Introduction:
HiBy is a well-known audio brand established in 2011 that is specialized in research, development, production and marketing of Portable HiFi Audio products such like DAP’s, USB & Bluetooth DAC/Amplifier’s, In-Ear Monitors and Accessories. Moreover, HiBy is also a highly experienced company in development of Software’s such like the HiBy Music application for Android & iOS devices and of course HiBy OS that is a widely used professional Portable Audio Operating Systems (OS).
The R3 II (GEN II) that I will now review for you is HiBy’s recently released Ultra Portable “Digital Audio Player” (DAP), which is the latest member of the R3 Series. It features two ES9219C chips and supports native DSD up to DSD256 and PCM 384 kHz/32bit audio formats. The device is equipped with a standard 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm Balanced analog headphone interface that offers up to 380mW of output power. The R3 II comes with a 3.2-inch touch screen, running on HiBy OS, boasting an intuitive and user-friendly UI.
The HiBy R3 II is not just a Digital Audio Player; it’s more like an All in One device tanks to its very portable size that you can use as a Digital audio source, USB DAC, Bluetooth Adapter for your Computer, a Wireless Audio Source and as Bluetooth Receiver/Headphone Amplifier.
Price & Availability:
The MSRP price of the HiBy R3 II (GEN II) is $179.00 USD, which makes it to an Ultra Portable DAP with a decent value for your money considered to its built quality, design and features. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The HiBy R3 II came inside a square spade fancy looking black box with a relative small size that has an illustration of the device and some brandings on the top.
The box of the HiBy R3 II contains the following items;
- 1 x HiBy R3 II Digital Audio Player
- 1 x USB A to USB Type-C cable for file transfer and charging
- 1 x Silicone Case
- 1 x Screen Protector (beside 1 set was already pre-installed)
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Warranty card
Design & Build Quality:
The new R3 II is a very compact and easy to carry ultra portable Digital Audio Player that comes with a solid aluminum alloy body with a premium look and feel. The compact size and the weight of just 118g thanks to the use of lightweight aluminum material make the R3 II to a pocket-friendly solution on the go.
The HiBy R3 II is available in 3 different color options that are Red, Silver and Black one.
On the front of the device is a 3.2” touch screen with a resolution of 320×480 pixels that has a pre-installed screen protector on its surface, which is a nice addition. The screen is pretty bright and responsive, which makes it ideal for the use in outdoor conditions. What I really like about the screen is the “double tap to weak up” function that you can easily activate over the setting menu. This is a great option that you can normally get only with much more expensive device with Android OS.
Near the bottom right below the screen is the HiBy brand logo.
At the bottom of the device is the USB Type-C interface that supports USB DAC input/output and coaxial output.
Here are also the 3.5mm Single Ended and a 4.4mm Balanced headphone output. The R3 II is the first product of the R3 Series that features a 4.4mm balanced headphone port replacing the nowadays outdated 2.5mm Balanced output format. The 3.5mm headphone interface doubles as 3.5mm Line out (LO) output.
The right surface of the R3 II (GEN II) features a fancy looking RGB LED that lights up in different color to shows the player status (file format, power status, etc.) and 3 additional button which are the previous, play/pause and next buttons.
My only complaint about the buttons is the location of the previous track button that is separated. It would be better to use it as play button.
However, the most notable visible change made with the R3 II compared to previous models of the same series (R3, R3 Pro, R3 Pro Saber, etc.) is the addition of a new generation multi functional volume knob that is quite precise and responsive. I really like the design of the new volume button. The indentations around it can be seen as a good design example in terms of usability that gives a better grip, while the protruding structure and the lack of edge protection against impacts can be seen as a disadvantage.
The Left surface of the device features a MicroSD storage expansion slot that is protected with a rubbery plastic cover, which is another nice addition.
The rear surface of the R3 II has a glass surface panel with a protective film on the top. This area sports the HiBy branding, the Hi-Res & Hi-Res Audio Wireless logos and some technical information’s and industrial certifications.
When it comes to the build quality of the device, I can easy say that it offers a solid craftsmanship especially compared to its price tag.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : R3 II (aka R3 GEN2)
- Operating System : Hiby OS
- Screen : 3.2’’ Touch Screen (480×360pixel)
- DAC : Dual ES9219C
- CPU : Ingenic X1000E
- Wi-Fi Support : 2.4GHz with AirPlay, DLNA and Wireless Audio support
- Bluetooth : BT V5.1
- Bluetooth Codec Support : UAT, LDAC, aptX, SBC, AAC
- Phone Output : 3.5mm Single Ended
- Balanced Output : 4.4mm TRRRS
- USB In/Out : USB Type-C Charging / Data transfer / USB DAC / Coaxial
- SNR : 3.5mm SE – 119dB / 4.4mm Balanced – 119dB
- Min. THD : 3.5mm SE – 0.0005% / 4.4mm Balanced – 0.0005%
- Channel Separation : 3.5mm SE – 74dB / 4.4mm Balanced – 103dB
- Frequency Range : 20Hz – 90kHz (3.5mm SE & 4.4mm Balanced)
- Max Output Power @32Ω : 3.5mm SE – 112mW / 4.4mm Balanced – 380mW
- Storage : 1 x MicroSD Card Slot
- Battery Capacity : 2000mAH
- Dimensions : 86.9 x 60.6 x 14.5mm
- Weight : 118g