HiBy Digital Xeno Review – Dual DAC (ES9018C2M & CS43131) USB-C IEM With MEMS & Dynamic Drivers
HiBy will launch a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter next month, announcing Xeno‘s price, early-bird rewards, and additional benefits based on the number of backers. The early bird price will be around $100. One month after the announcement, as the crowdfunding campaign concludes, they will prepare for shipment and apply the backer quantity rewards. Simultaneously, the product will be launched at its regular price on HiBy’s official website.
The Xeno represents a significant advancement in in-ear monitoring technology. It features a hybrid dual-driver system combining Cowell by xMEMS, an all-silicon MEMS driver, and HiBy’s proprietary graphene dynamic driver. This innovative design promises exceptional phase coherence and remarkably low latency, delivering an impressive level of sound detail throughout the entire frequency spectrum.
HiBy, dedicated to advancing “New Technology Application for HiFi Audio,” teamed up with xMEMS, known for their new all-silicon solid-state MEMS speakers, to create the Xeno, Dynamic & MEMS Hybrid Digital Earphones.
The Xeno combines HiBy’s Dual DAC & Dual-amplifier HD digital audio system, which supports native decoding audio formats up to DSD128/PCM384kHz (32Bits), allowing you to listen to not only high-definition online music at any time but also locally stored high-definition audio files through HiBy Music’s USB-exclusive mode.
The native USB-C digital interface is compatible with most smart devices on the market, providing an immersive experience for both gaming and video entertainment. The high-sensitivity MEMS microphone supports phone calls and HD recordings without electrical or acoustic interference.
End-to-end digital audio playback architecture
HiBy has been extensively involved in the implementation of high-definition audio technology for an extended period. Regarding audio architecture, essential algorithms, FPGA circuits, and analog circuits, HiBy possesses comprehensive vertically integrated design capabilities along with independent intellectual property rights.
With the new Xeno, we can find a high-resolution digital audio playback architecture that is integrally designed end-to-end from HD audio source, independent master controller, HD decoding, active crossover to hybrid driving of MEMS speakers, and graphene drivers.
Equipped with Cowell from xMEMS, the cutting-edge solid-state speaker
The Cowell, an innovative all-silicon, solid-state MEMS driver developed by xMEMS, boasts a response time that is 150 times quicker than conventional speakers. This remarkable speed reduces phase shift and enables the delivery of high-resolution musical details with exceptional clarity.
Specialized graphene full-range dynamic driver
Graphene, recognized as one of the thinnest and most resilient nanomaterials, exhibits exceptional strength that significantly diminishes the splitting vibrations commonly associated with conventional diaphragm materials, thereby enhancing the overall resolution of the driver.
The 10mm dynamic speaker is custom-made for the Xeno and is equipped with a new generation of graphene film, which is 1000 times lighter than paper and 200 times stronger than steel. The resulting diaphragm is light and rigid enough to provide solid and full sound performance.
New hybrid cavity made by high-precision 3D printing and LSW metal chamber
As the MEMS tweeter adopts a different principle of sound generating, the acoustic design for its enclosure is different from common drivers, so HiBy uses high-precision 3D printing to build the Xeno’s hybrid speaker bracket. They created separate acoustic rear chambers for each of the two drivers in a small space. The lightweight and sturdy one-piece aluminum alloy reduces stationary waves in the acoustic cavity.
