Hidizs S9 PRO Balanced & Single-Ended Mini HiFi DAC & AMP, 768kHz/32Bit, DSD512 Portable Audio Decoding Amplifier for iPhone iPod Android PC with Windows/Mac OS/iOS/iPad OS System (Black)

Product Information

As briefly alluded to earlier, punchier mid-bass bumps and energetic treble peaks are slightly enhanced for an excitable juxtaposition between both elements in the FR. I am not going to do my usual rant about how difficult it is for me to compare clean SS amplifiers, so I will just get on with it. Same internals, different dressing; there are no technical or performative differences between them. However, a strict side-by-side comparison of both models would highlight the few differences that make the S9 PRO Copper Limited Edition distinct from the S9 Pro. Design I reviewed the S9 Pro dongle DAC quite some time ago, 2 years ago in fact, although the dongle was launched quite a bit before that. I remember the device being very powerful for its size, and in comparison to the competition at the time, with a sound signature that was quite cold and analytical. Martha adopts the fourth-generation professional HiFi audio processing circuit architecture developed by Hidizs Acoustic Laboratory. This is a fully balanced circuit architecture, consisting of four parts: USB interface processor, DAC, independent headphone amplifier and POP sound cancellation system. The DAC uses ESS Technology's flagship DAC chip ES9038Q2M, which uses ESS Technology's patented 32-bit HyperStream® II QUADDAC™ architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. It ensures the extremely high accuracy of audio data and represents the highest level of audio decoding technology. Its excellent characteristics make it the first choice for audiophiles and high-fidelity music lovers.

A source is rated based on A/B tests. If one source sounds not as good as the other, I would bump up the volume and give it another try before concluding. This practice aims to mitigate the "louder is better" problem. It is a difficult choice between two great dongles. But the preference for one or the other should be based on two aspects: if you want to play music with the highest fidelity and quality, I would choose the Hidizs S9 Pro, because of its ability to play PCM up to 768kHz/32Bit and DSD512 and because its sound is slightly superior. But if you want to use Bluetooth and exploit all the capabilities that the Qudelix offers with its APP, it is clear that the choice will be the 5K. And on this I can’t fool anyone." To activate the S8, users are to plug in their earphones or headphones into its 3.5mm output, prior to connecting it to the source device. This problem is no longer prevalent on the S9 PRO Copper Limited Edition. Before we move on, I want to talk about Sennheiser HD560s because the results were interesting. Surprisingly, the difference between S9 Pro and the Apple dongle is relatively small. If I pay careful attention, I can hear slightly more treble air and more crispy and textured bass notes with S9 Pro, but not day and night. I hear no noticeable difference in dynamic, clarity, fairness, and soundstage between S9 Pro and KA3. Is HD560s not that sensitive to sources? Having discussed the sound differences, it is worth noting that the Hidizs has a balanced output, with its higher power, in addition to the conventional 3.5mm SE. This is something that could tip the balance towards the S9 Pro, without a doubt, as it makes it a more versatile device and also more capable at decoding high-resolution files.Blue Light” Linear phase slow roll-off: Enriched harmonics, full low frequencies, and natural reverb. What we do get is volume control, 6 filters to choose from and a 4.4mm output to replace the 2.5mm. All of these are improvements, while the price stays basically the same as the old model. The KA3 and S9 Pro gap narrowed slightly with VE Monk+ and Blessing 2. However, KA3 is still noticeably brighter and splashier. For instance, all cymbal crashes from around 0:40 are louder and harsher. Even when I boost the volume of the S9 Pro to be noticeably louder than KA3, the tonality of the S9 Pro is still less splashy and bright compared to KA3. S9 renders the low-pitched "brrrrm" sound a bit stronger and more textured.

Leaving no stone unturned, the S9 PRO Copper Limited Edition covers all standard audiophile bases. Sound Impressions SummarySome paperworks such as instruction manuals, Q.C. card, a card discount voucher and serial number card. So, moving on over 2, almost 3, years since its release, Hidizs now bring us the S9 Pro Plus Martha, a device that is very reminiscent of the Pro but with some updates that Hidizs are quite excited about. The S9 Pro is a narrow and elongated piece, measuring 59x18x8mm, made of a high-density aluminium body. The larger sides are glazed. On the top one, there is the Hidizs logo and an LED, located at the bottom, near the USB connector. On the lower side is the Hi-Res logo and a description of the device, in small gold letters. For the price at which it is now also offered in various bundles this Dac is really excellent. At 59USD should be seriously considered above all those who are indecisive about their first DAC to buy and love to keep the sound as neutral as possible. As discussed, power is abundant for a dongle (100mW@32Ω SE, 200mW@32Ω balanced). This is around 2 volts SE, and 4 volts balanced, which is sufficient to drive most moderately difficult headphones and IEMs. Compare this to the 62mW@32Ω of the recently reviewed Audirect Atom 2 dongle. The Audirect Atom 2 is far smaller than the S9 PRO. Hidizs S9 PRO Sound

As can be seen in the specifications, Martha's power is 138mW on SE and 180mW on BAL at 32Ω. In reality it is 150mW for both outputs, a little higher for SE, but a little lower for BAL. I have verified that it can give 2.76V per BAL at 33Ω with a pure tone of 5kHz, but I have not been able to make such a measurement with lower frequencies, simply, it is not able to give that power in all the frequency range. In that special case, the power would be 230mW, a very high value. And that means that Martha is capable of a lot. On the extreme end of things, the infamous Tin HiFi P2, a planar-magnetic IEM with a notoriously low sensitivity rating did not fare well on the S9 PRO Copper Limited Edition. It is important to consider the limited power-draw that dongle DAC/Amps can derive from a smart device.In fact, It has a substantial texture and definition in this particular part of the frequency range spectrum. Green Light” Anodizing fast roll-off (Default Filter): Vocals are slightly forward, and high frequencies are extended with reduced resonance. The Hidizs S9 Pro was already considered great when its price was full, so now that it is discounted at 50% it is definitely a best buy! It is good both with headsets of hot and cold shade.

The increased soundstage is tied to both the cleaner output and the additional power, which can make impulse response a bit faster.In Windows 10 the volume control works from 0 to 100, but with 2-step jumps, as is usual with other volume-controlled dongles. Not bad. The S9 PRO Copper Limited Edition shares an identical form factor to the S9 Pro. Structurally, there are no observable changes, and it still retains the S9 Pro’s distinctly monolithic appearance. That being said, I can absolutely see why the S9 PRO is a contender on many a best-of list. If your audio tastes lean towards the highest detail reproduction, or you want to be able to use your phone with a wide variety of headphones and IEMs, the S9 PRO offers a simple and affordable solution. Red light: Linear phase fast roll-off: Enhanced analytical capabilities, offering a clean and crisp sound. This flexibility allows you to adapt the filter effects to your headphones, maximizing your listening experience.