HiBy R4 Digital Audio Player: Why It’s Still a Top Choice in 2025

The HiBy R4 is a portable digital audio player (DAP) that has garnered attention for its blend of advanced features, distinctive design, and affordability. Priced at $249, it offers a compelling option for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without a premium price tag.

Design and Build Quality

The R4 stands out with its cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic, featuring angular edges and a robust aluminum alloy chassis. Available in multiple color options, including black, silver, green, and orange, it caters to diverse stylistic preferences. The device measures 129.6 x 68.3 x 18.5 mm and weighs 231 grams, making it both portable and substantial in hand. A 4.7-inch high-definition LCD touchscreen provides user-friendly navigation, while an LED status indicator above the screen displays different colors based on the audio sampling rate, adding a functional yet stylish touch.

The Evangelion Limited Edition deserves a special mention. Designed in collaboration with the iconic anime, it features a themed color scheme, AVA-01 styled UI, custom packaging, artwork, and a lanyard. It’s a unique collector’s version for anime fans and tech enthusiasts alike.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the HiBy R4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot supporting up to 2TB. The Evangelion edition upgrades this to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. It runs on Android 12 and supports dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 with two-way audio.

Users also have access to the full Google Play Store, enabling installation of third-party apps like Neutron Player or USB Audio Player Pro. For advanced users, optional system optimizations — such as disabling animations or background services — can improve performance and battery life, though these are not recommended for casual users.

Audio Capabilities

The R4 boasts a quad-DAC setup with four ES9018C2M chips and a Class A amplifier stage powered by four OPA1652 and two OPA1612 op-amps. This delivers up to 525mW @ 32Ω via the 4.4mm balanced output and 165mW from the 3.5mm single-ended.

It supports high-res audio formats up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD256. The sound signature is neutral with a hint of warmth — offering impressive clarity, low distortion, and dynamic headroom.

A recently added firmware feature includes true Line-Out mode, allowing users to bypass the internal amp and pair the R4 with external amplifiers.

Sound Quality Across Different Music Genres

One of the standout features of the HiBy R4 is its versatility across a wide range of music genres. The device’s audio tuning and robust hardware enable it to deliver an immersive listening experience tailored to diverse musical styles:

Classical Music

The R4 excels in reproducing the subtle nuances and intricate details of classical music. The quad-DAC setup ensures accurate tonal balance, with clear separation between instruments. String sections sound lush and vibrant, while the device’s wide soundstage captures the ambiance of orchestral performances.

Jazz

For jazz enthusiasts, the R4 delivers a warm and inviting sound signature. Saxophones and trumpets resonate with a natural timbre, while the bass is tight and well-defined. The Class A amplification brings out the dynamics of live jazz recordings, making it feel like you’re right in the room with the performers.

Rock and Metal

The HiBy R4’s ability to handle complex audio makes it a great choice for rock and metal. The dual amplification setup ensures that electric guitars and drum kits retain their power and energy without sounding distorted. Vocals are forward and clear, ensuring an engaging listening experience.

Electronic and Pop

For electronic and pop genres, the R4’s precise bass reproduction and high-frequency clarity shine. The player’s ability to handle fast transients ensures that synths and beats sound crisp and impactful. The MSEB (MageSound Eight-Ball) feature allows users to fine-tune the sound profile to match their preferences, adding more depth and punch where desired.

Hip-Hop and R&B

The R4’s strong bass response is particularly enjoyable for hip-hop and R&B fans. Sub-bass frequencies are handled with authority, providing a deep and satisfying rumble without overwhelming the mids. Vocals and harmonies remain smooth and detailed, adding to the richness of the overall sound.

IEM vs Full-Size Headphones

The R4 pairs exceptionally well with IEMs (in-ear monitors), delivering clean, detailed sound with minimal distortion. However, some users noted that for more power-hungry full-size headphones (like Hifiman HE1000SE or Ananda), the R4 may sound underpowered or dry, especially in the bass. Use of the balanced output is highly recommended for optimal performance.

User Interface and Experience

Running on Android 12, the HiBy R4 offers a smooth and responsive user experience. However, the HiBy Music app has been described as clunky or unintuitive by some users. Alternatives like USB Audio Player Pro or Neutron Player are recommended for improved usability.

The interface is highly customizable. A standout feature is MSEB, which lets users adjust the sound with intuitive parameters (warmth, brightness, sibilance). For advanced users, Parametric EQ (PEQ) offers fine-grained control with import/export support (e.g., SquigLink presets). These audio settings apply system-wide across all apps — a major benefit.

The customizable top button (Hold Switch) can be configured for different actions, and the R4 even supports Bluetooth audio input - allowing it to act as a high-end Bluetooth DAC/amp for your phone.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 4500mAh battery, the R4 offers up to 11 hours of playback on unbalanced output and around 7 hours on balanced, depending on gain settings and usage. Disabling WiFi, background services, and animations can extend battery life up to 12 hours.

Reception and Reviews

The HiBy R4 has received generally positive reviews from both critics and users. Praised for its solid build, detailed audio, and versatile feature set, many reviewers consider it an unbeatable value under $300. Some minor critiques include:

• Screen brightness is low for outdoor use
• Native HiBy Music app is unintuitive
• Not ideal for demanding full-size headphones

Despite these, the R4 is regarded as one of the best DAPs in its price range.

Conclusion

In summary, the HiBy R4 presents a compelling option for those seeking a feature-rich, high-performance digital audio player at an accessible price. Its combination of advanced audio components, user-friendly interface, and distinctive design make it a noteworthy contender in the mid-range DAP market. With its ability to excel across diverse musical genres and deep sound customization features, the R4 is a versatile choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Whether you're just starting your hi-fi journey or looking for a reliable DAP/DAC combo, the HiBy R4 is an excellent place to begin.