Hidizs Mermaid MS2 Review – Why Buy Anything Else?
The Hidizs Mermaid MS2 are IEMs that have a 10.2mm dynamic driver for the low end and a balanced armature driver for the higher end of the frequency spectrum. They cost 79 USD and for this price I consider them an amazing deal.
I have now spent a week with the Hidizs Mermaid MS2. I am used to high end audio gear that is also in a significantly higher price range, so I did not have any expectations. But from the first moment on – they surprised me in every category.
Unboxing & Build
When I was unboxing these headphones then I had no idea what they might cost. The wire and the IEMs are in two packages. The wire and the tips are in a very high quality black box that resembles that of expensive jewellery. This will become the case for the IEMs. The driver units themselves come in separate packaging that protects them during shipping and also presents you with a beautiful visual of their “mermaid” design.
The unboxing and looks are absolutely beautiful. I would not even mention this unless it was something spectacular. It feels like you are receiving a very high quality product.
However – there is a downside here. Although every part of the IEMs look like they are worthy of diamonds, then unfortunately everything feels like cheap plastic when touched. But in this price range you will always be making big compromises and remember – you are buying audio gear. If using cheaper plastic allows for a better driver setup then I would even consider it a good sign.
Sound
These IEMs perform really above my expectations. In my experience, whenever you are buying earphones that cost less than 300USD then there is a big chance that they have some audio related weirdness going on. Earphones might perform well in one specific category but have huge issues in others.
The Hidizs MS2 is different. Considering the price – they sound great in every part of the frequency spectrum. They have a slight emphasis on bass and an overall warmth to the sound character. Despite that, they feel very balanced and natural. They are very engaging and make you want to explore one track after another. I found myself listening to them much more than I initially planned and that is a great sign.
My first impression once I played the first track was: “Why would I ever buy anything more expensive?” Of course earphones that cost 20x more will also sound better, but if you do not have them available for comparison then the Hidizs MS2 makes you feel like you have a truly great IEM.
Bass
The bass response is very natural. These IEMs have a slight emphasis on bass which I enjoy a lot. They are, by no means, bass cannons. Instead, they offer a response that feels very flat and natural despite the slight boost in the lower region. I’d call it – neutral with some added vibe.
Midrange
Same goes for the midrange. It feels very natural but is actually slightly emphasised. This means that as a listener your attention will usually be directed towards sounds & instruments that sit in the lower part of the frequency spectrum. This means any kind of basses, drums, lower percussion and male vocals.
High frequencies
Once again, natural is the word. They are not recessed but feel well controlled so high frequencies will probably never offend your ear. If you are on the lookout for an extremely detailed earphone, then they might not be for you, but they are also not missing any detail. The information is there but with the bass & midrange emphasis your focus will naturally drift towards sounds that are in the lower part of the frequency spectrum.
Imaging & Soundstage
The soundstage feels very realistic and imaging is quite excellent for the price. You will definitely notice all sounds and instruments that move left-to-right or that are placed off center and you can enjoy a great stereo experience. However, like I said in the last chapter – these details are never forced on you. So you will have to be the one who will listen.
Are they amp dependant?
No, not at all. They will sound as they should with any piece of gear including your phone and computer.
Conclusion
The Hidizs MS2 are a great deal if you are looking for a good overall performer in this or even a slightly higher price category. They have amazing looks and even though they might feel “cheap” in your hands then I am sure they are durable and well built.
They sound very musical and feel very balanced even though there is a slight emphasis on the bass & midrange. All of this means that you will have a musical experience that feels very pure while at the same time there is some “added fun”.
I will still enjoy my super-expensive high end audiophile gear and will not sell my other headphones for these, but what the MS2 offers was way above my expectations. So I definitely recommend them!
Author:Henri Liiv
Henri Liiv is an Estonian producer, DJ, festival organizer and audio engineer with almost 15 years of experience in audio & sound. After building his first few studios he became very passionate about all kinds of audio gear. He loves to explore different headphones, speakers, amplifiers and digital instruments. Over the years he has developed excellent attention to musical detail. Hopefully his experience will help you make the right decisions when buying new gear!
