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Posted 20 hours ago

Hidizs S9 PRO Balanced & Single-Ended Mini HiFi DAC & AMP, 768kHz/32Bit, DSD512 Portable Audio Decoding Amplifier for iPhone iPod Android PC with Windows/Mac OS/iOS/iPad OS System (Black)

£49.995£99.99Clearance
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About this deal

First, let's talk about A/B tests with VE Monk+ and Blessing 2. The story is similar to the low-impedance, high-sensitivity IEMs. S9 Pro sounds noticeably more contrasty and crisp, airier and micro-detailed with a stronger sense of depth compared to the Apple dongle. These differences can be heard clearly from the bass drop from around 0:35. Inside of S9 PRO chassis, Hidisz implemented a high performance, flagship-grade ESS DAC ES9038Q2M which I'm very familiar with as it is also implemented on my F.Audio DAP, and this type of ESS DAC is also found on some desktop DAC/Amps like from McIntosh, Burson and Topping. ES9308Q2M is a reference DAC specifically for audiophile-grade portable and desktop devices like DAPs, A/V receivers, mixer and pre-amp consoles. It is also noted that the ES9038Q2M has a powerful Saber 9602 headphone amplifier to deliver the best possible audio volume. Looks like that I have a very strong relationship with the ESS as most of my LG phones and a lone DAP have ESS DACs on their internals so I consider myself as an ESS DAC enthusiast (just kidding). Let me start out by saying that I am not someone who has tested a lot of dongle style audio devices. I have a few Apple Dongle DACs, and have tried a few of the Creative Labs and similar solutions for laptops quite some time ago, but that is about it. But let’s face it, dongles are in fashion at the moment, with releases from all kinds of companies and at all kinds of prices, from the Apple option at less than 10€ (or even cheaper from some other random brands), all the way up to over 300€ or maybe even more. In the mid-range, its neutrality gives it transparency, a slight lightness, as well as a natural and realistic timbre, which does not lean to either side. There is a point of sharpness and grace, due to the clarity provided, which adds a more accentuated dynamic feel, allowing for a more moving and lively sound. In that way the vocals are vivacious and crisp, while the instrumentation is given a purposeful dynamism.

My usual tests are with my PC using Foobar 2000 x64 with ASIO drivers. I have also tested it with Android and HiBy Music with the exclusive mode. The downside I have found with HiBy Music is that the hardware volume jumps controlled by the dongle are a bit big, there can be a higher change than desired. Another thing is that the volume is only changed if the APP is in the foreground. Increase the maximum volume setting in the audio settings to prevent the user from making the volume too loud due to mis-operate in the volume mediation interface. Heat is another side-effect of inefficient amplification, and the S9 PRO does get noticeably warm (not hot) with use. Since the Audirect Atom 2 and the S9 PRO are both sitting on my desk, much of my listening was done as a direct comparison between the two. I primarily conducted my evaluation with the new gold colorway 1MORE Triple Driver over-ear headphones. Power consumption is somewhat efficient, it drains around 10 – 12% per hour using my Mi13T with screen on.The presentation is fairly sober, with no fuss, and the size of the box and device are proportionate. The accessories aren't many, but among them is the clip-on case, which is a perfect fit, even if it's not the prettiest or sturdiest piece to go with the sleek S9 Pro. On the other side of the scale, there's the USB cable, which is the same as previous products and is still no better in terms of stiffness and memory effect. I would recommend a better cable, with higher quality, cross-section and manageability. Perhaps a braided cable would be a better option. Weighing only at 17g, it is very lightweight, but feels premium at the same time thanks to its glass and aluminum construction. Presentations of instruments are accurately reproduced especially on strings as it gives a crisp with well-defined overtones on guitar either rhythm and acoustic ones, a vibrant and lustrous sound of a violin on every bowstroke on its strings. Piano tones seem to have a lively, rich and eloquent sound. A brisk and dynamics on percussives like snare drums as it has that sharpness, precise and penetrating sound. And finally the woodwinds like saxophone and fife have that warm, lustrous and incisive in a higher note and brass instruments like trumpets and horns have this metallic, brilliant, blaring and austere in lower note register. At lower volumes (25% of my Samsung S21), the S9 PRO Copper Limited Edition displays an excellent dynamic range, capturing subtle changes and gradual transitions between silent and loud passages of music at low volumes.

Hidizs say in their publicity that the S9 Pro Plus has a different tuning to the S9 Pro. While this is not exactly true, as both devices have a flat frequency response, there is a perceived difference in the actual sound. Will I ever recommend this one to some budding audiophiles? I will definitely endorse this one without batting headphone and hesitation. As I mentioned that S9 Pro has some reference-neutral characteristics, it has some emphasis on treble region that gives that analytical, dry and airy sound at the expense of being too lean but S9 Pro doesn't even sound lean and inadequate.Whatever you conclude about the A/B comparison, I have found the Hidizs S9 performs well in balanced mode with both low- and high-impedance phones.

Red Light” Linear phase fast roll-off: Enhanced analytical capabilities, delivering a clean and crisp sound. I reviewed the S9 Pro dongle DAC quite some time ago, 2 years ago in fact, although the dongle was launched quite a bit before that. I remember the device being very powerful for its size, and in comparison to the competition at the time, with a sound signature that was quite cold and analytical. Improvements from sources are primarily minor and nuanced, despite my textual descriptions. If you are beginning your head-fi journey, getting different IEMs or earphones would yield more benefits. If you know your gears very well, improvements from sources can be delightful The S9 Pro has been manufactured using CNC technology, which gives it a premium, elegant and sophisticated look, befitting its class. Moreover, the S9 PRO Copper Limited Edition boasts some impressive measurements under the hood (Total harmonic distortion), at 0.0006%@32ohms in the 3.5mm out, and 0.0012%@32ohms.In fact, It has a substantial texture and definition in this particular part of the frequency range spectrum. The rendition of the sound is same like its midrange, it demands attention and very lively, “here, listen to this cymbal, crashes and hi hat !” The open, clear, soft, but concise aspect rises in the central zone. Neutrality is based on that mix of level of resolution, analytical ability, openness and amount of air. The balance is a compendium of all these good characteristics and this is how the S9 Pro's mids are drawn. The result is a rich, again airy area, with a good sense of separation, but without offering a bright sound, where vocals come across as very natural and rich in timbre, with an eminently realistic tone. The instrumentation is according to the same description, offering a concise and rather pure sound, but in a rather sober way that does not incite to spectacularity. This is how one could say that the sound does not arouse passions, but those who believe in the purity of good workmanship will be delighted with this device, since, as I have already emphasised, fidelity without artifice is its best virtue. Hidizs inspired to name the S9 Pro Plus after " Martha” the last surviving passenger pigeon. This unique naming decision serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse world we inhabit, reinforcing our love for nature and life. If you're discovering the story of passenger pigeons through Hidizs for the first time, then this truly encapsulates the essence of our mission. I like the S9 Pro, it meets my criteria and does exactly what I wanted it to, but I am not in love with it.

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