HIDIZS MP145 : A Colossal Contender

We will be reviewing Hidizs's new planar in-ear monitors. Many have awaited Hidizs's planar earphones and led me to think, is it worth the hype it deserved? Let's find out!

I have my own share of experiences when it comes to planar in-ear monitors, I have tried the LETSHUOER S12 Pro, TANGZU Zetian Wu, MUSE Hi-Fi Power, and the KZ X HBB PR2.I am hoping that I could  share my insights with Hidizs's new in-ear-monitor.

DISCLAIMER:

• I have no affiliation with HIDIZS and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review. This is a loan unit 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 the Hidizs MP145 has the typical Hidizs style, featuring the brand's logo and a preview image of the IEM on the sleeve. Notably, the box is crafted from plastic, which represents a different approach from their standard packaging materials. However, this choice raises concerns about the durability of the packaging during transit, as plastic tends to become brittle and may break if mishandled. Nonetheless, it has effectively safeguarded the item during shipping.

Upon opening the box, the contents appear to be neatly organized and straightforward. Here's what you'll find inside:

• HIDIZS MP145 drivers
• 3.5mm cables
• 3 pairs of bass eartips
• 3 pairs of vocal eartips
• 3 pairs of balanced eartips
• 3 pairs of tuning nozzles
•  Leather earphone pouch

It's worth mentioning that the included leather earphone pouch may not be personally useful for those who find the earphones rather bulky. The pouch may not provide as effective protection as a dedicated earphone case would for these particular earphones.

BUILD QUALITY

The MP145 Driver is built like a robust tank, boasting both bulkiness and sturdiness, which certainly catches the eye due to their bulky build. However, in my personal experience, I've found the fit of the MP145 to be uncomfortable, primarily because the included eartips don't align well with the MP145's nozzles.They fit excessively snug, requiring substantial effort for removal. Consequently, I opted for my TRI Clarion eartips, which feature larger bores and fit the MP145 perfectly, like a glove. It would have been beneficial if Hidizs had conducted some thorough testing to ensure a more comfortable fit with the provided eartips.The cables are okay, but these are not modular and only comes with the 3.5mm plug. 

SOUND

Courtesy to Audio Reviews News

The sound profile of the HIDIZS MP145 plays around the U-shaped sound-signature, and may still vary depending on the nozzle used. However, it's clear that the HIDIZS MP145 tends to lean towards a warmer sound signature while making an effort to maintain a sense of neutrality. 

BASS

The bass delivers a commanding punch and subtle yet resonant rumbles while exhibiting excellent control and swift transient response. It maintains its distinct character without bleeding into the midrange, providing a sense of power and coherency. The primary emphasis here is on resolution, impactful punches, and swift attacks, rather than focusing on deep-reaching bass weight. As a result, it may not be the preferred choice for those passionate about deep bass.

MIDS

The midrange exhibits a subtle recession, enriching male vocals with added depth, while female vocals adopt a more mature and euphonic timbre. Vocals maintain a pleasing and natural presence, avoiding an overly distant or hollow quality. Instruments receive some attention, preserving their natural and uncolored tones without excessive vividness. The upper-mids display a smooth, subtle gain with a non-fatiguing sound, making it especially favorable for individuals sensitive to harsh frequencies.

TREBLE

The treble performance falls somewhere between not being exceptional and not being subpar. It carries a remarkably inoffensive and smooth timbre. It's worth noting that some listeners might perceive the treble as lacking in energy and sparkle, which is entirely understandable. This characteristic is different from the typical planar earphones that often exhibit a distinct "planar" timbre, emphasizing the higher frequencies, but occasionally resulting in a shouty or shrill quality. Still, the treble is no slouch, it still has good precision and attention to details while subtracting the issues surrounding some "planar" earphones.

TECHNICALITIES

As far as technical aspects are concerned, this isn't somewhat groundbreaking but it is above average with decent soundstage with enough width, height, and depth that are spacious enough for my head room. It demonstrates a commendable separation and layering, allowing me to discern well-organized  layers for each instrument. It adeptly handles complex tracks with ease, boasting excellent resolution and respectable detail retrieval.

TEST TRACKS

DISCLAIMER: For my testing purposes, I don't use Spotify. I have high-resolution copies of my test tracks, maintaining a backup copy of these playlists on my Spotify account as a reference in case I lose my playlist.

CONCLUSION

Pros:

• Excellent balanced sound
• Tuning filters offers slight but noticeable changes to cater your preferences
• Build quality is outstanding
• Thick, commanding bass
• Lush and euphonic mids
• Inoffensive treble
• Decent technicalities
• For $199, these are okay

Cons:

• They are BIG
• May have fitting issues for smaller ears
• Eartips are very incompatible and can be an effort to remove
• Earhooks are ANNOYING
• Needs decent sources to perform effectively

The oversized design may pose challenges for individuals with smaller ears, and the nozzles provide a secure grip with the eartips, making them somewhat challenging to remove, especially if you frequently have a rotation of eartips. If these aspects are not problematic for you, these IEMs are visually striking. Their balanced sound, with the option to make slight adjustments using the nozzles, positions them as a strong contender in the sub-$200 IEM category.