HIDIZS S9 PRO+ MARTHA: A More Refined Sequel
"There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more."
~~George Gordon Byron, Lord Byron, English baron and an influential poet during the Romantic period.
Martha was the last surviving species of her kind. She was a passenger pigeon in captivity and these birds were supposedly endemic in North America but due to over-hunting and deforestation, their population became declining rapidly and the last known passenger pigeon in the wild was shot.
USB DAC/Amp dongles became a staple and a must have contraption for a portable audio enthusiast. HIDIZS was one of pioneers in the portable audio industry that released some of the best DAC/Amp dongles in the market like S3 Pro, S9, S9 PRO and XO. The release of the original S9 in 2020 was one of the pivotal moments of the portable audio industry that truly defines the mobile hi-fi experience at a reasonable price.
As I mentioned many times in some of my reviews regarding my grievances on the removal of headphone jacks on smartphones due to some initiative effort of a certain tech giant that up to this day, I don't have a respect on that company given that the founder was an avid audio enthusiast and a known audiophile. But everything that happens regarding this unfortunate decision has its own silver lining and some entrepreneurs in the portable audio industry take advantage of that opportunity and USB DAC/Amp dongles were one of the few innovations that were developed. (Yeah, yeah…Audioquest Dragonfly series were the first USB DAC/amp dongles but it was specifically used for laptop or PC application as far as I know and doing it with mobile phones is rather complicated and a bit of hassle as you need an adapter on it)
What I have here right now is the latest evolution of HIDIZS S9 series, The S9 PRO+ : Martha. The S9 PRO + is the follow up model of the previous flagship USB DAC/amp dongle, S9 PRO. The difference between the previous and the current generation of S9 PROs, the current one has key buttons for volume control and play/pause, implementation of some digital tuning filters, a more compact form factor and the ditching of 2.5mm balanced output to the more stable 4.4mm balanced output which is now the current standard.
On the physical aspect, S9 PRO + : Martha has a more compact size compared to some other DAC/amps in the current audio market. Its overall construction frame is made of aluminium alloy (probably a 2024 series) which are aviation-grade and are known to have a high tensile strength and also has excellent fatigue resistance properties for better durability. It underwent a CNC-milling process to ensure robustness yet lightweight build. It has some angular contours on its sides that reminds me of some hypercars and there's a HIDIZS logo RGB LED indicator for determining the digital tuning filter mode, sample rate and audio file format.
Here are the following corresponding colour coding:
SAMPLE RATE
■ GREEN - PCM 16-24 bit/ 44.1 - 96kHz, DoP 88.2kHz
■ BLUE - PCM 24-32 bit/ 192kHz, DoP 176.5kHz
■ RED - PCM 24-32 bit/ 384kHz, DoP 352.8kHz
■ WHITE - PCM 24-32 bit/ 768kHz, DoP 705.6kHz
■ YELLOW - DSD 64/128
■ PURPLE - DSD 256/512
DIGITAL TUNING FILTER EFFECTS
● GREEN/Anodizing fast roll-off (Default Filter) - Slightly forward vocals, extended high frequencies with reduced resonance.
● BLUE/Linear phase fast roll-off - Enhanced analytical capabilities, delivering a clean and crisp sound.
● YELLOW/Linear phase slow roll-off - Enriched harmonics, full low frequencies, and a natural reverb.
● PURPLE/Minimum phase fast roll-off - Balanced and moderate sound.
● WHITE/Minimum phase slow roll-off - Clean sound with a forward position.
● RED/Hybrid fast roll-off - Soft and smooth sound with enhanced detail.
● N.A./ Brick wall - Excellent dynamics and strong presence.
The internal part of HIDIZS S9 PRO + uses similar components with its predecessor as it uses a flagship ESS DAC, The ES9038Q2M but HIDIZS claimed that they made some improvement on it like improving the SNR and a lower THD noise rating for better detail and accuracy of its sound reproduction. This gives a substantial upgrade over its predecessors when it comes to performance parameters. Aside from implementing a proven Hi-Fi DAC, it was also connected to HIDIZS latest generation of their audio processing circuitry architecture consisting of newer independent headphone amp, USB interface processor and POP sound cancelling for more accurate sound reproduction while retaining a natural, tidy and detailed sound. And another thing that I should mention, HIDIZS also implemented several digital tuning filter effects for more sonic ambient options and optimising the best possible effects of sound quality. On change its digital filter effects mode, press the two key button and check if there's a change of colour on its LED indicator. But to be honest, the changes of its tuning filter effects are rather marginal as if you can't hear some changes unless you do more meticulous critical listening which takes some time to figure out the subtle changes.
On its analogue output interfaces, it has the standard 3.5mm SE and a 4.4mm balanced which is quite a new implementation on a HIDIZS product. The 3.5 SE has maximum output of 130mW + 130mW, while the 4.4mm balanced output can reach up to 180mW + 180 mW which makes them quite powerful enough to power some of the hard to drive cans out there and all IEMs of any driver configuration and earbuds will be properly amplified. All the said output measurements are in the ideal load conditions of 32 Ohms.
The product packaging of HIDIZS S9 PRO + is rather minimalist and elementary as it includes some accessories just simply to cover the basics of its usage.
Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:
■ HIDIZS S9 PRO + DONGLE
■ Detachable type-C to type-C short cable
■ USB type-A adapter
■ Hi-res sticker
■ Paperwork like Q.C stub and warranty card.
As for connectivity, This device is quite versatile in both software and hardware aspects. On the software side, this device works well on some of the most popular operating systems platforms like Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iPadOS and iOS, and some applications and programs with USB Audio output support. Meanwhile on the hardware, this device can be used on smartphones with either Android or iPhone, laptops, tablets and desktop PC as long as they have type-C connector or USB type-A port.
In terms of tonality and sound quality, HIDIZS S9 PRO + has a balanced-neutral sound signature that deviates a bit compared to the previous generation of S9 Pro which was more energetic and a tad brighter sound.
IEMs and headphones that were used to test this device:
● BQEYZ WINTER
● BQEYZ WIND
● SEE AUDIO BRAVERY RED
● AFUL PERFORMER 8
● AFUL MAGICONE
● THIEAUDIO HYPE 2
● LETSHUOER EJ07M
● LETSHUOER EJ09
● KEFINE KLANAR
● KIWI EARS MELODY
● KINERA IDUN GOLDEN
● SENNHEISER HD600
● AUDIO TECHNICA M40X
LOWS/BASS:
It depends on tracks and also pairing with headphones and earphones, This device can deliver a tight to punchy bass response that is quite precise, fast and clean in which neutral bass should have.
On the sub-bass part, there's a mild presence of rumbling and reverberation enough to be generated from sub-bass-focused instruments like low tone bass guitars, drum machines and synthesisers. Mid-bass has an ample texture and depth to give an enough heft on some note weight on some instruments and male vocals. This dongle will be able to deliver a raspy and resonant sound on bass guitars, a precise, sustaining and thudding bass kick drums and a sufficient deep resonance and intensity on bass-baritone vocals.
MIDRANGE:
The midrange presentation on this device delivers a neutral, transparent, with just enough warmth to give a balanced texture and tidy to give a sufficient lush, rich and natural sound on vocals and instruments.
Both male and female vocals have fairly texture on its note weight as male vocals have an ample density, depth and volume for baritones up to countertenor while female vocals will able to project an articulate and clear voices with its lush, tender and silky sound whether it is a contralto, mezzo-sopranos or soprano.
The instruments here sound very lucid while maintaining an organic sound with their distinctive tonality and tonal colour. Strings like guitars and violins have enough bright, crisp and vibrant sound, while brass instruments like horns, trumpets and trombones have velvety, full and intense sound respectively. On woodwind instruments, concert flutes have ethereal and airy sound, while piccolos have brilliant and graceful sound and then on clarinets and saxophones, they have a sombre to brilliant sound depending on note registers. Percussives like snares, toms, field drums and kettledrums, snares have clear and sharp sound, toms and field drums have resonant, sonorous and venerable sound, and then kettledrums have deep and rumbling sound. Pianos seems to sound very natural and its tone are quite even and balanced with good warmth and sufficient bright sound.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
The treble quality that this device was able to gauge a well-refined treble response as they have an enough brightness on the upper-mids up to presence part to give a well-precise and articulate attack of percussives and rhythm instruments, a well-rendered vocal definition on vocals and crisper and delineated sound. Its airy extension is commendable as it is quite well-extended with a good sparkle on its harmonics.
In some instruments, cymbals have a crisp and shimmering sound, hi-hats have shortened buzzing and sizzling sound, celestas have a bell-like and gleaming sound and glockenspiels have lustrous and shimmering sound.
OVERALL TECHNICALITIES:
HIDIZS S9 PRO + is capable of projecting a wide sound field with a good height ceiling and immersive depth on its sound/speaker stage. It is also quite competent in its separation capabilities as it is able to separate and each element has its spacing to be determined while its finesse layering is well-organised and pretty articulate in a sonic canvas.
It has a fairly sharp micro-detail definition as I was able to hear some nuances and details like vocal ends, strumming, plucking and striking on instruments that were extracted from audio tracks.
PEER COMPARISONS:
HIDIZS S9 PRO
■ This is the predecessor model of S9 PRO +, it has a longer frame and like its successor, it also has a colour-coded LED sample rate but it didn't have advanced digital tuning filter effects. It uses an identical ESS DAC but the S9 PRO has a typical "Sabre glare" characteristic which I will explain later. There's no hardware key buttons for play/pause or volume level keys. It has a 2.5mm balanced output jack which is quite outdated for today's standard.
■ It has a balance-neutral sound profile with added brightness on it which some audio enthusiasts will recognise as a typical "Sabre glare" . Compared to the S9 PRO, This one has a tighter bass, more energetic yet dry midrange presentation and noticeable more shimmering and crisper treble response. Technicalities-wise, both devices have similar capabilities but due to its sound profile. S9 PRO has a bit more sharper micro-detail retrieval.
TRUTHEAR SHIO
■ TRUTHEAR's inaugural USB DAC dongle and unlike the S9 PROs family, it has a flagship-level dual Cirrus Logic DACs, CS43198 which has a bit more powerful output that can drive some planar cans. It has almost similar size with the S9 PRO but it has a faux-hardbound leather on its covering. It has 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S.E. on its output interfaces. It has hardware key buttons for volume level, stop, play and gain mode.
■ As for tonality, SHIO has a warmish-neutral sound signature which makes it more musical and analogue-ish tuning. Compared to S9 PRO +, It has a similar punchiness on its bass response but it has texture on the mid-bass, it has a tad more textured and warmer midrange and less airy and sparkling treble response as it sounds a bit smoother and relaxed sounding. As for its technicalities, Both sets have similar performance like projecting a wider sounder, good layering and separation but it appears that SHIO has more solid macro-dynamics but less sharper micro-detail definition.
As I put a verdict on this product, HIDIZS proves that they are one of the audio companies that are willing to take some feedback from its customer base and try to implement some improvements of their next product releases. HIDIZZ S9 PRO+: MARTHA is definitely an improvement over the S9 PRO with more refined tuning and added more features on it to make this USB dongle DAC more appealing for today's standard and it delivers such performance when it comes to tonal and technical qualities.
HIDIZS S9 PRO+ : Martha is now available in HIDIZS official online store, you can check out its unaffiliated link below.
★★HIDIZS S9 PRO PLUS - OFFICIAL STORE★★
For more HIDIZS product reviews, just click the links below:
SPECIFICATION:
PROS:
△ It has a small form factor yet lightweight
△ Finally, it has some button keys for basic functionality and volume control (updated via firmware)
△ Its chassis is made of aluminium alloy.
△ Detachable type-C to type-C short cable
△ USB type-A adapter for desktop use.
△ Balanced-neutral sound profile.
△ Excellent power output rating
△ At last, a 4.4mm balanced jack interface.
△ 6 types of digital filter effects to choose from.
△ Less power consuming on host device's battery power.
△ Precise, incisive and clean bass response.
△ Fairly textured yet transparent midrange
△ Smooth treble while maintaining a sufficient sparkle and airy treble extension.
△ Impressive technical capabilities.
CONS:
▽ Gets a bit warm on long usage.
▽ Wishing for better haptic key buttons
▽ Like all HIDIZS stock USB type C cables, a typical one way orientation on connecting to a host device.
▽ To be honest, digital tuning filter effects have a very marginal change of its linear phase roll-offs that most listener won't able to perceived a drastic change, unless you do some critical listening in which will take some time.
▽ For 2.5mm balanced users, Since HIDIZS ditch off the 2.5mm balanced jack, looks like they should migrate to 4.4mm balanced as it is proven more durable.
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 *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *
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 send my gratitude to MS. ZOIE HELLO for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
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