HIDIZS SD2: Compact Dongle, Notable Performer
HIDIZS is one of the few audio companies out there that I really get along with. They are on the right path of success with the release of their products, the MS3, S9 Pro +: Martha and the one of the most acclaimed planar set out there, the MP145.
What I have here to feature in this review piece is their latest product, the HIDIZS SD2.This is HIDIZS’ budget-level DAC/amp dongle tailored specifically for portable audio enthusiasts who want a more compact form factor without compromising the sound quality while on the move.
The SD2's overall construction is made of aluminium alloy which is quite light and its unusual trapezoid shape has that mecha-inspired design that we are quite familiar with. It has an angular, 45° positioned 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom part while a type-c connector is at top part in a perpendicular angle albeit a bit off-centre.
This device also has an LED indicator for sample rate just like all HIDIZS USB DAC/amp dongles but it only has 2 colour indications.
RED COLOUR - 44.1 - 48kHz PCM
BLUE COLOUR - 88.2 - 384kHz/ DSD64 - DSD128
This dongle offers a variety of adaptors, from lightning adaptor for older iPhone devices up to the USB type-a for PCs and laptops that make this dongle more versatile to almost all known modern multimedia devices. It is also noted the type-C connector will support all Android devices with said type of connector and a good news for users with the latest iPhones to enjoy apple music or any streaming services, this dongle can fully support it and it can even use its mic option and in-line control. The mic has a high definition output that can deliver a crisp and crystal clear vocal quality.
On its internal parts, HIDIZS implemented an older but reliable ESS DAC, the ES9270. This DAC has 2-stereo channels with built-in class G Sabre DAC capable of delivering a power output up to 2.0Vrms and it can support Hi-Res up to 32-bit 384KHz PCM and also, up to DSD128 on DSD or DoP. The power output of this dongle was rated to have a 70mW + 70mW at 32 ohms with an SNR of 118dB
On the software side, this device can support almost all known popular operating systems either in mobile or desktop format. And also, this device is compatible with the built-in EQ features of some popular music apps on android like UAPP, HiBy Music app and Neutron app.
On product packaging, it was packed in a small compact square box, and somehow, it offers some supporting accessories for SD2.
Here are the following contents, you can find inside of its packaging box:
- HIDIZS SD2 Dongle
- USB Type-C to USB Type-A adaptor
- USB Type-C to Apple lightning adaptor
- Paperwork like instruction manual and Q.C. stub
As a dongle with no built-in battery, this device will syphon some amount of power from its host device and its thermal handling is good as it is quite well-optimised to lessen heating. It drawn-off a minimal amount of power from my mobile devices so that I can use it for a longer listening session.
As for its sonic profile, the HIDIZS SD2 has a neutral sound with just a minimal amount of warmth to make it more a “balanced-neutral” sound.
I will pair this device on my sets with different shades of neutral sound profile like LETSHUOER EJ07M, LETSHUOER EJ09, AFUL MAGICONE, BQEYZ WINTER, HIBY CRYSTAL 6 II and LETSHUOER Cadenza 12.
LOWS/BASS:
Precise, punchy and lucid bass response that it is more than enough to deliver a well-balanced bass response on sets. It is quite capable of giving a rumbly sub-bass response and a slightly textured mid-bass that can adequately give an ample note on bass-focus instruments and deep male vocals like bass-baritones.
MIDRANGE:
The midrange is fairly neutral, linear, transparent and clean. It has a sufficient texture and energy for vocals and instruments to sound more natural and articulate without too much colouration.
Male vocals have some density and depth on any types of voices, from baritones and countertenors. With enough energy, it gives more crisp and clarity on some female vocals like mezzo-sopranos and sopranos. On instruments, they quite sound very organic with some detail on their distinctive timbre and tone.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
The treble appears to be well-balanced compared to some devices with an ESS DAC which has those “glaring” characteristics that might sound too digital. It has glosser treble response with just sufficient amount of sparkle and a moderate airy extension that won't give an exaggeration on colouration on high frequency that might be too piercing.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
ESS DACS are known to be very competent in this field aspect as sound/speaker can give that spacious and roomy head room in a sonic canvas with good stereo imaging presentation that can panned out cleanly the precise location of instruments and vocals in a soundscape.
Resolution capability of this set is excellent as it is able to retrieve some information on both macro-dynamics and micro-dynamics like notation attack, note textures and vocal ends.
PEER COMPARISONS:
HIDIZS S3
● This device has a circular compact design attached to a fixed cable with Type-C connector. Like all HIDIZS devices, it also has an LED indicator and an ESS DAC inside, the ES9281C. It has a MQA-support in which we can determine its unfolding mode when the LED light colour changes to a magenta.
● As for sound profile, it also has a neutral sound albeit if I compared it to SD2, its treble response is a tad bit brighter. The technical performance of this one is almost similar to the SD2 which is quite competent to deliver a perceived wide soundscape and good resolution capabilities in a clean sonic background.
It seems that HIDIZS will try to take some advantage of the current development of mobile technology that this device is aiming for. With this device, its compactness and performance at affordable and reasonable price will assure that its device will deliver a good sound quality in a compact form and will be easy to use and carry around. As its unusual design choice might be a concern to some users but I think this design choice is more doable and conducive for me as a person who is quite physically active that I was able to just insert this dongle into my mobile devices without any hassles like most dongles with detachable short cable dangling around during my brisk walking session.
Will I ever recommend this device as an alternative option? Certainly it is.
HIDIZS SD2 is now available at HIDIZS OFFICIAL STORE and also in AMAZON, check out the unaffiliated link below that I've provided.
★★HIDIZS SD2 - OFFICIAL STORE★★
For more HIDIZS product reviews:
SPECIFICATION:
DIMENSIONS: 34.5×20×10ｍｍ
DAC CHIP: ES9270
DSD: Native DSD64/128
PCM: Support up to 384kHz/32Bit
OUTPUT OPTIONS: Single-ended 3.5mm
SAMPLING RATE INDICATOR: Support
Red Color : PCM 44.1-48kHz
Blue Color: PCM 88.2-384kHz & DSD
SHELL MATERIAL: Aluminum alloy + Resin
TRANSMISSION INTERFACE: Type-C interface
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM: Android, Windows, Mac OS, iPad OS
Net weight: 6g
AUDIO PARAMETERS: Test Conditions @32Ω Load
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz-40kHz
DISTORTION: PO (3.5): 0.0015%
SNR: PO (3.5): 118dB
SEPARATION: PO (3.5): 64dB
OUTPUT POWER: Up to 70mW+70mW SE 3.5mm
CONS:
● One of the most affordable dongles around in the market.
● Compact form factor with a mecha-inspired design.
● Inclusions of adaptors to make this dongle more versatile to use.
● LED indicator for sample rate
● Reliable ESS DAC
● Native DSD support up to DSD128
● Consuming less power drag from its host devices.
● Decently good thermal management for a compact device
● Supports almost known operating systems.
● Can deliver an acceptable amount of power output enough to drive power-demanding sets like planar IEMs.
● It delivers a balanced-neutral tonality.
● Good resolution capabilities.
CONS:
● Unusual angular placement of a headphone port might be an issue to some users.
● Probably cannot drive properly on power-demanding cans especially with a planar driver.
● Absence of volume control keys
● No MQA support for MQA lovers.
● Just a standard 3.5mm single ended jack, so not a chance on other balanced terminations on this device.
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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