HiBy R6 III (2025) Review: Quad DAC Power with Class A/AB Amplification

The HiBy R6 III (2025) with quad CS43198 DACs, Class A/AB amplification, and system-wide PEQ delivers high-resolution sound, bit-perfect output, and superb tuning versatility—all at an unbeatable sub-$500 price. The HiBy R6 III (2025) is the latest upgrade in HiBy’s popular R6 lineup, arriving at a competitive $439 launch price. While many of its external features and internals appear similar to the previous model from 2023, key architectural upgrades - particularly in the DAC and analog stage—deliver a noticeable step forward in fidelity and functionality.

DAC & Audio Architecture: Quad Cirrus Logic Power

The headline upgrade is the move from dual ESS9038Q2M DACs to a quad-CS43198 DAC setup from Cirrus Logic. This 8-channel implementation is more power-efficient and delivers superior measured performance compared to its predecessor.

Each CS43198 is a high-fidelity DAC with low power draw, enabling this version of the R6 III to achieve:

• 126 dB signal-to-noise ratio
• 127 dB dynamic range
• 1.7μV noise floor
• 0.0006% THD in Class A balanced output

The overall output power remains at 405mW (balanced), but the upgraded DAC section significantly enhances perceived resolution, punch, and stereo separation. You’ll especially notice these gains when listening on highly resolving IEMs or dynamic driver headphones.

HiBy also maintains bit-perfect playback with global SRC bypass, ensuring that high-resolution content is not downsampled—whether you’re using PowerAmp, TIDAL, or USB DAC mode.

Amplification: Class A and AB Flexibility

The analog section remains similar in structure, but high-grade components make all the difference:

• Dual OPA1652 op-amps
• 4 ELNA Silmic II capacitors
• 16 hand-matched transistors

You can toggle between Class A for a warmer, fuller presentation or Class AB for power efficiency and neutrality. Class A mode shortens battery life by about 30%, but significantly boosts headroom and impact.

Despite similar power specs, the perceived output of the 2025 model feels stronger - likely due to better transient response and improved clarity from the new DACs. This becomes apparent with planar headphones or fast, complex music.

Sound Tuning: More Natural, More Dynamic

Compared to the 2023 model, the new R6 III sounds noticeably more balanced and refined. While the previous generation leaned slightly V-shaped - with recessed mids and an energetic treble - the 2025 version brings vocals forward, softens peaks, and adds warmth and texture.

The result is a more natural tonal signature, particularly well-suited for genres like jazz, acoustic, classical, and indie pop. Detail retrieval and layering are significantly improved, especially in the mids.

Staging is wider on the x-axis with excellent stereo separation. While it remains somewhat intimate front-to-back, the soundscape feels more stereophonic and immersive, especially with vocals and string instruments.

For added spaciousness, you can leverage MSEB tuning to stretch air and brilliance at both ends of the spectrum - ideal for orchestral music and movie soundtracks.

Software & UI: Streamlined, Audio-First Android

The R6 III 2025 runs on Android 12, powered by the Snapdragon 665 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. While not a powerhouse, this configuration handles audio-centric tasks reliably.

HiBy’s custom OS bypasses Android’s sample rate conversion, and provides a clean, fast interface with access to Google Play. Every music app you’d expect - Qobuz, Apple Music, UAPP, and Spotify - works seamlessly.

The UI also includes a drag-down shortcut menu for switching amplifier modes, gain, filters, and MSEB profiles. Navigation is snappy for most music apps, though RAM limits may show during heavy multitasking.

System-Wide Audio Customization: PEQ, MSEB & Plugins

HiBy continues to lead the DAP category with its built-in system-wide audio controls:

• Parametric EQ (PEQ): Advanced users can fine-tune frequency response or import presets from SquigLink/AutoEQ.
• MSEB (MageSound 8-Ball): An intuitive slider-based EQ for adjusting tonal warmth, clarity, air, bass texture, and more.
• Plugin support: Includes convolution filters for applying custom impulse responses (IRs), room correction, or tonal effects.

All of these tools work globally across apps - from HiBy Music to streaming platforms and even USB DAC output.

Connectivity & I/O

HiBy’s design places all key ports on the bottom for convenience:

• 3.5mm single-ended headphone out
• 4.4mm balanced headphone out
• 3.5mm line-out
• 4.4mm balanced line-out
• USB-C (charging, OTG, USB DAC)

The player supports:

• Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, aptX-HD, SBC
• WiFi 2.4/5GHz with HiByLink, AirPlay, DLNA
• HiByCast for remote control from a smartphone
• USB DAC for laptop or Android OTG use

One standout feature is USB volume lock/unlock, essential when using external USB dongles. By default, volume is locked—users can enable volume control from settings when needed.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery performance remains similar to the 2023 model:

• 15 hours (Class AB, SE)
• 12 hours (Class AB, balanced)
• 11 hours (Class A, SE)
• 9 hours (Class A, balanced)

The R6 III 2025 supports PD2.0 fast charging at 18W, and includes battery-saving software tools.

Wireless Performance

Bluetooth streaming (LDAC) is stable up to 5 meters. It’s ideal for on-the-go use, though there may be lip-sync latency when receiving Bluetooth audio from a laptop - USB DAC mode is recommended instead for desktop applications.

With HiByLink or HiByCast, you can remotely control playback from your smartphone or another Android device—a very practical option for desktop or bedside listening.

Verdict: A Natural Evolution with Real Benefits

The HiBy R6 III 2025 takes everything that made the previous model popular - compact form factor, Class A/AB amp, Android flexibility—and adds substantial gains in tonal balance, resolution, and black background performance.

Despite using the same SoC and RAM, the sonic improvement is significant, especially for vocal clarity, dynamic range, and low noise floor. The system-wide tuning tools and DAC architecture continue to set HiBy apart in the sub-$500 DAP space.