Even though it is priced under $100, the R1 offers many enticing features, from a bright, responsive touch screen, Bluetooth 5.1, and a new HiByOS GUI skin.
Inside the translucent plastic shell that reminds me of late 90s to early 2000s tech, is the venerable Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC. This helps ensure the R1 offers good sound quality while sipping power, providing an achievable 15 hours of battery life.
HiBy’s R1 is an approachable device from price to function to performance and has been a pleasure to use over the last few weeks.
