HIDIZS MP143 Review: A PINCH OF SALT FOR YOUR MUSIC

A technical and in-depth presentation of 'Hidizs MP143 review.' Explaining build, design and the total sonic capabilities.
  • Built & Design
  • Fit & Comfort
  • Bass
  • Midrange
  • Treble
  • Soundstage
  • Packaging & Accessories
4.2/5Overall Score
Wheals again! The successor of ‘MP145, the king of Planar’ is here with 14.3mm planar magnetic driver, named ‘Hidizs MP143 Salt.’ Just like MP145, it comes with three tuning nozzles, which is awesome. They have even given it its own name, ‘SALT.’ The name comes from the legendary female humpback whale, who is thought to be the oldest known humpbacks anywhere. Interesting, right? But that’s not all—this set is designed in collaboration with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), known for their whale conservation activity worldwide. Sound wise, this is a fantastic musical set with perfect warmth and rich detail across all frequencies. One of the biggest complaints about the MP145 was that it was super bulky and heavy. They made the MP143 smaller and lighter (compared to MP145), so its more comfortable to wear. This is one musical set you don’t want to miss out.
Pros
  • Practical & light design to fit any ear size
  • Very well-built & lucrative shells
  • Good quality sub-bass
  • Enjoyable & lively midrange
  • Airy & detailed treble
  • Three tuning nozzles are full of characteristics
  • Stock cable is fantastic
Cons
  • Bass is not ‘bass-head’ level
  • Isolation & seal is on par
  • Forward midrange can be negative for certain listeners
  • A bit planner timber (nitpick!)
  • Cheap stock ear tips & storage pouch
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HIDIZS MP143 Review

I’m a huge fan of Hidizs MP145, especially for its sound signature and that amazing holographic soundstage. So, when I heard they were launching the MP143 on Kickstarter, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. The moment I got the review unit, I drove right in, opening up my massive music library. And wow—the sound is so soothing and enjoyable. My ifi Hip DAC-2 paired really well with it, delivering this super smooth, warm tone with a lovely melodic midrange and treble.

But when I used the MP143 with the Fosi Audio DS-1, iBasso DC04 Pro, Celest CD-10, and Hidizs S8 Pro Robin, that was when it truly came to life, opening up a wider soundstage. And, as always, my Cowon Planue R2 nailed it perfectly. It did feel a bit bright with my Moondrop Dawn Pro, even with the red nozzle. I didn’t bother swapping out the cable because it already feels fantastic with the IEM, but I did roll tips to find the perfect match. I will dive deep into the cable & ear tips later on in this review.

Hidizs was kind enough to send me MP143 to review. I am not affiliated with Hidizs and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this ‘Hidizs MP143 review’ are my subjective thoughts.

One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary due to personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.

For your personal purchase (non-affiliated link) – checkout Hidizs for their products and offers.

● DAC: Cowon Planue R2, Tempo Tac V3
● DAC: ifi Hip DAC 2, iBasso DC 04 Pro, Fosi Audio DS-1, Celest CD-10, Hidizs S8 Pro Robin, Hidizs SD2, Moondrop Dawn Pro.
● Smartphone: Poco X3
● Files: Spotify & local Hi-Res FALC & DSD files.

● Driver: 14.3mm Planar Magnetic Driver
● Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz
● Impedance: 17Ω
● Sensitivity: 103 dB
● Cable: High-purity Oxygen-free Copper
● Connector: 0.78mm 2 pin Gold-plated
● Plug: 3.5mm/4.4mm Gold-plated pure copper
● Ear tips: High-permeability liquid silicone

● MP143 Salt
● 3 Pairs x Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters
● 3 Pairs x Ergonomics Silicone Black Ear Tips (Balanced)
● 3 Pairs x Ergonomics Silicone White Ear Tips (High Frequency)
● 3.5mm/ 4.4mm Earphone Cable
● HIDIZS Pouch Bag
● Warranty Card & User Manual

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Unboxing the MP143 is an excellent experience if you are a nature lover. The whole idea behind the packaging is to cut down on plastic waste, which is awesome. Hidizs shared a pretty eye-opening stat: “Humans produce over 430 million tons of plastic annually, mostly single-use, threatening oceans.” So, with some guidance from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), they’ve created their first ever plastic-free packaging for audio products. This “ocean-friendly packaging” really shows how serious Hidizs is about protecting marine life and supporting WDC’s mission. I think this is a great step forward.

When you open the cardboard box, you’ll find the IEMs nested in a corrugated paper cutout instead of the usual foam. Underneath, the stock cable and ear tips are neatly tucked inside a carrying pouch. It’s not super fancy, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. Honestly, I think more companies should follow Hidizs’s lead and take a stand for nature conservation. Big props to Hidizs for making this move!

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The MP143 has a shell made from CNC-machined, one-piece aluminum alloy, which feels super sturdy. It’s definitely lighter and smaller than the older MP145, which is a nice improvement. The faceplate design is pretty cool too—it’s inspired by the texture of a whale’s fin, which adds a nice touch of character. The nozzle is on the shorter side, but it works well with the lightweight aluminum tuning filters, which fit snugly thanks to the rubber gasket.

The supplied cable is impressive for the price. It’s made from high-purity, oxygen-free copper, and mine came with a 4.4mm balanced plug. The stock ear tips are made of liquid silicone, but honestly, they don’t do the IEMs justice. The carrying pouch is basic, but it does its job. Overall, this is a solid, well-built IEM with good accessories that are made to last.

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Remember the fit issues with the MP145? Well, they’ve fixed that with the MP143. Thanks to its smaller shell design and lighter weight, it’s way more comfortable for longer listening sessions. Hidizs claims you “might not notice it’s there,” but let’s be real—you can still feel it. That said, the lightweight aluminum shells make it easy to wear for extended periods without discomfort.

The shorter nozzle might feel a bit awkward at first, but you can easily fix that by finding the right ear tips. Speaking of ear tips, the ones that come with it aren’t the most comfortable, even though they’re made of liquid silicone. But the stock cable is a nice touch. It’s soft, doesn’t put pressure on your ears, and has no microphonics, even if you’re out jogging. Overall, the MP143 is a super comfortable set to use.

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Now let’s get to the main part of the review—the sound. It has really nice tuning, leaning towards a warmish sound. It comes with three pneumatic sound-tuning filters, and each one gives a different experience. If you consider the ‘Balanced (Rose Gold)’ filter as the middle ground, the sound feels like warm-neutral with lot of dynamic details and technical precision. The ‘High-frequency (Silver)’ filter makes the upper-mids and treble livelier, while the ‘Low-frequency (Red)’ filter boosts the sub-bass and adds overall warmth.

Next up, we’ll check out the frequency graph for each filter and then dive deeper into the sound details.

Freq Res- Rose Gold.jpg
Freq Res- Quiet Silver.jpg
Freq Res- Charm Red.jpg

● Testing Tracks:
● My hometown- Bruce Springsteen
● Feels like teen spirit- Nirvana
● Anchor- Novo Amor

● Rose Gold filter: With this filter, the sub-bass is well-controlled and balanced. It provides a solid rumble, reaching low frequencies without overwhelming the rest of the sound. It’s not as intense as the Red filter but gives a natural, clean sub-bass that blends well with the overall signature. This makes it a great choice for those who want impactful sub-bass without sacrificing clarity.

● Silver filter: The sub-bass here is slightly reduced compared to the Rose Gold filter. It still provides depth, but the focus shifts more toward the upper frequencies, leading to a less pronounced low-end. While the sub-bass is still present, it takes backseat to emphasize treble & midrange detail. This filter is ideal for listeners who prefer a brighter sound with lighter bass.

● Red filter: This filter is designed to boost the low end, and it does so effectively. The sub-bass is deep, powerful, and has a strong presence. This creates a rich, warm sound with a substantial rumble that bass enthusiasts will love. But it has a little drawback; the enhanced sub-bass bleeds slightly into the mids. The Red filter is perfect for those who enjoy bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or electronic music.

● Testing Tracks:
● Every breath you take- The Police
● Constant Craving – K.D.Lang
● Man on the silver mountain- Rainbow

● Rose Gold filter: It provides a balanced approach, where the mid-bass is present but not overly emphasized. It delivers a clean and textured bass response, making it suitable for most genres. But it does trade off some airiness in the higher frequencies, slightly reducing brilliance. Still offers a middle ground with tight and controlled bass though.

● Silver filter: With this filter, the mid-bass becomes a bit leaner. The focus shifts more toward clarity and transparency in the sound, with less warmth compared to the Rose Gold filter. This results in a crisper and cleaner bass performance, though it might feel slightly less full or punchy to some listeners.

● Red filter: The Red filter really boosts the mid-bass, making it much more pronounced and giving the sound a warm, lush character. But the downside is, it reduces clarity and the mid-bass sometimes bleeds to the midrange like it does with sub-bass. This character makes the overall sound feel heavier and less defined. It may perfect for bass lovers, but it may not be ideal if you’re looking for a highly detailed or neutral sound.

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● Testing Tracks:
● Paradise city- Guns N’ Roses
● I am the highway- Audioslave
● Late Goodbye- Poet of the Falls

● Rose Gold filter: This filter delivers a balanced sound with a warm and natural timbre. Male vocals sound rich and full, with a good amount of presence, though not overly forward. It’s a great option if you’re looking for warmth and body without losing too much clarity.

● Silver filter: The Silver filter brightens male vocals, making them sound more forward and detailed. This results in a crisper and more energetic presentation, but it might lose some of the warmth you’d get with the Rose Gold or Red filters. It’s perfect for those who prefer clearer vocals over warmth.

● Red filter: The Red filter emphasizes bass, making male vocals sound warmer and lusher. But this added warmth can sometimes reduce vocal clarity, as the bass can bleed into the mids, making the sound feel more laid-back and less precise. This is ideal if you prefer a smooth, rich sound but might not be the best choice for those who prioritize vocal clarity

● Testing Tracks:
● Here we are- Gloria Estefan
● I hate myself for loving you- Joan Jett
● By your side- Sade

● Rose Gold filter: This one smooths out the midrange, making female vocals sound more natural and balanced. It’s not as bright as the others, so it’s great if you like a more laid-back and warm tone. The treble is still detailed, but it’s not harsh, so it works well for female singers without pushing their voices too forward or sharp. But it might lack a bit of sparkle for those who enjoy a brighter presentation.

● Silver filter: This is the brightest of the three and really brings female vocals to the forefront. If you love crisp, energetic vocals with lots of clarity, this is the filter to go with. It adds brightness and makes the upper mids more prominent, so female singers like Gloria Estefan or Sade will sound clear and dynamic. But for sensitive listeners, this might feel a bit too sharp or “spicy” at times.

● Red filter: The Red filter adds warmth and thickness to the sound but sacrifices some clarity and energy in the upper mids. Female vocals become warmer and softer, but they might feel a bit muffled or less defined compared to the other filters. This is great for those who prefer a more relaxed and less aggressive sound, though it might not be the best choice if you value vocal detail.

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● Testing Tracks:
● Kiss from a Rose- Seal
● In your eyes (Secret World Live)- Pete Gabriel
● Shine on you crazy diamond (P.U.L.S.E)- Pink Floyd

● Rose Gold filter: This is the most balanced filter of the three. It provides decent instrument separation, but it slightly softens the high frequencies. The overall separation is clear and enjoyable, though not as detailed as with the Silver filter. It’s a solid middle-ground option, giving a nice blend of warmth without losing too much clarity.

● Silver filter: This filter enhances treble and detail, making instrument separation the most noticeable. It gives the MP143 a much crisper and clearer sound, which allows instruments to stand out better in complex tracks. If you prefer more definition and air between instruments, the Silver filter is the way to go. It adds extra sparkle, which helps isolate individual sounds more effectively.

● Red filter: The Red filter shifts the focus towards bass, which can make the sound a bit congested. This filter emphasizes more on the low end and tends to overpower the finer details in the midrange and treble, making instrument separation less clear. While it might be fun for bass-heavy genres, it doesn’t offer the same clarity or precision as the other two filters.

● Testing Tracks:
● Sad but true- Metallica
● Learn to fly- Foo Fighters
● Carrie- Europe

● Rose Gold filter: The treble with this filter is smooth and mildly bright, with an adequate amount of sparkle and detail. It’s not harsh, making it comfortable for longer listening sessions. But some might find it lacking in airiness and brilliance compared to more treble-focused IEMs. Overall, it delivers a good balance between brightness and control, without being too sharp.

● Silver filter: This filter enhances the treble, bringing out more brightness and detail. It adds a noticeable lift in clarity, especially in the upper mids and presence regions, without introducing sibilance. The treble sounds more energetic and detailed, making this filter ideal for those who prefer a livelier, more open sound signature.

● Red filter: With the Red filter, the treble becomes more subdued and darker. It loses some brightness and air, which may cause the sound to feel a bit veiled or less defined, particularly in the higher frequencies. This filter is best suited for listeners who prefer a warmer, bass-focused sound and don’t mind sacrificing some treble clarity.

● Testing Tracks:
● Brush with the blues- Jeff Beck
● Foxy – Tokyo Groove Jyoshi
● November Rain- Guns N’ Roses

● Rose Gold filter: This filter offers a moderate to wide soundstage, providing good lateral width and some height. It feels spacious enough for most genres, with a smooth balance between width and depth. However, the sense of airiness in the soundstage might feel a bit dampened, especially in comparison to the Silver filter.

● Silver filter: The Silver filter creates the widest and most open soundstage of the three. It enhances clarity and provides a more immersive experience with better imaging, allowing instruments and vocals to be positioned more precisely. The added treble brightness also contributes to a better sense of space and separation.

● Red filter: With this filter, the soundstage becomes narrower. The focus shifts towards a bass-heavy, more intimate presentation, which can make the stage feel more closed-in. This filter is best suited for listeners who prefer a warm and rich sound, though it sacrifices some spaciousness and definition in the process.

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Usually, Planar Magnetic drivers are power hungry. But the MP143, with its 14.3mm driver, is not that much difficult to drive. Even a 3.5mm jack from a smartphone can drive it easily. But you won’t get the best sound from this IEM just using a phone alone—you’ll need at least a basic DAC dongle to really hear what it can do. I tested it with several options like the Hidizs SD2 (which only has a 3.5mm output), Moondrop Down Pro, Hidizs SD8 Pro, Celest CD-10, Fosi Audio DS-1, iBasso DC04 Pro, and all these dongles did a great job driving the MP143. So, powering this IEM isn’t a big issue at all.

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I mentioned earlier in this review that, while the supplied cable is good enough to use but the stock ear tips aren’t up to par. So, I tried out a bunch of different ear tips like Spinfit W1, Omni, Tangzu Tan Sanchi Advanced, Divinus Velvet (regular & wide boar), Dunu S&S, Dunu Candy, Penon Liquer (Black & Orange), etc. and found that the Spinfit Omni is ultra comfortable for longer listening sessions. But if you are not a marathoner like me (who listens to music for 5-6 hours straight), Dunu Candy is a great choice for sound quality. It really brings out the lower frequencies far better than the W1.

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● Smaller, lighter design:
 If you prefer a smaller and lighter IEM, the MP143 is more comfortable for longer listening sessions, especially for users with smaller ears.

● More affordable: The MP143 is priced lower than the MP145, making it a great option for those seeking a high-quality planar IEM at a more budget-friendly price.

● Versatile tuning options: With its three tuning filters (Rose Gold, Silver, Red), the MP143 provides flexible sound profiles, allowing users to switch between balanced, treble-boosted, and bass-heavy sound signatures depending on their preference

● Balanced sound: The MP143 offers a balanced sound profile that works well across a wide range of music genres, making it suitable for those who enjoy versatility in their listening experience

● Good for casual listeners: If you’re a casual listener or someone who enjoys a slightly warm and engaging sound but don’t need extreme technical performance, the MP143 will provide a fun, enjoyable sound without being overly analytical.


● Neutral sound lovers:
 If you prefer a flat or more neutral sound signature, the MP143’s tuning, especially with the red filter’s bass emphasis, might feel overwhelming. The warmer, bass-boosted sound might lack the transparency you’re looking for.

● Fans of wide soundstage: The soundstage of the MP143, particularly with the rose gold and red filters, is more intimate and not as wide or expansive as some other IEMs. Those seeking a large, airy soundstage might need to look elsewhere.

● Listeners seeking maximum detail: While the silver filter enhances clarity and separation, overall, the MP143 isn’t the most technically precise IEM in its price range. Audiophiles who prioritize the finest details and micro-nuances may find better options for analytical listening.

● Bass-heavy listeners: While the red filter provides a solid bass boost, true bassheads who prioritize sub-bass rumble and impact may find the MP143’s bass performance somewhat lacking compared to IEMs specifically tuned for heavy bass output.

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What makes the MP143 stand out is not just the sound, but how it adapts to your mood. Whether you’re in the mood for clarity, excitement, or warmth, this IEM responds. It’s not about perfection in any one area, but about versatility—a chameleon that shapes itself to fit your desires. You can sense that, while it may not have the massive presence of its older sibling, the MP145, it’s a smaller, lighter, and more approachable companion, like a friendly guide through your music library.

The beauty of the MP143 lies in its ability to make you feel like you’re part of something bigger. Whether you’re walking through the city or sitting at home, it’s not just an IEM; it’s a musical journey, where every note carries you along like the ebb and flow of the tide. And in the end, it’s a journey worth taking.


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