In the video, I made a mistake and said it's priced at $129 but it actually costs $119. Not that this changes much, but here you go - an even greater bang for the buck. 😃
Tone 2 pro is a bit cleaner sounding and with deeper soundstage when used in a speaker setup. For home use I would rather go with Tone 2 pro. But this is a great pocket friendly alternative.
Right now, it's $95 from the Hidizs official Aliexpress store. But anyway...damn, take my money. I'm not sure, but I think you sort of like this thing. 😁 Question- how does this compare to the better desktop dacs in the same price range when used as a pure dac connected to a headphone power amp?
Thank you for the informative review. It's astonishing that budget-priced DAC/amp dongles are approaching the audio quality of desktop stacks at half the price and a fraction of the size.
Great review. You are my man to go when I upgrade my equipment. I just got this dac. I had already seen it and was doubting to buy it, but after seeing your review I could not resist any longer.
I own the S9 which is the previous version but with an AKM DAC. It's amazing too, it's just the only thing it will empty is not your pockets but your phone battery...
If you want to bring an M1/M1 Pro Mac to mortal battery efficiency status, this S9 Pro is the one. You can *watch* the battery drain... Unfortunately, I have some stuttering issues with this DAC too on the Mac (not so much on Windows, iOS and Android).
I ordered one based on this review. Just amazingly good for the size and price. My 15 year old top AKG headphones roared into life again. Thanks for your great advice and many of the best reviews on you-tube
I really love your review of this DAC. Many others will stick to reviewing the established brands like the Dragonfly and no one will ever find out about a new product at a decent price point. I'm glad that you are always searching for new and emerging technologies that benefits everyone. I always go to your channel when i want to learn about things from an emotional point of view from someone i trust, and not always about measurements, because that can't tell us about the most important thing. How does it sound. Thank you very much for your research.
I'm not s headphones person at all I'm so going to buy this little gem and a pair of decent headphones after watching this informative review. Thank you.
Great review. I need to re-evaluate my desktop Amp/Dac. I never listen loud and have no unusually insensitive headphones, this might make my life simpler and my desk less cluttered with no loss in fidelity. The Hidizs S9 Pro is clearly an exceptional product as both you and Amir/ASReview love it, since you come from such different perspectives.
So, I do have a few issues with my S9 Pro, not dealbreakers, but something people should know before buying. When I pair it with my iPhone (using Hidizs’ Lightning to USB-C cable), I’ve had multiple pairs of headphones begin to clip when I’m trying to listen at high volumes over the 2.5mm port. Maybe not an issue in a quiet environment, but you can’t really push them too hard in a noisy one. I’ve had much better luck over the 3.5mm port, you can drive everything much louder, although they will clip at maximum volume or just below. No issues with listening via either port on my MacBook, probably something to do with how power is handled via the USB-A adapter to USB-C connection. Regardless, when it’s not clipping, the sound of this dongle is great, probably better than my larger FiiO Q5s (although the Q5s outperforms in terms of power & battery life).
@@francisteardrop May be this issue is specific to Iphones and not Android phones? We interacted before in that Portafi channel. BTW, I ordered these today along with a 16 core 2.5 balanced cable, arriving tomorrow. I only use Android so hopefully everything will be fine
@@francisteardrop I just received S9 Pro and tested it. On my android phone, it has no sound while playing TH-cam, Prime music or power amp even at 100% volume level but there is volume while playing UAPP and Hiby Music app but the volume is behaving erratically. At just 10% volume increase, it plays very loud, upon increase to 20%, 30% the sound completely cuts out but comes back again at around 50% but with very low volume compared to 10% level. Not sure what is happening On My Windows 10 PC, no sound till 45% volume out of 100 and upon increasing it to 100% the volume is still very low. May be have received a defective unit
I use this with my Sundara and iPhone SE. I only made it to work using Apples own lightning to usb-a female. Also needed to connect to a powerbank or charger to be able to drive sundara. yes, it’s a dongle tangle. With iPhone 12 pro max and iPad pro, charger is not necessary. With my apple out of the box headphone, charger is no longer required even on iPhone SE.
I like your reviewing style. You keep it real. Can't wait for the time when Chinese companies take over the audiophile loudspeaker industry. Theoretically they could build speakers in the price range of 200-400€ that would outmatch the concurrence that cost around 1000€.
Hi, can please tell me which has better audio output when used in usb connection alone Qudelix 5k or Hidizis S9 pro or ibasso DC05? And can u rank them accordingly? And does qudelix get hot when used as Usb dac or in bluetooth mode with LDAC☺️
Thanks for the great video. It looks it's comparable in price and sound quality to the IFI Hip Dac. This one is more portable and there is no battery to remember to charge, while the IFI has a few more features and possibly more power.
I’ve been using the Hidis S8 for about two years and always considered them something of a hidden gem. I might upgrade to the S9 although I’m not a huge fan of the double output.
Hey! I have been experiencing popping and sometimes crackling noise when I pause or play music. I am afraid of damaging the headphones (Audeze LCD-2C). Any help is much appreciated.
I was thinking in getting the HIDIZS S9 PRO for my Iphone but its a battery killer. I have a macbook pro mid 2014, if I connect this dac to my macbook Pro will improve the sound quality of my music via headphones? Please help
My phone is redmi note 9 pro it has no otg settings but it has usb debugging I enabled that option and connected to hidiz s9 pro dac but not working , no light working but I connected to pc it working.please help
Hi. I actually brought one of these last year. Unfortunately it won't play anything from my Galaxy Tab A8, which I bought it for. Just doesn't send a signal out of the usbC, though it does light up! And yes it does work, because I have used it on an old LG phone ( the B&O version ) I didn't have any luck with Hidezs so it has barely been used at all. Maybe 3hs. Do you or anyone reading have a fix ? 🤔🙏
Hi there, what about Fiio ka3 , is it comparable to S9 Pro as Both are using the same Chip ? I am looking for options under $100 before zeroing in, towards any purchase, Thanks
Thanks for another awesome review! Is there a split android dongle (USB c male to two USB c female) that allows charging the phone while listening to the s9 pro.?
After purchasing the dragonfly black I was unimpressed with the sound. I will try this DAC out because you seem to have an ear for quality sound. Thanks for the review, well done.
Does it need power to perform? If yes how much power it will take from source device for any certain period? Does it amplify the signals received from source? If yes how many times it enhance the it's input? You didn't cover these type of important technicals in your very large review.
Cant find a solution for getting this to be recognized when plugged into the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - every other device i plug it into works immediately, every other USB C cable is recognized just not the S9 Pro DAC......and yes ive tried enabling developer mode, USB debugging etc. Contacted Hidizs ....still no help!
Hello, Love your channel and did a bit of research . I am going with the S9 pro. For the price its like we are getting half off for what it offers. Cant wait to hear this dac chip.cheers
Hi another really great review. Seems like another great USB DAC I have the Audioquest Black and Red I prefer the red to Cobalt. Just wondering about the S9Pro I was thinking could it be connected to a HIFI pre amp with a pair of balanced XLR's and a Stereo 3.5 mm with a 2.5mm converter jack to the balanced out of the S9 Pro.
hello......what do you think of hidizs s9.......the earlier version.......not the pro one.......if u had hands on it.......how does this compare to s9 in audio quality........thanku
I didn't have a chance to put them directly against each other, but going by the memory I feel they are in the same ballpark. I would still go with MKII for desktop use, it's just more convenient and has a display, remote, and full size RCA outs.
Thank you for another great review :) how does this compare against zorloo ztella? Can you recommend one over the other and why? This will help me decide my to buy my first every dongle dac :)
Would you recommend this for a pc as well or just to use the pc 3.5mm, also would you recommend using the 2.5 or 3.5 on the 19 pro for moondrop variations
Love the review.. right after watching this review I have ordered this Dac. I just wanted to know if I can drive the Hifiman Sundara with this little Dac?
It's bigger but I haven't compared them in any repeatable test. My Android phone has a 3000 mAh battery and can play Tidal over Wi-Fi and this DAC for about five to six hours on one charge. Of course I often turn the screen on, searching for some song etc. so it's not just DAC draining the battery.
Hello, I really like this review. The detail, you sorted everything in categories and your accent be calm and pleasant. Thank you, I’m pretty sure I’m gonna buy one of these. One question: Is it worth it to buy the Hidizs S9 Pro or the Dragonfly Cobalt for the Beyerdynamics DT Pro 770 32-Ohm version? What will the difference be in comparison to the 250-Ohm version, will it be better quality or just louder? Also, is their a Non-Dangle DAC / Amplifier in the same price range as the cobalt which will be better then the hidizs and the cobalt?
Cobalt is overpriced and overhyped by mainstream media in my opinion, I sold it very quickly after buying it. S9 pro offers equal sound quality at lower price. But for 200 USD you can now get Moondrop Moonriver 2 which smokes both of these... An awesome sounding dongle that I'm using myself. As for the desktop units, they offer more power and drive, sound better with 250 ohm and higher... But don't sound much better with sensitive low impedance headphones. I don't know any desktop device around 200 that beats Moonriver 2 for sound fidelity. Finally, I haven't heard DT770 in both variants, only the 250 ohm one. But from experience, 32 ohm should be an easier load. If using a dongle, it should be a better choice.
Hi iiWi, and what is ur opinion about the s9pro dynamics? In comparison with the Sparrow for example? Because from my experience it is not as dynamic as for example nextdrive spectra but everything else is a big step up.
Great review, so apart from its a little smaller why this rather than fiio btr5 or quiladix, both with bluetooth support, their own power etc., so my btr5 in balanced mode drives my 6xx's at 300 ohms very enjoyably without maxing out
Well, I haven't had a chance to hear the ones you're mentioning. They might as well be great devices... Opinion on this one is based on the fact that is able to easily compete with some very good and pricier DACs such as Cobalt and Sparrow.
@@iiWiReviews it may well be the sound of a major step up as I haven’t tried the cobalt or the other one. The new thx dongle although 200 looks amazing in quality and power so if this competes for just over half the price then that would be super impressive. Do u know what voltage it outputs se and balanced?
Just curious if you have run this DACs output directly into a receiver/amplifier (with bookshelf speakers)? I’m interested in a dual purpose portable DAC I can use with headphones on the go/office then into the receiver at home. Thanks.
yes. however he offers advice above in comments: " I would still go with MKII for desktop use, it's just more convenient and has a display, remote, and full size RCA outs." I believe he is referring to the "SMSL Sanskrit MK2" www.amazon.ca/SMSL-10th-MKII-Amplifier-Black/dp/B085TF124M
@@mikemotorbike4283 Thanks mike, but am after a dual use product with portability. Ideally after a portable DAC with volume controls, but can live without if the S9pro works well with a receiver.
They can be used for both phones and PCs. Purpose is that your headphones get higher quality sound and higher driving power than they would from the weak phone or PC sound chip. Final goal is better, more powerful sound.
I have vintage Sennheiser HD580 Precision headphone (300 ohms impedance and 97dB sensitivity) and an AKG K550 headphone (32 ohms impedance and 114dB sensitivity). Would I get better sound upgrade quality out of these if I got the Hidizs S9 Pro to use with these headphones or would you instead recommend that I just upgrade to Hifiman HE-4XX headphone for ~$80. more? Thanks much for your great insights and recommendations.
I don't know what you're running those headphones currently... If it's directly from a PC or phone, then yes you should hear an upgrade with this DAC. Also, HE-4xx are not all that sensitive so I recommend having a DAC/amp with decent drive (such as this one) before purchasing them.
Do you think I’ll hear noise floor with my highly sensitive campfire IEM’s? If not. I’ll purchase right away, just cause of its form factor. Great review 👍
I don't know how sensitive are those IEMs but since I didn't hear any noise floor with any IEMs I've tried (ranging all the way to 116 dB sensitivity) I believe you should be OK
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 78 | คู่เอก "ปกรณ์ vs ฟาบิโอ"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LSOmgl0Th2c/mqdefault.jpg)
In the video, I made a mistake and said it's priced at $129 but it actually costs $119. Not that this changes much, but here you go - an even greater bang for the buck. 😃
I'd like to exactly know that too!
It’s coming as 151. Not 119. That’s not good
Tone 2 pro is a bit cleaner sounding and with deeper soundstage when used in a speaker setup. For home use I would rather go with Tone 2 pro. But this is a great pocket friendly alternative.
Right now, it's $95 from the Hidizs official Aliexpress store. But anyway...damn, take my money. I'm not sure, but I think you sort of like this thing. 😁
Question- how does this compare to the better desktop dacs in the same price range when used as a pure dac connected to a headphone power amp?
@@GB-up6nl Its $120 on Amazon as of today.
Thank you for the informative review. It's astonishing that budget-priced DAC/amp dongles are approaching the audio quality of desktop stacks at half the price and a fraction of the size.
The Chinese pick from an embarrassment of riches 👍
This thing is better than some $10,000+ desktop DACs.
I enjoy listening to your reviews! You have a calm way of explaining complex things.... straight to the point.
From Canada 🇨🇦
Great review. You are my man to go when I upgrade my equipment. I just got this dac. I had already seen it and was doubting to buy it, but after seeing your review I could not resist any longer.
I own the S9 which is the previous version but with an AKM DAC. It's amazing too, it's just the only thing it will empty is not your pockets but your phone battery...
Seems this is the better one due to that akm... Too bad you can't find them for a reasonable price.
If you want to bring an M1/M1 Pro Mac to mortal battery efficiency status, this S9 Pro is the one. You can *watch* the battery drain... Unfortunately, I have some stuttering issues with this DAC too on the Mac (not so much on Windows, iOS and Android).
Watched this morning, got it this evening, this sound soo good with my HD58X with some music, thanks for the review.
Great review with passion, Focusing on the sound quality and listening experience not just tell us about specs like many many reviewers.
I ordered one based on this review. Just amazingly good for the size and price. My 15 year old top AKG headphones roared into life again. Thanks for your great advice and many of the best reviews on you-tube
I really love your review of this DAC. Many others will stick to reviewing the established brands like the Dragonfly and no one will ever find out about a new product at a decent price point. I'm glad that you are always searching for new and emerging technologies that benefits everyone. I always go to your channel when i want to learn about things from an emotional point of view from someone i trust, and not always about measurements, because that can't tell us about the most important thing. How does it sound. Thank you very much for your research.
I'm not s headphones person at all I'm so going to buy this little gem and a pair of decent headphones after watching this informative review. Thank you.
Great review. I need to re-evaluate my desktop Amp/Dac. I never listen loud and have no unusually insensitive headphones, this might make my life simpler and my desk less cluttered with no loss in fidelity. The Hidizs S9 Pro is clearly an exceptional product as both you and Amir/ASReview love it, since you come from such different perspectives.
It's worth to note that a con for this DAC is its power consumption which is the worst among all other DACs of the same kind
Definitely an power hunger as it has a desktop chip ^^
I got one after your review and it works really good with my HD 560S. Thank you! Finally my music sounds good!
I have a GM200, which is a Pro 82 variant, you couldn't have been more helpful to me, cheers!
I agree with all your points 👍 I find myself using the S9 Pro more and more on mastering projects
So, I do have a few issues with my S9 Pro, not dealbreakers, but something people should know before buying. When I pair it with my iPhone (using Hidizs’ Lightning to USB-C cable), I’ve had multiple pairs of headphones begin to clip when I’m trying to listen at high volumes over the 2.5mm port. Maybe not an issue in a quiet environment, but you can’t really push them too hard in a noisy one. I’ve had much better luck over the 3.5mm port, you can drive everything much louder, although they will clip at maximum volume or just below. No issues with listening via either port on my MacBook, probably something to do with how power is handled via the USB-A adapter to USB-C connection. Regardless, when it’s not clipping, the sound of this dongle is great, probably better than my larger FiiO Q5s (although the Q5s outperforms in terms of power & battery life).
If anyone else is experiencing these issues, Hidizs told me they’re working on a firmware update. No timeframe.
@@francisteardrop May be this issue is specific to Iphones and not Android phones? We interacted before in that Portafi channel. BTW, I ordered these today along with a 16 core 2.5 balanced cable, arriving tomorrow. I only use Android so hopefully everything will be fine
@@sorcerermax5111 that’s entirely possible, I don’t have an Android on hand to test out.
@@francisteardrop I just received S9 Pro and tested it. On my android phone, it has no sound while playing TH-cam, Prime music or power amp even at 100% volume level but there is volume while playing UAPP and Hiby Music app but the volume is behaving erratically. At just 10% volume increase, it plays very loud, upon increase to 20%, 30% the sound completely cuts out but comes back again at around 50% but with very low volume compared to 10% level. Not sure what is happening
On My Windows 10 PC, no sound till 45% volume out of 100 and upon increasing it to 100% the volume is still very low. May be have received a defective unit
@@sorcerermax5111 Wow, that sounds awful. Maybe the firmware update will help?
I use this with my Sundara and iPhone SE. I only made it to work using Apples own lightning to usb-a female. Also needed to connect to a powerbank or charger to be able to drive sundara. yes, it’s a dongle tangle. With iPhone 12 pro max and iPad pro, charger is not necessary.
With my apple out of the box headphone, charger is no longer required even on iPhone SE.
Just bought one of these! So glad I got one. Seems to blow everything else out of the water
🤗 THANKS FOR THIS REVIEW …👍 I ORDERED ONE TODAY …( I was saving for the Cobalt ) 😍😍😍
Super helpful review. Thank you very much.
I love the days when music sounds so good. I know exactly what your talking about
Hope you will have a chance to compare the S9 to Fiio BTR5 which I have right now. The BTR5 is a good companion with my IEMs.
I like your reviewing style. You keep it real. Can't wait for the time when Chinese companies take over the audiophile loudspeaker industry. Theoretically they could build speakers in the price range of 200-400€ that would outmatch the concurrence that cost around 1000€.
Great review. Cheers.
Thank you for the review ... just ordered the S9 Pro, going to try the 2.5mm balanced with my Focal headphones.
Thank you for a great review, SUBSCRIBED!
Hi, can please tell me which has better audio output when used in usb connection alone Qudelix 5k or Hidizis S9 pro or ibasso DC05? And can u rank them accordingly? And does qudelix get hot when used as Usb dac or in bluetooth mode with LDAC☺️
Nice review iiWi 😊💥💥, i was very curious about that one, but i have never thought it would be that great...
Thanks for the great video. It looks it's comparable in price and sound quality to the IFI Hip Dac. This one is more portable and there is no battery to remember to charge, while the IFI has a few more features and possibly more power.
Terrific review. I enjoyed your enthusiastic endorsement of this Dac. It seems a great performer for the price.
How does it compare with the $25 Lusya DAC you reviewed on your channel? Also how about against the Soncoz LA-QXD1?
I bought it. Measures so well
My Hidizs S9 Pro and Hidizs earphones are currently on their way!
Hi. Are you able to compare it to Lotoo Paw S1? Is it better?
Thank you for this review
I’ve been using the Hidis S8 for about two years and always considered them something of a hidden gem. I might upgrade to the S9 although I’m not a huge fan of the double output.
Hizidis S8 is just 2X pricier version of Tempotec Sonata HD Pro
unless you need the balanced out, I'd stick with the S8.
Hidizs S9 are really good DAC, try to compare it with E1DA 9038, thanks.
E1da is far more powerfull bit the cost are, no mic, and interference noise on your 4g/5g phone
Hey!
I have been experiencing popping and sometimes crackling noise when I pause or play music.
I am afraid of damaging the headphones (Audeze LCD-2C).
Any help is much appreciated.
I was thinking in getting the HIDIZS S9 PRO for my Iphone but its a battery killer. I have a macbook pro mid 2014, if I connect this dac to my macbook Pro will improve the sound quality of my music via headphones? Please help
My phone is redmi note 9 pro it has no otg settings but it has usb debugging I enabled that option and connected to hidiz s9 pro dac but not working , no light working but I connected to pc it working.please help
Hidizs S9 Pro vs Earmen Sparrow, which one would you get?
Very helpful review, thank you! :-)
Hi. I actually brought one of these last year. Unfortunately it won't play anything from my Galaxy Tab A8, which I bought it for.
Just doesn't send a signal out of the usbC, though it does light up!
And yes it does work, because I have used it on an old LG phone ( the B&O version )
I didn't have any luck with Hidezs so it has barely been used at all. Maybe 3hs.
Do you or anyone reading have a fix ?
🤔🙏
thanks a lot for your review. It is really informative and yet concise as always.
Can you review the Shanling UA2 and compare it to s9 pro
Thank you
Hi there, what about Fiio ka3 , is it comparable to S9 Pro as Both are using the same Chip ?
I am looking for options under $100 before zeroing in, towards any purchase,
Thanks
I own the Hidizs AP80. Does this offer similar sound quality if I connect it to my iPhone with Spotify or Apple lossless?
Is it better than qudelix 5k if both are used in usb connection? Just in terms of audio output ☺️
I own the S9 Pro and thinking of getting the Moondrop Moonriver 2 DAC ......Is it worth it for an addition 70mW of power ?
Thanks for another awesome review!
Is there a split android dongle (USB c male to two USB c female) that allows charging the phone while
listening to the s9 pro.?
I didn't know the guy who has the dream about the man behind the dumpster in mullholand drive did audio equipment reviews.
It can be a upgrade over the Beam 2SE? Im gonna use with ATH MSR7
After purchasing the dragonfly black I was unimpressed with the sound. I will try this DAC out because you seem to have an ear for quality sound. Thanks for the review, well done.
Does it need power to perform? If yes how much power it will take from source device for any certain period? Does it amplify the signals received from source? If yes how many times it enhance the it's input? You didn't cover these type of important technicals in your very large review.
Thanks for the great video. Can it be used as purely a DAC connected to a speaker amp ?
Great review! Actually I‘ve ordered the S9 Pro before I did see your video. Could you please recommend good IEMs?
Cant find a solution for getting this to be recognized when plugged into the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - every other device i plug it into works immediately, every other USB C cable is recognized just not the S9 Pro DAC......and yes ive tried enabling developer mode, USB debugging etc. Contacted Hidizs ....still no help!
Hello, Love your channel and did a bit of research . I am going with the S9 pro. For the price its like we are getting half off for what it offers. Cant wait to hear this dac chip.cheers
Hello thanks for Review! Can you please answer what better to buy for kz ast? e1da d or Hidizs S9 Pro? What will be sound more fun and detaile??
I think FX-Audio D01 uses the same dac chip. Perhaps you could try it out :)
I bought two s9 pros and both failed one after 4 months and the second after 9 months, got refunds from amazon.
Thank you for a great review yet again. If possible, pls review the new Astell & Kern new dongle DAC costing $149 for a comparison.
Hi, what about battery drain? (Smartphone)
How would you compare this to something like Schiit modi 3+ ? For example into an integrated amp?
I bought it and I am quite satisfied with the sound.
Anybody knows if the cable prone to breaking?
Can you order another one if it happens?
I just got moondrop starfield should go for this or ifi go blu? Also should i change stock cable. I'm grom eu.
I haven't heard iFi Go but this one is great. No need for aftermarket cable in my opinion.
Thanks for the findings. How's RFI on this? I adore my Meizu HiFi Pro dongle but hampered by the RFI when out and about.
I wonder how it comapres to ddHifi TC35 Pro? Any ideas? Which one would you get?
How does the S9 Pro compare with the Topping NX4 DSD, in terms of sound quality?
NX4 clearly has more power but other than that I feel S9 pro offers sound richer in details, especially midrange. NX4 is somewhat leaner tonally too.
If you had to choose between s9 pro and Tone2 pro what witch one will you go with?
Hi another really great review. Seems like another great USB DAC I have the Audioquest Black and Red I prefer the red to Cobalt. Just wondering about the S9Pro I was thinking could it be connected to a HIFI pre amp with a pair of balanced XLR's and a Stereo 3.5 mm with a 2.5mm converter jack to the balanced out of the S9 Pro.
hello......what do you think of hidizs s9.......the earlier version.......not the pro one.......if u had hands on it.......how does this compare to s9 in audio quality........thanku
I already have a qudelix 5k, do you think the s9pro is still worth it for an upgrade?
How would this compare to a desktop dac like SMSL Sanskrit MK2 purely as a dac?
I didn't have a chance to put them directly against each other, but going by the memory I feel they are in the same ballpark. I would still go with MKII for desktop use, it's just more convenient and has a display, remote, and full size RCA outs.
Good question wonder if it has a line out mode like dragonflies
Fiio btr5 or hidizs s9 pro, which one is better sound quality?
How do you hook this up to an iPhone touch??
Thank you for another great review :) how does this compare against zorloo ztella? Can you recommend one over the other and why? This will help me decide my to buy my first every dongle dac :)
Take a look at Ztella review: th-cam.com/video/8YSclh2o5vE/w-d-xo.html
There's a section (time stamp) comparing these two.
Would you recommend this for a pc as well or just to use the pc 3.5mm, also would you recommend using the 2.5 or 3.5 on the 19 pro for moondrop variations
Every single DAC is better than built-in one by default. Putting this one in your sound will literally explode.
Love the review.. right after watching this review I have ordered this Dac.
I just wanted to know if I can drive the Hifiman Sundara with this little Dac?
Yes you can, it drives three similar planars I have very well.
What's battery drain on phone compared to dragonfly?
It's bigger but I haven't compared them in any repeatable test. My Android phone has a 3000 mAh battery and can play Tidal over Wi-Fi and this DAC for about five to six hours on one charge. Of course I often turn the screen on, searching for some song etc. so it's not just DAC draining the battery.
Do you know how the sound quality compares to the ifi hip dac 2?
Try to review the Ibasso DC04, its cheaper and also have a lot of power.
Hello, I really like this review. The detail, you sorted everything in categories and your accent be calm and pleasant. Thank you, I’m pretty sure I’m gonna buy one of these.
One question: Is it worth it to buy the Hidizs S9 Pro or the Dragonfly Cobalt for the Beyerdynamics DT Pro 770 32-Ohm version? What will the difference be in comparison to the 250-Ohm version, will it be better quality or just louder?
Also, is their a Non-Dangle DAC / Amplifier in the same price range as the cobalt which will be better then the hidizs and the cobalt?
Cobalt is overpriced and overhyped by mainstream media in my opinion, I sold it very quickly after buying it. S9 pro offers equal sound quality at lower price. But for 200 USD you can now get Moondrop Moonriver 2 which smokes both of these... An awesome sounding dongle that I'm using myself.
As for the desktop units, they offer more power and drive, sound better with 250 ohm and higher... But don't sound much better with sensitive low impedance headphones. I don't know any desktop device around 200 that beats Moonriver 2 for sound fidelity.
Finally, I haven't heard DT770 in both variants, only the 250 ohm one. But from experience, 32 ohm should be an easier load. If using a dongle, it should be a better choice.
It's similar to Fiio Q1 Mark II.. Have you tried that one?
I'm getting these for my grado's 60e, 80e, and 225e. I have the S3 pro, and I'm happy. Will I be happier with the S9?
Can't vouch for your happiness but I know I would be. 😊
What kind of sound signature do you like? cold, analytical or warm?
Guys do you think Hidizs S9 pro can work with Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition 250 Ohm with max capabilities of these headphones?
Hi iiWi, and what is ur opinion about the s9pro dynamics? In comparison with the Sparrow for example? Because from my experience it is not as dynamic as for example nextdrive spectra but everything else is a big step up.
please help me with an answer and tell me why hidizs s9 pro does not connect to my phone, did I miss something?
Just try and turn the USB cable the other way around... See if it helps.
Can you compare it to Sonata HD PRO? I'm also wondering, will this dac drive Sundara well.
Great review, so apart from its a little smaller why this rather than fiio btr5 or quiladix, both with bluetooth support, their own power etc., so my btr5 in balanced mode drives my 6xx's at 300 ohms very enjoyably without maxing out
Well, I haven't had a chance to hear the ones you're mentioning. They might as well be great devices... Opinion on this one is based on the fact that is able to easily compete with some very good and pricier DACs such as Cobalt and Sparrow.
@@iiWiReviews it may well be the sound of a major step up as I haven’t tried the cobalt or the other one. The new thx dongle although 200 looks amazing in quality and power so if this competes for just over half the price then that would be super impressive. Do u know what voltage it outputs se and balanced?
@@iiWiReviews what about lotoo paw s1?
@@jasonbhatnagar7134 another excellent dongle, there are so many
I'm really torn between S9 pro and shanling UA2! Whats your recommendation sir?
Just curious if you have run this DACs output directly into a receiver/amplifier (with bookshelf speakers)? I’m interested in a dual purpose portable DAC I can use with headphones on the go/office then into the receiver at home. Thanks.
yes. however he offers advice above in comments: " I would still go with MKII for desktop use, it's just more convenient and has a display, remote, and full size RCA outs." I believe he is referring to the "SMSL Sanskrit MK2" www.amazon.ca/SMSL-10th-MKII-Amplifier-Black/dp/B085TF124M
@@mikemotorbike4283 Thanks mike, but am after a dual use product with portability. Ideally after a portable DAC with volume controls, but can live without if the S9pro works well with a receiver.
this convince me the purchase, but does it equal or better than ovidius b1?
Are DAC dongles only used for phone/computer? What purpose does it serve? What is it mainly use for? Thanks.
They can be used for both phones and PCs. Purpose is that your headphones get higher quality sound and higher driving power than they would from the weak phone or PC sound chip. Final goal is better, more powerful sound.
Thank for the take. Wanted to know whether it needs driver downloads to run and if it's suitable in computer setup.
I have vintage Sennheiser HD580 Precision headphone (300 ohms impedance and 97dB sensitivity) and an AKG K550 headphone (32 ohms impedance and 114dB sensitivity). Would I get better sound upgrade quality out of these if I got the Hidizs S9 Pro to use with these headphones or would you instead recommend that I just upgrade to Hifiman HE-4XX headphone for ~$80. more? Thanks much for your great insights and recommendations.
I don't know what you're running those headphones currently... If it's directly from a PC or phone, then yes you should hear an upgrade with this DAC. Also, HE-4xx are not all that sensitive so I recommend having a DAC/amp with decent drive (such as this one) before purchasing them.
Can I use this with my Koss KSC75?
Do you think I’ll hear noise floor with my highly sensitive campfire IEM’s? If not. I’ll purchase right away, just cause of its form factor. Great review 👍
I don't know how sensitive are those IEMs but since I didn't hear any noise floor with any IEMs I've tried (ranging all the way to 116 dB sensitivity) I believe you should be OK
@@user-lg9jd2xj8c Thanks guys
can it work in car audio system?
How does it compare to fiio ka3?