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 Special Edition. At the moment, you can purchase the Shozy Hibiki Special Edition from http://www.shozy-hk.com/hibiki-1/hibiki-special-edition-aaw-collab-iem or https://penonaudio.com/shozy-hibiki-special-edition .
Specifications
- Driver: 10mm Dynamic
- Frequency response: 10Hz-23000Hz
IEM Build & Design
The Hibiki shell is made up of acrylic and it has a smooth surface to it. Each faceplate has a premium purple stabilised wood design with a chrome silver outer edge. It is aesthetically pleasing. The shells are translucent black and the components inside the iem can be seen. 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 SE has great sub-bass quantity and it is extended fairly. The sub-bass reproduction is lively with a quick rumble. There is a moderate depth. The bass decay is rather speedy and the agility contributes to the engagement. The bass texture is moderately smooth. Each bass note is expressed with a quick attack. The mid-bass has moderate quantity and the slam is delivered well. The bass is engaging to listen to.
Mids
The midrange has a moderate level of transparency and it is rendered cleanly. It does not take on a thick approach and it is slightly thin. There is liveliness which helps to express vocals in a clear manner. The lower mids has moderate quantity with no hollow feeling. Male vocals are presented well. The upper mids is boosted and with the forwardness, it aids in the intimacy of female vocals. At times, there are signs of vocals being shouty. The details retrieval is moderate.
Highs
The treble is extended moderately and there is no sibilance and harshness. There is a good amount of air rendered. It is slightly bright. Treble articulation is rather accurate and the definition is moderate. There is lack of crisp and sparkle. The details retrieval has a moderate level. The treble is smooth and it ensures a fatigue-free listening. The clarity is sufficient.
Soundstage
There is natural expansion in its stage with great magnitude in the width. There is an open feeling. The depth is not closed in with a moderate amount of space.
Comparisons
Shozy Hibiki Special Edition vs Shozy Hibiki
The Hibiki SE has more sub-bass quantity than the Hibiki and it comes with a greater extension. The impact on the Hibiki SE is better. The Hibiki SE is capable to deliver great punch. Bass decay on the Hibiki SE is quicker and the speed improves the engagement level. The bass texture on the Hibiki has a smoother bass texture. The mid-bass on the Hbiki has slightly more body and the slam is greater. The Hibiki SE has extra agility and it helps in the pace. The midrange on the Hibiki SE has a higher level of details retrieval. The lower mids on the Hibiki has more quantity and male vocals are expressed in a thicker manner. The upper mids on the Hibiki SE has additional forwardness and it creates an intimate female vocals presentation. Next, for the treble, the Hibiki SE has more extension and the amount of air rendered is greater. The Hibiki is slightly sharper than the Hibiki SE. Treble articulation on the Hibiki SE has better precision. Lastly, for the soundstage, the Hibiki expands naturally while there is extra crisp for the Hibiki SE. The Hibiki SE has greater width magnitude and the depth on the Hibiki is more closed in.
Shozy Hibiki Special Edition vs TFZ Queen
The Hibiki SE has less sub-bass quantity than the Queen but it is extended more. The sub-bass reproduction on the Hibiki SE is punchy and elevates the engagement level. The mid-bass on the Queen has additional body which helps to give its slam a weighted feeling. The slam delivered on the Queen is less agile than the Hibiki SE. The bass texture on the Queen is rendered more smoothly than the Hibiki SE. The bass decay on the Hibiki SE is more pacey and each bass note is articulated with a quicker attack. The Queen has the fuller bass performance but the Hibiki SE is more lively. The midrange on both is rendered cleanly and the Hibiki SE commands slightly better definition. The lower mids on the Queen has more body than the Hibki SE which results in a thicker presentation that is able to do male vocals competently. The upper mids on the Hibiki SE has the additional forwardness which helps to give an intimate female vocals presentation. Next, in the treble section, the treble on the Hibki SE is brighter than the Queen and the extension is slightly greater. There is no sibilance and harshness. The Queen renders extra air. Lastly, the Hibiki SE has a natural expansion for its soundstage and it has an edge for the width magnitude. The depth of the Queen is more closed in.
Shozy Hibiki Special Edition vs Symphonio Xcited 2
The Xcited 2 has less sub-bass quantity than the the Hibki SE and it extends less too. The Xcited 2 presents in a smooth approach while the Hibiki SE expresses the sub-bass in a clinical manner. The bass decay on the Hibiki SE is tighter with greater rumble. Bass texture on the Xcited 2 is rendered in in a smoother manner. The mid-bass on the Hibiki SE has slightly more quantity and the slam is delivered with punch. Each bass note on the Hibiki SE is articulated with a stronger hit and extra attack. The midrange on the Hibiki SE has more liveliness while there is additional smoothness from the Xcited 2. The lower mids is thicker on the Hibki SE and male vocals benefit from it. The upper mids on the Hibiki SE is boosted and the forwardness helps to deliver a clear female vocals performance. The level of intimacy is higher. The Xcited 2 has more control here and emotions are conveyed effectively. In the treble section, the Hibiki 2 is extended better. There is slightly more air on the Hibiki SE. There is no sibilance and harshness. The Xcited 2 is smoother in its treble. There is additional sparkle on the Hibiki SE to provide liveliness. The Xcited 2 expands in a natural manner. The width magnitude on the Hibiki SE is greater and the depth of the Xcited 2 is more closed in.
Conclusion
The Hibiki Special Edition is a fun sounding iem that is able to deliver lively sub-bass reproduction which contributes to the overall engagement level. The midrange is energetic and slightly thin. Treble presentation is smooth. In addition, the faceplates on the Hibki SE have a gorgeous design. The Shozy Hibiki SE is an enjoyable iem to listen to.
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