Thanks to Hidizs for the sample, Hidizs S9 Pro review will be neutral as usual.
Hidizs overhauled themselves since 2 years. This S9 Pro is one of the dongle products, the other is XO. It looks like the company studied hard after S3 Pro and got influenced by Shio. Now its my obligation to meet you and S9 Pro. It will be brief and concise.
Company Overview
HIDIZS, an acoustic brand, aims to replicate genuine, original melodies. With the founder’s music and psychoacoustics background, we understand our users and prioritize their experiences in product development. We recognize the importance of human perception and aim to capture unique details that express specific performance settings, the artist’s emotions, subtle instrument variations, and audience interaction. Conventional audio products focus on waveforms, curves, and frequencies. This replicates a musical composition’s cohesiveness, artistic soul, and aesthetic attractiveness.
- Form: Dongle
- Single-ended output power: 100mW@32ohm per channel
- Balanced output power: 200mW@32ohm per channel
- Frequency Response (Hz): 20 Hz – 50 KHz
Packaging
A small and black rectangular box! So neutral like its sound. However, you will be reading below. Beware of its skin oil reflecting nature.
In the box
- Lots of useful additions, actually too many to mention here.
Design
59x18x8mm in dimensions, one can confuse it as a big pack of chewing gum. There are two connectors (3.5mm and 2.5mm) on one side, and usbc on the other. With the sleek appearance, having no buttons is how it should be.
Comfort
Very light at hand, and very light when attached to the pocket of your shirt – pocket. This is quite helpful when on the go.
Internals
Sabre ESS9038Q2M dac chip. This is more than enough at below $100 segments.
Hidizs S9 Pro Sound
The S9 Pro excels in delivering substantial and clear bass, creating a spacious area for bass reproduction that gains depth and width. Despite its robust overall sound, it maintains a gentle quality, allowing for detailed resolution and analysis. The bass response remains agile and well-defined, making it ideal for iems with strong bass capabilities. Did anybody say MS5 or even MS3?
Moving to the midrange, the S9 Pro offers an open, crystal-clear, and gentle quality at the midrange. Its impressive resolution, analytical power, pitch black background, and airiness contribute to its neutral character & make bands like Queen more dynamic than ever. The vocals sound natural and rich in timbre, while the instruments are succinct and pure, providing a subdued and realistic tone. The overall sound is crafted with excellent craftsmanship, emphasizing fidelity without unnecessary embellishments. And frankly, Queen, the RE800, and the S9 Pro are forming a midrange wonder triangle here.
As for the treble of upper registers the S9 Pro’s treble is highly analytical and pairs exceptionally well with resolving headphones. It offers crisp, clear, distinct, and quick treble with a touch of sparkle, allowing for a vibrant and engaging listening experience. Hey RE800, I am pointing at you! You have found your dongle for i-devices.
Where to Buy
- Official Store https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-s9-pro-balanced-single-ended-mini-hifi-dac-amp
- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/HIDIZS-Balanced-Single-Ended-Portable-Amplifier/dp/B095BPDMD9?th=1
Hidizs S9 Pro review Conclusion
Every music lover needs to experience the solid sonic enhancement provided by the Sabre ESS9038Q2M equipped dongle. This little device has the power to elevate your musical experience to new heights, increasing the overall musicality by at least 50%. When using the BAL mode, the improvement is even more pronounced. It’s like a magic wand for your audio setup, effortlessly driving demanding earphones like the Hifiman RE800 and KZxHBB PR2. These headphones require some serious firepower to reach their full potential, and the Sabre dongle delivers just that. But what sets it apart is its ability to do all this without coloring the sound. The audio remains pure and unaltered, allowing you to hear every nuance and detail in your favorite tracks. So, if you’re a true audiophile who values both power and clarity, this dongle is a must-have addition to your setup. Give it a listen, and prepare to be blown away by the dramatic improvement it brings to your music.
TL:DR__
PROS
- Pitch black background
- Neutral
- Transparent
- Powerful more than its specs suggest
CONS
- Getting hot fast, draining battery substantially
- No 4.4 output
- Pretty source dependant
