Disclaimer:
The Hidizs MP145 was sent to me as a review sample from Hidizs, for which I thank!
I’m also glad to announce that Hidizs and Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) have teamed up to promote the cause of ocean and whale conservation.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is the leading global charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, and their ocean homes. As the design of the MP145 was inspired by whales, Hidizs is proudly supporting WDC’s Green Whale work and helping to raise awareness about the vital role whales play in the health of our oceans, and ultimately our planet. Learn more about these amazing animals here.
I’m so happy to have the opportunity to try the heir to the Hidizs MP145.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and in no way biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- 14.5mm Ultra-large Planar Magnetic Driver
- Whale Tail & Rorqual Pleats Design Inspiration
- Hidizs Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filter
- Target H-2019 Curve & Hidizs Style Professional Tuning
- Fully Symmetrical Magnetic Circuit
- Hidden Bionic Breathing Holes
- 6N Silver-Plated Single-Crystal Copper Wire
- Ergonomics Design with Comfortable Extended Wear
- Ergonomics Liquid Silicone Ear Tips
- Customized Pouch for MP145
- 3.5mm or 4.4mm cable optional
- 0.78mm 2-Pin Cable
- Hi-Res Certification
- Super Early Bird Price: 109 USD (now 139 USD on pre-order)
Hidizs MP145 Packaging:
The Hidizs MP145 packaging is similar to all the Hidizs packaging, a high-quality box with all the accessories you need and a good quality cable included.
Inside, we find various accessories, such as:
- Storage bag
- 4.4MM Cable (3.5MM Available )
- 9 pairs of tips
- 3 pairs of tuning nozzles
- Manual and Warranty
Hidizs MP145 Design/Build quality:
As you can imagine, the design of Hidizs MP145 is inspired by whales. It resembles both the tail fin and the texture of the whale’s skin. The shell has a truly absurd quality, in die-cast aluminum and some CNC machining, it is one of the best shells ever seen. It has several ventilation openings on the back, referred to as breathing holes, which act as a sort of bass reflex and pressure release.
I have to admit that it is not the lightest IEM, but fortunately, thanks to the shape of the shell and the cable hook, it efficiently discharges its weight uniformly on the ear without causing any discomfort.
The cable with high-purity single-crystal oxygen-free copper silver-plated wire, as always, appears to be of excellent quality and, fortunately, of the right thickness so as not to weigh too much.
As usual, my photos will best describe the overall quality of the product.
Hidizs MP145 Comfort/Fit:
At first glance, even the tonnage seems like a whale, but I can assure you that the shape of the shell allows for a perfect fit. Moreover, you have 3 different types of tips, so you will surely find the one that fits you the most. They are slightly heavier than average, but once worn, they have total comfort. The thing that amazed me was the practically total isolation from the outside. It’s like wearing two earplugs.
Hidizs MP145 Initial sound impression:
Since I’ve only used the KZ PR2 and the HE400SE, I can’t claim to be an expert on planar IEMS, but the MP145 has a specially made “FAST” symmetrical big planar magnetic driver that has an unmistakably warm tone!
The fast and precise bass is undoubtedly surprisingly powerful (I almost mistake it for massive DD), but there is also the typical crazy planar detail and soundstage. Both the mids and highs are clear, exact, and without any weaknesses. Absolutely amazing!
I regret to inform you that the KZ PR2 V2 I have been listening to up until recently is ridiculous garbage in comparison.
Hidizs MP145 Final sound impression:
Equipment used for testing above.
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon
Software:
- Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96khz (Both)
DAC:
- Less Da1 (AK)
- Less Da2 (AK)
- F.audio KS01 (ESS)
- EPZ TP20 3.5 mm (Dual Cirrus)
- Hidizs XO
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS): Most Used
I’m not listing the tracks because they’re too many, but the MP145 is suitable for everything! My impressions are given using just the original accessories.
They sounded good right out of the box, and after 100 hours, I confirmed all first impressions. The tuning is Harman 2019 and therefore V-shaped.
These planars have fast, robust, and deep bass. From what I knew, it was very difficult to achieve such results using a planar in a small shell. It doesn’t sound like you’re listening to small IEMs at all, more like full-size headphones. Having a particularly warm tone and a similar bass, I thought I was listening to a particularly large DD; however, its 14.5mm “FAST” planar driver is felt in all its grandeur.
As for the mids, they are slightly recessed but totally pleasant and present, while the highs are rich in detail and typical planar air. There’s an insane amount of macro and micro-detail that leaves you satisfied with every volume and track.
Bass
In the Hidizs MP145, you don’t need a high volume to hear the low frequencies. On my EPZ TP30, at the first volume level, you can hear everything perfectly. The bass hits hard right off the bat, all the way up to full volume, where you can directly feel the heaviness in your ear canal. A low frequency response that embarrasses many sets! In Billie Eilish’s tracks, the bass envelops you in 360 degrees.
Mids
The mids are obviously recessed, but not too much. Despite everything, the amount of detail is impressive, and the voices are natural and silky. Nothing is missing, and even the instruments play perfectly as they should.
Treble
The highs are full of macro and micro details, and there is a remarkable airiness. The extension is smooth and free from annoying peaks; even the most sensitive will be able to enjoy this set without problems.
Soundstage and Imaging:
The soundstage is spatial! It is not exaggeratedly large as to be unnatural, but I would say it is the right size. The image is practically holographic; everything is properly separated, and songs that seemed flat before now also have depth and directionality from instruments and vocals. probably, in terms of Soundstage and image, the best set in my collection. Planar drivers in this field are hard to beat.
Tuning Nozzle:
As in the latest Hidizs releases, we also find the tuning nozzles in these! Personally, I find it much more practical than tuning switches.
Honestly, the balanced one is fine for 99% of my cases.
The Silver one (treble) increases a little bit in the treble area, slightly reducing the bass. If you are looking for some detail and extra air, this nozzle is probably the most suitable. It also seems to gain something in terms of soundstage.
The Rose gold nozzle (balanced) is absolutely my favorite of all. First of all, you hear it as Hidizs conceived it. In my opinion, you have the best of all frequencies.
Red (bass) The red nozzle increases the perception of bass by reducing high frequencies. Honestly, the set already has a warm timbre, so I found it less interesting than the others. But if you are a basshead, you will appreciate it too.
Hidizs MP145 Comparison:
Vs HE400SE (review incoming)
I’ve just received the Hifiman HE400SE, just in time to give a quick impression and comparison with the MP145.
First of all, the Hifimans are open-back, so external noises enter more easily. In terms of driveability, they are more difficult, and you will probably need to buy a balanced cable (which in the MP145 you can choose at the time of purchase). Having said that, the MP145 is even superior in terms of sound quality; it certainly has a warmer timbre and much more full-bodied bass, and in terms of details, I believe it offers something more than the HE400SE. Both are very good, but personally, I prefer the MP145. What’s more surprising is how Hidizs managed to get a sound comparable/superior to a full-size planar.
A first impression given using an SE cable without having carried out an adequate burn-in may not reflect the reality of the facts.
Vs MS5
I personally think they even outperform the MS5 at 360 degrees. It is hard to believe given the price of the MS5, which is excellent, but sometimes the sound could seem compressed or congested, which on the MP145 does not happen even on really complex tracks. The timbre of the MS5 is brighter but also more tiring after prolonged listening.
Vs MS3
The MS3 is the one that comes closest to the MP145, but the planar wins hands down here too. The speed and accuracy of the planar found on the MP145 flawlessly reproduce every frequency. The basses are more full-bodied and thick, but the speed is always absurd. They are both excellent headphones, but if I had to choose, I would go with my eyes closed on the MP145.
Vs DZ4
Although I definitely liked the Letshuoer DZ4, I have to admit that they lost miserably against the MP145. It starts with the build quality and ends with the overall performance. With an inaccurate image and inferior soundstage, the basses are not even comparable, but above all, the quality of details is missing as soon as you wear them. It doesn’t make much sense to compare DDs with planars, but the price is very close.
Conclusion:
I miss the comparison with the Letshuoer S12 pro, of which I am waiting for delivery. I hope they arrive soon so I can add the comparison.
In my modest collection are currently the IEMs that have surprised me the most from every point of view. Let’s start with the build quality of the Hidizs, which, in my humble opinion, improves set after set. Here we have a totally aluminum shell with an almost perfect assembly. The sound is truly exceptional in my opinion. I’m not a planar expert, but comparing myself with experts, we had the same sensations. If I consider that the Super early bird price is only 109 USD (now 139 USD on Kickstarter), everything is even more fantastic!
9.5/10
Pros:
- Legendary build quality
- Good comfort and fit
- Extraordinary isolation (in my case)
- Nice packaging (I got a special edition)
- High quality cable
- Nice quality tips
- Tuning Nozzles
- Incredible Bass and Sub-bass
- Macro & micro details
- Wide Soundstage
- Crazy low price
Cons:
- Chunky big boys (not a real problem for my ears)
- Needs some power (needs at least a SE Dac)
- A little bit of driver flex
More information and where to buy :
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