Hidizs MP143 – new variation of outstanding planars

August 5, 2024 ZMarketChangers

Great news from Hidizs for everyone who already prefers or only willing to try the might of planar-magnetic IEMs: Hidizs launches the new version of their well-respected masterpiece in this niche (which is MP145) – MP143, codename “Salt” (“in honor of famous humpback whale Salt – a whale that has a long-standing relationship with WDC” – quote from Hidizs website). Similar to it predecessor, MP143 IEMs are inspired and created to support WDC (Whales and marine ecosystem preservation) that is being resembled in product design, eco-friendly packaging materials and what is more important – by the donations to the respective programs since 2023. MP143 are the newest, more affordable planar-magnetic IEMs that is planned to be launched on Kickstarter on 8th of August, 2024 with the Super Early Bird Price of $79.

In my opinion, the declared Early Bird price is a bargain, considering the overall quality and success of MP145 predecessor. With this review I would like to compare both versions and provide my opinion as to the differences and similarities between the two.

Here is the link to the upcoming Kickstarter campaign: LINK

MP143 tech specs:

14.3mm 7+7 array N52 magnetic circuit Large Planar Driver
Nano-level diaphragm
CNC one-piece aluminum alloy cavity
20Hz – 40kHz response range
Sensitivity 103dB
Impedance 17Ohms
Ultra low distortion <0,05%
Hidizs Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters
Target H-2019 Curve & Hidizs Style Professional Tuning
High-purity OFC twisted pair wire
Customized Pouch for MP143
3.5mm or 4.4mm gold-plated cable plug
0.78mm 2-Pin Cable, gold plated connector and copper plating shell
Hi-Res Certification

As obvious from the product name, the new MP143 IEMs utilizes 14.3mm planar driver instead of 14,5mm of its predecessor. Such change in size is not limited to diaphragm, but also applied to the overall dimensions. MP143 are 20% lighter, 5% thinner in width and 18% shorter in height addressing the claims of some end customers about higher fit comfortability. Yes, MP145 were on the larger side (although, I, personally, didn’t have any issues with that) but MP143 been made smaller, still built upon the large driver and suitable driver chamber. I would say that MP143 are still on the larger side but apparently smaller than MP145. And I would rather leave it as it is, not to sacrifice its sound quality.

The rest looks similar to MP145: H-2019 target curve, response range, HiRes certification, possibility to exchange sound filters, types of connectors and variants of SE and BL plugs.

Design:

Hidizs has developed the new, eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging for MP143. Stiff box with lots of product information, WDC logo and accurate inner arrangement of the components. And yes, the storing pouch with the special springy mechanism is also included. Here what you’d find in the box:

IEMs
Storing pouch
User manual
Warranty card
3,5 or 4.4 SE or BL cable
3 pairs of silicone ear tips (balanced)
3 pairs of silicone ear tips (treble-oriented)
3 pairs of Hidizs pneumatic filters (lows, balanced, treble)

If you’d opt for the limited edition, it would include the additional items: 3,5 and 4,4mm SE and BAL cables, global unique number, budget pin (Hidizs x WDC), postcard collection (Hidizs x WDC)

The design of IEM shells has slightly changed from resembling whale fin to “14 delicate lines resembling waves and baleen plates, with a whale-like contour breaching the water surface, creating a unique and identifiable appearance” – quote from Hidizs website. As already said, the overall dimensions became smaller, but the material is similar – aluminum. Sound nozzles are long enough for a comfortable fit, great choice of reliable 2pin 0,78mm cable connectors. The cable is equipped with ear hooks, built durable and declared to be good enough to disclose full IEM potential.

Fit:

Again, as mentioned, I didn’t experience any problems with MP145 IEMs despite those being on the larger and heavier side. Those are definitely not built for exercising (I wonder who want to exercise in planar IEMs that are built to enjoy the ultimate sound quality), thus, no problems in its intended use. MP143 are smaller and lighter, maintaining similar shape and length of nozzles which make the fit even better.

Sound quality:

Design, declared specs and other virtues are nothing if the sound quality can’t keep on par. Fortunately, this is not the case with Hidizs MP143 IEMs. MP145 were excellent in this respect, with decent sound stage, perfect separation and layering, great dynamics and resolution, thick and rich sound…, just hard to compete. Although, MP143 possess most of the virtues in sound as its more expensive sibling:

Lows:

This is where the most of the changes to MP145 are applied. MP143 IEMs have stronger and wider bass range which influences the rest of the sound more. Not bassy or muddy, but lows are obviously more accented, its presence shifts MP143 to clearly warmer / darker side. Great that despite it larger amount, bass is still well outlined and perfectly controlled. It doesn’t overwhelm, neither shadowing mids or treble. Countours are nicely defined which separates this portion from other ranges, making it distinguishable and precise. But the presence itself makes me perceive this bass as larger and stronger compared to MP145. More suitable for those, who likes tight and controlled lows. Consequently, mid bass has more bass influence but maintains similarly great dynamics and that pleasing tight hit that differs planar IEMs from slower-to-react dynamic diaphragms or thin-sounding armature drivers. Excellent.

Mids:

Slightly less presence and accent comparing to MP145 but similar richness, high amount of texturing and even warmer timbre. Another advantage of a warmer sound is that MP143 are less prone to sibilance even with the specific records that might become unbearable with BA drivers and show some sibilances with MP145 IEMs. Vocals sound natural and rich, although a bit more distant than lows or treble. Kind of U-shaped tuning but not a steep one. Can compare it to old tape rock/metal records when the additonal accents on lows and treble were added as classical tuning for such music genres. Other than that – similar to MP145: clear, accurate and thick sound in this range that makes this IEMs a perfect choice for many genres for long listening sessions.

Treble:

Depends. With some rock ballads or such type of music (Dire Straights, Pink Floyd, etc) – treble might feel very slightly distant or underpowered but as soon as I’ve switched to something like Jean Michel Jarre (Exynos 4, Oxygen 4) – it became clear that treble is perfectly enough. Moreover, it is excellent in terms of thickness, resolution, clarity and precision. Again, thanks to fast but large planar diaphragm that wins over BA in the body of each sound and in clarity over dynamic drivers. Moreover, it allows better separation/layering and creates great perception of each single sound it produces. Thus, all instruments are heard, placements are obvious, no muddiness or mixing/bleeding. If to compare to MP145 – MP143 treble is slightly less present but equally well cooked.

All of my impressions were acquired with balanced sound filters and ear tips. For those who would like more treble or lows – there are other sets included in the package that makes MP143 similarly flexible in the additional sound tuning as MP145.

Soundstage:

No changes in this aspect between the two. I would say that despite decent layering and separation, both IEMs build moderate scene width. The best what I’ve heard were either multi-driver IEMs or open-backs or the stage was artificially increased by the means of wide-sounding DAC/AMP. But with the similar Hidizs AP80Pro DAP – both IEMs are slightly congested.

The result:

Do I like MP143? Yes, indeed. Especially concerning the upcoming campaign, early bird prices and further MSRP decrease options. Several years ago planar IEMs were as rare as unicorns with the cost of a jet wing. Now, with the efforts and investments of Hidizs and other respected brands in this niche – we can finally choose between the various existing options. And MP143 are one of the most affordable IEMs, despite having much in common with its more pricy flagship predecessor, both build quality and sound wise. Would I prefer MP143 over 145? Yes, as long as the preference is towards warmer sound with more accent on lows or the price matters. Otherwise, the flagship stays on its pedestal. Finally, would possess both as great examples of once very rare planar-magnetic IEMs, brought to perfection and crafted with knowledge.

Link to the upcoming Kickstarter campaign: LINK

Hidizs MP143 official page: LINK