Out of curiosity — what level is the “media volume” set at in the sound settings? I know the Walkman app bypasses this setting and if the volume is not at the maximum level at the source it will effect the sound.
Will check but Tidal playback does have to be a couple steps higher than same track via Walkman app to be volume matched.
::UPDATE::
Just checked and its at Maximum.
I'm beginning to think this is similar to UAPP on normal Android phones.
The Walkman app must have its own audio driver like UAPP bypassing Android SRC and directly accessing the hardware, while other Apps are going through Android and all Sony have done is given alternative to get Android to output at 32/192 rather than 16/44 (or is it 16/48) hence need for Android reboot if you change option and why Walkman app itself not affected if you change option or by Android system "Media" volume.
This is why the Hiby sounds better for streaming services because it uses
DTA Architecture to bypass Android SRC system wide and do bitperfect for all.
Without going into detail and purely for testing purposes it is possible to extract a Tidal MQA to a file and then you can compare the Streamed/Offline track played in Tidal compared to the "test" file playback in Walkman App. Walkman app playback is pristine/pure/clarity while Tidal playback has a slight veil/dullness.
So after 3rd day listening/comparing and Sony not "Burnt in" yet here is my breakdown, both used "Direct", no tweaking with my K10U and SE846:
Sound Quality
1st: Sony ZX507 with Walkman App
2nd: Hiby R3 Pro for own files & Tidal streaming
3rd: Sony ZX507 if not using Walkman App
Design/Build
1st: Sony ZX507
2nd: Hiby R3 Pro (but very close and still love design/materials etc.)
Cost/Value vs Performance
1st: Hiby R3 Pro
2nd: ZX507
Interface
Can't rate as really down to what your needs are.
As a pure music player the only downside to the Hiby is not having offline for Streaming Services and only two streaming services available.
Sony is more complex but that gives far more usage possibilities plus all streaming services with offline.
Battery Life
For its size the battery life with Hiby is as expected and decent and better than Sony if live streaming Tidal
For offline/own tracks you will get longer with the Sony if using Walkman App and for a small Android device not too bad really but could have been perfect with a longer lasting battery as 5-6hrs streaming Tidal is poor.
Buyer Remorse
- Absolutely none with the Hiby, its a bloody bargain for £165 (£199)
- Only slight with the Sony due to the loss of definition in the sound quality with Apps other than Walkman Player.
Final comment: Amazed how well the lower segment R3 Pro's sound quality holds up against a premium mid range Sony (or any mid-range for that matter).