HIDIZS AP30 Music Boy Review - AurIEMs

AurIEMs tested the Hidizs AP30 Music Boy extensively for around two weeks and came away impressed by the amount of functionality packed into its compact body.

He highlights its attractive design, build quality, portable form factor, sound performance, equalizer, expandable storage, and both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. For AurIEMs, the AP30 offers an impressive combination of features and audio performance at its price.

Compact Design and Everyday Portability

AurIEMs particularly likes the AP30’s small size and aesthetics, describing it as very attractive and praising its overall build quality.

The IPS display also receives positive feedback, while the compact body makes the player practical for everyday carrying. The included magnetic rings allow the AP30 to be attached to compatible phones or cases, providing another convenient way to use the device on the go.

Expandable microSD storage also gives users the option to keep a sizeable local music library directly on the player.

Features and Customization

AurIEMs explores the AP30’s six main menu areas, covering music playback, files, Bluetooth, games, e-book reading, and settings. He finds the music section intuitive, with information such as artist and genre displayed when the appropriate metadata is available.

Customization is another feature he appreciates. The AP30 provides low and high gain options, selectable digital filters, and an equalizer accessible during playback. The EQ includes several presets alongside a customizable five-band setting.

AurIEMs also mentions the built-in retro block game as a fun extra within the player.

Firmware Improvements

During his initial testing, AurIEMs encountered some software limitations, including the behavior of the physical playback controls while the screen was off.

After recording that portion of the review, however, he received confirmation from Hidizs that a firmware update had addressed the software issues he discussed. AurIEMs reports that the update corrected the screen-related control issue, improved system translations, and introduced additional compatibility improvements.

Neutral Sound with a Touch of Brightness

AurIEMs describes the AP30’s overall presentation as neutral, with subtle warmth and a slight emphasis in the upper frequencies.

In his assessment, this touch of brightness contributes to clarity and technical detail while allowing the character of connected earphones to remain noticeable. Despite its neutral foundation, he does not consider the sound boring, instead noting a slightly playful character.

AurIEMs particularly appreciates the 4.4mm balanced output for its additional power with compatible earphones. Overall, he considers the AP30’s audio quality very good for its price range.

Battery Life and Usability

AurIEMs reports approximately eight to twelve hours of battery life depending on listening volume and whether the 3.5mm or 4.4mm output is used.

Although he initially found the button layout somewhat counterintuitive, it became easier to understand after spending more time with the player. Combined with its compact size, physical controls, expandable storage, and multiple outputs, he finds the AP30 practical for portable listening.

Overall Assessment

AurIEMs is impressed by the AP30 Music Boy’s combination of build quality, display, functionality, customization, battery performance, and sound quality.

For its price, he considers the overall package excellent. Its compact form and neutral, detailed sound make the AP30 an appealing dedicated music player for listeners looking for plenty of functionality without moving to a larger or more expensive DAP.

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