In this Hidizs MS5 review, I’m taking a look at Hidizs’ new Dark Angel IEMs. The MS5 is a hybrid quintuple-driver earphone with 1DD+4BA drivers. It’s priced at $379 (pre-sale until May 5th) with an MSRP of $499.

Add the following code at checkout to get your exclusive discount: PRIMEAUDIO5OFF (link here).

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Hidizs for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product.

Hidizs MS5

Specifications

• Driver configuration: 1 10mm dynamic driver and 4 balanced armature drivers
• Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz
• Sensitivity: 104dB
• Impedance: 5.3Ω
• Cable: 8-core mixed 6N SPC and 6N single-crystal copper

What’s in the Box

• Hidizs MS5 IEMs
• Detachable 8-core mixed 6N SPC and 6N single-crystal copper 2-pin cable
• 3x sets of tuning filters
• Zipper storage case
• 3x pairs of vocal silicone eartips
• 3x pairs of balanced silicone eartips
• 3x pairs of bass eartips

Design

MS5 has a striking design, sporting perforated black ‘wings’ on the faceplates, a matte black body and rose gold coloured trim.

In terms of comfort, the shells are good but I had some difficulty due to the cable’s aggressive ear hooks that seemed to try to twist the IEMs out of position constantly. Ear hooks aside, the cable itself is high-quality, gorgeous to look at and handles well. It’s far thicker than your average cable so some people might find it bulky but I love it and it’s especially resistant to tangling.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the Topping E70 and L70 combo, Shanling UA5 and Soundaware M2Pro.

Bass

The Hidizs MS5 has exceptional bass quality and the bass response is definitely the standout feature of these IEMs, with a lovely texture and good weight. The leading edges are clean and well-defined, with a satisfying slam that is sure to get your attention. Fans of bass-heavy genres such as hip-hop or EDM will definitely appreciate the way the MS5 handles low frequencies.

Midrange

The lower mids on these IEMs lack richness or saturation. Fortunately, the vocal performance is still articulate and easy to discern. The midrange overall has a lot of clarity, making it easy to pick out individual instruments and parts of the mix. That said, the MS5 can struggle with vigorous crash symbols, which can come across as harsh and have a negative effect on the overall resolution.

Treble

The treble response on the MS5 is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, there’s good treble extension, which helps to create a bright and energetic sound signature. However, there’s a distinct lack of sweetness to the treble, which can sometimes make it sound brittle and sizzling. Additionally, there’s a noticeable amount of sibilance that can be unforgiving on poor recordings. Snare drums, in particular, can come across as jarringly sharp.

Overall, the MS5’s treble is likely to be divisive among listeners. While some may appreciate the bright and energetic highs, others may find it fatiguing or harsh. It’s worth noting that the treble response does give the MS5 above-average detail retrieval, but it comes at the cost of sharpness.

Soundstage and Technical Performance

The MS5 creates a wide soundstage and has good left-to-right stereo imaging. However, the stage has limited forward depth and pretty average layering. The centre image is reasonably stable but vocals and acoustic string instruments lack fullness and intimacy. Detail retrieval is good and overall resolution is average.

Comparisons

Moondrop Blessing 3 ($319)

The Moondrop Blessing 3 has a 2DD+4BA driver configuration. Both the Blessing 3 and MS5 have somewhat bulky shells but I find the MS5 fits my ears more naturally (despite my misgivings with the cable).

When it comes to sound quality, the Blessing 3 and MS5 IEMs have distinct differences that will appeal to different listeners. Personally, I find the Blessing 3 to be the more desirable of the two, thanks to its warm tonality and fatigue-free listening experience.

While the MS5 does have a notable advantage in micro-detail retrieval, this comes at a cost. The sound signature can be fatiguing over prolonged listening sessions, and I find myself needing to take frequent breaks. On the other hand, the Blessing 3’s warmer tonality and smoother presentation allow me to listen for hours on end without experiencing listener fatigue.

Of course, preferences will vary depending on the listener’s personal tastes and the music they are listening to. Those who prioritize micro-detail and a more energetic sound signature may prefer the MS5, while those who prefer a smoother, more laid-back sound may find the Blessing 3 to be more to their liking.

Xenns Mangird Tea2 ($349)

The Xenns Mangird Tea2 has a 1DD+6BA configuration. It has more fullness in the bass and slightly more sub-bass extension. This makes quite an impact on the overall tonality which is warmer and more even compared to the MS5.

Tea2’s midrange is more forward, giving it a more intimate presentation and more body. This plays a significant part in counterbalancing the treble, which is quite prominent and similar in quantity to the MS5. However, that extra fullness in the bass and midrange counterbalances the lifted treble, making it comparatively less bright and less fatiguing than the MS5’s treble.

The Tea2 soundstage isn’t quite as wide as the MS5 but it has more depth. To my ears, Tea2’s resolution is slightly better because there isn’t so much focus on the highs. The MS5, however, is slightly more detailed.

Verdict

In summary, while the Hidizs MS5 has its strengths, such as its exceptional bass response and clear midrange, it falls short in other areas and faces strong competition in the IEM market. As a result, it may not be the best choice for everyone and could be a tough sell at its considerably high price point.

Add the following code at checkout to get your exclusive discount: PRIMEAUDIO5OFF (link here).