Punch Audio Martilo VS Hidizs mk12 x Ducbloke

Jaytiss original ranking

The Punch Audio Martilo delivers a powerful bass experience that dominates its signature, featuring a substantial 14dB sub-bass boost. This emphasis creates visceral, physical rumble, especially in electronic or hip-hop tracks, yet avoids overwhelming the lower mids due to a precise 200Hz crossover. While the dual dynamic drivers generate impressive slam and texture, a slight bloom can occasionally creep into the low-mids on very busy tracks, though it generally maintains better control than many bass-focused rivals.

Surprisingly, the midrange retains clarity and naturalness despite the bass foundation, handled competently by the Knowles balanced armatures. Vocals, both male and female, sound full-bodied and avoid the huskiness or recession common in bass-heavy tunings, while instruments like guitars retain decent texture. The planar magnetic driver contributes a smooth, non-fatiguing treble with adequate air and detail retrieval, though it doesn't quite reach the sparkle or ultimate extension of dedicated electrostatic tweeters.

Technical performance is solid for its price and tuning goal, offering a wide soundstage with good depth and effective layering, particularly impressive given the bass quantity. Imaging is precise enough for accurate placement of instruments. While the bass is the star, the overall presentation manages to avoid being a one-note experience, offering a fun yet reasonably balanced listen that works across more genres than typical basshead sets.

The Hidizs MK12 × DucBloke is a special-tuned edition built on the MK12 “Turris” platform, which uses a single 12 mm dynamic driver with a 91% magnesium diaphragm and a 1.5 T magnet system inside a CNC-milled metal shell. The base MK12 includes three swappable pneumatic filters and retails around $199 (often $179 on sale), with Hidizs officially confirming the DucBloke collaboration and demos at CanJam SoCal 2025.

Tonal balance with the MK12 platform is broadly warm U-shaped and can be shifted via the filters: Silver lifts treble, Rose Gold/Gold aims for a balanced profile, and Red boosts low frequencies while relaxing the upper mids—behavior documented across launch materials and reviews. This aligns with independent measurements/impressions noting the red filter’s fuller bass and the silver filter’s added upper-energy, giving the DucBloke edition a clear path toward a bass-weighted yet smooth top end.

Technical performance is competitive in the sub-$200 class: reviewers consistently describe a spacious soundstage, convincing imaging, and strong dynamics for a single-DD, while ultimate micro-detail and treble air are good rather than class-leading. With the right filter and tips, the set offers solid clarity without harshness and bass impact that should satisfy listeners seeking weight and physicality. Overall, the value proposition is strong at its street price, especially if the DucBloke tuning prioritizes the red-filter’s engaging low-end.