2023-09-06: Hidizs MP145
Disclaimer: Thanks to Hidizs for sending me a free unit (without needing a full review).
Disclaimer 2: This is NOT a collab with me, no matter how close the graph looks (lol).
I start with the boring and the worst parts of this iem first to get that out of the way. The build, SUCKS. Firstly, it is a not a very ergonomic shape and it has some pretty sharp corners as well (which thankfully does not come into contact with my ears during use but only when I’m taking out or putting them into my ears).
Secondly, the shell quite big for a single Planar driver.
Lastly, the venting is not implemented well as there is some slight pressure build up along with slight driver flex for me.
So overall, all those factors combined meant that it isn’t a comfortable iem for me to use and I felt sore after only a few minutes.
Now If I haven’t already scared you away, here are the comparisons:
| MP145 (Low FR nozzle) | Timeless (modded) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass | + | - |
| Mid-bass | = | = |
| Lower-mids | + | - |
| Upper-mids | + | - |
| Treble | + | - |
| Upper-treble | = | = |
| Soundstage | = | = |
| Imaging | = | = |
| Separation | = | = |
| Macro-detail | = | = |
| Micro-detail | - | + |
| Timbre | + | - |
Overall, MP145 is just a solidly better iem over the (modded) Timeless. With pretty much the same level of technicalities but with much improved tonality that is very DD-like and with a much more natural timbre. Although if you prefer a thinner note-weight and more Planar-like tonality and timbre, then the Timeless is more fitting.
| MP145 (Low FR nozzle) | EA500 (red nozzle) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass | + | - |
| Mid-bass | + | - |
| Lower-mids | + | - |
| Upper-mids | - | + |
| Treble | + | - |
| Upper-treble | - | + |
| Soundstage | - | + |
| Imaging | = | = |
| Separation | + | - |
| Macro-detail | + | - |
| Micro-detail | + | - |
| Timbre | = | = |
MP145 is beating the EA500 in pretty much everything. EA500 will be more fitting for people wanting less bass, thinner note-weight and more upper-mids though.
| MP145 (Low FR nozzle) | Orchestra Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass | + | - |
| Mid-bass | + | - |
| Lower-mids | + | - |
| Upper-mids | = | = |
| Treble | + | - |
| Upper-treble | - | + |
| Soundstage | - | + |
| Imaging | - | + |
| Separation | = | = |
| Macro-detail | = | = |
| Micro-detail | - | + |
| Timbre | + | - |
DD-like Planar vs DD-like BA, results in the DD-like Planar (MP145) being the closer sounding to a DD. MP145 is better than the Orc Lite in tonality and timbre, while losing only when it comes to the stage size and quality (imaging). Orc Lite does have much less bass, less warmth and thinner note-weight though so it is less of a rival and more of a complement.
| MP145 (Low FR nozzle) | MDR-EX800st (modded + PEQ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass | - | + |
| Mid-bass | - | + |
| Lower-mids | + | - |
| Upper-mids | + | - |
| Treble | + | - |
| Upper-treble | + | - |
| Soundstage | - | + |
| Imaging | = | = |
| Separation | + | - |
| Macro-detail | + | - |
| Micro-detail | + | - |
| Timbre | - | + |
PEQ Preset for the EX800st (modded):
Preamp: -10db
Low-shelf: 25hz, Q:0.6, gain: 4db
Low-shelf: 50hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 5.5db
Low-shelf: 100hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 6db
Peak: 2000hz, Q: 2, gain: -2db
Peak: 3987hz, Q: 2.53, gain: 6.1db
Peak: 5595hz, Q: 4.28, gain: -9.4db
Peak: 6117hz, Q: 1,14, gain: 1.5db
Peak: 8000hz, Q: 5, gain: -2db
High-shelf: 10 000hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 4.5db
My favorite iem (EX800st) got beaten pretty hard honestly, although I still do believe the EX800st is still the uncontested bass and stage king amongst iems along with some very impressive timbre (very realistic playback), its other aspects got butchered pretty badly by the MP145. So, unless you want an iem that does those 2 factors extremely well (a one trick pony), the MP145 is going to be the better choice.
Conclusion: If you want a DD-like (tonality & timbre) Planar (technicalities and driver) tuned almost 1:1 to what I would personally do if I had a Planar collab, then this is it. However, do be aware of the shell (size/shape) I mentioned earlier. Welcome to the S+ rank club.
Here is the link they asked me to include (not an affiliate link): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hidizs/hidizs-next-gen-ultra-large-planar-hifi-iems-9-sound-types?ref=beql6b
