Hiby FC3

Hiby has been getting more and more attention thanks to their awesome DAPs lineup. They have also been releasing other products such as the Hiby FC3. A very portable, high power dongle DAC in addition to their Music App. Originally, it was released for about 70 dollars which is not a bad deal considering his direct competitor, Zorloo Ztella, retails for 100 with same feature (MQA version). Now you can find it during flash sales for 30 dollars. If you don't care about MQA, you can pick up the FC1 which is technically the same with a slighlty different chipset to achieve MQA rendering. So, this review also applies to FC1.

Packaging and Build quality

It comes in a squared black box, inside we get the FC3, a USB C to USB C cable and a USB C to USB A Cable. In addition, Hiby offers a voucher to enable MQA first unfoling on their propietary app, but now it seems kinda pointless. The DAC itself feels extremely light since it's made of plastic. To me, the connectors are not as stiff as they should be, giving the wrong impression.

Software support and compatibilty

Thankfully, this device worked with everything, Tidal (PC and Android), Qobuz, Audirvana, Roon, Hiby Music and USB Audio Player Pro. For DSD you need to make sure DoP it's enabled since the FC3 doesn't support Native DSD. Also, try to enable a fixed volume setting to use FC3?s hardware volume control.


Sound

Very dynamic and detailed, with just a tad of warmth. It's not a bright DAC but treble seems to be have a particular sparkle and shimmer quality. Overall, it's a clear upgrade over bad implemented PC soundcards.

Amplification

This is where the FC3's falls apart. Using high impedance headphones such as the HD 600s or line out compatible equipment such as integrated amplifiers, the performance is awesome. Bass is very deep and controlled. However, when we use anything low impedance or that has a bright sound by itself, the result is horrendous. Treble becomes unbearable, the sound is thin and music is not enyojable at all, posible because of some poor design.

Overall take

Even thougn the FC3 has ESS Tech latest chipset, the implementations is dissapointing. If you don't plan to use IEMS or bright headphones, this might be a good option. Personally, I would spend a little more money to get something like the Zorloo Ztella.

Overview:

Up for review today is the HiBy FC3. I really enjoy this USB C dongle when it works. Also, it's only $50, which is a fantastic price for something that can do MQA, sounds great, and doesn't use a ton of battery.

Quality:

Here's where the majority of my gripes come from with this dongle. The USB C cable that plugs into the dongle isn't that great. I have to gingerly pick up my phone so that I don't lose connection any time I want to use it. Every time I lose connection, I have to unlock my phone, go to the Tidal app, accept the usage message for the FC3, and then hit play again. Even the slightest bump kills the connection and causes me to do this. Also, occasionally, the sound will skip or cut out for a second or the first part of a song will get cut off - not a big issue, just annoying. Overall, the FC3 is well made and tough with a cool light that shows the level of data transfer. The best part of this dongle though is that it just works - I can't say that about the other dongles I tried.



App:

Ugh, this app caused so many issues. The HiBy app is required for 8x MQA unfold, it will only do 2x through the Tidal app natively (couldn't tell a difference.) The app also requires a subscription for MQA - luckily it includes it with the FC3. Unluckily, the HiBy app sucks. The HiBy app causes connection issues with the native Tidal app. It won't let the Tidal app play in my car when I connect it and it causes other issues with other methods of playing. You also can't stream to other devices through the HiBy app, it isn't good at shuffling, and you have to reselect your playlist every time you open the app. I gave up and uninstalled it after a few weeks of these issues.

Sound:

The sound is really good and while other reviewers have broken down every single detail on here, with my Pixel 7 playing through Tidal, the FC3 sounds pretty comparable to my Burson Conductor 3XP. That said, I did notice decreased bass levels and muted treble - which was great for some headphones as it was less fatiguing than through my desktop DAC/AMP. The FC3 seems to present a pretty neutral soundscape though with a solid, if not inspiring, soundstage.



Conclusion: This is the best dongle in this price range - it works (most of the time) and it sounds good. That's really all you need for $50. I personally prefer my DAP, but the price difference is 8x as much for a cheap DAP. So, if you just want a cheap dongle, this is the one for you.

Wolfhawk's Rating: 7.5/10

HIBY FC3: USB DAC with RGB
Opening:
Are you a gamer? who wants RGB and at the same time who is an audiophile, who wants sound quality in their gaming peripherals. well, you are in luck we have here The HIBY-FC3, a USB DAC with RGB kidding aside this USB DAC blew me away on its performance and sound output, so without ado let's start.
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USB DAC INFORMATION
Dimensions 45*13*9 mm
Weight 9.1g
DAC chip ES9281PRO
Hardware buttons Volume +/-
DSD support Up to DSD128 (DoP)
Indicator light RGB LED status indicator
USB port Type-C
Headphone port Standard 3.5mm headphone port for headphones and CTIA-standard headsets, does not support line control
Microphone Support (Available in non-exclusive mode)
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My subjective impressions
Pros:
Mid-bass is very tight with being prominent in the track.
High extensions are very good.
Sub-bass has a very good extension.
Vocals are very expressive and forward in the track.
Violin and piano tracks have attacked without being too bright.
Instrument separation is very good and very prominent in the track.
Sparkle and airy highs without having any kind of sibilance.
Silent background noise like the hiss is not prominent.
Great for reference kind of listening or production.
Native DSD 128 support.
MQA playback
Budget-friendly DAC with massive sound output.
RGB light indicator for sound formats that are being played.
Lows decay are very good.
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Cons:
Natural highs extension might be boring for some.
The volume level is a bit confusing.
Instrument separation needs a bit of layering.
Soundstage needs more space.
Sub-bass can be flat in certain tracks.
Bass roll-off at early seconds of the prominent track.
Vocals sound a bit artificial.
Bass decay is very short.
can be flat sounding depending on the track.
Musical notes are a bit delayed.
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Final remarks
Honestly, this USB DAC is a bang for the buck because of its sound output, and for a budget, you can decode MQA files and this USB DAC has a place for my liking.
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Disclaimer
I would like to thank sir Loo Levi for letting me experience his unit of this USB DAC.
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My Personal Sound preference:
As a former musician, I want the instruments to be very clean and precise in general terms, I am a mid-centric guy with being forwarded in the track without being too bright and too boomy or bloated.
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My audio gears and sources.
BQEYZ KC2
MOONDROP ARIA
CCA NRA
TRN ST1
HIFIMAN-RE400
YUIN-PK2
OPPO A95
OPPO A95 3.5mm headphone jack
UAPP(USB AUDIO PLAYER PRO)
Abigail by not VE
Es-pro
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My sound library
Pop
Queen, rick Astley, chain-smokers, Josh Turner, CharliePuth, Billie Eilish, Drake, Magic!, The white stripes,
Jpop and anime music
Ayasa, D4DJ, Bangdream , GARNiDELiA, Vocaloid, the piggies, Yoasobi, Silent siren, ReoNa, Fripside, Sumire Uesaka, Sora Amamiya, everying! , Lisa, Nana Mizuki, Mori Calliope, Gawr Gura, Hoshimachi Suisei, Fubuki shirakani, Amalee, Minami, and a lot more.
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