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Hidizs S3 Pro Review: Tiny & Cute

Kindlefirehditaly

Disclaimer:

I’m always grateful to Hidizs, who keeps contributing the most to my hobby. Thank you very much to Zoie for kindly sending me this Hidizs S3 Pro for testing and review!

Since I started, I have accumulated a considerable number of DACs. I have the entire Hidizs series, and I hope this review can help you decide.Though I’m still not as skilled as the most knowledgeable person you can find online, I’m starting to acquire an intriguing amount of Dac.

The review, as always, will be completely unbiased and uninfluenced.

I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.

My opinions are obviously subjective.

Tech Specs:

Packaging:

The Hidizs S3 Pro comes in the standard black and sturdy, well-made plastic box, which is quite simple and standard for Hidizs.

Front Box
Back Box
Opening
Let’s goo
Unboxing
First look

Once opened inside, we find the DAC embedded, and below we find the accessories:

Build quality/first impressions:

I undoubtedly thought the Hidizs S3 Pro was a little bigger. I must admit that the build quality is exceptional—a CNC-machined aluminum cylinder with the DAC enclosed. The circular knurling towards the inside, the LED in the center, and the engraved writings combine to create a small masterpiece.

It is certainly one of the most elegant on the market. Unfortunately, the cable is fixed; honestly, it doesn’t even seem that much more robust than those seen on Jcally. We don’t find anything except the 3.5mm jack; it’s a simple model. However, the overall construction is solid.

Power:

We are definitely not faced with a power monster; its 55 mW makes it quite calm. It’s certainly great for efficient and undemanding headphones. I’m currently trying it with the EPZ x Tipsy and surprisingly, it works well even though they are quite difficult. In any case, it would be better not to go beyond 32 ohms so as not to lose elasticity in the bass. Paired with some Tiandirehne (model), it goes together so perfectly that it almost seems like its own DSP.

360 overview

Sound Signature:

It is particularly close to the performance already seen on models such as the S9 and XO. A decidedly balanced sound performance (on balanced firmware). In fact, this DAC has three different firmwares to try:

  1. Transparent treble, bright, clean, crisp, and detailed.
  2. Tonal balance with a pure and pleasing sound.
  3. More prominent bass with incredible elasticity and phenomenal depth.

On their website, you will find the instructions and firmware. For your convenience, I have provided you with the link.

Having the possibility to choose firmware is absolutely a positive thing; the procedure is not difficult but not immediate or fast either. You definitely need a Windows PC; it’s not a procedure you’ll do often. I did some quick tests and I can say that the firmware works but the best remains the balanced one it comes with. To be precise, it is a balanced one with a warm note so it already adds warmth and thickness to the notes. However, it resembles its older brother, the S9 Pro.

I tried it using Tidal on my smartphone and it goes into MQA, showing the purple LED light. For each track, if the format changes, it adapts without problems or noises due to sample changes.

Fast Comparison:

I don’t think comparing it to models with balanced output makes much sense; obviously, they perform better. So the comparison will be made with other single-ended DACs.

vs Lessfox Da1

I think it is much more neutral; its price is not excessive considering that it is equipped with an AK 4493SEQ chip, which is certainly brighter and also slightly more powerful. It is a little-known model but in my opinion, it should certainly be considered, especially if you are looking for a DAC for some analytical sessions. It is not compatible with microphones or volume controls.

vs Creative SFXi

The Creative SFXi first model is one of my favorites. It has an older AK chip implemented in a unique way. The sound is velvety, extremely pleasant, and warm. It is definitely not a neutral DAC and the new version is said to be less interesting. In terms of power, I think it is still one of the most powerful. If you find it on sale or used, I recommend it.

vs F.Audio KS01

F.audio KS01 is a DAC for geeks; it has several firmwares that change the management of the keys, a screen, and a lot of power. It’s under $30 and it’s a miracle. It sounds quite neutral, with a tendency to be slightly bright. Be careful with the QC, which I have heard is not excellent in some units.

Who do I recommend this DAC to?

DAC prices are dropping every day; more and more models are on the market and the choice is increasingly difficult. If I think that under 50 USD we have the Moondrop Dawn Pro, which also offers a balanced output, all these single output DACs become unattractive for the public. I personally still appreciate them, especially if I have IEMs that are easy to drive. A DAC like the Hidizs S3 Pro is more than enough; it also supports the microphone so it’s perfect. The price, however, is quite high considering it is 45 USD on the official Hidizs website. Elsewhere, the price is definitely a little too high. The product is very well built and apparently uses quality materials but others offer more versatility for a few dollars more. Obviously, I believe that this model will slowly go out of production and will probably drop further in price. In any case, you can use this discount code, “PF5OFF”, to get a 5% discount on various products.

7.0/10

Pros:

Cons:

Where to buy?

Hidizs S3 PRO Ultra Portable Hi-Res DAC Dongle
Hidizs official site
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