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I have tested the Hidizs S9 Pro with my Etymotic ER49, Hidizs MS2 and Sennheiser Momentum over-ear. What we do get is volume control, 6 filters to choose from and a 4.4mm output to replace the 2.5mm. All of these are improvements, while the price stays basically the same as the old model. ConnectivityIt should be noted tha
I like the S9 Pro, it meets my criteria and does exactly what I wanted it to, but I am not in love with it. Martha, is the name of the last surviving female passenger pigeon, the bird species with the largest population ever recorded on Earth. In 1914, Martha passed away in the Cincinnati Zoo, marking the official extinction of a species that once numbered over 5 billion individuals. Their sheer numbers led people to believe they would never go extinct. In Windows 10 the volume control works from 0 to 100, but with 2-step jumps, as is usual with other volume-controlled dongles. Not bad.As can be seen in the graph, Martha has a flat response from 5Hz to 40kHz over the entire volume range. There is also no difference between channels, as both signals overlap. It is a Hi-Res device.
However, as an everyday carry device, the extra heft places undue strain on the connecting cable between both the DAC/Amp and the source.I don’t think that I would choose this as my main listening device, I don’t find myself wanting to use this instead of any of my desktop devices. In fact, I would probably put it in the same group as my THX789, it is not my favourite amplifier but it is a very useful amplifier. I use the THX when I am listening for specific things or comparing specific items, but I don’t find myself sitting down and choosing the THX for a long relaxed listening session, the Hidizs S9 Pro makes me feel the same sort of way. It’s true that it can produce some fatigue on longer sessions. The Creative DAC is certainly a powerful beast and for what it costs it offers exactly everything you need with much higher support (firmware updates + Apps). Its sound is definitely different from the classic AK4377 but you feel that Creative’s experience has added something enjoyable to the sound. Independent volume is a plus! The SFXi however is very light and robust! Ideal for portability! SHIO has more weight and accent on its bass and lower midrange, with more relaxed treble presentation that just sounds smooth and liquidy. For the price at which it is now also offered in various bundles this Dac is really excellent. At 59USD should be seriously considered above all those who are indecisive about their first DAC to buy and love to keep the sound as neutral as possible.
The KA3 and S9 Pro gap narrowed slightly with VE Monk+ and Blessing 2. However, KA3 is still noticeably brighter and splashier. For instance, all cymbal crashes from around 0:40 are louder and harsher. Even when I boost the volume of the S9 Pro to be noticeably louder than KA3, the tonality of the S9 Pro is still less splashy and bright compared to KA3. S9 renders the low-pitched "brrrrm" sound a bit stronger and more textured.It goes without saying that these filters also exist in other devices and are specific to the ESS DAC. Although I must confess that their impact on the sound is imperceptible to yours truly. As I said, this price I find reasonable as the S9 Pro is still around 80€ here at the time of putting this review together. However, speed and tactility are its fundamental strengths; users’ mileage may vary. For example, acoustic recordings featuring even-harmonic warmth appear are weakened by marginally exasperated treble. I must point out that the volume is not independent, but I hope Hidizs also makes a firmware to be able to add it. What stands out is a touch of warmth in the overall sound; in the first two mentioned, the sound is slightly brighter and perhaps even more neutral. I must say that I also liked the Hidizs implementation on S9 Pro, so I find it an added value.
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