Headphones — HIDIZS MK12 Turris

The MK12 Turris is an in-ear monitor from HIDIZS built around one dynamic driver, which HIDIZS calls the first IEM to use a 12 mm diaphragm of 91 percent pure magnesium. It carries Hi-Res certification and has a list price of USD 199. The model was launched through a Kickstarter campaign, where the first 300 super early bird units sold at USD 129 and early bird units at USD 139.

Key specs that matter

The driver has an M-shaped dome diaphragm and an external ring-shaped magnet that reaches 1.5 Tesla in the gap, a layout HIDIZS compares with a dynamic woofer. The published frequency response runs from 10 Hz to 45 kHz, sensitivity is 111 dB and impedance is 32 ohm. Maximum output is 118 dB, response time 0.01 ms and total harmonic distortion below 0.3 percent. Each shell weighs 9.8 g without the cable. The cable attaches through standard 0.78 mm 2-pin sockets and is ordered with either a 3.5 mm single-ended or a 4.4 mm balanced plug.

Engineering and use context

The housing is a CNC-machined one-piece metal cavity. Standard versions use anodised aluminium in Ocean Blue, Gunmetal Grey or Black, and a limited Titanium Edition uses titanium alloy with a gradient tint. Two vents relieve air pressure - a small one near the nozzle and another next to the 2-pin socket for the rear chamber. Three interchangeable tuning nozzles, finished in silver, gold and red, are supplied in a small plastic case, and HIDIZS labels the three options High, Balanced and Low frequency. The cable is a twisted pair of high-purity oxygen-free copper with silver plating. The package holds nine pairs of silicone tips in three types named Vocal, Balanced and Bass, plus a pouch for transport, printed instructions and a warranty card.

Pairing

Such an easy load lets the MK12 Turris run directly from smartphones, dongle DACs and portable players, which HIDIZS lists as intended sources. Owners of a player with a balanced output can order the balanced termination at purchase, while the single-ended version connects to the headphone socket found on most phones, laptops and players. HIDIZS also sells the MK12 in a bundle with its AP80 PRO-X portable player. A separate MK12 x DucBloke edition shares the same magnesium diaphragm driver.

Alternatives

The HIDIZS MK10 ArcSonics is another in-ear monitor with a single dynamic driver in the maker's current catalogue.