The bridge between a phone and a DAP
INTRODUCTION:
Hiby, a company founded in 2011, has gained considerable respect in the audio community for their Digital Audio Players (DAPs). I happen to own one of their DAPs, the RS2, which incorporates R2R technology. Surprisingly, I haven't shared my review of it yet, even though I've had it for a couple of months now. Besides their expertise in DAPs, Hiby is also expanding their product range to include In-Ear Monitors (IEMs), such as the Crystal 6 II and Zeta, which I will be reviewing. Noteworthy offerings from Hiby also include DAC/Amps like the FC6, FC1, FC3, and FC4, which you can explore further on their website.
One aspect where Hiby shines is their music app, highly regarded within the audio community. The Hiby music app stands out as an impressive solution that bypasses Android's audio sample limitation, enabling the use of external DAC/AMP for bit-perfect and unaltered audio output. The best part? It's absolutely free! Besides my preferred DAP, the RS2, I often rely on this app as my go-to music player on my Android phone.
Now that we've covered the introduction, I invite you to join me on a personal journey as I share my thoughts and impressions on this remarkable piece of equipment, the R6 Pro II!
Pros:
Bright-neutral sound signature (subjective)
Impressive technical chops
Gain modes and amplification can be changed on-the- fly
Detail retrieval
Snappy user interface
4 outputs namely 3.5mm & 4.4mm phone outs, and 3.5mm & 4.4mm line outs
Premium, well built, and sturdy
Desirable aesthetic and design
3 gain modes (low, medium, and high)
Class A & AB amplification
Cons:
Rather slow charging
Battery is not the best out there (depends on your usage)
Bugs are still present but can be fixed as long as Hiby updates firmware regularly
Preferably large for my small Asian hands
No volume wheel (personal preference)
FOREWORD:
No EQ is ever applied in my reviews. In this case a DAP, no MSEB or post sound alteration have been applied.
For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Now, let's dive into the technical details, although I must admit, it's not my favorite part. Nevertheless, for the sake of providing comprehensive information, let me present the specifications for those who are interested in the nitty-gritty details.
Form: DAP (digital audio player)
Amp: Class A/AB switchable dual amplification circuit
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC (8-core, 1.8GHz Kryo 260), Android 12 OS
External Memory Slot: 1 x microSD card, supports up to 2TB
Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
Battery Life: 3.5mm (single-ended) PO (Class AB): 8 hours, 4.4mm (balanced) (Class AB): 7 hours, 3.5mm PO (Class A): 6 hours, 4.4mm (Class A): 5 hours
Charging Time: <2 hours
RAM: 4GB
Internal Storage: 64GB
Source Jack: PO 3.5mm (single-ended), PO 4.4mm (balanced), USB DAC, coaxial digital out, line-out (3.5mm and 4.4mm)
Output: 3.5mm: 125mW (2Vrms), 4.4mm: 383mW (3.5Vrms)
THD+N: 3.5mm: 0.0009 – 0.0015% (depending on A/AB amplification), 4.4mm: 0.0009 – 0.0015% (depending on A/AB amplification)
Dynamic range: 3.5mm: 118dB, 4.4mm: 119dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 3.5mm: 117dB, 4.4mm: 119dB
Frequency Response (Hz): 20Hz – 90kHz
Decoding Format: PCM (32bit/1536kHz), DSD 1024, 16x MQA
WIFI support: 2.4GHz and 5GHz; compatible with Airplay/DLNA/HiByLink
Bluetooth: two-way 5.0
Bluetooth Codec Support: UAT/LDAC/aptX/aptX HD/AAC/SBC
Dimensions: 147.45mm x 75.2mm x 15mm
Weight: 285g
PACKAGING:
Before I start expressing the unboxing experience let me lay down the inclusions:
Hiby R6 Pro II DAP
R6 Pro II leather case
Type C to type C cable
Type C to USB A adapter
User manual (In Chinese and English)
Certificate
Warranty card
2 x Screen protector
The unboxing process of the R6 Pro II is straightforward and efficient. It comes in a medium-sized box with an appealing purple and white color combination. As you slide the box upwards, the DAP itself is the first thing that catches your eye. Removing it from the tight foam grip requires a bit of effort, but thankfully, there are indents on the sides that allow your fingers to have some space for pulling it out. However, I must admit that it can be a bit inconvenient since it's almost inevitable to accidentally press the power button located on the side, unintentionally turning on the device and diverting your attention from the unboxing experience.
Moving on to the second layer of the packaging, you'll find the sleek gray leather case, which perfectly complements the R6 Pro II, reminiscent of the delightful experience I had with my RS2. The charging and file transfer cable is conveniently placed on the side. Beneath the leather case, you'll discover the supporting documents. And that concludes the unboxing experience. It's a straightforward and no-nonsense approach, showcasing a professional presentation without any unnecessary frills or distractions.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES:
The R6 Pro II exudes a premium aesthetic with its elegant and sophisticated design. It boasts admirable curves that are ergonomically pleasing and don't hinder anyone's grip. The device has a substantial size and weight, providing a satisfying heft when held. The grills on the back panel add a touch of industrial appeal. In terms of the screen, it is impressively spacious, rivaling the size of current smartphones in the market. However, it's worth noting that the thickness of the R6 Pro II is almost double that of smartphones. While the trend for smartphones leans towards slimness, Hiby has taken a different approach. Personally, this aspect didn't bother me in the slightest.
The R6 Pro II is offered in two color options: black and purple. While my co-reviewers leaned towards the purple variant, I personally voted in favor of the black unit. Ultimately, we prioritized expediting the review process rather than waiting for the release of the purple variant. Hence, we all agreed to receive the black version.
Moving to the bottom of the device, we find the ports, which are conveniently positioned for tabletop usage. However, it can be a bit cumbersome if you intend to put the R6 Pro II in your pocket while having an IEM, earbud, or headphones connected. That is, of course, if you can even fit it in your pocket. I must admit that it is quite large, and as someone with smaller Asian hands, I find it slightly overwhelming.
BUTTONS:
On the left side of the R6 Pro II, we find the previous and next track buttons, along with the play/pause button. Additionally, the micro SD slot is located on this side. The placement of these buttons is somewhat unconventional. Typically, the play button is separate from the previous and next track buttons. However, in this case, the previous button is separated, and the play/pause button is combined with the next track button. It caught me off guard initially, but I quickly adapted to it.
Moving to the right side, we have the power/lock button and the volume rockers. There is also a small LED indicator that displays the sample rate playback of your files. As for the volume rockers, personally, I would have preferred a volume wheel instead. However, that is simply a matter of personal preference. It's worth mentioning that there is a slight misconception regarding the LED lights, but I will address that in the user experience section of this review.
PORTS:
The R6 Pro II boasts four outputs, which is a noteworthy feature. The terminals are adorned with shiny gold plating and provide a secure and stable connection. The charging port utilizes a Type-C connection, which has become the standard for most devices, excluding Apple. In terms of output options, there are two line-out connections available for connecting to speakers, both in 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended configurations. The same applies to the headphone output, offering both balanced and single-ended options.
PERFORMANCE/USER EXPERIENCE:
Now, let's delve deeper into the real-life performance of the R6 Pro II and move beyond its specifications. I will share my subjective experience, shaped by my usage and personal requirements from a digital audio player (DAP). As this is my initial encounter with an Android-based DAP, I must say that the experience has been nothing short of enlightening.
BATTERY:
Prior to acquiring the R6 Pro II, I had come across several reviews that highlighted the battery performance (rated at 5000 mAh) as a potential weakness. While I can acknowledge those concerns, I must emphasize that, based on my personal usage, the battery performance did not disappoint me. Let me elaborate on this further.
As a busy individual, my daily routine involves constant movement within my home, attending to various tasks, and taking care of my pregnant wife, among other responsibilities. It's safe to say that I rarely have the luxury of sitting down and indulging in uninterrupted music listening for extended periods. I'm sure many of you can relate, especially when it comes to giving our undivided attention and love to our significant others—after all, I'm an asset, not a liability, right? (Laughs.)
Returning to the battery performance, the R6 Pro II's battery is sufficient to last me throughout the day. However, it's important to note that if I were to compare it with the RS2, which lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and doesn't have additional apps running in the background, coupled with its smaller screen size, it's natural to expect the RS2 to outlast the R6 Pro II in terms of battery life. To summarize, the battery meets my requirements, but I understand that individuals who have more leisure time to devote to continuous music listening may find the battery somewhat lacking.
The charging speed of the R6 Pro II is relatively slower compared to high-end dedicated audio players. It takes approximately 2-2.5 hours to fully charge the device from 10% to 100%. While it is recommended to use a PD charger for optimal charging performance, I personally used a regular smartphone charger with a moderate amperage, and I have not encountered any issues or concerns with it.
U.I (User Interface)
The R6 Pro II operates on Android 12, which marks a promising start. However, if you're accustomed to using music apps and other features on your smartphone, you may notice a slightly slower pace. While the DAP itself feels snappy and responsive, smartphones generally offer better and faster responses.
Although the R6 Pro II is relatively self-explanatory, particularly for Android users, I did encounter a few issues that I promptly reported to Hiby. I have full confidence that these hiccups will be resolved in upcoming firmware updates. Here are the specific issues I experienced:
1. The play/pause, next, and previous track buttons occasionally became unresponsive.
2. The screen sometimes required a double tap to detect my touch.
3. I faced some difficulty logging into my Google Play Store account.
Rest assured, Hiby is actively working on addressing these concerns in a timely manner.
Certain features, such as gain modes and amplification, hold significant importance in my usage. Thankfully, they are easily accessible by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping on the respective options to adjust preferences.
Customizing the R6 Pro II is a straightforward process and it functions akin to a fully-fledged smartphone. However, accessing the "Settings" menu can be somewhat cumbersome, as I haven't found a way to include it on the dashboard. This is a minor inconvenience that could be addressed in future updates, in my opinion.
The gesture controls are highly responsive, with right swiping serving as the back functionality, upward swiping bringing up the home/dashboard and recent apps, and downward swiping providing access to the notification center and widgets.
Another notable feature is the ability to secure the device with a passcode or pattern lock, which adds a layer of convenience to the DAP experience.
Overall, the user interface (U.I.) of the R6 Pro II is highly intuitive and successfully bridges the gap between a dedicated DAP and a smartphone. It was an enjoyable and novel experience for me. Although there are still some minor hiccups, I firmly believe that the R6 Pro II will be fortified with updates in the coming months.
CONNECTIVITY:
While I haven't fully explored all the connectivity options of the R6 Pro II, I can confidently say that the Wi-Fi functionality works flawlessly. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network is a straightforward process without any issues.
On the other hand, Bluetooth... Well, I haven't had the chance to test it yet. Just give me a moment here... ... ... ... There you have it! I successfully paired my Bose headphones with the device. The pairing process was effortless, but I must admit that I rarely use Bluetooth for my audio listening pleasure. Interestingly, I noticed that I had to turn up the volume to around 95% to achieve my desired listening level. Hmmmm... For those of you who prioritize Bluetooth connections, I'll leave this aspect in your capable hands. At least we can confirm that it functions properly. LOL
The R6 pro II is capable of two bluetooth connections. In and out… again, to bluetooth enthusiast, I leave this matter to your hands.
MOBILITY:
The R6 Pro II is undeniably large and thick, making it quite challenging to envision fitting it into a pocket. Unless you prefer to travel light and always have a free hand available to hold it, then it might work for you. Alternatively, placing it in a shoulder bag should be a viable option. However, for those who prefer to keep their DAPs in their pockets, I'm afraid the R6 Pro II may not be the most suitable choice. It lacks the mobility I anticipated, unlike my RS2, which fits comfortably in a loose pocket. So, there you have it—ultimate mobility is not one of its strong suits.
DRIVING POWER:
I won't dwell too much on the technical specifications, as they have already been discussed earlier in this review. However, based on my experience with various DAPs, I must say that the R6 Pro II is exceptionally capable when it comes to driving power. All of my IEMs performed impressively and exhibited no signs of being underpowered or restricted in any way. On the other hand, when using headphones, particularly with my Audeze Sine, I noticed some struggles and the introduction of distortions when reaching around 80% of the volume level. Therefore, I find that sticking with IEMs is a more preferable option when using the R6 Pro II.
LED LIGHTS:
The LED status light on the R6 Pro II is a useful feature for those who are particular about the quality of their audio files. Overall, I find the LEDs to be quite accurate in indicating the file quality, except for the MQA playback indicator. According to the specifications, it should display a green light, but in my experience, it tends to be somewhere between green and yellow. This discrepancy can be easily addressed with a firmware update, and it does not affect the accuracy of other color indications for different file qualities.
The handy user manual has this segment in detail. Don't be a lazy chap, and take out that manual. Lol.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
Throughout this review, I extensively utilized my own collection of FLAC files as well as Apple Music, an online streaming service, to assess the performance of the R6 Pro II. Additionally, there were instances when I turned to YouTube videos for audio playback while my personal phone was charging. I made sure to rotate and pair different sets of IEMs with the R6 Pro II to ensure comprehensive testing. The following observations represent the consistent findings that were perceptible to my discerning ears. However, it's important to note that your own experience may differ.
Let’s start off with some facets of technicalities…
The soundstage of the R6 Pro II is notably spacious and expansive. However, in comparison to my portable DAC/AMP, the Centrance Dacport HD, the latter still reigns supreme in terms of providing an even greater sense of stage. Nevertheless, the R6 Pro II offers a commendable level of openness and avoids any feelings of claustrophobia in the audio presentation. It places a decent emphasis on staging, which particularly benefits IEMs with a more intimate soundstage, further enhancing their performance.
The imaging capabilities of the R6 Pro II left a strong impression on me with its remarkable accuracy and precision. Each element of the music is properly positioned and distinctly discernible, contributing to an enhanced listening experience. This aspect of the device proves particularly beneficial for IEMs, as it showcases their technical capabilities with adequacy and proficiency.
One of the standout features of the R6 Pro II, in terms of technical prowess, is its exceptional instrument separation and micro-detailing. Each musical element retains its individuality without overlapping, creating a spacious environment where every component finds its rightful place. Even the most subtle nuances and background elements remain audible and distinct, avoiding being overshadowed by more prominent instruments. The R6 Pro II masterfully preserves the integrity of the musical arrangement, leaving nothing omitted or marginalized. As a musician myself, I find this level of precision and attention to detail to be immensely constructive and truly impressive.
BASS:
The R6 Pro II takes a neutral approach combined with tightness and a clean presentation, delivering a faithful and accurate reproduction of both quantity and quality. My ears detected no elevation or boost, affirming the neutrality of its sound signature. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for mixing engineers who rely on accurate references, as it faithfully portrays recordings as they were intended. The texture of the music is vividly portrayed, allowing bass guitars and drum kicks to exhibit an unprecedented level of detail and cleanliness. In my experience with various DAPs, the R6 Pro II stands out in its ability to showcase such remarkable texture and clarity.
MIDRANGE:
Undoubtedly, the star of the show is the midrange! As we all know, a significant amount of energy and musical elements reside in this frequency range. I am thrilled to share some great news: the R6 Pro II faithfully presents vocals and instruments without any exaggerated emphasis. The midrange remains accurate and precise, catering to more mature and discerning listeners who appreciate an authentic representation. There is no excessive richness or lushness added to the midrange, but it possesses a sense of forwardness and priority. Those who favor mid-centric sound profiles will undoubtedly embrace the R6 Pro II's presentation.
From a musician's perspective, the R6 Pro II once again captivated me with its constructive approach. As someone responsible for almost all elements while learning songs for my band (except for guitars and drums), having a forward presentation of every aspect within the arrangement made my life easier. Moreover, I noticed that the R6 Pro II has a special affinity for guitars, whether it's acoustic, distorted, overdriven, or clean tones. Guitar-oriented tracks sounded exceptionally captivating and left me hooked, despite being a pianist with guitars not being my primary focus. Consequently, the R6 Pro II allowed me to rock and roll with my head banging to some of my favorite rock tracks from Queen, RATM, Incubus, and AC/DC.
TREBLE:
While the bass and midrange maintain a neutral and faithful presentation, the treble takes a different approach. It exhibits noticeable emphasis, leading to a bright-neutral sound profile in the R6 Pro II. On the positive side, this emphasis brings good energy to the treble region, allowing micro details to shine. However, I must mention that, in some instances, the upper frequencies can exhibit a slightly "glassy" presentation on certain tracks. It's important to note that this observation is quite specific and subjective.
Nevertheless, I'm pleased to report that the R6 Pro II manages to avoid pushing my IEMs into sibilant territory, even with my bright-sounding pairs like the Kinera Idun and Simgot EA500. It's worth mentioning that individuals sensitive to treble might prefer pairing the R6 Pro II with warmer-sounding gear. On the other hand, those who appreciate an emphasis on treble will find no limitations with the device. Hihats, cymbals, bells, and extended female vocal ranges are well executed, offering enhanced airiness and sparkle to your chosen transducers.
COMPARISONS:
Versus Hidizs AP80 pro:
Upon initial evaluation, it becomes apparent that the driving power of the R6 Pro II takes the lead. The AP80 Pro falls short in terms of output, leaving some of my IEMs unable to reach their full potential. Particularly, the Tangzu Heyday requires a stronger push to truly shine. Furthermore, the AP80 Pro exhibits a drier and colder sound profile, with slightly inferior technical capabilities. However, it must be acknowledged that the AP80 Pro offers enhanced portability, easily fitting into a pocket. It's worth noting that the AP80 Pro lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, limiting its ability to stream music. Bluetooth connections are available, though, enabling both input and output. Additionally, the AP80 Pro features a 2.5mm balanced output, providing an extra boost, albeit at the expense of increased battery usage. While the AP80 Pro charges quickly, its battery life is relatively short. Both devices lean towards a bright-neutral sound signature, yet the R6 Pro II manages to retain a touch more naturalness in the midrange and bass frequencies.
Versus Hiby RS2:
When it comes to driving power, the R6 Pro II takes the lead without hesitation. As much as I adore my RS2, I must confess that it sometimes struggles to fully drive my Tangzu Heyday or Kinera Idun to their utmost potential. However, this can be remedied by utilizing the 4.4mm balanced output. One drawback of the RS2 is its lack of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it solely a music player without any wireless connections to the outside world. On the other hand, the RS2 boasts remarkable musicality and an analog-like sound signature. The treble is delicately smoothed out while maintaining an impressive level of detail. In terms of portability, the RS2 is easily accommodated in a loose pocket. It offers a subtle bass bump, adding warmth and a more moist sound, so to speak. Although the RS2's technical prowess is slightly underwhelming, with around a 5% difference compared to the R6 Pro II that excels in instrument separation and detail retrieval. Listening at comparable levels, the R6 Pro II allows for comfortable enjoyment with the 4.4mm balanced output set at 40/100, while the RS2 requires a higher volume at 50/100. Furthermore, the R6 Pro II's user interface is noticeably quicker, thanks to its Android 12 operating system and a larger smartphone-sized screen that displays all the necessary information, unlike the RS2's compact screen.
Versus Questyle QP2R:
Now, let's introduce one of the heavyweights: Questyle. Despite being a classic released approximately five years ago, I find it somewhat outdated, as I mentioned in my QP2R review, and that sentiment remains unchanged. When it comes to convenience, user interface, and connectivity, the R6 Pro II surpasses the QP2R by a wide margin. But what about the sound, you ask? Well, let's delve into it. In all honesty, to my highly subjective ears, both devices sound remarkably close and similar. The emphasis lies in the midrange, with neutral and tight bass, while the R6 Pro II offers a touch more sparkle and sheen in the treble, imparting a "glassy" quality. In terms of technical prowess, the R6 Pro II maintains a slight edge in terms of separation, albeit by a negligible margin. Both devices are sizable, raising concerns about mobility, as neither can easily fit into a pocket. However, when it comes to driving power, I must apologize to Questyle, as Hiby has discovered a more efficient way to drive my IEMs. Additionally, the QP2R's 2.5mm balanced output should have been a 4.4mm, not that it makes a significant difference, but given the current trend favoring 4.4mm balanced connections, the 2.5mm format is gradually becoming less prevalent. In conclusion, both devices are highly capable and offer similar sound profiles, with minor variations in technicalities. However, the crucial factor to consider is the user experience, where the R6 Pro II triumphs with its tech-savvy and trendy features, making it the preferred choice for many.
VERDICT:
Without hesitation, I firmly believe that the R6 Pro II is a must-have for any devoted DAP enthusiast. It possesses an exceptional sound that elevates the performance of your transducers, particularly IEMs, although it may not have the same impact on headphones. If you favor a bright-neutral sound signature, crave impeccable details, rely on streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, or Apple Music, and refuse to let go of the convenience of the Android interface, then the decision is clear—this device is tailor-made for you. And at a competitive price point of approximately $750, it stands as one of the most remarkable releases in the DAP realm for 2023. However, it's worth noting that if you find yourself listening for extended periods, roughly 5-6 hours a day, battery usage is a factor that should be carefully considered before taking the leap. The R6 Pro II's technical capabilities are as impressive as they come, and the convenience it offers is a testament to Hiby's dedication. If only it fell within my budget, I would gladly welcome it into my lineup.
From a musician's perspective, I highly recommend the R6 Pro II to mixing engineers seeking a reliable reference tool and to musicians who meticulously dissect songs for harmonies, subtle nuances, covers, and even to vocalists in need of deciphering vocal harmonies.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hiby and Sir Joseph Yeung, also known as Joebloggs, for selecting me to be a part of this world tour. The Filipino community is immensely thankful for your generosity in allowing us to experience a device of this caliber. Until the next review, this is RemedyMusic signing off!
Comments
Post a Comment