Today, we review the $169 USD Hidizs MS3 Hybrid IEMs.
Disclaimer: Hidizs sent us the MS3 for this review. As always, I am here to share my honest experience with the product.
Hidizs
Founded in 2009, Hidizs is a recognized brand in the high-fidelity audio industry. Headquartered in Shenzen, China, the company has established a notable presence in the audio community due to its commitment to producing a wide range of audio devices that offer excellent value for money. Their product range includes portable audio players, DACs, amplifiers, and in-ear monitors, each designed to bring an enjoyable listening experience to the user.
Today, we are checking out their latest hybrid IEM, the MS3, which shares similar aesthetics with the MS5 that we reviewed a short while ago.
Hidizs MS3 Hybrid In-Ear Monitors
The Hidizs MS3 features a hybrid configuration that pairs one dynamic driver with two balanced armature drivers. The dynamic driver handles the lows, while the armatures cover the mids and highs.
Hidizs states that they focused on achieving the Harman frequency target curve, by creating a custom crossover network that uses high-quality components. Here is their statement about the frequency curve of the MS3:
”In order to make the frequency response of one dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers of MS3 more accurate, We redesigned the crossover point of the earphone and used tantalum capacitors to control the crossover point. Tantalum capacitors have higher frequency response and lower ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), which can provide clearer and more precise sound.
Thanks to the high-precision frequency division control and the careful professional adjustment of HAL (HIDIZS Acoustic Laboratory), after many times of G.R.A.S artificial ear measurement data calibration, the frequency response curve of MS3 on the B&K HATS test instrument is highly in line with the H-2019 standard target curve. It has excellent frequency response characteristics, and its effective frequency response range reaches the Hi-Res standard of 20Hz-40kHz.
It brings higher resolution, better treble extension, and wider sound field performance ability, and can more truly restore the true sound quality of the sound source itself, bringing a real and natural high-fidelity listening experience.”
Today, we’re going to take a look at its performance and evaluate if it’s worth the price. In my opinion, the 100-200$ bracket is an important one, as I think it is the sweet spot for many budget audiophiles, who want to avoid the diminishing returns phenomena in the audio sphere.
Specifications
Impedance: 18Ω
Sensitivity: 112dB
Frequency Range: 20Hz-40kHz
Cable: UP-OFC, 4-braid, 4.4mm or 3.5mm plug, 0.78 2-pin
Weight: 15g (each IEM, without cable)
MSRP: $169 USD (Pre-sale $119) Also available on Amazon.
Packaging & Accessories
Hidizs’ Mermaid MS3 comes in a black box that shares the exact design of MS5’s. Lifting the top cover exposes the MS3 IEMs and under the foam compartment lies all the other accessories that come bundled with the IEMs. Hidizs has included 3 sets of different-sized eartips and each set comes with its own extra replacement tips, which is great. Each set emphasizes a unique frequency band.
There are tips for enhancing vocals, bass, and balanced sound. There is also a faux leather carrying pouch, two replaceable nozzle filters, and a high-quality pure copper detachable cable included in the package. The inclusion of a multitude of ear tips ensures optimum fit for the majority of the users. Overall, the accessory package is quite impressive for this price bracket.
Design, Build, and Fit
Hidizs continues its uniquely shaped aluminum design that started with the MS5. The MS3 shares its aesthetics with its bigger brother, excluding the rose gold grille that resides under the aluminum faceplate of the MS5. In my opinion, the IEMs look even better without the grille, and I find MS3’s design quite nice. The ”angel wing design” of the Hidizs is unique and looks quite nice, especially in the ear, under different light sources.
The MS3 IEMs are made of anodized aluminum and are slightly heavier than your regular acrylic IEMs. The shell and the faceplates are matte black and the edges around the faceplate are semi-glossy rose gold along with the nozzles. I am not a huge fan of rose gold but I must say that these earphones are one of the few items that I like seeing the rose gold color in.
The earphones are significantly smaller than MS5, and they are ergonomically designed, so they fit very comfortably in my ear, even more so than the MS5. I don’t lose seal when I shake my head or talk, which is good. As someone with large ear canals, I preferred the large tips, but the variety of ear tips makes it easy to find a pair that is comfortable and offers a good seal for long listening sessions.
The MS3, just like the MS5, features Hidizs’ “Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filter™” system, an interchangeable nozzle system that is usually found on Chi-Fi models in the market. In total, the MS3 comes with 3 different nozzle filters. These are the rose gold filter (default), the silver filter (treble), and the red filter (bass).
The sound is tuned by the sound tube structure and the density of the tuning cotton/filter/dampener inside the nozzle filters, enabling the user to experience three slightly different signatures. The nozzle filters can be screwed on and off quickly and easily. I like the fact that they used O-rings to improve the filter seal, which is essential for better SQ.
According to Hidizs, the details of the filters are as follows:
Balanced – Rose Gold: Hidizs signature style, suitable for Pop and Folk
High Frequency – Quiet Silver: Smoothness improved, suitable for ACG and Classic
Low Frequency – Charm Red: Full of energy, suitable for Rock and Heavy Metal
We’ll take a closer look at these filters in the sound section.
Overall, the build quality of the earphones is excellent for the price. These may be one of the best-built IEMs under the $200 mark. The MS3 IEMs feel solid and robust, suggesting they’ll withstand the test of time. The nozzle joints and weak points, like the 2-pin housing and the screw system, feels secure and well-made.
The review continues on the next page. Click here or use the jump below.
Page 1: Hidizs, The MS3, Packaging & Accessories , Design, Build & Comfort,
Page 2: Sound, Low, Mid, High, Technical Capability, Comparison, Last Words
