HiBy R8 II Digital Audio Player

HiBy calls the R8 II a portable concert hall, and it's the Android flagship built to back that up: a new in-house discrete Darwin-MPA DAC, a 12000mAh battery, and an aluminum alloy chassis with an Ultrasuede back panel.

Type and Technology

• Darwin-MPA architecture, HiBy's discrete PWM-based DAC with a custom FPGA/Delta-Sigma implementation, distinct from the R2R Darwin used in the RS line
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SOC, open Android 12, HiByCast systemwide remote control, DTA bit-perfect audio
• Class A / AB dual headphone amplification, freely switchable, plus a Turbo mode voltage boost for demanding loads
• 5.9 inch 1080p+ display, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
• Native DSD1024, PCM 32bit/1536kHz, MQA 16x unfolding
• 3.5mm and 4.4mm dual independent headphone and line outs, two way Bluetooth 5.0, 20W PD2.0 fast charging

Sound Character

Reviewers describe the Darwin-MPA architecture as delivering a natural, transparent tonality with clear detail and a deeper bass response than the original R8, closer to the RS-series' house character while staying on Android. Turbo mode gives real headroom for full sized and high-impedance headphones without changing the underlying tuning.

Build and Comfort

• Aluminum alloy frame with an Ultrasuede back panel, 440g, currently offered in Red (Black and Silver have been discontinued)
• 149 x 78 x 23mm
• 12000mAh battery, up to 18h Class A / 21h Class AB

Best For

• Listeners who want RS-series-adjacent detail and bass depth without leaving Android
• Full sized headphones and high-impedance loads that benefit from Turbo mode
• Anyone who wants a lighter flagship than the RS8 II at a lower price point

What's in the Box

R8 II player, complimentary Suede Leather Case, and documentation.

Specifications