HiBy RS8 flagship Darwin R2R Android DAP -- Class A -- news and impressions thread

[audionewbi]

Nice impressions. Have you compared the RS8 to DMP-Z1? Also, how did your first RS8 die? Failed to boot after crashing while playing music/charging by any chance?

Im guessing battery run out, not an actual device failure.

 

[twister6]

Im guessing battery run out, not an actual device failure.

What Guy refers to, there was a fw glitch where device gets locked and needed a hard reset. I ran into the same issue, figured out the combo of keys to hard reset it, and later was informed by Hiby they implemented the fix in the last available fw update. Thus, some people could be mistaken by thinking their device "died", while it was just a fw glitch.

 

[Tom75]

If anyone compares the RS8 with a RS6/C9 combo, please let me know.

 

[mt-hifidelity]

Really looking forward to see your comparisons on Lp6 ti 7 , sp2000 , sp3000 !

My RS8 has burned in just 28 hours, so not really a fair comparison, but the LP6 still holds the edge for now.

The LP6 is like sitting on the stage while the musicians perform around you; with the RS8 you are just a few rows in front getting a great sense of the soundscape. Both produce a fantastic experience.

The mids and upper bass, particularly voices, percussion, and guitar/bass, are more robust and present in the mix on the LP6. Both daps seem to do a good job with separation, and imaging, as well as minimizing any frequency bleeding or smearing. Instruments are very clear in space.

Both DAPs also have great resolution, decent air, and dynamics, but the LP6 transients raise the bar, sounding more natural and defined. Its a fuller and slightly more precise sound. The LP6 also produced bigger dynamics and bass slam (testing with the Traiillii), possibly due to the amp section. I suspect the RS8 amp section will continue to evolve with more burn-in.

None of this is meant to diminish the accomplishments of the RS8 -- its fantastic.
I have to also point out that the LP6 also cost almost twice as much as the RS8. At its price point the RS8 is emerging up as the most musical and fully-featured DAP. I just hope it fleshes out a bit with more burn in time.

 

[littlexx26]

I've only burned in about 25 hours, so not a fair comparison yet, but the LP6 still has an edge over the RS8. The LP6 mids are more forward and overall just more natural and realistic sounding. It also produces more bass slam, possibly because the amp section has higher current. The RS8 is no slouch but I'm hoping it continues to improve with more time to compete a bit better with the LP6. I haven't gotten around to comparing it head to head with the A&K but just based on memory the RS8 handles voices and strings with less grain and is overall a more analog sound while retaining high resolution.

you listing your lp6 ti 7？

 

[mt-hifidelity]

you listing your lp6 ti 7？

Its a decision I'm really struggling with. I need to recoup some funds and off load gear but its just so darn good. I would love it if the RS8 took the lead! I'm giving it a bit more time.

 

[littlexx26]

Its a decision I'm really struggling with. I need to recoup some funds and off load gear but its just so darn good. I would love it if the RS8 took the lead! I'm giving it a bit more time.

waiting for your conclusion

 

[Lu88]

Are you saying RS8 has the ability to upsample using Nuetron app to those resolution?

Yes, Neutron has 2x/4x/8x/16x oversampling option for PCM, up to 1536kHz on RS8.

e.g.
44.1kHz x 16 = 705.6kHz
48kHz x 16 = 768kHz
88.2kHz x 16 = 1411.2kHz
96kHz x 16 = 1536kHz
176.4kHz x 16 = 1411.2kHz
192kHz x 16 = 1536kHz
and so on...

 

[audionewbi]

On N8ii, the OS struggles, to see RS8 being able to OS without an issue, now is an incredible performance.

 

[cristrix]

My RS8 has just probably 40hours burn in but I could swear when listening to classical tracks to help fall asleep there was a time when I thought I was listening to my main stereo setup as if I was not wearing any IEMs. The staging of this dap is really great when your not conscious of your iems.

 

[davidmolliere]

CR08 is on the way

This will be a good way to test synergy again with Pro iCAN and DCA Stealth…

 

[Lépine]

My CR08 is also en route! I know it is so counter intuitive to make a dap a desktop, but it was one of my main reasons to choose RS8 over any improvements I would get with going with Holo Spring 3 KTE or AK SP3000 that would not be different enough from a SP2000.

The flexibility of use cases is really nice! Take it on the go or sweetened with Tubes or strengthened with solid state amp, this is great. Now we just need HibyCast to hurry and come out!

Now what to do with the RS6... A very fun dap that deserves a basshead iem. I guess the Blanc for now. I should look into EVO

 

[marcusd]

Back on my Apple Music issue on RS8, strangely it works again flawlessly... but I don't know why and it's not after a restart or any action on my part... I'll keep an eye out

Listening to the canadian jazz singer Dominique Fils Aimé latest album (Three little words) with the Elysium plugged to the RS8 I have goosebumps, her beautiful voice is taken to new heights. If you like jazz vocals her previous albums Nameless and Stay tuned! then you're in for a treat... Elli Miller Maboungou percussions are great as well, a very engaging album. Each of her album include one, the cover version of "Stand by me" is mesmerizing between her stunning vocals and just a double bass and piano.... Vocals shine better than ever with RS8...



On a side note, CR08 might arrive not too far in the future

I have all her albums, a very fine choice along with another favorite of mine, Zaz.

 

[TomKorn]

 

[TomKorn]

I have to admit, I love the RS8 but wish it has more power, like a watt, to drive full size cans with more authority.

You can solve this using the dock connected to a desktop amp for instance...