HIDIZS S8 PRO ROBIN

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin
$69
2x CS43131

Before I start this review, let me thank Hidizs for providing me this dongle.
Rest assured, my review is 100% my own personal opinion.

Just in case you're Interested on getting this dongle after reading this review, you can get it here :
https://tinyurl.com/s8rln (Affiliated)
5% Discount Code : LITTLENEZT
Unboxing
Build Quality

The Robin is made from aluminum and glass, the shape is inspired from a bird's wing.


No complaints regarding the build quality feels solid and looks great.

The OTG Cable itself is just OK, nothing fancy, it just works.


Output Power

Rated at 80mw single ended and 160mw balanced 32ohm.
Tested using HD650, 3.5mm port, I can get a reasonably loud listening level without any problem.

Power Consumption
Tested plugged in to my Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G, per 1% of battery I got around 9-10 minutes of playback time, very efficient IMO.

One thing I should mention, the Robin does not have an independent volume control.

Sound
Neutral

Bass : A bit playful and has that roundness feeling to it, it seems like the Robin has a slight highlight on the bass region, not much but just to make it feel more fun.
Bass control tested using HD650 seems to be good, not great or perfect, just good, probably due to it soutput power limitation.

Midrange : Dead neutral, it has no highlight or accent on the midrange, and is pretty transparent, this can be a positive or negative depending on what you want from a dongle dac.

Some people might think the Robin is thin sounding if they used to overall weightier presentation, and some people might really like this dead neutral presentation to get the most honest sound from their dongle and seek the true characteristics of their cans.

Treble : Sparkly and extended without sounding harsh.
The Robin has a very good treble for its price, it has a very good extension, good airy presentation without ever making your cans sounds shrill or un-natural.

Technicalities
Very good for $69

Stage : Medium Sized
Definitely not large but not smalleither, it has a very good stage layering.

Imaging : Very Good
Tested using my usual Moondrop CHU 2 Imaging test, the Robin actually did quite good, its definitely more than 2.5D sounding but its not quite holographic yet.
Tested using my HD650 and HD560s, the Robin can display holographic information without any problem.

Separation and Positioning : Very Good
I had no problem separating and locating sound position, though its not the most razor sharp that I've ever heard from dongle, but putting context that the Robin only cost you $69USD, I can say its performing really good on its price bracket.

Detail Retrieval : Very Good
It has a very good detail retrieval for its price, Its basically on the same class as Martha, the S9 Pro Plus which is more expensive than the Robin.

Comparation

Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha

The Robin is cheaper by $20USD.
S9 Pro Plus Martha uses ES9038Q2M.
Martha has more output power.
Sound wise, compared both on stock filters, I found that the Robin is more neutral than Martha.
Martha has some kind of highlight on its lower midrange and bass to sound a bit more weightier than Robin, though technicality wise, the Martha has better stage size and thanks to its stage size, separation and positioning is a bit better too on the Martha.

Conclusion

Is the S8 Pro Robin worth it?

It depends, if you're on a very limited budget, the Robin actually has a very good offering for its price, but for $20 more, you can get the Martha which has slightly better technicalities but different tonality from the Robin.

Talking about tonality, if you want amore neutral sounding dongle, then yeah definitely go with Robin,

Personally I don't have any reason on not to recommending this device, though one thing I should mention ,that Robin just like Martha, missing independent volume control, which is a bit sad, you can't really dial in the exact volume you want with android devices, its always gonna be a bit too loud or a bit too low.

So yeah, if you're in the market for a $69 USD dongle, want a dead neutral tonality, and don't mind the missing of independent volume control, the S8 Pro Robin is actually one of the good dongle available on the market out there.

Thanks for reaching this far !

Just in case you're Indonesian or understand Bahasa Indonesia, you can watch the review of Robin here



-littlenezt.

Hidizss S8 Pro Robin review and comparisons.
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The Hidizs S8 Pro Robin (69 USD) dongle DAC/Amp was provided to me for a review by Hidizs and its review tour group in my area, which I'm very thankful for.
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The packaging is good and appropriate in quality for it's price, but that's not as important as the sound quality and how it compares to other dongle DAC/Amps, so I'll make this review focused on the sound. It includes a directional USB cable and the beautiful-looking buttons on the side that only function as Previous track, Play/Pause, and Next track, unfortunately.
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It utilizes two Cirrus Logic CS43131 chips to provide balanced output for its 4.4mm socket and its single-ended 3.5mm socket. The sound signature is flat-neutral; it has a good balance between sounding analog and digital, but it leans more towards the digital side as it sounds a little analytical. It can drive my normal-sensitivity IEM to very loud volume levels, more than I could take, but with a low-sensitivity IEM such as the recently released and then reviewed by yours truly, the Tangzu x HBB Xuan NV, I have to take the volume near maximum to give me a satisfying loudness.
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The soundstage size is very good, and I can clearly hear the decay of the reverb on the whole musical performance as well as on individual instruments. The instrument separation is very good, and I have no issues with its imaging performance; it seems fine. The overall sound is pretty transparent.
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The bass has good tightness and sounds tighter than most dongle DAC/Amps I heard, indicating very good bass control. The midrange sounds very neutral and lively. The treble is very extended but could sometimes sound too analytical and dry for me, no matter which digital filter settings I use.
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Compared to the Moondrop Dawn Pro (50 USD):
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The Dawn Pro uses the same chips as the S8 Pro Robin. I was expecting them to sound very similar, and boy, was I wrong. The S8 Pro Robin sounds clearer and more forward, albeit dryer in the midrange and treble, whereas the Dawn Pro is so laid-back and lusher. The S8 Robin has more perceived resolution and details, and the bass of the S8 Pro Robin is noticeably tighter than the Dawn Pro. They both have similar sound stage sizes, but the imaging of the S8 Robin is better. What I'm really trying to say is that the Dawn Pro leans a little towards the analog type of sound signature, and the S8 Pro Robin leans a little more towards the digital and clear type of sound signature.
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Compared to the Moondrop Moonriver 2 (189 USD):
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The Moonriver 2 uses the higher-tier Cirrus Logic CS43198 chip and also utilizes additional amplifier chips to boost the output. They are both leaning a little toward the digital and analytical sides; both have very flat perceived frequency responses, but the Moonriver 2 has better bass control, besting the already good bass control of the S8 Pro Robin. The midrange is similar, but I find the treble on the S8 Pro Robin sounds a little dryer. The S8 Pro Robin has a cleaner and clearer detail presentation and a darker background. Tonally, they are very similar, and in terms of sound staging performance, the S8 Pro Robin is superior; they are about equal in imaging.
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Compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha (100 USD):
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The S9 Pro Plus Martha is a higher-end dongle DAC/amp in the Hidizs lineup, with more resolution and musicality than the S8 Pro Robin. It boasts airier-sounding highs, a more forward-sounding midrange, and slightly less controlled bass. The soundstage is also larger. The imaging performance is similar, with the exception that the S9 Pro Plus Martha reveals more air around the instruments and vocalists.

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Pros:
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- beautiful design
- clean sound
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Cons:
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- there is no volume knob
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Conclusion:
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The S8 Pro Robin is another winner coming from Hidizs; the very competitive sound quality and the affordable price, not to mention good aesthetics, earned my high recommendation.
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Happy listening! Cheers!

The HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is the latest portable DAC/Amp from Hidizs in a compact and stylish form factor. In this review we delve in S8s technical capabilities, explore the design and functionality, and analyzes its sound signature to help you determine if it's the perfect audio upgrade for you.

Unboxing the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin is a fuss-free affair. The compact box opens to reveal a sturdy plastic case that holds the tiny DAC itself.Inside the case, you'll find the S8 Pro Robin nestled snugly. Hidizs throws in all the cables you need, USB-C to Lightning for iPhones, a standard USB-C cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older devices. A quick-start guide and warranty card round out the package.

Lifting the S8 Pro Robin out, we find a hidden compartment beneath it. This compartment holds the bundled accessories:
• A USB-C to Lightning adapter: Perfect for connecting the S8 Pro Robin to your iPhone or iPad for lossless audio enjoyment.
• A USB-C to USB-C cable: This is your main connection cable for Android devices, PCs, and Macs with USB-C ports.
• A USB-C to USB-A adapter: Don't worry if your device lacks a USB-C port. This adapter ensures broad compatibility with older laptops and devices.
• A user manual and warranty card are also tucked neatly within the box.
• As a bonus, Hidizs throws in a couple of "Hi-Res" stickers, allowing you to proudly proclaim your love for high-resolution audio


Dual CS43131 DAC Chips

At the heart of the S8 Pro Robin are its dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips. It supports high-resolution audio playback, reaching up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256. The S8 Pro Robin caters to a wide range of earphones and headphones with its dual outputs: a 3.5mm single-ended jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. The balanced output delivers significantly more power (160mW+160mW @ 32Ω) compared to the single-ended output (80mW+80mW @ 32Ω). This higher power output translates to better dynamics, tighter control.


Premium Build Meets Compact Convenience

The S8 Pro Robin design gives it a sense of luxury and elegance with its sleek and compact design. The CNC aluminum alloy shell feels incredibly sturdy and premium in your hand, accented by stylish glass panels. Its lightweight design makes it incredibly portable.

One of the first things you'll notice is the eye-catching, oversized gold or copper play/pause button. While it might initially appear to be a volume wheel, it serves a singular function. The volume up/down or skip track buttons complement the aesthetic with their shape and color. These buttons offer more than just basic controls; pressing both volume buttons simultaneously cycles through different digital filters, allowing you to tailor the sound signature to your listening preferences.

A small LED Hidizs logo on the faceplate doubles as a sampling rate indicator, providing a quick and convenient way to see the resolution of the audio file you're currently playing. While the S8 Pro Robin offers all the basic and practical features of a dongle dac, one minor omission is a dedicated gain switch. This could be a drawback for users with particularly sensitive IEMs.

Functional Yet Flexible Controls

The S8 Pro Robin prioritizes user-friendliness with its set of multi-functional buttons. Play/pause, volume control, and track skipping are readily accessible, allowing for seamless music control without ever needing to take your device out of your pocket.


Clarity and Detail

The sound signature of the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is characterized by its clarity and detail retrieval. The device leans towards a bright sound profile, which means it emphasizes the higher frequencies and brings out the intricacies in your music. This is particularly beneficial for genres like classical, acoustic, and vocal-centric music, where precision and detail are paramount. Instruments are well-defined, and vocals are clear and prominent, making it easy to pick out individual elements in a recording.


Bass: Punchy and Refined

While the S8 Pro Robin focuses on clarity and detail, it does not neglect the lower frequencies. The bass is punchy and impactful, providing a solid foundation for your music without overwhelming the other frequencies. The sub-bass extension is impressive, adding weight and depth to the overall sound. The mid-bass is smooth and clean, ensuring that drums and basslines have a satisfying presence without muddying the soundscape. This balance between clarity and bass presence makes the S8 Pro Robin versatile enough to handle a variety of genres, from electronic and hip-hop to rock and pop.


Mids: Intimate and Forward

The mids on the S8 Pro Robin are forward and intimate, which means that instruments like guitars, pianos, and vocals are pushed to the forefront of the mix. This characteristic creates a sense of intimacy and allows listeners to appreciate the fine details in vocal performances and instrumental parts. The forward mids are particularly well-suited for genres that rely heavily on midrange frequencies, such as folk, jazz, and classical music. However, listeners who prefer a more bass-heavy sound signature might find the mids a little overpowering. The emphasis on midrange frequencies can sometimes overshadow the bass, making it less prominent in the overall mix.


Treble: Energetic and Smooth

The treble on the S8 Pro Robin is energetic, which complements its overall bright sound signature. High frequencies are well-extended, contributing to a sense of airiness and creating a wide and expansive soundstage. This spaciousness allows you to better appreciate the placement of instruments within the mix and enhances the overall listening experience. Despite its energy, the treble is smooth and avoids the common pitfalls of harshness or sibilance. This ensures that listening sessions remain enjoyable and fatigue-free, even during extended periods.

Potential Drawbacks: Room for Improvement

While the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin offers a plethora of features and impressive performance, it is not without its minor drawbacks. One notable omission is a dedicated gain switch, which could be beneficial for users with particularly sensitive earphones or IEMs. A gain switch would allow for more precise control over the output level, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of headphones and earphones.

Additionally, while the forward mids and bright sound signature are appealing to many audiophiles, listeners who prefer a warmer or more bass-heavy sound might find the S8 Pro Robin's tuning less to their liking. However, the ability to customize the sound signature with digital filters helps mitigate this concern to some extent.

Conclusion:

In summary, the HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin is a remarkable device that combines advanced technical capabilities, a luxurious build design, and a meticulously detailed sound signature. if you are looking for high-fidelity audio on the go or simply looking for a high-quality DAC/Amp to enhance your listening experience, the S8 Pro Robin stands out as a stylish and versatile option.