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An iridescent beam- Hilidac Audirect Beam 2 Review

Project A³by Project A³0 comments
Sound Review by Kzw

Disclaimer: Hilidac Audirect has graciously provided us with this sample unit in exchange for an honest review. The views discussed below are a reflection of Project A3's thoughts surrounding the product. The sample has been run-in for at least 50 hours prior to reviewing in order to achieve an accurate representation of the product.




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TL;DR
Not Recommended if you like:
  • Reference or pristine sound
  • A dongle with a volume control
Recommended if you like:
  • A versatile, DAC for all mobile and computer devices
  • Energetic, high and low focused sound
  • Superb power output



Introduction:
What started out as a infant market, the demand for dongle-based DAC/amps has exploded in the recent months. Consumers are starting to grow weary of carrying a dedicated device for music playback. Carrying a smartphone is burdensome enough, and the addition of an extra audio player takes up unnecessary pocket space. The dongle solution offers users an alternative slimline option to carry around in their audio arsenal.

Today, we'll be reviewing the Hilidac Beam 2; a widely lauded dongle for having both a balanced and unbalanced headphone out, and its ease of compatibility across multiple electronic devices. Does the Beam 2 stand a chance in this already crowded market? Available at __




ProsCons
  • Well machined chassis
  • MQA Compatibility is a plus 
  • 2.5 mm true balanced  and 3.5 mm unbalanced output
  • Plug-and-play functionality
  • Compatibility across Android, Apple and PC
  • Enormous driving power for high impedance headphones and earphones
  • Great damping factor, with excellent bass control and crystalline highs
  • Mids could use more dynamic range
  • Lack of volume control on the Beam2
  • Strange positioning on the 2.5mm unbalanced output 



Specification:
  • DAC chip: ESS9281C Pro
  • Single-ended Output Power: >180 mW (16 Ohms), >110mW (32 Ohms), 6.6 mW (600 Ohms) 
  • Balanced Output Power: >145 mW (16 Ohms), 240 mW (32 Ohms), 26.6 mW (600 Ohms)
  • THD+N: 0.0003%
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz- 40kHz (-0.04dB) 
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: > 118dB SNR
  • Maximum supported sampling rate: PCM/DXD (up to 32-bit, 384kHz) 
  • Support DSD Specification: up to DSD128 (DOP)
  • Internal resistance: less than 1 ohm
  • MQA decoding + Rendering: Full MQA decoder, supporting full decoding of original MQA files 
  • Op amp: Independent dual op amp chip
  • Input interface: USB C
  • Output ports: 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm
  • Body: 1.9 x 0.6 x 0.3 in (4.9 x 1.5 x 0.7 cm) 
  • Included Accessories: Lightning to USB-C short cable, USB-C to USB-C short cable, USB-C short data cable




Unboxing:
The Beam 2 comes sheathed in a elongated, white cardboard box. Upon further inspection, the box contains the Beam 2 dongle itself, alongside multiple instruction manuals and a plethora of Type-C USB connectors to use with either a computer or any Android/IOS device. Overall, the package itself offers the end user all that is necessary to use the Beam 2 right out of the box. A job well done, Hilidac.


Build Quality:
The Beam 2's satin/brushed finish is smooth to the touch, with zero blemishes or imperfections. However, the sharp/angular edges are prone to hairline scratches and light denting. The chassis is lightweight, doesn't take too much real estate in my pocket on outdoor walks. However, I am not a huge fan of the positioning of both the 2.5mm balanced and 3.5mm balanced outputs. Their placements on the side is painfully awkward, serving as nothing but a hindrance for pocketed use.



Functionality:
The Beam 2 is a product that should be lauded for its ease of use across all smart devices. I found no issue using the Beam 2 on my Apple Ipad, Google Pixel 2XL and Windows laptop. It was a seamless, plug-and-play experience without the need to install any prerequisite drivers.

The output selections speak for themselves, you can use either one to your liking. The downside is the lack of a dedicated volume control; you'll have to control the output volume of your connected devices.

The Hilidac logo acts as an LED indicator to tell if you the type of data/music is being fed out from your device. A bright magenta indicates MQA playback, while a red indicator suggests PCM of up to 32bit/384kHz. Unfortunately, I do not have any MQA samples to test with the Beam 2. I can see potential for confusion with the multi-colored indicator. Instead, separate indicators for each data-set (PCM vs MQA etc) should be used for visual clarity.





Reference Used


**Google Pixel 2XL, Apple Ipad 4th Generation, Sennheiser Hd58x, Kinera Nanna** 




Lows
Pros
  • Taut, speedy and overall good damping factor 
Cons
  • Some people might prefer a warmer, thicker/slubbier sound
Reference Tracks / Remarks:
Getting to Know You- Spazzkid

This track is notorious for its bloated, synthetic mid-bass. The Beam 2 aids both the Nanna and 58x in exerting tighter control over its low-end, exhibiting excellent restraint. 

When using balanced: The lows are tighter, with slightly more aggressive punch. 


Mids
Pros
  • Organic sounding, realistic timbre overall
Cons
  • Could be cleaner-sounding to up the ante on detail
Reference Tracks / Remarks:
This Place- PLASTIC PLACE

The mids display analog-like warmth when paired with the already lower-mid focused 58x. The Nanna has a noticeable shimmer/forwardness in the upper treble that is perfectly quelled by the Beam2's forgiving upper-mid damping. However, I believe that the Beam 2 should push the envelope and focus on a more engaging upper-mid range. 

When using balanced: The mids are slightly rougher, with added glare in the uppermids.

Highs
Pros
  • Clean, lets the transducer speak for itself
Cons
  • -
Reference Tracks / Remarks:
This Tornado Loves You- Neko Case

It was difficult pinpointing any obvious changes, apart from a slightly cleaner upper-mid to high transition.  Overall, it complements both the Nanna and the 58x without exaggerating any glaring inconsistencies in the highs. 



Soundstage
Pros
  • Good lateral width from L-R Channels
Cons
  • -
Reference Tracks / Remarks:
Alfadhirhaiti- Heilung

*The Beam 2 accentuates the Nanna's already wide soundstage with added depth and extension, albeit slightly. The 58x, which sounds slightly closeted in, sounds slightly more out of head with the Beam 2. Overall, the Beam 2 enlarges the soundscape marginally.

When using balanced: I couldn't pinpoint obvious differences



Separation
Pros
  • Aided imaging, highlighting the psycho-acoustic distance between instruments and vocals
Cons
  • - 
Reference Tracks / Remarks:
Ezio's Family (Valhalla Edition)- Samuel Kim 

The Nanna has been widely commended for its stellar imaging and positioning, and it is fully realized here with the Beam 2's clean output. The 58x on the other hand, displays a marked improvement in perceived distances between both instruments and vocal arrangements.

When using balanced: Not a marked difference, but I could notice a tinge more clarity between instruments and vocal arrangements 


Comparison Chart
How we compare: We chose other similarly priced earphones or similar offerings from the same brand that Project A3 has reviewed in the past, to ensure that we remain as impartial as possible in our comparisons.
Hilidac Audirect Beam 2DDHifi TC35BHidizs S8
Suggested Retail Price$140 USD $40 USD $70 USD
LowsTaut, energetic and well controlledThick, lush and slightly bloatedBalanced, decent control
MidsClean, mostly uncoloredLower-mid focus, added warmth Lower-mid focus, slightly added warmth 
HighsUnhindered, great detailSlightly rolled offSlightly rolled off
SoundstageAdds decent width Little changesLittle changes
SeparationDistinct imagingGood imagingGood Imaging
RemarksA fantastic, albeit more expensive all-rounder with excellent transient detail The ultra-portable, pocketable solution for USB-C devicesA budget option for the analog head. 


Conclusion:
The Beam 2 captures all the hallmarks of an every-day carry dongle that flexibly adapts to any scenario. Audirect has released a superb piece of kit that I'm proud to use as my daily travel dongle DAC.




Be sure to follow Project A3 on Facebook for more reviews*.


*All ratings are accurate as of date of publication. Changes in price, newer models may affect Project A3's views on the performance and value of the reviewed product.



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Project A³ is a collection of individuals that are passionate and dedicated to consumer and enthusiast audiophile products. Originating from various countries and involved in different fields what they all have in common is an appreciation for listening to music in the best way possible.
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