Hidisz hides a DAC in its USB-C IEMs for lossless audio on a budget

If you’re an audiophile looking for an inexpensive new repair item, this is the one for you. Hong Kong-based Hidizs packs a small but capable DAC into a USB-C cable that connects to your IEMs (in-ear monitors). This allows you to enjoy more lossless audio from your phone or laptop on the go.

Currently available through a Kickstarter campaign with an introductory price of just $39 USD, the ST2 PRO Nebula is a real bargain and the set looks great to boot.

There aren’t many DACs (digital-to-analog converters) on the market that are built into cables like this. In fact, the only replacement I found was the Questyle NHB15, which ranged in price from $230 to $300.

Nebula costs a fraction of the price and comes with a high-resolution microphone for calls. Here we take a closer look at what’s on offer for those who prefer wired earphones for on-the-go listening.

First, Nebula gets the ES9218AC PRO decoding chip from ESS, which delivers a 32-bit/384KHz PCM sampling rate. It is also used in popular portable DACs like the Questyle M15. When combined with a library of FLAC files, Apple Music’s lossless streaming, and lossless audio sources like TIDAL, you should be able to hear a noticeable difference in quality and detail.

Nebula is also quite powerful. With up to 70mW of output, it’s more than enough to drive virtually any IEM, including planar magnetic IEMs that typically require a larger push to get sufficient volume.

With a high dynamic range of +122dB and a low total harmonic distortion (THD – a measurement of the distortion caused by a signal passing through an electronic system) of 0.0012%, it promises high-resolution audio quality “comparable to mainstream decoding headphone amplifiers”. ”

Hidi’s

As for the IEMs or earphones, they feature “customized 10mm dual magnetic circuit dynamic drivers made by Hidizs Acoustic Laboratory” with a PU + PEEK composite diaphragm for weight savings. Thanks to the dual magnetic circuit design, you can expect extended treble range and surprisingly delicate expressive power.

Hidi’s

The DAC-equipped cable itself comes with a 2-pin connector for connecting to IEMs. This means you’re not limited to the earphones bundled with Nebula, you can use the cable with any other IEM you like. Hidizs also offers cables without IEMs if you want to save money. Plus, it’s braided, so it looks neat.

Hidi’s

what do they sound like? Reviews from retailers and audiophile content creators who tried Nebula before its release described it as bright, energetic, and with a V-shaped sound signature. This means that the bass and treble are improved, and the midrange is slightly recessed. You can also expect rich detail and a wide soundstage.

The Nebula set doesn’t have strong bass, so we recommend using a warmer audio source, adjusting your EQ accordingly, or choosing IEMs that offer a rounded sound to increase the low end .

In the review video, the sound is good when the mic is held close to your mouth, and reasonably clear when it’s hanging from your ear.

Hidi’s

Overall, Nebula seems like a no-brainer to buy at its introductory price of $39. The price will go up even more once the early bird units sell out, but even at an MSRP of $90, it’s still a great deal for Chi-Fi fans and audiophiles. The inclusion of a practical microphone and the option to bring your own IEMs further sweetens the deal.

Hidizs plans to roll out Nebula to customers in February 2025, and its pricing includes free shipping worldwide. However, please note that this is a crowdfunding project, so the usual caveats apply.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Source: Kickstarter