HIDIZS

Founded in 2009, Hidizs has established itself as one of the high-quality audio equipment brands, renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional listening experiences. Specializing in high-quality portable audiophile equipment, Hidizs offers an impressive range of products, including Digital Audio Players (DAPs), Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), amplifiers, and in-ear monitors, designed to satisfy the most discerning audio enthusiasts.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Hi-Res frequency response: 20Hz - 40kHz
• Impedance: 17 ohms
• Sensitivity: 103dB
• Cable: 3.5mm or 4.4mm
• Connector: 0.78mm 2pin
• Weight: 16 grams

SALT

Inspired by ocean waves and whale forms, the MP143 Salt features a CNC-machined aluminum alloy housing. Its design includes 14 delicate lines resembling waves and baleen plates, with a whale-like contour breaching the water surface, creating a unique and identifiable appearance.

Here’s a more refined and engaging version of your text: The MP143 features Hidizs' all-new 2nd generation 14.3mm planar magnetic driver, aptly named FAST2. This innovative driver utilizes seven fully symmetrical N52H magnets on each side, enhancing efficiency while minimizing harmonic distortion, and achieving an impressive flux density close to 1 Tesla.

True to their commitment to versatility, Hidizs includes three interchangeable pneumatic filters with the MP143, allowing users to customize their listening experience. These screw-in mouthpieces come in three colors—Gold (balanced sound), Silver (high-frequency emphasis), and Red (low-frequency emphasis)—reminiscent of the popular MP145 model.

The stock cable features the classic 2Pin 0.78mm interface and offers a choice between two terminations: SE 3.5mm or BAL 4.4mm. Built with gold-plated connectors and high-purity, oxygen-free, silver-plated copper conductors, this cable ensures a superior audio connection.

DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY

The shell of the MP143 Salt is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, featuring a separate body and faceplate. This material is cool to the touch, with an anodized matte finish available in Blue, Silver, or Gun Black, with my review unit being the Blue version.

Visually, the MP143 differs from the Hidizs MP145, although I can't speak to the build quality or comfort of the MP145 since I haven't used it. However, from a design perspective, the MP145 does appear more elegant and appealing.

The MP143’s design is inspired by the texture of whale skin, which is why we opted for the Black color—it closely resembles the natural hue of a whale. The shell includes two ventilation holes, one on the inside and another near the connector. While the MP143 is slightly smaller than the MP145, the difference isn't huge, and the shape might still present some challenges for those with smaller ears.

TUNING FILTERS

RED

The red filter, featuring a black sponge inside, is designed to enhance warmth and emphasize bass, creating a more subdued and bass-oriented sound. This nozzle reduces brightness and airiness, resulting in a decrease in technical precision and extension. In summary, it's a less practical filter for my preferences.

ROSE GOLD

The Rose Gold filter serves as the balanced nozzle, offering an ideal choice for those who appreciate warmth without sacrificing detail and technical precision. It delivers slightly more bass than the Silver nozzle, but overall, the sound signatures of the two are quite similar, with only subtle differences between them.

SILVER

The silver filter is my personal favorite, as it truly showcases the full potential of the MP143. It strikes a perfect balance with high frequency—not overly bright, yet still maintaining a touch of warmth. The midrange gains a pleasing shine, with the upper mids becoming more pronounced. The treble is lively and energetic but without any harshness. Additionally, the soundstage feels slightly wider, and the imaging is noticeably more precise.

PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES

• 1 x MP143 Salt
• 3 Pairs x Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters
• 3 Pairs x Ergonomics Silicone Black Ear Tips (Balanced)
• 3 Pairs x Ergonomics Silicone White Ear Tips (High Frequency)
• 1 x 3.5mm or 4.4mm Earphone Cable
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x Warranty Card
• 1 x HIDIZS Pouch Bag

Upon opening the box, you'll find the capsules nestled in a multi-layered black cardboard mold. This packaging is both eco-friendly and plastic-free, perfectly reflecting the philosophy behind the MP143 Salt. Every aspect, from the absence of plastic to the thoughtful design, evokes the essence of the ocean. The name, inspired by the legendary humpback whale "Salt," adds a poetic dimension that links directly to the core of the project. It's not just a product, it's an invitation to listen not only to the music but to the story it conveys.

COMFORT

The fit may not be ideal for everyone. Due to its size alone, some users might find it challenging to achieve a comfortable fit. Personally, I found the stock tips uncomfortable, but switching to SpinFit OMNI Tips made a significant difference. For those with smaller ears, comfort may still be a concern, but it’s essential for each individual to try it themselves. A more ergonomic design could enhance comfort, but with the right tips, achieving a comparable fit is still possible on small ears.

SOUND

The MP143 has a well-balanced sound signature. The overall sound follows the Harman 2019 signature with a mild V-shaped tuning. It delivers a warm, neutral-to-flat sound depending on the nozzle filter used. Our primary testing was done with the Silver and Rose Gold nozzles. The MP143 offers a good textured bass with a decent sub-bass rumble. Its midrange is warm and forward, focusing on vocals with good clarity and detail, though slightly colored. The treble is sharp, detailed, and energetic, with good extension and separation, especially with the silver filter. Overall, the MP143 provides a slightly metallic timbre, but engaging sound with controlled bass, prominent mids, and lively treble, ideal for those seeking a balanced yet exciting listening experience.

BASS

The sub-bass on the MP143 offers a resonant, textured rumble that you can feel as much as hear a remarkable achievement for a planar IEM. The bass provides just the right amount of energy, with well-controlled quality that adds depth and richness to each note. While it may not reach the levels desired by bassheads, the bass presence is impressive, especially considering the planar driver, delivering a satisfying rumble with excellent body and texture.

MIDS

The midrange on the MP143 offers a warm, forward presentation that leans towards a vocal-centric focus, giving voices a prominent and engaging presence. There's a subtle "stickiness" to the mids, adding a slight but intriguing texture to the sound. Due to the planar driver, you might notice a hint of metallic timbre, but this doesn’t overshadow the overall natural and rich quality of the vocals. While there's a mild coloration that keeps the mids from being completely organic, it adds a unique character that some listeners may find appealing. The detail retrieval is solid, with good clarity and a respectable level of separation, allowing individual elements in the midrange to stand out without losing cohesion.

TREBLE

The treble on the MP143 is sharp and well-defined, delivering an impressive level of detail. While it doesn't offer the expansive airiness of some other IEMs, it strikes a good balance, especially when paired with the silver filter. With this configuration, the treble gains a decent amount of openness, allowing for a more satisfying listening experience. Hi-hats and snares come through with a crisp, energetic quality that adds a sense of liveliness to the upper frequencies. The treble also extends nicely, with excellent separation between instruments, making each element stand out clearly in the mix. This extension enhances the sense of detail and brings out more micro-details, giving the sound a subtle brightness that lifts the entire sound signature without becoming harsh or fatiguing.

When comparing the Gold and Silver nozzles, both perform exceptionally well, but the Silver filter truly shines, adding an extra layer of clarity and refinement. For those seeking a more dynamic and engaging treble experience, the Silver filter remains our top choice. It strikes the perfect balance between energy and control, making it the standout option for those who appreciate a bright yet detailed sound.

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

The soundstage of the MP143 is decent, though it doesn't offer an expansive width or depth. That said, there's a respectable sense of space, and the separation between instruments is handled quite well. While the imaging may not be the most defined compared to other planar drivers, it remains precise and accurate, showcasing good separation and layering—hallmarks of planar technology. This accuracy allows individual elements in the soundscape to be placed with clarity, though it's not as vast as some might expect. Unfortunately, we don't have the MP145 on hand for a direct comparison.

MP143 SALT VS 7HZ TIMELESS

The 7Hz Timeless proves itself to be a competent IEM with impressive separation. While the bass lacks a bit of texture, it still delivers a satisfying amount for those who aren't hardcore bass enthusiasts. The sub-bass makes its presence felt when needed, though it doesn’t dominate the overall sound signature.

The bass on the Timeless is slightly less textured, but still satisfying for non-bass-heavy listeners, it offers a reasonable amount of punch. The MP143 delivers a well-controlled bass with good body and texture. While it’s not overwhelming, the sub-bass provides a nice rumble, particularly for a planar IEM. Compared to the MP143, the Timeless leans more towards a balanced approach to the bass without as much body or depth.

Despite its V-shaped tuning, the midrange on the Timeless isn’t as recessed as expected. It allows vocals and instruments to shine, with the highs and lows complementing rather than overpowering the mids. The MP143 is forward, with a warm, vocal-centric focus. Vocals are rich and detailed, though there is a slight metallic timbre due to the planar driver.

The treble on the Timeless is one of its strongest points, offering a crisp and airy quality, one time it was pretty rare for planar IEMs. The treble on the MP143 is sharp, detailed, and well-extended. It doesn’t offer a lot of airiness, but with the Silver filter, it achieves a decent level of openness. Hi-hats and snares are crisp, and the overall treble presentation is lively without becoming harsh.

The soundstage on the Timeless is average, and perhaps slightly below average for some listeners, also the MP143 is decent, though not particularly wide or deep. There’s a reasonable sense of space and separation, but it’s not expansive. The MP143 edges ahead with better stage, separation, and layering.

CONCLUSION

The Hidizs MP143 is a well-rounded planar IEM that excels in delivering a warm, detailed sound signature with impressive control and balance. Its bass is textured and resonant, while the midrange is forward and vocal-centric, providing a rich listening experience. The treble is sharp and energetic, with the Silver filter adding clarity and refinement. Though the soundstage isn’t particularly wide, the imaging and separation are solid, making the MP143 a great choice for those seeking more versatile IEM with customizable sound options.