Why Martha? Introducing the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Portable HiFi Balanced Dongle DAC

Men still live who, in their youth, remember pigeons.
Trees still live who, in their youth, were shaken by a living wind.
But a decade hence only the oldest oaks will remember, and at long last only the hills will know.
——[A Sand County Almanac] Aldo Leopold

 

Martha, is the name of the last surviving female passenger pigeon, the bird species with the largest population ever recorded on Earth. In 1914, Martha passed away in the Cincinnati Zoo, marking the official extinction of a species that once numbered over 5 billion individuals. Their sheer numbers led people to believe they would never go extinct.

(Image Credit: https://baike.sogou.com)

Passenger pigeons were a bird species that loved to roam freely in flocks, and their numbers often exceeded 100 million birds, darkening the skies as they flew over forests and meadows, extending for dozens of kilometers in an awe-inspiring spectacle. Due to their natural inclination for ceaseless flight, they couldn't be tamed or bred in captivity. They were incredibly beautiful birds with slender, graceful bodies, blue-gray heads and necks, and iridescent feathers on their neck and back that sparkled in the light.

In honor of this magnificent species, which disappeared 109 years ago, Hidizs, a professional audio brand, named its third-generation S9 Pro Plus HiFi Balanced Dongle DAC after Martha.

 

Why We Name As Martha?

Hidizs, a brand dedicated to bringing natural and authentic music experiences to its users, has placed user satisfaction at the core of its professional ideals. Founded by a team with extensive music production and psychoacoustic experience, the brand's deep-seated understanding of user experiences shapes its product development. Hidizs' global operations are headquartered in Hong Kong, working to expand the presence of Hidizs products across the world. Hidizs has developed and sold products across various categories, including professional HiFi Dongle DACs, HiFi Portable Music Players, and a wide range of audio solutions. It boasts over a million dedicated users worldwide, with products finding particular popularity in regions like Europe, the United States, and Japan.

Hidizs inspired to name the S9 Pro Plus after "Martha” the last surviving passenger pigeon. This unique naming decision serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse world we inhabit, reinforcing our love for nature and life. If you're discovering the story of passenger pigeons through Hidizs for the first time, then this truly encapsulates the essence of our mission.

Martha's Heart - Hidizs Professional HiFi Audio Circuit Architecture

Martha adopts the fourth-generation professional HiFi audio processing circuit architecture developed by Hidizs Acoustic Laboratory. This is a fully balanced circuit architecture, consisting of four parts: USB interface processor, DAC, independent headphone amplifier and POP sound cancellation system. The DAC uses ESS Technology's flagship DAC chip ES9038Q2M, which uses ESS Technology's patented 32-bit HyperStream® II QUADDAC™ architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. It ensures the extremely high accuracy of audio data and represents the highest level of audio decoding technology. Its excellent characteristics make it the first choice for audiophiles and high-fidelity music lovers.

 

Unparalleled Hi-Res Audio Support

The ES9038Q2M is a powerhouse that supports high-resolution audio. With a maximum 32-bit/768kHz PCM sampling rate, it delivers unprecedented precision. This level of detail captures even the subtlest nuances in music, guaranteeing a pristine audio reproduction. The chip boasts an impressive Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of up to 128dB and an astonishingly low Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of -120dB. These figures define audiophile-grade audio quality. And the best part? This technology isn't limited to high-end audio systems but extends to portable devices, setting a new standard for audio quality.

 

Physical Buttons for Effortless Control

Martha is designed with audiophiles in mind, and this extends to its user-friendly physical buttons. These buttons allow for quick and easy volume adjustments. This feature comes in especially handy when you switch between different headphones with varying volume levels. But Martha doesn't stop there; it also offers seven filter pulse response effects (PCM FILTER IMPULSE RESPONSE). You can easily switch between these effects using the integrated buttons.

Seven Filter Effects for Customized Sound

These filter effects provide you with a wide range of sound profiles to suit your preferences. Here's a breakdown of these seven filter effects:

1. Anodizing fast roll-off (Default Filter): Slightly forward vocals, extended high frequencies with reduced resonance.
2. Linear phase fast roll-off: Enhanced analytical capabilities, delivering a clean and crisp sound.
3. Linear phase slow roll-off: Enriched harmonics, full low frequencies, and a natural reverb.
4. Minimum phase fast roll-off: Balanced and moderate sound.
5. Minimum phase slow roll-off: Clean sound with a forward position.
6. Hybrid fast roll-off: Soft and smooth sound with enhanced detail.
7. Brick wall: Excellent dynamics and strong presence.

This flexibility allows you to adapt the filter effects to your headphones, maximizing your listening experience.

 

Dual Output Interfaces - Martha's Wings

Martha offers double the audio enjoyment with dual output interfaces - both 4.4mm and 3.5mm audio output options. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones. And despite its powerful performance, Martha remains compact and lightweight, weighing only 17 grams. Just like a free-spirited pigeon yearning to soar in the sky, Martha seamlessly integrates into your musical journey.

 

Elegant and Powerful Sprite - Martha's Shape

The exterior of the Martha is a testament to craftsmanship. It's carved from a single block of aerospace-grade aluminum using advanced CNC machining techniques, ensuring both robustness and durability. Its design maintains the signature style of the Hidizs family. Not only does it look stylish, but it's also comfortable to hold. The compact and lightweight design exudes practicality and elegance.

Sampling Rate Indication with RGB Lighting - Martha's Eye

Martha offers a visual feast for different audio formats. It features vibrant RGB lighting, with each color corresponding to specific sampling formats and rates:

• Yellow: DSD 64/128
• Purple: DSD 256/512
• Blue: PCM 176.4/192(kHz)
• Red: PCM 352.8/384(kHz)
• White: PCM 705.6/768(kHz)
• Green: PCM 44.1/48/88.2/96(kHz)

These captivating lighting effects add a visual dimension to your musical journey. You not only hear the music but also see it, enhancing the overall experience.

 

Martha's Essence - Powerful and Compact Audio Excellence

Despite its compact size, the S9 Pro Plus delivers remarkable power. With 138mW+138mW at 32Ω through the 3.5mm single-ended output and 180mW+180mW at 32Ω through the 4.4mm balanced output, it effortlessly drives a wide range of headphones, from IEMs to planar headphones.

With Martha by your side, you're not limited by platforms or devices. It features a standard Type-C data interface, ensuring excellent compatibility across a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, iPad OS, Android, iOS, and Harmony OS. This means you can plug and play on virtually any platform without a hitch. Whether you're using a computer, tablet, iPhone, Android device, or anything in between, Martha ensures a seamless audio experience.

In conclusion, Martha is a testament to Hidizs' dedication to the highest standards of audio quality. From its innovative circuit architecture and the ESS ES9038Q2M flagship DAC chip to the array of features and exceptional audio output, Martha is a sonic powerhouse in a compact, elegant form. It's the perfect companion for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who demand nothing but the best in their musical journey. With Martha by your side, you're not just listening to music; you're experiencing it in its purest and most vibrant form.

Click to learn more about Martha, and Stay tuned for the arrival of Martha, coming soon to our official website!