Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX – the best incarnation so far

Greeting with the past holiday season to all readers! It is quite late but I am a hostage of circumstances and kind of slow postal services. My sample of the new DAP from Hidizs, Christmas special edition, has arrived only several days ago. Catching up with sharing my thought on this latest incarnation of AP80 DAP lineup which Hidizs released in cooperation with Linsoul.

The latest version possesses PRO MAX suffix now, which, I believe, originates from having 4.4mm balanced output (like in AP80 PRO and PRO-X versions) and the largest screen in this series. Both features were much anticipated and I can conclude that most of my expectations from the next Hidizs DAP were met. I never wanted to have another Android-based DAP due to excessive functionality and battery drain together with quick aging (thanks to constant Android version increments and loss of software compatibility as a result), neither I wanted to have another DAP completely isolated from the network services… So, here it is: AP80 PRO MAX is Linux (HiBy OS) based, with long-lasting battery, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and network services that are a must this days. And I am very glad that it has 4.4mm balanced output with more power compared to regular 3.5mm jack.

AP80 PRO MAX Full specs:

And damn me, this is really MAX version by far according to current specs. So, what else has changed since PRO and PRO-X:

• Now we have faster and newer CPU
• Display grew from 2.45 inch 480×360 to 2.95 inch 360×640
• MicroSD support up to 2TB
• Bluetooth updated to 5.1
• Has WiFi now (but only 2.4GHz)
• Tidal / Qobuz / DLNA / AirPlay support added
• Single-ended / balanced SNR and dynamic range all became better
• 1300mAh battery instead of 800mAh
• MQA unfolding advanced to 16x type

With all of that, the size and weight increased fractionally. The difference in weight with PRO-X is only 9g (from 72g to 81g) which is an achievement considering how much more we get in a slightly bigger package. The new AP80 PRO MAX still stays one of the smallest DAPs on the market, currently.

Besides the dimensions and weight, I admire so many positive updates over the previous versions of this DAP. Larger screen is what makes the first impression and the new ability to operate with network files and stream music from internet services – that what makes the long term use modern and more versatile.

What is in the box?

I’ve got Christmas edition version which has arrived in a large stylized gift box, together with additional perks inside:

• Thermal gift cup
• Greeting card from Hidizs
• AP80 PRO MAX DAP
• USB-c to A cable
• USB-c to c cable
• Extra set of protective glass for front and back (1 set was pre-applied from the factory)
• Warranty card
• Leather case in a separate small box

This Christmas gift packaging definitely made my day, although arrived a little bit late to the party. But I assume that anyone who got the same edition was happy with its looks and incentives. I would be glad to receive or present such bundle under the Christmas tree. The only small concern was the size – quite large comparing to the DAP itself. But it is logical, since it also holds thermal cup.

Back to the DAP itself: I love the new generation. It is bigger due to larger screen, it is easier to hold in hand due to vertical rectangular form and it is still made of aluminum with complex edge shapes and beautiful finish. More colors were introduced as well. And there is also the most expensive copper special edition version available. I, personally, love the new colors like green and red. My version is green and it definitely emits Christmas vibes.

Back and front both covered with glass that has rounded edges (I believe it was called 3D glass before in smartphones). Touchscreen is now more sensitive and precise – perhaps the screen size adds to this feeling. And the screen itself, with the stated resolution, looks crisp and vibrant. Hidizs didn’t mention IPS this time but I don’t see the difference in colors or view angles with the screens of the previous version where IPS was stated among the specs.

Play, Pause, Next, Previous buttons stayed at their convenient places but what was substantially improved is the size and feel of the crown ring (potentiometer with the knob). It is much larger now, protrudes further from the shell and much easier to operate with one hand when holding this DAP. Finally, I can change the volume without using both of my hands. Another addition is the LED indicator on the right edge that informs about different audio file types more common for Hidizs DACs.

Also want to mention the leather case which is quite handy, has high quality craftsmanship and leaves the right edge with all control elements totally exposed for the ease of use.

In overall, AP80 PRO MAX is much better in hands, much more convenient to operate and similarly excellent in terms of built quality. It new dimensions still make it one of the smallest DAPs on the market but Hidizs has managed to substantially increase user experience with the new shape and larger screen / control elements.

DAP in use:

HiBy OS is common among all Hidizs DAPs and I can’t see much of a difference here. The interface became more responsive due to better CPU and scrolling through 600 songs on my SD card with different file types, with and without album art is not feeling sluggish. Not ideal, bur definitely smoother than on my old AP80.

Haven’t noticed significant changes in OS functionality apart from the new streaming / network abilities and pedometer removal (which was a rudiment function anyway) and the removal of bottom to top slide quick menu that was responsible for fast changes in gain, brightness, volume, etc. But we have the top down menu instead. It has quick network / function toggles, brightness / music play controls now.

The most important audio settings, like gapless, MSEB, filters, volumes, EQ, etc – are all still located in HiBy Music app as before. Such excellent and unique functions for HiBy OS like HiBy Link (when you can totally control you HiBy Music APP from a smartphone or even stream audio from from it to the DAP) – work as expected. I couldn’t check Quboz or Tidal since those are not available in my region, but I’ve checked DLNA and the new Wi-Fi transfer functions. DLNA works as expected – streams audio over local network from DLNA server, while Wi-Fi transfer is the possibility to explore and send files to DAP over the air instead of using card readers or USB connection. It is slower but very convenient – AP80 creates webserver which can be accessed within browser at certain IP address:port which DAP tells you. You would see all files, manage folders and upload / download files.

The only little nuance here is that you should stay on Wi-Fi transfer screen in DAP in order for the function to work. It would shutdown web server as soon as you leave this app page.

Don’t forget that AP80 PRO MAX can be used as USB or Bluetooth bidirectional DAC. And there is a dedicated ASIO DAC driver available for Windows at Hidizs website / download section. It ensures the best audio quality on PC but at a cost of slight delay in sound. I would suggest to use Windows system driver for videos and ASIO for music only.

I left AP80 PRO MAX to drain fully charged battery while advancing through the playlist (mainly flac 24/96 ) and got 8:43 hours of continuous play. Charging back consumed another 1:07 hours. There was some shell heating, but nothing to worry about.

Sound impression:

First of all, I wasn’t expecting any revelations in sound quality compared to all other Hidizs AP80 series DAPs. Literally, we have almost similar architecture with AP80 PRO-X and sightly better (next gen) in comparison to AP80 and AP80 PRO. All built around ESS chips with the sound signature common for Sabre – more on the colder/brighter side, tending to precise, detailed and even “clinical” delivery. Technically, such DAPs, if not tremendously miss-tuned, are very good for monitoring with high resolution and clarity in sound – which is true for all AP80 series, indeed.

Musically, I would always prefer slightly moody and thick approach of AKK delivery. Yes, it is less precise, less detailed and feels like lower-mid oriented, but I love the thickness and timbre more. But, again, when both sources, no matter ESS or AKK, are developed well – you might hear the tonality difference but the rest of the variable sound characteristics would mostly be caused by the end-gear – your headphones / amp / speakers. What I want to say, from my practice (over 10 years, 100 of pairs of IEMs, headphones, amps, DACs and DAPs) – pairing warm dynamic / electrostatic IEMs with AP80 and ESS chip might sound even warmer and thicker than cold BA / piezo IEMs paired with AKK chip. And AP80 series is known for not trying to exaggerate in any FR range, therefore, making it a good and balanced source to pair with any end-gear to hear its influence.

So, back to AP80 PRO MAX – neither single ended port performance nor the BA are distinguishable for me from the whole series. Yes, there are positive changes in SNR and DR figures, but the ability to register such difference is an option for the testing equipment, not human ear (not mine, at least). What I am more aware of when using AP80 PRO MAX after the previous versions is that it lasts longer on a battery charge and it is more convenient to use due to larger screen and volume knob.

Therefore, I wouldn’t say anything new here. Like all previous gens, AP80 PRO MAX is a clean, detailed and balanced audio source with plenty of power to feed tight headphones / IEMs with BA output; regular, but much, much better than your smartphone on single ended port in terms of dynamics, resolution and separation and has brighter / colder tonality common for 99% of DAPs based on ESS chips, no matter the brand. Great source to pair with dynamic, planar, hybrid IEMs or headphones and excellent in resolution for further tube amps/pre-amps.

Conclusion:

Perhaps, the main question is whether AP80 PRO MAX is worth upgrading from the preceding Hidizs DAPs. Definitely yes, if you love the sound and want more convenience in use, longer battery life, network and streaming services. If all of that is not of the highest priority – AP80 PRO-X still nails it at a lower price. Earlier versions would lack more: unreliable 2.5mm BA instead of Pentaconn port in AP80 PRO and only 1 DAC chip for both channels with 3.5mm SE output in the regular and the cheapest AP80. Personally, I think that AP80 PRO MAX is a steal for the price asked, especially if it is a first encounter with Hidizs DAPs and there are no obstacles like possessing any previous versions. For me, finally, it is time to force both of my AP80 and AP80 PRO into retirement and integrate PRO MAX into my lifestyle. More convenient to use, more secure to hold, less straining for eyes, more universal for network and streaming services and similarly good in sound quality.

Link to AP80 PRO MAX at Hidizs official store: LINK