HiBy R6 III Review: Premium Hi-Res Player at $499 with Balanced Output

Explore the features and sound quality of the HiBy R6 III, a top-tier Hi-Res digital audio player with dual amplifier modes and balanced outputs.

Introduction to HiBy R6 III

The HiBy R6 III (Gen 3) is a mid-range digital audio player (DAP) priced at $499, featuring a dual amplifier circuit that lets you switch between Class A and Class AB modes. Powered by the Snapdragon 665 processor and running Android 12, this player offers both balanced headphone and line outputs. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the R6 III’s build, software, sound performance, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Shanling M3 Ultra ($469), HiBy RS2 Darwin ($479), iBasso DX170 ($449), and TempoTec V6 ($399).

Design and Build Quality

The HiBy R6 III is a classic DAP in size, comparable to the iBasso DX170 and Shanling M3 Ultra, measuring 129.4 x 73.1 x 15.6 mm. It’s slightly thicker than an average smartphone but more compact in length and width. This size accommodates a robust 4500 mAh battery, which fully charges in about two hours.

Battery life is solid:

• Approximately 6 hours of playback in Class A mode via the balanced 4.4 mm output
• Around 12 hours in Class AB mode
• Non-balanced output offers about 9 hours in Class A and 15 hours in Class AB mode

The device supports 18W fast charging via PD protocol. In real-world use, the battery holds up impressively, maintaining over 85% after two hours of music playback and web surfing on Class A balanced output.

Inside, the Snapdragon 665 chip (built on 11nm tech) powers the player smoothly, more than enough to run a variety of music apps without lag. The 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage provide ample space and speed for offline files and streaming apps like Tidal.

The 5-inch IPS display offers 720p resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a factory-installed oleophobic coating. It features vivid colors, excellent brightness for outdoor viewing, and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. While not as high as the 144Hz screens on modern smartphones, it balances battery life and functionality well.

Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5.0 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 with support for DLNA, AirPlay, HiBy Link, and popular codecs like UAT, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC. The USB port is highly versatile: it functions as a USB DAC for PC, powers external DACs, works as a Bluetooth receiver, or functions as a Bluetooth transmitter.

Each headphone output remembers its own volume setting, which is handy for quickly switching gear without adjusting levels every time.

Under the Hood: DAC and Amplification

At the heart of the HiBy R6 III are two ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chips paired with OPA1652 operational amplifiers and 16 transistors. The design avoids crosstalk distortion, and four Elna capacitors boost dynamic range. Output voltages reach 2V for single-ended and 3.6V for balanced outputs.

Power output peaks at 125mW (single-ended) and 405mW (balanced). The device boasts ultra-low total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.0008% (single-ended) and 0.0005% (balanced), with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 119dB and 120dB respectively. The balanced output provides superior crosstalk suppression (100 dB) compared to the single-ended's 68 dB, making it the preferred connection for purest sound.

Software and Features

The HiBy R6 III runs Android 12, offering a smooth and customizable user experience. You can adjust system fonts, install virtually any third-party app, and toggle between Class A and AB amplifier modes easily.

The player supports system-wide bit-perfect audio output, ensuring no resampling across apps. This is perfect for high-quality streaming on Tidal or Spotify and supports MQA 16X for both streaming and local files.

One downside is noticeable latency (about 500-600 ms) when using the HiBy R6 III as a USB DAC, making it less suitable for real-time video or gaming audio over USB.

Controlling the device remotely is possible via HiBy Cast from smartphones, PCs, or tablets. The Direct Transport Architecture (DTA) ensures precise bit-perfect audio for all apps running on the player.

The player handles high-resolution formats effortlessly, up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz, delivering versatile audio playback options.

Sound Quality

Testing the HiBy R6 III with a range of in-ear and over-ear headphones like SIVGA Oriole, Dita Audio Perpetua, OLLO S5X, Audeze MM-500, and HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 revealed impressive power and clarity. The player easily drives demanding headphones, often below maximum volume levels without distortion.

A standout feature is the audible difference between Class A and Class AB modes:

• Class AB: Cleaner on power consumption and heat, sounds more digital, compressed, less dynamic, and less engaging.
• Class A: Offers richer dynamics, tighter control, livelier presentation, wider soundstage, and a deeper, warmer bass with more texture.

The Class A mode makes the music feel punchier and more authentic, although with some IEMs (like FiR Audio NE4) it can sound slightly congested at higher volumes due to the “super-driven” effect common in Class A amps.

Bass is well-controlled and impactful, warmer and slightly boosted, especially in sub-bass and mid-bass regions. The R6 III has addressed the high output impedance issue seen in the original R6, resulting in a cleaner background and tighter bass.

Mids are clear and free of distortion, offering excellent layering and instrument separation. The device’s power and clarity push the music forward without losing accuracy.

High frequencies sparkle with detail and air, consistent between Class A and AB, without harshness. The R6 III faithfully conveys differences in mastering and mixing from album to album.

HiBy R6 III’s sound is slightly warm, super dynamic, energetic, vivid, yet true to the recording. – Reviewer

Comparisons with Other DAPs

HiBy R6 III vs Shanling M3 Ultra

• R6 III offers higher max output power and a sound signature that’s more forceful and controlled.
• M3 Ultra sounds brighter with more neutral mids and airier highs.
• R6 III’s soundstage is deeper, though top-end may feel slightly rolled off unless tracks are very bright.
• M3 Ultra has less USB DAC latency and longer battery life.

HiBy R6 III vs HiBy RS2 Darwin

• RS2 features R2R DAC with smoother, gentler sound and fewer streaming features.
• R6 III is more dynamic, powerful, and clearer with stronger drive and higher output.

HiBy R6 III vs TempoTec V6

• V6 is smaller, warmer, softer in sound, but less dynamic and with a narrower soundstage.
• R6 III delivers superior detail, layering, and a more engaging presentation.

HiBy R6 III vs iBasso DX170

• Both are similar in size and performance.
• DX170’s sound is warmer and softer, while R6 III is more detailed, with crisper highs and better instrument separation.
• R6 III leans towards a “driven” sound signature thanks to Class A amplification.

Value and Final Thoughts

At $499, the HiBy R6 III is positioned at the higher end of mid-range DAPs but justifies this with its unique dual Class A/AB amplifier design and comprehensive features.

It is notable as the first DAP to offer on-demand switching between Class A and AB modes, providing a rare opportunity to explore the sonic differences within the same device and hardware.

For those who want a versatile, powerful player that can drive almost any portable or desktop headphone, with balanced and single-ended outputs, MQA 16X support, excellent battery life, robust Wi-Fi, and a quality display, the HiBy R6 III is a compelling option.

Conclusion

Are you ready to elevate your portable music experience with a player that combines power, flexibility, and outstanding sound quality?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the battery life of the HiBy R6 III?
  Around 6 hours in Class A mode via balanced output and up to 15 hours in Class AB mode via single-ended output.
• Can I switch between amplifier modes during playback?
  Yes, the HiBy R6 III allows seamless switching between Class A and Class AB modes.
• Does the player support high-resolution audio formats?
  Yes, it supports DSD up to DSD512 and PCM up to 768kHz.
• Is the HiBy R6 III suitable for use as a USB DAC?
  It can be used as a USB DAC but with noticeable latency, making it less ideal for video or gaming.
• What headphone outputs does the HiBy R6 III offer?
  It features balanced 4.4 mm headphone and line outputs, plus single-ended 3.5 mm headphone and line outputs.

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