As someone who spends a good chunk of their day immersed in music—whether for work, relaxation, or just to escape the noise of the world—I’ve become something of a connoisseur when it comes to portable audio gear. I’ve tried everything from budget dongles and trendy IEMs to high-end desktop stacks and boutique cables, constantly chasing that sweet spot where convenience meets uncompromised sound quality. It’s a tough balance to strike. Portability usually means sacrificing power or tuning flexibility, while chasing resolution often means lugging around bulkier setups.
That’s why discovering the Hidizs MK12 Turris and S9 Pro Plus “Martha” felt like stumbling across a hidden gem. On paper, they promise a lot—tunable IEMs with premium materials and a pocket-sized DAC/AMP with flagship-level components and customization features. But promises are easy; performance is what counts. So I put them through their paces—daily commutes, quiet late-night listening, high-res streaming sessions, even a few side-by-side tests with more expensive gear.
What I found was genuinely surprising: not only do these two products complement each other beautifully, but together they deliver a high-fidelity experience that’s far more polished and versatile than I expected at this price point. They’re not just good “for the money”—they’re good, period.
In this review, I’ll break down what makes the MK12 and Martha combo so compelling, from build and tuning options to real-world performance and sound impressions. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile looking for an ultra-portable setup or someone ready to step into serious audio for the first time, this dynamic duo might just be the perfect fit.
The MK12 Turris immediately caught my attention with its striking 12mm dynamic driver design. Its diaphragm is crafted from 91% pure magnesium, powered by a 1.5 Tesla magnet system—and features a large donut-shaped external magnet that adds both performance and aesthetic appeal. I love how the design draws from the Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish, which is often called nature’s “immortal marvel.” It gives the IEM a sort of poetic edge, marrying ancient resilience with modern tech. And at under $200???? This is wild!
From the moment I picked them up, I could tell the MK12 was built with care. The CNC-machined aluminum alloy shell feels solid yet lightweight in my hands. I especially appreciate the organic curves—they’re not just good-looking, they also contribute to a comfortable fit during long listening sessions. The internal chamber is clearly engineered to control airflow and resonance, which plays a big role in how clean the sound is.
One of the things I absolutely love about the MK12 Turris is its three tuning nozzles, each one giving me a unique take on the sound:
Each nozzle interacts with the included three types of silicone tips—vocal-focused, balanced, and bass-enhanced—to give me up to nine different sound signatures. That level of flexibility is something I rarely find at this price point.
With a low impedance of 32Ω and a sensitivity of 111dB, the MK12 pairs well with just about everything I’ve tried—from my phone to dongle DACs like the Martha. Despite their size (about 9.8g each), they don’t feel bulky, and the dual vents help reduce pressure buildup while subtly enhancing bass. I do recommend experimenting with different nozzle and tip combos for the best fit, but once I dialed that in, I was treated to crystal-clear, dynamic audio with excellent noise isolation.
The S9 Pro Plus “Martha” has become my go-to DAC/AMP for daily use. Inspired by Martha, the last passenger pigeon, this little device packs serious punch into a beautifully minimalist design. Built around the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip, it delivers up to 180mW @ 32Ω through the balanced 4.4mm out, easily powering my IEMs and even some headphones.
What really makes Martha stand out for me is the dedicated physical controls. Volume adjustments are precise and easy to manage, especially when switching between different IEMs. It also has a six-mode digital filter toggle, which I can cycle through by pressing two buttons at once. I had fun experimenting with these:
The Martha supports both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced outputs, which makes it easy to swap between gear. At just 17 grams, it fits in my pocket without making a dent, yet it handles high-res audio like a champ—up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. The RGB light that changes based on sample rate is a neat little touch too.
Martha adds a level of polish I didn’t realize I was missing. It keeps things detailed and airy without sounding clinical. The synergy with the MK12 is real—I get a full-bodied, expansive sound that just feels right, no matter the genre.
After spending serious time with the Hidizs MK12 Turris and S9 Pro Plus “Martha,” I can confidently say this pairing punches way above its weight. What struck me the most wasn't just the sound quality or build, both of which are excellent, but how much control and personalization they give me as a listener. This level of tuning flexibility and feature-rich design is something I typically expect from gear two or three times the price.
The MK12 Turris is, in many ways, a chameleon. The three swappable tuning nozzles and specialized ear tips aren't just gimmicks—they offer real, audible shifts in the sound signature. Whether I’m craving something analytical and detail-forward for instrumental tracks or something warm and lush for late-night R&B, I can make that happen in under a minute. It’s like having three (or nine, really) IEMs in one, and that kind of versatility is rare—even in the $200+ range. The fact that Hidizs delivers it for significantly less is borderline absurd.
And then there’s “Martha.” Despite its compact footprint, the S9 Pro Plus sounds every bit like a serious piece of hi-fi gear. It doesn’t just power my IEMs with authority—it elevates them. The built-in filter modes are more than subtle tweaks; they’re an invitation to shape the experience further, to fine-tune your chain the same way you would in a full desktop setup. Combine that with the dual outputs, native DSD support, hardware buttons, and sleek aluminum chassis, and you’ve got a pocket powerhouse that feels genuinely future-proof.
But the real story here is value. For well under $200 combined (and often less, depending on current deals), this combo delivers a high-end experience that rivals much pricier gear. It’s gear that respects the listener—gear made not just to impress on spec sheets, but to adapt to you. Whether you're switching music genres, swapping devices, or simply chasing a specific mood, the MK12 and Martha are ready to follow your lead without missing a beat.
I’m genuinely impressed by what Hidizs has accomplished here. This setup isn’t just good for beginners or portable use—it’s good period. If you care about sound quality but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet, or if you’re the type who loves to tweak and experiment with your audio chain, the MK12 Turris and S9 Pro Plus “Martha” should absolutely be on your radar.
Verdict: Wholeheartedly recommended. For the price, the MK12 and Martha combo delivers a rare mix of customizability, build quality, and refined tuning that’s hard to match anywhere else in the portable audio scene.
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