongles are the future of Hi-Fi mobile devices as I mentioned in my review on Hidizs S9 PRO as to how this important feature, the analogue headphone jack is withdrawn little by little to almost  current flagship smartphones. Either we accept the current trend of the omission of certain feature as an evolution process of technology or we will not accept the outcome, USB DAC/amp dongles are the only possible solution if we want a portable, analogue-ish set-up or else we will go wireless which gives you an inferior listening experience as current transmission of wireless data is still gives lossy audio format.

This is my second review article for a Hidizs product and what I have here is their latest USB DAC/Amp Dongle offering, The Hidizs XO.

Hidizs XO is somewhat a successor unit of Hidizs S3 Pro and like its predecessor unit, it has a smaller form factor in a rectangular shape which is contrast to a circular shape of its precursor model and a detachable cable. Its shell chassis is made of a solid CNC-milled aluminium alloy with a circular switch button for filter phasing and sample rate indicator and a X-shaped key button with a built-in  RGB LED light at the top and at both sides of this device along some brand and supported codecs at the bottom part of the panel. You can locate the two audio jacks of different termination output and a USB type-C port at both opposite ends of this device. Like all Hidizs DAC/Amp dongles, it doesn't have a hardware volume key button which is more logical. (My unit has my name laser-etched on it which makes this unit more "special".)

When it comes to audio codec support, Hidizs XO supports all known lossless codecs such as PCM ones like FLAC, ALAC, WAV and other lossless type format, DSD which can decode up to DSD256 on either DOP or native. Hidizs XO also supports MQA format via streaming and can unfold up to 16x.

As I aforemention a while ago about the LED outer ring of the circular button on sampling rate indicator which also acts as a filter mode switch. Here are some colour-coded scheme on sampling rate:

GREEN - PCM 44.1- 96KHz

BLUE - PCM 192KHz

RED - PCM 384KHz

YELLOW - DSD64 - DSD256

ORANGE - MQA unfolding (works only in streaming services like Tidal).

As for digital filter switch:

RED (Hybrid Phase Fast Roll-off) - The high frequency will be reduced to 30-40% and the low intermediate frequency will be more elevated in the overall frequency response.

BLUE ( Linear  Phase Fast Roll-off) - The high frequency will be reduced to 20-30% and the low intermediate frequency will be likely to be protruding in the overall frequency response.

Regarding its built-in RGB LED lights inside of this device, it gives a stylistic sense of a PC gamer vibe that it has 15 different types of LED lighting effects for more visually appealing to its users (I usually turn off this feature as it is quite distracting to my eyes in most cases). Another thing that I almost forgot to mention was the most important component in the overall aspect of this device was the implementation of the DAC chip. It uses a popular ESS DAC for mobile use, a dual ES9219C for better audio sound quality and good amplification due to the proven SABRE amp with newer generation of quartz oscillator for clocking and phase reference signal for accuracy and lesser power drag on better consumption rating.

Hidizs XO has two types of output audio jacks, a standard 3.5mm SE and a 2.5mm with balanced output. Both audio jacks can amplify high-impedance cans with a rating up to 300 ohms. I've tested most of my IEM collection and Hidizs XO can drive them decently even some of my planar IEMs like KZ PR1.

Here  are some power output rating of each audio jacks:

◆ 3.5mm SE - 78mW + 78mW at 32 Ohms

◆ 2.5mm Balanced - 195mW + 195mW at 32 Ohms

As for compatibility, Hidizs XO has a seamless connectivity to most devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs by using a short detachable type-C cable and ad. For OS and software support, Hidizs XO can be compatible with most known current popular OS either mobile or full desktops like Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, iMac and Linux. For Android, you should use an app that supports USB DAC connectivity like UAPP, Hiby Music Player and Neutron.

Like its older sister, The Hidizs S9 Pro, The Hidizs XO doesn't have a built in battery and like most usb dongle it will syphons off some substantial power from its host devices. But its power draining ratings seems to be in a trickle that makes this device very power efficient due to the built-in power regulator that regulates the temperature of this device to avoid heat build-up. Processing on higher sampling rate plus activating the RGB LED lights will have a noticeable warm on Hidizs XO.

The inclusions inside of the packaging box of Hidizs XO are the following:

● Hidizs XO DAC/Amp dongle

● Short Type-C to Type-C cable

● USB-A adapter for PC/Laptop connectivity

● Some paperworks like instruction manual, Q.C. card and calling card.

As for its tonality, Hidizs XO has a neutral sound signature with just a tad of warmth just to sound more organic akin to an old definition of analogue "neutrality"  (I'll just explain more about its characteristics in an orderly manner.)

BASS/LOWS:

Bass seems that have an ample punch, precise and expressive on how it gives a definition on specific bass regions. Sub bass has a sufficient rumble to reverberate if some certain tracks demand it to be played upon likebsome low bass guitar register, synthesisers and electronic drums especially on synth-pop tracks.

Mid bass has a reasonable texture to give a well-bodied sound on bass kicks, bass-baritone vocals and bass guitars.  It gives a sustaining and thudding sound on bass kicks, an ample heft and depth on bass-baritone vocal to have a more guttural sound and bass guitars to have a satisfactory growl to sound broady and sombre. Bass trumpets seem to have this intense full and darker timbre.

MIDRANGE:

The mids of Hidizs XO seem fairly neutral, with sufficient warmth, clean and "silky" delivery. Both male and female vocals benefited from that warmth that added some density to their note weight. Male voices has this power and heavily gravelly to project its strong presence in all types of male vocals especially on counter-tenors and tenors. Female vocals has this euphonic and sensous that I can describe upon its voice quality.

Instruments are all depicted in almost in an accurate manner from percussive to wood winds. Percussives like field drums and snare drums has this sonorous, hard, penetrating and precise sound. Brass instruments like trumpets and tuba has a blaring, metallic and robust sound that gives a  "heroic" vibe. Woodwinds like fife and flutes has this shrill and ethereal sound. Strings like acoustic guitars have this buttery and balanced sounding, Violins has this lustrous and yet vibrant sound that listening on it gives me a pleasant manner. And last but not the least, the sound of piano has this warm, rich and vibrant sound that I was able to describe.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

Hidizs XO definitely has a clean, smooth treble. It has enough brightness just to give enough details on the elements and harmonics. Not a hint of harshness or sibilance that I discerningly hear even to my treble-laden tracks.

It has a good treble air that every cymbal or xylophone strikes has a shimmer with an adequate amount of sizzle. Hi-hats has a life-like  sound with its distinctive shortened buzzing.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Overall soundstage dimension of Hidizs XO seems to have an above average on wideness, with good height and a valid sense of depth on how I perceived it within my headspace. Imaging is decently enough that I was able to distinguish the placement of the elements (vocals and instruments) on its spatial cues but not the most accurate that I've encountered on such a device.

Separation and layering performance is commendable; it gives a sufficient spacing and gaps of elements in a track. And both dynamic and frequency layering has its distinctive placement within its sonic canvas with its sustain, attack and release of each specific instruments.

Resolution capability of Hidizs XO has an acceptable presentation of delineating elements either on macro-dynamics or micro-detailing. Micro-detail retrieval is somehow least edgy and sharper that is quite unusually different to typical characteristics of most ESS DACs which has some emphasis on treble region. Tonal colour is more on a natural state with just added warmth to make it sound more "analogueish" rather than digital one.

PEER COMPARISONS:

AUDIOQUEST DRAGONFLY BLACK (2016)

■ Compared to Hidizs XO, Dragonfly Black has a larger chassis with matte-coating finish. It has only a 3.5mm single-ended port and a USB Type-A port which is more beneficial on PC and laptop connectivity but needs some add-on adapter  for mobile usage which makes the connection a bit more complex. It has a volume control which is better than more choices on RGB LED lights.

■ On paper, Dragonfly Black's sample playback was capped to 96kHz compared to 32/384khz of Hidizs XO but most of us aren't really that concerned for a hi-res playback rating. With a rating of 1.2 Vrms, It is noticeable that its power output is a bit lower compared to Hidizs XO but at least it can drive some IEMs and low-impedance cans properly without a hitch.

■ Tonality-wise, both Dragonfly Black and XO have an eerily-similar timbre as they have more leaning more on the musical side as they have some warmth to make a sound more organic and "analogue-ish". But  Dragon Black is more U-shaped sounding as bass and treble is more prominent than the midrange. Technicalities are even analogous on both devices.

HIDIZS S3 PRO (2021)

■ It is Hidizs XO's predecessor, it has a contrasting shape as this has a circular shape chassis and a detached Type-C connector. It has only a single-ended 3.5mm jack unlike its successor unit which has another jack, a 2.5mm balanced. Both devices have MQA-support for Tidal playback.

■ S3 Pro has a better DAC chip, a flagship ES9281C which is similar to the TOTL DAC/Amp dongle, Questyle M15. It can drive most of the IEMs and some power-efficient headphones.

■  Both the tonality of these devices leaning towards a neutral side of tuning but they have different perspectives on neutrality, S3 Pro is more transparent and sterile compared to a more organic and analogue-ish tuning of Hidisz XO.

As I conclude my review regarding Hidisz XO. Hidizs managed to make Hidizs XO more appealing to some transitional audio enthusiasts who are still in the exploring phase towards more matured, reference-level tuning. A balanced-neutral with a hint of warmth to make a more natural sound and an above-average technicalities in an affordable price is indeed a very compelling offering for a budget audiophile.

With the exception of those implementations of RGB LED lights which I honestly feel a bit "out of place" and somehow it is more palatable towards Video/PC gamers than serious audiophiles, Hidizs XO is a decent device that delivers a sufficient power output and to deliver the best possible clear and clean sound.

Hidizs XO DAC/Amp dongle is now available in HIDIZS official site and if you are interested to purchase this device, simply click HERE.

PROS:

● Solid-built exterior chassis.

● Its small frame makes it more pocket friendly.

● Digital Filter Switch.

● 15 different modes for RGB LED light effects for visual appeal.

● Decent power output for both 3.5mm SE and 2.5mm balanced.

● MQA unfolding support (for MQA format lovers.)

● Neutral, organic and analogue-ish sounding set.

● Proper native DSD support up to 256.

● Colour-coded sampling rate LED indicator.

CONS:

▽ It doesn't have a hardware volume key buttons.

▽ RGB LED Lights effects seems a bit "out of place" in the overall aesthetics. (Subjective)

▽ Compare to S3 Pro and S9 Pro, it has lesser power output.

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to HIDIZS nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly. 

Once again, I would like to MS. EMMA LI for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity towards me and other reviewers.

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to HIDIZS nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly. 

Once again, I would like to MS. EMMA LI for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity towards me and other reviewers.