Should I buy this or the HiBy FC4 ? Or is there other USB-C DAC or DAP that you would recommend instead in the 100-200$ price range? I plan to use it with the Thieaudio Elixir.
Does playback 1) let you jump ahead to a certain minute, second of the playing track? 2) jump ahead 10 or 15 seconds of the playing track by pressing a button?
The backlight is weak on the R5 Gen 2 compared to the backlight on the R3 Pro variations, including the 2022 version. That is why the screen looks brighter on the latter.
So can you create a playlist just using the DAP? or do you need to create them elsewhere & import them? Can you add whole albums to the playlist as well as single songs? can you add & remove songs from a playlist whilst it is playing? Reviewers don't seem to care about this, but for me it's a deal breaker. I don't care about all the wifi, bluetooth, streaming etc, if I can't set up a playlist anywhere with just the player, using the songs on the player, and change my mind about what's on that list in the moment, then it's off my shopping list.
Are you going to do a review on the Tempotec Variations V6 sometime? I have the Shanling Q1 and it skips at the end of a song (doesn’t finish the song,jumps to the next song. I also have the Tempotec V1 a which I like better. 2/7/2023. Converted my flac files to mp3 at the highest rate,and now the Q1 doesn’t skip songs at the end. Q1 will not play flac of ALAC files property, to bad.
Hi, I'm a new subscriber. Thanks for your honest review! I bought a Hiby R3 Pro Saber a few days ago and just noticed that the 2022 version does exist and cost about $30 more than the one I got. Is it worth it to return them and get the new model? What about if I'm not using it with powerful headphones or balanced cables? Is there a difference in soundstage, imaging or instruments separation between the two? Please let me know 🙏
Only the differences you imagine...... Be happy with your purchase it is a great player there are no genuine improvements with the new one. It has small improvements with very high impedance head-phones but that's about it. The software is identical so unless they stop supporting the earlier player then i would say stick with it
I have owned both and upgraded to 2022 version. There is a definite difference in sound. The previous post 2022 version is a little boring sounding. I found it to be good but fairly un-inspiring. The 2022 has better dynamics, soundstage clarity. I should add I use balanced with highe end IEMs though. The 2.5mm balanced sounds markedly more dynamic and fun sounding than the 3.5mm un balanced. IF you listen more as an audiophile then then the 2022 is a must have . IF you are more of a music / hi fi listener then the previous version is good enough. No time to write in detail but the last sentence is a good summery
@@milkyway6080 Glad to hear it :) The latest firmware has taken some of the brightness of the top and slightly warmed up the sound over all which Im finding to be a welcome improvement. Ive given the DAP 2.5mm a good 100 hours burn in as well which has subtly improved the sound as well. Ive tried a lot of 'Travel sized' DAPS and this 2022 version is more than adequate for an annoyingly picky Audiophile such as myself :D I would go as far to say that this is the only travel DAP that sounds good enough
@@jopar3292 I was going to get the Shanling M0 pro, then I couldn't convince myself to order one since the first M0 was uncomfortable to use without buttons and that tiny screen. After some research I found these Hiby's and got one from Amazon. This one sounds remarkably better and more powerful than the M0 of course, I think this is the right one. Also no Android is a plus to me
Hi Iann , a premium phone + an usb DAC + an app like usb audio pro + an hi Res audio subscription is on par with a dedicated audio player like this one?
@@VanDungLe2510 How does that make any sense? I would imagine a DAP being more dedicated to sound than a Dongle DAC for the phone. Also what USB C DAC do you recommend? I thought of the HiBy FC4. Is there a better option for 100-200$ ??
@@justaemptymall This audio hobby is a weird place. Theoretically, a DAP is dedicated more to sound than a dongle dac+phone. But the thing is, it was badly priced because there're people willing to pay big bucks for it. They jack up the price for the sake up "improving sound quality", yet they cut some corners that i can think of like the chip (snap 6 series for a 1000$ dap) and especially the UI. No one will make a consumer friendly priced dap, if no one is willing to do it. Now when they trickle down all those tech to make a budget friendly DAP, all you're left with are just some barbones dap that can produce sound. Let's take smartphone for example. Normally a phone that equipped with high end 8 series snapdragon chip would be expensive af, but the likes of Xiaomi flagship killer will force other manufacturer to ease the price down a little bit, and then many more will follow. But i digress.
@@justaemptymall As for a dongle dac overall. Imho, until 2021, the dongle dac market was in the same case i said about the dap market. Yet in 2022, with so many good dongle dac released like the Avani, Abigail, CX-Pro with such a cheap price, it wouldn't make sense to buy a dongle dac that is 10-15x time the price for some % of improvement, so manufacturers has to find a way to turn the price down.(I could be wrong about this btw).Let's take Link2Bal and DC03Pro dongle dac for example. Both use 2x CS43131 chip with "arguably" similar tuning, yet 1 was 149$, 1 was 69$. Almost 50% different in price. You get what i mean? So for the same price of a high end DAP that you can only use to listen to music, you can get a decent phone+high quality dongle dac with a bit sacrifice in terms of pocket friendly
@@justaemptymall Hiby FC4 is a good choice. I managed to get it for 52$ on Aliexpress during black friday. To me, those are good enough. Similar priced dongle that i'd pick will be Ibasso DC03 Pro or the Tanchjim Space
Hi, I've watch your video but I still don't understand how this device works (I'm newbie to this hobby). May I ask some questions? 1) Can I connect my smartphone to this Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 and then listen songs using TWS earbuds? 2) If my smartphone doesn't support LDAC codec, but my TWS earbuds does support LDAC codec, will this device helps me to enjoy songs in LDAC codec when using TWS earbuds? I'm very grateful if you are willing answer my questions. Thank you!
Hi, here is my reply : 1. This hiby R3 can act as a "DAC" so yes you can connect your smartphone to this R3 using usb c and then connect your tws to the r3 and enjoy your music. 2. yes this r3 has ldac and it will connect to your tws using ldac.
I have the original r3 pro sabre when it first came out and 2022 version. The 2022 is not even close to the full note sound quality of the original. Very disappointing.
hmm, i have to disagree on this. they don't sound the same because the DAC chip inside is different and it's the DAC chip that makes it sound different.
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Epic review man, touched on all the things I wanted to know about this DAP! Thanks a lot.
Best review ever! Thanks!!
Should I buy this or the HiBy FC4 ?
Or is there other USB-C DAC or DAP that you would recommend instead in the 100-200$ price range? I plan to use it with the Thieaudio Elixir.
BEST IN COVER ART, !❤
How the bluetooth connection on this version 2022??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😁😁😁
Hi, do you have an issue abt bluetooth connection? I saw many reviewers said the bt signal is easy to lose.
Does playback 1) let you jump ahead to a certain minute, second of the playing track? 2) jump ahead 10 or 15 seconds of the playing track by pressing a button?
Hi mate do you think this is a better buy than the Hiby R2 gen2? I want to get a DAP to play FLAC files and use true wireless earbuds and an ATH-M40x
The backlight is weak on the R5 Gen 2 compared to the backlight on the R3 Pro variations, including the 2022 version. That is why the screen looks brighter on the latter.
thanks for the review; how would you set up to do Bluetooth transmit? i.e. if you wanted to play it through your car system
Does it support aptx adaptive Bluetooth codec?
Hello. Do the crosfade and replay gain settings work when you stream via bluettoth to a speaker or headphone?
Does Apple Music works with this one?
Good upgrade from fiio m3k?
Will it stream TH-cammusic and bluetooth out that music?
I wish someone of explain how to add lyrics to this thing
Anyways what does crossfade
Do to the songs
So can you create a playlist just using the DAP? or do you need to create them elsewhere & import them? Can you add whole albums to the playlist as well as single songs? can you add & remove songs from a playlist whilst it is playing? Reviewers don't seem to care about this, but for me it's a deal breaker. I don't care about all the wifi, bluetooth, streaming etc, if I can't set up a playlist anywhere with just the player, using the songs on the player, and change my mind about what's on that list in the moment, then it's off my shopping list.
Does it sound same if r3 pro saber 2022 compared to r5ii without class A?
Yes, both sounds similar
Does it play music even if the screen is off?
Are you going to do a review on the Tempotec Variations V6 sometime? I have the Shanling Q1 and it skips at the end of a song (doesn’t finish the song,jumps to the next song. I also have the Tempotec V1 a which I like better. 2/7/2023. Converted my flac files to mp3 at the highest rate,and now the Q1 doesn’t skip songs at the end. Q1 will not play flac of ALAC files property, to bad.
Hello sir..I just wanna ask if this dap can connect to a bose QC 45 headphone because I'm going this dap..thanks for the reply...
As long as it has either 3.5mm or 2.5mm headphone jack it will connect
What about the Bluetooth connection can it connect without any problem?
would it be possible to install apple music?
Hi, I'm a new subscriber. Thanks for your honest review!
I bought a Hiby R3 Pro Saber a few days ago and just noticed that the 2022 version does exist and cost about $30 more than the one I got.
Is it worth it to return them and get the new model?
What about if I'm not using it with powerful headphones or balanced cables?
Is there a difference in soundstage, imaging or instruments separation between the two?
Please let me know 🙏
Only the differences you imagine......
Be happy with your purchase it is a great player there are no genuine improvements with the new one. It has small improvements with very high impedance head-phones but that's about it. The software is identical so unless they stop supporting the earlier player then i would say stick with it
I have owned both and upgraded to 2022 version. There is a definite difference in sound. The previous post 2022 version is a little boring sounding. I found it to be good but fairly un-inspiring. The 2022 has better dynamics, soundstage clarity. I should add I use balanced with highe end IEMs though. The 2.5mm balanced sounds markedly more dynamic and fun sounding than the 3.5mm un balanced. IF you listen more as an audiophile then then the 2022 is a must have . IF you are more of a music / hi fi listener then the previous version is good enough. No time to write in detail but the last sentence is a good summery
@@jopar3292 thanks. I've ended up with the 2022 version. The balanced output is what I use most of the time and it sounds really good indeed
@@milkyway6080 Glad to hear it :) The latest firmware has taken some of the brightness of the top and slightly warmed up the sound over all which Im finding to be a welcome improvement. Ive given the DAP 2.5mm a good 100 hours burn in as well which has subtly improved the sound as well. Ive tried a lot of 'Travel sized' DAPS and this 2022 version is more than adequate for an annoyingly picky Audiophile such as myself :D I would go as far to say that this is the only travel DAP that sounds good enough
@@jopar3292 I was going to get the Shanling M0 pro, then I couldn't convince myself to order one since the first M0 was uncomfortable to use without buttons and that tiny screen. After some research I found these Hiby's and got one from Amazon. This one sounds remarkably better and more powerful than the M0 of course, I think this is the right one. Also no Android is a plus to me
Can I use this to play shuffle on my Tidal playlist?
Hello there. Can i use this to connect to my car stereo through the 3.5mm ? Thank you
Yes of course, there is a PO option where the output is maxed and suitable to be played in your car stereo
@@ianfann amazing. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for sharing mate 😀
Hi Iann , a premium phone + an usb DAC + an app like usb audio pro + an hi Res audio subscription is on par with a dedicated audio player like this one?
A "normal" phone with top tier usb dac/amp would beat this. That being said, the main purpose of the DAP is its compactness
@@VanDungLe2510 How does that make any sense? I would imagine a DAP being more dedicated to sound than a Dongle DAC for the phone.
Also what USB C DAC do you recommend? I thought of the HiBy FC4. Is there a better option for 100-200$ ??
@@justaemptymall This audio hobby is a weird place. Theoretically, a DAP is dedicated more to sound than a dongle dac+phone. But the thing is, it was badly priced because there're people willing to pay big bucks for it. They jack up the price for the sake up "improving sound quality", yet they cut some corners that i can think of like the chip (snap 6 series for a 1000$ dap) and especially the UI. No one will make a consumer friendly priced dap, if no one is willing to do it. Now when they trickle down all those tech to make a budget friendly DAP, all you're left with are just some barbones dap that can produce sound. Let's take smartphone for example. Normally a phone that equipped with high end 8 series snapdragon chip would be expensive af, but the likes of Xiaomi flagship killer will force other manufacturer to ease the price down a little bit, and then many more will follow. But i digress.
@@justaemptymall As for a dongle dac overall. Imho, until 2021, the dongle dac market was in the same case i said about the dap market. Yet in 2022, with so many good dongle dac released like the Avani, Abigail, CX-Pro with such a cheap price, it wouldn't make sense to buy a dongle dac that is 10-15x time the price for some % of improvement, so manufacturers has to find a way to turn the price down.(I could be wrong about this btw).Let's take Link2Bal and DC03Pro dongle dac for example. Both use 2x CS43131 chip with "arguably" similar tuning, yet 1 was 149$, 1 was 69$. Almost 50% different in price. You get what i mean? So for the same price of a high end DAP that you can only use to listen to music, you can get a decent phone+high quality dongle dac with a bit sacrifice in terms of pocket friendly
@@justaemptymall Hiby FC4 is a good choice. I managed to get it for 52$ on Aliexpress during black friday. To me, those are good enough. Similar priced dongle that i'd pick will be Ibasso DC03 Pro or the Tanchjim Space
can i use apple music android on this player?
No
Nope
@@rufusnethanya why
Can it use TH-cam?
Link to Carbuddy???
Fab video, I like the look of your watch, what make is it please?
Hi, I've watch your video but I still don't understand how this device works (I'm newbie to this hobby). May I ask some questions?
1) Can I connect my smartphone to this Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 and then listen songs using TWS earbuds?
2) If my smartphone doesn't support LDAC codec, but my TWS earbuds does support LDAC codec, will this device helps me to enjoy songs in LDAC codec when using TWS earbuds?
I'm very grateful if you are willing answer my questions. Thank you!
Hi, here is my reply :
1. This hiby R3 can act as a "DAC" so yes you can connect your smartphone to this R3 using usb c and then connect your tws to the r3 and enjoy your music.
2. yes this r3 has ldac and it will connect to your tws using ldac.
@@ianfann I didn't expect you to reply so soon. Thank you! I really appreciate it :)
I have the original r3 pro sabre when it first came out and 2022 version. The 2022 is not even close to the full note sound quality of the original. Very disappointing.
Which one is a better chip ESS or Cirrus?
It's the same thing. ESS is Sabre. Did you mean Sabre vs Cirrus ?
@@VanDungLe2510 my bad. Yep thats my question.
ESS Saber is probably going to be a brighter sound than the Cirrus Logic chip.
ESS is unforgiving on poor recordings and is fatigue after long period. Cirrus is more forgiving and easy on the ears for long periods.
@@melvinch That is "generally", or at least it's used to be. The Questyle M15 and Hiby FC4 isn't like that
Anybody comared this with r3 pro saber ?
Hehehehehe
All daps sound the same. Just buy the one that looks better to you
hmm, i have to disagree on this. they don't sound the same because the DAC chip inside is different and it's the DAC chip that makes it sound different.
@@ianfann oh you mean some are faulty
huh? no i mean different DAC chips, different sound. they don't sound the same as what you have mentioned.
@@ianfann i always thought the difference between dac chip was the features not the sound