HiBy FD5 Review 

 

Introduction:

HiBy is a well-known audio brand established in 2011 that is specialized in research, development, production and marketing of Portable HiFi Audio products such like DAP’s, USB & Bluetooth DAC/Amplifier’s, In-Ear Monitors and Accessories. Moreover, HiBy is also a highly experienced company in development of Software’s such like the HiBy Music application for Android & iOS devices and of course HiBy OS that is a widely used professional Portable Audio Operating Systems (OS).

HiBy has introduced a new design philosophy, “New Generation Audio Evangelism,” aimed at redefining the audio experience. The first product in this series was the HiBy R4 Portable Digital Audio Player, which showcased a cyberpunk aesthetic with bold, angular lines and futuristic shapes. Now, the FD5, a Multifunctional Desktop DAC/Amplifier and Bluetooth Receiver, continues this design trend offering both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, providing flexibility in how you connect your audio sources.

The FD5 is separated in two units the DAC/AMP and the Isolated Power Supply unit. It features independent 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs, as well as line outputs, for a variety of connection options. Delivering up to 1523mW of balanced power or 475mW of single-ended power into a 32-ohm load, the FD5 is housed in an aluminum alloy chassis with a glass status pane and a small transparent color display. The HiBy FD5 is equipped with a discrete power supply to isolate the analog circuitry from electromagnetic interference (EMI). This ensures clean and accurate audio reproduction.

The power supply utilizes 10 ELNA SILMIC II capacitors for filtering and regeneration. At its core, the FD5 features a quad-DAC configuration using 4x AKM AK4493 DAC chips. This configuration delivers powerful output and exceptional signal-to-noise ratio. The amplification stages include a class A/AB amplifier, a low-pass filter (LPF) comprising 6x OPA1612 op-amps, and a fully discrete headphone amplifier formed of 32 hand-matched transistors. Dual Femtosecond-Grade Crystal Oscillators ensure accurate timing and minimize jitter.

 

 

Price & Availability:

The MSRP price of the HiBy FD5 is $429.00 USD. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• HiBy FD5 Desktop DAC/Amplifier and Bluetooth Receiver

  

Package & Accessories:

The HiBy FD5 arrives in a cube shaped fancy black box that sports the illustration of the device product related brandings on its surface.

The box of the FD5 contains the following items/accessories;

• 1x HiBy FD5 Desktop DAC/Amplifier and Bluetooth Receiver
• 1x USB A to USB Type-C cable for file transfer and charging
• 1x Power Adaptor
• 1x 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter cable
• 1x Print Materials (User Manual, Warranty, etc.)

 

Design & Build Quality:

The FD5 is a multifunctional desktop DAC/Amplifier and Bluetooth receiver with an eye-catching Cyberpunk Exterior Design. This design, inspired by Cyborg aesthetics, reflects HiBy’s new design philosophy called “New Generation Audio Evangelism.” It features bold, angular lines and futuristic shapes.

The FD5 consists of two independent parts: the DAC/Amplifier on the top and the independent isolated power supply unit at the bottom. Both parts are made of a CNC-machined solid piece of aluminum with a nice anodized green finish.

The device has a total weight of 698g and dimensions of 115x115x52.7mm, which is quite compact for such a powerful DAC/Amplifier with an independent power supply unit.

These two parts are connected with a male port at the bottom of the DAC/Amplifier section and the female interface located on the top of the power supply unit. A powerful magnetic under the power supply unit helps ensure a secure connection between the two devices.

The DAC/Amplifier unit features a transparent glass panel with the letter “5” for the FD5 model description. This letter lights up in purple in USB mode and blue in Bluetooth mode. You can select between these modes using the FN button.

Another highlight of the device is the 1.1-inch OLED color display that provides information about the status and operations (input, output, gain, amplifier mode, etc.).

What I really like is the stylish 100-step volume knob coupled with true analog volume control ensures precise and easy-to-navigate adjustments on the top.

The left surface of the DAC/AMP unit features two small switches designed to enhance user control and versatility. The first switch allows users to toggle between Class A and Class AB amplification modes, while the second switch offers the option to adjust gain levels between Low and High, enabling users to optimize amplification for various headphone sensitivities, ensuring optimal performance and listening experience.

The right surface of the DAC/AMP unit provides connectivity options for both standard and balanced headphones, which are the 3.5mm out with CTIA support for TRRS compatible headphones and a 4.4mm balanced headphone out. The power supply unit has a LED status indicator that serves as a visual cue for the device’s operational status. When illuminated, the LED indicates that the power supply unit is powered on and ready to deliver electricity to the DAC/AMP unit.

The rear surface of the DAC/AMP unit provides versatile connectivity options for both standard and balanced audio devices. A 3.5mm line output allows users to connect the FD5 to external audio components such as speakers, enabling a wider range of listening possibilities. Additionally, a 4.4mm balanced line output is included for those seeking to connect to balanced audio devices, resulting in a higher-quality audio experience with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced interference. Furthermore, a USB-C input port is provided for connecting the device to external sources like computers or smartphones, allowing users to enjoy their digital music libraries with enhanced audio fidelity.

The rear surface of the Power Supply Unit houses essential components for powering the device. A power input port is provided for connecting the unit to a suitable power source, ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of electricity. Additionally, a power switch is included to conveniently turn the device ON and OFF.

At the bottom of the solid metal body are four rubber isolations feet’s with a circular shape and some product related brandings and industrial certifications.

Overall, the HiBy FD5 is a well-built and versatile DAC/Amplifier with a striking design that offers a great combination of various outputs, features, and stylish aesthetics.

 

Technical Specifications:

 

Hardware Features:

 

DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) & MQA Support:

The HiBy FD5 is equipped with a high-performance DAC section. The device utilizes a QUAD (4 DAC Chips) AK4493 DAC array from Asahi Kasei. The AK4493 is a premium 32-bit 2-channel DAC that supports the VELVET SOUND technology. The FD5 is capable of handling a wide variety of PCM and DSD files, including PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and Direct Stream Digital (DSD) formats up to DSD512.

Another feature of the HiBy FD5 is its MQA support. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a technology designed to preserve audio quality during digital transmission and playback. The FD5 can unfold MQA files, restoring them to their original high-resolution format. This theoretically delivers a more accurate and detailed listening experience.

The device supports up to 8x MQA unfolding.

Please note that FD5 does not offer any digital filters or PEQ functions at this time. However, these features may be implemented in a future update.

 

Class A/AB Discrete Amplification:

The HiBy FD5 is a pretty compact desktop DAC/Amplifier that comes with a robust Class A/AB amplifier section, coupled with a carefully selected component base, ensures ample power and precision to drive a wide array of headphones and In-Ear Monitors.

At the heart of the FD5’s amplification stage are two ADA4625-2 operational amplifiers. These high-performance ICs provide low noise, low distortion, and high-speed operation, contributing to the device’s exceptional clarity and dynamic range. Moreover, the FD5 employs a fully discrete headphone amplifier section comprising 32 hand-matched transistors, offering fine-grained control over the audio signal and ensuring optimal performance.

One of the key features that contributes to the FD5’s audio performance is its discrete power supply. This isolated power supply effectively shields the analog conversion and amplification circuitry from electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the power supply itself, and vice versa. This isolation helps to maintain a clean and stable power supply for the sensitive audio components, resulting in reduced noise and distortion. Moreover, the isolated power supply section utilizes 10 ELNA SILMIC II capacitors for filtering and regeneration. To further refine the audio signal, the FD5 incorporates a dual LPF (Low-Pass Filter) design utilizing 6 OPA1612 operational amplifiers. This implementation effectively attenuates high-frequency noise, resulting in a smoother and more refined experience.

With a maximum output power of 1523mW into a 32-ohm load on the balanced 4.4mm output, the FD5 is exceptionally well-suited to drive demanding planar magnetic headphones. Its ample power reserves ensure that headphones like the HiFiMAN Arya Organic and SIVGA P2 Pro, which I used during this review, are driven with a great sense of dynamics.

The FD5’s exceptional signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) further contribute to its superior audio performance. The 3.5mm output boasts an SNR of 122dB in single-ended mode and 126dB in balanced mode, while the THD is 0.0018% and 0.0009% respectively. The 4.4mm output offers a balanced SNR of 126dB and a THD of 0.0004%. These figures ensure pretty clean and accurate audio signal.

My only complaint about the FD5 in this area is that it tends to run slightly warm after extended use, especially in Class A mode.

 

Dual Audio Crystal Oscillators:

One of the standout features of the FD5 is its precision clocking system. The device utilizes dual femtosecond-grade crystal oscillators operating at 45.158MHz and 49.152MHz, respectively. These oscillators are specifically designed for audio applications and are responsible for generating clock signals for 44.1kHz-based and 48kHz-based audio. This dual-oscillator setup ensures that the FD5 can handle all PCM audio formats up to 768kHz and beyond, as well as all DSD rates.

 

USB DAC/AMP and Bluetooth Receiver Function:

The HiBy FD5 is a multi-functional desktop audio device that offers two distinct operating modes: USB DAC/AMP and Bluetooth Receiver/Amplifier. These modes can be easily switched between using the FN button located on the top of the device.

When connected via USB Type-C, the FD5 functions as a desktop USB DAC/AMP. This allows you to listen to your music library or streaming services from your PC, MAC, Android, or iOS device.

In addition to its USB functionality, the FD5 can also operate as a Bluetooth Receiver and Amplifier. By simply pressing the FN button, you can switch the device to Bluetooth mode. This enables you to wirelessly receive audio from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The FD5 supports a variety of high-resolution Bluetooth codecs, including UAT, LDAC, AAC, and SBC.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAC/Amplifier          : HiBy FD5, Soncoz QXA1 + QXD1
• IEM’s                         : HiBy Project ACE, Campfire Audio Suppermoon, IOAudio SOGNO
• Headphones             : HiFiMAN Arya Organic, SIVGA P2 Pro

 

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
• 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)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (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)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “ Album” (Deezer HiFi)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• 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)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• 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 – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The HiBy FD5 is a remarkable audio device that delivers a truly immersive listening experience. From the very first note, it captivates the listener with its exceptional depth and layering, revealing intricate details within recordings that often go unnoticed. Its ability to create a serene and quiet background is equally impressive, allowing the music to shine without any distractions.

The HiBy FD5 review has been written after a burn-in process of approx. 80 hours. My sound impressions below are mainly based on my experiences over the 4.4mm Balanced output in Class A mode. I have paired the device with headphones like the HiFiMAN Arya Organic and SIVGA P2 Pro as well as In-Ear Monitors like the HiBy Project ACE, Campfire Audio Supermoon and IOAudio SOGNO.

Bass:

The FD5 delivers a robust and controlled bass response, characterized by its depth, texture, and impactful low-end frequencies. It effortlessly reproduces the lows with authority, providing a satisfyingly visceral experience. The FD5’s bass response is particularly noteworthy for its ability to show the weight and physicality of instruments.

Beyond the sheer quantity of bass, the FD5 excels at conveying the nuances and complexities of the low-end, which is a remarkable feature for such a compact device at this price level. The FD5 is capable of accurately differentiating between various bass frequencies, including the deep rumble of a double bass and the punchy kick drum of a rock track. Additionally, the FD5’s bass is well-integrated into the overall soundscape, creating a cohesive listening experience.

When paired with IEMs, the FD5 continues to impress. The Campfire Audio Supermoon, for example, benefits from the FD5’s tight and controlled bass, resulting in a balanced and articulate sound signature. The HiBy Project ACE, with its slightly more emphasized bass response, pairs well with the FD5 to create a fun and engaging listening experience.

 

Midrange:

The HiBy FD5’s midrange presentation is characterized by its clarity, detail, and natural tonality. When paired with the Arya Organic, the FD5 is able to showcase the nuances of vocals and instruments with impressive precision. The SIVGA P2 Pro, with its slightly warmer midrange, enhances the FD5’s neutral presentation, creating a more engaging listening experience.

A standout feature of the FD5’s midrange is its ability to show the depth and dimensionality of recordings. Instruments are placed with precision within the soundscape, allowing easily discern individual elements of a mix. The FD5’s midrange is also remarkably quiet, with its death silent noise floor, archived thanks to its isolated power supply. The result is a black background that allows for a more focused and listening experience.

When paired with IEMs, the FD5 continues to deliver a highly resolving and engaging midrange performance. The HiBy Project ACE and Campfire Audio Supermoon both benefit from the FD5’s clarity and detail, providing a natural and realistic presentation.

 

Treble:

The FD5’s treble is smooth, extended, and free from harshness or sibilance. When paired with headphones like the HiFiMAN Arya Organic, the FD5 is able to convey the delicate nuances of high-frequency instruments with impressive precision for a device at this price tag. The SIVGA P2 Pro, with its slightly more energetic treble response, complements the FD5’s pretty controlled presentation, creating an engaging listening experience.

An impressive aspect of the FD5’s treble is its ability to convey a sense of air and space. This is particularly evident when listening to recordings with a wide soundstage, such as orchestral music or jazz. The FD5’s treble also excels at reproducing the decay of cymbals and other percussive instruments, creating a quite natural and realistic listening experience.

When paired with IEMs, the FD5 continues to deliver a smooth and extended treble performance. The Campfire Audio Supermoon, for example, benefits from the FD5’s refined treble, resulting in a balanced and articulate sound signature. The HiBy Project ACE, with its slightly emphasized treble response, pairs well with the FD5 to create a fun and engaging listening experience. The IOAudio SOGNO that has a fairly balanced sound signature, complements the FD5’s treble, providing a natural and realistic presentation.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The HiBy FD5’s soundstage is both wide and deep, creating and spacious atmosphere. When paired with headphones like the HiFiMAN Arya Organic, the FD5 is able to create a soundstage that extends well beyond the confines of the listener’s head. This is particularly impressive when listening to recordings with a large orchestra or a wide variety of instruments. The FD5’s soundstage is also characterized by its excellent imaging. Instruments are precisely located within the soundstage, allowing listeners to easily discern individual elements of a mix. This level of imaging is essential for appreciating the nuances of recordings and for creating a more realistic listening experience.

 

 

Sound Comparison:

HiBy FD5 versus Soncoz QXA1+QXD1:

The Soncoz QXA1 + QXD1 combo delivers a slightly deeper, more textured, and impactful bass response than the HiBy FD5, while the FD5 offers a faster, more transparent, and controlled lower frequency response with good authority and rumble, even at higher volume levels. Both devices excel in their respective areas, with the QXA1 + QXD1 being ideal for those seeking a powerful and visceral bass experience and the FD5 being suitable for those who prefer a more controlled and precise low-end.

The HiBy FD5 offers a more revealing, clean, and engaging midrange compared to the Soncoz QXA1 + QXD1 combo. It provides a natural and balanced sound with a touch of analog flavor, especially in acoustic tracks. While the QXA1 + QXD1 combo also delivers a clear and detailed midrange, it may not be as revealing or engaging as the FD5.

Both devices offer a smooth and extended treble response. However, the Soncoz QXA1+ QXD1 combo has a slightly warmer treble character with a touch of natural coloration, while the HiBy FD5’s treble is more neutral and airier. The FD5 also amplifies the upper treble region with a decent level of airiness and sparkle, avoiding over-sharpness without sounding veiled or muddy.

The HiBy FD5 creates a slightly wider and deeper soundstage with excellent imaging, allowing listeners to discern individual elements of a mix more easily. The Soncoz QXA1 + QXD1 combo also offers a solid soundstage, but is not as expansive as the one that I do hear with the FD5. Both devices provide a good sense of space and separation between instruments and vocals especially for their price tag.

 

Conclusion:

The HiBy FD5 is a remarkably compact desktop DAC/AMP and Bluetooth receiver that combines a striking cyberpunk aesthetic with bold, angular lines and futuristic shapes. Its unique design is further enhanced by its separation into two units: the DAC/AMP and the Isolated Power Supply unit. This innovative approach contributes to its exceptional sound quality and overall appeal. The FD5 offers flexibility in connectivity with both USB and Bluetooth options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio sources. Equipped with powerful amplification and a quad-DAC configuration, the FD5 delivers a satisfying listening experience with various headphones. Its rich and engaging presentation, coupled with its affordability, makes it a solid choice for audio enthusiasts seeking a device that works well with both sensitive IEM’s and full-sized headphones.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Rich and Engaging Sound
• + Overall Clarity & Resolution
• + Class A / AB mode
• + Unique Cyberpunk Aesthetic
• + Robust Built Quality
• + Compact Size
• + Versatile connectivity (both USB and Bluetooth for various audio sources)
• + Powerful amplification for its size (up to 1523mW @ 32ohm)
• + Compatible with both IEMs and full-sized headphones

 

• – Tends to run slightly warm after extended use, especially in Class A mode
• – No Coaxial or Optical input & outputs
• – No Digital Filters, PEQ / EQ option (may come with further update)

 

Thank you for the Read!