Shozy Hibiki

Introduction

Shozy is a Chinese company that specializes in audio products ranging from digital audio players (DAPs) to in-ear monitors (IEMs). I would like to thank Shozy for the review unit of the Hibiki.

Specifications

Driver: 10mm Bio Cellulose Membrane Proprietary Full Range Dynamic
Frequency response: 20Hz-40000Hz
Sensitivity: 102dB SPL@1mW
Impedance: 18Ohm@1KHz
THD≤0.5%@1KHz

Unboxing & Accessories

The Shozy Hibiki comes in a black package with a white protective cover. At the front of the cover, there is an image of the iem and the model name. At the back of the cover, there are specifications of the iem and cable. After opening the black package, you get the iem, 2 pairs of tips (S, L) and an instruction manual/information guide. The unboxing is straightforward.

IEM Build & Design

The Hibiki shell is made up of plastic and it has a smooth surface to it. Each faceplate has a premium hand polished carbon fibre design with a chrome silver outer edge. There is the word “hibiki” printed on it in white colour. It is aesthetically pleasing. On the inside of each iem side, there are L & R markings to differentiate between left and right. The nozzle is slightly angled with metal mesh for earwax prevention. There is a small vent too. The Hibiki features recessed socket. I am able to fit the Hibiki in my ears well. The housing is light weight.

Cable Build & Design

The cable has a 4 core braided design and it is made of 26 AWG Ethos Black high-purity copper. The insulation is ultra flexible TPE sleeve which helps to minimize cross interference. It uses 2 pin 0.78mm angled connectors. On the connectors, there are L & R markings on the left and right side respectively so users can differentiate. There is a memory wire area section that is enclosed in a opaque black heat shrink tube. Moving down, there is a 3 buttons in-line remote control with reliable MEMS microphone. The chin slider and y-splitter are matte black. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled with a black housing that has a silver plate on the outside.

Sound Analysis

Lows

The Hibiki has moderate sub-bass quantity with a decent extension. It presents itself rather smoothly. The depth is rather moderate. The rumble is presented politely and does not exert itself too much. The bass decay is not very quick and each bass note is being expressed with a clean hit. Bass texture is smooth. The mid-bass has little quantity and each slam does not has a weighted feel to it. This affects the dynamics slightly. The bass presentation takes on a warm and smooth style. The transition from the the lows to the mids is rather good.

Mids

The midrange is being presented in a revealing manner with a decent level of transparency. The lower mids has sufficient quantity for male vocals. There is no hollow feeling but it can do with more body to create a fuller performance. The upper mids is forward with some crisp. However, the midrange is on the thinner side of things and this prevents it from delivering an organic performance. Female vocals are presented moderately well. The details retrieval is decent.

Highs

The treble is extended decently and there is no sibilance and harshness on it. The depth the Hibiki extends to has a decent magnitude. The mastery on it is average. There is lack of crisp and sparkle. The amount of air rendered is nice and helps to balance out the overall sound. The treble articulation has a moderate definition. The clarity it demonstrates has a average standard. It has a laid-back presentation. Overall, the treble is smooth to listen to.

Soundstage

The Hibiki has a natural expansion in its stage and the width has a good magnitude. It is able to tackle busier tracks to a certain extent. The depth is slightly close in. Overall, the width gives the sound a nice open feel.

Comparisons

Shozy Hibiki vs TFZ Series 2

The Hibiki has more sub-bass quantity than the Series 2 but the extension of the Series 2 is greater with its depth stretching further. Each bass note on the Series 2 is presented with more agility and it injects excitement into the sound, elevating the engagement as a result. The Hibiki presents it rather differently as it takes on a warm and smooth approach. It is more weighted and the bass texture is smoother. Bass decay on the Series 2 is more pacey. The lower mids on the Hibiki has slightly more quantity than the Series 2 and both are able to tackle male vocals with ease. There are no signs of hollowness. The upper mids on the Series 2 is more forward and there is extra crisp. It is more capable to deliver an organic female vocals performance. There is more body in the upper mids of the Series 2. Female vocals are expressed in a more delicate manner on the Series 2. There is better intimacy too. For the treble section, Series 2 has more extension and details retrieval is better. There is added crisp on the Series 2. Treble articulation on the Series 2 is slightly more accurate. Lastly, the Hibiki has a more natural expansion in its width and it has a greater magnitude. The depth on the Series 2 is better.

Shozy Hibiki vs Meze 11 Neo

The Hibiki has slightly less sub-bass quantity than the 11 Neo but it is extended greater than the 11 Neo. The sub-bass reproduction on the Hibiki is executed with more finesse. Bass decay on both is not quick. Bass texture on the 11 Neo is slightly smoother, The mid-bass quantity on the 11 Neo is more and it is able to create a nice weighted slam. The lower mids on the 11 Neo has more quantity and male vocals are presented fuller. The upper mids on the Hibiki has extra forwardness with an added cleanliness. It is able to tackle female vocals well. The treble on the Hibiki is more extended and the 11 Neo has more body. Treble articulation on the Hibiki is precise. The amount of air rendered on the Hibiki is superior. Lastly, in terms of soundstage, the Hibiki excels in both its width and depth. The 11 Neo tends to get congested when tackling busier tracks.

Shozy Hibiki vs BGVP DM5

The Hibiki has less sub-bass quantity and extension than the DM5. The DM5 excels in its sub-bass reproduction as there is a good definition and impact. The bass decay on the DM5 is slightly faster. Bass texture on the Hibiki is rendered more smoothly. The rumble on the DM5 is quicker. The mid-bass on the DM5 has more body and the slam is executed with weight. The lower mids on the Hibiki has less quantity than the DM5 and DM5 takes on male vocals with a fuller performance. The upper mids on the Hibiki is more forward and there is extra crisp. Female vocals are better executed on the Hibiki with a tinge of sweetness. Next, for the treble section, the extension on both is pretty similar and the presentation is laid-back. The amount of air rendered is moderate. The DM5 has better details retrieval here. Lastly, the Hibiki has a wider stage and the depth on both is average.

Conclusion

The Hibiki is a bright sounding iem with soothing bass. The midrange is forward which complements the treble. It has a gorgeous design with the carbon fibre faceplate. In addition, it comes with a nicely braided removable cable. The Shozy Hibiki is an affordable iem that gives a premium feel.