The HiBy RS6 has captured my attention with its sophisticated design and powerful features. It’s built around HiBy’s innovative “Darwin” digital signal processing architecture, which incorporates advanced features like resistor ladder linearity compensation, linear FIR filters, and switchable OS/NOS modes. This architecture significantly supposedly enhances the audio quality, making the RS6 a standout in its category. And the purpose of this review is to test that hypothesis.
Darwin__
The Darwin DSP filter in the HiBy RS6 represents a significant evolution (like FC6) in digital signal processing for audio devices. This advanced architecture goes beyond traditional R-2R designs by integrating several modern enhancements to improve audio fidelity. The Darwin DSP includes features such as resistor ladder linearity compensation, which helps maintain consistent sound quality across different volume levels and audio tracks.
The Darwin DSP is equipped with linear FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filters and nonlinear harmonics control. These features allow for precise manipulation of the audio signal, ensuring that it remains true to the original recording while minimizing unwanted distortions. The system also offers switchable oversampling modes (OS/NOS), which provide flexibility in how the audio is processed. This flexibility allows users to choose between a more natural analog sound and a precise digital sound, depending on their preference.
The inclusion of a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) bypass function highlights HiBy’s commitment to high-resolution audio. This function ensures that DSD files are processed in their native format without unnecessary conversion, preserving the purity and quality of high-resolution recordings. The Darwin DSP’s approach to handling digital audio signals not only enhances the listening experience but also allows users to tailor the sound to their liking through customizable settings, making the HiBy RS6 a standout choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts looking for top-tier sound performance in a portable format.
Build
Inside
The build quality of the RS6 is robust, featuring a copper chassis that not only looks stunning in champagne gold but also effectively dissipates heat. It sports a high-resolution, nearly borderless screen that makes interacting with the device a pleasure. The RS6 is equipped with a variety of outputs, including a balanced 4.4mm output and a standard 3.5mm jack, catering to different headphone types and preferences.
On the performance front, the RS6 is powered by the Snapdragon 660 processor, ensuring smooth operation and quick multitasking capabilities. Running on Android 9.0, it provides a responsive and intuitive user experience, akin to that of modern smartphones, making it effortless to switch between apps and stream music from popular services like Tidal, Spotify, and Qobuz.
The HiBy RS6 offers versatile audio outputs for any setup: a standard 3.5mm single-ended output for common headphones, a 4.4mm balanced output for enhanced audio clarity, different line outs for integration with external amps, and digital outputs for use with external DACs.
Real Life Impressions __
Letshuoer Cadenza 4: Admittedly, the Cadenza 4 doesn’t play from below like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. This one flies, so to speak, from mid to high altitude. It doesn’t perform as enthusiastically in direct bass-oriented songs. At least for me, it doesn’t quite convey the usual Slipknot air of bass-filled anger. I would have liked at least the drums to penetrate me in the rapid-fire drumming patterns. Otherwise, the resolution, clarity and airiness are fantastic. (I’m playing the same song on the RS6 right here.) And surprise, while the HiBy RS6 handles the dynamics much better, it’s a step or two behind the Fiio M15s in terms of technicality. To describe the situation, the RS6 is all about enthusiasm while the Fiio M15s is all about relax man)
Freya 2.0 ile: After the RS6, the Phantom of the Opera is unquestionably dynamic. And that legendary performance continues in controlled chaos. Tiring for unaccustomed ears. Tool – Sober says “This is it!” and the drums gain impact and become a rich backdrop to the moody atmosphere. Freya 2.0 captures all the ups and downs of Maynard’s voice singing frustration and despair. The following APC – Passive makes for a delicious combo and the optimistic doctor shrugs his shoulders and shouts “wake up face me”. Close themes with the same Maynard and Sober.
Finally, in another of my references, The Aristocrats – Desert Tornado, I put Freya 2.0 through its paces and high speed tonality, extensions, decay, bass and chaos control tests. It passes on all counts! Congrats to Hiby RS6
Pros__
– Advanced Darwin DSP architecture
– High-quality discrete R2R DAC
– Robust copper chassis with effective heat dissipation
– Versatile audio outputs (3.5mm SE, 4.4mm Balanced, LO, Digital)
– Dual-band Wi-Fi and Hi-Res Bluetooth support
– Fast performance with Snapdragon 660 and 4GB RAM
– High-resolution, nearly borderless display
– Extensive file format support and streaming capabilities
– Expandable memory up to 2TB
Cons__
– Premium price point
– Heavier and bulkier compared to some competitors
– Battery life could be a concern depending on usage
– Android 9.0 may lag behind newer operating systems in future updates
– Limited color options (only champagne gold for a while)
HiBy RS6 Review Conclusions
Hiby RS6 excels in connectivity, offering dual-band Wi-Fi and Hi-Res Bluetooth, supporting high-quality audio streaming without the limitations of wires. Its unique design supports bit-perfect data transfer architecture (DTA), bypassing Android’s sample rate limitations to deliver uncompromised audio quality from any source.
In summary, the HiBy RS6 is not just another DAP; it’s a carefully thought-out device that blends high-end technical performance with premium build quality and user-centric features, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles looking for a portable but powerful music player.