Hidizs x Linsoul AP80 Pro Max portable music player review
Today, we are excited to introduce the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX, a remarkable digital audio player (DAP) that emerges from the collaboration of two esteemed brands in the audio industry. Built with a sturdy aluminum chassis and featuring a 2.95-inch screen, this device provides a versatile range of connections and high-fidelity Bluetooth codec compatibility, making it an ideal companion for audio enthusiasts.
Before diving into the review, we extend our gratitude to Kiwi Ears for entrusting El Chapuzas Informático with the opportunity to analyze this product.
Technical specifications of the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX
| HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX | |
| Design | Aluminum alloy chassis |
| Dimensions | 82.8 x 51 x 15.5 mm |
| Weight | 81 grams |
| Processor | Ingenic X1600E |
| DAC | 2 x ES9219C |
| Screen | 2.95-inch touch (360 x 640 pixels) |
| Operating System | HiBy OS |
| Connectivity |
|
| Supported audio formats | DSD256, PCM 384 kHz / 32 bits, MQA 16x |
| Battery | 1,300 mAh (3.7V) Battery life: 8-10 hours BAL | 10-12 hours PO | 69 days on standby |
Unboxing and accessories
Let's start the review of the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX by examining its packaging. The product comes in a small gray cardboard box, showcasing the design of the device on the front and complete technical specifications on the back.
Inside, the player is well-protected by a cardboard frame, foam padding, and a plastic bag, ensuring it remains undamaged during transport.
The HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX includes a comprehensive set of accessories:
- Spare screen protector
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- USB-C OTG cable
- Documentation and thank you card
Additionally, we were fortunate to receive a leather case, an essential accessory to keep our player in pristine condition.
Design features of the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX
Once we remove the product from its packaging, we find ourselves with a portable audio player (DAP) crafted from a CNC-machined aluminum chassis, measuring 82.8 x 51 x 15.5 mm and weighing only 81 grams.
This compact design makes it easy to carry in a pocket without any hassle. Its aesthetic is striking, featuring angular edges and a back panel available in gray, blue, or black, highlighted by a triangular pattern and the logos of both brands.
LCD screen with 2.95 inches
The HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX is equipped with a 2.95-inch LCD screen that boasts a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels. While the screen quality is sufficient for its intended tasks, it may appear somewhat outdated. The HiBy OS, while efficient, also lacks visual appeal.
However, the system operates smoothly, and all touch gestures are fluid and responsive.
On the right edge, we find physical buttons for controlling playback and a wheel for volume control, allowing for 100 steps and the ability to lock the screen with a press.
On the left edge, there is a micro-SD slot that supports cards up to 2 TB in capacity, which is crucial for storing your music collection, as this is the only memory accessible to the user.
Audio output options: 3.5 mm LO/PO and 4.4 mm balanced
One of the strong points of the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX is its provision of dual audio outputs for headphones. The 3.5 mm LO/PO output delivers 70 mW + 70 mW at 32 ohms, with a total harmonic distortion of 0.0005% at 1 kHz, and a dynamic range of 122 dB. Meanwhile, the 4.4 mm balanced output achieves 125 + 125 mW at 32 ohms, with a total harmonic distortion of 0.0007% at 1 kHz and a dynamic range of 120 dB.
Adjacent to these outputs, the USB-C connector allows for bi-directional connection, serving as both a DAC and for charging the device's 1,300 mAh battery, which promises an impressive battery life of 8-10 hours for balanced output and 10-12 hours for standard output.
A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection is also included, enabling access to multimedia files via DLNA or AirPlay, as well as streaming applications like Tidal and Qobuz. Moreover, the device is equipped with a Bluetooth 5.1 chip compatible with AAC, SBC, APT-X, LDAC, and UAT codecs, ensuring high-definition audio is guaranteed.
Ingenic X1600E processor and dual ES9219C DAC
Inside the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX, we find the Ingenic X1600E processor, which powers the system. It works in conjunction with a pair of ES9219C DACs, responsible for converting digital audio signals to analog. This dual-channel model supports audio playback in PCM up to 384 kHz, DSD256, and MQA 16x.
Performance testing of the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX
It's time to evaluate how the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX performs in real-world conditions. We connected it to the Kiwi Ears Atheia headphones, and we were pleased to find it drives them effortlessly, providing ample volume without needing to max out the levels.
The sound quality is impressive, and the difference compared to using a smartphone’s audio output is stark. Users will experience more power, improved sound quality, and a significantly wider dynamic range, making a noticeable impact even for the most skeptical listeners.
As previously mentioned, the HiBy OS does feel somewhat outdated in terms of its interface and screen quality, which is merely adequate. While it doesn’t appear bad, it certainly lacks the visual appeal found in more contemporary devices. Nevertheless, the system is designed for music playback, providing users with access to their music collection, online streaming options (Tidal and Qobuz), and other wireless media (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HiBy Link, DLNA, or AirPlay).
The interface is straightforward and intuitive, with touch gestures allowing for easy navigation, though occasionally, going back (swiping right) can be a bit tricky.
The playback screen, accessible by swiping left, is visually appealing and displays all relevant information about the audio track, including the associated album art. The physical buttons are also conveniently placed, especially the volume wheel, although the playback buttons may require a bit of familiarization to locate easily.
Battery life
Regarding battery life, the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX delivers on its promises, providing around 10 hours of usage from the 3.5 mm jack output. This is commendable given its compact size and battery capacity, although users should anticipate the need to recharge it relatively frequently.
Price and availability
Launched today, the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX is available for purchase at 120 euros. This pricing is quite attractive for the features it offers, although it may not be understood by those who are content with the audio quality from their smartphones.
| Main advantages | |
| + | Compact, well-designed, and highly portable |
| + | Excellent sound quality and good amplification |
| + | Offers both 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm audio outputs |
| + | Provides approximately 10 hours of battery life |
| Negative aspects | |
| - | HiBy OS feels somewhat simplistic and outdated |
| - | Screen resolution is low, though adequate |
At El Chapuzas Informático, we award the HIDIZS x LINSOUL AP80 PRO MAX the Gold Award for its outstanding performance as a portable audio player.
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