HiBy RS2 DAP Review: Affordable R2R Sound for Audiophiles

The HiBy RS2 is a portable R2R digital audio player (DAP) designed for audiophiles who want a warm, musical sound signature without breaking the bank. It follows the legacy of HiBy’s Darwin architecture, featuring an R2R DAC, a pure Android-free OS, and HiByOS PureAudio as the primary operating system. The RS2 is a spiritual successor to the R6 Pro but takes a different approach by focusing purely on bit-perfect playback rather than Android-based streaming.

Specifications

• DAC: Darwin R2R Architecture
• Display: 2.45-inch touch screen (480x360 resolution)
• Output Power: 320mW @ 32Ω (Balanced)
• Output Options: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced
• Battery: 3500mAh (up to 10 hours playback)
• OS: HiByOS PureAudio (No Android)
• Formats Supported: FLAC, WAV, APE, DSD256, PCM up to 384kHz
• Expandable Storage: MicroSD up to 2TB (no internal storage)
• Weight: 165g

Design and Build Quality

The HiBy RS2 is a compact, lightweight player that feels premium despite its relatively small size. It comes with a CNC-machined aluminum body, giving it a solid, high-end feel. The leather case included in the box adds a touch of class and protection. The 2.45-inch touchscreen is responsive, though small by modern standards, but it serves its purpose well since this device is mainly for music playback rather than multitasking.

Physical Buttons & Controls

HiBy has kept the design simple with physical playback buttons on the side for volume control, play/pause, and track skipping. The 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced ports are positioned at the top, while the USB-C charging and data transfer port is at the bottom.

Sound Quality

Overall Signature

The HiBy RS2 delivers a smooth, analog-like presentation, thanks to its R2R DAC. Unlike delta-sigma DACs, R2R architecture provides a more organic, musical, and natural sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a less clinical and more emotionally engaging listening experience.

Bass

• Not the deepest or hardest-hitting bass, but very natural and textured.
• Mid-bass has warmth, making it great for acoustic and jazz music.
• Not ideal for bass-heads who prefer exaggerated low-end.

Mids

• Beautifully lush and rich; vocals shine with excellent depth.
• Instruments sound organic, with no digital harshness.
• Perfect for vocal-centric genres like classical, jazz, and folk.

Treble

• Smooth and non-fatiguing, but retains good detail.
• Slightly rolled off in the upper treble, which makes long listening sessions comfortable.
• No artificial sharpness or sibilance.

Soundstage & Imaging

• Wide and airy soundstage, but not artificially exaggerated.
• Imaging is precise, with excellent instrument separation.
• Creates an immersive and natural stereo field.

Features & Usability

• HiByOS PureAudio is fast and responsive, optimized purely for audio playback.
• Darwin Audio Architecture allows customizations like NOS (Non-Oversampling) and oversampling modes.
• Parametric EQ and various filters provide sound tuning flexibility.
• No Wi-Fi or streaming apps, making this purely an offline player.
• Supports USB DAC mode, allowing it to be used with a computer.

Battery Life

With its 3500mAh battery, the HiBy RS2 delivers approximately 8–10 hours of playback on balanced output and slightly more on single-ended. Given its power-efficient design, this is respectable for an R2R-based DAP.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅

✔ Beautifully organic, natural sound thanks to R2R DAC
✔ Compact and lightweight for an R2R DAP
✔ Darwin architecture allows excellent sound customization
✔ Balanced 4.4mm output with solid power
✔ Well-built and premium-feeling
✔ Physical buttons for easy control
✔ Good battery life for an R2R device
✔ No Android distractions—pure music focus

Cons ❌

✖ No streaming services (Tidal, Spotify, etc.)
✖ No internal storage—requires a microSD card
✖ Small touchscreen can be difficult to navigate
✖ Slight treble roll-off may not suit detail lovers
✖ Not the most powerful DAP—harder to drive full-size planar headphones

Who Should Buy the HiBy RS2?

The HiBy RS2 is an excellent choice for audiophiles who prioritize pure, musical sound over features and streaming. It’s perfect for those who:

• Love warm, analog-like sound.
• Want a compact and portable R2R player.
• Prefer physical buttons over touch-centric controls.
• Don’t need Wi-Fi or streaming services and focus on local playback.

Final Verdict

The HiBy RS2 is a refreshing alternative to modern Android-based DAPs. Its pure, offline music experience, smooth analog sound, and well-designed hardware make it a great choice for those seeking musical enjoyment over technical perfection. If you want a no-frills R2R DAP that sounds incredible and don’t mind using microSD cards for your music, the HiBy RS2 is an outstanding choice.