HiBy R3 II 2025 Review
The HiBy R3 II 2025 is a refresh of the popular R3 II DAP (digital audio player), now with an updated X1600E SoC for faster system operations and improved 5.1 Bluetooth support. R3 II 2025 features the same great design and quality audio output, with 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs. It has a 3.2″ touchscreen, a volume scroll wheel, and a compact, high-quality chassis with reinforced front and back glass.
The HiBy R3 II (2025 Version) is a powerful and compact HiFi music player, featuring cutting-edge audio technology and a stunning design. With Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi support, MQA 16X decoding, and native DSD256 support, the R3 II provides a pristine audio experience.
The dual ES9219C DACs, coupled with the new X1600E SoC, offer extraordinary output power and support for various high-res audio formats. With a 3.2” touchscreen and intuitive UI, it’s a joy to use, whether you’re streaming from TIDAL, Qobuz, or listening to your local library.
Each ES9219C DAC on the HiBy R3 II 2025 utilizes a dual-channel architecture, with an excellent DAC and amplifier for each channel, realizing exemplary audio quality and output control. Two of these are employed to realize a fully balanced output. They combine high fidelity, low noise, high power output, and low power consumption, providing a solid backbone to a Hi-Res audio source component.
R3 II 2025 supports Native DSD256 and PCM 32bit / 384kHz sample rates. The HiBy RII 2025 features a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output, delivering up to 340mW @ 32 ohms.
The HiBy R3 II 2025 features dual independent active crystal oscillators at 45.1584 and 49.152MHz with low phase noise, automatically providing highly accurate clocking for music sources of different sample rates, reducing jitter, effectively increasing accuracy and edging ever closer to a completely analog sound.
The R3 II 2025 supports the following functions:
- Digital audio source
- Bluetooth receiver / AMP
- USB DAC
- Bluetooth adapter for computer
- Wireless audio source
- The HiBy R3 II 2025 features a USB-DAC mode where the onboard battery supplies power to the headphone amp independently of the USB power supply. Draw less power from your smartphone and reduce interference.
R3 II 2025 features a custom operating system: HiBy OS. Designed from the ground up for audio processing, HiByOS includes several class-leading audio features for its size class. Allows remote control of the R3II 2025 from a smartphone, allowing it to be used as a living room AV system audio source, or for convenient use out in the streets with the R3II 2025 kept in your pockets and just the smartphone in hand, etc.
MSEB, a revolutionary audio tuning system developed by HiBy, allows direct control of such audiophile parameters as warm/cool sound, note thickness, vocal prominence, impulse response, etc. for a musical experience that’s completely your own.
The R3 II 2025 also comes with built-in Tidal and Qobuz apps, conveniently accessible from the main menu.
Features
- All-new X1600E SoC: Ensures faster system performance and enhanced Bluetooth stability for a superior listening experience.
- 3.2” Touchscreen: Compact and easy-to-use display with a resolution of 320×480 pixels for a detailed UI and album art.
- Dual ES9219C DAC: Provides exceptional audio quality with dual high-performance DACs and amps, delivering incredible output power and low noise.
- MQA 16X Support: Fully supports 16X unfold of MQA files, offering master-tape quality audio and a true studio or concert experience.
- Dual Hi-Res Certification: Both wired and wireless Hi-Res certifications ensure you experience the highest audio quality possible.
- Multiple Usage Scenarios: Digital audio transport, Bluetooth receiver, USB DAC, USB to Bluetooth transmitter, and wireless audio source.
- MSEB Audio Tuning: Customize your listening experience with HiBy’s in-house developed digital audio mastering tuning board.
- Streaming Support: Supports Sony Hi-Res (China), TIDAL, Qobuz, and Net Radio streaming platforms.
- HiBy OS: A Linux-based OS optimized for high-fidelity audio reproduction with ever-evolving software features.
Specifications
- Model: HiBy R3 II (2025 Version)
- Operating System: HiBy OS (Linux-based)
- SoC: Ingenic X1600E
- DAC: Dual ES9219C
- Audio Resolution: DSD256, PCM384kHz/32bit, MQA 16X
- Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1 (UAT, LDAC, aptX, AAC, SBC), 2.4GHz WiFi
- Audio Outputs: 3.5mm PO, 4.4mm BAL, 3.5mm LO
- Storage: MicroSD up to 2TB, USB-C for USB 2.0 connectivity
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 19 hours (3.5mm PO), 16 hours (4.4mm BAL)
- Charging Time: <2 hours (0%-100%)
- Dimensions: 86.9mm x 60.6mm x 14.5mm
- Weight: 118g
- Max Output Voltage: 3.3Vrms (4.4mm BAL), 1.9Vrms (3.5mm PO)
- Max Output Power: 340mW (4.4mm BAL), 112mW (3.5mm PO)
- Dynamic Range: 122dB (4.4mm BAL), 120dB (3.5mm PO)
- SNR: 120dB (4.4mm BAL), 119dB (3.5mm PO)
- Noise Floor: 2.9µV (4.4mm BAL), 2µV (3.5mm PO)
- Channel Separation: 110dB (4.4mm BAL), 78dB (3.5mm PO)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 90kHz
- Price: $179
I want to thank HiBy for providing me with the HiBy R3 II 2025 DAP review sample.
What’s Included
- HiBy R3 II (2025 Version) Device
- Protective Case
- USB Data/Power Cable
- User Guide
- Warranty Card
- QC Card
- Screen Protectors x3 (2 pre-applied on device front and back)
- Outer Packaging
MSEB & EQ
The R3 II 2025 includes MSEB tuning options that let users customize the audio output to their liking. MSEB has different settings that are simple to change, like warmth and bass thickness. This system is user-friendly and works well, making it simpler than regular multi-band equalizers for those who may not know much about frequency bands.
The R3 II 2025 comes with a 10-band equalizer, giving users greater control over sound quality. This feature lets users fine-tune specific frequency ranges, allowing them to increase or decrease certain sounds based on their liking.
Sound
The R3 II 2025 offers solid sound quality for its price, particularly in dynamism, speed, and separation. Its character is neutral yet gentle. While it may not be the most musical option, it accurately represents the recordings. There is a slight warmth in the mid-bass and mids, but it’s quite subtle. The treble is smooth and soft, which slightly reduces clarity.
The sound of this device might seem dull and unexciting to some, or perhaps too cautious. Yet, a touch of musicality brings some energy to it. When this aspect is paired with its solid technical performance, it results in a competent digital audio player priced under $200.
The bass of the R3 II 2025 is strong and impactful when required. The mid-bass is a bit warmer than usual, giving a rich sound overall. The energy and drive are enjoyable, creating a strong base for music, especially in Pop and Dance styles. Moreover, the bass is well-managed in Jazz and Classical pieces. However, it lacks the texture and depth found in more expensive DAPs.
The R3 II 2025 features a solid mid-range that excels in tonality and musicality. It provides clear mids with great detail, airiness, and space, creating a wide sound with good timbre, body, and richness. However, the mid-range can feel a bit closer to the stage, which might not match the positioning and depth of higher-end DAPs. Still, for its price, the R3 II 2025 offers impressive performance in tonality and mid-range presentation.
The R3 II 2025 manages peaks and sibilance effectively, demonstrating solid control and dynamics in the high frequencies. It produces a smooth and natural sound without harshness. This quality does not affect its transparency or extension, both of which the R3 II 2025 handles well. However, there is a minor issue with extension and clarity. While the treble is detailed, it lacks a bit of space and air, which might not be apparent in popular music but can be noticed in modern Jazz or Classical pieces.
The R3 II 2025 features an outstanding soundstage. It has a much better soundstage compared to the earlier R3 model. The R3 II 2025 provides a wider and longer soundstage, with improved separation and layering, leading to excellent imaging.
The DAP offers great sound quality with a low noise level and a quiet background. Its performance is outstanding, especially for its price. The clarity in the mid-range is impressive, along with its ability to capture fine details and maintain a low noise floor, showing a high level of transparency.
Balanced Output
This device can easily power many types of IEMs and headphones on the market. I found that I didn’t need to use the high gain setting for any of the IEMs I tried. However, larger headphones need more power. For those, you can switch to high-gain mode and use the BAL output. The 4.4mm output is especially powerful.
The 4.4mm output offers a more dynamic and clearer sound compared to the 3.5mm output. This player’s BAL output enhances the sound quality in terms of technical aspects. While the tonality remains similar, the resolution, transparency, background, and layering are all improved.
Sum-Up
One of my subscribers asked me recently which one to buy, the new tiny R1 or the R3 II 2025. Here was my answer: “For the price difference the R1 of course. R3 is only useful if all your cables are 4.4mm”. To continue my answer here, or if you love a metal case on your digital audio player. The form factor of the R3 II 2025 is also the best size that completely sits in your palm. It’s not too small or too big for basic use, just the perfect size, and useful with its ergo-king volume knob. The sound quality for the asking price is also very satisfactory.
Other than those facts it’s a matter of taste to buy the R3 II 2025 while skipping the R1 for $85 or paying a little extra ($70) and getting the Android DAP HiBy R4.