HiBy Digital Xeno Review – Dual DAC (ES9018C2M & CS43131) USB-C IEM With MEMS & Dynamic Drivers
HiBy will launch a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter next month, announcing Xeno‘s price, early-bird rewards, and additional benefits based on the number of backers. The early bird price will be around $100. One month after the announcement, as the crowdfunding campaign concludes, they will prepare for shipment and apply the backer quantity rewards. Simultaneously, the product will be launched at its regular price on HiBy’s official website.
The Xeno represents a significant advancement in in-ear monitoring technology. It features a hybrid dual-driver system combining Cowell by xMEMS, an all-silicon MEMS driver, and HiBy’s proprietary graphene dynamic driver. This innovative design promises exceptional phase coherence and remarkably low latency, delivering an impressive level of sound detail throughout the entire frequency spectrum.
HiBy, dedicated to advancing “New Technology Application for HiFi Audio,” teamed up with xMEMS, known for their new all-silicon solid-state MEMS speakers, to create the Xeno, Dynamic & MEMS Hybrid Digital Earphones.
The Xeno combines HiBy’s Dual DAC & Dual-amplifier HD digital audio system, which supports native decoding audio formats up to DSD128/PCM384kHz (32Bits), allowing you to listen to not only high-definition online music at any time but also locally stored high-definition audio files through HiBy Music’s USB-exclusive mode.
The native USB-C digital interface is compatible with most smart devices on the market, providing an immersive experience for both gaming and video entertainment. The high-sensitivity MEMS microphone supports phone calls and HD recordings without electrical or acoustic interference.
End-to-end digital audio playback architecture
HiBy has been extensively involved in the implementation of high-definition audio technology for an extended period. Regarding audio architecture, essential algorithms, FPGA circuits, and analog circuits, HiBy possesses comprehensive vertically integrated design capabilities along with independent intellectual property rights.
With the new Xeno, we can find a high-resolution digital audio playback architecture that is integrally designed end-to-end from HD audio source, independent master controller, HD decoding, active crossover to hybrid driving of MEMS speakers, and graphene drivers.
Equipped with Cowell from xMEMS, the cutting-edge solid-state speaker
The Cowell, an innovative all-silicon, solid-state MEMS driver developed by xMEMS, boasts a response time that is 150 times quicker than conventional speakers. This remarkable speed reduces phase shift and enables the delivery of high-resolution musical details with exceptional clarity.
Specialized graphene full-range dynamic driver
Graphene, recognized as one of the thinnest and most resilient nanomaterials, exhibits exceptional strength that significantly diminishes the splitting vibrations commonly associated with conventional diaphragm materials, thereby enhancing the overall resolution of the driver.
The 10mm dynamic speaker is custom-made for the Xeno and is equipped with a new generation of graphene film, which is 1000 times lighter than paper and 200 times stronger than steel. The resulting diaphragm is light and rigid enough to provide solid and full sound performance.
New hybrid cavity made by high-precision 3D printing and LSW metal chamber
As the MEMS tweeter adopts a different principle of sound generating, the acoustic design for its enclosure is different from common drivers, so HiBy uses high-precision 3D printing to build the Xeno’s hybrid speaker bracket. They created separate acoustic rear chambers for each of the two drivers in a small space. The lightweight and sturdy one-piece aluminum alloy reduces stationary waves in the acoustic cavity.
Master Control and Active Crossover by HiBy
From HiBy‘s Dual-DAC design, they developed exclusive dataflow processing and algorithms for Xeno’s hybrid acoustic architecture, and tuned accurate crossover solution for two speakers with different characteristics, so that the exclusive DAC is driving the exclusive speakers and adapting to their respective driving parameters.
These not only make the two speakers cooperate well with each other, and let the sound transition smoother and natural, but also allow users to have a richer sound experience through the preset selections or interaction with HiBy’s music app in the future.
Built-in HiFi Dual-DAC for HD decoding and driving
Due to the differences between the Cowell tweeter and graphene dynamic driver, HiBy has specially selected and adapted exclusive HiFi-grade DAC chips – ES9018C2M & CS43131 – for each driver to decode and independently amplify the signals, maximize the acoustic characteristics of two groups of drivers, and make the different sounds more expressive.
Extremely low latency at around 4ms and ultra-high fidelity in digital signal processing
With customized high-performance digital cables and digital interfaces, Xeno can independently process the native digital signals of smartphones/tablets, allowing users to listen to ultra-clear, high-resolution music without worrying about latency issues, even in audio-visual entertainment or gaming.
Native support for DSD128/PCM384 hardware decoding
As the first digital earphone to support DSD hardware decoding, Xeno inherits HiBy Music’s comprehensive audio processing solution, allowing the ES9018C2M & CS43131 two HiFi grade DACs to work in synergy to directly decode HD audio up to PCM384kHz/32Bits and DSD128.
Support USB Audio Exclusive Mode of HiBy Music
As a professional HD audio player for iOS and Android systems, HiBy Music App is widely loved by millions of music fans around the world. Xeno seamlessly adapts to the HiBy Music App in smartphones and supports USB Audio exclusive mode, which allows playback of all kinds of lossless formats originally.
Audiophile-grade silver-plated cable
The audiophile-grade silver-plated OFC cable is specially shielded with a hybrid braid, which not only effectively helps Xeno to resist most external interference, but also combines the advantages of copper and silver to make its sound both powerful and soft.
Convenient four-button controller design
You can manage the Xeno at any moment, whether you are listening or speaking. It is compatible with a majority of smartphones and HiBy music players. Additionally, by utilizing the FN multi-function button, you can switch between various sound profiles, such as Hi-Fi Mode, Bass Boost Mode, and Cinema & Gaming Mode, with the assistance of the HiBy Music App.
Besides the Fn button (O) you have Volume up and down and play/pause buttons which are easy to reach and operate.
Equipped with all-directional sensitive mems mic
The onboard mems mic supports daily incoming calls and HD recordings, free from signal and external interference.
Comfortable and stable over-ear design
The over-ear design of Xeno emphasizes ergonomic comfort, significantly minimizing the stethoscope effect that arises from collar friction. This design not only guarantees optimal sound transmission but also allows Xeno to be suitable for extended periods of wear and listening.
Parametric EQ – PEQ Support
From a geek’s point of view, I saved the best feature for the last. The Xeno fully supports PEQ on all platforms. This is the Windows App with 10 bands in which you can alter Low Shelf, Peaking, and High Shelf values which might be the first program for Windows in such detail.
Now here is the good news, the latest PEQ values that you uploaded to your Xeno will stay in the memory. This means you can unplug it and plug it into another phone or PC, it will have this latest tuning.
HiBy told me that the Android version of this PEQ Tool is in development and will be available later.
I will write a complete guide later about how to use this tool because it is still under development. Also, the Xeno might have firmware updates before the official launch, this is an engineering sample after all.
Specs
- Model: HiBy Digital Xeno
- Drivers in Each Side: xMEMS Solid-state Silicon Speaker x 1 – 10mm Graphene Dynamic Speaker x 1
- Frequency Response: 20-40,000Hz
- Maximum SPL: 116 db at 1kHz
- Length: 1.35m
- Wire Material: Silver-plated OFC
- Weight: 5 grams on Each Side
- Connector Type: USB Type-C / Undetachable
Sound
Out of the box the Xeno delivers a vibrant, dynamic, and engaging auditory experience right from the start, characterized by a tonality that leans towards warmth rather than neutrality. Its sound signature exhibits a mild W-shape, featuring a rapid and impactful mid-bass response.
The midrange is somewhat recessed yet maintains a commendable degree of transparency and presence. In the treble range, there is a notable emphasis on the lower treble region, which contributes to a clear and well-defined sound. The remaining treble can be described as smooth.
Lows
The Xeno delivers a rapid, precise, and powerful bass response, capable of generating an admirable level of sub-bass depth, extension, and rumble. The midbass tonality is characterized by a smooth and melodic quality, while the impact is notably effective across a diverse range of musical genres.
The midbass response from this IEM, while not the most intricate I have encountered within this price range, still delivers a commendable performance. It effectively captures the essence of instruments like cross drums, trumpets, and both bass and acoustic guitars, providing a natural warmth and musicality in the listening experience.
The low-frequency response exhibits significant energy. The deep bass is notably present, particularly below the midrange frequencies. This results in a well-defined character with a robust low-end performance.
Mids
The midrange of the Xeno exhibits a notably transparent and ethereal quality. When I listen to instruments and vocals that are not overly emphasized, the midrange appears somewhat subdued. The lower midrange provides an adequate sense of depth and warmth, particularly when I engage with male vocals or instruments like the guitar or viola.
The vocal presentation is one of Xeno’s highlights and the midrange just exudes detail. It’s a bit forward but buttery smooth.
The clarity and tonal quality in this region are satisfactory and align with my expectations for an in-ear monitor at this price point. The upper midrange stands out as the primary highlight of the Xeno in this context. It is vibrant, exhibits good extension, and provides a wealth of information regarding macro detail.
Treble
The lower treble of the Xeno is the main actor of the treble area which is more pronounced and detailed compared to the upper treble region. The lower treble region sounds in general fairly detailed and controlled, while the extension is on an adequate level.
The Xeno has an audible roll-off in the mid-treble area. The upper treble region is less energetic compared to the lower treble & upper midrange regions and shows a sufficient grade of airiness and sparkle while listening to percussions.
Crash cymbals and Hi-Hats for example do have a moderate level of intensity and sharpness. You won’t have to worry about harshness, and the Xeno is very relaxed up top and non-fatiguing.
Technicalities
The Xeno demonstrates remarkable capabilities in terms of width and depth. Particularly when engaging with classical music, one experiences a natural sense of width and height, with frequencies distributed evenly across the sound field. While the imaging may not seem ostentatious, it effectively conveys an accurate representation of the mix, enhanced by a degree of separation.
This enhances the stage with a greater degree of articulation and transparency, resulting in a more immersive experience for the viewer. One can nearly sense the air between the spaces, which significantly enriches the enjoyment of the panning response across various genres.
Sum-Up
The latest technology all-silicon MEMS driver, plus a graphene full-range dynamic driver connected individually to separate premium DAC chips (ES9018C2M & CS43131) and fully tuneable with world-class cross-platform Apps. Welcome to a new era of digital sound with the new HiBy Digital Xeno.