HIDIZS MK10 ArcSonics – HiTech in single DD IEMs

Hidizs is recently being very productive. I’ve had pleasing experience with MS2 PRO and MK12 Turris lately, and here goes MK10 – new single dynamic driver IEMs. (By the way, if you didn’t know yet: Hidizs has revealed highly anticipated new gen AP8o PRO MAX DAP which would launch soon).

Truly speaking, I am a great fan of single DD IEMs since the launch of Tanchjim Oxygen, which were and still stay one of the best of its kind, no matter the budget. It had some design flaws and couldn’t provide the same level of comfort for everyone but the lucky ones were converted forever. Knowing that a single diaphragm, the most simple in nature, is capable of handling all frequencies brilliantly and deliver that much of details was shocking. I still have it in my possession despite the time passed. Hidizs, on their turn, promise as brilliant performance by incorporating modern silicon carbide crystal diaphragm materials, ergonomic design with zinc-alloy shells, thorough T.H2019 tuning and additional add-on filters. Sound section and the conclusion to this review would reveal whether such features and approach are enough for MK10 ArcSonics to become my new personal single DD king.

MK10 specs:

Features:

Tuning (filters + H2019 target):

MK10 would be available in two colors: black and silver, both would have mirror polish finish. And there would be 2 cable options: 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BL. Remember that you can always use 3.5mm SE -> 4.4mm BL adapter but not vise-versa. Therefore, 3.5mm version would be more versatile for use across different devices. In case if you order 4.4mm BL version and want to use MK10 with 3.5mm SE output on phone, laptop or other equipment – you would have to get another high-quality cable with 3.5mm SE jack and 2-pin 0,78mm IEM connectors.

Box contents are traditionally rich for this brand: you’d get IEMs, high-quality audio cable with protective tip, leather pouch with satisfying magnetic mechanism, 3 pairs of ear tips and 3 pairs of tuning filters in a separate storage. I am still wondering when brands would switch to a single audio cable with exchangeable jacks to supply each IEMs with all types of connectors. Such cables already exist and it would make the package even more premium. But even without it, when I am showing the box and its contents to my colleagues at work (they are not familiar with such stuff) – Hidizs products always get lots of praises for premium look and first tactile encounters. Perfect gift, literally for anyone.

The design:

Impressive. As always. Hidizs, this time, took the inspiration from Iron Man’s armor and resembled it in the face plates of the zinc-alloy shells. Reminds me of his face mask. Perfect mirror polishing makes it shiny and attractive. I’ve got silver version but I bet that dark one would look even more gorgeous. The flip side, though, is that it also attracts all fingerprints…

Shells are not unibody, consisting of two parts with thin and accurate gap. Shells also enclose couple of compensational openings, moderately protruding nozzles that end up with the add-on tuning filters, embedded 2-pin 0.78mm ports and R/L channel indicators. Each of the 3 pairs of tuning filters has an color indicator ring on the threaded side that corresponds to red (warm mids), silver (crispy treble), black (rich bass).

In terms of ergonomics, MK10 are designed to fit the majority. No sharp edges or fancy stuff, ear guides on cable, moderately long nozzles. Weight is 12g per ear. Definitely much better than the original Oxygen with its less ergonomic form and, especially, very short nozzles that had given a lot of troubles to their owners. I still wouldn’t recommend to use MK10 during workouts – no IP protection and not defined reaction of zinc-alloy and sweat in a long-term. Plus, feels a little bit more bulky to me, in comparison to IEMs made of resin or plastic.

The sound:

Testing with Hidizs AP80 DAP & Motorolla RAZR 50 Ultra smartphone.

First of all, with 32Ohms impedance / 115dB sensitivity MK10 are quite easy to drive from any tested source. Tried even with the bare notebook output and the volume level is far too high to withstand. It doesn’t mean that the dynamics is good with such mere source but it is getting too loud, at least. Second, common to all high-quality IEMs with fast and responsive diaphragm – it is susceptible to picking up and deliver all record quality imperfections which in the combination with such sensitivity might also emphasize more ground noise. The better the source and record quality are – the more MK10 potential is disclosed, free of negative nuances.

The difference in the provided sound filters is not overwhelming but obvious. I’ve tried with all of them and stayed on red (warm and pronounced mids) as the most balanced one to my liking. Silver accents sibilants with lower quality recordings on both female and male vocals while black widens bass portion that is already present in full extent, if not more.

Even with the most balanced filter on, MK10 definitely have V-shaped sound representation. Not extreme, but making each composition more engaging and expressive. Vocals don’t get obscured by lows, mid bass or treble but the bass and mid bass definitely play a major role on the stage. Lows sound accurately outlined and blend well into the entire sound picture and their slightly exaggerated amount makes MK10 a good choice for the people hungry for bass. Mid bass has excellent dynamics, with tight hit and proper mix of lows and upper mids. I wouldn’t say that lows sound very resolving, though. More resolution comes from mids and treble. Vocals, string / wind instruments expose microdetails better and demonstrates the possibilities of fast modern dynamic driver membrane. Great separation and layering of instruments across the entire range also depicts from that. Treble portion is accurate as well, not as crisp and detailed in comparison to BA drivers, but sparkling and clear enough to balance other ranges and add to the overall resolution. It is not as cold and clinical, thus the entire sound leans to the warmer side.

In overall: MK10 ArcSonics sound signature tends to stay slightly warm in many genres, except instrumentals, orchestra and female vocals where the amount of upper mids and treble is larger initially. I would say that MK10 are better off staying in this warmth, therefore, some genres like blues, rock, rap, hip hop, etc – are more suitable. Genres with the large amount of instruments in upper mids (metal, orchestra) are pleasantly clear and resolving but might sound a little shouty and cold.

So, did Tanchjim Oxygen get beaten? Not quite. Hidizs MK10 definitely have better ergonomics, features, higher resolution and better performance on lows but it lacks the transparency, airiness and overall delicacy that Oxygen once presented. MK10 sound more masculine and straight-forward, which is good in many ways, whereas Oxygens were less strict and detailed but more musical. The difference is like it was with Moondrop Kanas Pro. I would say that Kanas Pro and MK10 are close in sound. Unfortunately for Oxygen’s, their ergonomics crossed out most of its sound virtues since many couldn’t get it to fit right and get the experience… Hidizs MK10 are free of such design flaws while getting close in sound quality.

Conclusion:

Single DD IEMs are still staying my favorite. Being good representative, Hidizs MK10 proves this point for me once again. I had lot of experience with planars lately, almost shifted forever to those, but single DD’s are really easier to drive, less expensive and less susceptible to the quality of audio source or recording. Despite that, I still recommend to stick to external amps and forget low quality mp3s even with single DD IEMSs like MK10… Imagine what happens to more demanding magnetic-planars when paired with noisy / low power output. As a consequence, MK10, with its ergonomics, quite balanced / polished sound and high sensitivity, have much better chances to accompany me throughout each day.

Hidizs MK10 ArcSonics would be launched on KickStarter on 25th of September. Great chance to join and get it with the significant early bird discount.

Link to MK10 ArcSonics at Hidizs official store: LINK

Here is the link where MK10 would also be available at launch: LINK