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Sen-Fi's 2023 IEM Tier List

Before the year ends I created this tier list for fun and wanted to categorize the IEMs I reviewed, auditioned, and owned. DISCLAIMER: Anything on this tier list is subjective. You can refer below to how I logically categorize some of the IEMs on this list This list is not the "one true tier list" or the "gospel". Geez, I'm not that much of an expert and what's good for you may not be good for others, vice versa. I'm basically doing this for fun, I currently have an issue on my right ear so I won't be doing some reviews for a while. Everything on the list is tried and tested, I won't include anything I haven't tested. I won't put description on every IEMs on the list unless I have to justify it. Just have fun reading my tier list, no need to be too serious. Sen-Fi 2023 Tier List GOD Tier  (not in my official Tier List. These are basically revered being in God Tier because of their paramount price, only a selected few can own it, and it ha

Hidizs MS5 Dark Angel - Unleashing Audio Nirvana


The Hidizs MS5 Dark Angel is an unusual name for an IEM, and it resembles a bicycle helmet more than an angel but it is very Chi-fi in terms of their naming convention. The MS5 is Hidizs' latest flagship IEM and I am about to get my hands on another amazing IEM. The Hidizs MS5 Dark Angel is currently on its pre-opening sale until May 5, 2023 so grab the chance to purchase this magnificent in-ear monitor while the promo is up.




DISCLAIMER:

  • I have no affiliation with Hidizs and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review. Zoie Hello provided this unit to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
  • As a non-professional reviewer, I aim to use simple terms that can be understood by both beginners and experts in the hobby.
  • Please keep in mind that the opinions expressed in this review are subjective and based on my personal experience with the unit. I encourage you to try the product yourself to form your own opinion.

PACKAGING:







The packaging of this in-ear monitor is the boldest and most impressive I've seen in its price range. It doesn't have any corny random excerpts or flashy anime covers, which I find less appealing and cheap-looking. Instead, the packaging is sleek and sophisticated, featuring a clear product preview, the brand responsible for making it, and a brief description of its features.







Overall, the packaging exudes a premium quality that matches the product's high-end performance. It's refreshing to see a product that doesn't rely on gimmicks to grab attention but lets its quality speak for itself.

What's inside the box:

  • Hidizs MS5 Dark Angel
  • 9 pairs of eartips
  • Cable
  • 2 pairs of extra tuning filters (bass and treble)
  • Earphone case
  • Manuals and other paperworks

BUILD QUALITY:

The MS5 Dark Angel boasts a sleek and durable design, featuring a lightweight aluminum shell. The black resin faceplate provides a glossy finish that perfectly complements the matte aluminum body of the in-ear monitor, creating an elegant and modern look. 

SOUND:

The MS5 Dark Angel sound profile can be customized by swapping out the tuning filters. I found that the differences between the filters were not significant enough to justify switching from the balanced filters. The sound profile of the MS5 has a U-shaped curve, with a strong bass and emphasized treble. The MS5 Dark Angel makes an impressive job at creating a fun and energetic IEM.

BASS:

The Hidizs MS5's bass is one of its most impressive features, delivering a powerful and energetic sound that is sure to please bass enthusiasts. The sub-bass has exceptional depth and rumble, which provides a satisfying listening experience without feeling overly heavy or thick. While the MS5's bass is not quite as prominent as some other bass-heavy earphones, it still manages to deliver an impactful and immersive bass response that can be appreciated by both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. The bass is also well-controlled, which means that it doesn't bleed into the mid-range or overpower the other frequencies. 

MIDS:

The Hidizs MS5's mid-range is laid-back, providing a relaxed and natural sound signature. The vocals, in particular, stand out and deliver exceptional clarity and precision. The male vocals have a deep and rich quality that brings out the lower register of the voice, while the female vocals have a mature and passionate tonality that is both emotive and expressive. When it comes to the instruments, the Hidizs MS5 does a solid job without necessarily standing out. The instruments are well-defined and articulate, but they do not have the same level of emphasis as the vocals or the bass. However, this is not necessarily a drawback as it allows for a more balanced sound signature.  While the instrument reproduction might not be the most outstanding feature of the MS5, it still provides an enjoyable and engaging listening experience that is sure to satisfy most music lovers. Overall, the MS5's mid-range strikes a perfect balance between a laid-back sound and detailed vocal performance, making them an excellent choice for any audiophile.

TREBLE:

The treble of the MS5 is noticeably emphasized, which adds brilliance, clarity, and air to the sound signature. However, I did encounter a few issues worth mentioning. The treble is not always consistent and occasionally has spikes that can sound splashy. This made my experience to listening to the MS5 for extended periods of time uncomfortable and lead to listening fatigue after an hour or two. Personally, this may be a bit hot for my ears. Despite these shortcomings, the MS5's treble extension is still impressive for its price and may be enjoyable for those who prefer a more pronounced treble. 

TECHNICALITIES:

The soundstage of the Hidizs MS5 has a moderate width, which may not be as expansive as some other high-end earphones. Nevertheless, the soundstage remains engaging and enjoyable to listen to, with good separation and accurate imaging. The MS5's ability to deliver a clear and accurate instrument separation is commendable, making it easy to distinguish between different instruments and their placement in the soundstage. The overall instrument reproduction is well-suited for various music genres, making the MS5 a versatile choice for any listener. The MS5's sound resolution is also impressive, as it maintains clarity and detail without sounding blurry or muddled. Even though the MS5 is not a clinical in-ear monitor, it still manages to capture both macro and micro-details, adding a subtle but noticeable level of depth and texture to the sound. 




Pros:
  • Decent low frequencies, good for bassheads
  • Lightweight, despite the bulk
  • Good low frequencies
  • Generous packaging and accessories
  • Good micro and macro details

Cons:
  • Mixed opinions on the treble
  • Doesn't go with a modular cable 
  • The sound signature is not particularly distinctive or memorable

In conclusion, the Hidizs MS5 Dark Angel is a fun and energetic IEM that delivers a powerful and impactful bass response, relaxed and natural mid-range, and an emphasized treble extension that may be preferred by some but might cause fatigue for extended listening sessions. The MS5's soundstage, instrument separation, and sound resolution are impressive for its price point and provide an enjoyable listening experience. While the differences between the MS5's tuning filters are not significant enough to warrant switching, the customizable sound profile is a unique feature. Overall, the Hidizs MS5 Dark Angel is a solid choice for anyone looking for an engaging and versatile pair of earphones.

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