HiBy R8 II

Before starting the review itself, I'd like to precise the dap was a free loan of 10 days from Hiby in exchange of a fair review. This is my first review for a DAP. I'm only a passionate and not a professional so I'll do my best to express my feelings in the following words.

My current daps are the Hiby R6PROII and the R6 2020. Previously I mainly used Ibasso daps but I fell in love with Hiby in 2021. I also have a lots of dongles such as Cayin RU6 and RU7, Fiio KA17 for the most up-to-date...

I had never heard a better dap than my R6PROII and was very curious of how a flagship dap should sound. So when Hiby announced the R8II Tour opened to everyone, I took my chance.

Usually,my main listenings are with my Kennerton headphones Thekk and Vali on an external hyrbrid amplifier and on my Marshall Hanwell ( if you don't know this speaker don't juge it too harshly it is far far better than the new Marshall speakers). I almost never plug these headphones directly to my DAP's, only my IEM's.







So when I received the Hiby R8II I was first really impressed with its look and color. The red is really nice more like the red used in car's interiors, not really easy to show on pictures (looks more light). I also like the secure feeling we have without the case thanks to the Alcantara fabric. It doesn't slip at all. Whole impression is one of luxury.





Even if it is not in my habit to plug my headphones straight to my DAP's I was determined to make several experiences with it and see what it has in its belly.

High gain, turbo mode, AB amp, Darwin default and here we go...Of course,I tried several options, filters, plugins but this is my default configuration. This is really what I prefered during my 10 days. To be honest, I'm not someone who likes to play with EQ and I didn't feel the need to do so with this R8II anyway.


Yes, it was love at the first sight (first listening to be precise ) . What a sound !!!


Everything is more refined, vocals have more presence, bass is meaty. I understand why Hiby calls it the portable concert hall. I am in the middle of the recording. I feel the instruments. And it drives my headphones really well. I don't feel the need to plug them on my amplifier everytime. The amplifier is like an option to offer another colour of sound more than an upgrade now.

I've tested all my headphones, several iems and the conclusion is always the same: the R8II makes all my devices sing. And it also applies to my Marshall Hanwell.





It was such a revelation, I was obsessed with the fact this beauty has to leave. I wanted it to be mine. So I've ordered my « little »portable concert hall.

It was hard but I've finally chosen the black version.



I have no better conclusion.

Hope you'll enjoy this R8II has much as I enjoy it

Embarking on my maiden voyage on reviewing Digital Audio Players (DAPs), I find myself in the capable hands of the Hiby R8II, a device that promises to redefine my audio experience. Join me as I navigate through its features, sound quality, and overall performance, offering short insights from a first time Dap reviewers perspective. Before we dive in, a heartfelt acknowledgment to Hiby for including me in their Philippines review tour, and a special thanks to my brothers and fellow audiophiles at Audio Geek Philippines for their support and camaraderie along the way.

Holding the R8 II in my hands and feeling the heft and weight of it i cant help but think that this dap is a peak of audio engineering, seamlessly blending technology with exquisite craftsmanship to deliver an unforgetable listening experience. In this short review, we explore the different features, technical specifications, and performance capabilities of this flagship digital audio player.

DAC

At the heart of the HiBy R8II lies the Darwin-MPA technology, a proprietary DAC solution crafted in-house by HiBy. This technology ensures pristine audio reproduction, with unrivaled clarity, detail, and fidelity. Darwin-MPA DAC architecture is a highly adaptable setup designed to optimize playback across various formats and resolutions. Coupled with high-quality opamps (OPA1612 and ADA4625-2) The DAP offers a powerful output of 710mW at 32 ohms in its balanced mode and 225mW at 32 ohms single-ended, providing ample power to drive even demanding iems and headphones. R8II offers support for high-resolution audio formats, including DSD 1024 and PCM 32-Bit at a very high sampling rate of 1536 kHz. This ensures that every nuance of the music is faithfully preserved.


Amplification

It also adopts a sophisticated balanced amplification design, seamlessly integrating both Class A and Class AB amplifiers to deliver optimal performance across the entire frequency spectrum. This ensures powerfull output with low distortion, and exceptional dynamics.


Battery

Powering the HiBy R8II is a 12000mAh battery, providing ample juice to sustain extended listening sessions. although the actual longevity will depend on usage patterns, particularly screen usage and playback settings. The charging time of 5 hours can be a bit lengthy, but this is somewhat expected given the battery size. A minor quirk i notice is that when charging the R8II the screen will stay lit, will not go to sleep or standy mode when charging and displays an annoying blinking charging percentage every second. you have to shutdown the dap while charging if you want to charge it with the display off.

Connectivity

With support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, along with Bluetooth 5.0, this ensures robust connectivity options for streaming and wireless audio transmission. The inclusion of USB 3.1 enhances its functionality, allowing for faster data transfer and better handling of external accessories.


Operating System

Seamlessly integrated into the HiBy R8II is the latest iteration of the Android operating system, Android 12. This not only provides access to a vast ecosystem of apps like UAPP, Tidal etc.. via the Google Play Store but also ensures a smooth and intuitive user experience, with snappy seamless navigation and multitasking. this also offers a familiar and flexible operating system that is both robust and customizable and with support for OTA updates and the ability to install third-party apps can significantly enhance the device's functionality.

Processor

Driving the performance of the R8II is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 CPU, renowned for its efficiency and processing prowess. This ensures swift response times, seamless playback, and lag free performance even when handling demanding audio processing tasks. Equipped with 8GB of RAM, the R8 II is on par with many modern smartphones in terms of processing power, ensuring a smooth user interface experience under Android 12. This allows the DAP to handle not only music playback but also the efficient running of third-party apps available for installation.

Memory and Storage

Ample memory and storage capacities, the R8II offers generous room for storing high-resolution audio files, apps, and multimedia content. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage expandable thru micro sdcard.







Build Quality

The R8II features a stainless steel chassis, providing a tough and premium housing for its internals. This not only enhances durability but also adds a touch of sophistication to the device's aesthetic appeal, premium feel and durability, albeit with a hefty profile at 515 grams. Its dimensions (149*78*23 mm) make it one of the bulkier players in the market, which might deter those seeking portability. However, the solid build is indicative of a device designed to offer a substantial tactile experience, befitting its flagship status.

Complementing the sleek stainless steel chassis is the luxurious Alcantara back panel with a choice of blue or red colourway, adding a tactile and premium feel to the HiBy R8II. This premium material not only enhances grip and comfort but also adds a touch of opulence to the device's design.


Display

Front and center, the HiBy R8II boasts a stunning 5.9-inch IPS 1080p+ display, offering vibrant colors, crisp details, and immersive visuals. Browsing through music libraries, navigating menus, or enjoying album artwork, the high-resolution display ensures a visually engaging experience looking at the album artwork while enjoying your favorite tracks.

SOUND

This dap delivers a sound signature characterized by its exceptional balance and neutrality, making it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking accurate and natural audio reproduction. With a touch of warmth that enhances natural vocal clarity.

The neutral sound signature of the Hiby R8 II ensures that every element of the audio spectrum is represented faithfully, from the deepest bass to the crispest treble. Vocals are particularly noteworthy, organic and warm sounding with a natural timbre.

One of the standout features of the R8 II's sound signature is its ability to deliver clean and clear details across the entire frequency range. Intricate instrumental passages or delicate vocals, every nuance is rendered with precision and clarity, allowing you to hear the music exactly as the artist intended.


BASS

The bass reproduction is tight, clean and controlled, with excellent accuracy that ensures a satisfying low-end response without overpowering the rest of the audio spectrum. This balanced bass response adds depth and dimension to music genres that rely mostly on low frequencies.

MIDS

In terms of mid-range reproduction, the R8 II excels at preserving the natural tonality of instruments and vocals, allowing them to shine through with clarity, warmth and detail. The mid-range is not recessed nor forward, striking a perfect balance that ensures every note and vocals is presented with accuracy and authenticity.

TREBLE

The treble performance is crisp and articulate and not too overly energetic delivering sparkling highs that add brilliance and airiness to the overall sound signature. High-frequency details are reproduced with finesse, enhancing the overall listening experience and providing a sense of openness and transparency.


PLUG-INS

The R8II have five plugins to play with. Convolution, Fixed Sample Rate, Sound Field, Balance and DRX10K Dynamics but i will discuss only the two plugins which i think makes a big noticable changes on my tracks the DRX10K Dynamics and my most used the Sound Field plugin.

The Sound Field Plugin is designed to augment the spatial characteristics of the audio playback, allowing users to tailor the width of the soundstage according to their preferences. By manipulating the stereo image, this plugin can create a sense of expansiveness and immersion, particularly suited for IEMs capable of delivering impressive staging depth.

What i really like about the Sound Field Plugin is its ability to enhance the perceived width of the soundstage, providing a more immersive and engaging listening experience. When paired with IEMs like the Symphonium Audio Meteor or The Hidizs MP145, which already exhibit a spacious sound signature, the plugin takes the presentation to new heights. The result is a captivating sense of width and clarity on both ends of the spectrum, particularly evident in airy and ethereal genres.

When setting the plugin value too high can lead to unintended consequences, such as a loss of vocal presence, heightened upper-mid frequencies, and a hall-like reverb effect. To achieve optimal separation and balance, it's recommended to find the sweet spot just slightly to the right of the slider's center. for me this 3 parameters i find best 1.65, 1.75 and 1.80 where the widening effect is pronounced yet controlled.


The DRX10K Dynamics plugin is designed to address perceived compression in recordings by teasing out desired levels of dynamics in specific frequency response areas. With individual sliders for bass, mids, and treble, users can fine-tune the gain levels with up to a potential 10 dB swing in 0.5 dB increments. This level of control allows for precise adjustments tailored to the characteristics of the audio source and personal preferences.

The DRX10K excels in unlocking the dynamic brilliance of audio recordings, offering users the flexibility to sculpt the tonal balance according to their preferences. While some poeple find that the stock settings may not always be ideal for every IEM or Headphone choice, the ability to customize the settings opens up a world of possibilities. By experimenting with different combinations of gain levels, users can achieve unique presentations that highlight specific aspects of the audio, such as vocal dynamics or instrument separation.

When adjusting the parameters of the DRX10K increasing the gain levels can enhance dynamics, it may also lead to potential issues such as clipping during dynamic peaks specially when using sensitive and low impedance iems like my 5 ohm Hidizs MS5. Therefore, it's advisable to keep the gain levels at least 3-4 dB below zero to prevent distortion. Additionally, users should be mindful of the trade-offs involved, including potential reverb, attenuation, and staging quirks. Moderation is key to achieving optimal results, especially when combining the plugin with other audio enhancement tools such as Sound Field and MSEB.

In conclusion, the DRX10K Dynamics plugin for the R8 II is not just a fancy EQ it actually offers a powerful tool for enhancing the dynamics of audio playback, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences with precision and flexibility. By manipulating bass, mids, and treble frequencies, users can unlock the full potential of their tracks, highlighting nuances and intricacies that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Conclusion

In wrapping up my inaugural journey into the world of Digital Audio Players and my exploration of the HiBy R8 II, I'm left deeply impressed and thoroughly enriched by the experience. The R8 II's exceptional blend of technology, premium craftsmanship, and outstanding audio performance has not only redefined my understanding of portable audio but has also set a high bar for future reviews. As I bid farewell to this remarkable device, I do so with gratitude to HiBy for the opportunity and to my brothers and fellow audiophiles in Audio Geek for their trust and support. Here's to many more adventures in the realm of high-fidelity sound, with the HiBy R8 II as a benchmark of excellence guiding my way.

Hiby R8 II, review, and comparison.

This review and comparison is a result of a lucky coincidence, because just after I bought myself a Fiio M15s digital audio player (DAP), and I haven't told anyone about it yet, Eiji Zerstorer Romero asked me if I wanted to review the Hiby R8 II. What a great opportunity it was to be able to compare my Fiio M15s to the more expensive Hiby R8 II. Thank you, Eiji, and of course, Hiby, for providing us with a review unit of a high-end DAP, the Hiby R8 II. I also would like to thank Neil Nino Clark for sending me the DAP. I only have 10 days to review the R8 II, and after that, I have to return it.

Hiby is an audiophile company based in China. They make high-quality DAPs with prices ranging from 150 US dollars to as high as 3,200 US dollars. They also made the Hiby FC6 dongle DAC/amp, which is popular among the portable audiophile community, and on top of that, they also developed apps, software, and firmware that are used by other companies to run some of their DAPs.

The Hiby R8 II is a 2000-dollar Android-based DAP that has a stainless steel chassis and weighs 515 grams. It's an open Android platform, so you can install other apps or music players; you can connect it to Wifi and watch YouTube and look at social media; it is like a smartphone but without cameras, speakers, or mobile data; it and others like it are solely made for music lovers who like to listen to the best sound quality possible.





The stainless chassis and the alcantara covered back made the R8 II feel very classy in the hand; the over 500 grams of weight added to the luxurious feel; the gold-plated ports; and the perfectly weighted tactile buttons always remind me that I'm holding a high-end product.

User interface and battery life:

The user interface is responsive, and the screen and battery life are very good, especially for a DAP.

Power and pairing:


It drove my Sennheiser HD6xx and other headphones easily at mid and high gain settings, but for this review, I only use 3 of my in-ear monitors (IEM), namely the Hidizs MP145, which is a planar, the Simgot EA1000, which is a single dynamic driver (DD), and the Xenns Mangird Top, which is a hybrid of DD and BA, or balanced armature drivers, with the gain setting set to low. I use the ePro EP00 medium size and Dunu S&S large eartips with cables from Tripowin, Xinhs, and JBC audio in balance 4.4mm connection. The phone out and the line out are noise free and provide me with all the power I require.

Settings:

I used the class AB amplifier mode exclusively, as I find it to sound more dynamic and have better-controlled bass than the class A mode. It sounds fabulous at the default settings, so I never felt the need to tweak the MSEB and the Darwin DAC's audio parameters. Also, no EQ was used. WiFi and Bluetooth were turned off. Additionally, I didn't critically listened to it while it was charging to eliminate the potential of the audio signal being contaminated.





Sound signature and tonality:

First of all, I'd like to clarify that the sound coming from the R8 II is very neutral, with a very flat frequency response and zero sonic coloration; in short, it is very transparent. Anything I say about the sound quality amounts to very little in real-life casual listening; some people might not notice them and some might not care, so take them with a grain of salt.

The sound is very refined and neutral, with a hint of warmth in the bass and a tiny amount of recession in the upper midrange and lower treble. The upper treble is neutral in intensity and is very extended. You will easily recognize that you are listening to a high-end device by just how smooth and refined it sounds; it's like taking a ride in a luxury vehicle in its smoothness and refinement.

Sound staging:

It's huge; it's like you are in a very big venue where the music is happening, more so than all my other audio sources.

Imaging:

The images of the musical instruments and vocals are planted in front in a very spatially stable manner and are well separated from each other; they don't get mixed together even at high volume levels; they remain very stable and clear.

Dynamics:

The power delivery is effortless; I hear no strain coming from its amplifiers, but I also observed that the dynamics are just average; they are neither the most anemic nor the most energetic I have heard; they are just average and neutral in their punchiness.

Bass:

The bass is not the tightest and most controlled I've heard; it's not too loose either; it lets go of total control just enough to make the bass sound a little warm. On some tracks, I can hear a tiny hint of boominess on fast successive beats, but it's never bloated. The overall sound of the bass is very pleasant.

Midrange:

The midrange is very smooth and neutral, with a huge sound stage. I hear a tiny amount of relaxation in the upper midrange, making it forgiving of badly recorded music tracks. Some female voices sound very seductive and sweet, with a very palpable presence.

Treble:

The treble is very extended, airy, and detailed; the lower treble is a little laid back. I can hear all the nuances and micro-details from the instruments while remaining non-fatiguing.

Compare to Fiio M15s:

The Fiio M15s is a mid-priced DAP that costs half the Hiby R8 II, and it's not a surprise that the R8 II feels more luxurious in the hand. The R8 II has a much better screen too.

I used the Hiby music app, the Fiio music app on the M15s, and mostly the Poweramp music player for this comparison.

I use the medium or high gain settings only for the Fiio M15s because the low gain setting sounds a little bright, grainy, and metallic. By doing so together with turning on the "All to DSD" feature bring it very close to the sound quality of the R8 II, about 97% in my estimate.

The Hiby R8 II sounds more refined, smooth, and liquid, with a bigger sound stage and a cleaner, darker background. The instrument decay is also cleaner-sounding, with more air around the vocals and instruments, but let me tell you again that with the settings on the M15s previously stated, the differences in sound quality are really minute.

Without using the "All to DSD" feature on the M15s, Both the R8 II and the M15s are very musical and engaging, but the R8 II sounds more laid-back and forgiving of badly recorded music, while the M15 II is more analytical and unforgiving, which can sometimes more likely to cause fatigue on poorly recorded tracks.

The Hiby R8 II has a noticeably better battery life than the Fiio M15s.

In the Fiio M15s' defense, it has snappier and bolder dynamics, tighter bass response, and more forward in detail presentation, not to mention that the M15s has an excellent volume control knob and much better free leather case as opposed to the R8 II's TPU case. Plus, there are some songs and genres that suit the M15s better, like metal and electronic music.

Is the Hiby R8 II worth the price premium over the Fiio M15s? This is the question that came to mind upon knowing I would be reviewing the R8 II, and my answer is a resounding yes! The big sound stage, smoothness, and overall refinement in sound quality of the R8 II over the M15s are impossible to deny.


Compared to Topping G5:

The Topping G5 is a battery-powered DAC/amp combo that has state-of-the art measured performance.

Overall, the R8 II sounds better; it has a bigger sound stage and has clearer details; it also has a more musical and engaging sound. The only area where the Topping G5 can top the R8 II is in the bass; it is more controlled and taut.

Compared to my other USB dongle Dac/amps:

Compared to my Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha, Moondrop Moonriver 2, Dawn Pro, Fiio Ka11, and all
the other USB dongle DAC I have heard of, forget it guys, they could all go home now; there's no contest. I feel like I'm downgrading in sound quality every time I have to use those dongles when I'm at work or outside. I can't say 100 percent sure that this is better than all the dongle DAC/amps available, though. As I haven't yet heard the Hiby FC6, L&P W4, Questyle M15i, iFi Kensei, and other expensive DACs, I am only 99.9999% certain that this is better because all the USB dongle DACs have limited power supply as they have to rely on the USB from the phone for power, ultimately limiting the sound quality.

Minor complaints:

I wish it had a double tap for screen-off gesture.

I wish Hiby made the volume control animation that takes over the whole screen every time I adjust the volume optional; correct me if I'm wrong, but I haven't found a menu in the DAP to turn the animation off.

I wish the free case was made of leather, not TPU.


Pros:

+ excellent sound quality, befitting its price.
+ solid and luxurious-feeling chassis.
+ very good-looking responsive touch screen.
+ perfectly weighted buttons.
+ gold-plated sockets.
+ good battery life and fast charging.


Cons:

- no double tap gesture for screen off.
- The volume control screen overlay gets in the way.
- I wish it had a volume control knob.
- The included case is made of TPU, not leather.



I now see why the Hiby R8 II is priced as it is. Upon first listen, it is clear to me that this DAP was meticulously optimized, from the parts used, the design and materials utilized, the engineering of their unique digital to analog converter chip, and the fine tuning of that chip's algorithm. This level of sound clarity and finesse does not happen by chance, and I can hear it every time I listen to the Hiby R8 II.

Would I recommend the Hiby R8 II to friends over the more affordable DAPs? Sure, without hesitation, if they have the funds. It's so good that I would even advise audiophiles to save up some cash to get it. And that wraps up my review and comparison of the superbly-sounding Hiby R8 II. Cheers!

4-11-2024