HiBy R3 II 2025 vs. Original: What’s New in This Hi-Res Music Player?
Mar 5, 2025
The R3 series, in particular, has carved out a niche as an affordable yet capable digital audio player (DAP) for audiophiles on the go. With the release of the HiBy R3 II 2025 Edition, priced at $179, HiBy aims to refine this formula further, introducing a new X1600E System-on-Chip (SoC), an overhauled user interface (UI), and promises of enhanced performance. This latest edition builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, refining its sound quality, UI, and battery life while maintaining HiBy’s signature features.
Design and Build Quality
The R3 II 2025 Edition maintains the sleek aluminum chassis with reinforced glass on both the front and back panels. It weighs 118 grams and measures 86.9 x 60.6 x 14.5 mm, making it highly portable and pocket-friendly.
The device features a 3.2-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 320x480 pixels. While the screen’s brightness and sharpness are adequate for navigation, it doesn't quite match the clarity of higher-end models. The well-constructed volume wheel, which also acts as a power button, enhances usability.
For headphone connectivity, it includes:
- 3.5mm single-ended output
- 4.4mm balanced output
This ensures compatibility with a wide range of IEMs and headphones.
Features and Connectivity
One of the standout features of the R3 II 2025 Edition is its Wi-Fi streaming support, allowing users to access Tidal and Qobuz without needing a separate device.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth 5.1 with UAT, LDAC, and aptX for high-quality wireless audio
- USB DAC mode, allowing it to function as an external DAC for computers
- HiBy OS (Linux-based), providing a smooth, intuitive user experience
- MageSound Eight Ball (MSEB) sound tuning, allowing users to customize warmth, note thickness, and vocal prominence
- MicroSD card slot, enabling large music library support (note: no internal storage)
Performance and Sound Quality
At the heart of the R3 II 2025 Edition are dual ESS ES9219C DAC chips, delivering high-resolution audio playback with support for:
- Native DSD256
- PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
- 4.4mm balanced output (340mW @ 32Ω)
Sound Signature & Characteristics
The HiBy R3 II 2025 Edition leans towards a clean, natural sound signature with a subtle touch of warmth, making it engaging yet detailed.
Bass
- Tight, punchy, and well-controlled, providing satisfying impact without overshadowing the mids
- Sub-bass extension is present but doesn’t dominate the signature
Mids
- Slightly forward vocals, ensuring clarity and intimacy
- Instruments are well-separated, with natural tonality and detail
Treble
- Smooth and airy, avoiding harshness while maintaining decent extension
- No excessive sibilance, making long listening sessions comfortable
Soundstage & Imaging
- Impressively wide for a compact DAP, creating an immersive listening experience
- Imaging is accurate, with instruments well-placed in a moderately spacious sound field
- Lacks the razor-sharp separation of higher-end models but performs well for its size
Comparison with the Previous Version
Compared to the original R3 II, the 2025 Edition offers:
- A darker background, improving instrument separation
- Better detail retrieval, likely due to enhanced SoC processing and clock precision
- More refined tonality, making the overall sound signature cleaner and more dynamic
Power & Headphone Pairing
The R3 II 2025 Edition excels with IEMs and efficient headphones. However, testing with the Sennheiser HD660S2 revealed its power limitations:
- Volume needed to be cranked to 75-80 on high gain to reach a decent level
- Lacks dynamics and bass authority compared to desktop amplifiers
This means power-hungry headphones will perform best with a dedicated amp, while IEMs and low-impedance headphones will shine.
Battery Life
The HiBy R3 II 2025 Edition boasts improved battery life, making it more reliable for long listening sessions:
- Single-ended (3.5mm): Up to 19 hours
- Balanced (4.4mm): Up to 16 hours
- Fast charging: Fully charges in under 2 hours via USB-C
This marks an improvement over the previous model, which maxed out at 15 hours.
Comparison: Original HiBy R3 II vs. 2025 Edition
The original HiBy R3 II was released in October 2023. Below is a comparison between the two models:
| Feature | HiBy R3 II (2023) | HiBy R3 II 2025 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (SoC) | Ingenic X1000 | Upgraded to X1600E for better performance |
| User Interface | Standard HiBy OS | Redesigned, more intuitive UI |
| Output Power | 380mW @ 32Ω (Balanced) | 340mW @ 32Ω (Balanced) |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours (SE) | Up to 19 hours (SE) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 with improved stability |
| Screen Resolution | 320x480 pixels | Same resolution, improved responsiveness |
Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Compact and lightweight design
✅ High-resolution audio support** (DSD256, 32-bit PCM)
✅ Wi-Fi streaming (Tidal, Qobuz)
✅ Customizable sound tuning (MSEB)
✅ Excellent battery life
✅ Balanced and single-ended outputs
Cons
❌ Screen resolution & brightness could be better ❌ Occasional UI lag ❌ Lacks internal storage; microSD card required ❌ Not powerful enough for high-impedance headphones
Conclusion
The HiBy R3 II 2025 Edition is a versatile and feature-rich DAP that offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers:
- Great sound quality
- Strong wireless connectivity
- Extended battery life
- A refined and intuitive user experience
While it struggles with power-hungry headphones and could use a higher-resolution display, it remains an outstanding choice for audiophiles who want a portable, high-quality music player.
Who Should Buy It?
🎵 IEM users & efficient headphones
🎵 Streaming enthusiasts (Tidal, Qobuz, etc.)
🎵 Users who prefer a balanced & slightly warm sound
You can check out detailed user reviews and purchase the HiBy R3 II 2025 Edition at: