HiBy Yacht 10 Review

 

Introduction:

HiBy’s latest IEM, the Yacht 10, features a “Voyage & Discovery” themed mecha-style design with an ergonomic fit. At its core is a 10mm magnesium-aluminum dome driver, housed in a T6063 aluminum alloy casing known for its durability and ability to minimize resonance. The housing is meticulously crafted through precise CNC machining, hand polishing, and anodization, ensuring both strength and a premium finish.

The Yacht 10 features a detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable system, complemented by a high-quality Litz Type 4 braided PCOCC (Single Crystal Copper) cable for enhanced signal clarity. It also includes HiBy’s 4-Pin Lock Adapters, offering compatibility with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced audio sources. For added convenience, an optional USB-C adapter (HC1) is available for purchase, expanding its versatility for modern devices.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank HiBy for providing me the Yacht 10 as review sample. I am not affiliated with HiBy beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.

  

Price & Availability:

The suggested retail price of the HiBy Yacht 10 In-Ear Monitors is US$ 129.00. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• HiBy Yacht 10 In-Ear Monitors

 

Package & Accessories:

The HiBy Yacht 10 comes in a sleek two-part box: a light gray sleeve and a black inner box, both featuring subtle branding and hints of mecha-inspired design.

Inside the box, you’ll find the following contents and accessories:

• 1 pair x HiBy Yacht 10 In-Ear Monitors
• 1 x Litz Type 4 Coaxial PCOCC Balanced cable with 2-Pin Connectors and Modular Plug Design
• 1 x 3.5mm SE 4Pin Headphone Plug Adapter
• 1 x 4.4mm Balanced 4Pin Headphone Plug Adapter
• 3 pairs x High Transparent Silicone Ear Tips
• 3 pairs x Slow Rebound Memory Foam Ear Tips
• 1 x Storage Case
• 1 x Cleaning Brush
• 1 x User Guide & Warranty

 

Design & Build Quality:

The HiBy Yacht 10 stands out with its unique design, characterized by a cyber-mecha aesthetic. The gray and orange color scheme enhances its modern appearance. Crafted from T6063 aluminum alloy, the housing offers durability, high strength, plasticity, corrosion resistance, and toughness while being lightweight. This aluminum construction helps minimize resonance and distortion in the dynamic driver, positively affecting acoustic transmission.

The manufacturing process includes CNC cutting for precision and density, followed by hand grinding and polishing, and finally, anodic oxidation, resulting in a smooth, refined finish. The Yacht 10 is HiBy’s first IEM designed under the concept of “Voyage & Discovery,” with its bold design lines reflecting this theme.

The faceplate design is a key visual element of the Yacht 10. It features a distinctive hexagonal shape with a beveled edge, giving it a faceted, almost gem-like appearance. The vibrant orange color serves as a striking backdrop for the recessed “10” numeral. Just above the “10” is an elongated opening, part of the dual acoustic chamber design. The contrast between the matte orange finish and the metallic gray accents is quite pronounced, enhancing the mecha-inspired aesthetic.

At the core of the Yacht 10 is a dynamic driver unit featuring a customized 10mm magnesium-aluminum dome composite speaker designed for low distortion. According to HiBy, this driver boasts a Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of less than 0.4% across the full frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. It achieves even lower distortion measurements of 0.045% at 500Hz and 0.098% at 1kHz.

The magnesium and aluminum molecular composite molding of the dome allows the diaphragm to be lightweight and rigid, enhancing tone and detail performance. The polymerized diaphragm suspension provides the proper internal resistance and reduces unwanted resonance. The dual magnetic cores deliver 1.2T of magnetic flux for powerful drive, and the high-tension, lightweight CCAW coils provide over 150N/mm² of tensile strength—a 50% enhancement over regular CCAWs—allowing the earphones to be easier to drive while providing better control.

For this 10mm magnesium-aluminum dome high-performance composite diaphragm, HiBy reconstructed the Low Standing Wave (L.S.W.) metal rear chamber, finely tuning the volume of air intake and airflow.

On the top of the monitors is a 0.78mm diameter 2-pin interface for connecting the detachable cable.

The inner surface features a sound nozzle with a fine metal filter positioned at the top. Near the nozzle is a small air-pressure valve opening, part of the acoustic design.

The rear surface has the “HiBy” and “Yacht” brandings, which is aesthetically pleasing.

The HiBy Yacht 10 In-Ear Monitor features a detachable cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors for enhanced compatibility and flexibility.

The cable utilizes a Litz Type 4 braided PCOCC (Single Crystal Copper) construction, which HiBy states provides superior signal transmission with minimal loss due to its fully balanced coaxial design.

The 2-pin connectors themselves have metal housings with clearly marked L/R indicators for easy identification.

A notable feature is the 4-pin lock multifunctional adapter system, previously seen on models like the HiBy Project ACE and Yvain. This system allows for easy switching between 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs. The HiBy HC1 Type-C adapter with a built-in DAC is available separately.

 

Fit, Comfort & Isolation:

The ergonomic design of the HiBy Yacht 10 In-Ear Monitor ensures both comfort and durability, thanks to the use of T6063 aluminum alloy. This material not only provides high strength and corrosion resistance but also maintains a lightweight feel, making it suitable for long listening sessions without causing fatigue. The Yacht 10’s earpieces fit comfortably in the ears, accommodating those with average-sized concha’s.

Moreover, the Yacht 10’s design includes efficient passive noise isolation, significantly reducing background noise. This makes them well-suited for use in moderately noisy environments, such as during daily commutes or in busy cafés.

 

Pairing & Drivability:

In my experience, the HiBy Yacht 10 stands out due to its well-balanced impedance of 24 ohms and sensitivity of 95 dB at 1 kHz. This combination allows for easy driving without requiring a powerful amplifier, making it versatile and compatible with various sources, including laptops, tablets, and USB DAC dongles.

For optimal performance, I recommend pairing the Yacht 10 with a source that provides a clean output signal to minimize any potential background noise interference

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model                          : HiBy Yacht 10
• Drivers In Each Side  : 10mm Mg-Al Alloy Dome Dynamic Driver
• Impedance                 : 24 Ω
• Frequency Response : 20-40,000Hz
• Sensitivity                   : 95dB at 1kHz
• Max Input Power        : 100mW
• Cable Length              : 1.25m
• Cable Structure          : Litz Type 4 braided PCOCC
• Connector Interface   : 0.78mm 2-Pin

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• IEM’s                          : HiBy Yacht 10, DUNU Kima 2
• DAP/DAC/AMP         : HiBy R6 III 2025, HiBy R6 Pro II
   

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)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (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 – 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 (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)
• 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 – 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 Yacht 10 offers a balanced sound profile, featuring articulate bass that provides depth without muddiness. This balance continues into the midrange, where clarity and detail render vocals and instruments with natural definition. The crisp treble adds a welcome airiness without introducing harshness or fatigue. Finally, the soundstage and imaging offer a respectable sense of space and separation, though perhaps not the most expansive presentation available.

This review is based on my listening experience after about 50 hours of burn-in for the HiBy Yacht 10. The evaluation incorporates comparisons with sound sources including the HiBy R6 Pro II and R6 III 2025 Digital Audio Players.

Bass:

My experience with the HiBy Yacht 10’s bass has been interesting. It’s definitely not a bass-emphasized presentation, which I appreciate. HiBy has seemingly focused on delivering a more refined and articulate tuning in this area. There’s a definite sense of refinement; the bass is well-grounded, and I can perceive a subtle rumble and texture that adds depth without being overwhelming. I’ve listened to some bass-heavy tracks, and while it doesn’t deliver a highly pronounced low-end, the Yacht 10 maintains its composure. It’s controlled, and that’s the key word for me. I was concerned it might get muddy during complex passages, but it hasn’t. Listening to Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right,” I noticed how the bass stayed tight and defined even as the track became more layered. It provided a solid foundation without overpowering the other instruments.

A particularly noteworthy aspect was the articulation. With Gogo Penguin’s “Raven,” the bass lines are intricate and fast, and the Yacht 10 kept up beautifully. Each note was distinct; there was no blurring or smearing. I could really appreciate the precision and speed. It made the track feel more immersive because the low-end was so well-defined. I think if you’re someone who really craves a very prominent, impactful bass, this might not be your first choice. But if you’re like me and you appreciate a well-controlled, detailed bass that complements the rest of the music, then the Yacht 10 is definitely worth considering. It’s a mature bass, if that makes sense. It’s present when it needs to be, providing a solid foundation, but it doesn’t dominate the overall sound.

 

Midrange:

The HiBy Yacht 10’s midrange is quite impressive, standing out with a forward-sounding presentation. The emphasis on clarity and detail is immediately noticeable. Vocals and instruments sound very realistic and engaging. In George Michael’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” the vocals soar with richness and texture that complement the smooth, well-defined bass. The upper midrange brings out the naturalness in his voice, feeling present and clear without being harsh or artificial. There is a subtle dip in the overall midrange frequencies, which might affect the clarity of some vocals and instruments, especially in more complex mixes. However, it isn’t enough to make anything sound recessed, and the midrange still feels relatively balanced. Vocals and instruments maintain their presence and don’t get lost in the mix.

When I listened to Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why,” the clarity of the midrange really shone through. Her breathy vocals were rendered with effortless detail, making the listening experience feel very intimate. It was like she was right there in the room with me. Similarly, with Adele’s “My Little Love,” the midrange tuning helped convey the emotional nuances in her voice with impressive transparency. I could really feel the emotion in her performance. The slightly forward upper midrange definitely enhances the presence of vocals and instruments, making them stand out. It’s a characteristic that I find enjoyable, as it adds a sense of immediacy to the music. Some listeners might find the upper midrange a little too prominent, especially during longer listening sessions. It’s something to consider if you’re sensitive to that frequency range. Overall, though, the balance across the lower and upper midrange seems well-maintained, preventing any part of the frequency spectrum from becoming overly emphasized or recessed. It contributes to a natural and cohesive sound signature, which I appreciate.

 

Treble:

The treble on the Yacht 10 is, for me, a definite highlight. It’s airy and sparkly, adding a sense of life to the music. The level of detail is noteworthy; I’m hearing nuances in cymbals, strings, and vocals that I hadn’t noticed before. Listening to Metallica’s “Sad but True,” the guitars had a real bite, and the cymbals shimmered without ever becoming harsh. I was also pleased with how well the treble handled complex passages in Opeth’s “Windowpane.” The high frequencies remained crisp and articulate, even as the music became dense. And the best part? It’s not fatiguing at all. I can listen for hours without feeling like my ears are getting tired. There’s no sibilance that I’ve noticed, which is a big plus.

The treble does have a bit of character, though. I’ve noticed some subtle peaks and dips that give it a slightly lively feel. It’s not a completely flat response, and I think that’s what adds to the engagement. Certain frequencies are emphasized, which can make instruments and vocals pop a bit more. It’s almost like the treble is adding a touch of sparkle. While the very highest frequencies might be slightly less prominent, it doesn’t really detract from the overall sense of air and detail. Overall, I’m quite pleased with the Yacht 10’s treble. It’s clear, detailed, and engaging without being harsh. While it might lean slightly away from a warmer presentation, it works well with a wide range of genres.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The HiBy Yacht 10 offers a decent soundstage width, providing a sense of space and separation between instruments. Vocals and instruments are presented with clarity, occupying distinct positions within the overall soundscape. This approach allows for precise imaging, enabling listeners to accurately locate each sound source. While the soundstage is not the widest, it remains enjoyable and immersive for most genres. The good imaging capabilities of the Yacht 10 ensure that each instrument and vocal is accurately placed within the soundstage. However, those seeking an exceptionally wide soundstage might find it somewhat limited.

 

 

Comparison:

HiBy Yacht 10 versus DUNU Kima 2:

While neither the DUNU Kima 2 nor the HiBy Yacht 10 are tuned to be bass-heavy, they both provide a robust and satisfying sub-bass performance. The HiBy Yacht 10, in particular, brings a slight emphasis to the mid-bass, delivering a punchier and fuller sound. This enhancement offers a dynamic listening experience, adding just the right amount of liveliness without overwhelming the overall balance. It’s a subtle yet impactful touch that can make your music feel more vibrant and engaging.

The DUNU Kima 2 and HiBy Yacht 10 both offer commendable midrange performance, delivering a fairly neutral rendering of vocals and instruments. While largely similar, a key difference lies in the upper midrange, where the Yacht 10 shows greater emphasis and detail. This contributes to a heightened sense of clarity and presence, revealing more nuances compared to the Kima 2. Despite this, both IEMs provide a pretty balanced midrange, with the Yacht 10 offering a revealing upper midrange for those prioritizing detail in this area.

The HiBy Yacht 10 stands out with its more prominent and elevated treble response compared to the DUNU Kima 2. This results in a brighter and airier sound signature, revealing more detail and clarity in the higher frequencies. The DUNU Kima 2, with its smoother and less emphasized treble, might be preferable for listeners sensitive to brightness or harshness. However, this smoother treble results in a slight loss of fine nuance in certain instruments, such as percussions.

The HiBy Yacht 10 and DUNU Kima 2 present distinct soundstage and imaging characteristics. The Yacht 10 emphasizes a wider, more spacious soundstage with clear instrument separation and noticeable depth, creating an immersive, “out-of-head” experience. The Kima 2 prioritizes a more intimate and focused presentation, excelling in precise instrument placement within a smaller, more centered soundstage. While both offer accurate imaging, the Yacht 10 spreads the sonic image across a broader canvas, whereas the Kima 2 emphasizes accuracy within a more confined space.

 

Conclusion:

The HiBy Yacht 10 is a versatile and well-crafted in-ear monitor that balances design, durability, and a mature sound profile. Its 10mm magnesium-aluminum dome driver, housed in a durable T6063 aluminum alloy casing, delivers a balanced audio performance suitable for a wide range of music genres. While the soundstage may not be the most expansive, the listening experience remains engaging and immersive. The Yacht 10 also features a detachable 2-pin cable system, complete with a high-quality PCOCC cable and 4-Pin Lock Adapters, ensuring compatibility with multiple audio sources and adding practical flexibility. Paired with its unique mecha-inspired design, the HiBy Yacht 10 is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable and stylish addition to their audio setup.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Unique, stylish mecha design
• + Durable aluminum build (T6063 aluminum alloy)
• + Balanced, refined sound
• + Neutral, controlled bass
• + Clear, forward midrange
• + Detailed, airy treble
• + Detachable cable with 4-Pin Lock Adaptors

• – Soundstage could be a bit more holographic
• – Some might find the bass to be slightly reserved
• – Slightly amount of sharpness in the upper treble region

 

Thank you for the Read!