Hidizs AP80 review

Really good small DAP
Kickstarter page: kck.st/2QnEG72
1:36 - package, specifications and accessories set
4:04 - design, usability and build quality
6:48 - firmware
14:05 - sound
20:14 - comparisons
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

[@hendrikpresley13]

WOW... great little DAP from Hidizs... thanks for the great review as always... Cheers

[@fei19317]

Nice video. I can find almost every review i need

[@antoinep9733]

Nice review thank you. No mention of AAC lossless format support over on Kickstarter. Does that mean all of my CDs I have ripped to AAC via iTunes (on the family iMac) would not play? I have some Flac as well, but converting a library of AAC to Flac would be a real hassle.

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately, I don't have AAC tracks to test. I suspect if it's not listed, then it's not supported, but to be 100% sure you can ask on Kickstarter in comments, Hidizs usually answer questions there

[@KingdomLost]

Nice demo. Do you know if it can read multiple genres? e.g Progressive rock//Classic rock. My Plenue D only reads last genre (sad face).

[@PortaFi]

I didn't test such scenario, but 99% that it doesn't support it

[@sampathkumarnarayanan4101]

Really useful review...I need your help in choosing a good sounding dap under $200. I have audio technica m50x, Sennheiser pxc550...I am currently using lg v30 for listening to streaming music like Spotify, Apple Music..which one is better, shanling m0, hidizs ap80, hiby r3, or any other good sounding dap...thanks

[@PortaFi]

if you need streaming, then M6 is the only available option otherwise, chose the signature you'd like: AP80 is a bit more detailed and neutral, R3 is a bit on warmer side, M6 is something in between

[@sampathkumarnarayanan4101]

@@PortaFi thanks for ur quick reply..

[@luisp.9710]

Hi. Can you rewind the song by using the phisical buttons? or just by using the tactil screen?. greets

[@PortaFi]

you can rewind with buttons too

[@adopancia7445]

Hi, can I ask your opinion about chosing between ap80 or Lotoo Paw 5000 (not mkII, I can have it for about 190usd, so not very much more expensive than ap80)?I would mainly use them with IEMs requiring not big power, I like relaxed sound and not particularly crisp one. Thanks in advance for your opinion.

[@PortaFi]

I'd go for AP80, as first version of 5000 was average Actually, AP80 is pretty neutral and crisp, but it can be fixed with EQ :)

[@adopancia7445]

Porta_Fi Thank you very much, in case I will follow your suggestion. I am trying to buy a Xuelin ihifi1969, which should be SQ much better (right?), but if I don’t succeed I will go for AP80. Thanks again!

[@rcpilot4970]

Does it beat the Cayin N3? I don't even know why I'm asking, I already backed the AP80 on kickstarter!!! Thank you.

[@PortaFi]

you know, no single model "beats" others in this price range. to get something that will beat Cayin N3 you'll have to spend about $300 (that's rough approximation), it this case difference will be that noticeable and AP80 vs Cayin N3, AP80 is a bit more neutral, so I'd call it better, but difference isn't super big. and for someone who prefer warmer representation, it can be even drawback

[@rcpilot4970]

ok thanks and sorry for the normie questions

[@PortaFi]

@iJutsu you need to think, what sound signature you want. neutral and monitoring - AP80 will be your option. Warmer and bassier - N3. Difference isn't huge, but it's audible. As for Sony, I don't recommend it unless you're OK to sacrifice sound quality for big battery life :)

[@PortaFi]

@iJutsu I've got M2s only for short period of time to make a review. It was sounding OK, but a bit "dull" to my taste, lacking some luxury in sound, in this matter it reminds me xDuoo's DAPs. But it's a really subjective thing, and quite probably you'll like it

[@PortaFi]

@iJutsu > Please tell me what you think? I think Cayin N3 is a good option for you. I prefer more neutral sound, so I'd go for Hidizs AP80, but it's a subjective opinion. N3 is good anyway. If you can stretch your budget a little bit and get HiBy R3, it'll be probably the best all-rounder for you, but if you can't, Cayin is also OK M2s probably will be OK too, but it's just "not my cup of tea", so it's just a subjective opinion > do you remember which one had the wider sound-stage? I don't remember, it's hard to tell such things without direct comparison. but I think you can not worry about that. difference, even if it's present, won't be big, and headphones will impact staging much more then daps in budget segment :)

[@samanimeguy23]

I am still deciding between the Hiby R3 or this unit...i prefer one hand operation like my Ipod video 5th Gen. The ipod has the famous Wolfson DAC ...but i need more space for music. And the ipod uses mini harddrive...even though i can "update" the 30gb to flash drives...

[@PortaFi]

if you like more neutral and resolving sound, go for AP80, if you'd like more weight, then R3

[@Jimmypenguinboy]

How does it compares with the fiio m7? Currently they cost roughly the same and both have the same features. Thank you.

[@PortaFi]

M7 is more weighty and more energetic, and AP80 is more neutral and a bit brighter

[@kristofpali]

How does this compare to M9 or M6 soundwise ? I tried the M9 and M6 in store and i loved the m9 m6 nohing special.I in my country i cant try the Ap80 nowhere so i need a litle help!

[@PortaFi]

AP80 is about the same "level" with M6, but a bit more detailed and brighter

[@ejojo13]

I have a Cowon PD, would getting this still be recommended? 🙋

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately I didn't test Cowon PD. so I recommend AP80 in general, but I'm not sure how it compares with Cowon :) and probably it's better to wait for an AP80 Pro release

[@magsuns7648]

Can this work with external dac like fiio Ka1 or shanling UA2 ?

[@PortaFi]

I didn't test with this particular DACs, but in general, it works with external DACs as a transport

[@hmdhmd4887]

fiio m5 was consider the best one on that size....now this one came up.....whats the different ?

[@PortaFi]

this player was released pretty long before the M5 :) and sonically it's better

[@jasondesouza5330]

does this display the hires audio icon on the screen when you play a hi res audio song?

[@PortaFi]

sorry, I don't remember :) I didn't pay attention on that

[@jasondesouza5330]

@@PortaFi its ok. thanks for yr kind reply

[@trotomas]

Have you tried the sony nwa45, how is it compared this ap80? thanks (to me the nwa45 looks a bit unnatural)

[@PortaFi]

AP80 is better, almost any DAP is better IMHO :) BTW, new AP80 Pro is coming…

[@donpepito07]

@@PortaFi Hi, good sir. Are you going to review the AP80 Pro soon?

[@killerbean5343]

Am hearing this player automatically fades in and fades out music when you select a song is it true and can it be turned of?

[@PortaFi]

I don't remember this particular one (I don't have it with me now), but usually yes, fade between tracks can be turned off in settings

[@ekkanofiqandriyana7325]

tap the player icon > swipe to the most left > play settings > crosfade > turn it off

[@ksojoel]

i know is not the same target but the sound is comparable to the fiio e10k?

[@PortaFi]

Sorry, I don’t have E10K to compare

[@ksojoel]

maybe compare to fiio q1 or another usb dac in this price range

[@PortaFi]

sorry, but I haven't done such comparisons

[@voighthunterjr9577]

Can u load ur itune library on this device?

[@PortaFi]

by default no, it doesn't support iTunes sync. but I've seen some paid app that can sync iTunes with "regular" DAPs, but unfortunately I don't remember its name

[@marktsundokupasha9995]

Which would be better, this or Fiio M3K or Shanling MO?

[@PortaFi]

sonically, M3K

[@swapnilmule3922]

@@PortaFi really?????? M3k having very low power output and i feel it struggling on lows...

[@PortaFi]

@@swapnilmule3922 it's not struggling, it just not accent them like your beloved X1-II. As for power output, it's not really powerful, but it's power is enough for wast majority of iems

[@aqwandrew6330]

Hidizs ap80 pro is already available, could you review it? It have dual DAC. Thanks 😅

[@PortaFi]

wow, it's interesting, as there is no mentions even on their website. I'll ask their representative about it :)

[@aqwandrew6330]

@@PortaFi i found it on hidizs facebook page, they start to sell it maybe on october. Maybe could review it? It has 2 dac pretty intersting 👍

[@PortaFi]

@@aqwandrew6330 I've asked their representative for details. I wonder how they'll do with increased battery consumption…

[@aqwandrew6330]

@@PortaFi ap80pro.hidizs.net/?fbclid=IwAR3FHOM2lal2dgfGHJuB_CdImjTj8cX95MHnd2ixlbRbN4UG2852Ek8u3Sc this is the link to the specification of hidizs ap80 pro, might want to look at it. it said to be 15 hour of playtime, i hope they added wifi function xD

[@aqwandrew6330]

in term of soundquality, is this beat shanling m0?

[@PortaFi]

hands down

[@shajeed]

@@PortaFi what about shanling Q1? Ap80 or q1? i know q1 is warm wheather ap80 maybe neutral and more focused on micro detail. So what is your choice in terms of sound quality?

[@PortaFi]

@@shajeed I like them both actually, so it's really hard to choose. Probably I'd went for an AP80, but I'm not certain here )))

[@gigabyter4085]

Hi, is this an upgrade to the hidizs ap 60 ll.??

[@PortaFi]

yes, it's more neutral and resolving but of course it's not a "night and day" difference anyway )))

[@gigabyter4085]

@@PortaFi alright appreciate your reply

[@DonTaypatz]

This or Xduoo x3ii? of course your personal preference :)

[@PortaFi]

I prefer AP80, it's more resolving and engaging, especially on treble

[@DonTaypatz]

Porta.Fi my question was incomplete. You telling about the sound right? How about the overall? Which between the two is your pick?

[@PortaFi]

still AP80 :) not sure what criteria are important for you, but for AP80 I like sensor screen interface more and also a better wireless possibilities X3ii wins in terms of power, but it's rarely necessary for me, usually power hungry cans require DAPs of higher level than xDuoo but if your criteria is different, YMMV

[@DonTaypatz]

Porta.Fi I have Faaeal Narcissus 300 ohms... can ap80 drive it with loud volume? Seems like ap80 beats xduoo in many aspects... so I’m hesitating to buy xduoo now 😂

[@PortaFi]

> I have Faaeal Narcissus 300 ohms... can ap80 drive it with loud volume? sorry, I can't tell without practical test, and I don't have them for test. 300Ω is a bit too high of course, but it's also a matter of sensitivity so, I'm totally not sure here :)

[@hens666]

Shanling m0 or Hidizs ap80 in terms of sound?

[@PortaFi]

Wemy Hidizs

[@YL_SC]

Shanling m0 for $94 or AP80 for $140?

[@PortaFi]

subjectively, I'd go for AP80 - more comfort and better sound

[@felipeCarvalho-me9tc]

M1 or ap 80 better sound

[@PortaFi]

AP80, if selection is limited to these two

[@n113hadi9]

Hidiz ap80 or shanling m2s?

[@PortaFi]

my vote for AP80

[@n113hadi9]

@@PortaFi i like warm, musical n engaging sound, which one you suggest? Thanks for fast reply btw

[@PortaFi]

@@n113hadi9 well, in this case - HiBy R3 :)

[@SiRjAG]

how is the battery now?

[@PortaFi]

pretty good, but I'm not a super active user, as I have a bunch of other DAPs

[@SiRjAG]

@@PortaFi oh thanks man. I appreciate you reply at my comment. I was thinking of buying it. Thats why im asking the people who owed it just to confirm if the battery is good and if there are some problem i might encounter.. again thanks man.

[@acasioeltecamartinez9374]

Wats the price

[@PortaFi]

about $150, but sometimes they have sales

[@acasioeltecamartinez9374]

@@PortaFi were

[@PortaFi]

@@acasioeltecamartinez9374 usually they are running sales on their website. I've subscribed to mail list and few times a year they're sending emails with discounts

[@redline5579]

Can hidiz ap80 drive tin hifi p1?

[@PortaFi]

theoretically it should, but I didn't test in practice

[@redline5579]

@@PortaFi its your hidiz ap80 still working? Hows the durability?

[@PortaFi]

@@redline5579 yes, my AP80 is still more than normal. But I don't think 1 pcs is enough to make a conclusions about durability

[@redline5579]

@@PortaFi can i ask a last question sir does hidiz ap80 need amplifier?

[@PortaFi]

@@redline5579 it depends on headphones you're going to use. For almost all IEMs and sensitive full-size cans it has enough power

[@davidmay5789]

I ordered one 3 days ago. The money has come out of my account. They did not confirm with an order conformation. I have tried to check my order on my Hidizs account and it says I have not ordered anything! I have emailed then 3 times and even emailed the company HQ...............No reply

[@PortaFi]

Well, that's really sad, usually Hidizs is really good in handling user's requests. I'll try to reach them from my side

[@PortaFi]

my contact in Hidizs told me to ask you to send an email to [e-mail]

[@davidmay5789]

@@PortaFi Thanks Mate, I have emailed that address

[@PortaFi]

I hope that will help :)

[@stephenday1520]

Thanks for the contact mate but it did not work though. That is the third avenue and fifth time I have tried to confirm my order. I could not recommend them

[@pagarpar8912]

Ap80 or m2s?..prefer to have natural mids and highs..not a basshead😉

[@PortaFi]

well, subjectively I'd prefer AP80, but it's not night and day difference of course

[@pagarpar8912]

@@PortaFi thanks...more power to ur channel🤘🤘🤘

[@pagarpar8912]

Oh btw...can u suggest a dap that is a good match with my msr7?..I find the highs are fatiguing paired with my Sony Walkman f806

[@PortaFi]

aldrin ranin unfortunately it’s note something that you can fix with just DAP. MSR are pretty bright headphones, so if they are too bright for you, it’s better to replace them. Or you can get any DAP with equalizer and use it

[@PortaFi]

aldrin ranin thank you!