HIDIZS MS2 PRO: Terrifically Musical
HIDIZS just released their latest model and unlike the MK12 Turris that I have reviewed a few months ago, this one is much cheaper and affordable as it tries to establish a stronger foothold in this price range segment as it becomes more competitive.
What I have here is the HIDIZS’ latest entry-level IEM , The MS2 PRO. This particular model is part of their ever-expanding Mermaid Series and a follow-up model of the MS2 that was released a few years ago. Also, it has a hybrid driver configuration inside just like most of their previous product line-ups of this specific model series.
Its driver configuration was arrayed with a 10mm single dynamic driver in a dual-chambered configuration made of high-grade neodymium magnet with a durable composite polymer diaphragm made of PU (polyurethane) and PEEK (polyether ether ketone) for better vibration and deeper bass response and a custom-made “Silvercore” tweeter balanced armature
driver for better clarity and detail on vocals and instruments.
The drivers were then encased in a chrome-treated zinc-alloy shell chassis and the most interesting part of its overall design was the inclusion of a leather part which is made of Rhinohide, a proprietary PVC + PU leatherette on its faceplate that makes it look more premium. Like the current HIDIZS models, it utilises a detachable tuning nozzle for accessibility on more tuning profiles that is one of its main strongest and consistent features.
MS2 PRO still uses a proven 0.78mm 2-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism and for its detachable cable, it is a 2-core silver-plated oxygen-free copper one in a twisted structure with a gold-plated 3.5mm termination plug on its end, though you can also order it with a 4.4mm balanced termination option.
The fitting of this one is relatively comfortable due to its compact design and it secures well into my lugholes as it has an excellent passive noise isolation that was able to block some external noises from the outside.
HIDIZS is pretty serious on their commitment of pushing their environmental-friendly initiative as their overall product packaging is quite recyclable. The contents that we can can inside of its packaging box includes, aside from IEM earpieces and detachable cable, it also comprise of spares ear tips of different sizes, the other pairs of detachable tuning nozzles with different tuning filter setting, that PU-leather pouch storage case and some paperwork.
These are the following contents inside of HIDIZS MS2 PRO packaging box:
- Pair of HIDIZS MS2 PRO IEM transducer pieces. (With a detachable red ring tuning nozzle)
- Stock cable
- PU-leather pouch
- A pair of black ring tuning filter nozzles.
- A pair of white ring tuning filter nozzles.
- Three (3) pairs of black-coloured balance bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Three (3) pairs of white-coloured wide bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Paperwork like an instruction manual, Q.C. stub and warranty card.
This set is also easy to drive due to its low impedance and high sensitivity rating that you won't need any headphone amplifier dongles. The standard gain power output from a 3.5mm smartphone would be sufficient enough.
As for tuning profile, it has three tonal profiles and all of them apparently veer towards more on a U-shaped sound signature with slight variance, some of my initial tonal impressions.
Track tested: Yellowcard - Only One
RED RING TUNING NOZZLE:
It has a U-shaped sound profile with a warmish-balanced tonality and it is the warmest among the three tuning profile settings that it will be engaging and musical. The bass response is more punchy and impactful although I don't still consider it as a basshead's bass response. It has a broad and weighty bass guitar and a full and sonorous sound on its kick bass drum. While the midrange seems to be a recessed presentation but due to some emphasis on between the mid bass and low midrange it has a sufficient warmth to deliver a rich and plush sound characteristics for male vocals and instruments. Ryan Key's tenor vocals (it seems that his voice would be likely classified as between spinto and dramatic type) which is known for its warmth, emotive and ringing from his distinctive vibrato, the guitars have a warmth and full sound, snare drums have hard and deep sound on every stroke on its drumhead along with a warm and resonant sound from its toms. Another thing that I noticed is that its rich and complex string section also includes a violin and cello as the former delivers a calm and solemn sound while the latter instrument has a rounded and mellow sound as it gives that mournful and “depress” atmospheric vibe. The treble section of this one is rather balanced as it has an ample brightness while maintaining some smoothness but it has a modest treble air extension. Cymbal strikes sound more lustrous while hi-hats have that warm and resonant chick-y sound.
BLACK RING TUNING NOZZLES:
It has a mild U-shaped sound profile on the black ear tips and somewhat more an L-shaped sound on the white ear tips, probably the most “balanced” tuning among the three tuning profiles as I noticed that it has a less recess midrange that gives that balanced tuning. The bass response still has that punchiness and impact but with a bit less texture on its mid bass section, it sounds quite rumbly on its sub bass part and also a bit a tighter and clean sounding as the bass guitars sound more resonant and wafting while bass kick drums produces a more rumbly and eerily sound. The midrange of this one as I mentioned is less recessed but it compared to the Red Ring Nozzle, it has less warm and also to some extent, energy but it doesn't mean that it sound dull or veiled as it has still a sufficient energy for female vocals and instruments like strings and woodwinds. Ryan Key’s vocals still have that rich and emotive sound from its vibrato and I noticed that it has more ringing presence but with a bit less warmth and also some brightness especially on hitting high notes. Guitars have a balance and crisp sound on them while violin sounds more clear and sensuous while the cellos have that cantabile and incisive sound. Snare drums have a more sharp and precise sound on every stroke while tom-toms have a resonant and sonorous sound. The treble response of this one is more on balanced side of the treble tuning as it still has an enough gleam for clarity of its vocal presence and definition on the attack on instruments, also it has a tad better airy extension too compared to the Red Ring Nozzle. The cymbals have more undulating and soughing sound while the hi-hats sounds a bit dull with a shortened buzzing tone from its chick-y sound.
WHITE RING TUNING NOZZLE:
It has a U-shaped (V-shaped on a black ear tips with a bit narrower bore) sound profile with a more upper mids and treble-focused tuning compared to the other tuning nozzles. It has that punchy and tactile bass response albeit with a bit more brighter and sustaining tone on bass guitar lines and a more menacing and lingering sound from bass kick drums. The midrange presentation of this one is noticeable recessed compared to the Black Ring Nozzle but with some warmth due to some slight mid bass bleed along with an energetic tuning, it sounds more richer, vibrant and airy that will be suitable towards female vocals and also on strings, woodwinds and percussives that makes it more ideal to classical genres. Ryan Key's vocal still delivers that warm, emotive and powerful vibrato but it has a tad brighter tone, while the guitars have a more brighter and sustaining sound on guitars. Other stringed instruments like violins and cellos, they sound more brilliant and vibrant respectively, and then on the percussives, snares have even sharper and bright sound while the tom-toms have a warmth but with more prolonging resonance. The treble on this one is definitely bright and energetic with good airy extension. Due to its boosted upper midrange and presence treble sections, it gives more intense sound as it is a bit sharp and edgy to some treble-sensitive folk but in my still healthy hearing, I find it tolerable as I don't hear it overly sharp, sibilant or strident and also, it gives more clarity and definition on vocal articulation and attack on instruments. Cymbals strikes have more brilliant and glistening while the hi-hats has a more shimmering and sizzling tone on its chick-y sound.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
The overall dimension of its perceived head stage is quite remarkable as it has presents a moderately roomy sound field as it has a reasonably wide lateral span, good height ceiling reach (it somehow improves a bit on a White Ring Nozzle setting and white ear tip combo) and an immersive sound/speaker stage depth. The imaging seems to present more of a concave-like stereo presentation with just a fairly layered soundscape, but at least it has a good separation of musical elements from vocals to instruments as I was able to pinpoint their placement on its spatial sonics.
The cohesive performance of its hybrid driver configuration is quite impressive that I don't encounter any distortion nor phasing issues at all as the dynamic driver delivers a fast transient speed on its bass response while the balanced armature driver delivers a detailed and crystal clear sound output. The resolution capabilities of this one is well-defined and delineated as it has a firm macro-dynamics as it highlighted the varying degree of loudness from quiet to loud level on chorale lines and instrumental passages while its micro-dynamics has a sharp definition on extracting details, nuances and grains from a playback track like vocal and instrumental reverb tails and notational textures.
PEER COMPARISONS:
KIWI EARS FORTEZA
- Currently priced at US$60/£45 (LINSOUL).
- It has a dual dynamic driver and a single balanced armature driver set-up and housed in a UIEM-type resin shell chassis.
- On its product packaging, it has a hardened PU-leather storage case and offers three types of silicone ear tips but its stock cable is of a lesser quality compared to the MS2 PRO.
- It doesn't have detachable tuning nozzles nor other uncommon features that offer more tonal profiles.
- This one has a more V-shaped sound profile that makes it more coloured sounding.
- The bass response of this one is more authoritative and boomy sounding, a recessed midrange but it has an energetic with ample warmth for vocals and instruments with some tonal oddities on them, and bright and shimmering treble which is prone to sibilance and piercing sound.
- It has a fairly roomy head stage just like the MS2 PRO but it presents a more of typical two-dimensional stereo imaging with less refined layering and separation on it, although it has a good detail retrieval on its resolution capabilities.
EPZ K1
- Priced around at US$73/£55 (SHOPEE, for SEA market only).
- It has one dynamic driver and one balanced armature driver encapsulated in a resin shell chassis.
- On its product packaging, it has similar contents with the MS2 PRO although its stock cable isn't on par with the latter's.
- It doesn't have a detachable tuning nozzle therefore it only offers one sound signature.
- This one has more of a U-shaped sound profile which is comparable to the MS2 PRO's White Tuning Nozzle.
- It has more punchy and tactile bass response, a notched midrange presentation with ample warmth and energetic sound for vocals and instruments and a bit brighter treble response with a good amount of airy extension.
- Technicality-wise, this one has an above-average sound/speaker stage size in a linear two-dimensional stereo imaging presentation with moderately layered sonicscape with good separation along with fairly resolving resolution capabilities.
TANGZU FU DU Verse I
- Still available and it costs around US$89/£67. (TANGZU Official Site)
- It has one dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers encased in a 3D-moulded resin shell with a metal alloy faceplate.
- This one is also well-packed with accessories and it includes proprietary ear tips from both TANGZU and DIVINUS.
- It doesn't have detachable tuning nozzles at all.
- This set has a U-shaped profile with a balanced-warmish to tonality on it.
- It has a more punchier and striking bass response to the point it has a borderline boomy that delivers a rich and full sound on bass instruments, a slight recessed but warm and rich midrange presentation to give more lush and smooth sound on vocals and instruments that somehow make them sound organic and then, a smooth but less airy treble presentation.
- On its overall technical performance, it has an average soundstage size but it has a good depth on them with a rather typical two-dimensional stereo imaging presentation and solid macro-dynamics and decent micro-detail retrieval.
As I put my conclusion regarding about HIDIZS’ latest creation along with its tonal aspect, it seems that they keep refining on how they deliver their product in different price segment with its consistent quality which is quite well-polished with a matured tuning that both experienced portable hi-fi enthusiasts and casual listeners would enjoy its musical and engaging tuning. That leather thing that HIDIZS implemented on its faceplate is quite an impressive design cue as it gives a distinct identity on the MS2 PRO that makes it more appealing to give that sophisticated look and also the detachable tuning settings has it own different tonal profile as HIDIZS wants to deliver that tonal versatility since the release of the MS5.
I'm hoping for HIDIZS to continue to strive towards their goal to be one of the best audio companies out there with their innovative approach and consistent quality of their products without breaking a bank of portable audio enthusiasts with their hard-earned dosh.
HIDIZS MS2 PRO is now available on their official store, check out the link below if you are interested with this product. And also, there a limited offer of 20% discount off upon ordering this unit, check out more details on their official site.
LINK:
https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-ms2-pro-1ba-1dd-hybrid-hifi-in-ear-monitors
AMAZON LINKS
US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FF95N4KM
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FF95N4KM
JAPAN: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B0FF95N4KM
EU - SPAIN: https://www.amazon.es/dp/product/B0FF95N4KM
EU - FRANCE: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0FF95N4KM
More HIDIZS product reviews?
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: HIDIZS MS2 PRO
IMPEDANCE: 17Ω
SENSITIVITY: 111dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 0.78 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 4.4mm, 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER + (1) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER
PROS:
● A pretty robust and solid zinc alloy shell chassis.
● The overall design is very hum….ahemm exquisite and delightful with a luxurious vibe on it, that leather thing is surely responsible for its sophisticated look.
● Detachable tuning filter nozzles that define the current HIDIZS sets line-up.
● Environmental-friendly product packaging, less waste and good for sustainability. (At least they are pretty consistent on their environmental and anti-waste pollution crusade).
● Detachable filter tuning nozzles means different sound profiles that it can offer along with using its stock ear tips.
● Well-done coloured sound of varying gradation of tuning from fun and engaging up to the semi-analytical type of tonal profile.
● Punchy and impactful bass response (both red and white ring nozzles)
● Rumbly, precise and incisive bass response. (black ring nozzle)
● Full and substantial tonal colour on bass clef instruments that outlines the bass groove from bass guitar up to the bass kick drum. (red ring nozzle)
● Warm, smooth and lush midrange. (red ring nozzle)
● Less recessed, well-balanced and clear midrange. (black ring nozzle)
● Vibrant and energetic midrange. (white ring nozzle)
● Good for male vocals, particularly on bass, baritones and tenors, and also on female contraltos. (red and white ring nozzles)
● Sweet and clear female vocals especially on mezzo-soprano and soprano types. (white ring nozzle)
● All-rounder for vocals with less colouration. (black ring nozzle)
● Lustre and even treble response. (black ring nozzle)
● Bright, glistening and airy treble response. (white ring nozzle)
● Burnished treble presentation (red ring nozzle)
● It has a perceived above-average soundstage size.
● It has competently detailed resolution capabilities.
CONS:
● Absolutely not for listeners who want a neutral tuning.
● Still too coloured for adherent neutral heads.
● Some noticeable bass bleed on both red and white ring tuning nozzles. (more of a nitpick)
● Recessed midrange (red and white nozzles)
● A newer storage case that offers good protection given that this set has some mirror-finished on its shell chassis.
● Borderline piercing, shrill and metallic sound that treble-sensitives should take caution on this type of tuning. (white ring nozzle)
● Modest treble air extension (red ring nozzle)
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. JESSIE CHEUNG of HIDIZS for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
Nice review as always
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