Marcelo evaluations the Hidizs x Linsoul AP80 PRO MAX, a brand new compact and inexpensive digital audio participant developed in partnership with Linsoul. It’s priced from $139.00 on Kickstarter.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in alternate for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank Hidizs and Linsoul for his or her assist.
Click on right here to learn extra about Hidizs merchandise now we have beforehand reviewed on Headfonics
Please observe that this text follows our present scoring tips, which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
Hidizs x Linsoul AP80 PRO MAX Evaluation
Abstract
I imagine the compact Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX DAP will maintain many audio fans and music lovers blissful and smiling with its decent-looking design, ease of use, and good sound high quality.
Professionals
Open and clear sound high quality.
Good construct high quality and nice-looking design.
Good battery life.
Cons
Non-Android working system limits expandability.
Hidizs turned certainly one of my favourite audio manufacturers after I listened to and owned the lovely-sounding planar IEM, the MP145. It was then adopted by the Hidizs S9 Professional Plus Martha dongle DAC amplifier, which boasts an open and clear sound.
Ever since then, I’ve additionally been mesmerized by the seems of Hidizs DAPs, together with the Hidizs AP80, AP80 Professional-X, and particularly the AP80 Professional-X Pink Copper Version.
Nonetheless, I by no means received round to purchasing one, as I used to be all the time searching for an Android-based DAP in order that I may set up my favourite audio participant.
The AP80 PRO MAX is a collaboration between HIDIZS and Linsoul. Linsoul is among the largest on-line audio shops, promoting IEMs, headphone amplifiers, and a variety of different merchandise.
I received excited once I knew I used to be going to evaluation the Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX, as I just like the asymmetrical and faceted design, particularly with the leather-based case.
Nonetheless, seems and sound are two various things, and based mostly on the frustration I felt with the sound high quality on a number of sub-$300 DAPs that I’ve heard, I used to be anxious that the AP80 PRO MAX is also a disappointment.
Will the AP80 PRO MAX disappoint me when it comes to sound high quality as a sub-$300 DAP? Or how will it examine to different DAPs such because the Shanling M3 Plus and the HiBy R3Pro II? Discover out in my evaluation under.
Options
The AP80 PRO MAX is a feature-rich DAP for its small dimension. It makes use of a Linux-based Hiby working system, Hiby OS, which is among the greatest working techniques that I’ve tried in non-Android-based DAPs.
It contains a full-metal chassis and makes use of Ingenic 1600E SOC processors, that are quick when utilized in a DAP. The DAC chip used is the ESS SABRE ES9219C x 2, which I heard on different gadgets and appreciated the sound of.
It additionally helps as much as 2TB of MicroSD card capability, permitting for direct music playback from native information. Moreover, it could stream music over a 2.4GHz WiFi connection through Tidal and Qobuz.
The AP80 PRO MAX can be configured as a digital supply for an exterior DAC amplifier and as a DAC amplifier for digital sources, equivalent to telephones, laptops, and PCs, through the USB-C connection.
AP80 PRO MAX is very versatile in its use, as it could additionally operate as a Bluetooth 5.1 audio transmitter or receiver. It may be related to a DLNA and AirPlay WiFi community, and in addition permits wi-fi music transfers through the WiFi connection.
The three.5mm output is 75mW at 32Ω, and the 4.4mm output is 125mW at 32Ω. The Dimensions are 82.8*51*15.5mm, and it weighs 81g.
Designs
The AP80 PRO MAX seems smaller in actual life than it does in pictures. I particularly like its tempered glass and display screen, sandwiched inside a full-metal chassis with an asymmetrical, faceted industrial and sci-fi-looking design, in addition to the gold knob on the precise aspect.
My evaluation pattern got here in shade black; nevertheless, AP80 PRO MAX can also be out there in silver and blue.
The left aspect and again are aircraft, however the prime and proper aspect function a faceted design, as do the knob and three management buttons. The underside is the place the USB-C, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm output jacks are positioned.
It’s a mini-sized DAP with a dimension of 82.8*51*15.5mm and a weight of 81g. It is rather pocketable and good for each day use; it feels very good within the palms.
The two.95 (360×640) IPS HD Touchscreen is among the best-looking screens I’ve used for a small DAP, because it has above-average distinction, viewing angle, shade, and brightness. The display screen seems crisp, and the contact management is clean and responsive.
I/O
All of the I/Os are positioned on the backside of the AP80 PRO MAX, consisting of a USB-C port, a 3.5mm output jack, and a 4.4mm output jack.
The USB-C port serves as each an enter and output knowledge port, in addition to a charging port. There isn’t a assist for UAC 1.0 USB mode; due to this fact, the AP80 PRO MAX shouldn’t be suitable with gaming consoles and outdated gadgets.
The three.5mm output jack can change between headphone output and line-level output to be used with different headphone amplifiers, whereas the 4.4mm output serves because the balanced output.
Controls
All of the AP80 PRO MAX controls are positioned on the precise aspect. I particularly just like the inclusion of the gold knob, which serves as the amount management and the ability change.
There are three buttons under the know, that are the skip/quick ahead, play/pause, and the skip/quick backward buttons.
All buttons work with each the native music participant and the Hiby music participant app, in addition to the PowerAmp music participant app, when related through Bluetooth.
With the Bluetooth connection, the ahead and backward buttons operate solely as skip buttons, somewhat than as quick ahead and backward buttons.
With the native music participant, these buttons additionally operate as a play/pause and fast-forward button; nevertheless, once I long-press the again button to make the music play sooner backward, to repeat a portion of a music, the music performs ahead as a substitute of backward.
I hope a firmware replace can resolve this concern. I’m presently utilizing firmware model 1.0.
Battery Life
I can vouch for Hidizs’ declare of 8 to 10 hours and 10 -12 hours of battery life for the AP80 PRO MAX, as I’ve noticed related occasions throughout the course of the burn-in interval.
Nonetheless, the precise charging occasions from zero to 100% battery are about one and a half hours, as a substitute of the 1-hour declare by Hidizs.
I’m utilizing a 60W Supre Vooc and PD charger in addition to a 20W PD cellphone charger. The temperature whereas charging is barely mildly heat.
Packaging & Equipment
The packaging contains a small, gray onerous field with a photograph of the AP80 PRO MAX on prime and textual content throughout.
It contains the DAP with display screen protectors already put in on the back and front, person manuals, a greeting card, two display screen protectors, a 10cm USB-C to USB-C cable, and a 1-meter-long USB-A to USB-C cable.
The leather-based protecting case arrived in a separate field and is out there individually. The design seems good when used with the AP80 PRO MAX and doesn’t intervene with its regular use, because it doesn’t cowl any of the buttons.
The inexperienced leather-based case shouldn’t be included with the AP80 PRO MAX; it arrived in a separate package deal and is out there for buy individually. That is a type of DAPs that look nicer with its protecting case on than off.
Software program Impressions
The AP80 PRO MAX doesn’t have an open Android working system, which suggests we’re restricted to the default music gamers and streaming companies.
Nonetheless, the HiBy OS with the brand new UI works nicely with the X1600E processor, leading to boot-up occasions of lower than 9 seconds, which is considerably sooner than these of an Android-based system, which normally takes about 30 seconds as well up.
My evaluation pattern arrived with a firmware model 1.0 and the brand new person interface. It contains the HiBy proprietary sound adjustment function referred to as MSEB, a graphic equalizer, achieve management, filter choice, and soundfield management function, amongst others.
Nonetheless, solely two filters can be found: the quick and apodizing quick roll-off filters, with no inclusion of a Non-oversampling filter.
Total, it’s a well-designed and featured working system, and I by no means skilled any uncommon lag or freezing.
Navigation
Navigating by the HiBy OS is intuitive and straightforward. There are usually not many pages to go round.
The AP80 PRO MAX is conscious of function; it lags barely in response when scanning in music mixes which can be an hour lengthy, however for normal-length music, it’s quick. I additionally just like the customizable drop-down shortcut menu.
Third-Occasion Music Gamers
The AP80 PRO MAX makes use of a proprietary working system, which implies that putting in a third-party music participant app is sadly not potential. That is the primary draw back of non-Android DAPs.
Streaming Apps
Tidal and Qobuz streaming apps are in-built. Sadly, neither is out there in my nation, the Philippines. On account of its non-open Android working system, I’m unable so as to add my favourite music streaming apps, equivalent to YouTube Music and Spotify, amongst others.
Sound Impressions
I spent greater than 30 hours letting the AP80 PRO MAX play to burn in and check the battery life and charging time earlier than conducting a severe listening session with it utilizing my Hidizs MK10, QoA Martini, Tipsy M5, and Kiwi Ears Astral IEMs, in addition to the Sennheiser HD 6xx and MOONDROP Horizon headphones.
I didn’t use EQ, MSEB, sound area, or another options that improve the sound.
Abstract
There may be all the time one thing I want had been improved relating to the sound of sub-$300 DAPs, principally the perceived lack of decision, transparency, and heat or chilly coloration, in addition to the occasional veil within the treble and lack of bass impression.
I’m happy to report that the Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX doesn’t introduce an apparent heat to the sound, and the treble stays clear.
Once I hearken to the AP80 PRO MAX, I’m greeted with a impartial tonality characterised by a flat perceived frequency response and a clear sound with out apparent colorations, with an above-average soundstage dimension.
The bass is impartial with a small quantity of added boominess within the sound; it goes deep and rumbly with out dropping an excessive amount of management. There are acceptable particulars and articulation within the sound.
Decrease midrange is evident and tight; there isn’t any synthetic heat or bloom. It sounds colorless but not medical, as the general sound is rarely skinny or gentle in observe weight; the vocals by no means lack physique.
The Higher midrange is flat and impartial as nicely; there isn’t any further vitality or accentuation, and it’s very clear, with good vocal and instrument presence.
The treble is evident and clear, permitting the micro particulars to be heard. There’s a good sparkle and shimmer within the sound, in addition to air, as a result of prolonged higher treble.
Timbre
The AP80 PRO MAX is among the least colored-sounding digital sources I’ve heard, but it doesn’t sound medical or chilly; it has a pure, impartial tonality and timbre, with quick transients and clear decay. There isn’t a hardness or sharpness within the sound; it sounds clear.
Nonetheless, if I had been held at gunpoint about what I can criticize within the sound, it’s that the bass barely lacks tightness and grip, which makes it considerably boomy-sounding.
I want there have been extra management over the bass and that it sounded tighter, however it stays impartial, nonetheless.
Staging & Dynamics
The AP80 PRO MAX’s soundstage is giant, though not as expansive as these of DAPs costing a number of hundreds of {dollars}.
Nonetheless, amongst its friends within the value vary, it’s above common. This is because of its flat perceived frequency response and clear sound presentation, which I affiliate with a well-implemented ESS Sabre DAC chip.
There’s a sense of spaciousness and air, making the sound appear large open with a broad unfold of instrument placement from the acute left to the acute proper.
Because of the AP80 PRO MAX’s clear sound, there may be additionally good perceived depth within the sound, in addition to front-to-back instrument placement.
There may be additionally a superb top within the soundstage, making me really feel like I’m in entrance of a giant occasion. The AP80 PRO MAX’s sound staging efficiency is sweet.
Imaging is sweet as nicely. Pictures have outlined and steady excessive lateral panning and separation, in addition to front-to-back instrument and vocal layering. Relying on the IEMs or Headphones getting used, I expertise a properly holographic sound.
The AP80 PRO MAX provides a fairly energetic sound presentation, from the bottom bass to the best treble, regardless of its average energy output score. It sounds vigorous and musically participating, with no dullness within the sound.
Click on on web page 2 under for my advisable pairings, wi-fi efficiency, and comparisons.
