The Hiby R6 III 2025: A refined portable digital audio player (DAP) that delivers a significant upgrade over its predecessor at a surprisingly accessible price point. This review delves into the key improvements, exploring the impact of its new quad-Cyrus Logic DAC chip replacement and evaluating its overall audio performance, connectivity options, and user experience. We’ll compare it against its rivals, specifically highlighting its strengths against the FiiO M23, and assess whether the 2025 model truly justifies its position in the competitive portable audio market.This in-depth analysis covers the Hiby R6 III 2025’s enhanced sound signature, boasting a richer, more balanced audio profile with improved bass and smoother mids compared to its predecessor. We will examine the user-friendly Android operating system, the versatile connectivity options, including multiple analog and digital outputs, and the convenient physical controls. Ultimately, we determine if the price drop, coupled with these significant internal and sonic enhancements, makes the Hiby R6 III 2025 a must-have for audiophiles on a budget.
Pros And Cons
- Decreased price from $4.99 to $4.49
- Improved Cyrus Logic deck chips (four instead of one)
- 5-inch color LCD display
- Android-based operating system with access to Google Play Store
- Optimized Hiby music player with high audio fidelity
- Equalizer and DSP-based effects
- Selectable gain (low, medium, high)
- Selectable headphone amplifier mode (Class AB or Class A)
- Selectable operating modes (Android mode or pure music mode)
- 4500mAh battery with up to 10 hours of playback (depending on settings)
- Multiple analog outputs (headphone and line outputs, configurable coaxial digital output)
- Physical controls for playback, volume
- More balanced sound compared to the previous version (R 63), with improved bass
- Battery life reduced to 7-8 hours in Class A mode and balanced output
- Bass-heavy sound
- Full bottom-heavy sound
- Clean and resolving mid-range
- Prominent high frequencies with natural and smooth character
- Mid-range is laid-back and softer, vocals and leading instruments are not as forward
- Higher price ($699)
- Better balanced sound than R63
- Stronger, more authoritative bass punch
- Good price-to-performance ratio
- Very open, airy, and breezy sound with plenty of details
- Lightweight sound
- Slightly shifted tonality towards higher frequencies
- Lacked mass and juiciness
- Leaner and upper-frequency centric
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Price and Chipset Upgrade
The Hiby R6 III 2025 boasts a significant price drop from $4.99 to $4.49, making it more accessible to audiophiles. This reduction is coupled with a notable hardware change: the Saber DAC chip is replaced by four Cyrus Logic chips. This change, although seemingly minor, has a substantial impact on the device's overall performance.
Despite the internal component changes, the device retains its familiar form factor and many features. Users can still expect a large 5-inch color LCD screen providing high-resolution visuals for ease of navigation.
Android Functionality and Music Playback
Running on Android, the Hiby R6 III 2025 offers access to the Google Play Store, allowing users to download a variety of apps. This opens the door to streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music, as well as other non-music applications. However, the device's true strength lies in its dedicated music player.
The Hiby Music player, a first-party application, is optimized for the device's hardware, delivering superior audio quality. It surpasses other music players in terms of fidelity and offers features like an equalizer and DSP-based effects for sound customization.
Advanced Audio Features and Power Management
The Hiby R6 III 2025 allows users to select gain settings (low, medium, high) and choose between Class A and Class AB headphone amplifier modes. Class A mode offers richer sound quality but consumes more power, impacting battery life. Class AB mode balances power consumption and audio quality.
Users can opt for 'pure music mode' which disables background tasks, improving audio stability and extending battery life. The device houses a 4500mAh battery, providing approximately 10 hours of playback in balanced Class AB mode, with slightly shorter durations in Class A mode or using single-ended output.
Connectivity and Output Options
Connectivity options include a USB port for charging, file transfer, and as a digital input. This allows the device to function as a DAC. Output options are versatile, offering four analog outputs: two headphone jacks (single-ended and balanced) and two line outputs (single-ended and balanced). One of the line outputs can be configured as a coaxial digital output for use with external DACs.
While it has these multiple connectivity functions, the primary use case for the Hiby R6 III 2025 is as a portable music player. The device offers physical controls, including play/pause, track selection, and volume adjustment without needing to activate the screen.
Sound Performance and Comparisons
Compared to the Hiby R6 III, the 2025 version offers a more balanced sound signature. While retaining the airy and detailed high frequencies, the 2025 model provides a fuller, more authoritative bass response and smoother mid-range. The overall sound is richer and more dynamic.
In comparison with the Hiby R4, the R6 III 2025 provides similar balance but with enhanced technicalities, detailing, and airiness. The Class A mode further improves upon this, creating a richer, more nuanced sound that justifies its price point compared to the R4.
Hiby R6 III 2025 vs. FiiO M23
The FiiO M23, at a higher price point, offers a different sound profile with a bass-heavy presentation. However, it may sound slightly less detailed and less dynamic in the midrange and highs compared to the Hiby R6 III 2025. The Hiby device provides a more forward and detailed midrange, making it better suited for genres that benefit from a more prominent mid-range presence, like jazz.
Ultimately, the choice between these two comes down to personal preference. The FiiO M23 might appeal to listeners who prioritize a more laid-back and bass-focused sound, whereas the Hiby R6 III 2025 excels in delivering a more detailed and balanced sound, especially in the midrange. Given the price difference, the Hiby R6 III 2025 offers a more compelling value proposition.
Conclusion: Is the Hiby R6 III 2025 Worth It?
The Hiby R6 III 2025 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a refined and more balanced sound signature at a lower price. Its improved bass response, along with its Android OS flexibility and extensive customization options, make it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking a high-quality portable DAP.
While the FiiO M23 offers a different sonic character, the Hiby R6 III 2025’s excellent price-to-performance ratio and overall sound quality give it a clear advantage. Its versatility, audio quality, and affordability make it highly recommended.