The HiBy R6 Pro II DAP is a remarkable addition to the world of portable digital audio players. With its promise of delivering high-resolution audio and a host of impressive features, this device has caught the attention of audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. In this review, we'll delve into the key aspects of the HiBy R6 Pro II to see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality: The R6 Pro II is a visually appealing DAP, boasting a sleek and modern design. Its chassis feels premium and durable, with a satisfying heft in the hand. The large touchscreen display is sharp and responsive, making navigation through menus and album artwork a breeze. It's evident that HiBy has put considerable thought into the design and ergonomics of this player.
User Interface and Software:The player runs on a customized version of Android 12, providing a familiar smartphone-like experience. The software is responsive and intuitive, but it may take some time for those new to Android-based DAPs to fully grasp the interface. Additionally, regular firmware updates from HiBy have addressed many initial software quirks, improving the overall user experience.
Connectivity: HiBy has left no stone unturned in ensuring connectivity options galore. The R6 Pro II supports a variety of wireless protocols, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with LDAC support, and even aptX HD for high-quality wireless audio streaming. This player is also compatible with streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, further expanding your music library options.
Battery Life: One of the few drawbacks of the R6 Pro II is its battery life. While it offers decent endurance, averaging around 8-10 hours of playback, it falls short compared to some of its competitors. However, the inclusion of a USB-C port for fast charging helps mitigate this issue to some extent.
Price: The HiBy R6 Pro II is positioned in the premium segment of the DAP market, and it comes with a price tag to match. While it may be a substantial investment, the exceptional audio quality and feature set make it a worthy consideration for serious music enthusiasts.
Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs: One of the notable features of this DAP is its support for both balanced and unbalanced outputs. It offers 3.5mm and 4.4mm output ports for both single-ended and balanced connections. This flexibility allows users to choose their preferred amplification setup based on their headphones or earphones, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.
Audio Quality: The standout feature of the R6 Pro II is its stellar audio quality, it promises a remarkable audio experience, and it delivers on this front with its exceptional sound quality and versatility. Here's a summary of the sound impressions.
It supports a wide range of audio formats, allowing you to enjoy your music in its purest form. The sound signature is neutral, offering a faithful representation of the original recordings, which is a boon for audiophiles seeking accuracy.
The amplification capabilities are a critical component that contributes to its reputation as a high-quality digital audio player (DAP). This device is equipped with a sophisticated amplification system that enhances the overall audio experience for its users. The player offers both Class AB and Class A amplification modes, catering to different preferences. Class AB amplification combines the efficiency of Class B amplification with the linearity of Class A amplification, striking a balance between power and audio quality. Class A amplification, on the other hand, is renowned for its purity and low distortion, making it ideal for audiophiles seeking the utmost in sound quality.
The HiBy R6Pro II is also designed to handle a wide range of headphone impedances. Whether you have low-impedance in-ear monitors or high-impedance over-ear headphones, the player can provide the necessary power to drive them effectively. This impedance matching ensures that your headphones receive the optimal amplification for the best possible sound quality.
The bass, though not the central focus, impresses with a tactile sub-bass and tight mid-bass. It maintains control without bleeding into the midrange. While it doesn't boost bass quantity, it elevates its quality, providing an authentic and textured bass experience. This refinement is particularly evident when compared to inferior sources.
The midrange shines, offering a warmish neutral profile with transparency and smoothness. Notes are well-defined, not overly sharp, and vocals are slightly forward but well-controlled. This emphasis adds depth to vocals and instruments without veering into metallic or grainy territory, resulting in a pleasing and engaging midrange.
Vocals exhibit a balanced thickness in the midrange, avoiding dryness. Note body has structure and a relaxed, yet energetic, character. Lower-mids provide additional warmth, while upper-mids offer clarity and a hint of shimmer. Male and female vocals are rendered with depth and detail, showcasing the 8x DAC architecture's capabilities. Details are easily illuminated, and the timbre remains natural and unprocessed.
Treble is balanced and refined, integrating seamlessly with the mix. Even with IEMs emphasizing highs, the R6 Pro II maintains control and refines treble presentation, offering a punchy but not harsh character. It provides good extension and clarity beyond 10kHz, enhancing the overall listening experience. Extended listening sessions remain fatigue-free.
Surprisingly, the R6 Pro II provides a spacious soundstage given its power rating. Sound is naturally rendered without feeling pushed too forward or recessed. While the vocal imaging benefits from MSEB settings, it is firmer on the 3.5mm output compared to the 4.4mm output, which sounds more expansive. Elevated bass and emphasized upper mids strike a balance between resolution and dynamics, offering an engaging listening experience.
In a nutshell, the HiBy R6 Pro II (Gen 2) is a symphony of sound quality and customization that will make audiophiles' hearts sing. With its dynamic amplification, versatile Class A/AB modes, and meticulous tuning, it's the top choice for those looking to elevate their musical journey. Whether you crave relaxation or dynamism, this player puts you in control, ensuring an immersive and mesmerizing sonic adventure. It sets a new standard in the world of high-fidelity portable audio, making it a must-have for the discerning music enthusiast.
HIBY R6PRO II - I had the opportunity to listen.
In this price range, great design, great sound, bright, readable screen, great possibilities, space specification and...................weak battery.
I guess there weren't a few centimeters of a larger housing to increase the capacity of the very weak battery.
If the FIIO M23 DAP announced for this year (FIIO Q15 amp/dac, also with similar specifications already shown at the shows) is to have a similar specification as the HIBY R6PRO II - but with a larger battery, I choose FIIO M23.