HIDIZS MP143 VS KZ AST

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Build & Fit: a quirky but comfy shell with a flatter profile that sits at an unusual angle, plus three nozzle filters that meaningfully change the tonality. The swappable tips/nozzles kit is generous; the cable is fine but a bit thin 2-wire and unexciting. Unboxing is compact and simple. Despite the odd shape, fit and stability are solid.

Tuning & Graphs: the gold/“rose gold” nozzle reads as the most balanced, with a bassy, smooth, slightly rich presentation and enough detail without turning shouty. The silver filter adds treble energy; the red calms the presence region (≈1–3 kHz) for an easier listen. Versus peers: HIDIZS MS3 comes across too hot around 4–6 kHz; MP145 has stronger raw SQ but fits worse and costs more; Letshuoer S08 is more neutral/plain and trades blows; TruthEar Hexa is cheaper with cleaner upper-mids but lighter bass/dynamics; EA500 LM runs brighter; AFUL Explorer is pricier yet more extended and refined; budget picks like CCA Trio or EW200 offer value but with caveats on comfort/treble.

Verdict: clean, clear vocals, a satisfying low end, respectable technicalities, and highs that are “okay.” Responds well to EQ: a touch more sub-bass, a tidier mid-bass, and a small pull in that 4–6 kHz zone tighten things up and make the set shine. The whale-themed “SALT” concept is genuinely cool, and the early-bird $79 pricing made it an easy pick; even in the $80–$100 bracket it’s well worth considering. Not perfect, but a three-star value with flexible tuning and comfort that many will prefer—especially if a richer, non-shouty profile is on the wishlist.