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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...
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HIDIZS XO Dongle : A Colorful Mobile Upgrade


HIDIZS has recently released their latest dongle, which features a dual set of Sabre ESS chips, MQA support, digital filters, and a dual headphone output. The dongle also includes switching LED lights for aesthetic purposes. The device is priced at $99 and has a premium lightweight build.

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 XO comes in a visually stunning box with a durable plastic case. Inside the box, you'll find a USB Type-C cable, a Type-C to Type A adapter, some manuals, and the XO dongle itself. The inclusion of the Type-C to Type A adapter makes it convenient to use with devices that do not have a Type-C port. The packaging and contents reflect the overall quality of the product and the attention to detail that went into its design.


BUILD QUALITY

The HIDIZS dongle boasts an aluminum chassis with grills on both sides, through which the LED lights shine, creating a visually stunning effect. The slim and compact design makes it easy to carry around, as it can fit in your pocket without any issue. The durable and lightweight aluminum construction ensures that it can withstand everyday use while retaining its premium look and feel. 

FUNCTIONALITY

The XO does not offer any dedicated playback options, as the buttons on the dongle are reserved for other purposes. The "X" button controls the LED lights, allowing you to change their color and pattern. The "O" button, on the other hand, lets you switch between digital filters, giving you the ability to tailor the sound to your preferences. The lack of dedicated playback options means that you will need to rely on the hardware settings of the host device for playback and volume control. 


The LED outer ring of the circular button on the XO dongle serves as a sampling rate indicator and filter mode switch. The indicator uses a color-coded scheme to represent different sampling rates, as follows:

  • Green: PCM 44.1-96KHz
  • Blue: PCM 192KHz
  • Red: PCM 384KHz
  • Yellow: DSD64-DSD256
  • Orange: MQA unfolding 

This color-coded scheme makes it easy to identify the current sampling rate and filter mode at a glance, adding convenience to the user experience. The LED indicator is a useful feature for people who want to monitor their playback settings and ensure they are optimized for their specific headphones and listening preferences. 

Regarding the digital filter switch on the XO dongle:

  • The red filter adjusts the frequency response by reducing high frequencies by 30-40% while boosting the lower intermediate frequencies. This results in a more well-rounded frequency response overall.
  • The blue filter, on the other hand, decreases high frequencies by 20-30% while allowing the lower intermediate frequencies to stand out more. This leads to a more emphasized midrange.

The ability to switch between digital filters allows users to tailor the sound signature of the XO to their specific preferences and headphone sets. The red filter is a good choice for those who want a more balanced and neutral sound, while the blue filter is better suited for those who prefer a more emphasized midrange. Ultimately, the choice between the two filters comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics of the headphone set being used. The digital filter does not drastically change anything to the sound so it does not prove that much purpose to me.

SOUND QUALITY

The XO's sound signature is clean and analytical, providing a great level of detail. The XO's sound signature is not recommended for brighter headphone sets, as it may make the treble hotter than it should be, leading to a harsh listening experience. Despite these limitations, the XO excels in providing great detail, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize clarity over warmth. The level of detail it provides can bring out nuances in the music that would otherwise go unnoticed. Overall, the XO is a great choice for audiophiles who prefer a clear and analytical sound signature and who are willing to sacrifice some warmth for increased detail. 

CONCLUSION

Pros:
  • Provides an almost neutral sound
  • DSD Support up to DSD256
  • MQA Support
  • Decent power output
  • It has a 3.5mm unbalanced and 2.5mm balanced ports
  • Very portable and lightweight
  • Support to Type-C and Type-A all covered by its default inclusions
Cons:
  • No playback buttons
  • The colorful RGB aesthetics may not be everyone's cup of tea


The HIDIZS XO is a highly recommended device for anyone looking for an affordable on-the-go solution to enhance their mobile audio experience. The XO offers an excellent combination of high-quality audio output and portability, making it a great option for audiophiles who are always on the move.

One of the most notable features of the HIDIZS XO is its ability to deliver a crisp and clean sound that is far superior to the standard audio output found on most smartphones. This is especially valuable for users with devices that lack a dedicated DAC, as the XO is designed to provide a noticeable improvement in audio quality.

Moreover, the HIDIZS XO is incredibly easy to use and can be quickly connected to any smartphone or laptop with a USB-C port. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who values convenience and wants to upgrade their audio setup without any hassle.

Furthermore, the HIDIZS XO is constructed using high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. Its sleek and compact design means that it can be easily carried around without adding any bulk to your pockets or bags. It is also worth noting that the dongle has a built-in amplifier that further enhances the audio output, making it a great choice for music lovers who want to get the most out of their headphones or earbuds.

In conclusion, the HIDIZS XO is a highly recommended dongle for anyone looking for an affordable, portable, and high-quality audio solution. With its crisp and clean sound, user-friendly design, and excellent build quality, it offers a significant upgrade to your mobile audio experience. Whether you are a music enthusiast or a casual listener, the HIDIZS XO is an excellent choice that will not disappoint.

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