HIDIZS AP30 Music Boy Review - NEAR

NAER describes the Hidizs AP30 Music Boy as a serious music player despite its playful, gaming-inspired appearance.

After carrying and listening to the AP30 extensively, he highlights its compact design, responsive controls, wired audio performance, and ability to work as both a standalone DAP and a USB DAC.

Compact and Comfortable to Carry

NAER tested the transparent black Plastic Edition and found it small, solid, and practical for everyday use.

Using the included protective case, he attached a lanyard and wore the AP30 around his neck with wired earphones connected. He describes this setup as comfortable during regular listening.

NAER also tested the magnetic attachment with a compact e-reader, allowing him to listen to music while reading. For him, these carrying options support the AP30’s role as a portable player rather than serving only as decorative accessories.

He also finds the screen legible, even in direct sunlight, and responds positively to the physical buttons and stepped volume control.

Standalone Player and USB DAC

NAER used the AP30 as a USB DAC with both a mobile device and a Windows computer. He reports that it was recognized immediately and operated without problems.

This dual function became one of the strongest parts of his assessment. Instead of choosing between a standalone music player and a dongle DAC, NAER sees the AP30 as a compact option that provides both functions in one device.

The interface displays album artwork, playback quality, artist, album, genre, track information, and battery level. NAER finds the layout attractive and well organized within the small display.

Balanced Output with the Hidizs MP145

NAER tested the AP30’s 4.4mm balanced output with the original Hidizs MP145 planar IEM.
He reports that the pairing worked particularly well. In his assessment, the AP30 adds a subtle amount of energy and detail in the upper frequencies, complementing the warmer character of the MP145 without becoming uncomfortable.
NAER also tested high-gain mode with sensitive devices and reports no noticeable background noise during his listening.

The AP30’s equalizer includes several presets and a customizable five-band setting. NAER particularly enjoyed the Normal and Pop options, describing Normal as balanced and Pop as providing a more pronounced V-shaped presentation.

Wireless and Everyday Use

For wireless testing, NAER connected several devices, including the Soundcore P40i and Samsung Galaxy Buds. He reports stable playback without interruptions and was satisfied with the connection range.

During his everyday testing, the AP30 provided approximately nine hours of playback through the 3.5mm output. NAER also reports a charging time of approximately one and a half hours with the charger used in his test.

He says he carried the player regularly after receiving it and listened to a significant amount of music during the review period.

Overall Assessment

NAER sees the AP30 as an attractive and functional entry point for listeners considering their first dedicated music player.

He also considers it interesting for experienced DAP users who want a smaller secondary player. Its ability to operate as both a standalone DAP and a USB DAC is central to his positive assessment.

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