Overview

The HiBy R4 is an entry-level Android DAP using four ESS ES9018C2M DACs and a Snapdragon 665 platform. Priced at 249 USD, it targets listeners who want a dedicated player rather than a phone-dongle setup. It provides Class-A amplification, 3.5 mm SE and 4.4 mm balanced outputs, and supports high-resolution formats. [1]

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specifications indicate performance in the transparent range for a portable source: balanced dynamic range 124 dB, SNR 123 dB, and THD+N on the order of 0.0005%, with output capability of 525 mW @ 32 Ω (balanced) and 165 mW @ 32 Ω (SE). Independent lab measurements are still limited, but the published electrical data exceed audibility thresholds for noise/distortion and provide ample headroom for typical IEMs; hence 0.7 (above-average) rather than 0.5. [2]

Technology Level

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The R4 combines mature components (ES9018C2M, OPA1652/OPA1612, Snapdragon 665) in a conventional topology. Class-A biasing is straightforward and not novel in 2025; no proprietary processing or distinctive system-level innovations are evident. [1][2]

Cost-Performance

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Selecting the cheapest equivalent-or-better finished product for portable playback with balanced out and transparent electrical performance, FiiO’s KA13 dongle meets the brief (balanced 550 mW @ 32 Ω; 4.4 mm output) and is widely available at 65.99 USD from a major retailer. Using the review target price 249 USD as the denominator, CP is 0.3. [3][4]

Reliability & Support

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HiBy provides standard 12-month warranty and ongoing firmware support for its Android DAPs; community reports suggest routine reliability with the usual caveats for battery-powered devices. Long-term OS updates typically lag smartphones. [1]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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A dedicated Android DAP remains a rational choice for users wanting a self-contained player, hardware volume, and native balanced output. However, versus a modern phone plus a transparent dongle, measured advantages are modest; much of the cost buys standalone convenience rather than higher fidelity. [1][2]

Advice

If you need a standalone player with balanced out and local storage, the R4 is coherent. If streaming and daily convenience dominate, a transparent dongle (e.g., KA13) with your phone will match fidelity at a fraction of the cost and weight. Prioritize measured needs (output power, noise floor) over internal part counts.

References

[1] HiBy Official Store, “HiBy R4 – 4-Way HiFi Android DAP”, https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r4, accessed 2025-08-22.
[2] Hifonix (retailer spec sheet), “HiBy R4 – Audio Specifications”, https://hifonix.co.uk/detail/hiby-r4-make-music-more-musical/, accessed 2025-08-22 (lists 165 mW SE / 525 mW balanced @ 32 Ω, DR/SNR/THD figures).
[3] FiiO, “KA13 Parameters”, https://www.fiio.com/ka13_parameters, accessed 2025-08-22 (balanced 550 mW @ 32 Ω, outputs/specs).
[4] B&H Photo, “FiiO KA13 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black)”, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1818066-REG/fiio_ka13_portable_dac_and.html, accessed 2025-08-22 (65.99 USD listing).

(2025.8.24)