Hidizs has released the news that MP145 IEMs based on 14.5mm large planar drivers would be launched on Kickstarter in the nearest future. Similarly to the latest MS5 and MS3 hybrid products, MP145 would feature exchangeable sound tuning filters and 9 pair of silicone ear tips. All together, this would be a great set for any audiophile. But not only, since the early bird price on KS would be ~100USD !!! which is another win. The closest price rival has similar size of the planar driver but doesn’t feature additional tuning filters, nor such a rich set.

Furthermore, some amount of samples already been distributed among the reviewers (I’ve also received a pair) and the first impression is amazing. MP145 sound great, with large bass presence, rich timbre, excellent resolution and weighted treble. Planars usually sound more pleasing/smooth and delicate to my ears and MP145 is one of the best representative so far.

Full review would be coming soon.

Meanwhile, here is the link to subscribe to KS launch news and to become early bird: LINK

Hidizs has announced the beginning of the sales of the limited version of AP80Pro DAP made of a titanium alloy. This version would be available in 399 pieces only for $399. Such price might have been considered as quite high if no other valuable accessories have been included to the package. In fact, the bundle consists of:

• AP80Pro DAP in titanium alloy (with full standard bundle)
• Mermaid MS1 IEMs ($139)
• Unique Hidizs customized stainless steel bracelet

Those accessories would only be included for free in the presale period which would start on January 20, 2021 and end on January 30, 2021.

Some additional pictures:

Link to AP80Pro Limited Edition in titanium alloy at official Hidizs store: HERE (select Titanium alloy in product options)

Full list of AP80Pro specs:

• CPU: Ingenic X1000
• DAC: Dual ES9218P
• Decoding: DSD64/128/256, PCM 384kHz/32Bit
• Output: Single-ended 3.5mm / Balanced 2.5mm
  • Single-ended Output: 70mW + 70mW @ 32Ω
    • Frequency Response: 20-90kHz
    • Total Harmonic Distortion+Noise: 0.0015% (1kHz)
    • Dynamic Range: 115dB
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 119dB
    • Channel Separation: 70dB (1kHz, A-weight, Rated Output)
  • Balanced Headphone Output: 190mW + 190mW @ 32Ω
    • Frequency Response: 20-90kHz
    • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: 0.0015% (1kHz)
    • Dynamic Range: 116dB
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 120dB
    • Channel Separation: 98dB (1kHz, A-weight, Rated Output)
• Recommended Headphone Impedance Range 8-200Ω (Recommended value)
• FM: 4705
• Pedometer Sensor: KX126
• FPGA DSD: HBC3000
• Operating System: HiBy OS 3.0
• Bluetooth: Bidirectional Bluetooth 4.2, support aptX, LDAC, UAT
• USB Port: Type-C, supports bidirectional USB DAC
• Remote Operation: HiBy Link
• Display: Samsung 2.45″ (480×360) IPS HD Touchscreen
• Housing: Aluminium alloy CNC
• Body Colors: black, gray, blue, red
• Rear Cover Material: stereoscopic glass
• Volume Knob: Japanese ALPS
• Buttons 3 physical: play/pause, previous track, next track
• Maximum Storage Expansion: 512GB with MicroSD
• Battery: 800mAh 3.7V Li-Polymer Battery
• Work time: PO interface: 8-11 hours runtime, LO interface: 6-8 hours runtime (depends on actual usage)
• Deep standby: 50 days (depends on actual usage)
• Charging Time: ~ 1 hour (5V, 2A)
• Runtime: About 8-10 hours or above
• Net Weight: 68g

Our full review here: LINK

10% discount for any item at Hidizs store using our promocode: ZMCR10

Update: here is the link to our FiiO UTWS3 review: LINK

FiiO has announced a release of significantly revised version of True Wireless Bluetooth amplifier in 3 days. The original news post was shared at FiiO official Facebook page. New product – UTWS3 – is a successor to UTWS1 Bluetooth ear hooks but with numerous improvements in hardware architecture as well as in software functionality and optimization.

The most important is that changes in UTWS3 are inspired by and derived from the feedback of 1st gen. owners that should result into perfect performance and user experience.

Full list of improvements and changes are yet to come, but we can already give a short summary:

• HW part would now include TPA6140A2 independent amplifier
• Better noise floor handling
• Increased power output
• Increased battery life
• Better noise cancelling function
• Device control with special smartphone application

Again – the full list with more details would be available in few days.

Just to remind: FiiO UTWS3 represents TWS Bluetooth ear hooks with 2pin|0.78mm or MMCX connectors to equip any IEMs with wireless audio functionality. Features Bluetooth 5.0 and SBC|AAC|aptX audio codecs.

Our sample is on the way for further tests and review. Stay tuned…

Couple of days ago, HiBy introduced a significantly reworked version of quite popular R6 DAP in a livestream event. First version of HiBy R6 was initially launched on Indiegogo back in 2017 and shown high interest of the audience by exceeding campaign target and finishing as a successful project in overall. Later came the R6Pro which had several HW tweaks to improve the performance.

Recently introduced R6 is not just an increment but looks to be a total revamp of the previous generations. According to the shared data and information that was already added to the official website — new R6 looks better, has better ergonomics, based on updated SoC and runs Android 9 OS. Furthermore, audio HW part was also improved to deliver the best possible quality.

Let�s see the changes in table view. Some specs are still missing but the idea is clear:

Together with lots of HW & SW improvements, the design has also changed drastically which claimed to make the ergonomics more comfortable due to new form factor, size, weight and depth. Here are some pictures:

Our own perception of the changes is very positive. We see that HiBy has addressed some issues that users were facing with previous models. Like the quality of WiFi reception, for instance. If the antenna was wisely updated — we can expect much better performance and speed… Same goes to many other major and minor concerns and should make this generation ideal. Hope so…

New HiBy R6 sales should begin in November with a price tag of $799 at HiBy official store.

Here is the link to the original news about R6 at HiBy: LINK

Some more pics from the net:

Stay tuned, more news to come…

Some time ago I�ve reviewed newest DAP from HiBy — R5. It was right after the release of this great piece of technology. Main features that have made this DAP already quite popular on the market are the modern hardware that runs Android OS, high output power and driving ability along with detailed and balanced sound of the chosen audio processing base. Full review can be found here.

Since the time of my review, I�ve been using this DAP for several weeks as the main audio source, no matter the final equipment — IEMs, full size headphones or home system. Positive experience in overall if to conclude this period of intensive use. One of the updates that arrived over OTA has significantly increased touch screen sensitivity, making its fluent operation even more responsive.

Following different threads and news about this DAP, I�ve finally found an article that compares HiBy R5 to its recent rivals. Want to share some details from this article to keep those available to wider audience and myself.

The article covers the comparison between HiBy R5 | FiiO M11 | iBasso DX150 | Shanling M6 | Sony ZX300A.

All are very capable DAPs with lots of attention from audio fans, good feedback and competitive features. Thus, this article gets even more interesting to understand the differences in the potential of those models and how R5 does in such a strong competition.

Just to remind about the audio HW part of HiBy R5:

• 2 x CS43198-CNZ DAC chips
• 4 x Panasonic 470μF electrolytic capacitors
• 11 x Panasonic low ESR tantalum POSCAP capacitors
• LPF: 2 x OPA1612
• Amplifier chips: 2 x AD8397ARDZ
• Dual independent crystal oscillators: 45.1584MHz + 49.152MHz, low jitter

Comparison table:

No comments here, figures are clear. R5 is a great competitior to any of mentioned models. The rest is up to anyone who is willing to make any decision based on those numbers.

Original article can be found in this post: LINK