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This can be a evaluate of the Hidizs XO which is an MQA-Licensed moveable DAC/Amp dongle with a twin DAC and balanced output design. It’s priced at $99.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to us in change for our sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. We thank Hidizs for this chance.
To learn extra about Hidizs merchandise now we have beforehand coated on Headfonics click here.
Observe, that this text follows our present scoring tips which you’ll learn up on here.
Hidizs has been releasing great finances merchandise over time. DAP, amps, and earphones, together with Bluetooth-capable gadgets. They normally provide refreshes of their DAPs and DACs such because the latest AP80 Pro-X, and the S9 Pro, providing inner upgrades however solely slight modifications on the externals.
Hidizs has me stunned with its latest dongle-DAC providing known as the Hidizs XO. It’s a utterly different-looking dongle-DAC, even with RGB LEDs! The DAC implementation can also be spectacular with the Twin ES9219C DAC chip.
The Hidizs XO is priced at $99, that is Hidizs most cost-effective dongle but. Hidizs might have one other crowd favourite up on its sleeves.
Tech Highlights
Inside this slim profile is a twin ESS Sabre E9219C DAC, (famously seen in FiiO BTR5 2021), & impartial crystal oscillators. With the present configuration, the high-precision impartial crystal oscillator permits synergy and essentially the most correct clocking for each DACs.
It has a formidable low SNR of 118dB / 119dB and THD+N (complete harmonic distortion + noise) of 0.0015% and 0.0005% for PO 3.5mm and Balanced 2.5mm respectively.
The DAC is able to as much as 32bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, and MQA 16X. This implies it might absolutely decode and play music in a lossless format, significantly when utilizing Apple Music and Tidal in your cellular machine or laptop computer.
It has a twin output with each 3.5mm SE and a couple of.5mm balanced. This dongle packs in a whole lot of energy, not solely does it energy IEMs however it might additionally deal with high-impedance headphones.
Design
The RGB LED lights on the facet are really eye-catching, bringing out the gamer within me. I felt it’s going to completely look nice with my gaming rig. If that’s not one thing you’re into, the wonderful thing about is that it may be turned off or turned on. So, it completely relies on your model. After I’m in a extra festive and quirky temper, I carry myself to show the RGB LED on.
The texture of the case is beautiful. The XO has a strong construct with an aluminum alloy shell. Upon nearer look, the home windows of the RGB LEDs are a number of etched “H” which is carried out with meticulous metallic processing.
I actually like that the XO has removable cables on the output facet. This makes it simpler to switch as soon as the cables break. However extra importantly, I can use a direct lightning cable, eradicating the necessity for an adapter. I hate utilizing adapters because it normally disconnects now and again.
I/O and Controls
The enter port is a USB-C feminine port whereas the output port is a 3.5mm SE and a 2.5mm balanced. A USB-C to USB-C and a USB-A adapter are included within the bundle. Hidizs was beneficiant sufficient to ship in a Hidizs USB-C to Lightning cable to be iOS appropriate.
The Hidizs XO has two buttons – the X and O buttons. The X button toggles the totally different gentle modes with 15+ lighting results! The O-button is for the filter mode swap. There aren’t any particular names for the filters however the O ring does flash a purple and blue shade when toggled.
The 2 filters are very related in sound. The blue filter is a linear section quick roll-off whereas the purple filter is a hybrid roll-off filter. The primary distinction is discovered within the 20-60kHz vary. The distinction between the 2 may be very little. In actual fact, when testing them blind, I can hardly differentiate the 2.
Packaging & Equipment
In comparison with the opposite Hidizs packages earlier than, I discover the Hidizs XO packaging to be extra easy, compact, and reusable. As a substitute of a carton field, it’s positioned in a small onerous plastic field that may double as a dongle + IEM case that one can carry round.
The field is excellent to surround the XO, together with the cables and equipment inside. Do notice that the equipment cardboard field is glued under the place the DAC sits. Inside is the Hidizs XO dongle, a USB-Sort-to USB-A Adapter, USB-Sort C to USB Sort C cable, a guaranty card, and a person guide.
Sound Impressions
Abstract
The Hidizs XO is a natural-sounding DAC with a clear and plush timbre. For a compact kind issue, it exceeds expectations because it extends properly in each lows and highs whereas having good soundstage and imaging. Completely different IEMs alike can shine with their very own sound signature because the XO has little to no coloration.
The decrease finish provides and tight impression, making it sound dynamic relatively than stale. Additionally, with a transparent and articulate midrange. Devices and vocals are offered properly, making it simple for particulars to unfold.
Timbre
There’s little or no to no coloration with the XO. It does at instances lean on the nice and cozy facet, however usually, it is vitally impartial. XO additionally does properly in dealing with delicate IEMs. It’s clear and quiet, with no undesirable hiss. It additionally has a really lush timbre, which is extra highlighted within the midrange area.
Devices are projected properly. They’re lush and articulate, whereby textures from wind devices are pronounced and could be very properly distinguished. String devices are additionally crisp and full-bodied.
Vocals, each female and male, additionally sound very pure and wealthy. Voices sound properly represented of their entirety, embodying vocal strategies and textures.
Higher frequencies are additionally properly prolonged with the quantity of heft. Cymbals and acoustic guitars do have the correct amount of presence, including an additional layer of element, and making the general sound frequency full and well-represented.
Staging & Dynamics
The soundstage is extensive and really spectacular for a under $100 DAC. The imaging may be very properly executed, and busy tracks have sufficient gaps that don’t clump collectively, permitting totally different layers to breathe and be positioned in a unidirectional airplane. It’s a really enjoyable dongle-DAC, not sounding boring and flat in any respect.
Synergy
Energy
The output energy of the Hidizs XO is 78mW+78mW and 195mW+195mW @ 32 ohms on 3.5mm SE and a couple of.5mm balanced respectively, which is sort of spectacular for a DAC this dimension.
It was fairly stunning that the Hidizs XO was capable of energy up the AEON 2 Closed at comfy ranges. Though, it’s nonetheless underpowered for my style. However nonetheless, fairly stunned to carry it as much as listening ranges. It’s adequate to make use of when in a pinch.
When utilizing with IEMs, there have been no hiss or static sounds when utilizing delicate IEMs such because the Campfire Audio Solaris. The ground quantity output is low sufficient to have a snug output with few notches on the amount ranges.
Pairings
The XO is straightforward to pair since there may be not a lot colorization. It does give a wealthy total timbre, enhancing the IEM’s pure profile.
I discover the Periodic Audio Beryllium V3 to be match because it additional enriches the IEM’s sound profile. Bass are punchier and the midrange timbre is additional enhanced. This pairing makes an excellent low-footprint journey companion.
Choose Comparisons
Moondrop Daybreak
$69.99
Technical
The Moondrop Dawn and the XO have totally different DAC chips inside. The Daybreak has the Cirrus CS43131 chip whereas the XO has a twin ESS Sabre ES9219C. Though each DACs help decoding capabilities of as much as 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, solely the XO has MQA help (as much as 16x).
Each even have totally different outputs. The Daybreak has just one – a balanced 4.4mm output whereas the XO has 2 – a 3.5mm SE and a 2.5mm Balanced.
The XO can provide extra energy with the balanced facet, with 195mW+195m in comparison with Daybreak’s 230mW, that are each evaluated @ 32 ohms.
Design
Self-explanatory however preserve it tight. For headphones and IEMs embrace the cable. Don’t embrace packaging and equipment in these sections and don’t make these sections lengthy.
Efficiency
Total, the 2 are very related when it comes to sound signature. Each have tight lows and well-extended highs. Each have pure shows, with very minimal colorations. I have to say they’re a punch above their value vary and are very aggressive in pricing.
Each have quantity of punch in terms of the decrease frequencies. It isn’t too sturdy to go away a boomy really feel however sufficient to inflate and make the bass really feel. Each sound very dynamic, however at instances missing in physique.
Each have a clear and pure midrange presentation. Vocals are displayed with sufficient articulation to discern texture and method. Nevertheless, the XO has a lusher timbre, which reveals far more particulars when listening intently.
With the XO, vocals really feel brighter and richer and really properly executed. The Daybreak certainly not fell behind, however at instances it’s a step decrease than XO’s midrange high quality.
Imaging and soundstage are each okay for his or her value vary. Nevertheless, the XO does higher in each features. Imaging is pleasantly constructed, together with a wider soundstage. The depth and peak are related for each.
ddHiFi TC44A
$59.99
Technical
The TC44A has the Cirrus CS43131 DAC chip inside whereas the Hidizs XO has a twin ESS Sabre ES9219C. Though the ddHiFi TC44A doesn’t have MQA help, they each have the identical decoding capabilities with help for as much as 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256.
The output of the 2 can also be totally different. The Hidizs XO has a 3.5mm SE and a couple of.5mm Balanced output whereas the TC44A has a 4.4mm SE output.
TC44A can provide 50mW of energy at 32Ωs whereas the XO can provide much more energy with 78mW+78mW SE and 195mW+195mW balanced @ 32Ωs on 3.5mm SE and a couple of.5mm balanced respectively.
Design
Visually, these are very totally different gadgets. The TC44A is a T-shaped OTG plug with a DAC chip inside, eliminating the necessity for cables. The XO is a extra standard Dongle-DAC kind with a unit + cable kind.
Each look very sturdy with their metallic casing and light-weight design. Utilizing them in motion, I discover each of those are powerful to interrupt and might take a beating.
Efficiency
Total, the 2 are very related when it comes to sound signature. Each have tight lows and well-extended highs. Each have pure shows, with very minimal colorations. I have to say they’re a punch above their value vary and are very aggressive in pricing.
The bass is tighter and punchier on the XO than on the TC44A. The TC44A has a barely noticeable decay upon cautious observations. Devices resembling bass and drums have a extra energetic assault and slam, whereby extra impression is felt in drum and bass-heavy tracks.
The timbre on voice and devices are lusher on the XO. There’s a clear distinction between the standard and texture which is a notch increased than the TC44A. There isn’t any mistake that the Hidizs dongle is superior when it comes to its articulation and presentation.
Though the TC44A does have good imaging and soundstage, the XO simply does it higher with a extra dynamic vary. TC44A at instances sounds flatter, and missing in depth. The XO additionally has extra readability, which is extra noticeable because of its wider soundstage benefit.
ddHiFi TC35C
$59.99
Technical
The ddHiFi TC35C has a Realtek ALC55686 DAC chip whereas the XO has twin ESS Sabre ES9219C. The totally different DAC chip permits for various capabilities. Though each help as much as 32-bit 384kHz PCM decoding, solely the XO has to help as much as DSD256 and MQA (16x).
Each DACs have a 3.5mm SE output, with the XO having a 2.5mm balanced possibility. Additionally they differ in energy capabilities with TC35C supplying solely 30mW at 32 ohms whereas the XO can provide 78mW+78mW and 195mW+195mW at 32 ohms on 3.5mm SE and a couple of.5mm balanced respectively.
Design
Much like the ddHiFi DACs, the ddHiFi35C is a T-shaped OTG plug with a DAC chip inside. There aren’t any cables between the enter and outputs, which makes it compact in dimension. The XO is a unit + cable design, however with detachable cables and a really low profile for the unit.
Each are manufactured from aluminum, which makes them light-weight and sturdy. Each are very simple to make use of. When carrying it on the go, there aren’t any issues with disconnections and the like. Efficiency
Efficiency
Total, the Hidizs XO has extra dynamic vary and aggressive assaults than the TC35C. The TC35C sounds flat and boring at instances, whereas the Hidizs XO outperforms the previous with punchier assaults throughout the frequency vary.
Each decrease and higher frequencies are extra pronounced with the XO. Each have an aggressive really feel to them, creating extra change in amplitudes. With the TC35C, each ends of the spectrum appear to be extra laid again and flat. There’s not a lot change and it simply blends into the background.
The Hidizs XO has a pleasant thick correct timbre that precisely tasks each vocals and devices. The TC35C pales compared the place the vocals are a bit hole and the devices are thinner and felt missing in texture.
Though each replicated midrange areas fairly properly, the Hidizs XO has a extra pure and thicker timbre, which expresses a extra reasonable replication.
The XO can also be higher with its imaging accuracy. It has extra gaps between layers which impressively types a cohesive audio presentation. The TC35C at instances clumps layers which makes the sound really feel flat and boring.
Each give a frequency vary. Delicate IEMs have been dealt with properly with out hiss or noise when no music is performed.
Our Verdict
For a sub $100 finances dongle-DAC, the Hidizs XO by far exceeded my expectations.
Together with its spectacular efficiency on the technical facet, I did like that it has 1.) a detachable cable on the output facet, giving iPhone customers the choice of utilizing a USB-C to Lightning cable 2.) flexibility of SE and a couple of.5 balanced choices 3.) compact and light-weight machine simple to make use of for journey.
The machine is an efficient place to begin for folks wandering within the interest or people who find themselves extra right into a minimalist smartphone set-up. It does elevate the sound high quality whereby it’s noticeable to justify the acquisition.
Hidizs XO Technical Specs
- NET WEIGHT: 11g.
- DIMENSIONS: 55 x 24.5 x 9.35mm
- DAC/AMP CHIP: ESS ES9219C
- OUTPUT(S): 3.5mm TRS + 2.5mm TRRS
- FREQUENCY RANGE: 20Hz – 40kHz
- THD+N: 0.0015% (3.5mm), 0.0005 (2.5mm)
- SNR: 118dB (PO), 119dB (BAL)
- CROSSTALK: 76dB (PO), 118dB (BAL)
- OUTPUT POWER: 78mW 32Ohms(3.5mm)/ 195mW 32Ohms (2.5mm BAL)
