The difference in sound quality compared to my iPhone 14 Pro Max is immense, even with my budget IEMs. I'm very impressed! It seems like it's time to consider investing in some high-quality IEMs :)

Unfortunately whilst the R6 is very good, it was just missing something for me. The interface is clunky, as is the Hiby app. The sound was lacking something in the low end and mids maybe too recessed (I'm not the best at explaining). Seemed to also suffer with that digital glare, which in turn takes the emotion out of tracks. Shame really as it's a well made device, just not polished imo.

I managed to get a brand new Sony NW-ZX707 Jap Uncapped version and matching case. Much happier with this setup, updated to Android 14 out of the box, feels alot more slick and the sound is on another level too the Hiby and much more too my taste.

Hiby will get sold now.

Bought it in China Taobao for a very good price during 11.11. About 360USD. Comes with the official orange leather case.

For context, it's my first time owning and using a DAP, I had always use a phone+DAC setup (LG V60 + Gryphon). But it's not convenient as this phone is too big, so I'm giving DAP one shot.

The main concern I always have with DAPs is the impression that they are just binding a DAC to a low-end phone that make the whole device outdate real quick. 1. New portable DACs come with great features that are lacking in most DAPs. 2. For someone who is tech savvy, it doesn't feel right knowing the processor is worse than some 6-years-old low end phone... which costs only a fraction and has sdcard slot too, and much better OS (will mention later).

FYI, My Hiby is configured to use Nova launcher + UAPP (DSD native off & MQA decoder off so that everything uses my MSEB tuning).

Here are the complains so far:

1. The case, is too tight, no cutout for buttons, volume knob 90% unusable. Case lacking QC as the case does not align nicely with the screen (slanted few degrees off).

2. Snapdragon 665 is still not good enough. When browsing chrome, music could even stop playing. (Weakness of DAP in general)

3. 3-button navigation layout cannot be customized to swap "back" and "recent app" buttons. This proves that android version 12 doesn't matter if it's so crippled it has less features than an android 10, 8, or 6 on a phone.

4. OS is immature, having some hiccups and glitches here and there. Again, don't expect DAP's Android to be like a phone. It's more like Android of tvbox. Lol.

5. Android security patch in 2021 lol..

6. (Bug or faulty unit) While charging, MSEB will not work. It will cause 1 side to have no sound and eventually both sides no sound. Only affects PCM output, DSD and MQA are not affected. (Pending HiBy tech team to debug)

7. HiBy music app is not bad, but UAPP is still better. This is a joke, that none of the DAPs out there can build a better app than UAPP. Which leads to next point...

8. Features like PEQ, EQ are only in the HiBy music app. Which means it's not system-wide, just take note. There are already DACs out there having PEQ globally. That's why I said, DAP gets outdated quick because DAC capability falls behind, as well as Android OS update support is limited.

Good things about HiBy R6 III:

• system-wide sound settings that works with other music apps. Eg: HiBy's MSEB and plugins like convolution.

• HiBy WeChat customer service is quite fast actually

• their music app is better than most other brands out there

• it looks really good for the eyes

• charging speed is decent

Good things about DAPs:

• 4.4 balanced output in one single device, so u can fit in your pocket and walk anywhere u want.

• you dislike cable hanging between 2 devices

• you think leather case looks really cool

• you value the proprietory sound customization and settings that are "system-wide".

• you accept your fate on the crippled android OS (some brands like Shanling even block 3rd party launcher)

• you still prefer a brick even when you can get a smaller performance phone+DAC strapped together (check out Xperia XZ2 Compact with snapdragon 845 and Fiio Q3 with DSD256 + MQA + 2.5/3.5/4.4)

Common issues of HiBy that were resolved:

1. Nearby Share is not working at first, you have to allow "Nearby devices" permission for App > Google Play Services.

2. HiBy Cast screen orientation on my phone is stucked in landscape mode. Rotate the R6 to landscape and back to portrait. Now phone finally stays in portrait mode.

I'm finally upgrading from my HiBy R1, but I'm pretty torn between both the HiBy R6 III (2025), the FiiO M21, and Sony A306.

Why I'm upgrading:

• Car Bluetooth is the primary issue with my HiBy R1. It doesn't work in either of my car or my partner's car.

• HiByOS is a bit slow, clunky, and disorganized. I love MSEB, but doing normal things like finding a playlist is a chore.

• Everything else about it is wonderful. If I didn't own a car I would be mostly satisfied.

How I plan to use a DAP:

• Completely offline. I have a library of FLACs that I've collected over the years.

• I don't wanna fuss with Android. I want the default player that comes with it to be a good experience and I'm not planning on making a Google Account.

• 80% of the time I'll be listening with IEMs. 20% of the time I'll be using Bluetooth to listen in my car.

• I only own 3.5mm headphones currently, but having the option for 4.4mm doesn't hurt for future-proofing.

Other considerations:

• The iPod Classic is pretty close to the perfect size for a DAP. So something "deck of cards" sized is ideal.

• "Pure Music" modes that make the Android OS take a backseat are ideal. I think both HiBy and FiiO has one, but not sure which is better.

• More physical buttons, the better.

• Repairability and battery life is important, but not deal-breakers.

Edit: I don't need more options at this point of time, so please help me decide between these DAPs versus suggesting a new one.

Edit 2: I ended up getting a 30 GB iPod Classic from my local used electronics store.

Edit 3: Most of you didn't actually read the post. Has ChatGPT really cooked us to the point of illiteracy?