Tanchjim NORA VS HIDIZS MS2 Pro

Tanchjim NORA aims for a monitor-leaning, balanced presentation using a single dynamic driver (1DD) built on the brand’s fifth-gen DMT5 dual-magnetic, dual-cavity architecture. Official materials describe it as their first “HiFi monitoring” tuning with a balanced sound profile, and it launches at $109.99.

Tonally, NORA reads as neutral/monitoring with a tidy low end, even mids, and clean but non-piercing treble—bass is described as smooth with decent texture and good coherency into the mids, while micro-detail is fair for the price. Separation and layering are competent, giving a clear sense of placement without exaggerating stage width.

It’s easy to drive—rated at 16 Ω with high sensitivity—so phones and basic dongles are plenty, though a clean source helps it keep that “monitor” clarity. The trade-off is that while treble is well-behaved and non-fatiguing, ultimate air and micro-nuance trail some pricier single-DD peers.

The Hidizs MS2 Pro is a budget hybrid in-ear monitor with a 10.2 mm dual-magnetic dynamic driver plus a custom Silvercore BA in a zinc-alloy shell, running a low 17 Ω impedance and 111 dB sensitivity that keep it easy to drive from phones and dongle DACs.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Hidizs positions it with an MSRP around $99 but frequently discounts it to about $69, placing it in the competitive sub-$100 segment where build quality and tuning options (three interchangeable nozzle filters) are key differentiators rather than premium accessories.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Hidizs also markets the set as being tuned to the H-2019 target with its own warmer house flavor layered on top, which aligns with independent impressions of a fun but not strictly reference-neutral presentation.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Most measurements and subjective reports classify the MS2 Pro as a warm V-shaped or mildly U-shaped IEM: bass and upper treble are elevated for energy, while the midrange is only slightly recessed, keeping vocals reasonably clear rather than dramatically pushed back.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} The low end is described as punchy and full, with strong mid-bass impact and usable sub-bass extension; this gives the IEM a dense, rhythmic character, though some listeners may find the bass level slightly elevated for strictly neutral listening.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Treble is moderately boosted with small peaks in the presence region: this adds clarity and detail but can sound slightly grainy or sharp in the upper mids for sensitive users, especially at higher volumes, while a somewhat relaxed top octave limits air compared to more expensive sets.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

On the technical side, the MS2 Pro offers solid dynamics, respectable detail retrieval and particularly competent imaging, with reviewers highlighting its ability to place instruments clearly in space, even though overall soundstage size remains around average with more depth than extreme width.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} The three nozzle filters provide subtle shifts toward more balanced, brighter, or bass-emphasised profiles, but they do not transform the IEM into a neutral monitor; the core identity remains a warm, energetic, and generally smooth hybrid that prioritizes musical engagement over maximum microdetail.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} Given the performance level and sub-$100 pricing—and using a value-weighted scale where sub-$150 sets are capped below 7—a global score of about 6.8/10 is a reasonable summary: strong for its class but clearly short of true mid-tier or flagship performance.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking