As USB DAC/amp dongles continue to become more potent at a lower price point, they gradually push DAPs out of the affordable end of the market. Yet, some on a budget still prefer to use a dedicated device rather than their phones for daily music listening. Until now, unless they have an extensive collection of FLAC files, they don’t have an affordable option because budget DAPs don’t have Android and only a rudimentary ability to stream music. HiBy R4 arrives just in time to provide a much-needed option. What impresses me about R4 is how much HiBy actually tries with this device. They could have gotten away with a generic design but opted for a careful and elaborated design instead. They could have used only one signal path for both PCM and DSD but opted for separate signal paths to provide the most suitable filter design. Yes, I have some complaints about the overall sonic presentation of R4. Still, most of these can be addressed by the built-in system-wide EQs and DSP plugins because the foundation of R4 is solid. In fact, with R4, tweaking EQs and DSP plugins becomes a part of the experience.
A love letter from geeks to geeks. That’s the R4. I’m an audio geek. Therefore, I like the R4.
What I like about this device:
- Unique design
- Structural integrity of the device
- System-wide EQs
- DSP plugin systems
- Android 12 with system-wide bit-perfect output
- Good amplification
- Price
What could be improved:
- Soundstage is rather flat with PCM content
- Rather noisy with hyper-sensitive IEMs
- Screen is quite dim when using outdoor
Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 4/5 - Great
Bias Score: 4/5 - I like this device.
Updated: May 4, 2024