REVIEW - HiBy R5
Specifications
Operating System: Android Oreo 8.1
SoC: Snapdragon 425
No. of CPU Cores: 4
CPU Max Frequency: 1.4GHz
DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198 x 2
WIFI: 5GHz/2.4GHz, supports IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n protocols
Bluetooth 4.2
USB: Type-C (2.0)
Display: 4.0 inches; Multi touchscreen
Colors: 16 million colors
Topology: IPS
Resolution: 540*1080
PPI: 300
RAM: 2GB
Internal Storage: 16GB
External Storage: Up to 512GB micro SD card
Headphone Out: 3.5mm
Balanced Headphone Out: 4.4mm
Line Out: 3.5mm LO
Balanced Out: 4.4mm LO
Digital Out: SPDIF (USB out)
USB: USB storage, USB DAC IN/OUT
Dimensions: 107.7*61.2*15.6mm
Weight: ~160g
Headphone Impedance Range: 16~300Ω
EQ Adjustments: 10 bands (±12dB)
Channel Balance: L 10dB to R 10dB
Gain Level: Low / High
USB DAC: PCM/DoP/Native
Power Supply: 9V/1.5A
Battery: 3500mAh; up to 18 hours on 3.5mm single-ended and 11 hours runtime on 4.4mm balanced of music playing.
Charge Time: ~2h
Charge Protocol: Quick Charge QC3.0
Over-the-air (OTA) firmware update
Design
The new R5 resembles a lot the R6 Pro, HiBy flagship DAP, and in many ways looks like a minimized version of it at about half the price. It is sharing a so similar layout and same user interface, which is a logical and very positive take from HiBy considering the easy and fast response from the upper model. The R5 may go back to an aluminum made main chassis but then adds more glass parts in a more compact, lighter and elegant design. From the outside, the aluminum is shown on both right and left sides which have now a curved finish making the device look less as a rectangular brick and more as a modern portable smart device. The aluminum material seems thick and solid enough and has a very smooth finish; using the included TPU or getting the optional PU leather case is highly recommended to give a better grip as the metal surface of the player can be too smooth. Both front and back panels are of glass, and also the bottom and top sides. All the buttons are made of aluminum as well and are easy to press. Do note that unlike the TPU case on the R6 Pro, the R5 case does not cover any of the buttons. Dimensions run shorter than any full Android player (just 107.7x61.2x15.6mm) and with a smaller screen of 4” diagonal length the R5 won’t compete against new smartphones, but as a dedicated portable player it is very well built and much more pocket friendly as daily audio device.
The layout follows the R6 Pro with minor changes. The left side has the same volume buttons on the upper part and the concealed micro SD slot tray in the middle. Opening the tray is possible with the included pin tool, and it’s much less tight than on the R6 Pro which required extra effort to remove. The R5 rates a supported capacity of up to 512GB cards which are the highest available on the market right now. Haven’t tried higher memory cards, but as usual my 128GB Samsung EVO Plus of 128GB worked with zero issues.
Similarly, the right side holds the four other physical buttons. Upper one is for power and screen button featuring the same LED light that indicates different player status and file quality. Of course, the LED light can be set off under the settings menus. Below are the three smaller buttons for playback, previous/back, play/pause and next/forward. Volume and playback buttons can be set to work or not when screen is off.
The bottom side concentrates all the available input and output ports, leaving the upper side in blank. The two audio ports are placed on the corners, standard 3.5mm stereo output to the left and 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced to the right, already introduced with the R6 Pro. There is no dedicated line-out, coaxial/spdif port, as both 3.5mm and 4.4mm double as audio and line-out ports that can be selected under the audio settings. In the middle there is the USB Type-C port for charging (supporting Quick charge 3.0) and data transferring and for the digital/spdif output and DAC (in/out) functions.
The compact size of the R5 means the LCD screen has been shrunk to 4”, versus the 4.2” of the R6. It is still of good quality featuring a full 2.5D glass panel that now occupies the whole front panel, and despite the lowered resolution and density it offers very good viewing angle, sharp and vivid colors and high brightness. It may be difficult to pick out from the photos, but next to the R6 Pro the color hue and temperature are a bit different; the R5 is a bit brighter while R6 Pro is smoother and more natural. Unless it would be used for playing long videos and complex games then the screen quality is very good for a compact smart device.
For inner audio hardware the R5 switches to a Cirrus Logic dual CS43198 DAC. A new take from side HiBy as the R3 and R6s all implemented Sabre ESS dac chips. The CS43198 does not offer any digital audio filters or the Tonality options either, though hardly could be considered a disadvantage considering the so minor changes those offer if any at all. On paper, output power rates high enough, and indeed is quite impressive for a compact and much pocket-friendly audio device. The great Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor is kept only lowering the RAM capacity to 2GB, and still performs just as good. Internal storage memory, however, is cut to a limited amount of 16GB which in practice allows about 10GB for user storage; pretty much the only downside, fixable by extra micro SD card. Nevertheless, system speed and responsiveness is very fast with no lags and delays even handling various apps simultaneously.
User Interface & Software
R5 runs on Android Oreo 8.1, same as R6 Pro. So apart from the playback and volume controls everything is controlled through the full touchscreen. Android 9 Pie might have been nicer to have since the R5 release was on 2019, but only for the sake of carrying the “upgrade” tag, otherwise there is nothing missing on the 8.1 for portable audio use. The international R5 version arrives with preinstalled Google Play, giving access to pretty much any compatible app. Combined with the fast Qualcomm processor the system runs very fast and accurate. Navigating through multiple menus or long file lists is very smooth with no lags. Despite the lower 2GB of RAM it runs practically as good as the R6 Pro. Audio and system settings all are pretty much self-explanatory, with just are the usual extra options under the Audio settings. Screen response is very good too, however, the preinstalled screen protector film may affect this a bit; it also catches a lot of fingertips and some dust around the borders. On HiBy they are already aware of this issue, and while removing the film should help in this regard, applying a better screen film would make a safer solution.
There are no extra applications installed on the device only the own HiBy Music App, main music player application. Easy to use and presents the usual various categories for music files sorting by folder, album, artist, etc. The audio settings menu is accessible by the left icon. There are multiple basic and more complex playing options, including a different EQ presets and a wide range of custom EQ of 10 bands (31Hz to 16kHz and -12 to +12 dB). And of course, the more interesting EQ feature, the MageSound 8-ball DSP effect, or MSEB, the own HiBy popular parametric equalizer. HiBy Link and USB DAC settings are found here as well.
Wireless features – Bluetooth & WiFi
Bluetooth on the R5 is still of same 4.2 version supporting the higher audio quality codecs like AptX HD, LDAC and HWA. Bluetooth 5.0 would have been a better take considering new players from the competition are starting to implement the latest BT version. Even so, HiBy have applied their own new UAT (Ultra Audio Transmission), a codec advertised to be of even higher quality than LDAC; the only catch is that is still very new and currently supported only with the own W5 and more recent W3 BT receivers. Moreover, the R5 supports now two-way Bluetooth meaning it works both as transmitter and as receiver including in LDAC codec and work as wireless Amp/DAC with balanced 4.4mm – R6 Pro now allows this two-way BT feature (with last current firmware). Anyway, Bluetooth transmission is solid with the R5 even with standard codec and 4.2v BT earphones. The only issue is that the volume may jump too drastically so disabling the player volume when under BT should be recommended. Of course, HiBy Link feature is available as well, accessed from the HiBy Music App, what allows to control the music directly from a smart phone or other devices.
For Wi-Fi it supports dual band 2.4/5GHz. Not much to comment here, it works; the transmission is solid and speed is decent as for web navigation or streaming. Pretty much as decent as any standard smartphone. Firmware update is done through Wi-Fi too.
Battery
Battery capacity is of 3500mAh, lower than the 4000 on the R6 Pro, but then quite good for the more compact design, and more importantly, the battery time runs higher. Rated as up to 18 and 11 hours out from the single and balanced outputs, respectively, and while in practice it is difficult to accurately test it, the R5 definitely holds a very good battery time. Especially, for the balanced option with such powerful output and running under full Android platform, the R5 is one of the very few players to get close the 10 hours of playback on balanced mode. Charging time is decent, and the supported QC 3.0 is an advantage.
Sound Impressions
For the new, and more affordable, portable player which could be considered as a mid-tier (or at least low mid-tier), HiBy implements a Cirrus DAC chip. It may still sit below the Sabre ESS chips on the R6/R6 Pro but very good on its own. A different take as well from other similar priced DAPs that use AKM chips for example (Shanling M5s and FiiO M11). However, the actual audio performance it is not to be judged by just the hardware audio converter or other single components but from the whole implementation and tuning.
The HiBy R5 fits quite well its price tag for the current options in the market; taking the FiiO M6 or iBasso DX120 options as reference, the R5 is better sounding overall, but not up there with twice priced flagships such as the R6 Pro or iBasso DX220, and yet compares well to its closer competitor Shanling M5s.
The sound presentation of the R5 could be described as rather neutral and fairly balanced. However, that’s something that could match many other players and yet the R5 would be different to them. It’s more about the weight, tonality, highlights and dynamic range of the player that marks the difference and similarities between each other. (
Dedicated comparisons will be mentioned afterwards).
With equalization and MSEB options set to off, the R5 keeps a rather neutral tuning, not emphasizing a certain range and not missing anything either. However, the balance and neutrality are not perceived presented in a flat, linear reference-like way where notes tend to sound lean or too clinical. The sound is presented with very good weight from lows to highs and in a right amount, avoiding being too thick. As result, the R5 may put less priority in having the total transparency in favor of a bit more musicality which is always welcomed for a portable player. The speed is very good too, and while being less analytical the R5 stands out a bit more in dynamics of the sound. I don’t find it as ‘fun’ sounding as the DX120 which has more weight and shimmering treble, but on the other hand it has a bit more weighty and engaging sound than the M5s. the bass is rather linear from the sub-bass notes with a clean and controlled mid-bass that adds no coloration to the midrange. Layering and separation are very good and shows very decent depth as well. The midrange positioning is very neutral. It is not thin, but can be a bit dry and may lack forwardness for some. Instruments separation is sharp enough but then is missing some richness and emotion on vocals.
The treble reminds more of the R6 Pro from the balanced 4.4mm output where it is more balanced, rather than the single-ended 3.5mm that can be more reference tuned with brighter gain. There is enough energy and fair extension on the treble. Quality is good, but not best. It is not completely smooth and controlled; not too forgiving or sibilance free either with just a bit unnatural tonality. Overall resolution is still very good, at least well set for the price, and so is the level of detail. Micro details may not be put as a primary priority but the R5 is nothing laid-back or dull sounding. Soundstage too, scales right for the price tag; spacious but not expansive but or narrow either. It is more noticed when paired with more higher-end gears, like the Anole VX and Dita Twins, but with the likes of IT04 and other mid-fi the stage is well rounded in all dimensions.
Driving power is actually impressive on the R5. Considering the compact size of the device it runs quite efficiently even on more power demanding portable gears, like the final E5000 or Dita Twins which are set with a lower sensitivity. On single-ended output the volume requirement is almost the same as with the R6 Pro, while with the 4.4mm balanced output there is about extra 10 steps needed to match the R6 Pro. Either way it is good enough, and the R5 still holds a longer battery time with a very dark background and low noise floor.
The switch from single to balanced end mainly brings more output power but the signature is pretty much kept the same. The gain is the usual deal, better separation and more distinctive right and left channels, more sense of space and air. The R5 may not be suited for very high demanding headphones, however, it surprisingly shows a very nice synergy with the Sendy Aiva which is a fairly effective planar set, and personally I can find it more likeable than with the R6 Pro as it shows more weight on the bass and forward mids with a less aggressive treble. On the other hand, for more sensitive in-ear models, the balanced output is less recommended – the extra power is reflected in a more v-shaped sound. The DK-3001 Pro, for example, is more natural from the 3.5mm output but gets too extra bass and treble that puts the midrange recessed if switching to the 4.4mm port.
Comparisons
Shanling M5s
The M5s is probably the direct rival of the R5 I have to compare right now (or at least until Shanling release the M6). Both go for a similar price and share similar physical dimensions and weight. Differences start on the layout, the R5 having dedicated buttons for volume while the M5s continues the small wheel which doubles for power and screen functions. Touch screen on both and fast system response. The non-Android based M5s is still too sensitive and scrolling through menus and list can be too fast, less accurate, while the full Android 8 on the R5 with a great Snapdragon processor brings a much smoother and friendly interface. Balanced output on both and multiple features as well.
Sound wise, differences are not huge, but from a critical A/B comparison the M5s is still more neutral and linear, less dynamic but a bit wider in stage. Bass is smaller in quantities and impact with less rumble, a bit more forward midrange, smoother treble but more refined and natural. R5 puts more weight and has a more dynamic sound. Bass is more solid and deeper, a thicker midrange too, and sizzling treble, but not as controlled. More depth in stage and less width. In terms of power they are both very similar, and when paired with the same headphones they both require about same volume levels.
HiBy R6 Pro
The R5 keeps the same user interface, wired and wireless features in just compact and lighter form factor. While build quality is tougher on the R6 Pro with all stainless steel chassis, the R5 is still as solid, especially considering the half price of HiBy's flagship. Despite the lower memory of only 16GB and less RAM of 2GB, the R5 shares the same Snapdragon processor chip 425 and the performance is almost as great.
For sound quality, the R6 Pro shows noticeable differences between single and balanced outputs – more linear, reference type presentation and a tad brighter sound on single-end, while fuller, more balanced and musical sound on the balanced option. As mentioned, the R5 doesn’t present the major sound differences from single to balanced, but more power and greater dynamics keeping a same signature overall. Again, R5 is closer in sound presentation to the R6 Pro. Improvements in sound on the R6 Pro are clearly noticed. The R6 has more extension, better resolution and control. It puts more weight on notes too, however, it does not sound thicker or heavier as the R6 is more spacious and layered. With less treble emphasis the midrange is more present on the R5 while the R6 Pro is more energetic and a bit leaner. While R6 has the greater treble quality and higher-end resolution it is less forgiving with brighter sets; R5 is smoother, just not as refined.
