A Pro Improvement

Ratings

Pros

• Improved V-W sound, clear, clean, crisp, decisive, effective and informative.
• Good technical capabilities.
• Exemplary construction.
• Very good ergonomics despite the weight.
• Distinctive design.
• Three tuning nozzles.
• Option of 4.4 mm cable termination.
• Excellent quality/sound/price for the initial offer.
• High sensitivity, easy to move.

Cons

• Weight of the capsules.
• A bit light and mid-range for my taste.
• Upper mids and highs somewhat emphasised, which can become piercing.
• The cable is a bit thin for the weight of the capsules.
• It does not come with a zippered case for transport.

Purchase Link

https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-ms2-pro-1ba-1dd-hybrid-hifi-in-ear-monitors
https://www.amazon.es/dp/product/B0FF95N4KM

Link to the WEB

https://www.hidizs.net

Introduction

Following the success of its previous MK12 Turris model, Hidizs is launching the Pro version of its MS2 model: the Hidizs MS2 Pro. It is a simple hybrid model (1DD+1BA). Inspired by the elegance and strength of the rhinoceros horn. The MS2 Pro features a 10.2mm dual magnetic circuit and a dual cavity dynamic driver. The aerospace-grade PU+PEEK diaphragm with nanoscale DLC coating offers ultra-low distortion. The N52-grade internal and external magnetic system improves transient response and dynamic range. The HIDIZS Silvercore BA™ high-frequency balanced armature has been custom-tuned to deliver smooth, crystal-clear highs.
The biomimetic shape inspired by a rhinoceros horn provides an ergonomic and secure fit. Its lightweight design (approx. 13 g per earpiece, excluding the cable) makes it very comfortable for extended listening sessions.
The housings are made of ZA12 zinc alloy, which is five times stronger than aluminium and has 98% resonance suppression.
The mirror finish with a leather-textured panel creates a premium look with tactile durability.
The MS2 Pro uses a detachable 2-pin 0.78mm connection interface.
Hidizs uses Pneumatic Sound Tube Technology™, an airflow-driven tuning architecture. Thanks to its three filter nozzles and included silicone tips, up to 6 sound signatures can be generated.
The MS2 Pro is sold with gold-plated 3.5mm or 4.4mm connector options for conventional SE and balanced BAL configurations. It uses a high-purity OFC silver-plated braided cable for improved resolution and signal purity.
It comes with a premium PU leather carrying case with a military-grade snap closure for safe travel.
In this review, we will look at all this and more about the latest model from Hidizs.

Specifications

• Driver Type: 1DD + 1BA. 10.2mm dual magnetic circuit and dual cavity dynamic driver with aerospace-grade PU+PEEK composite diaphragm with nanoscale DLC coating. HIDIZS Silvercore BA™ high-frequency BA driver.
• Capsule Construction: Integrated moulding of ZA12 zinc alloy.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 111dB.
• Impedance: 17Ω.
• Cable: 2-wire high-purity oxygen-free copper cable, length 1.2m.
• Distortion ratio: 0.01 dB.
• 3 HIDIZS pneumatic sound adjustment filters: high frequency, balanced, low frequency.
• Jack connector: cable with gold-plated connector, choice of 3.5 mm SE or 4.4 mm BAL.
• Capsule Connection Type: 0.78mm gold-plated connector with 2 pins.
• Weight: approx. 26g (without cable).
• Three finishes: Sunset Orange, Royal Blue, Midnight Black.
• Starting price: 69$.
• Price after initial offer: 99$.

Packaging

The Hidizs MS2 Pro comes in a black box measuring 133x107x50mm. The front of the box features a real photo of a capsule. In the left corner is the brand logo, in the right corner is the Hi-Res logo and a Hidizs BA driver logo. At the bottom is the model name and description, all in copper-coloured gold ink. On the back are the specifications in several languages and a description of the contents. After lifting the lid, you can see a layer of foam lined with black cardboard where the capsules are embedded. Thanks to a transparent cellophane layer on top, you can access the second layer, which has black cardboard protection. Underneath are the rest of the accessories. The complete contents are as follows:

• Two MS2 Pro capsules.
• A two-strand cable with a 4.4 mm BAL connector.
• A PU leather carrying case.
• Three pairs of black silicone tips in sizes S, M, and L.
• Three pairs of white silicone tips in sizes S, M, and L.
• Three pairs of pneumatic sound filters.
• A user manual.
• A warranty card.

The silicone tips come on paper hooks, in line with Hidizs’ philosophy of using packaging that is as environmentally friendly as possible. The tuning nozzles come in a soft foam mould inside a transparent plastic box. The cable connector is protected by a transparent plastic cover. The leather carrying case is the classic Hidizs design, although I prefer a zippered case, whose rigidity protects the IEMS more effectively. Without a doubt, this is the classic Hidizs packaging, very consistent and appropriate for the price point.

Construction and Design

The Hidizs MS2 Pro earbuds have relatively heavy capsules (26g) made from a ZA12 zinc alloy. Their design is inspired by a rhinoceros horn. The outer surface is based on a kind of equilateral triangle, but with chamfers at its vertices and a break in its hypotenuse. The outer surface is made of leather and is available in black, blue or orange. At the base of the outer surface is a small gold-coloured metal grille shaped like a mini USB connector. The full model name is engraved on the edge, as well as the letter indicating the channel. The connection interface is fully integrated into the surface of the capsules.
The inner surface is smooth and soft, rounded in shape and without protrusions. The mouthpieces slope down from a relatively wide base with a hole in it. Once screwed into the capsules, the interchangeable nozzles are approximately 5.6 mm long, with a diameter of less than 5.2 mm and a crown of 6 mm. The nozzles have a metal mesh filter and a ring inscribed with the colour indicating the sound.
The cable has two twisted strands. The connector housing is a smooth black metal cylinder with a silver circular notch near the cable outlet. The connector on my model is a 4.4 mm gold-plated BAL. The cable outlet is protected by a small plastic cover. The splitter piece is a cylinder of the same type as the connector, but much shorter. The pin is a ring of the same material and colour that slides too smoothly along the cable to do its job. The cables have ear guides, and one of the most striking features is the 2-pin 0.78 mm connection interface covers. These are trapezoidal pieces of hard, translucent plastic that match the shape of the capsules. They have a red or blue centre to indicate the channel.
There is no doubt that Hidizs strives to recreate a distinctive and unique design, producing IEMS with distinctive, elegant shapes and excellent construction. The MS2 Pro is a clear example of this, standing out from the simplicity of the basic and repetitive designs of other brands.

Adjustment and Ergonomics

Built like a tank, each Hidizs MS2 Pro capsule weighs 13 grams. But it’s worth noting how comfortable they are when paired with the right ear tips. The rounded inner surface is soft and doesn’t rub against my ears. The corners of the capsules don’t cause any fit issues either, and the internal ergonomics aren’t compromised by this design. The size of the capsules is medium, well measured to fit the ear quite completely, allowing for very good integration, as well as a high degree of isolation with my large silicone tips, filled with homemade foam. The shape of the capsules prevents rotation, allowing for a unique fit with minimal twisting. The fit is durable and although the weight is relatively high, this does not affect comfort over time. On the contrary, it is a very comfortable model with a firm fit that can be used outdoors, on public transport and for relaxed activities. I do not recommend it for running due to its weight.

Sound

Profile

The profile of the Hidizs MS2 Pro moves between the most excited Harman 2019 target of the Crystal Clear filter, with a W tuning with clear peaks at 2kHz, 4kHz and 8kHz. With the Charm Red filter, the bass rises slightly, the 2kHz peak is clearly smoothed out, while the rest of the peaks are only softened. In reality, it is a calmer and more balanced profile that maintains the partially forced liveliness by activating the ear cup gain. Finally, the Midnight Black filter offers the purest and most balanced W profile, mitigating the peak at 2 kHz, subtly boosting the bass and smoothing out the rest of the high peaks to the same level. It is clear that my preferred profile is between Charm Red and Midnight Black, but the review will be written based on the Charm Red reference filter because it is considered the default and balanced one.

Bass

The low end of the Ms2 Pro is broad, with remarkable technical precision and more pronounced than what I would consider neutral. It is characterised by a slightly energetic sub-bass, followed by a wide mid-bass with a slow decay towards the mids. This profile generates an extensive low end and a relatively warm sound.
The bass, while not the star of the show, has enough prominence, weight, volume, and presence to be taken into account. In addition, it is balanced and predominant in relation to the upper mids if the music being played is not bright, which reinforces the feeling of homogeneity and smoothness across all ranges.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, the first tone at 20Hz feels deep, noticeably sensory, barely audible and with a low perceptible wave character. In the next tone, the audible perception increases, but so does the wave-like character. At 30 Hz, the whole is balanced and the three components converge. Finally, the peak at 40 Hz feels powerful and sonorous, but without managing to avoid that slight wave-like character that detracts from the naturalness of the pure tones.
With real music, the bass sounds dark and deep. Although the sub-bass is not the main feature, it has weight and feels relatively physical. The undulating nature of the pure tone test does not affect the actual performance, and its perception is characterised by that feeling of darkness that predominates in the atmosphere, generating a very attractive sound, clearly far removed from coloured bass.
The bass response is fast, crisp and effective, with low decay and little echo lingering in the room. There is a slight roughness to the texture, but it is not particularly noticeable.
In the dirty, complex and unfiltered bass test, the MS2 Pro demonstrates its technical prowess by keeping even the most difficult bass notes under control at all times. But they also deliver a sense of weight, poise and considerable punch, giving them a dark and deep realism and naturalness that is undoubtedly the hallmark of this model’s bass. Rather than being big and broad, the bass feels concentrated, dense and more focused on the lower frequencies. This is why the most complex lines are very distinct and extremely controlled, due to this concentration of bass in a narrower and darker range. The result is dense, powerful, dark bass lines that remain tight and focused, marked and textured. The MS2 Pro offers fairly efficient bass, effectively generating layers and planes and skilfully following difficult bass lines, demonstrating ample resolution and definition without losing an ounce of control.

Mids

The big difference in the midrange generated by the nozzle changes is obtained at the 2kHz point. The biggest jump at this point is offered by the Crystal Clear nozzle, while the Charm Red and Midnight Black nozzles are closer to each other. In any case, it is a midrange profile with a tendency towards a V shifted to the upper mids. The first half of the midrange feels relatively sunken, while there is a certain sense of hollowness that results in male voices lacking a broad base and low physicality. This tuning is slightly corrected with the Midnight Black nozzle, moderately improving the imbalance between the two halves of the midrange.
Although the first half of the midrange feels very well drawn, it is appreciated at medium distance. It is supported by a bass range that has weight and density, but which quickly becomes diluted, losing amplitude and range towards the high-pitched nuances of male voices. The result is a lighter presence, with just the right amount of flesh and physicality, while its central range is less rich in terms of presence, information and description.
The upper half of the midrange is more present, reaching a point that I find clearly exciting with the Crystal Clear mouthpiece. With the other nozzles, that level of excitement is not reached and the sibilance is kept more in check. But the difference in weight and presence is clearly evident. Although one might think that female voices would be more prominent, the reality is that the maximum dip in the midrange around 1kHz creates the opposite sensation. Many female voices are not immediately present, although the higher-pitched ones and the nuances are the most vivid and sprinkled. This rapid boost around 2kHz seeks to sharpen the notes, a spark of clarity, a focus of attention, a point of brightness, light and transparency. But it also achieves an imbalance between the midrange base and its higher nuances.
The initial feeling of warmth is offset by the noticeable increase in ear cup gain. However, somehow, the MS2 Pro manages to soften and naturalise the sound thanks to the ear tips and a smoother, more musical and rounded sound generation, where the BA driver does not feel sharp in the midrange. Thus, despite this slight imbalance between the lower and upper mids, there is a certain cohesive impression that keeps the mids together, woven, interesting and attractive.
The timbre moves between the initial warmth and a final spark of brightness. There is a clear sense of light, transparency and a sprinkled impression that alternates with the initial softness that keeps the vocals slightly mellow.

Treble

The treble of the MS2 Pro is tuned as its excited V-shaped profile suggests: a vigorous initial spark, a rapid moderate drop in control, a second peak in the middle to prolong extension and recover harmonics, and a classic roll-off in the air zone. With a BA, one might expect a little more extension above 10kHz, but this is not the case. The result is a classic treble range, with a dazzling start that can be mitigated depending on the nozzles used. The first phase feels sharp, crisp, bright, fast, clear, agile and energetic, the result of a BA bursting with energy at the start. The Silvercore driver itself is abundant, sparkling, but defined and refined. This is not an annoying BA, too incisive, harsh, penetrating or artificial, but rather, as I said, sharp, fine, well separated and orderly, although perhaps a little dry or boosted at times. Hidizs has done a good job of naturalising the sound of the Silvercore BA driver, allowing it to be bright without being excessive or metallic, and realistic without losing its sparkle.
The initial high and mid-high range is well present, with a feeling of full ambient brightness, which elevates the nuances and provides substantial harmonic content with the addition of a more restricted air range.
The result is a present high range, without feeling too forced, but clearly seeking brightness, transparency and light. I think the treble is even abundant with the red and white mouthpieces, for those looking for soft treble. But they will be very well received by lovers of more descriptive, present and vigorous treble.

Soundstage, Separation

The soundstage of the MS2 Pro stands out for its good positioning, which is clear, obvious and orderly. It also offers a pleasant, surrounding and elevated sensation, with a significant dose of gaseous, volatile and expansive impression, resulting from the proximity of the macro details, the brightness, the remarkable level of separation, the definition, the thinness and speed of the high notes. There is remarkable laterality and the sound seems to want to surround the head, maintaining a favourable sense of height. There is an appropriate impression of depth, especially with the black nozzles. But it is the mid-range that remains slightly emptier. There is a noticeable contrast between the background and the foreground, with the macro detail and bass layers being very perceptible. In the middle, the voices and the other part of the instrumentation in this frequency range can be heard, but with less importance. This sensation is undoubtedly experienced due to a more or less pronounced V-shaped profile, depending on the mouthpieces used.
The micro detail in the background may feel slightly diluted or blurred by the bass or by that less represented midrange. But even so, the MS2 Pro is capable of restoring a remarkable level of micro nuances for an IEMS under 100$ without being a purely analytical model, but rather more descriptive, clean, transparent, and informative above average.

Comparisons

TRI Meteor

To test the true potential of the new Hidizs MS2 Pro, I am going to compare it with a 2022 model that I really liked. It is the TRI Meteor, a hybrid model consisting of a 10mm dynamic driver with a beryllium-plated diaphragm and 1 Knowles ED-29689 BA driver. Its starting price was around 100$ and it seems that you can still get them on AliExpress. It comes with a good set of accessories (a set of 5 tips and another set of 3 pairs, a brown leather carrying case, a mini cleaning brush, a cleaning cloth and a 5N OFC cable with a 3.5mm SE plug). This is a more premium presented model, with accessories that are not entirely common, such as the leather case, the cloth and the brush, as well as a set of tips in five sizes. The cable is simple but somewhat more manageable than the one that comes with the MS2 Pro.
The Meteor capsules are made of Egger resin, with a semi-custom shape, a translucent inner body and an outer face with a fluid pattern in silver glitter on a black base. The TRI logo also stands out in silver on the outer surface. It is clear that the ZA12 zinc alloy construction of the MS2 Pro is superior and more durable, but also heavier and slightly inferior in terms of fit and ergonomics. Simply put, the Meteor capsules fit in only one way, and once you find the right tips, the fit is superior. The MS2 Pro fits very well, but it is heavier and does not fit as securely as the semi-custom Meteor.
The Meteor has a more U-W tuning with enhanced sub-bass, a linear drop towards the midrange, and no hump in the mid-bass. Its pinna gain is more controlled and the treble is smoother, with less energy. The treble extension is similar with a similar amount of air. The biggest differences are in the mid-bass hump that the MS2 Pro has with the standard nozzles (Charm Red), in the upper mids, early highs and mid-highs. The MS2 Pro is tuned to be brighter, more technical, transparent and brilliant, as well as having more volume and presence in the bass. The Meteor has cleaner mids, a more balanced profile and smoother, more controlled highs.
The Meteor are less efficient than the MS2 Pro; with the same amount of voltage, they sound quieter.
Right off the bat, you can tell that the MS2 Pro has a more transparent, separate, bright, defined and resolute profile than the Meteor, which is silkier, more musical and smoother. This makes the Meteor’s treble feel nuanced at times, sounding somewhat unnatural, with some cymbals lacking sparkle or realistic brightness.
The bass of the Meteor has more presence than the comparison of the two overlapping frequency responses shows. However, in the very low frequency pure tone test, an obvious undulating character can be observed. This is not the case with the MS2 Pro, and this feature alone is an improvement over the bass of the Meteor. The MS2 Pro sounds natural, with less colouration, good depth, and is more technical and effective. They also have more weight and feel less rubbery than the Meteor. The dirty, complex, unfiltered bass test was a real failure for the Meteor, as they did not pass the test. In the hardest and most complex passages, the Meteor sounded out of place, slightly distorted, uncontrolled and dirty. Perhaps this is due to time or poor frequency filtering, or it may be due to the BA driver reacting in an area where it should not. In contrast, the MS2 Pro performed excellently in this test. Nothing more to say.
The midrange of the MS2 Pro seems more robust, with a wider bass range giving it a degree of warmth and physicality that the Meteor lacks. The TRI is darker, silkier, more continuous and homogeneous. There is more sparkle, liveliness, clarity and transparency in the MS2 Pro. The Meteor offers a smoother and more musical sound experience, but with lower resolution and less detail.
In the upper range, the differences are significant: the Meteor offers controlled, smooth, nuanced, darker, thicker treble with less energy, which makes it silky but less natural. In contrast, the MS2 Pro is almost the opposite: sharper, brighter, more energetic, crisp, sparkling, refined, and natural.
Despite the Meteor’s homogeneity, they are decisive and capable of demonstrating micro detail in the background, almost at the same level as the MS2 Pro. What happens is that the Hidizs are cleaner and more separated, offering a dark and more separated background. The notes are finer in the MS2 Pro, which gives them better separation, definition and greater information.
The shape of the soundstage is different in both sets. While the Meteor offers greater width and slightly more depth, with a more oval soundstage, the MS2 Pro offers better laterality, a more evident sense of volatility, with better height and a more gaseous soundstage, where the elements are more floating and closer, attempting to surround the head. The Meteor’s soundstage is more relaxed and homogeneous. The positioning is more defined in the Hidizs.

Conclusion

The Hidizs MS2 Pro marks a return to good taste in design and improved construction of its hybrid model (1DD+1BA) for under 100$. This revision improves the sound profile and adds greater quality, accompanied by three tuning nozzles, the classic set of accessories from the brand, with greatly improved design and construction. Outstandingly constructed, with a design reminiscent of a rhinoceros, the MS2 Pro are very ergonomic, despite their weight, with a compact size that can be chosen in three different colours for the leather plate located on the outside of the capsules. Hidizs has followed the sound pattern of the first MS2s, adding quite a bit of weight to the bass, while compensating for this with a little more punch in the upper mids and early highs. To prevent this from becoming excessive, it has included three tuning nozzles that allow you to fine-tune the bass and treble to suit your preferences. Now its profile is more V-W, but it has improved in quality, ability, clarity, efficiency and performance. Without a doubt, this is an evolved model that adapts to the current times, clearly surpassing the hybrid models of previous years and seeking its place in today’s broad landscape, based on build quality, design, accessories and, most importantly, sound refinement.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• iFi GO bar Kensei.
• EPZ TP50.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602 + ifi ZEN CAN 3.
• Tempotec MARCH V.
• Tempotec V3 Blaze.