HiBy R6 III (Gen 3) Android digital audio player, Dual ES9038Q2M, Class A / AB amplification switch, Snapdragon 665, Open Android 12 OS, DSD512 / PCM768

[fish1050]

So other than the new quad DAC 43198 configuration and the fancy new backplate what else has been updated on the 2025 version? Given the deals available on the R6 III you need to sell me on why I should pay more for the 2025 version. I am assuming that all of the features that were added via firmware on the R6 III will be there on the 2025 version from the jump and that it will be working flawlessly since Hiby has had plenty of time to fix any bugs and issues left over from the R6 III. That ideally is the benefit of releasing a new version with minor changes, that it should be issue free on first release and there hopefully won't be a prolonged delays for firmware updates.

Are we going to hear that much of a difference between the quad dac array on the 2025 version vs the dual DAC's on the original to justify paying more?

It would be great if Hiby could offer an indepth side by side comparison between both models so we can see what has been updated and upgraded besides the DAC's. I am currently waiting to hear details about the Fiio M21 but would also consider the R6 III 2025 as I seriously considered the R6 III previously.

 

[Polky74]

Then, when you are at home and want to discover what the R6 III is really capable of providing, just connect it to a good amplifier (even a portable one) using its excellent line-out outputs. Almost no device gives you two real (really not amplified) line-outs like it, just think of the Shanling H7 which costs 800 euros and does not have a balanced line-out. You don't need to spend who knows what to make it express itself at very high levels, even a Venture Electronics RA2BFE is enough to make it fly and overcome its true limit... amplification.

 

[awakened]

I've been looking at DAPs for the past few weeks. Mostly to allow me to decouple from my phone when I'm in the couch or traveling.

I was keen on an FiiO M15S, but thought a DAP at half the price might be a good way to check out if the product will be used or just end up in the cupboard. I ordered an R6 III 2025 directly from Hiby. So it will be interesting to see how this product performs when I receive it. I went for expidited shipping, so it should arrive in 7 days or so.

I'll be pairing with a Focal Clear MG and Sennheiser IE 600.

 

[Polky74]

A splendid synergy is created between the R6 III, the RA2BFE and the IER-Z1R. The V-shaped sound of the Sony is compensated by the advanced mids of the R6 III becoming W-shaped and the RA2BFE with its power and transparency makes everything really exciting. To listen...

 

[RoyalKun]

So far just been using the new R6 III 2025 with BT headphones and tws----and REALLY enjoying it! The unit is very ergonomical and feels very comfortable and lightweight in hand---
With the plug in feature applied--balance and dynamics ,the volume can be increased and sound punched up nicely, in addition to EQ feature--it adds a nice fuller sound.

I have yet to use iems and headphones---but will report back---fully confident it will be great. The BT sound is excellent---really happy with the sound quality on this unit--it is REALLY nice! I think this is a winner---

Eagerly waiting for more impressions!

 

[scottsays]

Really liking the new R6iii--- I bought this and decided to sell a FiiO M15S to cover the cost plus some--in a direct A/B using iems and headphones--the Hiby sounded MUCH better--fuller, more energetic, livelier--the M15S sounded muddy and congested in comparison to my ears---plus the BT volume is way louder and better. Primarily bought the R6iii 2025 as a gym player and so far lovin it! Its way more compact and just sounds a lot better to me than the M15s--as I said, to me.

 

[RoyalKun]

Really liking the new R6iii--- I bought this and decided to sell a FiiO M15S to cover the cost plus some--in a direct A/B using iems and headphones--the Hiby sounded MUCH better--fuller, more energetic, livelier--the M15S sounded muddy and congested in comparison to my ears---plus the BT volume is way louder and better. Primarily bought the R6iii 2025 as a gym player and so far lovin it! Its way more compact and just sounds a lot better to me than the M15s--as I said, to me.

That’s awesome, the Hiby is less than half the price of the Fiio

 

[7in1]

exciting. To listen.

This sandwich seems like an overkill. R6III is already having a great A class amplifier onboard! (at the least for IEMs)
The same sound signature you are getting now out that brick you can get by adjusting some values in PEQ section of R6III itself. Hopefully that will save you some carrying weight.

 

[Polky74]

A question for the more experienced... does anyone know if this dap uses the two ESS chips even when connected in unbalanced? Thanks.

 

[7in1]

I don't know what magic @Joe Bloggs did to that plug-in and how it works but I can't live without it anymore

 

[Polky74]

Still no audio comparison between the 2023 and 2025 models? I'm very curious... let's hope someone takes the time to do so. For now, the listening continues in search of the best synergies and even what is created with the Moondrop Blessing 2 is not bad at all... on the contrary. Anyway, excellent dap!!!

 

[7in1]

I just wished Hiby made a little hump on the volume wheel in the next model

excellent

 

[stylus75]

A question for the more experienced... does anyone know if this dap uses the two ESS chips even when connected in unbalanced? Thanks.

No idea, but i know Shanling did dual dac operation in single ended mode. I have the M3X myself.

 

[Joe Bloggs]

A question for the more experienced... does anyone know if this dap uses the two ESS chips even when connected in unbalanced? Thanks.

Yes

 

[cocolinho]

Hi
Gain has an impact on the 4.4mm LO output . High gain sounds louder vs low gain .
What is the best gain to apply when volume is 100?

I see volume memory is different between HO and LO which is good and safe, but gain is not which might be dangerous when switching between HO and LO so I might want to keep low gain for LO too