Hidizs AP30: Neverness to Greatness

So, Hidizs decided to release a new product. They've been on a streak lately, especially since I previously reviewed their MyLin, which is a special edition of the MS2 Pro, and my experience with it was quite enjoyable.

 

This time, we're looking at the newest entry from Hidizs, the AP30. It's an entry-level DAP that brings flagship-inspired features at an affordable price. For me, based on the specs alone, it's already shaping up to be a competitive performer against other products in this price segment.

So, will the AP30 claim victory as the retro music boy, or will it surprise me with its performance? Let's find out as I dive into my full assessment and see if this compact DAP truly lives up to its claims.

 

 Disclaimers


 

I’m not a professional reviewer, just an anime fan and audio hobbyist sharing my personal experiences.
Audio is subjective, and your experience may vary depending on your source, ear anatomy, and preferences.

This review unit was provided by Hidizs through the review tour they arranged. I'd also like to extend my thanks to Miss Jessie Cheung for giving me the opportunity to share my insights and opinions on this set.

 

Kiso Loot

I didn't manage to take a picture of the packaging since I was busy with my academic work. However, based on the pictures provided by Hidizs, we get plenty of accessories in the box. The unboxing experience is quite simple and enjoyable. Over the years, Hidizs has continued using this kind of approach, but this time they've made significant improvements to the box design. 

So here are the contents 

  •  AP30 
  • Screen Protector 
  • Magnetic Protector case
  • 1 Usb C charging cable
  • 1 Usb C to C otg cable 
  • Warranty 
  • Manual

 Just a note: the magnet comes separately from the case, so you'll have to attach it yourself. But honestly, this isn't a deal breaker


Kiso Briefing

The Hidizs AP30 is powered by the CS43198 DAC, which is responsible for audio decoding. It also uses the RKNANOD processor for audio processing, while the RT6863 handles the amplification for both the 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs.The AP30 also features Bluetooth connectivity, although it doesn't support aptX or LDAC, which is expected considering this is an entry-level DAP.If you're a fan of Tetris, then you're in for a treat. It comes with the beloved classic game pre-installed, so you can play it directly on the DAP itself.It supports microSD cards up to 256 GB, which is pretty standard for an entry-level DAP. Overall, the AP30 reminds me of the AP80, but with a stronger focus on the budget segment.

Kiso Test Bench

For this review, here are the sources I used for my assessment.

  • Nicehck Yuandao tears
  • Hidizs MyLin
  • Hidizs MS1 Galaxy
  • Hidizs MS5
  • KZ Libra X

For the cable

  • Custom 3.5 cable from xinhs
  •  Nicehck Fall cable 4.4


 Test Tracks

  • Ravings- Hoyo Mix
  • Solo Maxxing- Silver wolf level 999 character trailer ost
  • Nakakapagpabagabag- Dasu
  • Team Tomodachi- Yuki Chiba)
  • Beat it: Michael Jackson
  • SAY-BYE!!: Kotoko and Aiobahn+81
  • Hide and Seek: i-dle
  • Night dancer: imase
  • Undercover feat. Hatsune Miku: DECO*27
  • Hot Limit: T.M.Revolution
  • We on go: Bia
  • Mundian To Bach Ke: Panjabi MC
  • Katyusha: Girls Und Panzer Version
  • Erika: Girls Und Panzer Version
  • Monodrama: Hoyomix
  • Ravings: Hoyomix
  • Burning Desire: Hoyomix
  • Lumayo ka man sa akin: Rodel Naval
  • Dixon Cider: Smosh
  • Vivarium: Ado
  • Idol: Yoasobi
  • World is mine: Hatsune Miku
  • Defender’Z Brand!: Tsubasa Kazanari(CV:Nana Mizuki)
  • Dopamine: vanilla ikanamii
  • Fugitive: vanilla ikanamii
  • After hours: vanilla ikanamii
  • Can you own me?: vanilla ikanamii
  • Game over: vanilla ikanamii
  • Say Sex Latex: vanilla ikanamii
  • Danganronpa Trigger Happy Havoc: Opening
  • Danganronpa Goodbye Despair: Opening
  • Danganronpa V3 Killing Harmony: Opening
  • Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls: Opening
  • Madual↔Heart: Melody Wave (Yume Miyamoto), Luciana Rudleberg (Rumi Okubo)
  • Tsuki ni Mukatte Ute: Hoshimachi Suisei 
  • Compared Child(Remix)- Tuyu 

 

Overall Signature

The, Hidizs AP30 has a similar sound signature to the older AP80, but with the AP30, the tuning feels more refined, with noticeable improvements, especially in the high-frequency region. It delivers a warm-neutral sound signature, making it an excellent pairing for brighter-sounding earphones, as it helps tame excessive brightness without sacrificing clarity.

This type of tuning has become somewhat of a speciality for Hidizs. In fact, if you've listened to their more premium offerings, you'll notice that this warm-neutral presentation becomes even more refined, offering greater technical performance, better resolution, and a more expressive overall sound.

After using the AP30 as my daily driver, I noticed that it performs better through the 4.4 mm balanced output. The presentation becomes slightly more expressive, with improved dynamics and a noticeable increase in output power. The AP30 offers two gain settings—Low and High—and both are available on the 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs.

Using the 4.4 mm output on Low Gain provides a balanced presentation while still delivering respectable power. Switching to High Gain gives the AP30 a noticeable boost in output, resulting in better dynamics and enough power to drive some planar IEMs with confidence. While I wouldn't consider it a powerhouse for demanding full-size planar headphones, it is certainly capable of handling many planar in-ear monitors without much trouble. 

With the 3.5 mm output i used both low and high gain, and the difference is quite small but its still powerful enough to drive your typical in ear monitors.

Overall The 4.4 mm output is much more better and has more potential. 

 

Source Character 

The Hidizs AP30 has a refined and mature approach to its sound presentation. In fact, I genuinely enjoyed using it as my daily driver throughout the review period. It's one of those DAPs that quietly surprises you, making you appreciate just how enjoyable listening to music can be.

What I like about the AP30 is that it doesn't try to force an analytical or overly energetic presentation. Instead, it focuses on delivering a smooth, musical, and engaging listening experience,  and it becomes a very easy DAP to listen to for long sessions without causing fatigue. 

I also used the AP30 during my gaming sessions, and honestly, the performance was quite good. While I wouldn't call it the perfect device for gaming, it handled positional audio well enough for casual play and delivered an immersive experience. Considering this is an entry-level DAP, I found its overall performance genuinely impressive.

Overall the Hidizs AP30 is one of those DAP that features premium sound quality at a lower price,  

 

Kiso Interface & Features

The Hidizs AP30 runs on Hidizs' own proprietary operating system. Unlike some of their more premium DAPs, which combine Hidizs' software with HiBy OS features, the AP30 keeps things simple with its own lightweight interface.

In day-to-day use, the UI feels responsive and easy to navigate. I did encounter a few minor bugs and occasional hiccups, but these are software-related issues that could likely be addressed through future firmware updates.

Feature-wise, the AP30 offers both 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced outputs, along with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless use. However, it doesn't support LDAC or aptX, which is understandable considering its entry-level positioning.

Beyond music playback, the AP30 also includes a few extra features. There's an eBook reader, built-in EQ presets for those who like to tweak the sound, and the most entertaining addition of all: Tetris. It's a small feature, but I genuinely enjoyed having it. If you want to take a short break from listening to music without reaching for your phone, it's a surprisingly fun little distraction.

One thing I do hope Hidizs adds in a future update is Parametric EQ (PEQ). The current EQ options are useful, but having PEQ would give users much finer control over sound customization and make the AP30 even more versatile.

 

Kiso endurance 

The battery life of the Hidizs AP30 is quite impressive. Throughout my review period, I never found myself worrying about running out of battery. Even after several hours of daily listening, the battery still had plenty of charge remaining. I didn't experience any significant battery drain, making the AP30 a reliable companion for long listening sessions, commuting, or traveling.

 

 The Game Console 

 


 The Hidizs AP30 has Feature where you can play Tetris on the DAP itself, Honestly for  some this might be gimmick and niche but for me this is a nice addition since if you want to rest your ears and avoid distractions in your phone then you can play these game. 

 

Game Reference

 



The AP30 gives me strong Neverness to Everness vibes. Both embrace the nostalgic handheld-console aesthetic, and they even share a fun connection with Tetris, which plays a big part in their overall charm. Honestly, I thought it would be a fun reference to incorporate into this review because they both capture that same cute, nostalgic, and appealing vibe. That's exactly where the title "Neverness to Greatness" came from—a playful nod to Neverness to Everness while highlighting how the AP30 manages to punch above its weight as an entry-level DAP.

 

Kiso Pairing

The AP30 pairs exceptionally well with the Hidizs MyLin. In fact, I honestly think it elevates the MyLin closer to the performance of the MS2 Pro, which it was originally based on, while still retaining its own identity. Pairing the MyLin with the AP30 felt like the right choice, as it brought out a more refined and enjoyable presentation.

With the Hidizs MS1 Galaxy and MS5, the improvements are more subtle. However, if you're asking me which one benefits the most, I'd easily pick the MS5. The MS5's superior driver configuration allows the AP30 to showcase its strengths much better, resulting in a cleaner and more refined presentation. The MS1 Galaxy is by no means a bad set, but the MS5 simply outclasses it in overall performance.

Lastly, pairing the AP30 with the KZ Libra X gives it a slightly more neutral presentation while still retaining the Libra X's signature warmth. The AP30 manages to refine the overall sound without stripping away the character that makes the Libra X enjoyable to listen to.

Overall, the AP30 brings out the best in my daily drivers. Rather than dramatically changing their sound signatures, it enhances their overall performance, making them sound more refined, musical, and engaging without compromising their original sound quality.

 

Kiso Affinity 

I can recommend these for people 

  •  Who are looking for affordable yet premium sound that does not break your savings
  • That wants Compact and portability
  • That is Beginners  in the audio hobby
  • Who likes to play Tetris in a DAP
  •  Looking for 4.4 in a budget
  • Looking for Bluetooth compatibility
  • Long lasting battery life 

I don’t recommend these for people

  • who is looking for LDAC and APTX
  • who is expecting it to drive heavily power hungry sources
  • who is looking for a touch screen based DAP 
  • looking for  PEQ

 Kiso Value Check

Honestly, for an entry-level DAP, the Hidizs AP30 exceeded my expectations. It delivers a refined sound, respectable power output, and a unique retro charm that separates it from many competitors in its price range. Its lightweight and compact design makes it perfect for commuting, while features like Tetris add a bit of personality that makes using it genuinely fun. It isn't trying to be a flagship killer, but it succeeds in offering an enjoyable music experience without breaking the bank—and that's exactly what makes the AP30 so appealing.

 

Final Verdict 


 

The Hidizs AP30 is a DAP that successfully combines good sound quality, portability, and affordability into one compact package. It doesn't try to compete with flagship players through sheer power alone. Instead, it focuses on delivering a refined and musical listening experience that is easy to enjoy every day.

Just like Neverness to Everness, the AP30 reminds me of the character Zero. At first glance, it may seem simple, but the more time you spend with it, the more its charm begins to show. It may not carry the most powerful hardware in its class, yet it leaves a surprisingly memorable impression. That's exactly why I chose the title "Neverness to Greatness." The AP30 takes a modest concept and elevates it into something genuinely enjoyable.

If you're searching for your first dedicated DAP, or simply want a compact music player that delivers excellent value without emptying your wallet, the Hidizs AP30 is an easy recommendation.

 

 

 

 


 

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