Before I go any further, I want to emphasise that if you decide to purchase this item, I strongly advise you to pair it with the accompanying MS3 wired headphones. They combine to make an incredible compact audio system that provides good value for money.
While my major focus is on the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X’s capabilities as a wireless DAC for flawlessly processing and enjoying music from your smartphone (a role it excels at), it’s worth mentioning that the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X is also a dedicated high-resolution audio player. To save your music files, you’ll need a microSD card.
For less than $300 (roughly £348 or around AU$440), this player provides an astounding 11 hours of listening on a single charge when combined with the supplied in-ear headphones. In comparison, Astell & Kern’s A&norma SR25 MKII gives up to 20 hours of playing, whilst the company’s flagship A&ultima SP2000T only delivers nine hours. Thus, in terms of battery life, the low-cost Hidizs compares brilliantly with much more costly rivals.
The AP80 Pro-X has twin DAC chips and can play high-resolution PCM, DSD, and MQA files. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility for Sony’s LDAC codec as well as HiBy UAT (Ultra Audio Transmission), which guarantees 192kHz passthrough at a maximum transmission rate of 1.2Mbps.
Even when linked with a smartphone, the Hidizs’ small 2.45-inch 480 x 360 touchscreen is remarkably snappy, crisp, and colourful in a variety of lighting settings. It displays the higher-resolution characteristics that audiophiles value, and the player’s settings allow you to easily pick the suitable Bluetooth codec section.
The Hidizs AP80 Pro-X has a luxury feel that belies its low price, making it a good discussion starter on your commute. Of course, if you want a more private experience, you can easily slip it into your pocket and immerse yourself in the magnificent LDAC tunes it provides.
