Instead of the Cirrus Logics DAC chips as implemented on the previous R5 DAPs, HiBy has adopted a premium Dual DAC Chipset from ESS Sabre Technologies. The Hiby R5 Gen 2 houses Dual ES9219C DAC chips.
R5 Gen 2 features a fully discrete class-A headphone amplification. The class A amplification sounds cleaner and more controlled than any other headphone amplification technology. The R5 Gen 2 has a discrete output stage, that produces ample current output power and control over variable loads. The R5 Gen 2 has got a powerful amplification of up to 150mW through the single-ended port and up to 475mW through the balanced headphone output.
Hiby R5 Gen2 supports native DSD256, PCM 32-bit/768kHz decoding. Also has full 16x MQA decoding. Previously the R5 series of digital audio players had the 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone output ports. But with the latest R5 Gen 2 HiBy is bringing back the 2.5mm balanced headphone jack too. So, now the R5 Gen 2 features 3 headphone sockets, 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm Bal, and 2.5mm Bal.