I’ve uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel where I’m showing the Hidizs MS4 IEM being used with the RevoNext 3.5mm cable that has a microphone and inline controls to control volume and media. The cable that comes with the Hidizs MS1 and MS4 does not have a mic or inline controls and this cable is perfect as it adds those 2 things.
Watch the video below:
You can get the Hidizs MS4 and the RevoNext 3.5mm cable at Amazon using the following links:
Using the KZ aptX HD Bluetooth Cable and the TRN BT20 with the Hidizs Mermaid MS1/MS4
Today, I recorded a video showing the new KZ aptX HD Bluetooth Cable and the TRN BT20 Bluetooth adapter with the Hidizs Mermaid MS1/MS4.
The reason of doing this video is to show how the KZ cable fits the Hidizs MS1/MS4 as the KZ cables comes in different pin flavors. And as for the TRN BT20, I just wanted to show how they look with it attached.
It’s nice to have a variety of Bluetooth adapters to use with these new IEMs which have an incredible sound.
You can watch the video below:
You can get these Bluetooth items as well as the IEMs using the following links:
The Hidizs Mermaid MS1 and MS4 IEMs with their cables and accessories
Yesterday, I received the brand-new Hidizs Mermaid MS1 and MS4 In-Ear Monitors Absolute Kits.
Hidizs Mermaid MS1 and MS4 IEMs with their cables and accessories
The Hidizs Mermaid MS1 is an IEM with 1 Dynamic Driver, while the Hidizs Mermaid MS4 is an IEM with 1 Dynamic Driver and 3 Knowles Balanced Armatures.
Hidizs Mermaid MS4
My initial impressions are excellent. These IEMs do a lot to reproduce the music. I found that the MS1, with just the Dynamic Driver, produces a warm sound with great mids and smooth bass and treble. The MS4, on the other hand, improves the bass and treble while having great mids. Since the MS4 uses 3 balanced armatures for the mids and treble, they do a great job, and since the Dynamic Driver is focused on the bass, it also does a great job. The MS1, on the other hand, produces a warmer sound since the Dynamic Driver needs to reproduce the entire frequency spectrum.
The Hidizs Absolute Kits come with a choice of a 2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced cable, USB-C 2-pin cable and an aptX Bluetooth Cable using a CSR8645 chipset. They are also compatible with other 2-pin 0.78mm IEMs and you can also use other aftermarket cables due to their 2-pin connectors.
Hidizs balanced 2.5mm to 2-pin cable
Hidizs BT-01 Bluetooth Cable
Hidizs MS4 with the 3.5mm cable
Hidizs MS4 with the balanced 2.5mm cable
Hidizs USB-C cable with Hidizs MS4
Hidizs USB-C to 2-pin cable
Hidizs MS4 with the BT-01 Bluetooth Cable
The IEMs can be driven easily since the MS1 only has an impedance of just 15Ω while the MS4 has an impedance of just 12Ω. However, you can use your favorite DAC like the Hidizs DH1000/Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus and use the balanced output to enjoy an even better sound. You can also use them with the 3.5mm cable with the Hidizs AP80.
Now, here’s my unboxing video I recorded yesterday where I unbox both kits, their cables and accessories:
I personally like the MS4 due to their more punchier bass and their extended treble. The MS1 have more forward vocals, so if you’re looking for that, the MS1 is for you, but if you want the treble and a bit more bass, go for the MS4.
Here’s the review video I also recorded with my thoughts on the IEMs and the cables:
Overall, Hidizs did a great job with these new In-Ear Monitors.
You can purchase these 2 Hidizs IEMs at Amazon using the following links:
Yesterday, I received the Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus:
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus Box
This is a DAC and AMP all in one device. It has Dual ES9018K2M, Dual ES9601K amplifiers, as well as a Balanced 2.5mm headphone jack as well as the regular 3.5mm jack.
The device is very similar to the Hidizs DH1000. In fact, it is a rebranded Tempotec product. Today, I’ll take a look at a newer Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus revision.
The Tempotec unit I received should have some problems that the Hidizs DH1000 had. In particular, this unit should have the Blue LED problem fixed, where it would be permanently turned on at some point of the Hidizs DH1000 lifetime. I’ll also be comparing this version to the Hidizs DAC.
As seen in the picture above, the box look very similar. Let’s take the wrapping off:
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus Box without the wrap
Now, it’s time to open the box:
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus inside the box
We find the Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus inside the box. It is the first thing we see. Below the box, we find some more items:
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus cables
We find a USB-A to Micro USB, a Micro USB to Micro USB OTG cable, and a USB-C to Micro USB cable. We also have the manual and other stuff.
Let’s take a look at the Sonata iDSD Plus:
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus
It came well protected. The bag keeps the iDSD free from scratches, since it uses glass on both sides.
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus
Not a single scratch in the bag. That’s great. Now, let’s take out our Sonata iDSD Plus:
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus Front
This is the front. While we can’t see the charging LED, it is in the bottom left corner. It is blue, just like the Hidizs DH1000, and will turn on while charging. Also, on the upper left, we can see the volume buttons. We’ll see them later in details.
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus Back
The back has the Tempotec branding, just like the Hidizs DH1000 also had the Hidizs branding.
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus USB ports
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus has 3 USB ports. The USB-A is the so called “Private” port. This allows you to connect your compatible DAPs like the Hidizs AP80 and HiBy R3 when the USB mode is set to “Dock”. It also should work on Android and iOS devices when using the HibyMusic app.
The other ports are Micro USB. The middle port is for data transmission while the right port is for charging. The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus charges at 5V/1A, usually drawing 800 mA but it can draw 940 mA if it is also turned on while listening to music and it is charging.
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus audio jacks and power button
On the other side, we can see the standard 3.5mm audio jack on the left, the 2.5mm balanced jack in the middle, and the power button on the right. Between the power button and 2.5mm audio jack, we see the power LED, which will be green if it’s turned on, and will turn red when the battery is low.
Next, we’ll take a look at the cables:
USB-A to Micro USB cable
Above, we have the USB-A to Micro USB cable. This is the cable that you’ll be using to use the Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus in your computer, unless yours have a USB-C port, in which case you can use the included USB-C to Micro USB cable:
The USB-C to Micro USB cable
The USB-C to Micro USB cable also works with compatible Android devices. It works really well in my Samsung Galaxy S9+.
If your device has a Micro USB port, you’ll probably need this OTG cable, which is also included:
The Micro USB to Micro USB OTG cable
However, not all Micro USB phones support the OTG connection, so please be sure to check if your phone is compatible with USB Audio Class 2 audio devices.
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus manual comes in 2 languages:
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus manual in Chinese
In Chinese.
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus manual in English
And in English.
It also came with the Hi-Res Audio stickers:
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus Hi-Res stickers
Here’s how it looks when it has both USB ports plugged in:
Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus with both Micro USB ports plugged
Comparison with the Hidizs DH1000
Let’s compare the device with the Hidizs DH1000. Please note that due to hardware problems, I tried to repair the Hidizs DH1000, and while it works, I have it covered differently than how it used to look.
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus with the Hidizs DH1000 side by side (1)
We can see they look similar.
The Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus with the Hidizs DH1000 side by side (2)
The back also look similar. However, here is where we’ll see the main difference:
The volume buttons of the Hidizs DH1000
The volume buttons of the Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus
The Hidizs DH1000 has the volume buttons marked with paint, while the Tempotec iDSD Plus has the actual marks deep in the buttons.
Finally, both the USB ports and audio jacks look the same:
The Hidizs and Tempotec USB ports
The Hidizs and Tempotec Audio jacks
Sound
Tempotec iDSD Plus in Windows Sound Settings
The device is detected on Windows a USB HD AUDIO as soon as it is plugged in.
The sound quality of the Tempotec Sonata iDSD Plus is the same as the Hidizs DH1000. I seem to find it more pleasant, but I tried switching between the Hidizs and Tempotec to see if I could find any difference. I may prefer the Tempotec sound, but the Hidizs one sounds quite similar, if not, identical. They both use the same ES9018K2M chips and ES9601K amplifiers. Theoretically, even the printed circuit board should be the same, or almost identical, except for the charging circuit, where it should be different to prevent possible charging issues.
I’m using the KZ ZS7 IEMs with a 2.5mm balanced cable. The bass feels powerful. This is especially true when listening to Twenty One Pilots “Trench” album. The mids are balanced, vocals are very well presented, and the treble, that’s the part where this DAC shines. The frequency response, I would say, is neutral. Other DACs would prefer to focus on providing forward vocals, and other instruments would sound recessed, but this is not the case with this DAC. Instrument separation is also pretty good. The sound feels open and wide, and the overal sound presentation is just as good and even relaxing. I can confortably listen to music in Tidal and enjoy every note in the song.
For around $130, this DAC does not dissapoint. The Hidizs DH1000 was my favorite, but now I have this Tempotec which will be with me at all times, and I’ll be attaching it to my HiBy R3 and Hidizs AP80 DAPs. Really, I haven’t found a DAC that outperforms this one.
This is a cable (or dongle) that allows you to connect your 3.5mm headphones to your devices that have a USB-C connector, or to a USB-A connector by using a USB-C to USB-A adapter. It features a sample rate of up to 24-bit and 192khz, but you’ll need to update the firmware to be able to use it. We’ll see more about the firmware update process later. First, let’s proceed with the unboxing.
Opening the box reveals a carrying case:
Carrying Case inside the box
Taking it out we can clearly see the Hidizs logo in it:
Hidizs Sonata HD Carrying Case – Front
The back is just plain:
Hidizs Sonata HD Carrying Case – Back
Inside, we can see the Sonata HD Cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter:
The carrying case content
A closer look at the cable and adapter inside the carrying case:
A closer look at the contents inside the case
A closer look at the DAC We can see the Hidizs Logo at the USB-C connector side:
DAC – Front
We can also see the Hi-Res Audio logo on the other side at the USB-C connector:
Hi-Res logo on the back
Side by Side comparon with the Google and Apple DACs:
From left to right: Google DAC, Apple DAC, and the Hidizs Sonata HD DAC
Now, let’s see the USB-C to USB-A adapter closer:
USB-C to USB-A adapter
I connected the cable to the adapter and to my USB Hub which is connected to my desktop PC:
Sonata HD A: Prioritizes the Call. When I tested this firmware, it allows simultaneous voice and music. This is the firmware you’ll want to use if you’re going to stream on YouTube, Twitch, etc.
Sonata HD C: Prioritizes the Audio. When I tested this firmware, it was similar to the Sonata HD A firmware but I could no longer use the microphone as soon as the system produced audio. This firmware has a sample rate of 24-bit/192khz
Sonata HD D: Pure Music. This firmware will also provide 24-bit/192khz but it will disable the adapter input function. You’ll still be able to use earphone inline remote control.
To update the firmware, you’ll want to launch the respective executable. You’ll be presented with the firmware flashing utility:
The Hidizs Sonata HD firmware flashing utility
We should write in the Vendor ID: 22e1, and on the Product ID: e202. You can check these values by going to the Device Manager and selecting the Sonata HD Cable under the Sound, video and Game Controllers section:
Sonata HD DAC in the Device Manager
VID and PID of the Sonata HD Cable
We can press the Write EEPROM button on the firmware flashing utility and we’ll be shown with this message:
Firmware Flashing message
We’ll simply disconnect the DAC, connect it again, and press OK. The firmware flashing will begin:
Flashing the firmware
If it finishes successful, you’ll see a successful message:
Write to EEPROM OK! Message
That’s it! We now need to unplug it and connect it again and then we can go to the sound settings and check that we can choose a sample rate of 24-bit/192khz:
Hidizs Sonata HD in the Sound Settings
We click on Sound Control Panel and double click on the Sonata HD:
Sonata HD in the Sound Settings
Now, we can go to the Advanced tab and select 24-bit/192khz:
24 bit and 192 Khz mode in the Sound Settings
We can also use Tidal’s WASAPI mode with this adapter. Just be sure to turn the volume very low. This DAC is very loud!!!
TIDAL with the Sonata HD cable
Just select the Exclusive Mode button and that should be it. Now, you can enjoy your music!
Tidal
Sound Impressions
Listening to this DAC the sound is detailed, but the vocals seems to be more forward. It has a good sound separation, and it is very loud, which is why I have my DAC at just 2%. My headphones (KZ ZS7) are high sensitivity, low impedance IEM’s, so they will sound loud at low volume levels. The Bass is great, and so is the treble. No complains here. I also own the Hidizs DH1000 and their AP80 player and they all sound excellent. The Hidizs DH1000 provides a more neutral sound and the AP80 just shines at all of the frequencies, altough the DH1000 is still a more neutral and extended treble option.
I hope you liked this post. Do you own the Sonata HD Cable? Let me know in the comments.
If you don’t yet have this dongle, you can get it on Amazon using the following link:
Unboxing the Revonext 3.5mm with 3 buttons and mic to 2-pin 0.78mm IEM cable
Today, I’m sharing my Unboxing video of the Yinyoo 2.5mm Balanced to 2-pin IEM In-Ear Monitor cable. This is a 2.5mm balanced to 2-pin 0.78mm cable that is compatible with IEM’s like the KZ ZS7 which I have. In this video, I’ll also be testing the cable with my HiBy R3:
Do you have this cable or another one? What do you think of it? Let me know your cable recommendations below.
Today, I’m sharing my Unboxing video of the KZ ZS7 IEM. These have become my new favorite IEM to use to listen to music. They have a really good sound reproduction. Watch the video below:
I just received these today and I’m enjoying the balanced sound it provides. It’s not too warm, but it’s also not too bright. The mids shine, the treble is there, and the bass feels real.
Previously, I’ve been using the Samsung AKG-Tuned earbuds which I also enjoy the sound, but these feels an improvement because they retrieve more detail of the song.
These are also my first KZ IEMs, and I’ve been wanting to try them since the past generation, but decided against because of some troubles I’ve heard of. Now that I got to listen to these, they really sound wonderful.
Powered by 1 Dynamic Driver + 4 Balanced Armatures, you can hear everything without any distortions, a problem I’ve faced with other buds, where they would emphasize the bass, or have a v-shaped profile. These aren’t v-shaped nor emphasize the bass over other frequencies. Yes, they have plenty of bass, but you can hear everything without any frequency being overpowered.
I’m currently using these with my Hidizs DH1000 DAC/AMP:
I’m still experimenting and listening to different albums. So far, everything sounds nice. I do have a complaint here, and is that sometimes the presence of some instruments may seem to be reduced, but you still enjoy everything in the track. They have a great sound separation and clarity. Awesome!
