[abitdeef]

Keep coming back to R5 with increased appreciation of its sound quality. I would like it to be larger, bigger screen. UAPP is just too squeezed on its small screen. I’m pinning my hopes on R6 2020, that sounds at least as good or at least isn’t a substantial departure in an entirely different sonic direction. There’s a nice defined quality to instruments on R5, especially piano (compared to N3pro). It’s especially likely that Bluetooth reliability will improve with new R6.

That's one of the things I like about r5 is the smaller size. I actually like the sound of the dx160 a bit better but liked the size of the r5 and ui smoothness better.

 

[Interceptor69]

Yes ha ha, plus I'm older and just don't care

Me as well. 61 now and find myself more impatient each year....

 

[abitdeef]

Me as well. 61 now and find myself more impatient each year....

Not far behind you at 58 and I'm the same way. I guess we're crabby old folks ha ha.

 

[abitdeef]

JWBRENT- Oh and got the r5 saber, so far so good. From memory it seems a bit cleaner/ leaner and has a slightly bigger stage and treble is accented a bit more. It has really good depth and a good 3d effect.

From what I remember r5 had good depth, but this might be a touch more holographic. Really good stuff. Only difference is the S on the side.
Of course this is from memory so it will be better if someone can compare both side by side. But it compares favorably to my earmen sparrow in balanced so that bodes very well.

Couple of pics. New box art- that S on the side and a new ugly (colour) plu case. I miss the silicon case. Ordered a blk plus.

 

[noobandroid]

tidal seems a bit slow on my r5, sometimes need a couple more presses for response

 

[originalsnuffy]

I think the r5 is relatively underpowered from a processor and RAM point of view. So my best guess is that all apps such as Tidal and Amazon Music HD are going to be a bit slow and touchy.

 

[393699]

JWBRENT- Oh and got the r5 saber, so far so good. From memory it seems a bit cleaner/ leaner and has a slightly bigger stage and treble is accented a bit more. It has really good depth and a good 3d effect.

From what I remember r5 had good depth, but this might be a touch more holographic. Really good stuff. Only difference is the S on the side.
Of course this is from memory so it will be better if someone can compare both side by side. But it compares favorably to my earmen sparrow in balanced so that bodes very well.

Couple of pics. New box art- that S on the side and a new ugly (colour) plu case. I miss the silicon case. Ordered a blk plus.

What you are describing about the sound is the same as what I was mentioning before about the opamps. I own a few of the OPA1642 and OPA1612 opamps. The OPA1642 used in the R5 Saber is brighter in its treble response compared to the OPA1612 which is in the original R5. The OPA1642 is also leaner and less extended in the bass, and has a slightly wider soundstage.

 

[abitdeef]

What you are describing about the sound is the same as what I was mentioning before about the opamps. I own a few of the OPA1642 and OPA1612 opamps. The OPA1642 used in the R5 Saber is brighter in its treble response compared to the OPA1612 which is in the original R5. The OPA1642 is also leaner and less extended in the bass, and has a slightly wider soundstage.

Yep, and it's more airy, less dense tuning. Mids are pushed out more. Well of course that's from memory. But I've got old Pioneer that has a very wide but flat (depth wise) stage. This has a lot of depth, which some my prefer a more dense midrange and a touch of warmth.

I'll mess with mseb a bit for fun. But I like it having a bit sharper high end and spread out. Probably not a huge difference if side by side listening. Still a hell of a value.

 

[393699]

For my portable use, the R5 is my stopping point. This DAP has very good synergy with my Fiio FH5 iems and Fiio A5 amp. I just don't see any need to go beyond this setup for outdoor usage.

 

[abitdeef]

Not a huge difference between daps in this price range and flagship stuff. This sounds better than some desktop stuff I've had.
Really your cans and iems make more of a difference. This is definitely hibys sweetspot in value.

 

[originalsnuffy]

Not a huge difference between daps in this price range and flagship stuff. This sounds better than some desktop stuff I've had.
Really your cans and iems make more of a difference. This is definitely hibys sweetspot in value.

I completely agree. My entire collection has a price point of $300 give or take $100. That applies to both DAP units and IEMs. Actually for wireless headphones also.

 

[Interceptor69]

I completely agree. My entire collection has a price point of $300 give or take $100. That applies to both DAP units and IEMs. Actually for wireless headphones also.

I know this is off topic but which IEM's do you own and like? I love my Tin T4's and the T1's but they are an acquired taste.

 

[Interceptor69]

Not a huge difference between daps in this price range and flagship stuff. This sounds better than some desktop stuff I've had.
Really your cans and iems make more of a difference. This is definitely hibys sweetspot in value.

Agreed- the difference between the R5 balanced on high gain and my desktop set up isn't too far apart.

 

[originalsnuffy]

I know this is off topic but which IEM's do you own and like? I love my Tin T4's and the T1's but they are an acquired taste.

I am down to the FLC 8D and the LZ A7.

 

[noobandroid]

i cant install wavelet on the r5, anyone managed to do so?