Introduction
The Hidizs MS2 is a hybrid in-ear monitor that aims to deliver audiophile-quality sound at an affordable price point. With a combination of one balanced armature driver and one 10.2mm dynamic driver per earpiece, the MS2 promises to bring the advantages of both driver technologies together in a cohesive tuning.
In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the design, comfort, sound quality, and overall performance of the Hidizs MS2 to see if it lives up to its promise as a high-value IEM.
Disclaimer: I received this review unit courtesy of Hidizs.net. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
Hidizs MS2
Specifications
- Drivers: BA Driver Knowles RAD-33518-P183 + Dynamic Driver 10.2mm, Dual Voice Coils and Dual Voice Chambers with macromolecule composite diaphragm V2.0.
- Body: German Eco-friendly Resin Body, Gold-Plated Sound Nozzle
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz
- Sensitivity 112dB
- Impedance 18Ω
- Cable: Mixed Braiding of Quad-Core Wires (2x Silver and 2 OFC)
- Earphone Connector: Detachable 0.78mm 2pin Gold-plated Socket
- Plug: 3.5mm Gold-plated Plug
Individual ratings
The bass has good depth, impact, and extension while remaining tight and controlled. There’s solid sub-bass rumble and an added mid-bass punch. The dynamic driver provides satisfying weight and body. The tonality of the bass is amazing, and the quality is also correct. Good bass texture. Definitely not for bass heads.
The mids are slightly recessed due to the mild V-shaped tuning. Lower mids have a good body, while upper mids show nice clarity without harshness. Overall, transparency is very good, despite not being very forward. MS2's midrange sounds extremely natural. Every single vocal sounded the way it should. But very slightly distant (or recessed).
The treble has good extension and ample energy without getting sharp or sibilant. There's crispness and liveliness to the highs. Details are well defined, and micro-details come through clearly.
The soundstage is open and spacious, with good width. Imaging is accurate with an "overall head size" sound. Dimensionality and depth are good, but not class-leading. The soundstage could have been better, as the experience is still in the head but not congested at all; it is simply using the whole space inside the head as the stage.
Clarity and detail retrieval are very good, avoiding a congested or muddy sound. Subtle textures and nuances in instruments come through clearly. Vocal details are also well-presented. Heavily busy tracks are handled nicely.
The dynamic driver provides a nice impact and slam when called for. Attacks and decays are quick without sounding truncated. The MS2 handles fast-tempo tracks well.
The resolution is respectable for the price point, with well-defined details throughout the frequency range. The limits of the budget components are apparent compared to higher-end sets. But you can hear both drivers are working; one is separating the vocals and bass region, and the other handles mostly the background instrumentals. Nice but subtle separation; you won't even notice it at first, but the more you listen, the more you will feel and appreciate the refined presentation.
Overall, good build quality with sturdy metal nozzles, removable cables, and cleanly fit shell halves. The resin material is one of the best I have encountered in this price range. The packaging is also good. It comes with a very solid faux leather-wrapped metal magnetic case. And I even slept over the right earpiece and nothing happened to it.
Thanks to the lightweight, ergonomic shells, the MS2 is very comfortable for extended wear. The shells are extremely comfortable on the skin; even the cable is smooth and soft to touch. Noise isolation is also good with the right fit.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
The Hidizs MS2 hybrid IEM offers audiophile-quality sound and a premium build at an ultra-budget-friendly price. For those looking for high-value portable audio on a budget, the MS2 delivers impressive performance and should be on the shortlist. It punches far above its weight class and sets a new benchmark for entry-level hybrid IEMs.
Pros
- attractive design with colourful "phosphorescent" faceplates
- good build quality with metal nozzles and removable cables
- very comfortable fit with secure noise isolation.
- fun and engaging mildly V-shaped sound signature
- solid bass impact with good depth and textures
- Clear and detailed midrange despite a slight recession
- good treble extension with crispness and air
- spacious soundstage with accurate imaging
- Nice instrument separation and clarity for a hybrid
- Good dynamics and speed
- respectable detail resolution for the price.
- Excellent value, from packaging to sound
Cons
- Pre-formed ear guides can be slightly stiff, but not uncomfortable.
- Sub-bass could extend a bit deeper.
- Some mild mid-bass bloat on certain tracks
- Slight lack of upper midrange presence
- Stage depth is average.
- not as technically adept as pricier multi-BA sets
Gaming Performance
Thanks to the spacious soundstage and imaging, the Hidizs MS2 performs quite well for gaming usage. Directional audio cues are accurately portrayed, allowing the MS2 to enhance immersion in games. Explosions and gunshots have nice dynamics and impact for an engaging experience. Voices and dialogue cut through the mix cleanly as well.
For more competitive online gameplay, good imaging allows you to accurately pinpoint enemy locations based on precise audio cues. The livelier treble adds crispness to footstep sounds. In summary, the MS2 offers a fun and capable option for both immersive and competitive gaming needs.
Music Genres
Suitable
- The MS2's fun, mildly V-shaped sound works well with most modern genres: pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, rap, etc. The elevated lows and highs bring energy and excitement to these lively genres.
- The clear midrange also suits vocal-centric music like jazz, acoustic, and classical.
- The MS2 is quite genre-versatile given its balanced, cohesive tuning.
Not Suitable
- Very mid-forward, vocal-intimate genres like folk may sound a bit distant due to the MS2's slightly recessed midrange.
- Similarly, the MS2 would not be ideally suited for genres like solo piano that require ultimate midrange transparency.
- But overall, the MS2 can capably handle most music types.
Equalization Tips
- If you find the bass slightly boomy, try reducing 60–100 Hz by 2–3 dB.
- To minimise sibilance, lower the 8–10 kHz range by 1-2 dB.
- For more midrange presence, boost the 1-3 kHz range by 1-2 dB.
Movie Experience
I was impressed by the spacious, open soundstage and lively treble, which made action scenes immersive. The voices were clear and natural. The dynamic driver delivered a nice punch and impact for the sound effects. There was good depth and rumble in the bass as well. Overall, the fun yet balanced MS2 provides an engaging movie-watching experience thanks to its combination of soundstage, clear mids, dynamic bass, and crisp treble.
1. Packaging
- Hidizs MS2
- Cable with velcro strap for organization
- 6 pairs of Eartips (3x narrow and 3x wide bore)
- solid faux leather-wrapped magnetic metal case.
- paperworks
2. Design And Build Quality
The Hidizs MS2 utilises a lightweight resin shell housing in a universal IEM form factor. The semi-transparent shell allows you to see the internal drivers and components. The faceplates have an eye-catching multi-layered design with the Hidizs logo embedded into the “phosphorescent” finish. It's a very attractive look that helps the MS2 stand out.
The build quality is quite good for the price. The shell halves fit together cleanly with no gaps. The metal nozzles, gold-plated 2-pin connectors, and removable cable all feel sturdy and durable. The shells are also good at resisting scratches. The resin is also very skin-friendly.
Included in the box are six pairs of silicone eartips in two different bore sizes, a decent-quality 4-core cable (no microphonics), and a surprisingly nice faux leather-wrapped magnetic aluminium carry case. Overall, the packaging and accessories are good for a sub-$80 IEM.
3. Comfort
Thanks to the lightweight resin shells and ergonomic shape, the MS2 is very comfortable to wear for extended periods. The angled nozzles allow the MS2 to sit flush in the ear without protruding too much. Noise isolation is about average for a universal IEM. The included eartips provide a good seal and a secure fit.
The cable is lightweight and flexible enough to stay comfortable over the ears. There are pre-formed ear guides, but they require some stretching to maintain the proper over-ear fit. Overall, the MS2 is a very user-friendly (and also skin-friendly) IEM in terms of comfort and ergonomics.
4. Sound Quality Of The Hidizs MS2
I. Tonality
The Hidizs MS2 has a mildly V-shaped sound signature that emphasises the lows and highs while keeping good clarity through the midrange. The bass has a moderate boost, providing impact and fullness. The mids are slightly recessed but maintain good transparency. The treble is elevated to bring out details and air.
Overall tonality is fun and energetic, yet quite balanced between the frequency ranges. It's an engaging sound that works well with a variety of genres. The MS2 is easy to listen to for extended periods without fatigue.
I personally love the tonality of this IEM. It sounds so natural, especially the bass and vocals. Even though the vocals take a bit of a backseat. The moment I put these in my ears, it sounded average, but the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate its refined tuning. It is like wearing a plain black suit—not the most flashy, but after some time, the people around you will start to appreciate its elegance. So in one word, the tuning is simply elegant.But it might not wow you out of the box; spend some time with it, and you will soon appreciate its refined tuning.
Hidizs MS2 is for long-term listening with the right tips. As these are so inoffensive and also blend in the background very easily, you won't even feel like you are using an earphone; you will get the feeling of ambient music playing in your head. It is easily one of my favourite IEMs in this price bracket.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The Hidizs MS2
III. Bass Response
The bass has good depth and impact, thanks to the 10.2mm dynamic driver. Sub-bass extension reaches down low with audible rumble below 30 Hz. The mid-bass is boosted to add punch and warmth to the sound. However, the bass remains fairly tight and controlled. It doesn't bleed excessively into the mids or sound bloated. Bass textures come through clearly, despite the added warmth. Bass speed is good, with quick decay.
The dynamic driver adds satisfying weight and body to the low end. While not at the basshead level, there's enough impact for modern tracks and EDM. The bass provides a nice foundation without being too lean or anaemic.
IV. Midrange Performance
The midrange takes a slight step back in the mix due to the mild V-shape tuning. Lower mids have good body and fullness. Vocals sound natural and slightly warm. There's no sense of thinning out or hollowness in the vocal range.
Upper mids show nice clarity and detail while avoiding harshness. Female vocals are smooth and well-defined. The MS2 retains good transparency through the midrange despite not being very forward. Notes have proper weight to them. Overall resolution is very good, contributing to the clean and detailed midrange.
V. Treble Response
The MS2's treble has good extension thanks to the balanced armature driver. There's ample energy and air in the upper registers. The lower treble is smooth and non-fatiguing. The middle treble has a slight boost, adding crispness and liveliness to guitars, cymbals, and percussion. The treble is lively without getting overly sharp or sibilant.
Treble details are well-defined. Complex passages are handled nicely without excessive grain or harshness. The BA driver integrates nicely with the dynamic driver, producing a cohesive and expansive treble presentation.
5. Technicalities Of The Hidizs MS2
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The MS2 provides an open and spacious soundstage, especially for a hybrid IEM at this price. The stage feels wider than average, with good lateral expansion. Instruments have ample space to breathe. Imaging is accurate with the ability to portray an "out of the head" sound. The overall dimensionality and layering of the stage are good but not class-leading.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
Clarity and detail retrieval are very good for a sub-$80 hybrid IEM. The dual-driver setup brings out nuances and micro-details effectively. Subtle textures on instruments like guitars and strings are apparent. Vocal details come through clearly. The MS2 avoids sounding overly congested or muddy.
Instrument separation is above average but falls short of more expensive multi-BA designs. On busy tracks, instruments can become a bit blended together. But overall, the MS2 performs well in maintaining clarity between instruments and voices. The instrument separation scales with the use of a DAC and amp.
III. Dynamics And Speed
The dynamic driver in the MS2 provides nice impact and slam when called for. Drums and basslines have good punch and drive. The MS2 is able to keep up with fast-tempo tracks without losing energy. Attacks and decays are quick without sounding truncated.
Considering the budget-friendly pricing, the MS2 delivers surprisingly nice dynamism and liveliness. The dual-driver hybrid setup integrates nicely to produce a cohesive and engaging sound.
IV. Resolution
The resolution is very respectable for the price. Details are well defined throughout the spectrum, from bass to treble. Micro-details come through clearly for an IEM at this level. The MS2 avoids sounding muddy or smeared. Vocal textures and background details are presented with good finesse.
However, the limits of the budget components are apparent when compared to higher-end multi-BA designs. The MS2 doesn't have the ultra-precise resolution and hyper-details of pricier options. But at this affordable price, the detail retrieval is very commendable.
6. Comparisons
Hidizs MS2 VS Tin HiFi T3 Plus
The T3 Plus is another affordable hybrid option. It has more sub-bass rumble but sounds a bit looser in the low end compared to the tighter MS2. The T3 Plus has more upper midrange presence for slightly clearer vocals, while the MS2 is more even through the midrange. The MS2 has better control in the treble and avoids the sibilance issues that the T3 Plus can exhibit. Soundstage and imaging are quite similar. Overall, MS2 has more natural, coherent tuning.
Hidizs MS2 VS Moondrop Aria
The Aria is an impressive budget single-DD IEM. It has better midrange presence and coherence compared to the MS2. The bass extension can't quite match the dual-driver MS2. The MS2 pulls ahead in treble extension, air, and sparkle over the smoother Aria. Soundstage sounds a bit wider on the MS2, while the Aria edges out the depth. The Aria appeals more to midrange lovers, while the MS2 will satisfy sub-bass and treble fans.
Hidizs MS2 VS iBasso IT00
The IT00 has significantly less bass presence and sounds leaner overall. Its midrange is more forward with better detail, but it can also sound thinner. Treble is crisp and well-extended on the IT00 but less natural than the MS2. The MS2 has more coherent musical tuning, while the IT00 brings technical performance.
Dive deeper with more comparisons.
7. FAQs
Q. Who should buy the Hidizs MS2?
The MS2 is ideal for buyers looking for high value on a budget. Audiophiles who want great sound without breaking the bank will be impressed. It also suits new listeners looking to dip their toes into quality IEMs at an entry-level price. Casual listeners who like punchy bass and crisp treble will enjoy the MS2's signature.
Q. Who should avoid the Hidizs MS2?
Those primarily listening to mid-centric vocal genres may want more midrange body than the MS2 provides, even though the tuning is coherent throughout the midrange frequencies. Bassheads will find the low end satisfying but likely not earth-shaking enough. Audiophiles requiring best-in-class technical performance may be better served by saving up for pricier multi-BA options.
Q. Is Hidizs MS2 suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
The MS2 is good for the treble-sensetive listeners, but with the narrow bore eartips, the wide bore may pose a bit of an issue during poorly recorded tracks and also in high volumes. Using the narrow bore, or if you can get the final type E tips or foam tips, then treble won't be an issue. Overall, the treble should not be an issue in moderate volume.
Q. How is the cable quality? Are there upgrade options?
The stock 4-core copper/silver cable is decent quality for a budget IEM. Aftermarket cables can be used as the MS2 utilises removable 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
Q. Does the MS2 isolate ambient noise well?
Noise isolation is about average for a universal IEM design. Using proper fit and seal with the included eartips, the MS2 can block out a decent amount of environmental noise passively.
Q. Is an amp necessary to drive the MS2 properly?
No, the MS2 has a sensitivity of 112 dB and a low 18 ohm impedance. They are very easy to drive from any portable device or smartphone. But a basic amp is highly recommended; it scales very well with a good DAC and amp. The transients become tighter, and the separation is also way better than before. You would see as much as a two-fold improvement in these cases.
Q. How durable is the resin shell material?
The resin composite material is reasonably durable for typical use. It may not withstand excessive abuse as well as metal shells, but normal care should allow the MS2 to last. It is good at resisting scratches as well.
Q. Can I sleep with this?
No, you cannot, as the shell is quite big and the connector is the 2-pin regular connector, so if it gets bent, it will break, so use with care.
Q. Does it leak sound?
Yes, there is very minor sound leakage. If you listen to normal volume and not absurdly high volume, then you or anyone else beside you won't notice, but at moderately high volume, it does have a minor leakage. But it is not a dealbreaker.
Conclusion
With excellent tuning, upscale components, and a stunning design, the Hidizs MS2 hits well above its affordable price point. This capable hybrid IEM brings out the strengths of both dynamic and balanced armature drivers for an engaging yet balanced sound. It looks and feels more premium than the sub-$80 pricing would suggest. For those looking for high-quality portable audio on a budget, the MS2 should be on the shortlist. It punches far above its weight class and sets a new benchmark for entry-level hybrid performance.
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