This results in essentially the same performance specifications between AP80 Pro and AP80 Pro-X with channel separation as apparent exemption. Hidizs lists a much improved channel separation for the AP80 Pro-X model. Upon further inspection, the AP80 Pro-X’s better value stems from a measurement at no load, whereas the AP80 Pro’s number was generated under load. Perhaps many head-fi companies have answered that question with "no one". Therefore, small and affordable digital music players (DAP) are almost extinct nowadays, giving way to dongle DACs and expensive Android DAPs. This device also supports HiBy UAT, Sony LDAC, and aptX CSR to reduce latency and deliver CD-quality sound wirelessly over Bluetooth connections. These are really good considerations from Hidizs, as more and more audiophiles want the flexibility of listening to HiFi in both wireless and wired modes. Founded in 2009 by Tamson Tan, Hidizs offers a full range of DAP, DAC/Amp, and IEMs that share the same DNA: good sound for an affordable price. And if their first model, the AP100, was one of the quirkiest/haunted devices I ever held in my life, it remained a solid alternative to FiiO’s or Shanling’s players, for a lesser price.

The main improvement of the new dual ES9219C DAC chip compared to the AP80 PRO’s dual ES9218P is its dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. The dual ES9219C DAC chip supports up to 2.0Vrms output with analog gain control which reduces noise and makes audio sound cleaner on audible levels. In addition to physical controls, the AP80PX uses touch screen controls to access many of the functions of the Hiby Linux OS. Hiby Link is also enabled so the AP80PX can be effectively remote controlled from another Android or IOS device. On screen controls are large and easy to use. Powering on takes roughly 40 seconds to reach a usable state and then displays four options player, FM, step (pedometer), and Bluetooth settings. Swiping left reveals three additional options eBooks, system settings and about. The AP80 PRO-X is one of best Bluetooth DAC/amps I have ever used with a super stable connection and a stellar sound performance.

A source is rated based on A/B tests using Andromeda (very sensitive IEM) and E5000 (very insensitive IEM). If one source sounds not as good as the other, I would bump up the volume and give it another try before concluding. This practice aims to mitigate the "louder is better" problem without getting into the issue of "DB vs perceived loudness." Soundstage and imaging are average with the AP80 Pro-X. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still one of the best in its current market price. Oftentimes, soundstage does not feel cramped. However, it is noticeable that space is limited, with maybe around 1 inch overhead. The Hidizs AP80 Pro X is a welcome refresh in the established AP80 series. It’s an incremental upgrade adding dual ES9219C chips and some slight tweaks to the aluminium chassis. Also, having the ability to MSEB my Citation’s is absurdly fun and enjoyable. Not like they need it, but you can if you want. Sending BT audio to a DAC that accepts Bluetooth is also fun, and a great way to save some CASH if you want with wiring needs. Depending on the pairing,it can sound very good if the iem/headphone has good synergy with AP80 Pro-X

Upfront, you have a 2.45” IPS touchscreen, boasting a 480×360 resolution, provided by Samsung, that allows you to navigate through the player menu. And if the screen bezels could be a hindrance on bigger players, this isn’t the case here, as they completely blend with the screen. The AP80 Pro X’s sound is familiar and reminds me of the Hidizs S9 Pro i.e. clear, transparent and leaning slightly towards analytical. Neutral is the operative word here – the sound is uncoloured with no sonic embellishments. This makes sense considering the large number of EQ and MSEB options available; it’s easy, for example, to add more bass or bring the midrange forward if desired. I found that sources do not sound the same due to the difference in their output power or tuning, should the manufacturer decide to deviate from the flat frequency response. Since the Balanced Mode output is high on the AP80 Pro, things changed a little bit over the standard AP80. With more power comes a firmer low end and also a more controlled top side. They fit surprisingly well together. By adding some rubber feet to the top of the Mojo, they can sit comfortably with the AP80 Pro on top. It makes for an impressively solid lump of aluminum audio excellence. AP80 vs. AP80 Pro Comparison Feature

Final Thoughts

The AP80 Pro has dual ES9218 DAC chips in it, which is fine so long as the quality is noticeably better than just one good DAC. I don’t feel any different from the AP80 Cu version I reviewed 8 months ago. I feel like some things were changed in terms of physical quantities between this newer Pro model and the last one. I’ll get into that in a bit. The main advantage of using AP80 PRO/ PRO-X balanced output instead of AP80 3.5 SE is the amount of power it produces which inevitably leads to more juicy presentation, more dynamics (especially in midbass section), more clarity and transparency in overall. Fixed the volume control bug: touching the button when the interface is about to disappear may cause the volume to continuously adjust. Both all-in-one DAC/amp chips have effectively the same specs, but the ES2919C features hardware-level MQA decoding and it has a lower battery consumption at standby/no load.