ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ส.ค. 2024
- Today, I review a newly released micro DAP (digital audio player) from HiBy, called R3 Gen II.
This review is possible thanks to a preproduction sample provided by HiBy. They have no input in this review and would be watching the first time with you.
Unaffiliated link: store.hiby.com/products/hiby-...
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Hardware
4:50 Software and Wireless
12:30 Sound Quality
16:15 Comparisons
22:50 Conclusion
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All of my review articles: iegems.nk-tran.com/
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Your reviews are absolutely amazing, pure gold. You talk about all the things that really, really matter like note weight, impact, balance and similar - keep it up if you can, it’s incredibly informative.
Thanks for your review! After having watched many different DAP reviews, I was looking for one that is small, simple, with great sound quality and with a balanced output. I don't want a power hungry "brick" with Android and loads of applications, my smartphone already has enough applications. Also, I wanted a music player that is totally detached from my smartphone. I have decided to go for the R3 II. It is also much cheaper compared to the "bricks".
Thank you that you mention about the tidal download, because I was considering getting this for listening to downloaded tidal. so I guess I have to find another player
Wow just found out about your channel 🙂
Its really great!
Great review! I am really curious to try the hiby r3 ii too. Hope I can get it in for a review.
very enjoyable review, thank you!
Good review, i still use my r3 pro saber 2022, and courious about r3 gen II
Very nice review , congrats 👏
Great review! Subbed.
Very Detailed video .. good :)
Very interesting according a DAP is made to listen music
It's fine you explain clearly your listening experience. Thanks a lot.
I have the R3 Pro Sabre. I'm so happy to have discovered Hiby. After a very cheap no-name DAP (which was also quiet good) the R2 Pro Sabre is only the 2nd DAP I've ever owned. I'm really happy with it. One day I might uprade to the Gen2 here.
You should save up $250 and grab the R4 (full Android). I will write a review for it soon. Will drop a link here.
@@IE-Gems I don't want on Android, to distracting. But I will watch anyways.
Thank you 🙏
Awesome review , the player is in the sweet spot when it comes to size because you have portable and good screen real estate for navigation and album covers.
Just to note that the HiByOS is not very sophisticated when it comes to handling JPEG, so some album arts would not show. If I recall correct, the progressive JPEG type would not work. There are ways to convert all JPEGs into the right format but I'm too lazy for that :))
@@IE-Gems You can do that easily with tools like converseen for linux.
nice review
Thank you!
Happy user of r3 saber 2022. Looking forward to addition of netease music function then will change to another dap
Same. 'Love mine. This blows me away. Paired with Dunu Titan-S, balanced. What's your setup? Any recommendation in regards to IEMs with the Hiby?
@@olafweyer859Try planars with this as well. My Zetian Wu OGs or the Arrtti T10 slam on this player. You should also try Hybrids like the OH10, multi driver iems. This player has the ability to be clean and critical but also warm at the same time.
Sometimes I use it as a transport by adding my dongle like the Colorfly CDA MP1 and then playing with the MSEB settings. It's a fantastic portable DAP and has so much potential. Play around with it. cheers!
Great review focusing on key points!
I plan to use it with Hype2 and Hidizs MP145. Do you think they match well, especially the Hype2?
I used it with Hype2 all the time before sending the IEM on a local review tour. Hype2 does lose a bit of bass impact, but it is still impactful enough.
can it sort music through date modified? or date added?
Very detailed, with nice structure and pace. Awesome review.
Sadly, you didn't mention much about its AirPlay feature. Can it function as an AirPlay receiver? I'm currently limited only to Apple Music Losless, so no luck with Tidal or Qobuz.
I have shipped the unit to other reviewers in Australia. Lemme send them a message to see if they can test airplay receiving for you.
@@IE-Gems Thank you mate 👍
Hi, my friend just tested airplay. It works as a receiver. There were some hiccups on the UI, but the music works. @andy.w
Ahh wonderful. I can't give you enough thanks for the trouble.
Is this better than the ibasso dx170 in terms of display responsiveness and sound quality ?
Finally, browsing by album artist
I really liked your detailed review. Can u compare to shanling m0 pro?
I don’t have the m0 pro, sorry. Though I highly doubt that the m0 pro can match the sonic performance of this one. Micro DAPs are kinda tricky due to the limit in size and battery, so most micro DAP besides these R3 II have been underwhelming to me (coming from desktop and full-sized DAP). In fact, I have a vague feeling that the ancient wolfson DAC in PS Vita sounds better than the smallest micro DAP like m0.
can i downloasd my tidal library onto sd casrd to use for offline mode when am out and about? or do i have to tether my wifi from my phone too it and stream the music?
You can't download tidal for offline listening directly from HiBy R3 II. AFAIK, these tidal clients are not allowed to download music for offline listening. Only the official Android app can do so.
Of course, you can always find a different way to download tidal.
Hi can it record audio In through a standard TRS audio cable?
I haven't tried that feature, but I don't think there is a record feature in the software, so unlikely.
13:00 I would disagree about the tonality of the R3ii, it is on the warmer side compared to all my other sources but it can be balanced out with a bit of EQ, most importantly it remains well Resolving as long as you don't use wireless modes.
What did I say there? I has been a while :)) I remember writing that the R3II is warm-ish and easy to listen comparing to the previous versions. I'm still daily driving this DAP nowadays. Not the best, but such a solid one.
Comparison with with shanling M1s please.
I haven’t used the M1S. Sorry
Dude, on previous R3 Qobuz is present. Push and keep Tidal icon until it changes to Qobuz.
You're welcome
Hello Friend, Great Video!! I am considering to get an R3 II to replace my Shanling M0 Pro but I have 2 questions. When you browse the music files by folders, does the album songs appears in alphabetical order or in the order of the cd? And how does the R3 II perform as a bluetooth receiver compared to the shanling M0 Pro and something Like the Qudelix 5K/BTR5? My main use for it as a bluetooth receiver,besides connect to my phone, would be to connect to my tvs and wach shows and movies with my headphones, My qudelix was amazing for this but the M0 pro does not work properly. I hope you can help me on this, Thank you very much
1. Songs are in alphabetical order. I arrange the album CDs into different folders.
2. What phone are you using? These devices with HiBy OS still has problem with AAC from apple device. They tend to connect to SBC, and needs a disconnect before they connect to AAC correctly. Very often there would be noticeable latency with AAC. Most of these problems are solved with LDAC and AptX.
I like the R3II a lot, but if bluetooth is the main usage, I highly recommend FiiO BTR7 instead.
Hi, thanks for the video! Is it possible to disable battery charging for this DAP so it is used as a stationary device without degrading the battery?
I can't seem to find that option, unfortunately.
One issue that few people mentioned (I think I also forgot to mention) is that these DAP will introduce noticeable latency to audio, unlike a USB DAC. It was not just the problem with these budget device. My DX300 also has latency.
@@IE-Gems thank you for the reply!
Hi, do you think This R3 II can compete with Sony - NW-A306 in sound quality ?
Please share your thoughts
No
I haven’t tried or even seen that in real life, sorry. But the sony does not look good on paper. It has only 35mW max at 32ohm, which is very little. The form factor looks very nice though.
Previous version you hold the Tidal button a bit and the choice for Qobuz appears. Would you say there is any improvement from the R3 pro Sabre?
I happened to have both devices side by side during the review time. I prefer the sound of R3II more. None of these devices sound outright bad, but I find the saber to present the stage flatter and not as engaging. Many (but not all) of my ESS based device has that sound, which I don’t like.
Streaming wise, it’s okay with both.
@@IE-Gems I think I change to tempotec v6 with akm dac.. I don't like the sound on the ess, thin note weight and bland delivery, no bass at all.. It's good for acoustic music I suppose, but the sound is boring and technicalities are not good. I don't trust the R3ii to be improved enough.
@@wahid-lg1kk I think you should. Your expectation plays a very important role in what you hear. If you think that AKM DAC gives you what you need, then you should grab an AKM DAP.
Regarding ESS vs AKM, I would say it depends on things other than the DAC chips themselves. For example, Shanling managed to create a warm sounding device even with 2 ESS DAC in the UP4. I think your description of ESS sound matches the R3 saber rather than the R3II.
I'm in the phase where I prefer Cirrus Logic DACs :))
@@IE-Gems you make sense.. I haven't tried CS chips yet, I want a slightly warm sound, complex layered textured mids, with smooth open air.. There is a second hand dx160 with successful fideliser flash for sale near me.. That's CS.. You are right about expectations driving perception to some extent, this is entirely true. Would you recommend the new Hiby R3ii for my stated preference? I have heard that the lower mids have been thickened up? I indeed use R3 Sabre now.. Would you say the Shanling m3x would suit my stated preference? Any comment on flashed dx160? Thanks for your answers..
@@wahid-lg1kk I haven't tried DX160 so I'm not sure. iBasso does not quite have a "house sound" as far as I know. My DX300 is warm-ish by default, but many swears that iBasso is neutral and linear, so I guess they sound different across models. I'm under impression that DX160 is more neutral.
Maybe have a look at Shanling M3 ULTRA (not the X. The M3X is older). Shanling's house sound is warm and smooth. I used to use M6Ultra. It's indeed warm and smooth.
I think the R3II sounds quite better than Saber. But again, it's ESS. That along might reduce your enjoyment.
Hi can you make comparison VS Surfans F28?
I don't have that DAP, unfortunately. From the spec sheet, I suspect it's more siimilar to the R3 Saber. I don't like that it has 2.5mm connector rather than 4.4mm. There is no sonic difference, but the 2.5mm jack is flimsy.
Personally, I would buy electronics where I can go and talk to the store face to face for after sell services.
I want to buy it.
Iam thinking of buying hibyfc6 dac/amp. Heard good things about its sound -fullness, analogueish... Have you heard it? It's on discount and available at 199$ (previously 299). Hence thinking of biting.
I haven’t heard that one. Though it’s also on my wishlist. I’m not sure that I would actively go out and buy an R2R device though. Last time I tried the RS6, I was a bit disappointed by how “blunted” my IEMs sound. The P6 Pro on the other hand is fantastic, but shockingly expensive. So it seems there is a wide range of R2R.
@@IE-Gems yeah seems a wide range out there. Hopefully this one turns out good. Most reviews do rave about the fullness in the sound. Will get back to you on this
Have you found the battery life to be good and relaible?
Battery life is strong, especially with local files. I find myself surprised if I pick up the device and battery is nearly out. Meanwhile, I’m used to the fact that my DX300 and Shanling M6U to be half or low on battery. I remember taking R3ii out of the box and went to work, listening for a few hours here and there, and only had to charge 2 days later.
The long-term longevity is unknown. The well loved R3 Saber in the video that I borrowed from a friend for review still holds charge well, so fingercrossed for the R3ii.
which IEM do you recommend to these bro ? I do like Warm ones
This DAP can drive most IEM. I don’t know/own a lot of warm IEM. From the top of my head, I can recommend AuR Audio Aurora as a neutral-warm IEM. Of course you can always grab Sony IER-M9 if your budget reaches there. There are not many good warm IEM, tbh.
Yes
Hi, It is better sound than R3 Pro Saber? Actually I don't like Saber too Bright sound. I like Warm & bit bassy sound. Pls reply Thanks..
This one sounds slightly thicker than the pro saber. Like I mentioned in the video, I personally wouldn’t use the pro saber, but I would use this one. Still daily driving it even after the review period.
@@IE-Gems Thanks for your reply
I've not seen yet a review in which the youtuber gets to put the case on the Hiby R3 II.
And some of them say the knob is pressed when it is in your pocket and it turns on and off, which is quite concerning.
I had to remove the case for the review, actually. It's a nightmare to put the case on or take the case off due to the knob. But when it's on, it's snug and protects the DAP well.
Yes, if your pocket is tight, the fabric can press on the knob and turn off the device. I had this problem a few times. Nothing too concerning though. Noted that I always have an A6 notebook in the pocket so it would be even tighter.
am I hearing some thin layer of background sound in the video?
Yea, you are right. I'm still struggling with the audio setup even today :))
silly question would a dongle dac work with the hiby r3?
Yes. I'm using R3II with Luxury & Precision W4 nowadays. Nothing wrong with the R3II, but the W4 is better :)) (it better be, given the price difference)
@@IE-Gems I bought a month ago Questyle M12i dongle dac. I never knew a dongle dac could bring so much happiness in a tiny unit.. the sound stage is wide with depth and excitement
@@crate718 That's great. That little dongle is overshadowed by its bigger sibling M15. Which IEM do you use with the M12i?
@@IE-Gems Tangzu Heyday, Kiwi orchestra light and Simgot em6l. Also Dt 1990 and Hifiman XS and the list goes on lol
@@crate718 DT1990 and XS? Wow I didn't expect its amp to be that powerful. Seems like you got a great piece of equipment. enjoy!
Can music files be sent to this device using wifi transfer from my phone??
There is a built in feature for import music via Wifi. I have not tried it myself, since I just use the SD card directly.
@@IE-Gemseven I'll be using an SD card...
However it'll be good if this feature works smoothly as everytime I need a new song, I'll have to otherwise take out the sd card to upload on it!
That'd be cumbersome...
Instead i could just use wifi transfer to transfer the song.
I would like to buy it. Where can I get it?
Best bet would be to try hiby official store store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r3-ii
Your local hifi store might have some in stock, which can be more convenient than shipping from China.
How does it compare with ap80 pro x? They both are in the same price range
I use R3II every day whenever I have it around. I never touch the AP80 Pro X unless I need to use it to test something. It's time for Hidizs to upgrade the AP80 Pro X.
@@IE-GemsNow I really consider it as a decent all around device:) gonna get one as a birthday gift for myself. Thanks!
Io ho l’Hidizs AP80 Pro-X e suona divinamente, soprattutto dall’uscita bilanciata da 2,5mm in cuffia, e da quella Line-Out da 3,5mm all’amplificatore. E soprattutto gestisce 20.000 file dei miei 21.600 fra mo3 e flac. Di questo non si sa. Ogni review parla di 256gb o 512gb di micro-SD che può gestire e MAI di quanti file. Surfans per esempio arriva a 15.000 non uno di più. Altri a 8000. Rimpiango il mio adorato iPod Classic da 160Gb che gestiva tutta la mia collezione ed era veloce come un fulmine.
This is an "mp3" in its definite form. I wish I had this as a kid..
yeah the 'sun' sound rather well back then, kind of miss charging batteries, was quite a cool thing back then, rechargeable battery, or just me
bought it in an exhibition iirc, then changed it to smth cooler but cant remember the brand, the one i always carry back in school days, yes with 'them'
What are the color codes for this device?
What do you mean by color codes?
What do you mean by color codes?
@@IE-Gems sample rate colors from the little light bar
@@moisestheentrepreneur637 White when power on, yellow with 44.1 FLAC, blue with 44.1 MQA, cyan with 96 FLAC, green with 192 MQA. It's all over the place, tbh.
@IE-Gems oh wow really but that's the correct ones is what matters right
I got mine today and am disappointed not in the quality or the sound quality but... I bought this because I listen to long lectures in MP3 that are each a couple of hours long. My iBasso Audio keeps my place in my lecture when I turn off the player, so when I turn it back on I am right where I left off. I got this player to be a take on the go work player so my expensive iBasso Audio player doesn't get lost or damaged and it does not book mark or stop and recover from where I left off in the lecture. As a music player I'm sure it's fine but for my purposes it is a paperweight. Maybe I will see if one of my kids want it.
What an interesting use case.
I think this DAP can resume from the previous position. Can you try this:
1. From the main menu, go to the "Music" menu
2. At the upper right corner, you can see a gear button next to the star
3. In the setting menu, scrolls down until you find the "Resume play from last"
4. Switch to position.
Let me know if this gives you the functionality that you need.
@@IE-Gems Yes that worked perfectly, Thank you so very much.
Can you play music using wifi?
You can stream tidal and qobuz via wifi. Battery would drain much faster though.
Great now I have to buy a mmdga hat. 😟
4.4 is not better. It just takes up more space. The smaller form factor would possibly become even smaller in the new DAP if they kept the 2.5.
It’s “better” because it is physically stronger, and wider compatibility. When it comes to balanced, 4.4mm jack is easier to find. Even A&K has to put 4.4 on their DAPs now. I think 4.4 is already the winner form factor.
4.4 is better.
@@IE-Gems OK. I understand. It used to be all 2.2 on DAPs with balanced out. Everything has to change in the tech industry. And fast.
Is less prone to break, so it's better than 2.5
I have the original r3 pro sabre fantastic sound, with excellent weight note. Then got the near low-fi sound of the r3 sabre 2022. Sounds like Tinny weight notes follows the new r3 pro II which is what the r3 pro sabre 2022 is. Not good! No thanks, I'll pass!
There isn’t an R3 Pro II - what are you talking about?