The discovery thread!
Oct 10, 2024 at 3:43 PM Post #128,176 of 132,722
It seems like the R4 can’t use Android Auto :frowning2:
I downloaded the app and it still gives the same “no compatible apps” error. I was really hoping to use this!
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 3:45 PM Post #128,177 of 132,722
Yeah, I'm also not terribly impressed by the sound quality of the R4 (EVA). It's totally fine, and it's got some heft and oomph, but there's a distinct layer of "schmutz" that limits its clarity and detail, and that also narrows and flattens the soundstage compared even to the humble Qudelix 5K dongle.

But then again, I didn't get the R4 for its sound quality, so it doesn't bother me. I got it for its convenience and features. It sounds good enough, and its low-end weight makes up for a lot of what it lacks elsewhere sound-quality-wise. But really, it's being untethered from my phone, dongles, and USB cables that's the big benefit for me. At $250-$300, I couldn't ask for more. It's a great little device.

Haven't yet tried using it as a source for my Mojo 2. But I expect that would just sound like my Mojo 2, and it would also undo the convenience of just using a single DAP for listening on the go.

I agree with you.
The only real disappointment for me about it is the
non-existent ROON compatibility.
That thing bothered me.
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 3:59 PM Post #128,178 of 132,722
Interesting. On direct comparison I prefer R4 sounding over DX180 and RU7.
I can understand. In terms of overall warmth and low-end drive, I'd imagine that the R4 strikes a balance somewhere between the neutrality of the DX180 and the smooth "organicism" of the RU7. For me, I generally prefer my devices to lean toward neutrality, clarity, and open-ness since I can always add warmth and smoothness with transducers or EQ (but you can't do it the other way around). But if you have a lot of bright-leaning or detail-heavy IEMs, the R4 would probably be a good match sound-wise.

I agree with you.
The only real disappointment for me about it is the
non-existent ROON compatibility.
That thing bothered me.
Totally. The R4 is an awesome device in terms of features and convenience. Roon ARC is still an unreliable and buggy mess IMO, so I only rarely use it anyway. But if it's your preferred player, its unavoidable resampling on the R4 would be a drag (but Roon ARC resamples to 48k across all Android and iOS-based devices IIRC, not just the R4). The Tidal app, while still far from ideal, is at least more stable and lets me download and play hi-res FLAC files. I'm currently checking out UAPP, but I think I might just stick with the Tidal app as my primary player software. Tidal's UI sucks, but at least the software (mostly) does what it's supposed to and playback quality is good.
 
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Oct 10, 2024 at 4:07 PM Post #128,179 of 132,722
It seems like the R4 can’t use Android Auto :frowning2:
I downloaded the app and it still gives the same “no compatible apps” error. I was really hoping to use this!
looking further into this: it seems like unless they packaged AA into the OS it won't work to just download the app. Other than Hiby fixing the issue, there's a pretty scary method that has no promised results: convert the AA app to a system app: https://android.stackexchange.com/q...-os-error-when-trying-to-connect-to-a-vehicle
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 4:11 PM Post #128,180 of 132,722
I can understand. In terms of overall warmth and low-end drive, I'd imagine that the R4 strikes a balance somewhere between the neutrality of the DX180 and the smooth "organicism" of the RU7. For me, I generally prefer my devices to lean toward neutrality, clarity, and open-ness since I can always add warmth and smoothness with transducers or EQ (but you can't do the opposite). But if you have a lot of bright-leaning or detail-heavy IEMs, the R4 would probably be a good match sound-wise.
For now S15 are my main IEMs - very far from being bright. On loud and dense symphonies fragments

- RU7: hard to listen
- DX180: instruments are mixed with each other
- R4: as is

Of course, differences are not dramatic, any source is acceptable. Words exaggerate reality.
 
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Oct 10, 2024 at 4:34 PM Post #128,181 of 132,722
For now S15 are my main IEMs - very far from being bright. On loud and dense symphonies fragments

- RU7: hard to listen
- DX180: instruments are mixed with each other
Haven't heard the DX180 or the RU7 myself, so I'm just relying on general consensus of those two devices. But to my ear, I think a lot of what @o0genesis0o says in their review of the R4 jives with what I'm hearing: flat staging, a little noisy, with subtly dynamic lows. By comparison to the other amps and DACs I've got lying around, I prefer what I hear in dongles at and even below its price.

But IMO that's to be expected for an all-in-one device like the R4 with a screen, a processor, and other costly features. Cuts have to be made somewhere in order to sell it so cheaply. Ultimately, I much prefer the convenience of just carrying around one device with me, so I'm digging it. I personally don't see the value in spending more than $300 for a DAP that's just going to need to be replaced not too far down the road. But that's me.

Nevertheless, sound quality preferences are what they are. I'm a firm believer in different rather than better when it comes to audio gear, regardless of price difference. I certainly don't think you're wrong to like it more than other pricier devices. Tastes are opinions, and opinions are like... well, I'm sure you know the rest!
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 4:40 PM Post #128,182 of 132,722
@baskingshark yeah, I must say I agree. The BL05 isn't much to listen to - weak bass lacking texture, sharp high mids, boring treble, no real technicalities to speak of ..., but comfort is second-to-none ---> every sidesleeper's dream if you're one of those that needs tunes while sleeping. Not me.

1000021929.jpg
That's me. I sleep with music every night on low volume. Been doing that for close to 40 years.
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 4:44 PM Post #128,184 of 132,722
Very beautiful.



IMG_1531.jpeg

Maybe I'm crazy, but for me HiBy FC6 sounds better than EVA.
It also seems to have more details.
I agree that I paid more for the dongle than the DAP 😂
Well, it's all a matter of perspective. My DX170 was about the same cost as the DCE when new, and I'd say the DCE sounds better than my DX170 if you listen head to head, so yeah, I'd believe it about the FC6.
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 4:44 PM Post #128,185 of 132,722
Gotta love the Lakers.
No, I don't. I f*cking HATE the Lakers. Love, Lifelong Knicks Fan.
I've bought > 400 products from Aliexpress and it is not like Amazon where there is robust CS and warranty. Yes if anything is defective they will ask you to ship it back, in general.

But sending stuff back to China via Aliexpress is a crapshoot, sometimes the seller will make you run thru hoops with lame videos and such so as to drag the returns window such that the buyer protection lapses.

Even if they approve a return, the logistics and customs and transport fees will be high, likely adding up to the cost of a budget IEM that was bought or more. And it takes months to make the slow trip there. All thing considered, best not to buy very high priced gear from Aliexpress.
I refuse to buy anything from Ali for more than $50 that I think I may return. Just not worth the hassle. I'll pay a bit extra at Amazon for the hassle-free, no-questions returns. Chinese companies still have the "You'll take what we give you and LIKE it" approach toward customer service.
yeah Nuraphone - that was it. I don't know why those seemed so threatening given my daily use of IEMs but the ear insert just looked like all kinds of wrong lmao :cold_sweat::upside_down:

Yikes. That looks like a screw-on top to an infant's milk bottle. No thanks.
I have to wonder at this point how many IEMs have overly fancy/expensive components... And then someone just made an oopsie on the crossover.
More than you think because how would most Chi-fi companies market new IEMs if they couldn't scream from the rooftops: "Who cares about tuning? THERE ARE MORE DRIVERS OF MORE TYPES STUFFED INTO ONE SHELL!"

That's more than enough for many lemmings to slam their bodies against the concrete dam for another season of purchases that will end up in a box or drawer somewhere or never even see pierced cellophane on the package.
8 drivers
Beautiful shell
Beautiful FR graph
Beautiful cable
And Beautiful price..

Midfi competition is HOT 🔥
Any release date for this set?

I'm intrigued but also pause at channel imbalance and QC issues with the first version of this IEM.

Waiting for my Zigaat Nuo to arrive today so I can compare it to the Tripowin Piccolo, which I'm enjoying the hell out of as I listen to Jason Isbell's latest live album this afternoon. The Piccolo -- with Dunu S&S tips -- wipes the floor of any cheap IEM I've heard so far, a list that includes the original 7hZ Zero, the Truthear Hola and the TRN ST7. Hell, I think I like the Piccolo better than the Kefine Delci, too.
 
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Oct 10, 2024 at 4:54 PM Post #128,186 of 132,722
Very beautiful.



IMG_1531.jpeg

Maybe I'm crazy, but for me HiBy FC6 sounds better than EVA.
It also seems to have more details.
I agree that I paid more for the dongle than the DAP 😂
Well, I had a chance to compare the original R4 to similar priced dongles like Cayin RU7 and Questyle M15. I can confidently say that the RU7 sounds better. There's more clarity and details, midrange sounds sweeter and the soundstage is significantly wider. With M15 it's more of a fair fight, R4 sounds smoother and has denser low end, while M15 has better resolution but also some of that Sabre/digital glare.

I'm more interested to know if $100 to $150 dongles can compete with R4 in terms of sq. Like the Onix Alpha Xl1, Fiio KA15, Ibasso DC 07 pro etc.
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 4:58 PM Post #128,187 of 132,722
Well, I had a chance to compare the original R4 to similar priced dongles like Cayin RU7 and Questyle M15. I can confidently say that the RU7 sounds better. There's more clarity and details, midrange sounds sweeter and the soundstage is significantly wider. With M15 it's more of a fair fight, R4 sounds smoother and has denser low end, while M15 has better resolution but also some of that Sabre/digital glare.

I'm more interested to know if $100 to $150 dongles can compete with R4 in terms of sq. Like the Onix Alpha Xl1, Fiio KA15, Ibasso DC 07 pro etc.
Wouldn't be the ONIX Alpha, since the R4 has really good bass according to most owners, and the bass is a definite plus on my R3 II, and the bass is generally weaksauce on the Alpha.
 
Oct 10, 2024 at 5:18 PM Post #128,188 of 132,722
Oct 10, 2024 at 6:16 PM Post #128,189 of 132,722
No, not necessarily. I was just generalizing on how a more powerful amp can improve a transducer's technicalities, but it's negligible with the easy to drive IEMs I've tested with. The differences are too subtle to make a difference for me so I don't feel like I'm missing anything when I'm using these IEMs with lower powered sources.

I didn't really touch on tonality, but if I'm using an easy to drive IEM with a neutral-sounding DAP connected to a warmer amp, it can give me more bass and softens up sibilance. The same goes if I'm using a neutral-sounding DAP connected to a brighter amp. Sibilant tracks may have more zing.

Honestly, I'm happy listening to any of my IEMs on any of my sources. It's only my full-sized headphones that I'll never use with my portable sources because they just sound bad compared to when they're hooked up to my desktop amp. I'm hoping the new DX340 flagship can drive my headphones to my liking.

So what kind of differences have you heard so far with the Hype4 on the standalone DX180 versus using it line out to the external amp?

One of my more memorable experiences with IEMs was with the Hype2 and DX300+G5 combo. I tested it previously with a dongle and yeah, good but whatever. And then I let it play while doing something else and came back at night, hook it to my best chain, and play some two steps from hell. I was perching at the edge of my seat, not paying attention. When the bass dropped, I literally fell off the chair 😂

Very beautiful.



IMG_1531.jpeg

Maybe I'm crazy, but for me HiBy FC6 sounds better than EVA.
It also seems to have more details.
I agree that I paid more for the dongle than the DAP 😂

Nah, you are not crazy. R4 is okay, but strong dongles can sound better, (which is still a puzzle for me why this is the case)

Do we have any indication of pricing for the Aful P7? TDM pretty much hyping it up in the new Tea Pro review. Now to see how the new CKLVX D62 stacks up with its killer price.

No idea from my side. It’s technically P5 mk2, so I guess P5 price, possibly with ~10% extra due to inflation + new drivers.

I’m very impressed by P7 now (after, admittedly, underwhelming out of box impressions). It’s a worthy complement for Cantor.

Haven't heard the DX180 or the RU7 myself, so I'm just relying on general consensus of those two devices. But to my ear, I think a lot of what @o0genesis0o says in their review of the R4 jives with what I'm hearing: flat staging, a little noisy, with subtly dynamic lows. By comparison to the other amps and DACs I've got lying around, I prefer what I hear in dongles at and even below its price.

But IMO that's to be expected for an all-in-one device like the R4 with a screen, a processor, and other costly features. Cuts have to be made somewhere in order to sell it so cheaply. Ultimately, I much prefer the convenience of just carrying around one device with me, so I'm digging it. I personally don't see the value in spending more than $300 for a DAP that's just going to need to be replaced not too far down the road. But that's me.

Nevertheless, sound quality preferences are what they are. I'm a firm believer in different rather than better when it comes to audio gear, regardless of price difference. I certainly don't think you're wrong to like it more than other pricier devices. Tastes are opinions, and opinions are like... well, I'm sure you know the rest!

IMHO, those DSP … performance enhancements should be employed generously with R4. The dynamic extender plugin of our friend Joe Bloggs brings the, well, dynamic up immediately. If you want more stage depth, grab the convolution filters for speaker virtualisation (not the soundstage width expander plugin). Finally, put a slight adjustment on MSEB to bring the note thickness up. Voila! Good DAP for all IEMs. The only limitation now is the added latency, making youtube videos a bit distracting.

Is it R8II? Some would argue all DAPs sound the same, but to me, even with all bells and whistles on, R4 is no where near R8II, but close enough. I listened to R4 like this after review, until sending it back to Joe.
 

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