HiBy x FAudio Project Ace Review
The new HiBy x FAudio Project Ace, a high-performance single dynamic driver IEM developed by HiBy and FAudio. The pair has a 12mm large-sized dynamic driver unit with a Mg-Li Alloy dome and a Beryllium-plated diaphragm. The pair has three-chamber air-pressure management, CNC-machined aluminum alloy ear shells, and a unique design shape. Both HiBy and FAudio have worked together to finely tune the tuning of Project Ace for excellent dynamic response and rich tone. We are super excited for Project Ace, we want to explore what HiBy and FAudio have done with a 12mm large-sized dynamic driver unit here. Let’s dive in.
HiBy and FAudio are two prominent names in the hi-fi audio industry. Since 2011, HiBy has focused primarily on the R&D of high-end digital audio playback and product development. FAudio has been pursuing the craftsmanship of high-end earphones since 2015. Both brands have years of expertise under their names and have a huge fan following. For the latest Project Ace, HiBy and FAudio have researched to develop a single dynamic driver set with cutting-edge technologies, promising high-end sound at a more affordable price point.
The HiBy x FAudio Project Ace houses a large 12mm dynamic driver unit. While most products in the market today feature an 8 or 10-mm dynamic driver unit, the large 12-mm unit on the Project Ace promises accurate high-frequency timbre and rich low and midrange details. This driver houses a Beryllium-plated diaphragm which is lightweight and extremely fast. It has a new Mg and Li alloy dome structure, greatly improving the driver’s efficiency.
The Project Ace combines the strengths of the Magnesium-alloy dome and Beryllium-plated diaphragm with an exclusively designed high-power magnetic circuit. This not only enhances the efficiency of the pair but also reduces the Total Harmonic Distortion effectively as well.
The Project Ace has an enhanced airflow management system based on FAudip’s patented T.B.A.C (Triple Built-in Acoustic Chamber) technology. The internal structure of the chamber has been designed in such a way that the airflow is efficient and has no fit or vacuum issues for the users. This results in smoother, cleaner, output with natural playback effects.
Project Ace Ear Shells are light in weight and have a unique shape to them. The shape has been ergonomically designed for a comfortable wearing experience while the entire shell is made up of high-quality T6063 series aluminium alloy material. They are carved using a high-precision CNC machining process. The set offers great comfort while listening to your favorite melodies.
HiBy bundles the Project Ace with a Litz Type5 coaxial braided cable with copper and silver-plated copper wire cores. the cable has an eight-core design and features a swappable termination plug system as well. The cable comes with 3.5mm and 4.4mm swappable plugs in the package.
Features
- Collaboration Between HiBy And FAudio.
- High-Performance Single Dynamic Driver IEMs.
- 12mm Large-Sized Dynamic Driver.
- Mg and Li Alloy Dome Structure.
- Beryllium-plated diaphragm.
- Specially Developed High-Magnetic Architecture.
- Finely Adjusted Tuning For a True High-Res Listening Experience.
- Exclusive TBAC Air Pressure Management Design.
- CNC-Machined Unique Shape Design.
- Ergonomic and Comfortable Design.
- Coaxial Balanced Shielded Stock Cable.
- 8-COre Copper and Silver Litz Type 5 Braided Design.
- Swappable Termination Plug(3.5mm+4.4mm).
- High-Quality Silicone and Memory Foam Ear Tips.
Specs
- Impedance: 32Ω.
- Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz.
- Sensitivity: 115dB.
- Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin.
- Price: $249
HiBy WG01 Wave Guided Liquid Silicone Eartips
- HiBy WG01 ($15) Ear Tips with Waveguide Tube Design has a special inner wall design that restrains irregular reflection of stationary waves to improve the efficiency and purity of mid & high frequency.
- Replacement Earbud Tips Excellent Transparent & Sound Isolation, Better isolation of external noise, enhancing the elasticity and texture of low frequency. Even if users adopt a shallow-in-ear wearing style, it provides sufficient noise isolation to enhance the listening quality of the tones.
- Ear Tips Extended Tube Design, Makes it easier to fit shallow-worn IEMs and the special design of the inner wall also acts as a restriction, reducing the volume difference in acoustic transmission.
- Liquid silicone Ear Tips, comfortable to wear, 1 pair each for L / M / S, Bottom ID: 4.4mm-5.4mm, Top OD: 5.8mm-6.0mm, Suitable for lEM nozzles 5mm and above.
- The excellent tensile strength makes the WG01 Earbuds Tips not easy to tear, while the excellent thermal stability and weather resistance allow the WG01 to be used normally in temperatures from -60 to 250°C.
HiBy HC1 plug
- HiBy HC1 Plug ($24) integrates HiBy’s HD audio decoding technology and low-power HD DAC. It is capable of hard-decoding up to 384kHz/32bit PCM audio format in very small size and has a high dynamic range of up to 120dB, which makes it suitable for earphones of 8-100Ω impedance.
- With a distortion as low as 0.0018% at 32Ω loading, the system provides a HiFi-level experience in most audio & video playback situations.
- Supports 4Pin-lock multifunctional cable system with screwcap-fastening design.
- The HiBy HC1 plug, when used with the Cu4 cable, is a HiFi grade headphone cable with an HD audio decoder that allows phones, tablets, and computers to readily access high-resolution music as if it were a 3.5mm audio jack.
- Plug Type: USB TYPE-C
Sound
The Project Ace comes with a tuning that fairly offers a neutral sound with subtle boosts to the bass and treble. Its exceptional resolution sets it apart, with each instrument and vocal occupying its own space.
Project Ace is an efficient earphone and doesn’t require any extra amplification. However, it does reward you when you give it a high-quality source. I used HiBy’s AKM-powered FD5 as a source connected to my PC.
Lows
The bass of the Project Ace hits deep with good presence and weight. The bass drum hits aren’t exaggerated like in more V-shaped IEMs, however, its bass emphasis gives it a very satisfying, thick, and warm tonality.
I never found the bass quantity lacking. The amount of rumble and impact should be enough for most non-bass heads. Bass hits are textured and well-articulated. Different bass hits do not come off as a bloated mess and are played back with good control.
The warmth introduced into the overall tonality gives bass guitars and deep horn instruments a larger-than-life sense of authority that gives jazz tracks a “wow” factor. This warm tonality on the lower end bleeds into the lower mids at times but is still well-controlled for the most part.
In terms of bass quality, the texture is excellent and the body is full, providing a satisfying and engaging experience. The bass attacks are clean and well-defined. the bass is balanced and doesn’t overpower the other frequencies.
Mids
The Project Ace mids are decently articulated with decent resolution. The lower mids have a very bodied presentation in no small part to the warmer tonality on the low end. This gives male vocals good rumble and authority, whilst being able to playback vocal techniques with good texture and resolution.
Piano keys and acoustic guitars are less forward than the rest of the mids, however, they still maintain a good sense of resolution. They are never drowned out; they are merely less audible when compared to the rest of the sounds in the frequency response.
The upper mids are presented with good air and resolution. Percussive wind instruments were played back with good articulation, and female vocals were presented with very good energy and contributed to a very exciting sound signature.
Male vocals sound rich and warm but are still clear and articulate. Female vocals sound natural and vibrant but never shouty or sibilant. The midrange overall is very detailed, textured, and immersive. Each instrument and vocal is distinct and well-defined, with no muddiness or congestion even in complex tracks. The Project Ace’s midrange strikes a balance between neutrality and warmth that makes it both expressive and easygoing.
Highs
Project Ace injects a little extra energy and zing here without overstepping boundaries. It is defined mostly by a small 5kHz peak in equal measure to the upper-midrange, albeit, due to the nature of the human hearing, it appears slightly forward by comparison. Relative to the more linear earphones I’ve been enjoying lately, the Project Ace is crisper, sharper, and more energetic. It has great foreground detail retrieval owing to its clean transient response which enhances separation.
The treble region of Project Ace is very airy and energetic. Cymbals and percussive wind instruments are presented with good energy; however, I did observe sibilance in some cases though it did not reach the point of being a deal breaker.
Individual cymbal strikes were played back with good detail, making different cymbal strikes and types easily distinguishable from each other. This overall energy added by this treble tonality contributes to an engaging and impressive listening experience.
The Project Ace’s treble imparts an airy and spacious character to the music, lending it an open and precise quality. Project Ace’s treble is a standout feature, delivering ample detail and clarity.
Technicalities
The Project Ace’s instrument separation and imaging are top-notch, producing a perfectly defined soundstage where each element’s position and distance are perceptible to the listener.
Its forward stage positioning thrusts the listener into the heart of the music, creating an immersive experience. While the width and depth of the soundstage are impressive, it’s the height of the image that truly dazzles, adding extra dimensionality to the listening experience.
Sum-Up
The HiBy Project Ace is a great package for just $250. From the first moment you start unboxing it you witness pure quality and a unique design language all over. As far as sound goes get ready to be surprised also. The 12mm large dynamic driver in its special and beautiful shell will bring you to a new musical dimension which you will love, I promise.