Note: This review has a video version available on Youtube, Facebook, and Tiktok
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the DAC. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.
The Hidizs SD2 was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.
Pros
😄 SD2 provided clearer, louder audio compared to my cheap dongle.
😄 Detailed sound with distinct instrument separation
😄 Small and portable form factor, impressive audio quality with minor drawbacks.
😄 Just 39.99 USD, price to performance is excellent
Cons
😔 Overpowering bass in bass-heavy tracks
😔 Sharp frequencies noticeable in some instances
😔 Audio during gaming sessions sometimes painful
😔 Having the SD2 directly plugged into the phone port while doing exercises, running, etc may damage USB-C port
😔 Device tends to warm up after prolonged use, uncomfortable if in pocket.
Sources
- PC
- Mi pad 5
- Xiaomi 13T
- Truthear Hola IEMS
- Phillips SHP9500 headphones
Inclusions
- The SD2 device itself
- Compact plastic design with metallic accents.
- Futuristic faceplate with indicator light.
- 45-degree angle audio jack to reduce USB-C strain.
- USB-C to USB-A adapter
- Lightning to USB-C cable
- Documentation.
Visual Description
The SD2 features a compact design and seems to be fully made of plastic with some small metal parts, though I’m not too sure. The faceplate has a futuristic design, with all the lines and panels. On one side, it has an indicator light to display the bitrate of the audio being played.
The audio jack seems to be at an angle of 45 degrees from the USB-C, which is apparently done to reduce strain on the USB-C port.
Comparison with cheap dongle
I’ve been using this cheap dongle from Shopee for less than 3 USD due to my mobile devices lacking a headphone jack. While the dongle gets the job done, it lacks the finesse and quality assurance that comes with a dedicated DAC like the SD2. The SD2 promises a higher fidelity audio experience and more reliable connectivity.
Testing Results
Using the HiBy Music app, I enabled "Exclusive HQ USB audio" to optimize audio output. The SD2 provided significantly clearer and louder audio compared to the cheap dongle. The sound was more detailed, with distinct separation of instruments and vocals, creating a more immersive listening experience. Vocals sounded richer and more natural, while the treble was crisp and well-defined.
However, there were instances of overpowering bass, especially in bass-heavy tracks, which occasionally overshadowed other frequencies. Notably when playing Coldplay’s Orphans paired with my IEMs, the chorus felt a bit “sharp,” to the point of painful for me. Playing the same song over my Phillips headphones though, seems to tone down the “sharp” frequencies, so I’m not sure if the cause is my IEM or the SD2.
Additionally, during my Overwatch gaming sessions on my PC using the Phillips headphones, I noticed that the audio was sometimes painful, particularly when multiple sound effects are being played.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall audio quality provided by the SD2 was impressive, especially considering its compact size and affordable price. It managed to enhance the audio output of my mobile devices significantly, delivering a noticeable improvement in fidelity and clarity across various music genres and multimedia content.
Usability Concerns
With the SD2's design, I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving it plugged into my phone while it’s in my pocket and doing physical activities. The potential for movement while walking or running could cause damage to my phone’s USB port, so it's something to be mindful of during mobile use.
Also, I noticed that after using the SD2 for a while, it tends to warm up quite a bit. This could get uncomfortable if you have it plugged and in use in your pocket for too long.
Final Thoughts
With all that said, the SD2 offers a drastic improvement in audio quality for casual audio enjoyers who don’t have a mobile DAC.
And while I’m not a fan of its looks, the price to performance makes this a must-buy. Especially since after all that testing, my dongle stopped working.
While most of this is based on my preferences, I hope you found this review useful.
Good luck!