Succeeding the first generation of good sound and outstanding performance/price ratio and MORE UPGRADES! The R5 gen 2 is the only Android DAP of its price class boasting class A headphone amplifier circuits, making for an outstanding audio performance.
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Customer Reviews
Android Lossless Digital Music Player
Dual ES9038Q2M, Snapdragon 660 SoC, 5.0'' 1080P large hi-res display, Open Android 9, MQA 16x unfolding, DSD512, 4GB RAM + 64GB storage


Sound of Harmony
Delivers a balanced yet inspiring audio performance in bold, muscular visual fashion, while providing a silky smooth and snappy user interface.

A classic revamped
The R6 redesigned with the new R series design language—bold, muscular straight lines.

Japanese Alps rotary encoder
Japanese Alps rotary encoder for smooth volume adjustments.

Fast and mature SoC
Utilizing an upgraded Snapdragon 660 SoC, the R6 has speed and stability in spades, as can be expected when combined with the mature Android HiBy OS.
4nm LPP process; class-leading 8-core Kryo 260 architecture; speeds up to 2.2GHz; Adreno 512 GPU. 4GB RAM + 64GB storage + up to 2TB storage expansion via micro SD card.

Dual ES9038Q2M
Upgraded to dual ES9038Q2M with native support for DSD512, 32bit / 768kHz, both DACs in operation for both SE and balanced output! Utilizes current-mode output for even better noise rejection—for the cleanest backgrounds to your pure listening enjoyment.

Dual crystal oscillators
High-accuracy, low-phase-noise crystal oscillators dedicated to 45.1584and 49.152MHz, for flawless low-jitter performance for music at any sample rate.

All new power supply circuit design
Line and amplification stages driven by two independent isolated power supplies for cleaner, more powerful dynamics.

Audio circuit design
OPA 1612 as the line stages, coupled with low-ESR Panasonic POSCAPs and pro-audio grade Elna caps for a balanced yet inspiring audio performance that easily handles all music genres.

Multiple audio outputs
Both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced ports can act both as line out and headphone outputs. Drive headphones directly, drive a headphone amp, drive an outboard DAC… the sky's the limit.

1080p large hi-res display
A graphical performance as finely detailed and colour-accurate as the audio! 5.0” Corning Gorilla glass; 1920x1080 resolution; 443ppi; 16:9; oleophobic-coated. Supports advanced user-friendly operations such as tap-to-wake, triple-finger-downswipe to screencap.

HiBy OS updated to Android 9
HiBy OS is HiBy’s in-house developed rebuild of the Android system architecture, optimized for bit-perfect audio, unlike stock Android. Now updated to Android 9, supports the R6 in all desired audio I/O roles such as USB audio in / out, Bluetooth audio in / out simultaneously for unlimited flexibility.

Systemwide Direct Transport Audio Architecture
Bypasses Android's sample rate conversions at the system level for bit-perfect audio output.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) rendering to 16x
HiBy R6 includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. MQA’ or ‘MQA Studio’ indicates that the product is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. ‘MQA Studio’ indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.

HiByLink
Install the HiByMusic app on your Android or iOS smartphone and you can control the R6 from afar using WiFi or Bluetooth, for browsing, playing, skipping tracks, adjusting volume, etc.

MSEB Systemwide MSEB tuning
The MageSound Eight-Ball (MSEB) is HiBy's in-house researched sound tuning algorithm for adjusting desired audio qualities such as warmth, note thickness, vocal positioning, etc. directly instead of splitting the audio up into numbered frequencies. On the R6 it is available as a systemwide module for effecting all audio played on the device.*
*other than MQA, which MQA prohibits from modifying.

Hi-res Bluetooth codecs
Sporting Bluetooth 5.0, the HiBy R6 supports Bluetooth audio in both input and output directions, with advanced codecs such as UAT, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC, etc.

Effortless connectivity
Strong 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals for fast, stable connection online to get your favourite music.

Wireless control
Supports DLNA and AirPlay* remote playback and music file transfer via WiFi.
* Install a third-party Airplay receiver app that can receive Airplay from iDevices.

Playtime for all time
Up to 8.5 hours (balanced ) or 10 hours (SE) continuous play time. Up to 25 days standby time.

USB3.1 / Type-C
Faster data transfer, QC3.0 fast charging, supports coaxial digital output.
Look at me



Specifications
Model | New HiBy R6 |
---|---|
Operating system | Android 9.0 |
SoC | Snapdragon 660 |
CPU architecture | 8x Kryo 260 cores |
CPU speed | 2.2 GHz |
GPU | Adreno 512 |
DAC | ES9038Q2M x 2 |
WiFi | Supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
USB | USB 3.1 |
Display size | 4.97 inches |
Display colour | 16.8 million colours True Colour |
Display architecture | IPS |
Resolution | 1920*1080 |
Density | 443 PPI |
Touchscreen | Multitouch |
RAM | 4GB |
Internal storage | 64GB |
External storage | Up tp 2TB + via 1 micro SD card |
Colour choices | Silver / black |
Body material | Aluminium alloy |
Dimensions | 130*73*15 mm |
Weight | 235g |
Power source | 5V⎓0.5A / 9V⎓2A |
Battery size | 4500mAh |
Charging time | About 3 hours |
Firmware upgrades | OTA (over-the-air) online updates |
Font size | Adjustable |
APP third party applications | Unlimited installation |
Comparisons
Model | R6 | R6 Pro | New R6 |
---|---|---|---|
DAC | ES9028Q2M x 2 | ES9028Q2M x 2 | ES9038Q2M x 2 |
Operating system | Android 6.0/8.1 | Android 6.0/8.1 | Android 9.0 |
SoC | Snapdragon 425 | Snapdragon 425 | Snapdragon 660 |
Crystal oscillators | 22.579MHz, 24.576MHz | 45.158MHz, 49.152MHz | 45.158MHz, 49.152MHz |
Op amp | OPA1612 x 3 | MUSE8920 x 4 | OPA1612 x 4 |
Headphone amp | TPA6120A2 x 2 | SSM6322 x 2 | SSM6322 x 2 |
PMC & DSD support | PCM384kHz/32Bit, DSD256 | PCM384kHz/32Bit, DSD256 | PCM768kHz/32Bit, DSD512 |
Output power (32Ω) | 3.5mm PO: 120mW
2.5mm BAL: 300mW | 3.5mm PO: 245mW
4.4mm BAL: 750mW | 3.5mm PO: 245mW
4.4mm BAL: 750mW |
Output mode | Voltage-mode output | Current-mode output | Current-mode output
Independent isolated power supplies |
Output ports | 3.5mm PO, 2.5mm BAL, 3.5mm LO/COAX (share) | 3.5mm PO, 4.4mm BAL, 3.5mm LO/COAX (share) | 4 ports: 3.5mm PO, 3.5mm LO, 4.4mm BAL, 4.4mm LO
Type-C COAX |
USB | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.1 |
Display | 4.2'' 768p | 4.2'' 768p | 5.0'' 1080p |
Bluetooth | 4.2 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
Bluetooth codecs | Supports two-way Bluetooth
Bluetooth input: SBC, AAC, LDAC, UAT Bluetooth output: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT | Supports two-way Bluetooth
Bluetooth input: SBC, AAC, LDAC, UAT Bluetooth output: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT | Supports two-way Bluetooth
Bluetooth input: SBC, AAC, LDAC, UAT Bluetooth output: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT |
WiFi | Supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Antenna | Internal FPC | Internal FPC | External metal antenna |
Storage | 3GB RAM+32GB ROM | 3GB RAM+32GB ROM | 4GB RAM+64GB ROM |
Battery | 4000mAh | 4000mAh | 4500mAh |
Playtime | 12 hours (SE) or 7 hours (BAL) | 12 hours (SE) or 8 hours (BAL) | 10 hours (SE) or 8.5 hours (BAL) |
Dimensions | 116*66*15mm | 119.8*66.96*15.7mm | 130*73*15mm |
Weight | Aluminum alloy: 198g
Stainless steel: 275g | Aluminum alloy: 198g
Stainless steel: 280g | Aluminum alloy: 235g |
Quick charge | QC3.0 | QC3.0 | QC3.0 |
Featured In

Headfonics
"The HiBy RS6 is a deeply engaging and well-thought-out initial foray into the world of portable R2R Android DAPs... The ground-up conceptualization of Darwin and what it means to the portable audio user is probably the most salient aspect of all its features with that blazingly fast OS workflow already a staple of previous HiBy product releases. "
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Twister 6
"When I started testing RS6, I didn’t appreciate at first the power of Darwin architecture until fw 1.20 update and addition of new IEM presets... I realized how effectively and naturally this DAP could be finetuned without a need of EQ or MSEB effects... Also, RS6 is one of the fastest DAPs I have tested to date."
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SoundNews
"Hiby’s RS6 borrows a lot of technology from said D/A converters, choosing a higher engagement factor, flow and natural textures above anything else. If there’s a DAP that tries to elevate your mood and cover your body with goose bumps, then Hiby’s RS6 is definitely that one."
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@gLer - Headphoneus Supremus
"A great DAP is the sum of all its parts – features, performance, stability, design, UX and sound quality. In my experience, few other DAPs comes close to the RS6’s combination of features, flexibility and sound quality, and no other DAP offers all of that plus R2R in one sweet and shiny copper package. Highly recommended."
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"The HiBy RS6 is a wonderfully designed, elegant player that provides many features in a complete package. You have streaming, advanced DSP settings, DTA, Hi-Res Bluetooth, micro SD support, a very fast CPU with a clean UI, 4.4mm BAL and 3.5mm SE outputs in a very rigid copper chassis. This is a dream DAP when it comes to online music streaming. I appreciate HiBy’s first effort on their new, in-house “Darwin” R2R Architecture. I’m sure they can build upon this and reach greater heights. "
See MoreFeatured review

Headfonics
"The HiBy R5 Gen is a very welcome addition to what has become a somewhat sparse-looking $500 and below DAP market in 2022. You need an edge these days, something unique or easily defined to make your digital player stand above the swarm of dongles nipping at your toes. The Class A mode of the R5 Gen does exactly that and to be frank it’s the only mode you need with the lesser Economy mode really more of a backup to get to that very impressive 30-hour battery life."
Full review
Headfonia
"I feel like HiBy can start to use this Class-A amp design with its other models even the higher end ones. For just 449$ it does a very good job in terms of dynamism, clarity, timing and attack. When I started to listen to it for the first time with the amp closed, I told myself; ”so it’s just another R5”, but that turned out not to be the case when I switched on the amp." The HiBy R5 Gen is included in Headfonia's Best DAP Recommendations list!
Full review
Twister6
R5 Gen 2 is quite an attractive proposition not only because of its neutral sound signature, all the 3 popular types of outputs on offer (3.5mm SE, 2.5mm BAL and 4.4mm BAL), swift user interface, excellent ergonomics and easy to love, well executed HiBy OS but also because it offers 2 separate Amp modes that actually sound different and an excellent 35 hour battery life in Economy mode, which is almost unheard of with Android DAPs.
Full review
Techpowerup
"Class A amplification in this price range is also unheard of, and ups the ante in balanced mode, making this a fantastic source with more demanding, higher-end headphones, too. I do wish a volume knob would have been included instead, which just adds to the list of improvements that are on HiBy's more expensive players. The market for such dedicated audio players is in my opinion going to increase, and HiBy with the new R5 Gen 2 is well placed to makes its name here."
Full review
HeadFi @gLer
"As a standalone music player, however, the R52 comes into its own, with all-day battery life when you’re out and about on hikes or at the gym, and a step-up in Class A sound quality when you’re listening intently at home. Coupled with HiBy’s rock-solid software platform, the R52 is the ideal pocketable music player for almost any occasion or use case, and despite some obvious shortcomings, it still ticks almost every box: usability, versatility, reliability, sound quality, and wired/wireless compatibility."
Full reviewAndroid Lossless Digital Music Player
35 hr extra long play time | 4.7” high resolution large display | In-house researched HiBy OS | Open Android OS | Systemwide SRC bypass | HiByLink remote control | 2.5 / 3.5 / 4.4mm all ports compatible | MQA 16x | Two-way bluetooth | QC3.0 quick charging

A-class class-A amplification
Employing flagship grade class-A amplification in this mid-tier android DAP, the R5 utilizes Class A discrete balanced amplification circuitry, capable of continuous high power output, with plentiful energy reserves for all music genres. Converting power with ease for the most dynamic compositions, the sound is clear and full.
Discrete output stage
With 4 independent channels of push-pull amplification with 270° conduction angles constructed of discrete componentry, including 8 high powered paired bipolar transistors, the R5 provides excellent current output power and control over variable loads. Enable Class A headamp mode for class-beating audio performance! THD is down at 0.0006% at the amplified output for unparalleled realism.


Dual High-Performance DACs for astonishing music resolution
Dual ES9219C DACs natively support DSD256, PCM768kHz/32bit high-res formats, with SNR of 130dB and THD+N down below -112dB. Presenting a highly accurate output voltage, ensures the most accurate signal is given to the class-A amp section for amplification; also supporting integrated DAC-amp output (economy mode) for excellent low power consumption and extra long play time.
Dual independent crystal oscillators, FPGA clock algorithm
Utilizing dual independent audiophile-grade crystal oscillators at 45.158MHz and 49.152MHz provides high precision timing for all audio events in your music.


Cost-no-object audio componentry naturally lays the path to quality sound
Employing 163 high-precision resistors, 19 Panasonic tantalum POSCAPs, and 4 ELNA electrolytic capacitors maximally suppresses power supply ripple, yielding silky black backgrounds.
Looong playtime and great sound
With 4500mAh battery yielding over 35 hours of play time* (*in economy mode), go for days without worrying about a recharge! 10 hours play time available even in Class-A amplification mode for maximal enjoyment of class-breaking dynamic control and sound quality.


Huge screen for the win!
Huge colourful 4.7” 720p display on a compact package, for perfect display and control of your albums.
The ever-reliable HiBy OS
The HiBy OS is an in-house developed system architecture developed by HiBy targeting professional HiFi audio equipment. Optimized / novel components include system core, decoding system, audio DSP algorithms, media library management, external drivers / plugins etc. optimizing the player for lossless hi-res audio from the ground up. HiBy OS is synonymous with audio quality, flexibility and reliability.


Systemwide SRC bypass including Apple Music hi-res support
Fully open android compatible with virtually all 3rd party apps, bypassing sample rate conversion systemwide, allowing you to enjoy lossless music from any supporting app, including Apple Music!
HiByLink remote link for easy control of player from smartphone
HiByLink is a convenient remote control function allowing any smartphone with HiByMusic installed to remotely control playback, volume control and playlist management on the R5 through WiFi or Bluetooth!


Connect to every headphone imaginable!
2.5mm / 3.5mm / 4.4mm headphone ports all here, all switchable to line out!
MQA to the max!
Supporting 16x MQA unfolding, enabling master quality sound directly from your device.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning audio technology that enables music fans to stream the original master recording into their home in the highest possible quality. The MQA file is fully authenticated, backward compatible, and small enough to stream, so you can play MQA on any compatible device. Wherever there is audio, MQA delivers the best sound.


Unwired unlimited
Two-way Bluetooth supporting all Bluetooth audio codecs including UAT, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC. 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual band WiFi for stable connection to your online music library at all times. Supports DLNA / WiFi music transfer.
UAT (Ultra Audio Transmission) is HiBy’s in-house developed all-new Bluetooth audio transmission codec. Supporting an industry-highest 192kHz transmission sample rate and up to 1.2Mbps Bluetooth bandwidth, this also can optimize its transmission characteristics according to different music genres, for the highest of audio fidelity from wireless!
QC3.0 quick charge
This battery takes forever to use up and a snap to charge back up!


Leather protective case included
Made with high-quality PU leather, the HiBy-designed case protects your R5 from scratches and drops.
What’s in the box
Leather protective case, R5 Gen 2, user guide, package box, USB type-C cable, screen protector, warranty card, QC certificate.

Specifications
Model | HiBy R5 (Gen 2) |
---|---|
Operating system | Android 8.1 |
SoC model | Snapdragon 425 |
DAC | ES9219C x2 |
WiFi | Supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 |
USB | USB 2.0 |
Display size | 4.7” |
Display type | IPS |
Display resolution | 720*1280 |
RAM | 2GB |
Internal storage | 16GB |
Micro SD card | <2TB |
Colour | Black |
Body material | Aluminium |
Dimensions | 123*71.3*15.5 mm |
Weight | 220 g |
Input | 5V⎓0.5A or 9V⎓1.5A |
Battery capacity | 4500mAh |
Charging time | Approx. 2h (0%-100%) |
Firmware upgrade | Over-the-air internet connected upgrade |
Third-party app installations | Unlimited |
Audio specifications
PO (economy mode) | BAL (economy mode) | PO (Class A headamp mode) | BAL (Class A headamp mode) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
THD+N @32Ω | 0.0022% | 0.0007% | 0.0006% | 0.0009% |
MAX OUTPUT | 1.9Vrms | 3.2Vrms | 2.2Vrms | 3.9Vrms |
Output Power @32Ω | 110mW | 320mW | 150mW | 475mW |
Signal To Noise @32Ω | 118dB | 122dB | 118dB | 120dB |
Frequency Response | 20-80K | 20-80K | 20-80K | 20-70K |
Residual Noise | 2uV | 2.5uV | 2.5uV | 3.6uV |
Channel Separation 1KHz/32Ω | 62dB | 82dB | 62dB | 99dB |
Play time | 35h | 28h | 10h | 7h |
HiBy R5 series comparison
R5 Gen 1 | R5 Saber | R5 Gen 2 | |
---|---|---|---|
DAC | Dual CS43198 | Dual CS43198 | Dual ES9219C |
Operating system | Android 8.1 | Android 8.1 | Android 8.1 |
SoC model | Snapdragon 425 | Snapdragon 425 | Snapdragon 425 |
Crystal oscillators | Dual crystal oscillators
45.158MHz, 49.152MHz | Dual crystal oscillators 45.158MHz, 49.152MHz | Dual crystal oscillators 45.158MHz, 49.152MHz |
OP-AMP | OPA1612 x 2 | OPA1642 x 2 | OPA1652 x 2 |
Headphone AMP | AD8397 x 2 | AD8397 x 2 | Class A headamp mode: class A discrete componentry |
Decoding support (max) | PCM384kHz/32bit DSD256 | PCM384kHz/32bi DSD256 | PCM768kHz/32bit DSD256 |
Output power @32Ω | PO:148mW
BAL:564mW | PO:148mW
BAL:564mW | Economy mode: PO:110mW / BAL:320mW
Class A headamp mode: PO:150mW / BAL:475mW |
Signal to noise | PO:120.5dB
BAL:124dB | PO:120.5dB
BAL:124dB | Economy mode: PO:118dB / BAL:122dB
Class A headamp mode: PO:118dB / BAL:120dB |
Residual noise | PO:2.1uV
BAL:2.64uV | PO:2.1uV
BAL:2.64uV | Economy mode: PO:2uV / BAL:2.5uV
Class A headamp mode: PO:2.5uV / BAL:3.6uV |
Channel separation | PO:71dB
BAL:108.5dB | PO:71dB
BAL:108.5dB | Economy mode: PO:62dB / BAL:82dB
Economy mode: PO:2uV / BAL:2.5uV Class A headamp mode: PO:62dB / BAL:99dB |
Frequency response | 20-80K | 20-80K | 20-80K |
Ports | 3.5mm SE/LO
4.4mm BAL/LO | 3.5mm SE/LO
4.4mm BAL/LO | 3.5mm SE/LO
2.5mm and 4.4mm BAL/LO |
Battery capacity | 3500mAh | 3500mAh | 4500mAh |
Play time | PO 18 hours
BAL 11 hours | PO 18 hours
BAL 11 hours | Economy mode: PO 35 hours / BAL 28 hours
Class A headamp mode: PO 8.5 hours / BAL 6 hours |
Display | 4.0” (540*1080) | 4.0” (540*1080) | 4.7” (720*1280) |
Weight | 160g | 160g | 220g |
Dimensions | 107.7*61.2*15.6mm | 107.7*61.2*15.6mm | 123*71.3*15.5mm |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
Bluetooth audio codec | Two-way bluetooth
Bluetooth input: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth output: SBC, AAC, APTX, APTX HD, LDAC, UAT | Two-way bluetooth Bluetooth input: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth output: SBC, AAC, APTX, APTX HD, LDAC, UAT | Two-way bluetooth Bluetooth input: SBC, AAC, LDAC Bluetooth output: SBC, AAC, APTX, APTX HD, LDAC, UAT |
WiFi | Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Storage | 2GB RAM+16GB ROM | 2GB RAM+16GB ROM | 2GB RAM+16GB ROM |
USB | USB2.0 | USB2.0 | USB2.0 |
Quick charge | QC3.0 | QC3.0 | QC3.0 |