Scale to the Max

Ratings

Construction and Design

Packaging and Accessories

Connectivity

Operability

Sound

Quality/Price

Pros

Excellent sound that goes beyond its size.
New external design.
Very small size and weight, excellent for everyday use.
Balanced 4.4mm output instead of 2.5mm as in previous models.
Very good ergonomics.
Build quality.
Fast charging.
High-quality display with responsive touch functionality.
Very good volume control, accurate and reliable.
Operation and status LED.
New master chip model.
Two-way Bluetooth 5.1 (AptX, LDAC, HiBy UAT, and HiBy Link).
Two-way dual USB DAC.
Great value for money at its starting price.

Cons

It’s not as powerful as specified.
The case must be purchased separately.
Given its size, the battery does not have much storage capacity.
The playback function and some aspects of the firmware need improvement.

Purchase Link

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hidizs/ap80-pro-max-all-in-one-hi-res-streaming-music-player

Link to the WEB

https://www.hidizs.net/

Introduction

The AP80 PRO MAX is the fourth generation of Hidizs’ acclaimed AP80 series. It features an innovative design and an affordable price. Combining high-resolution local audio playback, wireless streaming, and versatile output options, the AP80 PRO MAX is truly a powerful all-in-one music device.
This time, Hidizs has partnered with the famous portable audio store Linsoul to present the limited edition AP80 PRO MAX Co-Branding, where precision meets passion, designed for music lovers who want to feel every detail.
Designed for both audiophiles and everyday listeners, the AP80 PRO MAX combines high-resolution decoding, powerful balanced and unbalanced outputs, wireless connectivity, and smooth streaming in a compact device. Whether at home, on the go, or in your car, it delivers studio-quality sound with intuitive controls and versatile functionality—your complete Hi-Fi companion in the palm of your hand.
The AP80 PRO MAX allows lossless playback via a microSD card, or connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or instantly enhance the sound of connected headphones. With 2.4GHz WiFi streaming, you can directly access platforms such as Tidal and Qobuz, without the need for downloads, delivering premium sound at all times.
It has a 2.95-inch high-definition IPS touchscreen. Its body is made of CNC aluminum + double-sided glass. It uses a dual ES9219C DAC + X1600E SoC for powerful audio processing with low power consumption and high performance. It integrates a low-phase-noise independent crystal oscillator to reduce fluctuation and improve audio accuracy.
It natively supports DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM. It is capable of hardware decoding MQA 16X. It has a 3.5 mm SE output. It natively supports DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM. It is capable of MQA 16X hardware decoding. It has a 3.5mm SE output (112mW at 32Ω) and a 4.4mm BAL output (380mW at 32Ω). It uses the HiByOS audio system, which is compatible with the HiByLink remote control and MSEB custom tuning. Its USB DAC is bidirectional, offering multiple modes for compatibility with mobile devices and PCs. In addition, it functions as an external DAC/amplifier or digital transport. It features a bidirectional Bluetooth v5.1 chip compatible with AptX, LDAC, HiBy UAT, and HiBy Link. It has 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity that allows high-resolution wireless streaming from Tidal and Qobuz. It also offers wireless compatibility with DLNA and AirPlay. It has functionality for reading e-books. Finally, it is Hi-Res and Hi-Res Wireless certified.
Let’s take an in-depth look at all aspects of this new DAP in collaboration with Hidizs and Linsoul.

Specifications

Master chip: Ingenic X1600E.
DAC chip: Dual ES9219C.
MQA processing chip: ES9219C.
Pedometer sensor: KX126.
Touchscreen: 2.95-inch IPS HD (480 x 640).
Housing material: CNC-integrated aluminum alloy.
Back cover material: Stereoscopic glass (front and back).
Volume button: Japanese ALPS.
Playback buttons: 3 physical buttons (Play/Pause, Previous track, Next track).
Storage card: Micro SD (TF card).
Maximum storage: up to 2T.
Operating system: HiBy OS (based on Linux).
Bluetooth: 5.1 bidirectional.
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, APT-X (send only), LDAC, HiBy UAT support.
WiFi: 2.4GHz.
WiFi Compatible with Airplay, DLNA, HiByLink.
Online streaming Tidal, Qobuz.
USB-C port: Compatible with USB 2.0 (data transmission/charging/USB audio). Compatible with bidirectional USB DAC.
Remote control: Compatible with HiBy Link (the Hiby Music app must be installed on a mobile phone or tablet).
Hardware DSD decoding: Compatible with DSD64/128/256.
PCM compatible with 32-bit/384 kHz PCM.
MQA 16X audio technology.
Analog audio output: 3.5mm LO/PO output port.
Analog audio output: 4.4mm balanced output port.
Digital audio output: Coaxial digital output port (via USB-C port).
Compatible with headphones with microphone.
Type-C charging interface.
Recommended power adapter: 5V/2A DC.
Battery capacity: 1300 mAh 3.8V.
Lithium polymer battery.
Charging time: Approximately 1 hour.
Standby time: 60 days.
Operating time: 8-10 hours BAL, 10-12 hours PO.
Gain setting: high/low.
Digital anti-aliasing filters 8.
MSEB tuning console: 10 functions.
Compatibility with S/Pdif DoP (USB + local audio).
10-band dynamic equalizer adjustment + Custom equalizer settings.
Playback mode: Sequential playback/Shuffle playback/Single loop/List loop.
Data transmission: Type C – USB 2.0.
SE nominal output power: 112mW at 32Ω.
SE frequency response: 20Hz-90kHz.
Total harmonic distortion SE + noise (THD+N): 0.0007% (1kHz).
Dynamic range SE: 120dB (±2dB).
Signal-to-noise ratio SE: 119dB (±2dB).
Channel separation SE: 78dB (±2dB).
Headphone impedance range SE: recommended 8-250Ω.
Nominal power BAL: 340mW at 32Ω.
Frequency response BAL: 20Hz-90kHz.
Total harmonic distortion BAL + Noise (THD+N): 0.0005% (1 kHz).
BAL dynamic range: 122dB (±2 dB).
BAL signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB (±2 dB).
BAL channel separation (crosstalk): 110dB (±2 dB).
BAL headphone impedance range: recommended 8-250Ω.
Color options: black, gray, blue.
Dimensions: 82.8×51×15.5mm.
Product weight: 81g.
Promotional launch price: $139.

Packaging

The AP80 PRO MAX comes in a compact gray box measuring 127x97x46mm. On the front, you can see a real photo of both sides of the DAP. At the top are the Hidizs and Linsoul logos. Below that is the product name and description. Below are the logos of the audio certifications it supports. On the back are the device specifications in several languages, the brand and importer details, the package contents, and more logos of the certifications it complies with. Opening the box reveals a card with two people walking by the sea and, again, the Hidizs and Linsoul logos. On the back, there is a comment about the collaboration between the brands. The DAP comes inside a translucent white plastic bag, inside a black foam base. There is a black fabric ribbon to pull the DAP out. On the second level, under a black divider, are the rest of the accessories. The complete contents are as follows:

The DAP AP80 PRO MAX.
1 Type-C cable (power cable).
1 Type-C to Type-C OTG cable (data cable).
2 Screen protectors. 1 pre-installed on the front and back of the device.
User manual.
Warranty card.
Device inspection card.

In my case, it also comes with a green leather case with both brands’ logos on the back. A nice touch, as are the extra screen protectors.

Construction and Design

The design of the new AP80 PRO MAX is reminiscent of other designs from a fairly expensive DAPS brand. But it surprises you with its small size once you hold it in your hand. Hidizs DAPS have always been small, but this new model is narrower, thicker, and longer. It is no longer a rectangular tablet but has two smooth sides (the bottom side contains the USB Type-C, 3.5mm SE PO/LO, and 4.4mm BAL connections, and the left side contains the micro SD slot). The right side contains the three control buttons (back, play/pause, and forward), the status LED, and the Japanese ALPS volume potentiometer. This side is not flat; the buttons are on a raised, sloped surface with sloped sides that taper toward the edges. The gold potentiometer is a knob with diagonal notches, a slightly sloped crown, and a subtly concave center. It is located between two higher sides and is close to the top side. This top side is also not flat and is formed by a base that slopes gently, ending in a slightly abrupt peak that then decreases toward the edge.
It has a 2.95-inch high-definition IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 480×640. Its body is made of CNC aluminum + double-sided glass. It uses a dual ES9219C DAC + X1600E SoC for powerful audio processing with low power consumption and high performance. It integrates a low-phase-noise independent crystal oscillator to reduce fluctuation and improve audio accuracy.
The back has a triangular pattern with the Hidizs and Linsoul logos at the top, while near the base is the model name, the logos of the audio certifications it complies with, and a description of the model.
Without a doubt, this is Hidizs’ most striking and distinctive design to date. I find it very attractive and am surprised that it is so small, as when I saw it in photos I thought that Hidizs had finally made a larger DAP. This is not the case.

Connectivity

The AP80 PRO MAX has two audio outputs: 4.4mm BAL (380mW at 32Ω) and 3.5mm SE (112mW at 32Ω). The SE output can be used as a line output. It also has a female USB Type-C input, which can also be used as a coaxial digital output port.
It is natively compatible with DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM.
It is capable of MQA 16X hardware decoding.
It uses the HiByOS audio system, which is compatible with the HiByLink remote control and MSEB custom tuning.
Its USB DAC is bidirectional, offering multiple modes for compatibility with mobile devices and PCs. It also functions as an external DAC/amplifier or digital transport.
It features a bidirectional Bluetooth v5.1 chip compatible with AptX, LDAC, HiBy UAT, and HiBy Link.
It has 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity that allows high-resolution wireless streaming from Tidal and Qobuz. It also offers wireless compatibility with DLNA and AirPlay.
It has functionality for reading e-books.
Finally, it is Hi-Res and Hi-Res Wireless certified.

Operativity

Its operating system is the classic HiBy OS (based on Linux).
The firmware version used for this review is v1.0.
When the screen is turned on, six white icons are displayed, each inside a box on a dark background. The top bar shows the volume on the left, the time in the middle, and the battery and its charge percentage on the right. The main screen is different from previous DAPs from the brand and is much more similar to DAPs that use the same OS, such as the Tempotec V3.
On the first screen, you can choose from six menus: Music, Stream Media, Wireless, Books, System, and About. If you go to Music, you can browse by folders, albums, artists, genres, and album artists. There is also a favorites star, a search magnifying glass, and a settings icon that allows you to access audio options, MSEB, equalizer, database update, gapless, maximum volume, gain, crossfade, balance, digital filter, and other navigation options.
The Stream Media screen provides access to the Tidal and Qobuz apps. To access Tidal, you use a QR code to link from your own account. Using Tidal is spartan; you have to search using a keyboard that displays letters in groups of three, like old-fashioned mobile phones, which makes it quite tedious. Even so, I was surprised by the streaming sound quality. Although I still think that playback via memory card gives it an extra boost.
The playback screen is the classic HiBy screen. Of course, you can choose the playback mode, access the list, add to favorites, timeline, on-screen playback control, as well as use the buttons. At the top are the volume, audio output used, time, and battery percentage. Dragging the top menu gives you access to wireless connection options, MSEB, USB mode selection, and shutdown. This menu can contain up to 8 options, which can be chosen from a special menu for this purpose, from among 12 quick functions.
For sound tuning enthusiasts, the V3 features a 10-band equalizer, HiBy’s renowned MSEB, and 6 digital filters.
Back in the main menu, the Wireless option allows you to access Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HiBy Link, Import Music via Wi-Fi, DLNA, and AirPlay. There are three buttons left for Books, System Settings, and About. Note that you can update the firmware from the card (TF only with FAT32 file system) by downloading the firmware from the website or via OTA.
To reset the system, press and hold the power button.
The Japanese APLS potentiometer is very precise in its operation.
It is clear that the screen has small letters for those of us who are a little older, although it looks very good in terms of colors and is quite bright.
The DAP is very small and its shape is very ergonomic. The small chamfers fit very well when held in the right hand. Its light weight and size make it ideal for everyday use. It is not as small as the Hidizs AP80 PRO-X, but it remains highly portable.
The side buttons also work very well, and to turn the screen on/off again, you must press the volume button.
It is worth noting that to turn off the device, you must hold down the volume button until the countdown from 3 to 0 reaches its end, which prevents unwanted shutdowns.
Perhaps the fairest point is the battery life. According to the specifications, the battery (1300 mAh 3.8V) lasts 8-10 hours for BAL and 10-12 hours for SE. Depending on the volume, it may be less. The battery charge is specified as one hour using a 5V/2A DC charger. It may be slightly longer.
Finally, it should be noted that the firmware needs improvement. Gapless playback is not the best, and I have encountered some issues during playback. Among other minor imperfections, there seem to be problems recovering the point in the song where it left off when the device is restarted. I assume this will be resolved in future firmware revisions.

Measures

The AP80 PRO MAX specifies a power per SE of 112mW at 32Ω, which is equal to 1.89V and 59mA.
For BAL, the specification is 340mW at 32Ω, which implies 3.3V and 100mA. These are high power specifications for such a small device.
In terms of output impedance per SE and per BAL, it is clearly less than 1Ω. In this sense, it is perfect. However, in terms of power, the specification deviates from my measurements.
All measurements are in RMS values.

SE No load

1V for low gain, 2V for high gain. No distortion. Flat frequency response.

SE 15Ω

Slightly less than 1V for SE with 15Ω without visible distortion across the entire range. 66mW and 66mA. Somewhat fair.

SE 33Ω

1.425V for SE with 33Ω without visible distortion across the entire range. 61.5mW and 43mA. Far from that 1.89V to achieve 112mW.

SE 100Ω

2,019V is achieved for 100Ω but with slight distortion across the entire visible range. 41mW and 20mA, which is barely sufficient for demanding headphones, but with a good voltage level.

BAL No load

2V for low gain, 4V for high gain. No distortion. Flat frequency response.

BAL 15Ω

A little more power per BAL. 1,310V for BAL with 15Ω without visible distortion across the entire range. 110mW and 87.33mA. I really like these values, bordering on the legendary 90mA of current.

BAL 33Ω

The maximum voltage value without visible distortion across the entire frequency range for 33Ω is 2.007V. The maximum voltage value without visible distortion at 1kHz alone is 2.246V; with one more turn of the volume knob, distortion is clearly visible. The power without visible distortion across the entire frequency range is 120mW and 61mA. Not bad, but far from what is specified.

BAL 100Ω

Slight disappointment that it does not reach 4V for BAL with an impedance of 100Ω. The maximum voltage value without visible distortion across the entire frequency range for 100Ω is 3.415V, which gives a power of 120mW and 34mA. It is not the best device for large headphones.

Frequency Response

As can be seen in all measurements, the maximum voltage differences between 20Hz and 20kHz are almost zero. Therefore, the response is flat for the audible frequency range. I have not found any difference between channels in my measurements, nor at lower volumes.

Sound

The new Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX uses the same dual DAC converter as its predecessor, the AP80 PRO-X, but has upgraded the master chip by using the new Ingenic X1600E instead of the X1000. It has also upgraded the Bluetooth specification to version 5.1 and the maximum storage to 2 TB. According to the manufacturer, the power is higher, the distortion is lower, and the dynamic range is greater. Based on my measurements, the new AP80 PRO MAX is no more powerful than the AP80 PRO-X; I would say it is almost the same. On the other hand, the improvements in distortion and dynamic range are so small that it is difficult to appreciate them with untrained ears, and even trained ones. For me, the biggest change could come from the DAC, but they use the same one. So, overall, the sound is similar. Another thing would be to compare it to another DAP with a different DAC, such as the Tempotec V3, which uses the Dual AK4493SEQ. But I’ll talk about that later.
The AP80 PRO MAX once again offers a clear, crystalline, and very well-defined sound, with great resolution and character. It is clearly transparent, bright, with good separation, and not at all dark. It has enough power to drive any IEM, even planar ones via SE.
The lower range of the AP80 PRO MAX moves in an environment of cleanliness, dryness, excellent resolution, and control in the bass drum punch and bass containment. The bass is perceived as very fast, effective, and contained, with minimal decay, giving it a great sense of resolution in the low frequencies and excellent definition without losing the realism necessary to recreate volume and depth in the environment. In the very low frequency pure tone test, the first note has a slight undulating character and some color, although it produces a good sensory impression. The second note regains realism and the negative vibratory character of the first disappears. Now there is more control, the physical part is extended, and the sound part is equalized to a more natural sound. The test ends in the purest, most natural, and realistic way.
It is in the test of dirty, complex, and unfiltered bass that good control, definition, resolution, and clarity can be appreciated. There is no problem when it comes to reproducing the most complex bass lines: the AP80 PRO MAX is very capable of discerning between bass lines, effectively layering them, and maintaining the distance between them, creating space and volume.
The central range of the AP80 PRO MAX remains in that open, expansive, clean, defined, transparent, and crystalline space. The mids sound broad, well separated from each other, bright, with great detail and informative capacity. There is no congestion whatsoever, and it is surprising that such a small device can generate such an expansive, informative, and expansible sound. It is true that there is a clear analytical nuance, with fine, well-defined, concise, and precise edges. But this does not detract from its musicality. Gone are the days when Sabre chips were said to be cold and harsh. They have long since won the game in this regard, and the AP80 PRO MAX proves it with flying colors. The midrange is a clear example of this. The mids impress with their clarity and refinement, but remain free of any hint of harshness or roughness; the midrange is perceived as having a high level of resolution, subtly smoothed to offer a slight organic and natural touch, with great timbre and a very airy sound.
Male voices are perceived as dense, full, and complete, not bright, perhaps a little more luminous than warm, but with great expressiveness and a wealth of nuances and harmonics.
Female voices are even more detailed and exciting, with a little more prominence in their recreation, which is so detailed and broad.
Similarly, the instrumentation is very rich without intruding on the voices. However, the surrounding sensation is also very important, capable of generating a generous, expressive, and informative holographic scene.
Sabre’s triumph extends into the treble range, producing high notes that are as fine and delicate as they are bright and extended. The treble register is luminous, but not shrill, harsh, or incisive. It demonstrates great control of brightness and does not veer toward a colder timbre. The range feels expansive and prominent in passages laden with high frequencies, but without falling into an obvious preference that diminishes the importance of the other ranges. Although I do believe that lovers of high frequencies will enjoy it more than bassheads.
The separation of the high notes creates a large space between them, which adds a feeling of superior air. In this way, the high frequencies are perceived as very separate from each other, offering a very evident level of detail and demonstrating technical skill at all distances.
The soundstage is large and expansive, but it doesn’t seem unrealistic or overly extravagant. I think it has a good connection to the base and involves the listener in a surrounding way, but without being too ethereal or volatile. It clearly conveys that expansive impression, but the sound does not dissipate or become vaporous; rather, it maintains a firmness and a very precise, marked outline, albeit in a delicate and controlled manner so that it does not become harsh or forced, nor, on the other hand, blurred.
The AP80 PRO MAX stands out for its technical performance, offering fast, efficient sound with quick transients, no aftertaste, a great dark background, and a high level of definition, stratification, and precision, which generates very marked notes that are also fine, concise, and delicate, without being at all diffuse or showing a hint of congestion. The sensation is that of an analytical yet delicate sound, with great dynamic resolution, speed, precision, neatness, brightness, clarity, and transparency. However, it is also rich and controlled enough not to be incisive, cold, or harsh, but much more refined and delicate than one might expect given its small size.

Comparisons

TempoTec V3

The TempoTec V3 has been my go-to portable audio player since it came out. In fact, I like it even more than the V3 Blaze. However, it is a bit large and heavy to carry around in your pocket. I admit that I like the larger screen because it makes the letters bigger. However, it’s true that the display performance, in terms of sharpness and brightness, is inferior to that of the new AP80 PRO MAX, even though it is clearly smaller.
The operating system of both is the same, and right now the differences lie in the fact that the V3 has a more polished operation than the Hidizs. However, the physical buttons work better on the Hidizs, especially the volume.
It is clear that the battery life and power of the V3 are superior, but its weight and size are very different.
The V3 uses a dual AK4493SEQ, and the difference with the Hidizs lies in the pyramid of its chips.
Since they have the same operating system, they have many similar features, share the same Bluetooth version, and virtually all functions are identical.
The difference is in the sound. The V3 offers a warmer, denser sound that is more musical and smoother. The V3 sounds a little dirtier, with less defined highs and a less polished sound. The AP80 Pro Max sounds cleaner, sharper, clearer, more transparent, precise, and analytical.
The bass on the V3 has more texture, is slightly dirtier, with a little more darkness, but it is also subtly longer. The AP80 PRO MAX has more defined bass, with less decay and a broader sense of speed when playing the bass lines.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, the difference is only noticeable on the first note, where the V3 sounds purer, less vibratory, darker, more sensory, and realistic. The difference is easily noticeable, but not very large. From the second and third notes onwards, everything evens out and becomes almost indistinguishable.
In the dirty, unfiltered bass test, the V3 sounds dirtier and less defined, somewhat diffuse, and not as clean, transparent, and spacious as the AP80 PRO MAX. The difference is not very big, but the greater darkness of the V3 creates that impression.
In the midrange, the AP80 PRO MAX sounds clearer and cleaner, while the V3 is warmer, but also tighter, denser, slightly more congested, and darker. The sense of separation in the midrange of the AP80 PRO MAX is more evident, with a brighter, more defined, wider, more separated, expansive, and extensive sound. Again, the AP80 PRO MAX’s midrange is perceived as faster and more dynamic, with quicker transients. The V3 remains smoother and more gentle, but also more cohesive. It loses lightness and transparency, but also speed. The AP80 PRO MAX’s notes are finer and more delicate; in contrast, the V3 is thicker and stronger.
All these differences become more evident in the upper range, where the AP80 PRO MAX clearly stands out for its greater precision, resolution, liveliness, expressiveness, luminosity, and brightness. The V3 is not bad at all in the high frequencies, but the resolution, separation, speed, and clarity of the Hidizs are its strengths.
Similarly, technical prowess is evident in the soundstage and imaging of the AP80 PRO MAX, which offers a wider, more expansive, transparent, clear, and precise sound than the V3. The TempoTec sounds more powerful, deeper, and darker, with a stronger bass. This is noticeable in the low frequencies and the solidity of the sound. However, the AP80 PRO MAX is richer and more expansive, generating more music with greater informational capacity, extension, and detail compared to the somewhat more basic and rounded sound of the V3.

Conclusion

Hidizs continues to build on its foundation: DAPS. It remains committed to producing very small devices that, at first glance, don’t seem to stand out. But that’s just an impression. The Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX offers much more impressive sound than you would expect for its size. It’s also worth noting that when I saw the first photos of this product, I thought that Hidizs was finally going to release a larger device. But what a surprise I got when I finally had it in my hands. And, as humans obsessed with size, I even doubted its performance. However, when I compared it to other devices in the same price range, I realized my mistake.
The sound of the AP80 PRO MAX is exactly what I like: analytical, with great informational power, resolution, definition, and detail, with very separate, precise, concise, and marked notes, and a great dark background. It is also highly expressive, extensive, transparent, bright, clear, sharp, fast, dynamic, and spacious. Technically, it is as good as I like, as it is very capable of getting the best out of the connected headphones and generating a wide but realistic soundstage. And that is very important: the naturalness and realism of the sound are never lost despite the device’s great technical performance.
In terms of design, Hidizs has also taken a step forward by moving away from the classic rectangular tabletop of previous models. Without being totally original, the brand has introduced variations in the appearance of this new model that make it more attractive without increasing its size. Among the changes, a larger and more precise volume control and more accessible buttons stand out.
As for the operating system, Hidizs continues to rely on HiBy OS, although it has improved the version and replaced the master chip with the Ingenic X1600E. It has also upgraded the Bluetooth version to 5.1 and retained the Sabre DACs with the Dual ES9219C.
It is true that there are still some aspects of the firmware that need to be polished, but this is normal for all new versions of DAPS that come onto the market. However, this does not detract from the fact that this is one of the best DAPS the brand has manufactured to date. And all this, let’s not forget, with the collaboration of the famous portable audio store Linsoul.