The Shine of Metal

Ratings

Pros

• Very decisive, analytical, defined, clean, transparent, and bright sound.
• Excellent technical performance in the bass range.
• Very well articulated and contoured mids, great note definition.
• Extensive and bright highs.
• Outstanding ergonomics.
• Very good distinctive design.
• Built like a tank.
• Very easy to move.
• Three tuning nozzles.

Cons

• Does it really remind you of Iron Man, or does it resemble other things as well?
• The capsules are a bit heavy.
• The amount of energy in the upper midrange and treble should be taken into account by enthusiasts.
• Fingerprint magnet.
• Returning to a zippered case as an accessory would be a good move.

Purchase Link

https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-mk10-arcsonics-10mm-scc-dynamic-driver-hifi-iems

Link to the WEB

https://www.hidizs.net

Introduction

Hidizs continues full steam ahead in its design, creation, and sale of new products, and among several new developments in the pipeline, it is now the turn of a new IEMS model. These are the HIDIZS MK10 ArcSonics, IEMS with a dynamic driver with a 10 mm silicon carbide glass diaphragm. They are equipped with high-quality N52 magnets in a dual magnetic circuit design. The silicon carbide crystal diaphragm combines high rigidity with low mass, providing superior clarity and transient speed compared to traditional diaphragms.
The MK10 series was created to celebrate the brand’s 10-year history in manufacturing HiFi products. Inspired by the Arc Reactor (Iron Man’s power core), a symbol of energy, courage, and resilience, the MK10 ArcSonics convey that same spirit: unwavering, passionate, and designed to ignite the inner fire through music and for those who see headphones as their armor and source of energy in everyday life. The bass is deep, the vocals vibrant, and the details impressive thanks to the exclusive silicon carbide crystal diaphragm.
The MK10s are designed to be durable. The capsules are made of ZA12 zinc alloy with a mirror finish using precision engineering. They are available in Silver and Black. Accessories include two sets of liquid silicone tips and three pairs of sound-adjusting pneumatic filters. These allow you to achieve up to 6 different sound profiles.
The cable consists of a pair of high-purity oxygen-free copper strands, silver-plated, with a choice of 3.5mm SE or 4.4mm BAL terminations. The connection interface is the classic 2-pin 0.78mm for improved durability and flexibility. Finally, as usual, they come with a personalized MK10 bag.
The sound of the MK10 has been tuned according to the H-2019 signature and is officially Hi-Res certified, as is usual for Hidizs products.
Let’s take a look at this and much more in this review.

Specifications

• Driver Type: 10mm dual magnetic circuit and dual cavity dynamic driver with rare silicon carbide glass diaphragm.
• Manufacturing: ZA12 zinc alloy capsule with mirror finish.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 113dB.
• Impedance: 32Ω.
• THD: <0.3% (1kHz).
• Jack Connector: Choice of 3.5mm SE or 4.4mm BAL.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Approximate Weight: 24g excluding cable.
• Cable length: 1.2m.
• Special introductory price: $59 for the first 100 units.

Packaging

The HIDIZS MK10 comes in a black box with gold lettering, measuring 133x107x50mm. On the front, you can see a real photo of a capsule. In the upper left corner is the brand logo, to its right the Hi-Res logo and an icon representing a dynamic driver. In the lower right corner is a quick description of the model and to its left the model name in capital letters. On the back, the lettering is white and the features are listed in three languages. Below is a table with the product specifications. Finally, the brand and importer details are on the base.
After removing the outer cellophane and lifting the lid, you can see the two capsules inside a foam mold covered with black cardboard. The product name and description remain at the bottom of this layer, as well as a cellophane tape at the top to help remove it. The second layer has a black cardboard lid that protects the rest of the accessories located at the bottom. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:

• Two HIDIZS MK10 capsules.
• One high-purity oxygen-free copper cable, silver-plated with a fixed 4.4mm BAL connector and 2Pin 0.78mm interface, with protective sleeve and Velcro strap.
• Three pairs of sound adjustment pneumatic filters (one installed in the capsules).
• A set of dark gray silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
• A set of dark translucent silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
• A user manual.
• A card with Hidizs social media accounts.
• A faux leather bag with the brand logo and a flexible double-strap closure.

According to the brand’s description, the mouthpieces are as follows:
Bass mouthpiece (Deep Black): powerful, deep bass for rock, EDM, and metal.
Treble mouthpiece (Shimmering Silver): smooth, airy treble with great detail, perfect for classical music, ACG, and jazz.
Vocal mouthpiece (Crimson Steel): warm and intimate mids for pop and folk.

The reality is that the ear tips have three rubber washers (black, light gray, and red).
The cable and bag are the classic HIDIZS ones. I’m glad to see that there is a choice between a 3.5mm SE and a 4.4mm BAL connector, as well as two colors of capsules: Silver and Black. Otherwise, it follows the brand’s pattern with accessories, how the silicone tips are stored, and the quantity within this price range.

Construction and Design

The HIDIZS MK10s are inspired by the Arc Reactor (Iron Man’s power core), and the capsules on the outer face also reflect this inspiration in their design. However, they are also reminiscent of other celluloid legends. The shape of the outer face resembles Iron Man’s helmet, but only in its outline and smooth shape. The upward-curving groove on the upper half of the outer face is what brings other shapes to mind.
The capsules are made of ZA12 zinc alloy with a mirror finish. Their surface is highly polished and smooth. Their edges are very rounded, and the outer face is separated from the inner face by a clear division. Beyond this division is the connection interface, in a rectangular translucent plastic piece that is fully integrated into the surface. The 2-pin 0.78 mm connectors are gold-plated. On the edge opposite the nozzles, there are white inscriptions indicating the model name and, below, the letter indicating the channel, while above there is a hole. On the inner side, the smooth curves of the shapes continue, gently extending towards the nozzles, although there is another hole slightly to one side. The nozzles are made of metal with a length of 4.6mm, a central diameter of 5.1mm, and a crown of 6.1mm. The nozzles are protected by a thick metal grille in all three cases.
The size of the capsules could be described as medium, and they weigh 24g excluding the cable.
The cable is the classic one used in the brand’s latest models, identical to the one that comes with the MP143. Consisting of two single twisted strands, the conductor is still silver-plated, or at least silver-colored, even though it is specified that the conductor is high-purity oxygen-free copper. The gold-plated 4.4mm BAL connector housing is a matte metal cylinder. There is a polished engraved ring on the top, near the cable outlet, protected by a translucent plastic coating. The splitter piece is a smaller single cylinder, but of the same construction as the connector housing. The pin is a ring of the same style, whose inner hole is too large to securely fasten the cables. The casing of the gold-plated 2-pin 0.78 mm connectors are metal cylinders with a recessed ring painted red or blue, depending on the side of the channel. The style and color are maintained throughout all the metal parts of the cable. The cable has an ear guide made of the typical translucent plastic tube.
There is no denying that HIDIZS seeks to be bold and daring in its distinctive designs, and it succeeds. This time, the inspiration from Iron Man is unique, and although the result is reminiscent of several things, I cannot deny that the shape is both attractive and elegant.

Adjustment and Ergonomics

It’s almost surprising how comfortable this new MK10 model from Hidizs is. Despite its controversial external shape, the internal design is purely ergonomic and extremely comfortable. With the right tips, in my case, as usual, I used the XL tips with homemade foam padding, the fit is almost unique, with a single position and hardly any rotation. The metal may seem cold, but it warms up instantly to provide additional comfort on contact. There is a subtle protrusion on the edge opposite the nozzles that provides an extra fit without causing discomfort. The softness and curved shapes of the inner surface are very well suited to my ear contour, and despite the noticeable weight of the ZA12 zinc alloy metal, the whole unit offers a very good, I would say excellent, fit in terms of both comfort and isolation. Outstanding.

Sound

Profile

The HIDIZS MK10 ArcSonics have a bright W-shaped profile that ranges from a more relaxed sound in the high frequencies with the black nozzle to a clearly more excited, spicy, vivid, and sparkling sound from the gray ring nozzle. Very close to the sound generated by the black nozzle is the balanced sound from the red nozzles, whose differences lie in the amount of treble and their energy level, although the difference is not very great in the graphs. It is true that the sound with the black nozzles is drier and less sparkling, while with the red nozzles there is more brightness and clarity. As the balanced standard, this review will be written using the red mouthpieces.
On the other hand, the use of gray mouthpieces polarizes the sound beyond my preference, as it causes it to lose body, sharpens it, and focuses it on the upper mids and early highs, prolonging a peak at 5 kHz that can be incisive and more penetrating than pleasant. I’m sure this nozzle will have its fans, but I always tend to look for a more balanced and secure sound within a profile that already has a large dose of excitement at its base, as is the case with the red and black nozzles.

Bass

It is becoming increasingly common to create affordable dynamic drivers with exemplary bass performance. Hidizs demonstrates this with the creation of a dual-chamber dynamic driver, with a dual magnetic circuit and a rare 10 mm silicon carbide glass diaphragm. It is clear that rare earth materials have their advantages, and this is demonstrated when playing with magnets and special materials to create more advantageous diaphragms.
In this case, the bass of the MK10 is not predominant; I would say it is slightly above neutral. However, its performance is quite technical, precise, fast, skillful, and very remarkable. It is not a dark bass. This is the weakest point in this range, as it detracts a little from the depth and makes the sound less appealing and attractive. As is often the case with technically dominant bass, its surface is low in roughness and light in texture. There is good weight in the sub-bass that extends almost linearly towards the mid-bass and then descends slightly towards the mids, like a good W-shaped profile. As a result, the warmth of the sound is also limited.
The very low frequency pure tone test highlights the technical quality when playing bass notes. The first note is quite dark, with a clear physical component, but limited in energy, and a very low sound component. The undesirable vibratory/undulating sensation is greatly reduced, indicating the high technical quality and effectiveness of the dynamic controller. As the frequencies increase, the physical sensation remains, while the sonic component increases slightly with coloration. On the other hand, the vibratory character appears slightly, generating a point of texture and roughness that is not negative. It is a clean performance, with some color and texture, and a good physical component; however, it is not the darkest and deepest test I have tried. Thus, the result is as expected: technical, with a good dose of physicality, a subtle touch of color and texture, fast, effective, and controlled.
Its translation to the real world is based on a bass with good weight and punch, thanks to its physical component, its easy evaporation and decay, which does not linger too long in the environment and does not feel bloated or overly voluminous. It is perceived as effective, with good definition and resolution, capable of recreating layers and following different bass lines without feeling muddy or muddled. This can be observed in the dirty, complex, and unfiltered bass test. The MK10s are capable of keeping the physical component well distinguished and separated from the midrange, creating distance between the two. This is not common in this price range, although it is also achieved thanks to its more V-shaped profile. The MK10s do not suffer at any point, as their energy level in the bass range is not very high. Here, their color is a little more noticeable, as some bass lines have a slightly detached physical and sonic duality that highlights that sense of color and lesser depth. On the other hand, its performance in all passages of the test is practically outstanding: it has very good definition, is decisive, distinctive, distinguished, clean, and effective, and shows no signs of suffering or loss of control. Everything is in its place, with speed and precision. I have tested worse and much more expensive drivers, which exemplifies the quality of the MK10’s bass.

Mids

The midrange of the MK10 stands out for its neatness, technical skill, precision, transparency, cleanliness, clarity, resolution, and, above all, articulation. The response is vivid, slightly sprinkled, and sparkling. However, it is the speed and resolution that bring the midrange to life and make it stand out. And it is in the first half where the focus remains. With a sharper V-W profile, the first half of the midrange does not stand out too much. In fact, there is a noticeable dip, a feeling of hollowness and a low physical level compared to the second half of the midrange. It helps that the bass is very clean and that its volume does not extend or smear the midrange. The warmth is on the edge of neutrality, resulting in a first half with little physical weight, very clean, clear, and transparent, but with low/medium density, not very full, achieving a good presentation point without being too distant. What sustains and enhances the first half of the midrange is the articulation and resolution, as well as the profile of the notes, which are very well defined, almost tactile, with great definition, good texture, and projection in space. This transparency and focus in the sound form a great foundation in the absence of a fuller body. It is clear that the notes are perceived as light and very dynamic, but with little physical weight. On the contrary, the details, nuances, and ornamentation take on greater prominence, presence, and closeness. At this point, the MK10s with the red nozzles are perceived as a little rougher and slightly sibilant, although controlled. However, there are two clear peaks (especially one at 5 kHz) that promote this condition. The black mouthpiece attenuates this impression and gives the sound a touch of dryness that makes it more concise and pronounced. A little of the vibrant sparkle is lost, the sound is less fluid and a little more sparse. But it also makes it less incisive. This is how the second half of the midrange sounds: splashed, more exuberant, promoted, evident, obvious, transparent, bright, and luminous. The sense of dynamics becomes more apparent in the upper midrange and increases the distance between the background and the foreground. More sensitive ears may feel that this second half is too predominant and pronounced. However, it is true that there is good control to prevent the sound from being harsh. Although there is no denying the vibrant character, without being strident, of the MK10 with the red nozzle. In this sense, the white/gray nozzle is only for the most daring.
It is clear that the entire spectrum whose dominant frequencies are in the upper range will be enhanced. Thus, female voices and electric guitars, among other instruments, gain presence, which is closer, more predominant, and more energetic, for better or worse for those who prefer softer, silkier, and rounder profiles. However, the MK10s manage to stand out with an analytical aspect that feels vibrant thanks to the pronounced profile of the notes and edges, which gives them an attractive texture and tactile feel.

Treble

There is a very telling comparison of graphs: if you compare the previous MK12 with the balanced nozzle with the MK10 with the same nozzle, the obvious superior energy in the high frequencies of the MK10 becomes clear. This is the difference between a V-shaped profile, such as that of the MK12, and an excited W-shaped profile, such as that of the MK10.
The upper mids extend almost seamlessly into powerful highs, generating a very full, prominent, clearly bright, crisp, and extensive range. Even with a high amount of air for a single dynamic driver at this price point. The treble is intense, sharp, piercing, and penetrating. Without a doubt, it is the most predominant range. And this must be taken into account. The treble of the MK10 is for Treble-Heads, and they will enjoy it very much. The black mouthpiece only detracts a little from the overall energy. But this upper range is not easy to contain. Now, is it suffocating? There is certainly power and energy, but the driver is too technical to deliver harsh, rough, or dirty highs. On the contrary, the level of resolution and definition continues to predominate. But there is a clear struggle between energy and incisiveness, something that removes any hint of delicacy or subtlety in the highs.

Soundstage, Separation

The sound of the MK10 is clearly open, clean, transparent, sparkling, and vivid. It has very good resolution and a dark background. The sense of note separation is evident, something that is enhanced by the analytical character of the sound and the profile of the notes. In this regard, the gaseous and volatile impression of the MK10 is also very evident, which makes the soundstage more dynamic, open, airy, sparkling, and surrounding.
The MK10’s soundstage is wide, with great laterality and good height. It has a certain expansive character thanks to its prominent brightness and very good fixation of the elements in the image, due to its high level of resolution, definition, marking, and contouring of notes. On the other hand, the sense of depth is average and not the most outstanding aspect. Despite the good punch of the bass, its energy level is above neutral, while its color is not the darkest either.
However, due to a pronounced high range, which is very present in the foreground, the treble can sometimes feel very dominant, limiting the visibility of micro details when both sound at the same time. The MK10s are capable of demonstrating these micro details, but when treble is present in the mix, it can overshadow this ability. On the other hand, it is clear that this is an analytical sound, very decisive, defined, and with high technical skill.

Comparisons

Kefine Klean Black Filter

The Kefine Klean are IEMS with a 10mm dynamic driver with DLC diaphragm and N52 neodymium magnet. They have a starting price of $49, while the MK10 costs $59 on promotion, later reaching a price starting at around $67. For such a reasonable price, the Klean feature a cable with a conductor very similar to that of Hidizs, with the differences being in the connector covers, pins, and splitter pieces, although all parts are metal. They only come with a single set of tips, two interchangeable nozzles, and a classic zippered case from the brand, which is greatly appreciated, above and beyond what Hidizs offers (an extra set of tips, nozzles, and a carrying pouch). The black capsules of the Kefine Klean are made of cast alloy. The outer and inner sides are joined by a screw. They have a very irregular hexagonal shape, with two longer opposite sides and the rest of the sides smaller, seeking to round off the shape. The size is clearly smaller than the MK10 capsules. Each capsule weighs 10g compared to 24g for the MK10. Despite the larger size of the MK10, they fit better because the nozzles are longer. The Klean are small and fit very well in the ears, but those short nozzles mean that the integration and final fit in the ear canal is not as effective as with the MK10. If you find the right tips for the Klean, achieving the best seal, the fit and comfort can be clearly better than with the MK10. But I think it’s easier to find a more occlusive seal with the Hidizs because their nozzles are longer. Although there is no doubt that the Klean integrate much better into my ear than the MK10.
The MK10s are easier to move than the Kleans, achieving greater sound pressure with less power.
As can be seen in the graph, both frequency responses are very similar, almost identical. It just seems that the Kleans have less energy in the high frequencies and, subtly, less energy in the upper midrange.
I also feel the real difference between the two in these aspects. However, the price difference is justified by the technical performance in favor of the MK10. Its sound is more analytical, clear, defined, separate, bright, resolute, and distinct. In contrast, the Klean speakers are smoother, more melodious, and musical.
The bass on the MK10s is more technical, concise, precise, and tight than the bass on the Kleans. There is a little more texture and slightly less speed in the Klean. In the very low frequency pure tone test, there is a greater physical component in the MK10, even a more energetic response in the sub-bass than in the Klean. But not much more. The Klean perform very well in this test and the differences are slight. The Klean are very good in the bass, but the MK10 are slightly better in their technical and physical performance, even faster and with less decay. They also have more punch, are cleaner and more powerful. I would say that the bass of the MK10 is the bass of the Klean but improved, without detracting in any way from the low end of the Kefine.
The presentation of both IEMS is very similar, although the timbre is somewhat brighter in the MK10, while there seems to be a little more warmth and smoothness in the Klean. The edges are not as polished and it sounds a little rounder than the Hidizs. The MK10 stands out for its clarity, definition, transparency, and higher resolution. The separation is more obvious in the MK10s. The same is undoubtedly true of the bass: the MK10s are an improved and enhanced version of the Kleans in technical terms, with more and better resolution, clarity, darkness in the background, and better separation, definition, and above all, articulation and note profile. Although the Klean has better fullness in male voices, it does not reach the level of transparency and size of the MK10. And that is something that also extrapolates to the soundstage, separation, imaging, detail, and technical characteristics.
The treble tone is better achieved and more naturally brilliant in the MK10s. The Kleans present a slightly more nuanced, tighter, and more blended treble. The MK10s once again demonstrate their superior technical ability to dissolve and extend the treble, separating the notes and infusing more air and volatility between them. However, the less bright and less calm tone of the Klean can give them an advantage in musicality and smoothness over the MK10. But when you return to the Hidizs, you feel that the sound is bigger and that they are a step ahead in many technical aspects, in separation, transparency, and overall perceived sound quality. And that says a lot about the MK10 because Kefine set the bar quite high with the quasi-excellent Klean.

Conclusion

With the MK10, Hidizs demonstrates that materials are important when it comes to achieving the best sound. Leaving tuning aside, the Hidizs MK10s possess unquestionable and outstanding technical ability. They are analytical, resolving, transparent, very clean, crisp, with good separation between instruments, clear, marked, fine, contoured, and defined. They have a dark background, the difference between notes is evident, and dynamics and silence are clearly perceived.
Starting with the low end, it is well defined, with good weight, punch, and is highly effective and responsive. Hidizs demonstrates great skill in all my bass tests and passes them with flying colors. They may not be the darkest, most powerful, physical, or deepest, but their technical foundation is indisputable.
The classic excited W-shaped profile of the MK10s reveals a somewhat thin first half of the midrange, with less body and physicality. However, the MK10s manage to offer additional personality thanks to the great articulation of the notes, which generates very marked profiles, both in vocals and instruments, creating a striking and pleasant texture and impression.
In the second half of the midrange, everything becomes more exuberant, but also more dangerous, something that is further enhanced in the treble. Without a doubt, and in my opinion, the MK10s are IEMS that treble-heads will enjoy, with all that that entails for other enthusiasts. The high end has a good timbre, backed by high technical ability, but there is enough energy that brings the treble to the forefront, overshadowing the good microdetail performance that it has natively. That is the issue. On this occasion, the nozzles do not attenuate that bright character too much, but rather accentuate it considerably.
The soundstage is wide, expansive, volatile, gaseous, and even three-dimensional. This is due to the projection of the notes and their wide separation.
Without a doubt, the MK10s are a brilliant move by Hidizs, demonstrating the resolving power of an excellent dynamic driver.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX.
• Hidizs S8 Pro Robin.
• Hidizs S9 Pro Plus.
• NiceHCK Octave.
• iFi GO bar Kensei.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602 + ifi ZEN CAN 3.
• Aune ND7.