The MIAD01 has better sound quality, offering more clarity, better resolution, and superior detail retrieval. While the R4 maintains a detailed, and neutral sound, it doesn't quite capture all the little nuances and details like the MIAD01 does. On the plus side, the R4 has higher power output, making it a great match for headphones. It also comes with practical DAP buttons, could be used as a DAC with a PC, and has a range of system-wide EQ functions and audio plugins for tweaking the sound to your liking.
@@Atechreviews The sound of the R4 is pretty aggressively customizable (and maybe the MIAD as well, I'm not familiar with that one), so I think it's a bit tricky to say that the R4 sounds better or worse than some other DAP. It begs experimentation, but that's a feature not a bug.
@@CinemaDemocratica Indeed, you're correct. The H4 offers far greater customization options compared to many other DAPs, including the MIAD01. When I evaluated the sound against other DAPs, I focused solely on the stock sound without any additional enhancements like PEQ, MSEB, or plugins. It was just the raw sound output for comparison. However, I see your point - the customization options can significantly transform the sound and impact the comparison.
@@Atechreviews I very much look forward to getting one of these and really going nuts with the settings. There's one called "soundfield width" which is exactly what it says on the tin, but ... how??? :D
@@CinemaDemocratica I'm not entirely sure how it operates, but it's distinct from crossfeed. What I can say is, it sounds fantastic with both open-back and closed-back headphones. I use 1.3 with open-back headphones like the HD6XX, and 1.5 with closed-back headphones, and the difference is remarkable.
One minor correction, you mentioned it has 9 PEQ bands, but it has 10, it just starts the count at band 0, instead of band 1. Awesome review though, appreciate it!
Congrats. 🎉 Would you be so kind as to report back here your experience? Own R3 2022 edition, so am curious to know more about the upgrade experience. Thanks a bunch in advance and enjoy the process, and your new R4. 😊
@@JRVick Huge upgrade from the R3 Saber. Sounds slightly better than the R5II to my ears, and the UI is miles better, but the R5 battery life is awesome.
For my first Dap this is an absolute beyond my imagination upgrade I'll be able to hold on to for awhile. Especially while im waiting for daps to get insanely better at cheaper prices, they did, now.
A great review, but I have a slight problem with presentation. Please, STOP WAVING THE PRODUCT AROUND! If you really must do a p.o.v, put the device down to show the different facets, the constant waving around gives the viewer seasickness! (I’m sure I’m not the only one!)
Fantastic review Per Ordered mine at day 1 and excited to receive my R4 when they ship it out and this will be my proper DAP along side with my LG G7 thats soul purpose only is music haven't installed a sim and any social media apps on it.
I have the Hiby R6 III (since feb 2023) and I absolutely love it. I dont hear much difference, if any, between class A and class AB amplification. Class A amplification does melt battery life. Having the option to switch is a good feature.
I feel the same way. In my experience with the Hiby R6III, Class A sounds 95% similar Class AB, but it does drain the battery much faster. Overall, it's a great DAP.
I'm looking for a new app player to replace my Pioneer XP 300 need an upgrade.. 250.00 this is a great deal divide in my price range. Thanks for the detailed review Never bought a Hiby product. Display on the table to the fantastic
GREAT review, many thanks👌 one question, if I will use it only as digital transport through usb out into my other dac/amp will be the battery live longer?
You're welcome! I would say yes, definitely. When using the Hiby R4 as a USB DAC, you're not utilizing the Class A amplification, which is the most power-hungry component of the DAP. Instead, you're only using the digital-to-analog conversion part, and the ESS DAC chips inside the R4 are highly efficient. It's worth noting that I observed a significant increase in battery life when using the DAP with the display off, even with the WiFi on.
The Bluetooth works just as you'd expect, with great sound quality and a solid connection. Creating playlists is easy in various apps, including the pre-installed Hiby Music app.
I ordered this device, hope class A will add some nice flavour/magic and unlimited sound tweaking is a bonus. I was initially deciding between Aune M1P and this device because sound quality is the most important to me. Difficult decisions these days...
I believe you'll be impressed. The sound quality is excellent, and the features are the cherry on top. You can customize the sound to your liking, EQ your IEMs, and the open Android system allows for seamless streaming. Hiby R4 is a great value.
Love your review. Thanks a bunch. Would you be able to describe what R4 versus 6R does in term of Soundstaging width, depth, height, size? Much appreciated.
Thank you. After extensively comparing both, I found that they sound remarkably similar, with only a slight ESS glare on the R6 setting them apart. Even the soundstage differences are minimal.
Hmmmm Im debating on this or Moondrops MIAD???? Still waiting for MiAD reviews! Hahaha but I cant wait they are taking too long 😭😭. Great review! Which would you pick from the two (MIAD or R4)?????? & Why? Nvm you already answered this thanks for both reviews! Looks like ill be ordering my MIAD. This definitely is tempting and gorgeous! 😍
Thanks for the great review! Is the bluetooth a receiver, a transmitter or both? My use case would be as a receiver, sending a stream from a laptop or phone
The Bluetooth functionality is bidirectional (transmitting and receiving) for UAT, SBC, AAC, and LDAC. However, for AptX and AptX HD, it only supports audio output. This means it can send audio to your laptop, soundbar, or Bluetooth DAC/Amp, but not receive audio from these devices using AptX or AptX HD. I hope this helps.
Torn between the R4 and R6 III. I REALLY love the physical volume knob. It just feels so much more premium, and replicates my Fiio Q5 amp / dac. I wish it was a DAP which is why I'm looking to move to one instead.
I hear you; I love having a physical volume knob too. If that’s important to you, I’d go with the R6 III. The volume knob will really enhance your experience. The R6 III also has more lineouts and a bigger screen. It's a bit heavier, but it feels premium. The R4 is definitely a better value, and for me, it felt snappier and the sound was more to my liking.
@@Atechreviews Totally. my biggest concern was buying an older model, with slower performance and more dated OS etc. I'm mostly going to use this with line out in my car, bluetooth to car, IEM's on the go, or connected to my DJ mixer as a backup music source for breaks. Having a dedicated LO port vs switching software constantly sounds much better. I like the metal knob too. I think the R4 is having some overheating problems so far from some of the comments i've seen. The R6 iii can be had for $409 USD with coupon code right now.
@@quantum_m3chan1c The overheating issue was limited to a small batch, which Hiby recalled and replaced, so no worries there. The R6 III, with its dedicated lineouts, seems like it would be a great fit for your needs. At $409, it's a no-brainer. I’d make the same choice if I were you. Hope you enjoy it!
Does the exclusive audio output mode on HiBy Music App work? Which needs a USB dongle to work on my phone and I find that feature helpful as it blocks audio output from all other apps and I wonder if it works with the headphone jack on the DAP without having to use an external USB dongle
Magnificent, very detailed review. Thank you. I own a couple of FIIO’s DAPs (X5/2 & X7/2). Been thinking about purchasing a new DAP with a faster newer OS & strong WIFI streaming capabilities. After your review, I’m waiting for the R4’s release. It’s in pre order, any idea of the release date?
You're welcome. Based on the information on their official website, you should expect it around mid-May. You'll be impressed by the speed, updated Android, WiFi, and sound quality of the R4. 🙂
I really like the idea of having a physical volume knob. It just feels much more premium and tactile. I enjoy listening to music with my Fiio Q5 portable DAC / AMP but really hate that I can't store music on it and need a second device. Most of the time it's not worth the hassle, and i just use my phone. I'm torn between the R6 III and the H4.
I hear you; I love having a physical volume knob too. If that’s important to you, I’d go with the R6 III. The volume knob will really enhance your experience. The R6 III also has more lineouts and a bigger screen. It's a bit heavier, but it feels premium. The R4 is definitely a better value, and for me, it felt snappier and the sound was more to my liking.
Both are excellent DAPs. I find the Hiby R4 to offer a more neutral and natural sound, with a noticeable improvement in bass impact. In contrast, the treble on the R6 III can be slightly more detailed but too bright for my taste, even when using it in Class A mode. It's all a matter of personal preference, but I personally prefer and enjoy the R4 more. Additionally, the R4 has 23% more power output than the R6 III, which is great for driving headphones. The R6 III has a line output and can be used in Class AB mode to save battery life. I haven't listened to the R6 Pro, so I can't comment on it.
Great review. Makes me excited to go and get one already my first DAP. 1. Can I ask whether I can enjoy hi res lossless music by direct streaming music through Apple Music and Tidal Apps downloaded to the DAP ? 2. Can I enjoy hi res lossless music using bluetooth connection between phone and DAP ? TQ
Thanks! 1.I downloaded and tried streaming Tidal, and the lossless quality works as expected. I believe Apple Music will work well too since everything on the DAP is played in a bit-perfect way, ensuring the sample rate remains unchanged. 2.Like most devices, it doesn't support AptX Lossless Audio, which is the only codec I know that supports true lossless Bluetooth. Even if it did, you'd likely need cutting-edge phone that supports support AptX Lossless Audio to utilize it. It does support LDAC, which, when set to high quality, comes close to lossless 16-bit CD quality but isn't fully there yet. It's partially lossless. However, I must say it sounds very good, and once you try it, you probably won't miss Hi-res when listening via Bluetooth.
can this be used as a bluetooth receiver DAC? Can one, for example, play music on their iPhone, connect the Hiby by bluetooth, and then listen through the Hiby with wired earphones? Or does it not support bidirectional bluetooth connectivity? I've searched and can't find anything about this
It's all about personal preference. Personally, I’d go with the R4. I found it to be much snappier, lighter, and more portable, making it easy to use on the go. The sound was also more detailed without being harsh. It has plenty of power and a long-lasting battery. Overall, it's a fantastic value and might surprise you. A used R6 III is good, but its battery probably won’t perform as well as a new R4. That's just my opinion, though.
The R4 is awesome because it works as a DAC/Amp with a PC and has Bluetooth and a display, so it’s super versatile. Honestly, buying dongles at this price just doesn’t make sense when the R4 is out there unless you want a specific dongle for a reason. Soundwise, it has that Class A signature which is slightly warm but still linear and neutral, with tons of detail without any harshness, and it’s got a lot of power. I’ve noticed it sounds even better on high gain, even at lower volumes. There’s zero sibilance or harshness, just a smooth class A sound. It’s more detailed and better sounding than most dongles. Some dongles like the Moonriver 2 Ti might have a bit more detail, but they have lower power and can sound clinical or a bit cold. The R4, on the other hand, is smooth as butter.
@Atechreviews ah, thank you for the wonderful breakdown! im very surprised by the value and features that hiby is offering with the r4 (and even m300). I don't think im interested in dongles, anymore 😢
Hi im interested in this. Can i ask 2 questions? 1. Can it output to an external dac? 2. Does it have airplay? If so, can i use airplay and output to an external dac? Hope you could help.
1. Yes, but you will need to purchase either a HiBy Type C to 3.5mm Coaxial Cable or use Bluetooth or simply use USB. 2. Yes, it supports DLNA, Airplay, Hiby Link, and Hiby Cast Remote Control.
@@Atechreviews Have you tried it with dongle? How is the result? I had better sound from dongle on a tempotec v1 then anything since, they all sound different... Oddly enough...I am considering it for a transport.
@@wahid-lg1kk Yes, I did try it, and it worked as expected without any issues. However, I didn't directly compare it to using a dongle connected to my phone. In the settings, there's an option that lets you control the connected USB device, whether you want to use it for music playback, as a DAC/Amp, for file transfer, etc. If you're looking to use it as a transport, Hiby’s website offers a small cable that allows you to output music from USB to Coaxial, enabling connection to a DAC or another source. That said, USB can essentially serve the same purpose.
The MIAD01 costs $150 more. Is it worth the extra $150? Well, if you're all about squeezing out every last drop of detail from your music, then yeah, it might be. It really shines in clarity, detail retrieval, and separating instruments. But hey, don't forget, the Hiby R4 has its own charm with its class A sound, even if it's not as detail-focused. Personally, I still rock out with my R4 every day and love it just the same. However, if you're looking for more features like a bigger screen, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and the convenience of streaming Spotify on the go, then the MIAD01 might be the way to go.
Since you mentioned that high gain has a better sound, have you compared 3.5mm high gain vs 4.4 at the lower gain modes? Is 4.4 so much better that it doesn’t even matter anymore what gain level it is compared to 3.5mm at its best?
Exactly. I observed that even at lower volumes, the high gain mode sounded punchier, more open, and much more dynamic to me. It was noticeable on both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. I compared the 3.5mm high gain with the 4.4mm low gain modes and still found the high gain mode preferable, although I'm not entirely sure why. The differences between the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs at the same volume and gain level are not drastic; the 3.5mm output still sounds excellent to me and I use it with many IEMs.
@@Atechreviews Thanks for the reply. My R4 is on the way. I got the boring black color because I just always love black. About gain settings, it is normal for higher gain settings on amps to be a little more hyped up sounding than lower gain. That is true also for my schiit magni unity for example or my old little dot amps. Now so far as how drastic the change is, I am eager to find out when I receive it. At least its good to know that the 3.5mm jack also sounds good. That was the main motivation for asking this question. If the gain settings are more drastic than se vs 4.4 then the SE must be decent. I dont want to suddenly buy 4.4 cables for all my iems
@@donvittoriosierra The 3.5mm output sounds great. There's no need to switch your IEMs to 4.4mm. Once you try it, you'll see for yourself. I personally use the DIVA with the 3.5mm output, and it sounds great.
Hello. Since you've delved in Dongles as well, could you tell how would the sound quality of the R4 compare to a good 100-200$ dongle?? It'd be great if you could give 1 or 2 examples. Also how does the MIAD 01 compare to top tier 200$ dongles in sound quality?
Hey there, most high-quality dongles can easily achieve 80% or more of the sound quality of the MIAD01. The closest dongles in sound quality that I have are the THX Onyx and the Moonriver 2 Ti, which are about 80% to 90% as good as the MIAD01. The AFUL SnowyNight has slightly more power than the MIAD01 but sounds a bit warmer. The difference is that the MIAD01 offers 10% to 20% more clarity, resolution, and instrument separation than these dongles. Some dongles, like the FiiO KA17, even have more power than the MIAD01.
@@Atechreviews Thank You. The thing is, I only have a budget of around 500$. With that I have to buy everything. I can't spend that much on a dap/MIAD 01. Thus, I'll have to choose one of the better dongles and the rest of the budget would have to be for the iems.
@@rajeebdas1724 You're welcome! I totally get what you mean. Going for a portable dongle or even something like a Bluetooth DAC/Amp sounds like a smart move. The difference between dongles and the MIAD01 isn't huge. Dongles actually sound really good, have the same power output (if not more) and would be a solid choice, I think. When it comes to where to put most of your budget, I'd say go for the IEMs/Headphones - that's where you'll notice the biggest difference!
@@Atechreviews Hi there i love the question and thought to ask what is the best ratio to spend between DAC:IEM? Assuming USD$500 How much weight should be on DAC? Would do an entry DAC at 50 and everything else goes into IEM at 450? Or increase a little more for the DAC? We are taking about the biggest difference in sound quality, details, resolution, technical performance. Thank you 🙏🙇🏻♂️
@@yds1133 While DACs and amps do affect sound quality, the biggest impact comes from changing the IEMs themselves, and even the ear tips. Most modern DACs and amps, even the basic ones, are quite good, and IEMs generally don't require a lot of power. When choosing a DAC, I focus on practicality. For instance, although the G5 sounds best to me, I mostly use Bluetooth DAC/Amps or a DAP when I'm not critically listening, due to their convenience rather than sound quality. A good IEM will sound great with any decent source, but the reverse isn't true. If I had $500 to spend, I would get a Moondrop Dawn Pro for $50. It has 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs and provides more than enough power for IEMs. I’d invest more in a desktop unit if I needed one for frequent desk use. After that, I’d spend a bit on ear tips since they significantly affect seal, comfort, and sound. The remaining budget would go towards different IEMs, including a few budget models to help you understand your music preferences. I wouldn't spend $400 on a single IEM. Many budget IEMs today are excellent, and starting with these will help you appreciate higher-end models when you eventually upgrade, allowing you to confidently choose an IEM that matches your preferences. TLDR, over 90% of the differences in sound come from the IEMs themselves. With many great budget options available today, you don't need to worry much about sources.
If you're after a stationary desktop setup or have headphones that are high-impedance or hard to drive, the K7 might be the better fit for you. On the other hand, if you want a portable device that you can take anywhere, the R4 is a great choice. It's portable, has a screen for watching videos and playing music, offers system-wide EQ, has a nice power output, and can even be used as a DAC with your PC without draining its battery.
I find the R4 to be more neutral and natural sounding, with a noticeable improvement in bass impact and slam. In contrast, the treble on the R6 III can be slightly bright for my taste, even when using it in Class A mode. It's a matter of personal preference, but I personally prefer and enjoy the R4 more. Additionally, the R4 has 23% more power output than the R6 III, which is worth considering.
@@Atechreviews Reviewer on headfonia website mentioned that HiBy R6 gen 3 sounds better than HiBy R4,he said that R6 gen 3 has more refined, textured and well-layered sound than the R4.I think you didn’t use those DAPs with any end game IEM,difference will only be noticeable when using an end game IEM.
@@Yatharth144 Thanks for your reply. It's important to remember that everyone has different preferences, so what sounds great to one person might not sound the same to another. I've personally used both of them with some high-end IEMs, such as the DUNU Glacier, DUNU SA6 MK II, Thieaudio Prestige, Elysian DIVA, IE600, and Unique Melody MK III, Sennheiser HD6XX and HD800S. It's perfectly fine to have a preference for one over the other, and my response was based on my own preference. I understand if someone else prefers something different - that's perfectly okay. 🙂
Hiby R4 overheating issue!! I'm quite disappointed with the product. Although it looks impressive and should be worth more than $600, just by looking at it, it appears to have been built with cheap components and has poor heat dissipation. Mine is overheating; I cannot even touch it. Is anyone having this issue?
Hello there, it's possible that you have a faulty unit or that there's an app running in the background causing the heat issue or you live in a high temperature area. I live in a place where the temperature is around 60 to 70 Fahrenheit or 20 Celsius. When I tested the battery life, I left it playing on high gain with moderate volume connected to IEMs and headphones, with the screen and WiFi turned on. It was on a wooden table without a case in a room without AC. I would come back every two hours or so to use it, install apps, watch videos, walk with it in my pocket, or browse the internet. After 8 hours of the above routine, the lower metal part near the USB C and on the lower back got warm, but not very warm. When I say warm, I mean I had to put it against my face because I wasn't sure if it was warm from the feeling in my hand. I've been using it every day since, and the warmth hasn't changed. Warmth is natural and expected for a Class A topology amp, but it shouldn't be hot. If you're certain it's hot, try a factory reset and see if it helps. You could also contact Hiby or your seller for assistance; I'm sure they'll help you out.
Check out the forums first especially Head-fi. Only a few users have complained about the heating issue and Hiby has acknowledged the iasue and responded by replacing units. It does not apply to all.
You did not include a very important part - music navigation. You kept taking about the speed. We got that point. But music navigation is a must and basic before you go into anything else. Other than that it's a good review, but big fail on the music navigation which is crucial.
Hello, I think I may have missed it because the speed of navigating music is the same as the speed of navigating the settings menu. I loaded about 3000 music files onto it, and the navigation speed for music was the same as for the settings menu. This includes the MSEB and EQ. I hope this information helps.
@@Atechreviews please and thank you! I've been regretting buying the Sony nw a306. Although when animations are turned off it has worked alot smoother.
Congratulations for the communication strategy! Making people wait 11 minutes out of 41 minutes of review (25% of the total time) with the device turned off means knowing how to create suspense. Or as in my case, almost wanting to stop watching...😂
I wasn’t trying to create any suspense. This is a review of a DAP. I always include detailed timestamps in the video description so you can skip to the parts you're interested in. I might be a bit talkative, but I'll aim to make my videos shorter in the future. 🙂
@@vaisakhmurali6918 I've had the chance to try out iBasso's DAPs before, and one thing that really caught my eye was their beautiful displays. While I'm not up to speed on their latest models, I think Hiby might have the edge here. Hiby offers better DAC chips, much more power output, improved gain levels, and more RAM. Their super-fast Android 13 OS is streamlined and responsive, with the Play Store preinstalled. The Snapdragon chipset makes everything feels smooth and snappy, making tasks like scanning 3000 music songs take 5 seconds. Plus, Hiby's audio customization features are among the best out there. With HibyLink allowing you to control the DAP from your phone, Hiby Cast, a systemwide 10-band PEQ, and other awesome sound plugins, Hiby is clearly better here IMO.
It would be worthy to me if this DAP had a smartphone functionality too. Or a smartphone which had a decent DAP built-in. DAPs feel incomplete to me simply because they only allow listening to streaming services within range of a WI-FI router. Can't do it in a park or on the beach using cellular data with all the DAPs. I have to use my phone and a dongle DAC for this when I am out there.
When it comes to DAPs, I rely on WiFi, my smartphone's hotspot, and offline music. If you're interested in a DAP with cellular data capabilities, consider the Moondrop MIAD01. I use it as a DAP and secondary phone with cellular data.
It is a DAP (Digital Audio Player), so similar to an MP3 player but offers much higher quality sound. It uses a high-quality DAC chip, has more output options, runs on Android, and supports a wider range of music formats (FLAC, WAV, APE, OGG, DSD, etc.)
Caynin n3 is total crap, sillibant. Tubes are tinny and tiny tube sound and ultra linearmode much much worse than any phone sound. Had it pure junk sound. Ate the 20 percent return fee
