Disclaimer
I purchased the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus with my own money. I have not received any incentives or compensation for sharing my opinions about this product. The thoughts and experiences shared in this review are entirely my own and are based on my honest and unbiased evaluation.
Specifications
DAC chip: ES9038Q2M
Headphone outputs: SE 3.5mm, BAL 4.4mm.
Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz.
Distortion: PO (3.5mm): 0.0019%, BAL (4.4mm): 0.0008% (32Ω).
SNR: PO (3.5mm): 123dB, BAL (4.4mm): 120dB. (32Ω)
Separation: PO (3.5mm): 75dB, BAL (4.4mm): 115dB. (32Ω)
Output power: SE 3.5mm-138mW, BAL 4.4mm-180mW. (32Ω)
DSD: Native DSD64/128/256/512.
PCM: Support up to 768kHz/32Bit.
RGB LED sample rate indicator.
Volume control: 2 knobs.
Filters: 6 impulse response filters.
USB Type-C connection.
Weight: 17g.
Dimensions: 55x25x11mm.
Hi-Res Audio certified device.
Supported systems: Android, Windows, Mac OS, iPad OS, Harmony OS
Choice of colours: Black, blue and silver.
Build Quality
- Materials: The Hidizs S9 Pro Plus feels quite sturdy. It’s built with an aluminum alloy body, which gives it a solid and durable feel.
- Durability: The dongle seems well-made and can handle daily use. The connectors, including the USB-C and both the 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, feel robust. They haven’t shown any signs of wear or looseness despite frequent plugging and unplugging.
- Finish: While the anodized finish looks sleek, it’s definitely a fingerprint magnet. I find myself wiping it down more often than I’d like. It does resist scratches pretty well, though, which is a plus.
Design
- Form Factor: The S9 Pro Plus is compact and easy to carry around. It fits easily into a pocket or a bag, which makes it convenient for on-the-go use. I appreciate not having to deal with a bulky device when I’m out and about.
- Aesthetics: The design is clean and simple. It doesn’t scream for attention, which I like. The branding is subtle, and the engraved logo and model information are tasteful. Overall, it looks professional and understated.
Connectivity
USB-C Input: The USB-C connection has been reliable and works with all my devices, including my smartphone, tablet, and laptop. I haven’t had any issues with connectivity.
3.5mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced Outputs: It’s great having both a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output. The 3.5mm output is handy for general use, while the 4.4mm balanced output provides a noticeable improvement in sound quality for my balanced headphones.
User Interface: The S9 Pro Plus is easy to use. It’s essentially plug-and-play for most devices, which means no hassle with drivers or additional software. This simplicity is a big plus for me.
LED Indicator: There’s a small LED indicator that shows the DAC’s operational status. It’s a minor feature, but it’s useful for quickly checking if the device is working.
Heat Management: One thing I’ve noticed is that the DAC gets warm during extended use. The aluminum body helps a bit with heat dissipation, but it does become quite warm if I’m using it for a long time. It’s not hot enough to be a concern, but it’s something to be aware of.
Feature Limitations: A downside I’ve found is the lack of app support. An app could have added features like EQ settings, filter options, and firmware updates. These extras would be nice to have for more customization and control over the sound.
ConclusionThe Hidizs S9 Pro Plus is a solidly built dongle DAC with a practical design. It’s durable and easy to use, with a clean look that I appreciate. The device does attract fingerprints, which can be annoying, and it gets warm during extended use. The lack of app support is also a drawback if you’re looking for more customization options. However, the dual outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm) are very convenient, and overall, it’s a reliable DAC for everyday use. This is just my experience with it, and while it has its quirks, it generally performs well for my needs.
Driver CompatibilityPlug-and-Play Experience
The Hidizs S9 Pro Plus is designed to be user-friendly with its plug-and-play functionality. This feature worked well in most cases, but there are some nuances depending on the operating system.
Windows Compatibility
On my Windows laptop, the S9 Pro Plus generally worked out of the box. To achieve the best audio quality, I use foobar2000, which has provided excellent output. However, foobar2000 can be a bit complex for some users due to its extensive customization options. For those looking for an alternative, there are other apps available that support USB exclusive mode, such as JRiver Media Center or MusicBee, which might be more user-friendly.
Mac Compatibility
Using the S9 Pro Plus with my Mac was straightforward. It was truly plug-and-play, and I didn’t need to install any additional drivers. The integration was seamless, and I didn’t encounter any issues during use. This was one of the easier setups compared to other systems.
Android Compatibility
When I connected the S9 Pro Plus to my Android phone, it worked immediately via the USB-C connection. However, the real performance boost came from using specific audio apps. I found that the USB Audio Player Pro app provided the best experience. The app offers better control and quality, making a significant difference in sound performance. HiBy Music also performed seamlessly, but USB Audio Player Pro stood out as the superior choice for any DAC dongle in my experience.
iOS Compatibility
For my iPad and older iPhones, I had to use a C to Lightning adapter. This setup worked, but the connection felt somewhat fragile and occasionally led to connectivity issues if the adapter wasn’t seated correctly. However, for the new iPhones that come with Type-C ports, the S9 Pro Plus connects directly without needing any adapters, making the setup much simpler and more reliable.
Overall, my experience with the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Dongle DAC has been positive, though not without a few hiccups. On Windows, installing the additional drivers is worth the effort for better performance. Mac users will find it easier to set up, while Android and iOS users might need to tweak their setups slightly to get the best results.
For mobile use, I highly recommend the USB Audio Player Pro app, as it offers the best performance with any DAC dongle. HiBy Music also works well, but USB Audio Player Pro has proven to be the standout app in my experience. On Windows, while foobar2000 gives excellent output, it might be a bit complex for some users. Alternatives like JRiver Media Center or MusicBee, which support USB exclusive mode, can provide a good user experience.
The S9 Pro Plus offers good plug-and-play functionality, but be prepared for some variability depending on your device. For older iPhones, a C to Lightning adapter is needed, which can sometimes be finicky. However, with the new iPhones featuring Type-C ports, the connection is straightforward and hassle-free. If you’re willing to navigate these minor issues, it’s a solid DAC that enhances your audio experience across multiple platforms.
Sound QualityTonality:The S9 Pro Plus delivers a warm, yet neutral sound signature that leans towards accuracy without sacrificing musicality. This tonal balance makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, ensuring a pleasant listening experience across different tracks.
Bass: One of the standout features of the S9 Pro Plus is its controlled and detailed bass response. It strikes a perfect balance between impact and precision, ensuring that bass-heavy tracks are delivered with depth and clarity without overwhelming the midrange or bleeding into other frequencies. Whether it’s the thump of electronic music or the subtle bass lines in jazz, the S9 Pro Plus handles it all with finesse.
Mids: The midrange performance is where the S9 Pro Plus truly shines. It offers a fuller, more textured presentation that brings vocals and instruments to life with good clarity and presence. The smooth timbre of acoustic guitars, the emotional resonance of vocal performances, and the richness of brass instruments all come through vividly, making for an engaging listening experience.
Treble: The treble is smooth and detailed, offering ample sparkle and extension without any harshness or sibilance. This makes the S9 Pro Plus particularly enjoyable for genres that rely on intricate treble details, such as classical and jazz, where every nuance is faithfully reproduced. High notes are clear and articulate, adding to the overall balanced sound signature.
Soundstage and Imaging
The S9 Pro Plus impresses with its soundstage, creating a spacious and airy presentation that enhances instrument separation and positional accuracy. This quality is particularly noticeable in orchestral pieces or tracks with complex arrangements, where each instrument is placed with precision in a three-dimensional space. Listening to live recordings or classical music becomes a more immersive experience, as the DAC provides a clear sense of the environment and spatial relationships between instruments.
Detail Retrieval
Detail retrieval is another strong suit of the S9 Pro Plus. It excels in capturing micro-details and nuances within recordings, allowing listeners to uncover subtle textures and intricacies that might otherwise go unnoticed. This contributes to a more immersive listening experience, where each session reveals new and captivating elements in the music. From the delicate plucking of strings to the faintest breaths of a vocalist, the S9 Pro Plus ensures that no detail is lost.
Power output Power Output with Mobile Devices
When using the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus with a mobile phone, I found that it provided sufficient power for most IEMs. Here are some detailed observations:
IEMs:
Hidizs MP145, LETSHUOER S12 PRO, Final E4000:These power-demanding IEMs did not achieve proper loudness and dynamics through the 3.5mm output. However, when switched to the 4.4mm balanced output, the performance significantly improved. The sound was fuller, with better dynamics and more impactful bass.
Dunu Zen:This highly sensitive IEM worked well with both outputs, but the 4.4mm output provided a cleaner and more detailed sound. There was no background noise, and the soundstage felt more open.
Full-Sized Headphones:
HiFiMAN HE400i: Using the 3.5mm output from a phone was underwhelming. The volume was low, and the sound lacked body and dynamics. Switching to the 4.4mm output improved the situation significantly, providing enough loudness and a more engaging sound, although it still didn’t fully drive the HE400i to its potential.
Power Output with PCs
Connecting the S9 Pro Plus to a PC changed the game for power output. The DAC seemed to unleash more power and improve sound quality across the board.
IEMs:
Hidizs MP145, LETSHUOER S12 PRO, Final E4000:** Even with the 3.5mm output, the performance improved when used with a PC. The 4.4mm balanced output delivered even better results, with excellent loudness, detailed mids, and tight bass.
Full-Sized Headphones:
HiFiMAN HE400i:The difference was quite noticeable. With the 4.4mm balanced output, the HE400i had better dynamics, clearer highs, and more controlled bass. The overall sound was richer and more detailed. However, the DAC did get warmer when driving these headphones from a PC compared to a phone.
Comparison with Other Headphones
HiFiMAN Sundara, Ananda, Edition XS:These headphones, known for their efficiency and moderate amplification needs, performed well with the S9 Pro Plus. Even with the 3.5mm output, they achieved adequate loudness and dynamics. The 4.4mm output, as expected, provided an even more refined sound with better separation and a larger soundstage.
Thermal Performance
One thing to note is that the S9 Pro Plus tends to get warmer when connected to a PC compared to a mobile device. This is likely due to the increased power draw and prolonged usage, but it didn’t affect performance or lead to overheating issues in my experience.
Conclusion
The Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Dongle DAC is quite capable in terms of power output, especially when using the 4.4mm balanced output. Here’s a summary of my observations:
Mobile Devices:
•Adequate power for most IEMs with the 4.4mm output.
•Struggles with power-demanding IEMs and full-sized headphones on the 3.5mm output.
•Significant improvement with the 4.4mm output for full-sized headphones, but still not at their full potential.
PC:
•Noticeable improvement in power output and sound quality.
•Better dynamics, detail, and overall performance with both IEMs and full-sized headphones.
•Increased thermal output but no overheating issues.
For users with efficient headphones or IEMs, the S9 Pro Plus offers an excellent listening experience. However, those with more demanding full-sized headphones might need to consider additional amplification or use the DAC primarily with a PC to achieve the best results.
Who Should Buy the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus?
Casual Listeners:
If you’re a casual listener looking for a noticeable upgrade from your phone’s built-in DAC, the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus offers a significant improvement in sound quality. Its warm-neutral tonality, enhanced bass, and clear mids make it a versatile choice for various music genres.
Audiophiles:
For audiophiles seeking a portable DAC that provides a detailed and immersive listening experience, the S9 Pro Plus is a strong contender. Its excellent detail retrieval and soundstage make it a great companion for critical listening on the go.
IEM Users:
The S9 Pro Plus performs exceptionally well with IEMs, especially when using the 4.4mm balanced output. If you primarily use IEMs and want a portable solution with excellent sound quality, this DAC is worth considering.
Full-Sized Headphone Users:
While the S9 Pro Plus can drive some full-sized headphones adequately, it may struggle with more power-demanding models on mobile devices. However, when used with a PC, it performs much better, making it suitable for users who alternate between mobile and desktop listening setups.
Tech-Savvy Users:
Those who are comfortable tweaking their audio setups and using specialized apps like foobar2000 on Windows or USB Audio Player Pro on Android will get the most out of this DAC. The ability to fine-tune settings and maximize performance is a plus for tech-savvy users.
Portable Use:
If you’re looking for a compact and portable DAC that fits easily into your pocket or bag, the S9 Pro Plus is a great choice. Its sturdy build and dual outputs make it versatile and convenient for on-the-go use.
Budget-Conscious Audiophiles:
For those on a budget, the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus offers excellent value for money. It delivers high-quality sound and versatile functionality without breaking the bank.
Who Should Not Buy the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus?
1. Users with Power-Hungry Full-Sized Headphones: If you primarily use demanding full-sized headphones that require significant amplification, the S9 Pro Plus might not provide enough power, especially through the 3.5mm output when used with a mobile device. While it performs better when connected to a PC, those with high-impedance or very power-hungry headphones might need a dedicated desktop amp or a more powerful portable DAC/amp.
2. Users Seeking Extensive Customization: Although the S9 Pro Plus offers great sound quality, it lacks app support for features like EQ settings, filter options, and firmware updates. If you enjoy customizing your audio experience extensively, you might prefer a DAC that comes with a dedicated app offering more control and personalization.