Hidizs is perhaps an odd name, but a regular reader will probably remember after my rave reviews for the company’s AP80 PRO-X portable music player and MS3 in-ear headphone combo – a high-res portable system that has nothing to do with sound as close as good as for the money.
And it looks like the stylish Chinese audio specialist has done it again, with affordable and beautiful new IEMs made to match the same affordable high-resolution player. Only these little beauties feature ultra-large 14.5mm planar magnetic drivers and are inspired by whales.
“But why whales?” I hear you cry! Well, these wired earphones are made in collaboration with WDC extension (Whale and Dolphin Conservation), the leading global charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and their oceanic habitat. Hidizs proudly supports WDC Green Whale work and helping to raise awareness of the vital role whales play in the health of our oceans and ultimately the planet.
With assistance from the WDC, Hidizs drew inspiration from the biological characteristics of whales, incorporating whale tail and whale crinkle characteristics to create a smooth, ergonomic shape that promises to fit perfectly to the human ear. Using advanced molding and five-axis CNC carving, the headphone panel is divided into three parts with a twelve-layer milling pattern, reminiscent of whale tail fins and pectoral fins and I mean, come on: it’s beautiful, True?
And we haven’t even mentioned the innovative three-tire sound tuning filter replacement technology! The MP145 actually offers nine different sound styles complemented by earplugs crafted for vocal, balanced, and bass modes. How about catering to a range of musical genres and individual preferences?
Prices? Naturally, the Hidizs MP145 Wired Planar Magnetic Earphones are priced at $149 – yes, really. And it gets better! A little bird tells us something special The Kickstarter offer will be active soon and you’ll see them selling for $109 if you’re quick (that’s a paltry £87 or AU$170, or so).
Opinion: A rising star in affordable high-resolution audio
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: compatibility is key in hi-fi. A high-end Moon amp system won’t be of any use to you if you plan on hooking it up to a set of cheap bookshelf speakers and signing up for a top-tier hi-res subscription on one of the best music streaming services equipped with only a $12 shower-friendly speaker would be a shame.
So when you consider some of the best wired headphones we’ve tested to complement a particular model found in our guide to the best hi-res audio players, you need to tread carefully. Pair hard-to-drive headphones with a bijou player, and you’ll need add-ons to get anything close to a meaty, cohesive, detailed sound.
In this case, Hidizs has done the hard work for us – the company actively recommends using these IEMs with their AP80 PRO-X player. Of course, if I hadn’t heard Hidizs’ DAP with my own ears (along with a pair of Hidizs earphones), I would have followed the company’s advice with a grain of salt – and it’s important to confirm that I have yet to do so. try this little partnership. But I want.
And given the rough numbers that planar magnetic earphones tend to sell for (see the gorgeous Audeze Euclid for reference, aka the $1,300 premium earphones I’d buy if I could) Hidizs’ proposition holds my attention for reasons Moreover the fact that I love the Avatar-style aesthetic. Come back soon for a more in-depth evaluation.
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