HiBy FD5 Review – New Generation Desktop Audio – Cyberpunk 2024
The HiBy FD5 is a next-generation desktop headphone DAC-Amp. It features support for both USB-C and high-resolution wireless Bluetooth input, a beefy maximum power output of 1523mW, an innovative isolated power supply system, selectable Class A/AB output modes, and an OLED display. All in a compact, Cyberpunk-inspired metal chassis.
HiBy FD5 has advanced format support, with up to DSD512 / 768kHz 32-bit PCM formats fully supported. Combined with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outs, dedicated line outs for powered speakers, and an impressive maximum power output of 1523mW, the D5 can easily serve as the centerpiece of your desktop music listening.
Powered by Quad (4x) AK4493 DAC chips along with Class A and AB Amplification modes. This chipset, known as the AK4493, is a high-performance 32-bit DAC that excels at decoding high-resolution PCM, DSD, and MQA audio signals.
HiBy has engineered the AMP section of the FD5 with top-tier components in the analog circuitry. This section features a dual-head amp circuit offering both Class A and Class AB modes that can be switched between. The Class-A mode utilizes dual ADA4625-2 OP-AMPs for reliable performance, while the Class AB mode, also employing dual ADA4625-2 OP-AMPs, offers extended battery life and reduced heat generation.
An isolated power supply better shields the analog conversion/amplification circuitry from EMI from the power supply and vice versa.
The FD5’s fully isolated power supply contains power supply filtering and regeneration to fully isolate the FD5 from any noise in the electricity grid.
The HiBy FD5 boasts a cutting-edge design featuring dual audio crystal oscillators for unparalleled audio precision. Enhanced by an FPGA and clock regeneration system, it delivers pristine sound quality and remarkable clarity. With frequencies meticulously tuned at 49.152MHz and 49.158MHz.
The HiBy FD5 is designed to impress both functionally and aesthetically. It has a durable metal exterior that looks both sleek and sophisticated, boasting a unique industrial design with a touch of futuristic flair. RGB indicator lights add a dynamic touch, providing both visual interest and user feedback.
This combination of innovative design and high-performance audio makes the HiBy FD5 DAC & Amp a perfect example of how form and function can come together perfectly. The cubic form factor is very successful compared to the rectangle forms that we used to. Ergonomically and the amount of place on the desktop it takes. The only weak point in the design is the plastic switches and the big Fn button on top, I wish they were metal too.
HiBy FD5 features an aluminum alloy chassis with a glass panel for the OLED display. A 100-step analog volume control gives you fine control over output, along with physical switches on the side which allow you to change gain settings and Class A/AB output mode.
Features
General Specifications
| Model | HiBy FD5 |
| Dimensions | 115 x 115 x 52.7 mm |
| Display | 1.1″ OLED |
| Weight | 698 g |
| DAC Section | 4x AKM4493 DAC Array |
| Controls | Fn button, A/AB mode switch, Gain switch, Volume knob, Power button |
| Audio Format Support | PCM 768 kHz/32-bit, Hardware Decoding |
| Status LED | Operating mode indicator (Purple: USB, Blue: Bluetooth, Red: Pairing) |
| USB Port | Type-C |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5mm TRS and CTIA-spec TRRS compatible SE out, 4.4mm balanced out |
| Line Output | 3.5mm, 4.4mm |
Line out Specifications
|
LO Output |
3.5 LO |
4.4 LO |
|
Output Level |
2.0Vrms (unloaded) |
4.0Vrms (unloaded) |
|
Output Level |
2Vrms (10 kiloOhms) |
3.9Vrms (10 kiloOhms) |
|
THD+N |
0.0003% |
0.0004% |
|
Noise |
1.64 |
2.2u |
|
SNR |
122dB |
126dB |
|
Dynamic Range |
123dB |
126dB |
|
Crosstalk Rejection |
99dB |
96dB |
|
Frequency Response |
20-90kHz |
20-90kHz |
3.5mm Headphone Out Specifications
|
3.5m HP Output |
3.5PO (Class AB) |
3.5PO ( Class A) |
|
Output Level |
4Vrms (unloaded) |
4Vrms (unloaded) |
|
Output Level |
3.9 Vrms (32 ohms) |
3.9 Vrms (32 ohms) |
|
Maximum Output Power |
475mW |
475mW |
|
THD+N |
0.0006% |
0.0006% |
|
Noise |
2.8 uV |
2.8 uV |
|
SNR |
123dB |
123dB |
|
Dynamic Range |
124dB |
124dB |
|
Crosstalk Rejection |
68dB |
68dB |
|
Frequency Response |
20-90kHz |
20-90kHz |
4.4 mm Headphone Out Specifications
|
4.4 BAL Output |
4.4 BAL (Class AB) |
4.4 BAL (Class A) |
|
Output Level |
8 Vrms (unloaded) |
8 Vrms (unloaded) |
|
Output Level |
7.0Vrms (32 ohms) |
7.0Vrms (32 ohms) |
|
Maximum Output Power |
1523mW |
1523mW |
|
THD+N |
0.0004% |
0.0004% |
|
Noise |
3.6 uV |
3.6 uV |
|
SNR |
125dB |
125dB |
|
Dynamic Range |
127dB |
127dB |
|
Crosstalk Rejection |
106dB |
106dB |
|
Frequency Response |
20-90kHz |
20-90kHz |
Price: $429
I would like to thank HiBy for providing me with the review sample of the FD5 DAC-AMP.
Unboxing
Class A vs AB
The HiBy FD5 has a setting to switch the amplifying mode between Class A & AB. Class AB preserves more battery, whilst the Class A mode gives maximum performance. The difference is hard to spot on first listen, and honestly, I couldn’t spot much difference between the two when I tested with IEMs.
However, full-size headphones benefit from Class A amplification. There’s better dynamic range, better attack and definition, and better pace. So I would say if you have hard-to-drive headphones, I think it would be better to use the device with full Class A amplification. But be aware, in Class A mode the FD5 gets quite hot.
Sound
The sound of the HiBy FD5 can be summed up in one word: effortless. If I had to use a few more words, I would say it is grand, relaxed, strong in the bass, free, and laid-back.
The dynamics are amazing, the smoothness is incredible, and the sound quality is always perfect. This is one of the smoothest and richest-sounding DACs I have experienced. Its treble is clear, detailed, and transparent, making the music feel more like a relaxing experience than anything else.
Every headphone I used with it delivered plenty of volume, kept the dynamics intact, and always sounded clear and smooth, like a flowing river.
There was no background noise at all; it was completely silent. There were no annoying sounds, and no matter which headphones I used, I could always count on their clear and quiet performance.
Frequency Response
FD5 delivers a complete frequency response without any roll-offs, allowing you to hear everything from deep sub-bass to high treble peaks.
The HiBy FD5 offers an amazing bass experience. It can hit 20 Hz and hold those deep notes for a long time, like in Phil Collins’ song “That’s Just The Way It Is.” The sound pressure is strong, and you can really feel the air moving, creating a fuller bass sound.
The mid-bass stands out slightly, always catching your eye. I appreciate this small boost because it brings warmth and depth. In short, the HiBy FD5 offers some of the deepest bass I’ve heard from a DAC in this price range; it’s powerful and quick.
The mids are smooth and sound natural, which is what I expect from a Quad AKM design. This is one of the best midrange performances I’ve heard from a DAC in this price range. The K9 AKM by FiiO is similar, but the HiBy FD5 has a richer sound. It feels warmer and connects with me when acoustic music plays on my playlist.
The treble performance is smooth, clear, and well-extended. It captures the essence of real sounds, making the drumming solos, bells, and cymbals stand out impressively. Although it has a metallic quality, there’s no annoying ringing or harshness. You won’t experience any brightness that leads to listening fatigue. This is the treble quality I desire with all my devices and amplifiers.
Soundstage
The HiBy FD5 feels spacious and open, creating an immersive experience. I haven’t felt any cramped or overly direct sound, nor have I noticed limited dynamics. Its Quad DAC setup and balanced signal path significantly reduce channel crosstalk, enhancing the separation between the left and right sounds in your music.
The sounds aren’t directly in front of me; they come from various angles, similar to how binaural music feels. The more spacious your headphones sound, the stronger this sensation is with the HiBy FD5.
The smoothness and ease of the sound can trick you into thinking the notes are not very defined, but that’s not true for the HiBy FD5. It offers great detail and clarity without the harshness found in some DACs. I appreciate a clear and detailed sound, but I dislike excessive treble and sharpness. Fortunately, the HiBy FD5 avoids those issues.
Comparison vs FiiO K9 AKM
In terms of sound performance, honestly, the difference is not that huge, both are exceptional and high-end sounding from any point of view. HiBy FD5 worked better with IEMs since it was completely dead-silent, on the other hand putting the K9 AKM in its low gain mode yields the same result.
The sound is a hair warmer, fuller, and more visceral sounding on the HiBy unit. The bass response is nothing short of spectacular, while K9 AKM does also have an incredible bass performance, HiBy FD5 simply outplays it here. With bass-heavy music, the HiBy FD5 was more engaging, it was better at controlling and it never ran out of breath.
Another interesting aspect is that HiBy FD5 has a somewhat larger soundstage, live recordings sounded far and wide and a little less impressive on K9 AKM. The difference isn’t that big, I was noticeable only with several tracks.
The sound itself is thicker and more liquid on the HiBy FD5, while the K9 AKM has just a smidge of digital glare and treble ringing. HiBy FD5 sounds more effortless, without barriers, you know you have the full experience with it and about 95% of it with the K9 AKM.
The treble performance was quite different on K9 AKM, it had more ringing and a bit of over-sharpness, while I found it completely trouble-free on HiBy FD5. Don’t get me wrong, the K9 AKM is far from being bright, it still has that warm tint, but the HiBy FD5 has more of that.
Both are exactly as detailed and I find them exactly as transparent, covering all the entire frequency response in full. HiBy FD5 is better when it comes to bass performance, it goes lower a bit, and it feels slightly more visceral, more effortless, and layered, while K9 AKM seems to be putting a mild accent on its treble delivery.
Overall, I find them pretty much on the same level, with minor differences here and there. To my ears and with my headphones, the HiBy FD5 performed a little better, it was seriously improving my FiiO FH19 IEMs and it was better at awakening the bass slam. HiBy FD5 was a better overall performer.
Sum-Up
HiBy FD5 felt and performed like a true high-end DAC-AMP from any point of view. Its build quality is top-notch, and it has a futuristic and sexy look. I particularly liked its unique sound tuning. The HiBy FD5 gives an unparalleled audio experience for audiophiles and casual listeners.
Its Quad AKM DAC technology unveils the subtlest details in your music, resulting in pristine clarity and depth. Each note is reproduced with exceptional accuracy, transporting you to a world of rich and immersive sound. Whether you crave the intricate details or simply appreciate high-fidelity audio, the HiBi FD5 will elevate your listening experience to new heights.