Hidizs MP145's Review - A versatile Planar IEM

 

General Info (Packaging/Build/Comfort)

Hidizs is well known for their source namely dongles as well as mini DAP, but looks like they’re trying to up the ante by also tapping into the IEM’s market. They did have several releases previously but they aren’t that well known or widely received. Since the launch of MS5 which is the brand’s flagship, they have been gathering feedback and putting in the work, which can be seen in the subsequent release, which is the MS3. Today i have the MP145 with me, which is a planar IEM, this is the brand’s first planar IEM and the interesting thing is that they are also collaborating with WDC(Whale and Dolphin Conservation) to help raise awareness about the vital roles that whales play in the ocean.

The build quality of the IEM is solid, feels quite hefty and the design inspiration does stem from the whale as well. The IEM’s nozzle is on the large side, so when you are tip rolling, be sure to do it carefully else the tip might rip. Packaging is the usual Hidizs style which looks minimalistic and also presents a premium unboxing experience. The box consist of three types of eartips, the tuning filter/nozzle and also a storage pouch, a solid cable with the termination of your choice either 3.5 or 4.4.

Equipment and Software used

• Earmen Tradutto -> Earmen CH-AMP

• Earmen Collibri

• iFi Go Link

• Hiby R6 II

• Hidizs S9 Pro

• Apple Music/Tidal/foobar2k

Foreword

My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression (Balanced Nozzle)

Upon first listen on MP145, it has got a relatively smooth tuning with plenty of details yet it remains safe sounding and not harsh sounding. Timbre sounds quite natural to my ears with a slight planar timbre if you try hard to listen to it. The nozzle is swappable to either bass or treble nozzle, the default one will be balanced which is the primary sound impression that i’m sharing now

Bass

• Bass is punchy and has good extension to my ears, but not too much to the point where it over power other frequency, adequate amount for the fun factor if you ask me

• Good texture on the bass and the speed is adequate for most genre unless you’re talking about insanely high speed heavy metal, but it is adequate to handle anything you throw at it

• Slipknot’s People = Shit is being rendered effortlessly on the MP145, there isn’t a hint of muddyness during the intense drumming opening

Mids

• Mids are very lush to my ears, instruments in this range carries sufficient note weight and doesn’t sound thin at all

• I’d picture the vocal positioning as a few steps away from your face, not recessed nor too intimate, just nice in my opinion

• Female vocal has got decent texture and sweet sounding, evident when playing back Adele’s When We Were Young

• Male vocal is a little lacking in terms of texture, evident in low baritone note, doesn’t sound as thick as it should be, a little more warmth will be great

• Upper mids are never offensive even when you turn up the volume, rather safe for those who are sensitive

Treble

• MP145’s treble is never offensive and yet it doesn’t sound dull and quite musical to my ears, enough energy but never harsh sounding

• Not as revealing in terms of detail retrieval but good enough for the price point, certain instruments can be picked up easily when listening to Hans Zimmer’s Why So Serious

• The treble is never sibilant even when you turn up the volume, or even on some sibilant prone track

• Good amount of air and presence

Soundstage/Imaging

• Soundstage on MP145is quite decent, slightly out of your head and doesn’t sound in your head at all, good width and depth but a little lacking in height

• Imaging is good as well, instruments can be pin-pointed easily and the left and right transition and vice versa is easily noticeable, instrument layering is good, the instruments doesn’t sound muddy and all mashed up in Kid Rock’s Bawitdaba

Driveability

• MP145 is not hard to drive, you will be able to push out decent volume from Macbook Air M2’s 3.5mm jack

• It does scale with better source and amplification as with most planars, in terms of dynamic and more controlled bass

Sound comparison with different nozzles

Bass

• On this nozzle, the low end is slightly lifted, due to the seesaw effect, the treble is tamer and less exciting, this in turn made the overall listening experience a little more laidback with slightly more warmth and body

• Soundstage is slightly smaller imaging capability remains more or less similar

• Still it is nowhere near basshead level, but overall very fun sounding

Treble

• This nozzle will turn the MP145 into a technical beast. Analytical sounding and very detailed and airy

• Bass remains tight but doesn’t punch that hard or rumble compared to balanced and bass nozzle

• Soundstage is good as it is very airy sounding, treble head will enjoy this tuning

Final Thoughts

I have tried several planar IEMs, namely TinHifi’s P1 Max and Letshuoer’s S12, they all have different characteristics and tuning style tailored to different audiences or music libraries. For the case of MP145, I find that it’s safe for me to label it as an all rounder (At least it works well with my library, Metal, Nu Metal, Jazz, Classical, Jpop, Rock, CantoPop). For those who prefer a less prominent bass response, or rather a neutral bass response, you might want to consider other options. I’m not a basshead myself but I do find myself enjoying the slight lift on the low end. Not to mention it is very versatile to change the tuning via the swappable nozzle to add more bass, or treble depending on your preference. For me personally i’ll stick to the balanced nozzle which offers a balance between bass and treble.

MP145 is an easy recommendation to anyone who is thinking to venture into planar iems or even seasoned audiophiles will like MP145 i’m sure.

*MP145 is sent over by Hidizs in exchange for this review. I am not under any influence nor do I receive any monetary compensation to produce this review.

The MP145 is currently available to pre-order from Kickstarter, the super early bird deals are priced at 109$, at the time of writing, i believe the super early bird is fully backed and the 139$ package is available as of now, still quite a good deal in my opinion

Head over to the link below if you are interested in getting one!
Hidizs MP145 Kickstarter - Non affiliated