The Hidizs ST2 Pro 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 Hidizs ST2 Pro will be launched on December 19th, 2024/10:30 AM through Kickstarter.
The prices are ST2 PRO Nebula (Super Early Bird): $39.00 (Limited to 500 units) – ST2 PRO Nebula (Early Bird): $49.00 – ST2 PRO Nebula USB-C 2-pin or MMCX earphone cable only (Early Bird): $36.00.
Regular prices will be announced after the Kickstarter campaign ends.
To order yours please visit Kickstarter.
Hidizs
Hidizs is a well known audio brand that makes high quality earphones and USB DACs with excellent price to performance ratio and affordable prices. Like the MP145 and the S8 Pro that made great success in the audiophile community.
USB type-C audio cables
Informed readers will know that the latest trend in the portable audio market is to make earphone cables with a USB type-C plug and an integrated DAC/amp chip. These cables come with either 2-pin or MMCX connectors so you can use them with your favorite earphones. Sometimes they are bundled together with an entry level set of earphones for people who don’t own one.
These cables are easy to use and offer high quality sound with minimal power consumption while they substitute for the 3.5mm headphone plug that most smartphones don’t have anymore. Notable examples of such cables are the FiiO JD1 (Type-C version), the ddHiFi M120B and the MOONDROP Free DSP.
The Hidizs ST2 Pro Nebula cable
Following the trend, Hidizs has released their own USB type-C cable, the ST2 Pro Nebula that is available either bundled with a set of earphones or alone in 2-pin and MMCX versions. The ST2 Pro will be available through Kickstarter at first and then normal sales will follow.
The Hidizs ST2 Pro Nebula is an earphone cable with a type-C plug and 2-pin or MMCX connectors. The cable integrates the ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC/amp chip that supports sampling rates up to 32bit/384kHz PCM, DSD128 and 8X MQA unfolding. The ST2 Pro has a rated power output of 70mW*2/32Ω with a measured power consumption as low 0.05A so it is very efficient.
The cable is compatible with Android, iOS or any other USB type-C device such as a Windows PC or Mac. Since this is a wired connection, latency is zero so it is suitable for gaming and movie watching.
The ST2 Pro also integrates a handy in-line control button with an HD microphone for making calls. You can use the button to answer/hang up the phone and control music playback (one click for play/pause and double click for next track) but you can’t adjust the volume.
Cable design and build quality
The cable has an aluminium alloy USB plug with a transparent window at both sides that showcases the internal PCB. A sampling rate indicator LED will light red for PCM 44.1-48kHz decoding and blue for PCM 88.2-384kHz or native DSD playback. The in-line control and the splitter are made from aluminum alloy but the earphone connectors are plastic. The USB plug gets a little warm after a while but not too hot.
The 1.2m long cable features high-purity oxygen-free copper wires and is covered tightly with a woven textile material for extra durability and better flexibility. This is a well made cable that is soft and lightweight (16g) with low microphonic noise but it looks a little fragile. The ST2 Pro is available in silver-gray or black-blue colors.
The bundled earphones
The Hidizs ST2 Pro Nebula earphones feature a customized 10mm high-performance dual magnetic circuit dynamic driver with a PU+PEEK composite diaphragm. The earphones are tuned based on the H-2019 target curve. The ear-shells are made from skin-friendly resin compound with aluminum alloy faceplates that have the Hidizs logo etched in them.
The ear-shells have an ergonomic, custom-like design and a low weight (7g each) so they offer a comfortable and stress free wearing experience with decent passive noise attenuation. The earphones are available in semi-transparent black or white options.
Accessories
The ST2 Pro Nebula cable comes bundled with a handy carrying pouch and a USB type-C to A adapter plus three sets of silicone ear-tips for the version with the earphones.
Listening impressions with the included earphones
The combination of the ST2 Pro earphones with their own USB type-C cable has a popular tuning that follows the crowd pleaser H-2019 target curve. This is an entry level set of earphones that is designed for use on the go while listening to a diverse selection of music material and as such the tuning concept can be considered as successful.
The bass is big and bold with good sub-bass extension and a generous mid-bass emphasis but it doesn’t sound as too overpowering or bleeding that much into the mid-range. The physical impact is very satisfying and will please with modern tunes while texture and resolution are decent for the category. Obviously this is not a tuning that aims for tonal accuracy but it is meant to sound fun and enjoyable.
The mid-range is not more recessed than in most typical V-shaped tunings so it manages to sound present and clean with adequate resolution for the category. Voices and instruments appear realistic and harmonious enough with satisfying timbre accuracy but the textures are rather lacking in refinement and the sound is a bit lifeless and not that emotionally engaging. Still such kind of criticism is quite unfair considering the earphone’s status and intended use.
The treble is somewhat lacking in resolution and has an average definition but in the end it gets the job done and blends well with the rest of the frequencies. It is energetic and extended enough with a touch of brightness but it doesn’t come as sharp or fatiguing. The sound is not dark or dull and the timbre doesn’t suffer from too much artificiality or lack of weight.
As a whole, the Hidizs ST2 Pro has a tuning that is well aligned with the scope of use and is also accompanied by acceptable technical performance. The soundstage is wide and spacious enough with good imaging. It doesn’t have much grandness or depth but it is not congested or claustrophobic.
Listening impressions with the cable alone
The ST2 Pro cable is powerful enough to drive sensitive earphones, like the mpHidizs MP143 or the Dunu Kima 2 that I have mostly used during the evaluation. The cable has a neutral – balanced sound signature with a touch of extra sparkle. It can do full justice to all entry level earphones and is a great substitute for portable USB DAC dongles without their bulk and weight while it consumes considerably less power.
The ES9281AC DAC chip offers superior sound quality when compared with the plain codecs that are often used in most similar cables. The sound is clear and transparent enough with deep and impactful bass, melodious mid-range and extended treble. Technicalities are solid for such a device with controlled low-end, present and well defined mids as well as energetic treble that is not bright or etched.
While I wouldn’t recommend this cable for critical listening or for use with higher-tier earphones, it is an excellent solution for anyone looking for good sound on the go without the added clutter of a USB DAC dongle.
In the end
The Hidizs ST2 Pro Nebula is good enough to stand its own ground in a very competitive market. The ST2 Pro cable alone is an excellent solution for anyone looking to enjoy his favorite earphones on the go without adding much bulk under the smartphone.
And if by chance you don’t happen to own any decent set of earphones or simply want a second one for everyday use, then you have the option to buy the Hidizs ST2 Pro Nebula cable together with its matching earphones.
One way or another, the Hidizs ST2 Pro Nebula offers high quality sound and craftsmanship at an affordable price.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ You can buy the cable alone or together with its matching earphones
+ The USB cable has a neutral sound signature with good technicalities
+ Good power output for the size with minimal power consumption
+ In-line controls and HD microphone
+ The cable is available with either 2-pin or MMCX connectors
+ The included earphones have a fun and popular tuning
+ The earphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear
+ Both the cable and the earphones are well made
+ Both options are affordable
- Regular prices are not yet determined
- The cable looks a little fragile
- You can't control the volume
- No DSP options
- The earphones are only suitable for casual listening
- Average technicalities and resolution for the earphones
Leave a comment