DDHiFi HS110SE Review: Desktop Stand for Digital Audio Players (DAPs)

The DDHiFi HS110SE was the solution I found while searching for smartphone stands to use with my Digital Audio Player (DAP). Developed by DDHiFi, a Chinese manufacturer of audio accessories, what drew my attention the most was its barrier-free design for connecting headphones. Below, I present the reasons why I appreciated the HS110SE so much.

Differences Between the DDHiFi HS110SE and Standard Desktop Smartphone Stands

When using the DDHiFi HS110SE, it became clear to me that it delivers a different experience compared to the Baseus smartphone stand. I believe this is due to the way DDHiFi develops its products, designing accessories specifically with high-fidelity audio equipment usage in mind.

What made the HS110SE ideal for using my Digital Audio Player (DAP) were small design decisions that, in my opinion, made a significant difference when considering the dimensions and connectivity typical of this type of device. Additionally, the shape of this DDHiFi stand contributed to improved cooling and stronger Wi-Fi signal performance for the DAP.

Barrier-Free Headphone Connectivity

The main difference I noticed while using the HS110SE is its design, which avoids blocking headphone outputs and the USB port. Many Digital Audio Players (DAPs), including my FiiO JM21, feature 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm wired headphone connections located at the bottom of the device. In this scenario, the DDHiFi stand makes a substantial difference, as shown in the images below.

However, an increasing number of devices now place headphone connections on the top, such as the FiiO M21. I have also observed this design in smartphones with headphone outputs, including models from the Asus Zenfone 9 series and Sony’s Xperia 10 VII.

Personally, I prefer DAPs with wired headphone outputs positioned at the bottom to prevent cable bending. Some users prefer top-mounted headphone connections because they allow easier access to physical buttons when the device is placed in a pocket. This Digital Audio Player design does not appeal to me due to screen orientation and button positioning when the device is inside a pocket.

If the HS110SE was designed specifically for Digital Audio Players (DAPs), however, it is important to consider aspects beyond headphone connectivity. This is where the reason for supporting the DAP using an “X”-shaped structure becomes evident.

Unobstructed Rear Design for Improved Cooling and Wi-Fi Signal

Few users consider cooling performance and Wi-Fi signal reception when purchasing a smartphone stand to support a Digital Audio Player (DAP) on a desk.

Signal reception in DAPs is generally not as strong as in smartphones. This becomes evident when observing Wi-Fi signal fluctuations on my JM21. In such cases, fewer physical obstructions allow the Digital Audio Player to achieve better download and upload speeds.

Improved airflow directly enhances device cooling. Digital Audio Players generate heat due to amplifier output power as well as the format and resolution of the audio file being played. The HS110SE helped keep the JM21 cooler compared to using the Baseus stand, primarily due to its open-back design.

With proper support, an adequate viewing angle is also necessary to clearly visualize information on the Digital Audio Player’s display while minimizing reflections and color distortion, since DAPs typically use LCD panels.

Greater Angle Adjustment for Improved Screen Visibility

Android-based Digital Audio Players (DAPs) are generally shorter and wider than smartphones. This dimensional difference required me to adjust the stand angle differently when supporting the JM21 compared to when using my Asus Zenfone 9 smartphone.

The HS110SE allows for a significantly wider range of angle adjustment than my Baseus smartphone stand, resulting in a more comfortable viewing experience. DDHiFi implemented this feature to accommodate both smartphones, which have narrower bodies, and DAPs, which are typically wider.

Note that the distance between the upper support points is smaller than at the bottom. To switch between configurations, I unscrewed the support barrel on one side and removed the rubber piece on the other, reversing the position of the components.

Solid Aluminum Base for Greater Stability

The base of the HS110SE is made of solid aluminum and is relatively thick, in my opinion. There is also variation in the height of the component. These three characteristics contributed to improved stability for my JM21 on the desk, reducing vibrations and allowing more precise touchscreen interaction.

Due to the additional weight concentrated in the base, I preferred lifting the HS110SE by holding the rear “X” structure. However, avoid lifting the stand by pressing against the back of the JM21, as this may push the DAP forward and cause it to fall. Below is a video to illustrate.

Up to this point, everything appears to function well, and the HS110SE would seem to be the perfect stand for Digital Audio Players (DAPs). Unfortunately, it presents a small limitation resulting from a design decision made by DDHiFi. Depending on how you use your Digital Audio Player, the height of the manufacturer’s desktop stand may become an issue, as discussed below.

The Height of the DDHiFi HS110SE Desktop Stand May Be a Limitation

When using the Digital Audio Player (DAP) as a music file transport connected to a desktop DAC, the height of the DDHiFi HS110SE stand proved insufficient.

After connecting a USB cable to the FiiO JM21, I noticed that the DAP began to shift out of the HS110SE. The cause was the rigid section of the USB cable, comprising the USB connector and heat-shrink tubing, which measured more than 5 cm in length.

I contacted DDHiFi to report this difficulty, and their response was as follows:

“Our design is based on standard usage. Typically, headphone cables or other cables are not that long. If the stand were designed to be too tall, it would compromise the product’s overall compactness.”

Considering DDHiFi’s justification, I believe it would be beneficial for the manufacturer to consider that more robust cables commonly use heat-shrink tubing to prevent poor electrical contact at the USB connector. If the company positions itself as a manufacturer focused on the Hi-Fi audio market, it is important to take into account the design characteristics of the products used by its customers.

The only drawback that slightly disappointed me during my use of the DDHiFi HS110SE was its height, which ultimately required me to place an additional support underneath the stand, as shown in the image below.

Perhaps I may have overlooked certain positive or negative aspects of the HS110SE, as I have been using it daily for approximately one month. Nevertheless, I believe most usage scenarios have been addressed in this review. With that said, let us move on to my final conclusions about this product.

Conclusion

The DDHiFi HS110SE successfully fulfills its intended purpose, providing a better experience than a standard smartphone stand. This alone is sufficient for me to recommend it to users who enjoy using DAPs on a PC or work desk.

I purchased the DDHiFi HS110SE for approximately US$33 from DDHiFi’s official AliExpress store through the following link.