The Hidizs MP143 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Hidizs MP143 is $129 and you can buy it from the official Hidizs online shop.
Hidizs MP143 – The Salt
The Hidizs MP143 (nicknamed the “Salt”) is a newly released earphone featuring a 14.3mm large planar magnetic driver, in contrast to the 14.5mm driver utilized in its pricier counterpart, the Hidizs MP145. The 14.3mm diameter planar driver unit, specifically engineered by Hidizs, features advanced nano-level planar speaker diaphragms. This expansive diaphragm provides superior audio detail and dynamic range when compared to alternative driver units. The system incorporates a fully symmetrical magnetic circuit design, utilizing a precise arrangement of 7+7 N52H magnets. This configuration minimizes harmonic distortion, improves the efficiency of the magnetic circuit, and reaches a peak magnetic flux nearing 1 Tesla within the magnetic gap.
The Hidizs MP143, similar to the MP145, incorporates an innovative Pneumatic Sound Tube Technology. It comes with three varieties of pneumatic sound nozzles, enabling users to attain three different sound signatures by adjusting the airflow direction within the earphone chamber. The gold nozzle is designed for a balanced sound profile, the silver nozzle enhances high frequencies, and the red nozzle is intended for bass amplification.
Hidizs and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC)
Hidizs actively champions the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) organization. The design of the Hidizs MP143 earphones draws inspiration from the “Salt” whale and marks the first instance of earphones being offered in plastic-free packaging. All packaging boxes and fillers from Hidizs are now completely devoid of plastic, embodying the concept of “ocean-friendly packaging.”
Hidizs is fully committed to supporting WDC in its mission to protect whales and all marine ecosystems. The company backs WDC’s initiatives aimed at raising awareness and educating the public about the vital ecological functions that whales serve in maintaining ocean health. The narrative of Salt underscores the essential contribution of whales to the overall well-being of our oceans.
Design and wearing comfort
A notable critique of the Hidizs MP145 is its bulkiness and weight, which raises concerns about comfort during wear. In contrast, the MP143 features ear-shells that are not only more compact but also lighter, weighing just 8 grams each. Additionally, the design of the faceplates has been refined to have fewer sharp corners and edges, resulting in significantly improved comfort compared to the MP145. However, it is important to note that the Hidizs MP143 still does not rank as the most ergonomic or comfortable earphone available. The fit tends to be somewhat shallow due to its narrow shape and shorter sound tube, leading to average passive noise isolation.
The Hidizs MP143 is offered in blue, black, and silver finishes, along with a limited edition titanium gold variant. The overall craftsmanship of the MP143 is exceptional, and its aesthetic appeal surpasses that of the MP145.
The stock cable
The detachable 2-pin cable is constructed from high-purity, oxygen-free copper, which guarantees minimal resistance and excellent conductivity. This cable is lightweight, flexible, and designed to minimize microphonic noise, while also being resistant to tangling. You can choose to order it with either a 3.5mm or 4.4mm plug.
Accessories
The retail package comprises a cable, two varieties of silicone ear tips (balanced and treble) available in three different sizes, three pairs of sound tubes housed in a small plastic case, and a pouch bag instead of a standard carrying case.
The Golden Titanium alloy version
The Hidizs MP143 is also offered in a limited Golden Titanium alloy edition, priced at $369. This version differs from the standard model not just in appearance and materials; it has been meticulously tuned to align more closely with the H-2019 target curve. According to Hidizs, the sound quality of the titanium edition is more stable and clearer compared to the aluminum alloy version. Additionally, the titanium bundle comes with two cables—both balanced and unbalanced—along with a WDC budget pin and a collection of postcards.
Drivability
The Hidizs MP143 features an impedance of 17Ω and a sensitivity of 103dB, making it highly efficient to drive while also exhibiting impressive scalability. It can be paired with a basic USB DAC adapter, such as the Hidizs SD2, but for optimal performance, a higher-quality option like the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus is recommended.
Listening impressions
The subsequent observations pertain to the gold sound tubes that provide the most balanced tuning.
The tuning of the Hidizs MP143 is rather predictable, adhering closely to the H-2019 target curve, albeit with minor variations, similar to the MP145. In fact, both earphones exhibit a comparable sound profile when the gold tubes are used; however, their technical performance differs significantly.
The MP143 delivers a robust sub-bass response that accommodates various bass-heavy genres without overwhelming the midrange and treble frequencies. Its low-end features the commonly widespread contemporary emphasis on bass and mid-bass, appealing to a wide audience and providing enjoyment across different musical styles. However, it may lack the tonal accuracy desired for critical listening. In the case of the MP143, the deviations from ideal neutrality are relatively minor though, allowing for the enjoyment of classical music, provided one is open to some variations from neutrality and strict tonal accuracy.
In terms of technical performance, the bass is quick, precise, and well-controled, showcasing the renowned clarity, layering, and texture associated with planar magnetic designs. While it may not deliver the same physical impact as larger dynamic drivers, it remains impressively powerful and realistic. The textures are somewhat lean, yet not overly dry, resulting in a bass response that emphasizes texture layering over sheer weight and visceral presence.
More listening impressions
The mid-range exhibits a strong presence with a well-balanced tuning, avoiding both a muted sound and excessive emphasis in the upper mid-range. While some may desire a bit more prominence in that area, I personally appreciate this more conservative tuning, which is neither fatiguing nor harsh on the ears. The timbre is predominantly natural, with the MP143’s mid-range offering a gentle warmth and richness, delivering an expressive and melodious quality with significant harmonic density. Vocals and instruments are rendered in a realistic and lifelike manner, showcasing good resolution and outstanding clarity for this category.
The treble delivers an ideal balance of presence and energy, resulting in a sound that is both sparkling and bright without causing listener fatigue. The higher frequencies are clear and vibrant, yet remain well-controlled, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. While these earphones may not be the most airy or luminous, they excel in speed, detail retrieval, and resolution, making them suitable for general listening with minimal compromises. The timbre can occasionally come across as slightly hollow or unusual—often referred to as the “planar” timbre—but this effect is primarily noticeable in the highest octave and does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.
The soundstage may not be extraordinary, but it is sufficiently wide and open to avoid any sense of congestion or tightness. The overall presentation is primarily horizontal, positioning the listener near the action, complemented by good imaging and separation. This allows for an enjoyable listening experience across various music genres without the sensation of a “sound wall” at the front of the listener’s head.
Fine tuning with the interchange filters
You have the option to select from the three distinct nozzle filters to customize the sound of MP143, allowing you to better match your listening preferences. The silver tubes, in contrast to the gold ones, provide a slight enhancement in the upper mid-range while maintaining the overall frequency response. Utilize these tubes to introduce additional brightness and clarity to the sound, effectively balancing the pronounced low-end.
The red nozzles have a much more pronounced effect on the overall frequency response compared to the silver ones. They not only enhance the low-end frequencies, extending from the sub-bass to the mid-bass, but they also significantly reduce the upper mid-range frequencies. This leads to a sound signature that is bass-heavy and darker, characterized by subdued high-frequency energy and reduced clarity. These nozzles are ideal for achieving a powerful, bass-centric tuning with overly softened higher frequencies.
Vs the Hidizs MP145
(Gold filters attached to both earphones)
The MP143 offers a warmer and somewhat darker sound profile compared to the Hidizs MP145, featuring a slightly enhanced bass response that lacks the technical precision and physical impact of its counterpart. The treble on the MP143 is smoother and more forgiving, with a tuning that prioritizes safety and listener comfort, though it falls short of the MP145 in terms of resolution, clarity, and vividness. The MP145 excels in transparency and fidelity, featuring a larger and deeper soundstage that creates a more immersive and holographic listening experience with superior separation. Additionally, a non audio key distinction is that the MP143 is designed for greater comfort and is lighter in weight.
In the end
The Hidizs MP143 may not introduce groundbreaking features, as it adheres to a tuning style similar to many other earphones. However, it delivers a rather impressive and enjoyable listening experience across various music genres. This budget-friendly earphone is ideal for those seeking to explore the distinctive qualities of planar magnetic sound, particularly its textured bass performance. The MP143 excels in providing satisfying sound, characterized by its impactful bass and smooth treble, all while maintaining a strong mid-range presence.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Smooth and balanced tuning
+ Plenty of high quality bass
+ Natural and realistic timbre
+ Spacious soundstage
+ Three tuning options
+ You can heavily boost the bass with the red nozzle
+ More comfortable and lightweight than the MP145
+ High quality cable
+ Well made and finished
+ Environmental friendly plastic-free package
+ Affordable
- Too much bass for critical listening
- Not the best in overall transparency and resolution
- The soundstage is mostly flat
- Not the most comfortable earphones
- The cable is not modular
- Average noise isolation
- Carrying pouch instead of a regular case
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