HiBy R6 GEN III 2025 Review
HiBy R6 GEN III 2025 Review
Introduction:
HiBy is a well-known audio brand established in 2011 that is specialized in research, HiBy, a renowned audio brand since 2011, has built a strong reputation for its expertise in designing and producing high-quality portable HiFi audio products, including Digital Audio Players (DAPs), USB and Bluetooth DAC/Amplifiers, In-Ear Monitors, and accessories. Beyond hardware, HiBy excels in software development, offering the widely used HiByMusic app for Android and iOS, as well as the professional HiBy OS, a staple in portable audio systems.
The HiBy R6 III 2025 is the latest evolution in the popular R6 series, succeeding the R6 III from 2023. This new iteration retains the 5” 720P IPS touch display but introduces significant upgrades, such as a quad CS43198 DAC configuration from Cirrus Logic, replacing the dual ES9038Q2M chips of its predecessor. It also features a refined switchable Class A/AB amplification section, dual independent crystal oscillators, and a powerful Snapdragon 665 SoC paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM. Powered by a 4500mAh battery with PD2.0 fast charging, the R6 III 2025 offers independent 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone and line-out ports.
On the software front, the R6 III 2025 runs Open Android 12 OS with system-wide bit-perfect audio, supporting full 16x MQA decoding, native DSD up to DSD512, and 32-bit/768kHz PCM processing. This DAP is a compelling option for audiophiles seeking premium sound in a portable package.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank HiBy for providing me the R6 III 2025 Digital Audio Player. I am not affiliated with HiBy beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The HiBy R6 III 2025 is priced at an attractive $439.00 USD, offering exceptional value given its advanced hardware and software capabilities. For more details, visit:
Package & Accessories:
The R6 III 2025 arrives in a sleek rectangular blue box adorned with gold-colored HiBy branding and product details.
The box of the contains the following items/accessories;
- 1 x HiBy R6 III 2025 Digital Audio Player
- 1 x USB-A to USB Type-C cable (for file transfer and charging)
- 3 x PVC screen protectors (2 pre-installed on front and back)
- 1 x Protective silicone case
- 1 x User manual
- 1 x Warranty card
Design & Build Quality:
The HiBy R6 III 2025 continues HiBy’s established design principles with a refined aesthetic and solid build quality. The device’s design shares significant similarities with its predecessor, the R6 III, drawing inspiration from its angular, masculine form while incorporating subtle updates for a fresh appeal. With dimensions of 129.4 x 73.1 x 15.6 mm and a weight of approximately 250 grams, the R6 III 2025 maintains a balance between portability and sturdiness, suitable for single-handed use.
The R6 III 2025 is available in two different color options: silver and black.
The chassis is made from aluminum alloy, which ensures a durable and lightweight frame while offering a premium look and feel. The back panel, updated with a diamond-patterned glass design, provides a modern and distinctive aesthetic. However, this addition also increases the likelihood of fingerprints and smudges, which could require regular cleaning. But both the front display and the back panel are pre-applied with PET screen protectors, demonstrating a practical consideration for long-term usability.
The front of the device features a 5-inch 720P (1280 x 720) IPS touch screen. While not a standout in terms of resolution compared to higher-end models, the display delivers clear visuals, good responsiveness, and adequate outdoor visibility.
The oleophobic coating helps reduce fingerprints, and the 2.5D curved edges enhance the overall ergonomics and design cohesion.
The device’s connectivity options are comprehensive and largely consistent with the previous R6 III model. These include 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, corresponding line-out ports, and a multifunctional USB-C port that supports charging, digital audio output, and file transfers.
Additionally, a Micro SD card slot on the side allows for expandable storage up to 2TB, accommodating extensive music libraries.
The materials and build quality reflect the device’s position in the mid-tier digital audio player market. The aluminum alloy construction provides robustness without adding excess weight, while the glass back adds a touch of elegance. The pre-applied protectors highlight HiBy’s attention to practical usability, although the glass surfaces might be less suited to users prioritizing durability over style.
The volume wheel is a key design element that is quite responsive and easy to navigate.
Overall, the HiBy R6 III 2025 refines the design of its predecessor without introducing major changes. However, its build quality, aesthetic appeal, and versatile functionality make it a competitive option for audiophiles seeking a reliable digital audio player.
Technical Specifications:
- Model: R6 III 2025
- Operating System: Open Android 12
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- CPU: 11nm 8-Core Kryo 260, 2.2GHz
- GPU: Adreno 610
- Display: 5” 720P IPS Touch Display (16:9, 16M colors)
- RAM: 4GB
- ROM: 64GB
- MicroSD Support: 1x up to 2TB
- DAC: Quad CS43198 (Cirrus Logic)
- AMP: Switchable Class A/AB
- OPAMP: 2x OPA1652
- Analog Out: 3.5mm SE / 4.4mm BAL Headphone & Line Out
- Digital Out: USB Type-C, Coaxial Digital (via USB port adapter, sold separately)
- Phone Out: 3.5mm Single Ended / 4.4mm Balanced
- Line Out: 3.5mm Single Ended / 4.4mm Balanced
- Phone Out Power: 125mW @ 32Ω (SE)
- Balanced Out Power: 405mW @ 32Ω (BAL)
- Voltage Swing (4.4mm BAL): 3.6Vrms (AB) / 3.6Vrms (A) / 4Vrms (LO)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 80kHz (extended range per updated image)
- THD+N 3.5mm SE: 0.0007% (A/AB)
- THD+N 4.4mm BAL: 0.0007% (AB) / 0.0006% (A) / 0.0003% (LO)
- Noise Floor (4.4mm BAL): 1µV (LO) / 1.5µV (A)
- SNR (4.4mm BAL): 120dB (LO) / 126dB (AB) / 122dB (A)
- Dynamic Range (4.4mm BAL): 127dB (AB) / 123dB (A)
- Channel Separation (4.4mm BAL): 119dBr (LO) / 110dBr (AB) / 70dBr (A)
- Bluetooth Standard: 5.0
- Bluetooth Two-Way: Bi-directional (SBC, AAC, aptX [transmit only], aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Wireless Audio: DLNA, HiByLink
- Wi-Fi: Dual Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
- Battery Capacity: 4500mAh, PD2.0 Fast Charging (12V—1.5A or 5V—0.5A)
- Charge Time: <2h (0% to 100%)
- Battery Life: 13h (SE, AB) / 11h (BAL, AB) / 8h (BAL, Class A)
- Dimensions: 129.4 x 73.1 x 15.6mm
- Weight: 250g
- Chassis Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Color Options: Black, Silver
- USB Port: USB Type-C supporting USB 2.0 & 3.2 Gen 1, up to 5G
- Firmware Updates: OTA Online Updates
- Supported Sample Formats / Rates: DSD512, PCM 768kHz/32bit, MQA 16x
HiBy R6 III 2025 Key Features:
- Open Android 12 OS
- 5” IPS 720p Display
- Quad CS43198 DAC Arrangement
- Snapdragon 665 SoC
- 4GB RAM + 64GB Storage
- Switchable Class A/AB Amplification
- Dual Crystal Oscillators
- 16x MQA Decoding
- Bit-Perfect Audio
- 32-Bit/768kHz PCM & DSD512
- Independent 3.5mm & 4.4mm Headphone and Line Outputs
- USB DAC & Coaxial Digital Output
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Bi-directional Bluetooth V5.0
- 4500mAh Battery with Fast Charging
- OTA Firmware Updates
Hardware Features:
Snapdragon 665 SoC & Storage:
The CPU is a Snapdragon 665, an octa-core chip made on an 11nm process, paired with an Adreno 610 GPU. It runs the Android 12 system and keeps everything moving fast. With 4GB of RAM, it’s got enough muscle to switch between apps, browse music, and handle playback without lagging. The 64GB of internal storage is decent for holding files, and it’s backed by the quad DACs to process them right. This setup isn’t top-tier like some flagship phones, but it’s efficient for a music player, keeping the interface smooth and responsive. It’s built to save power too, which helps the 4500mAh battery last longer during use.
In practice, the DAC shines with high-res tracks, pulling out details in FLAC or DSD files that cheaper players might miss. The CPU keeps up fine, letting you scroll through big libraries or stream from apps like Tidal without hiccups. It’s not a speed demon for heavy gaming or video, but that’s not the point here, it’s all about audio, and the Snapdragon 665 gets the job done for that.
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC):
The DAC is a big highlight, upgraded to a quad CS43198 setup from Cirrus Logic. This replaces the dual ES9038Q2M chips from the 2023 model, stepping up to four chips for better sound processing. It handles high-resolution audio like 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512, which means it can play super detailed files without breaking a sweat. It also does 16x MQA unfolding, letting you hear studio-quality tracks from MQA sources.
The specs say it keeps distortion low, with a THD+N around 0.0004% in balanced Class A mode, and the signal-to-noise ratio hits up to 122dB. That’s a clean, clear output that’s quiet where it should be, though some exact numbers might vary a bit depending on real-world tests. Compared to the older model, this quad DAC setup spreads the work across more chips, giving you sharper sound and less noise.
Supported File Formats:
The R6 III 2025 plays a wide array of formats (MP3, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, APE, AIFF, WMA, DSD up to DSD512) and supports 16x MQA unfolding for studio-quality sound. HiBy’s DTA ensures bit-perfect audio across all apps.
Class A/AB Amplification:
The HiBy R6 III 2025 comes with a strong amplification setup that gives users solid sound power and flexibility. It uses a switchable Class A and Class AB system, built with 2 OPA1652 op-amps, 16 hand-matched transistors, and 4 ELNA capacitors. This combo is designed to push clean audio through its headphone outputs, and it’s a key part of what makes the player work well for different headphones.
The amplification can switch between two modes. Class A mode runs at full power all the time, which is great for tough headphones that need a lot of juice to sound their best. It uses more battery but delivers a smooth, detailed sound. Class AB mode, on the other hand, mixes power with efficiency, so it saves battery life while still giving good quality. This makes it better for everyday listening with easier-to-drive earbuds or when you don’t want to recharge as often. The player puts out up to 405mW at 32 ohms through the 4.4mm balanced output, which is plenty for most headphones and in-ear monitors out there.
The parts inside help keep the sound clear. The two OPA1652 op-amps handle the signal boosting, the 16 transistors are carefully picked to work together smoothly, and the 4 ELNA capacitors help clean up the power flow. This setup keeps distortion low and makes sure the audio stays true to the source, whether you’re using the 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm balanced port. It’s the same amp design as the 2023 R6 III, so it’s a proven setup, just paired with the new quad DACs for 2025.
Connectivity:
The HiBy R6 III 2025 offers a good mix of audio and wireless connectivity options that make it versatile for different listening setups. It’s built to handle both wired audio gear and wireless devices, keeping things simple and effective for a mid-range music player.
For audio outputs, the R6 III 2025 has four ports at the bottom, all with a gold finish for solid connections. The 3.5mm single-ended headphone output works with regular headphones and can play music for up to 13 hours in Class AB mode. There’s also a 4.4mm balanced headphone output for headphones that need more power, giving about 11 hours in the same mode. On top of that, it has a 3.5mm single-ended line output and a 4.4mm balanced line output, both made for hooking up to external amps or speakers without using the player’s built-in headphone amp. These options cover most wired audio needs, whether you’re using basic earbuds or high-end gear that demands a balanced setup.
On the wireless side, the R6 III 2025 comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which works both ways, sending and receiving audio. It supports a bunch of codecs like UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC, so you can get high-quality sound with the right headphones or speakers. The range is decent, holding steady up to 3-5 meters indoors and stretching to 10 meters in open areas with LDAC, though it might drop if you move around a lot. It’s good enough for pairing with wireless earbuds or streaming from your phone to the player.
Wi-Fi is another feature, running on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 5GHz band is faster for streaming, while 2.4GHz reaches farther if you’re away from the router. With Android 12, you can use apps like Tidal or Spotify without hiccups, and it handles DLNA for casting music to other devices on your network. There’s also AirPlay for Apple users and HiByLink, which lets you control the player from your phone over Wi-Fi, showing the screen and all. The wireless stuff works well, with steady connections for streaming or remote use, though it’s not as strong as a top-tier phone’s signal.
Battery Life:
The HiBy R6 III 2025 features a 4500mAh battery, matching the capacity of the 2023 model. It powers advanced features like the quad CS43198 DACs and switchable Class A/AB amplification modes. Playback varies with use: up to 13 hours with the 3.5mm output in Class AB, about 11 hours for 4.4mm balanced, and shorter durations for Class A (around 8–9 hours with 3.5mm, 6–7 hours with 4.4mm). More intensive use higher volume, active screen, or Wi-Fi streaming further reduces battery life.
Charging is fast with 18W Quick Charge and Power Delivery 2.0, achieving a full charge in under 2 hours via the USB-C port. While not record-breaking in playback time compared to smaller players like the HiBy R3 II, the 4500mAh battery balances well with the R6 III 2025’s larger screen and advanced components. Overall, it provides practical daily performance with minimal downtime, suited to its robust feature set.
Software Features:
HiBy has equipped the R6 II 2025 with Qualcomm’s 8-core Snapdragon 665 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM to deliver a responsive and smooth user interface. The device operates on HiBy OS, which is built around an open Android 12 platform. This system enables access to a wide range of music and media applications from the Google Play Store, including popular streaming services like Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify, and Apple Music, among many others.
A key highlight of the R6 II 2025 is the HiBy Music app, which offers a clean, user-friendly interface along with numerous features. The app is widely appreciated for its versatility and functionality, making it a standout tool for music playback. One of the standout software features of the R6 II 2025 is the MSEB (Mage Sound 8-Ball), developed by HiBy’s software team. MSEB is a powerful tool that combines parametric equalization (PEQ) and sound field adjustment algorithms, essentially functioning as an advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) system. This feature allows users to customize and transform the sound signature of the device to their liking. While equalizers are not universally favored, the MSEB stands out as an effective and intuitive solution in this category.
The R6 II 2025 also fully supports HiByCast, an application designed to enable system-wide operation from remote devices such as smartphones or tablets. HiByCast allows users to control and manage various functions of the R6 II 2025, including third-party apps, enhancing the device’s versatility and ease of use.
Equipment’s used for this review:
DAP’s : HiBy R6 III 2025
IEM’s : HiBy Project ACE, HiBy Yacht 10, Oriveti OH700VB
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- 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” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- 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 – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- 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 (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- 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” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (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 R6 III 2025 delivers a sound character that’s clear, balanced, and versatile across its frequency range. The bass is tight and controlled, the midrange shines with natural clarity and vocal presence, while the treble is smooth yet detailed. The soundstage offers impressive width and precise imaging for its class, with subtle shifts between Class A (warmer, slightly more spacious) and Class AB (leaner, more precise) modes adding flexibility to suit different tastes and headphone pairings.
Now, let’s move into a more detailed breakdown of its performance.
To provide an accurate assessment of the HiBy R6 III 2025, I completed a 70-hour burn-in. My listening experience, detailed below, utilized the 4.4mm balanced output with IEMs like the HiBy Project ACE, Yacht 10, and Oriveti OH700VB, mainly in Class-A mode, with no audio enhancements.
Bass:
The HiBy R6 III 2025 offers a bass performance that’s clear, precise, and well-managed. Low frequencies hit with a tight, controlled feel, steering clear of any muddiness or excess that could blur the music. Deep bass reaches down enough to give a strong base for songs that need it, like electronic tracks with heavy beats or orchestral pieces with big drum rolls. Each note fades fast, which keeps the sound clean and lets you pick up small details, such as the quick snap of a bass guitar string or the low hum in a movie soundtrack.
This balanced approach works well no matter what you’re listening to, avoiding any tendency to overplay one part of the bass range. Switching between Class A and Class AB modes brings out slight differences worth noting. In Class A, paired with the HiBy Yacht 10, the bass picks up a bit more force, making a rock song’s kick drum feel stronger and livelier. Class AB, on the other hand, keeps things leaner and sharper, focusing on accuracy over power. When I tried it with the Oriveti OH700VB, the deep bass in electronic tunes got a little extra weight in Class A, though it’s a subtle shift that doesn’t change the overall character too much.
Midrange:
The midrange on the HiBy R6 III 2025 stands out for being clear and true to the source. Vocals come through sharp and separate from the instruments, without added warmth or a thin edge that might cover up a singer’s natural style. You can hear the emotion in a voice clearly, whether it’s a quiet folk tune or a loud soul performance with lots of energy. Instruments like acoustic guitars, pianos, or violins sound real, with their tones and textures easy to catch, making it enjoyable to listen to both simple and layered tracks.
Switching to Class A mode adds a slight hint of warmth and a smoother touch. With the HiBy Project ACE, a jazz singer’s soft, breathy lines felt a little warmer and more personal, pulling you into the song. Class AB sticks to a cooler, more exact sound, putting clarity first. Neither setting throws off the balance, so you get a choice between a bit of richness or straight-up precision, depending on what headphones you use and how you like your music.
Treble:
The treble on the HiBy R6 III 2025 is smooth, clean, and well-tuned. High notes stretch up nicely, giving the sound some breathing room and a sense of space, but they never turn harsh or tiring. Cymbals ring out with good detail, and you can hear the fade of a hi-hat or the light tap of a triangle without strain. This makes it great for long listening sessions, whether you’re into the bright chimes of classical music or the sharp snare hits in a rock album.
In Class A mode, the treble gets a small boost in sharpness and detail. Listening with the HiBy Yacht 10, a hi-hat’s crisp sound popped out a bit more, adding some sparkle to the mix. Class AB keeps it simpler, focusing on a balanced and even delivery. Both options blend well with the rest of the sound, so the treble supports the music instead of stealing the show, which is a smart move for a portable player like this.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The soundstage of the HiBy R6 III 2025 gives you a clear picture of where everything sits in the music. Instruments are placed accurately, so you can tell if a guitar’s coming from the left side or a horn’s sitting further back in the mix. It offers a good amount of width and depth for a device in this price range, drawing you into recordings like live shows or big orchestral works. Even when the music gets busy with lots of layers, everything stays separate and easy to follow, avoiding any crowded or messy feel.
Conclusion:
The HiBy R6 III 2025 is a refined mid-tier Digital Audio Player priced at $439.00 USD. It features quad CS43198 DACs, switchable Class A/AB amplification, and a Snapdragon 665 SoC running Open Android 12, delivering high-resolution audio with bit-perfect sound quality. Its audio performance is notable for its tight bass, natural midrange, smooth treble, and adaptable soundstage. A 5-inch display, expandable storage, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a durable aluminum build enhance its usability, making it an excellent portable, audio solution, further supported by the HiBy Music app and MSEB tuning.
Pros & Cons:
- + Affordable at $439.00 USD for its features
- + Balanced sound with tight bass, clear mids, smooth treble
- + Quad CS43198 DAC supports DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, 16x MQA
- + Switchable Class A/AB amplification for flexibility
- + Snapdragon 665 SoC with 4GB RAM runs Android 12 smoothly
- + Expandable storage up to 2TB via MicroSD
- + Decent battery life: 13 hours (Class AB), fast PD2.0 charging
- + Sturdy aluminum alloy and glass build
- + Versatile connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm/4.4mm outputs
- – Class A mode reduces battery life to ~8 hours
- – Glass back prone to fingerprints and smudges
- – Silicone case stiffens button access
- Thank you for the Read!
