The HIDIZS SD2 DAC dongle is an affordable way to upgrade the sound from your smartphone, especially … [+] if you subscribe to hi-res streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon HD.

HIDIZS

In case you haven’t heard, the hi-res music streaming service Tidal has just announced that it is reducing its top-tier subscription so that all its subscribers can access maximum-resolution music files for the price of $10.99/£10.99 a month.

This welcome change means you no longer have to pay extra to access hi-res versions of music encoded as high as 24-bit/96kHz. Of course, to do this you will need a Digital to Analog Converter for your smartphone or computer.

Considering the announcement by Tidal, I thought I would review the latest mini-DAC from HIDIZ. Announced at CES 2024, the new HIDIZS SD2 USB Type-C to 3.5mm Adapter Dongle DAC is now shipping. HIDIZ makes an impressive range of products for listening to hi-res music and this tiny little dongle is one of its most affordable and accessible products.

The SD2 DAC from HIDIZS can drive earphones and headphones, even ones that are relatively difficult … [+] to drive.

HIDIZS

The HIDIZS SD2 is available in three colors: black, grey and silver. It weighs a mere 6g and if you have an Android phone or laptop, you can simply plug it in and enjoy wonderful hi-res audio in all its nuanced glory. If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then HIDIZ supplies a neat little cable that converts from USB-C to Apple Lightning so you can enjoy all that hi-res goodness too.

The output of the HIDIZS SD2 is a stereo 3.5mm headphone jack for plugging in almost any pair of wired headphones or earbuds. The dongle is compatible with Macs, PCs as well as most smartphones, including the latest iPhone 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. Plugging in the SD2 will instantly upgrade the sound quality of your phone’s audio output.

The SD2 uses an ESS ES9270 DAC chip which can decode digital audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz (PCM) and ​ DSD128. It won’t unfold MQA files but Tidal will default to the full-fat high-res digital formats in that case. A small LED on the dongle changes color to show the type of file that’s being decoded.

The tiny HIDIZS SD2 can connect directly to any smartphone with a USB Type C connector. There’s even … [+] an adapter in the box for use with Apple Lighting ports.

HIDIZS

The dongle also includes an amplifier stage for driving a pair of headphones and the frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz, sufficient spectrum to win it a Hi-Res Audio logo. The HIDIZS SD2 punches above its weight considering its affordable price.

Verdict: I tested the new HIDIZS SD2 on a selection of Tidal tracks including some of my favorites from Diana Krall and Tom Jobim. This DAC has a slightly analytical feel thanks to its extended frequency range. It works well with headphones that have a slightly warmer response and with the right earbuds it can generate some serious bass. I’d say it’s a little less warm than the iFi GO Link that I reviewed last month so if you appreciate a slightly more focused soundstage, you will probably enjoy the HIDIZS SD2, especially if hip-hop and dance tracks are your preferred musical genres. At the price, the HIDIZS SD2 is a no-brainer audio upgrade for any smartphone.

Pricing & Availability: The HIDIZS SD2 USB Type-C to 3.5mm Adapter Dongle DAC is available now from Amazon and other retailers. The price is $39.99 / £49.99.

More info: hidizs.net

Tech Specs:

• Product: HIDIZS SD2 USB Type-C to 3.5mm Adapter Dongle DAC.
• DAC: ESS ES9270.
• Audio support: Up to 32-bit/384kHz (PCM) / Up to DSD128.
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz.
• Output power: 70mW + 70mW @ 32Ω.
• THD+N: 0.0015%.
• SNR: 118dB.
• Crosstalk: ≥64dB @ 32Ω.
• Hi-Res Audio Certified: Yes.
• Input: USB Type-C.
• Output: 3.5mm single-ended.
• Support for In-line Control / HD Mic: Yes.
• Sample-rate Indicator Light: Yes
• Colorways: Black, Grey, Silver
• Dimensions: 34.5ｘ20ｘ10ｍｍ
• Weight: 6g.