HIDIZS MS5 Review: Single Driver, Massive Enjoyment with Premium In-Ear Monitors

Experience impressive sound quality and comfort with HIDIZS MS5 in-ear monitors featuring unique drivers and customizable filters.

Introduction to HIDIZS MS5: A High-End In-Ear Marvel

HIDIZS MS5 is a pair of in-ear monitors priced around $470, boasting five drivers per ear, interchangeable pneumatic filters for sound customization, and a detachable cable, all packed in premium packaging. This positions them among mid-range to upper mid-range earbuds, competing with models like Xenns Mangird Tea2, Unique Melody 3DT, Earsonics Corsa, and Westone MACH 60.

HIDIZS is widely known for its excellent mini players and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) launched since 2016. However, the MS5 marks their first serious step into the high-end in-ear headphone market. Positioned at the higher end of the mid-tier segment, the MS5 shows the brand's ambition to appeal to audiophiles ready to upgrade their collections with more sophisticated IEMs and sources.

Build Quality and Comfort of HIDIZS MS5

The MS5 uses a dynamic driver made from liquid silicone, with a 0.03mm Kevlar dome surrounded by this flexible material. Alongside the dynamic driver, there are four balanced armature drivers from Danish manufacturer Sonion — E50DT for highs, 2389 for mids, and two 17A003 drivers handling lows. This combination enriches sound texture and clarity, though HIDIZS keeps the crossover details under wraps.

An impressive feature is the unique soldering process using gold alloys, which prevents corrosion and ensures durability. You can tailor the sound with three different filters—red, silver, and pink—based on acoustic damping with cotton filters. The pink filter (copper-coated) was primarily used for this review.

The silver filter brightens the music and slightly tones down the bass, while the red filter softens high frequencies for a smoother, less detailed sound with a narrower soundstage.

The MS5's shape is quite interesting—they are surprisingly comfortable, seeming semi-open but providing excellent noise isolation of 22-28 dB depending on frequency. The inner aluminum shell, anodized for resonance and durability, keeps the design slim and light. The outer resin shell is skin-friendly, featuring an “angel wings” shape with a golden texture inside for an eye-catching look.

Noise isolation is so effective that typing sounds on a keyboard are barely noticeable, making these perfect for various environments. The braided cable is thick and robust but fits tightly around the ears. While this snug fit stays secure during physical activities like running, it may not suit those seeking a looser cable feel. The cable is made with silver-plated 6N crystalline copper wires, woven into eight strands, finishing with a gold-plated 3.5mm jack. This results in zero microphonic noise, no tangling, and no springiness, though it is quite heavy.

Despite a low impedance of 5.3 Ohms and a sound pressure level of 104 dB, which can theoretically cause hiss or background noise, MS5 works well with most portable sources and DAPs without noticeable noise or static. Overall, the MS5 feels like a genuine high-end IEM with a robust feature set.

Sound Quality of HIDIZS MS5

For this review, the MS5 was tested with various sources such as Hiby R2 II, Aune S9c PRO, iBasso DX320 MAX TI, Shanling UP4 2022, HIDIZS XO DAC, HIDIZS ap80 PRO X, Astell & Kern ACRO CA1000T, and HIFI Walker H2 Touch. Most sources handled the MS5 excellently, with only the ACRO CA1000T showing some hiss due to higher output impedance. Powerful DACs like FiiO K9 PRO provide optimal sound tuning.

The overall sound signature is natural with a U-shaped curve: strong bass, natural mids, and bright, energetic highs. The soundstage is surprisingly spacious with excellent instrument separation across all frequencies. Mids are rich, detailed, and distortion-free at any volume, showcasing great dynamics.

Bass reproduction is a highlight. The MS5 can reach down to 20 Hz with powerful low frequencies. Bass energy peaks between 20-75 Hz, staying controlled to avoid muddiness. This bass pairs well with mids to add instrument body without overloading the sound. The bass can be big and slow or energetic and punchy, depending on the track.

Midrange is clean and spacious, slightly subdued compared to bass and treble but still rich with excellent instrument separation. Vocal clarity is outstanding, making lyrics easy to follow. The MS5 handles compressed and dynamic music well.

Treble frequencies are gently elevated, enhancing clarity without fatigue. Highs have a smooth texture that softens cymbal hits, making them clear but never tiring to the ears. Detailing matches other competitors in this price range.

Comparisons with Competitors

HIDIZS MS5 vs Unique Melody 3DT

Both have similar build quality, but MS5 feels more comfortable with smaller ear tips. The 3DT offers a more pronounced U-shaped sound with stronger bass and brighter highs, while MS5 delivers richer mids, a more natural soundstage, and softer treble. The MS5's sound is more natural overall, whereas the 3DT favors a wider soundstage and sharper highs. Both require powerful sources to reach full potential.

HIDIZS MS5 vs Earsonics Corsa

MS5 wins with its case, filters, and cable. Comfort is better with MS5 due to ergonomic shape and smaller tips, though insertion depth is more profound with the Corsa. The Corsa's mids sound more natural but less dynamic and expressive than MS5, which has a wider and deeper soundstage, better instrument separation, richer mids and bass, and brighter, more detailed highs.

HIDIZS MS5 vs Westone MACH 60

Westone MACH 60 has deeper insertion and lighter, smaller housings but can be less comfortable depending on ear shape. MS5 fits tighter and feels better for long-term wear. Westone is easier to handle but more sensitive to source hiss, requiring quieter sources. MS5 sounds more natural, detailed, and holographic with better instrument separation and dynamics. MACH 60 offers better passive noise isolation, but MS5 balances comfort and isolation well.

HIDIZS MS5 vs Xenns Mangird Tea2

Both have a somewhat similar design, but MS5 is more comfortable with a snugger fit. Tea2 is more sensitive to source noise and hiss, while MS5 is quiet. Tea2 focuses on midrange information, while MS5 offers richer sound with deeper bass, better impact, wider soundstage, and brighter highs. Tea2 suits those preferring midrange-focused sound without prominent bass, whereas MS5 delivers a more vibrant listening experience.

“HIDIZS MS5 delivers a natural sound with strong bass and clear mids, making it one of the best options for those seeking dynamic, detailed in-ear monitors.”
— Audio Enthusiast Review

Value and Final Verdict

The price-to-performance ratio of the HIDIZS MS5 is outstanding. They quickly became among the reviewer's favorite IEMs due to their impressive sound, dynamic range, natural soundstage, and premium presentation, including a practical carry case and customizable filters. Even in default mode, their detail and resolution compete strongly in the mid-tier market.

The MS5 has earned a spot in the "Audiophile Hall of Fame" and remains enjoyable years after its initial release, proving its lasting appeal. If you want energetic, powerful, and deep-sounding in-ear monitors with a slightly U-shaped sound, excellent dynamics, outstanding instrument separation, and richly detailed mids, the HIDIZS MS5 is a top contender worth owning today.

Conclusion

Are you ready to elevate your music listening with in-ear monitors that balance comfort, customization, and superb sound quality? The HIDIZS MS5 offers an unbeatable blend of features and performance for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. What’s your favorite IEM brand, and how do you think the MS5 stacks up?

FAQs

• What makes the HIDIZS MS5 unique among in-ear monitors?
  The MS5 combines a dynamic driver with four balanced armatures, customizable acoustic filters, and gold alloy soldering for corrosion resistance, delivering natural, detailed sound with excellent noise isolation.
• Are the HIDIZS MS5 comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, thanks to their ergonomic “angel wings” design, lightweight materials, and snug fit, they provide comfort even for extended use.
• Do the filters significantly change the sound quality?
  Absolutely, the red, silver, and pink filters alter the tonal balance, allowing users to tailor the sound to personal preferences by adjusting bass, mids, and treble emphasis.
• Can the MS5 be used with all portable devices?
  The MS5 has a low impedance and can be driven by most portable sources and DAPs without hiss or noise, though powerful DACs provide the best experience.
• How does the MS5 compare to other IEMs in its price range?
  The MS5 offers natural mids, strong bass, and smooth highs, competing favorably with brands like Unique Melody, Earsonics, Westone, and Xenns, often standing out for its balanced sound and build quality.

Feel free to shop your favorite album cover poster and more at our store for the perfect music room vibe: Architeg Prints.