HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X Red Copper DAP Review (2) – Striking It Rich
In this Article
INTRO
We have previously reviewed the HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X DAP as well as their original AP80, but HIDIZS decided to release a red copper colored version in limited supply. Not entirely happy with the GUI on my Sony NW-A55 DAP, I obliged to see what the highly regarded digital audio player can do over the equally regarded Sony DAP. Jürgen already covered it very well so this is a second look at a fresh awesome color at a price of $269.
Disclaimer: Unit was provided free of charge by HIDIZS and they provided the high quality images and a non-affiliate discount code AUDIOREVIEWS5 if you purchase direct from their store. Otherwise you get to experience my unaltered opinions that are not always as appreciated by my better half.
GOOD & BAD
| GOOD STUFF | NEEDS IMPROVEMENT |
|---|---|
| Boots up quickly | Battery Life |
| Buttons are easy to use | Heavy |
| Wide Range of sound tuning options | Small size makes it hard to control on screen sliders |
| Strong, clean, hiss free output | Text does not wrap or scroll-bad for long song titles |
| Can be used as a USB DAC | Metal casing is susceptible to static electricity generated by clothing, a case might help. |
| Can be used as a bluetooth transmitter or receiver | |
| Supports wide range of audio files including MQA and DSD | |
| Sharp screen | |
| ALPS volume knob | |
| 3 gain modes, low, high, fixed line out | |
| Pre-installed screen protectors | |
| File based browsing option, for the old school folks like myself | |
| TRRS remote control option support for headphones with hardware controls | |
| Charging time ~1hr Type USB-C connector | |
| Does not require database rebuild each time, manual or auto feature can be enabled | |
| 3.5mm TRRS single ended output and 2.5mm balanced output | |
| Two included USB cables, 1 short USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C |
IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS
The red copper HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X is a striking color and is limited to 499 units which is printed on the box, get it while you can. Ah the FOMO (fear of missing out) of a limited production run, always an interesting gamble as it surely drives sales, but also at the risk of losing sales for those that miss out. It is a really awesome color in person though and easier to spot in a dark bag. Given that it is constructed of red copper, like Pokemon it will slowly evolve oxidizing to a red brick color making it a collectible artwork according to HIDIZS. How long that takes is beyond my knowledge. In its current form it matches the color of a US penny.
I was totally unprepared for how heavy the HIDIZS AP80-Pro X is constructed, it feels as heavy as my phone but at a quarter of the physical size. If you are worried about damage, they do offer cases but currently only in Black or Blue…maybe a red copper case is in the works?
The Hiby OS 3.0 user interface is loaded with many tuning features and things I find useful like file based browsing and semi-easy playlist creation. However, it does not support M3U8 playlist files. Be prepared to do some conversions to M3U format. Also, you have to create a playlist on the device first so it makes a folder called “playlist_data” and then you can put your M3U playlists into there for it to recognize them. The other option is clicking on playlist files when using the file browser option.
This is a GUI limitation but the Hiby OS has trouble with long song titles/artists and it seems only PowerAmp on Android accommodates long song titles. I do not know if I am alone on this pet peeve, but I wish interfaces would either wrap, scroll or design the layout to fit longer text. The image below shows PowerAmp is slightly better at dealing with it. Note the display on the HIDIZ AP80 Pro-X is not that blurry in real life, my camera was not cooperating late at night.
Another feature I like but seems mundane, the TRRS 4 pin option to allow external controls to change track, play/pause etc. I use this when mowing the yard, out for a hike or generally on the move. The Sony NW-A55 is sorely missing this basic feature that we take for granted in smart phones.
QUIRKS
The HDIZS AP80 Pro-X constructed of a metal shell did not appreciate the extra static electricity generated from my gym attire, and would transmit blips of static just from walking with it in my workout shorts. I imagine one of their leather cases might minimize this possibility, unfortunately without a case to test this theory, just keep it in mind if you are more active than someone whose idea of exercise is walking the dog.
One time it was clicking while it played a DSD track, the problem went away when I started another track and returned to the DSD file. This is superficial so not something to break up over.
The bluetooth transmitter option froze on me and turned the HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X off. It worked fine after it restarted so not sure what I did that caused it to throw a fit.
USB MODES
The HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X has 3 USB modes – Dock (Charging only), Storage Mode (transfer files), or Audio (USB DAC mode). The USB DAC mode adds further value to the AP80 Pro-X Swiss army knife device of having a highly competent USB DAC as well. Smart phones can’t do that.
SOUND
Compared to LG G8 and Sony NW-A55 using 7HZ Timeless, Shozy Form 1.4, Oppo PM-3
Given that the HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X uses a slightly newer ES9219C compared to the ES9218P found on the LG G8, it is hard to really discern any differences sonically. If anything it has a slightly cleaner noise floor and more output power. It has a neutral output with good staging and a little sharper in the treble.
The Sony on the other hand sounds just a trivial smoother and perhaps flatter in the soundstaging. The AP80 Pro-X sounds more three dimensional as if emphasizing the upper-mids lower treble. The Sony tends to be more precise in the upper treble noticeable on the cymbals. Listening to Tom Sawyer by Rush, the AP80 Pro-X blends it to a smoother finish.
BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth capabilities on the HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X just add to the value of such a small but capable DAP. Connection is strong. It can work both ways to as either a bluetooth receiver/connected to a phone or a transmitter/connected to headphones. So not only do you get a DAP, you get an excellent sounding portable bluetooth receiver.
FINALE
Given that the Sony NW-A55 is no longer in production, the HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X is the model to get in the same price range. It offers so much functionality in such a small package it’s hard not to be impressed with its generous output power and wide array of features, some of which I surely missed. The limited edition red copper color is just money physically speaking, we all need a splash of color because black can be boring.
While battery life is only worth a single day’s use, it charges within an hour and you are ready to go again cranking up that volume knob. The HIDIZS AP80 Pro-X Red copper color comes in at a higher price of $269 compared to their standard black, grey or blue, so if you do not want to pay a premium for the special color those come in under <$200.
SPECIFICATIONS AND IMAGES
Find the fine details on the HIDIZS AP80 PRO-X Product Page. For the general specs, check out Jürgen’s analysis of the regular AP80 Pro-X.
DISCLAIMER
Get it direct from HIDIZS Store and use this non-affliate discount code AUDIOREVIEWS5 to receive 5% off.
Our generic standard disclaimer.
