HiBy R4 Review – The Flagship Killer
HiBy introduces the brand-new R4, an affordable Android digital audio player featuring a CyberPunk mecha-inspired design. With four color choices, the R4 offers a fresh and stylish design and a powerful audio section.
It has a high-performance quad DAC setup containing four ES9018C2M DAC chips, delivering high-resolution sound signal decoding, wide dynamic range, and exceptional SNR performance. The R4 also boasts the latest generation Snapdragon 665 SOC, 3GB RAM, and an open Android 12 interface.
HiBy boasts extensive experience in developing high-fidelity audio gadgets. Their recent offerings have explored diverse design approaches, including the eye-catching Purple R6 Pro II. The latest R4 enhances your audio journey with its captivating CyberPunk-inspired, mecha, and space-opera design theme.
Each unit is available in multiple color variants and showcases a modern design that delivers a unique look with the newest HiBy R4.
The HiBy R4 offers a genuine high-fidelity audio listening experience to its users. Equipped with a quad-DAC setup that includes four ES9018C2M high-performance DAC chip units, the R4 delivers exceptional sound-signal decoding performance.
It can native playback for DSD256 audio signals and PCM with a bitrate of up to 32bit/768kHz. The Quad DAC arrangement ensures high-resolution audio enjoyment with minimal distortion and high SNR performance.
The HiBy R4 is the pioneer DAP in its class to introduce Class A amplification. Featuring Four OPA1652 units, two OPA1612 units, and 16 distinct triodes, the Class A amp segment ensures zero crossover distortion and immediate transient response.
It delivers a reliable and steady output, capable of producing up to 525mW of pristine sound at 32Ω impedance load. Thanks to its robust Class A amplification, the HiBy R4 boasts an incredibly low distortion level of only 0.0005%.
Match your preferred in-ear monitors and headphones with the R4, as the Audio Player includes dual headphone output ports. It contains a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced headphone port, making it simple to pair with various transducers in your assortment.
The HiBy R4 is equipped with an open Android 12 OS. The Android system on the R4 is pristine and offers a seamless, lag-free interface. Featuring a high-end Snapdragon 665 SoC, 3GB RAM, and 32GB ROM, the R4 is compatible with various media applications accessible on the Android Play Store marketplace.
By incorporating HiBy OS Integration, users can access an audio DSP algorithm and efficiently manage their media library. HiBy OS, a tailored Android 12 reconstruction, is designed to deliver bit-perfect audio by circumventing Android’s constraints and SRC using their Direct Transport Audio Architecture.
Any application can maximize its potential on the R4, allowing users to enjoy their preferred media app with bit-perfect audio quality and DSP options.
The HiBy R4 incorporates two separate femtosecond crystal oscillators operating at frequencies of 45.158MHz and 49.152MHz. These oscillators effectively minimize signal jitter and phase noise, ensuring precise sound signal processing on the advanced HiBy R4 device.
HiBy R4 comes equipped with a 4500mAh high-capacity battery. It promises an exceptional battery life of up to 11 hours of playback and up to 675 hours of standby.
The HiBy R4 offers an exciting feature that allows users to flip the screen and position the audio jack either on the top or bottom, depending on their preference.
HiBy has incorporated an LED strip near the right corner of the screen, providing information on the track’s sample rate or charging status without the need to open the screen. This strip enhances the overall design aesthetics. Additionally, the three stripes on the back illuminate in white during playback, adding a stylish touch.
Features
- CyberPunk Inspired Industrial-Grade Design.
- HiFi Sound Performance with Quad DAC Arrangement.
- Four ES9018C2M DAC Chips.
- Supports High-Res 32-bit/768kHz PCM and Native DSD256 Signals.
- Smooth, Lag-free Operation With Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 Chipset.
- 3GB RAM+32GB ROM.
- Open Android 12 OS.
- HiBy OS SystemWide Bit-Perfect Audio.
- Class A Amplification.
- Dual-independent femtosecond Crystal Oscillators.
- 4.4mm Bal+3.5mm SE Headphone Outputs.
- 4.7” Hi-Res Display Screen.
- 16x MQA Unfolding.
- HiBy Cast Wireless Remote Control.
- Two-Way Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity.
- Up to 11H Battery Life.
- Available in Multiple Color Options.
- Price: $249
Audio Specs
- Max Voltage Swing: 2.3Vrms (3.5mm), 4.1Vrms (4.4mm)
- Max Output Power: 165mW (3.5mm), 525mW (4.4mm)
- Nominal Output Power: 165mW (3.5mm), 525mW (4.4mm)
- Minimum THD: 0.0007% (3.5mm), 0.0005% (4.4mm)
- Dynamic Range: 120dB, 124dB (4.4mm)
- Noise floor: 2.3uVrms (3.5mm), 3.5uVrms (4.4mm)
- SNR: 120dB (3.5mm), 123dB (4.4mm)
- Channel Separation: 71dB (3.5mm), 111dB (4.4mm)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-80kHz
Hardware Specs
- Operating System: Android 12
- SoC: Snapdragon 665
- DAC: ES9018C2M a 4
- Amplifier Components: OPA1652*4 & OPA1612*2
- Supported Audio Formats: DSD 256, PCM768kHz/32bit, MQA 16x Unfolding
- WiFi: Supports 2.4GHz / 5GHz
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0USB2.0 & USB3.2 Gen1, USB Maximum Transfer Rate 5Gbps
- Display: Size 4.7″, Type IPS, Resolution 720*1280
- Storage: RAM 3GB Internal Storage 32GB Micro SD 2TB
- Color Choices: Silver, Black, Green, Orange
- Chassis Material: Aluminium Alloy
- Outer Dimensions: 129.6*68.3*18.5mm
- Weight: 231g
- Battery: Charging Rate 20W, Charging Protocol PD 2.0, Charge Capacity 4500mAh/3.8V
- Charge Time: Approx. 2 hours (via 20W PD charger)
- Firmware Upgrades: OTA Automatic
- Third-party Apps: Unlimited Installation
I would like to thank HiBy for providing me with the review sample of the R4 DAP.
HiBy OS (HiBy’s add-ons on top of open Android 12)
The HiBy OS is an in-house developed system architecture developed by HiBy targeting professional HiFi audio equipment. Optimized components include the system core, decoding system, audio DSP algorithms, media library management, external drivers, plugins, etc. Optimizing Android for lossless hi-res audio from the ground up.
The R4 has rich options under the Audio settings menu. Most of them we are familiar with. These settings are applied system-wide. This means you are not limited to the Hiby music app to use the PEQ (Parametric equalizer) or other options.
Under the plugins menu, we have 5 options that we can enable.
The most interesting ones are the Convolution and the DRX10K Dynamics. It’s nice to have rich DSP options. This allows the user to alter the sound in many ways that normally can be seen on much more expensive DAPs.
Those who are familiar with the HiBy Music application know the MSEB menu. It allows you to adjust the sound beyond the basic 10-band equalizer, and it’s a trademark of HiBy. You can tweak almost every aspect of sound, from the overall temperature (cold to warm), bass extension (light to deep), bass texture, note thickness, vocals, sibilance, air, and more.
The R4 on the other hand has additional MSEB options in the audio settings too. Which means it works system-wide. If you don’t want to use the HiBy music app but like the MSEB option, you can do it on R4. This MSEB menu also has a new “tuning style” option which has 4 styles in it. You can also save your presets. I like the “Analog” tuning option most.
The LED strip near the right corner of the screen can be turned off and on under the “Display” settings with the “Pulsar light” option. Also the three LED stripes on the back with the “Atmosphere light” option.
Sound
The HiBy R4 delivers a seamless and harmonious sound throughout the entire range, showcasing an abundance of intricacies. Its tonal balance remains neutral, preserving the authentic sound without any alterations. The sound quality is pristine and articulate, featuring rapid and precisely managed transients. It presents itself as a versatile performer, offering a satisfying listening journey, irrespective of the chosen IEM. The majority of combinations produce a clear and consistent sound, characterized by excellent dynamics.
The HiBy R4 provides a completely silent background on 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports, with no hissing or humming.
Lows
The HiBy R4 stands out with its impressive bass layering and is well-controlled on both sub-bass and mid-bass with a warm tone.
The HiBy R4’s low range delivers a tight, quick, and well-rounded sound. The bass level is just right and precise, without overshadowing the midrange or blending with other frequencies. It is well-managed and rich in texture. The sub-bass level is moderate, with a strong attack and decay. The impact is noticeable, as the controlled mid-bass ensures a smooth shift from the lows to the midrange.
Mids
The midrange exhibits a subtle touch of warmth, while the vocals are crisp and spacious. String instruments possess a rich body, and the note-weight is quite precise. Woodwind instruments that rely on the midrange sound authentic and open, showcasing intricate details. The upper mids display sufficient energy and definition.
The cymbals and hi-hats are easily traceable, but they remain within their designated range. The presence range offers excellent detail and definition. The vocals are positioned accurately, and the midrange as a whole feels musical and dynamic due to its warm tonality. The HiBy R4 effectively combines accuracy with a natural timbre, resulting in a precise tone with subtle fluidity and a hint of softness in the attack. The sound also features a rapid decay and a robust body.
Treble
The HiBy R4 delivers a crisp and precise treble reproduction, showcasing an abundance of details. The extensions are well-maintained and controlled, ensuring a pleasant listening experience without any sense of deficiency. HiBy has successfully achieved a harmonious balance in this aspect, resulting in excellent resolution.
The spacious upper range allows sound to expand without feeling overly artificial, aligning with my preference for high-pitched tones. It subtly accentuates the bright area, unless your paired monitor is already set to emphasize a specific aspect of the performance. The HiBy R4 exceeded my expectations and truly impressed me. The performance of this entry-level DAP is remarkably good.
Technicalities
The attack and decay exhibit rapid characteristics, while the transients are clearly defined. The separation is also impressive, accompanied by a spacious and relatively deep soundstage, particularly considering its cost. The DAP delivers frequencies with precise control, devoid of any noticeable peaks or troughs to my ears.
The vitality and vigor are truly impressive. The depth is exceptional too, allowing for easy tracking of each instrument on the stage. The overall presentation is cohesive and tidy, ensuring minimal distractions. The HiBy R4 excels in terms of technical performance.
Sum-Up
The M300 from HiBy Digital was a good attempt into the digital audio market offering flagship-level hardware performance at a very attractive price of $199. The HiBy R4 on the other hand, just for $50 more, fills all the weak points of the M300 adding a balanced output, a bigger battery, an all-metal build with an amazing design, and a better sound performance including system-wide bit-perfect and rich DSP support.
The HiBy R4 threatens all the other DAPs in the market up to $500-600 including its own models like the R5 II and even the R6 III (let’s be realistic), and I couldn’t be happier. Because I was the guy who found the high prices of DAPs not logical for years. The rise of the dongle DACs made our phones better than most cheaper DAPs out there.
But the $249 HiBy R4 made me a DAP believer again with its price/performance ratio. I don’t have any single compliments about the product and this is very rare. I also think that the R4 will open a new era for us music lovers because other brands have to come up with matching prices or they simply will be behind the competition. Good work HiBy!
Update:
Here are some photos of my R4 DIY contest. Media keys, Fn key, SD-Card slot, and Type-C port painted to orange. The 2 screws on the back were painted to black.
Update 2:
