But, Hidizs decided to go the extra mile, taking inspiration from the likes of Astell&Kern or Cowon, and gave the AP80 Pro-X a special edition with… a copper body. Is there any difference apart from the look? That’s what we’ll try to find out today. Design and build quality Casing

Perhaps many head-fi companies have answered that question with "no one". Therefore, small and affordable digital music players (DAP) are almost extinct nowadays, giving way to dongle DACs and expensive Android DAPs. The rest of the external and internal data, as well as the chips used, is commented in the specifications, so I don't see the need to repeat these parameters.

Handling demanding IEM

The sharp ones do the rest, they show themselves without fear, without fear of making a mistake, of getting it wrong. There is no need to hide them, no need to mask them. The level of resolution in this range reaches its peak and the representation of the high notes is extremely fast, precise and defined. The area is really crisp, vivid, full of sparkle and brilliance, but never feels forced or unnatural. That's the great virtue, to achieve a sound where the treble can be the star, but without losing naturalness or harmony. The upper range is the culmination of a rich, splashy and widely spaced sound. What I like the most is that AP80 sounds neutral with slight tendency towards bright/cold tonality. Lows, mids and highs are in good balance making this DAP universal to feed it with any kind of music genre. I would call it a precise source for connecting any further audio equipment like headphones, large power amps, active speakers, etc. The AP80 PRO-X is one of best Bluetooth DAC/amps I have ever used with a super stable connection and a stellar sound performance.

Second: obviously, people who have a balanced portable headphone (with compatible 2.5mm connection). Kai is probably one of the unconventional IEM for the year, where most of the company is striving for neutral bright,or even neutral tuning,Kai is the IEM tuned with “fun” in mind.

Handling sensitive IEM

Founded in 2009 by Tamson Tan, Hidizs offers a full range of DAP, DAC/Amp, and IEMs that share the same DNA: good sound for an affordable price. And if their first model, the AP100, was one of the quirkiest/haunted devices I ever held in my life, it remained a solid alternative to FiiO’s or Shanling’s players, for a lesser price. The AP80 PRO-X is equipped with dual ESS9219C DAC chips, renowned for their unparalleled dynamic range and incredibly low distortion. With a remarkable +130dB SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), +121dB DNR (Dynamic Range), and -114dB THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise), this DAC chip sets new standards in audio performance. Supporting 32-bit 384kHz PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), the AP80 PRO-X delivers high-resolution audio with exceptional clarity and detail. It also offers up to 2.0Vrms output with analog gain control, effectively reducing output noise during real-life listening sessions. With these cutting-edge features, the AP80 PRO-X ensures an unbeatable sound quality experience. Apart from the outer look, the new Hidizs AP80 Pro-X Copper Edition didn’t change compared to the original one. If I have to describe the overall characteristic of the AP80 PRO-X, its lean, analytical, but gentle.

The X has a very similar clear and transparent sound to the PRO. This is likely due to the SOC (system on a chip) architecture of the ESS9219C chipset being an evolution of the previous ES9218P. I find the sound signature to produce a neutral and natural-sounding base upon which the audio tweaking settings can build. The main advantage of using AP80 PRO/ PRO-X balanced output instead of AP80 3.5 SE is the amount of power it produces which inevitably leads to more juicy presentation, more dynamics (especially in midbass section), more clarity and transparency in overall. Compared with AP80 PRO using the final unfold (4X) of an MQA file, AP80 PRO X will use MQA technology for the final unfold (8X) of an MQA file.The iPod is long gone, and Apple firmly believes that the modern iPhone is a suitable replacement. Indeed, current smartphones offer a wide variety of applications. They can yield excellent sound quality and output power when paired with an external portable DAC/Amp. House key for scale. Alicia Keys for the pun.

It is clear that such a well-defined sound is underpinned by great separation. The stereo representation is stellar, the movement of the elements is very easy to perceive, which means that the dynamics are very high, as is the speed of execution and the level of precision. Nothing is blurred or unfinished. For better or worse, the AP80 PRO-X represents the sound in a very focused and unobscured way. Although such a drawing may not be the most respectful or natural, but it is quite accurate for the price range. So, with such an explicit and abundant sound, the soundstage needs to be large to accommodate so much information. Fortunately, it is, and the balanced output helps to widen the musical space and give it a breadth and height that impresses. The depth is perhaps not as remarkable, but the large amount of air gives a remarkable three-dimensional level, while maintaining a realistic and well-positioned feel. In this way the sound doesn't escape, it doesn't feel too vaporous or ethereal, but remains spacious, yet well defined, always focused, very well structured and positioned. The instrumental positioning is very good and the provenance and placement of the elements is also commendable.

Hidizs AP80 Pro Specifications

AP80 Pro X sounds crisper and more dynamic on the balanced output, possibly due to the added power. I would not bother using this DAP on low-gain, as it would become too underpowered and does not sound better than the Apple dongle. Should say that the pedometer function was not reliable in AP80 PRO-X, don’t see much changes with the AP80 PRO. My Amazfit GTR2 watches show more steps for the similar period. Therefore, I wouldn’t use this function too much. The rest are working as it should. Let me caution you. 190mW @32Ohms from a reasonably low voltage device is not enough to drive inefficient headphones properly. Set your expectations appropriately, and you won’t be disappointed. Streaming Spotify was really good sounding while listening to high resolution material from Qobuz yielded satisfying results minus a loss in overall fidelity and refinement. Connecting the AP80 Pro X via Bluetooth is easy. The unit has bi-directional Bluetooth meaning it can transmit a signal as well as receive one. The DAP supports all manner of Hi-Res wireless codecs including AAC, SBC, HiBy UAT, Sony LDAC and CSR APT-X. USB DAC