HiBy Digital XENO Review

 

Introduction:

HiBy Digital is HiBy Music’s sub-brand, which is a lifestyle-oriented company catering to the newest generation, while HiBy Music will continue to serve medium- to high-end oriented products.

HiBy Digital has launched the XENO, a Hybrid Driver earphone that features a USB Type-C interface. The Hybrid Driver configuration of the XENO consists a xMEMS solid-state silicon speaker and a 10mm Graphene Diaphragm Dynamic Driver unit per earpiece. Moreover, the XENO is equipped with a dual DAC section that comprises 1x ES9018C2M and 1x CS43131 for direct Digital to Analog Converter conversion that supports up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD128 support.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank HiBy Digital for providing me the XENO Hybrid Driver Earphone. I am not affiliated with HiBy Digital or HiBy Music beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The HiBy Digital XENO has an MSRP of $149 and an early bird price on Kickstarter starting from $99. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• HiBy Digital XENO Earphone

 

Package & Accessories:

Since the HiBy Digital XENO came to me while it was still under development, it didn’t come with its original retail box. Inside the generic box I received, there was the XENO earphone, 3 pairs of silicone ear tips, and a stylish blue carrying case.

Therefore, I assume the official release will have different packaging and contents like in the illustration below.

Design & Build Quality:

The HiBy Digital XENO adopts a minimalist design aesthetic, prioritizing functionality over form. The earpieces are constructed from 3D-printed plastic material, offering a lightweight and portable design.

The glossy black finish of the earpieces is accented by the XENO (X) logo. A distinctive feature of the XENO’s design is the double-vented structure, which aims to improve acoustic performance.

However, the positioning of the nozzle can sometimes make achieving a proper seal challenging, especially for users with smaller ear canals. Once a secure fit is achieved, the XENO offers a comfortable listening experience.

The XENO comes with a fixed cable that is pretty durable, made of silver-plated OFC wire with a fabric outer layer. This cable connects the earpieces to the inline remote and the USB Type-C connector.

One of the meain feautures is the inline remote that has a unique button layout in form of a “X” shape, which also houses the exclusive dual DAC chips (ES9018C2M & CS43131). These DACs independently decode and amplify signals for each driver, contributing to the overall sound quality.

The remote also includes a set of physical buttons for easy control:

• Play/Pause: Toggles playback.
• Volume Up/Down: Adjusts volume levels.
• Function Button: Cycles through different sound modes or other functions.

The XENO also includes an all-directional MEMS microphone, enabling pretty clear voice calls.

 

Key Specifications:

• Model: XENO
• Drivers: Hybrid design with xMEMS solid-state silicon speaker and 10mm graphene dynamic driver per side
• Frequency Response: 20 – 40,000Hz
• Maximum SPL: 116 dB at 1kHz
• Cable Length: 1.35 meters
• Wire Material: Silver-plated OFC
• Weight: 5 grams per side
• Connector Type: USB Type-C (non-detachable)
• DAC: Dual DAC configuration with ES9018C2M and CS43131
• Supported Audio Formats: Up to DSD128/PCM384kHz (32-bit)
• Design: 3D-printed shell with a glossy finish
• Control Puck: Volume adjustment, profile switching, and voice calls
• Special Features: Built-in dual DAC, EQ capabilities, and versatile controls

 

Key Features:

A. Hardware:

Driver Configuration and Features: 

The HiBy Digital XENO employs a hybrid driver configuration to achieve a distinct audio performance. This setup includes an all-silicon, solid-state MEMS driver from xMEMS and a custom 10mm dynamic driver with a graphene diaphragm.

The MEMS driver, known as Cowell, operates on a different principle of sound generation compared to traditional drivers. It is 150 times faster in terms of transient response, significantly reducing phase shift and enhancing high-resolution musical detail. To accommodate this unique driver, HiBy Digital has utilized high-precision 3D printing to construct the XENO’s speaker bracket. Separate acoustic rear chambers were created for each driver in the confined space of the shell. This precise design helps to optimize sound quality.

The dynamic driver in the XENO is custom-made and features a new generation of graphene film. Graphene, being an exceptionally strong and lightweight nanomaterial, minimizes split vibrations common in traditional diaphragm materials. This results in improved resolution and a more robust sound performance. The graphene diaphragm is touted as being 1000 times lighter than paper and 200 times stronger than steel, ensuring both lightness and rigidity.

HiBy’s design also incorporates a lightweight and sturdy one-piece aluminum alloy shell. This construction minimizes stationary waves within the acoustic cavity, contributing to clearer sound performance. The XENO uses HiBy’s Dual-DAC design, which includes exclusive dataflow processing and algorithms tailored for the hybrid acoustic architecture. The accurate crossover solution ensures that each speaker receives the appropriate driving parameters, enhancing overall sound quality.

 

Built-In DUAL DAC Design:

The HiBy Digital XENO supports DSD128 and PCM384 hardware decoding, making it the first digital earphone to do so. It utilizes HiBy Music’s extensive audio processing solution to allow the ES9018C2M and CS43131 HiFi-grade DACs to work together, decoding high-definition audio up to PCM384kHz/32Bits and DSD128, catering to audiophiles seeking high-quality sound.

The XENO features a built-in HiFi Dual-DAC for high-definition decoding and amplification. The design leverages the unique characteristics of the Cowell MEMS tweeter and the graphene dynamic driver by using dedicated DAC chips for each driver. The ES9018C2M and CS43131 DACs independently decode and amplify signals, enhancing the acoustic properties of both driver types and making the sound more dynamic and expressive.

HiBy has incorporated an end-to-end digital audio playback architecture in the XENO, drawing on their extensive experience in HD audio technology. This architecture includes vertically integrated design capabilities and proprietary intellectual property across key components such as audio architecture, algorithms, FPGA circuits, and analog circuits. The comprehensive digital audio playback design covers everything from the HD audio source and independent master controller to HD decoding, active crossover, and hybrid driving of MEMS speakers and graphene drivers.

 

B. Software:

Parametric EQ Software – HiBy PEQ Tool:

The HiBy Digital XENO features a dedicated Parametric EQ (PEQ) software known as HiBy PEQ Tool, designed to provide granular tuning adjustments for the XENO earphones. The software supports PEQ on multiple platforms, with a current version available for Windows and an Android version under development. This tool allows users to adjust Low Shelf, Peaking, and High Shelf values across 10 bands, offering a high level of customization for audio enthusiasts.

One of the key advantages of the HiBy PEQ Tool software is its ability to retain the latest PEQ settings in the device’s memory. This means that once you configure and upload your custom PEQ settings, the XENO will retain these settings even when connected to different devices, ensuring a consistent listening experience.

The software interface, although comprehensive, may initially appear complex, especially for casual listeners. It is geared towards users with a deep interest in audio customization, such as mixing professionals and serious audiophiles. The software allows users to save PEQ parameters as files, import them directly to the XENO, share profiles via the HiBy Music app, and even load settings from the XENO.

It’s important to note that applying a saved PEQ setting to the XENO will overwrite the stock “HiFi” profile, but users can reset it within the PEQ Tool. For those familiar with other PEQ software like Peace Equalizer, the transition to HiBy PEQ Tool should be seamless.

While the software offers extensive control over specific frequency bands, some users expressed a desire for pre-set tuning profiles developed by HiBy to be included as an additional option. This would provide a more user-friendly starting point for those less experienced with EQ adjustments.

Overall, the PEQ Tool software significantly enhances the XENO’s capability to deliver tailored audio experiences, making it a valuable tool for those who wish to fine-tune their listening preferences.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

IEM                 : HiBy Digital XENO
Sources         : HiBy R6 Pro II, MSI Vector GP68 HX

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Adele – My Little Love (Spotify)
• Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
• Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Sonya Yoncheva – (Giuseppe Verdi) II Trovatore, ActI (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Rush – YYZ (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Rok Nardin – Berserks (Spotify)
• Bear McCreary – Valkyries “God of War OST” (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Alboran Trio’s – Cinque Lunghissimi Minuti (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

 

The Sound:

The HiBy Digital XENO offers a high level of audio customization through its PEQ software, HiBy PEQ Tool. This software enables users to adjust the sound profile extensively, tailoring the audio output to their preferences.

Additionally, HiBy provides three preset sound profiles to accommodate different listening preferences: HiFi (reference), Dynamic, and Gaming/Cinema Modes. We will explore these preset profiles in more detail below.

HiFi Mode:

HiFi Mode provides a balanced and neutral sound profile, emphasizing clarity and precision in the upper mids and treble. This mode is marked by a yellow LED flash, delivering a bright and detailed audio experience. It’s designed for critical listening, offering a pretty transparent sound that’s ideal for genres that require high fidelity and detail.

Cinema/Gaming Mode:

Cinema/Gaming Mode offers a V-shaped sound signature, enhancing the sense of space and depth. This mode pushes vocals slightly back, creating an airy and spacious soundstage. The 3D imaging is enhanced, making it ideal for immersive experiences in gaming and movies. This mode is indicated by three purple flashes on the LED. It maintains similar bass and treble performance to the default mode but provides a wider soundstage.

Dynamic Mode:

Dynamic Mode is tailored to enhance the bass response, creating a more pronounced low end. This mode results in a warm and veiled sound signature, characterized by a u-shaped frequency response with an emphasis on the bass. The LED flashes orange twice to indicate this mode. Dynamic Mode is suitable for genres that benefit from a stronger bass presence, although it might sound boomy for some listeners.

 

Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage & Imaging:

Now let’s take a more in-depth look at the XENO’s performance in terms of bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage, using the HiFi Mode as our benchmark for assessment, as this is the reference sound profile of the IEM.

The HiBy Digital XENO provides a balanced bass response that is neither overly emphasized nor too subtle. It delivers a controlled and precise low-end, complementing various musical genres. While it might not have the earth-shaking impact of some bass-heavy IEMs, the bass is well-defined, with good texture and extension, forming a solid foundation for the overall sound. Some listeners might find the bass slightly rolled off, lacking the deepest sub-bass frequencies. This can be adjusted through EQ settings to suit individual preferences.

The midrange of the XENO is notable for its clarity, detail retrieval, and natural timbre. Vocals are rendered with precision, capturing nuances effectively. Instruments in the midrange, such as guitars, pianos, and violins, are clear and well-separated. The midrange is balanced, neither too forward nor recessed, providing an engaging listening experience. The XENO’s midrange performance is particularly adept in complex musical passages, resolving intricate details without congestion.

The treble of the HiBy Digital XENO is smooth and extended. It offers a refined and airy presentation without being aggressive. The treble is well-controlled, avoiding harshness or sibilance, even at higher volumes. This makes it suitable for genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music, where subtlety and nuance are important. Some listeners may perceive the treble as slightly rolled off, lacking the highest frequencies, which can be modified through EQ adjustments.

The XENO features an impressive soundstage, creating a wide and deep sonic environment. Instruments and vocals are precisely positioned, with excellent separation and layering. The imaging is accurate, making it easy to identify individual instruments and their spatial relationships. The XENO’s soundstage performance is particularly strong in recordings with complex arrangements, separating elements clearly and presenting them with focus.

  

Conclusion:

The HiBy Digital XENO is distinguished by its innovative hybrid driver configuration and dual DAC setup, resulting in a rich and detailed sound profile. Its minimalist design, made from lightweight 3D-printed plastic, ensures portability and comfort. Key features include a robust fixed cable, an inline remote with an “X” shaped button layout housing the dual DACs, and an all-directional MEMS microphone for clear voice calls. The dynamic driver uses advanced graphene film for enhanced resolution and reduced split vibrations. Additionally, the HiBy PEQ Tool software provides extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the audio experience through various EQ settings. The XENO excels in delivering a fairly balanced and precise sound, making it an interesting choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Fairly balanced and precise bass response (HiFi Mode)
• + Exceptional midrange clarity and detail (HiFi Mode)
• + Smooth and extended treble with no harshness (Dynamic Mode)
• + Above average soundstage performance with accurate imaging (HiFi Mode)
• + High level of customization through HiBy PEQ Tool software
• + Durable construction with 3D-printed plastic and aluminum alloy
• + Dual DAC configuration supporting high-resolution audio formats
• + Lightweight design

 

• – Bass lacks some depth, while the treble sounds a bit sharp in HiFi Mode
• – Fixed cable may not appeal to everyone
• – The comfort level can vary significantly depending on the ear tips used
• – Complex software interface may be daunting for casual users (something that can be easily improved with updates)

 

Thank you for the Read!