Let me start by saying this upfront: I’ve never been the guy to carry around extra gadgets I don’t really need. I’m not about walking around like a mobile Radio Shack with dongles and DAPs hanging off my pockets. My smartphone, paired with good headphones or IEMs, always gave me everything I needed when it came to audio. That is, until I got tired of burning through my phone’s battery every time I got lost in music or podcasts.
So, I didn’t “need” a dedicated Digital Audio Player (DAP) — but I was curious. Could a mid-tier DAP really offer something I couldn’t get from my phone? Enter the Hiby R4. And let me tell you: it’s been a game-changer.
First Impressions: A Massive Improvement Over the M300
My journey with DAPs wasn’t a smooth one. I initially tried the Hiby M300, and it left me thoroughly unimpressed. The sound was underwhelming, the interface was clunky, and I found myself questioning the entire point of carrying around a bulky device for mediocre performance. The M300 couldn’t even drive my high-impedance headphones well, so I quickly moved on.
But then came the Hiby R4. It changed everything.
Interface and Performance: Not Perfect, But Close Enough
Let’s talk about the interface first. The R4 runs on Android, which means you have full access to apps like Apple Music, Audible, and more. While the user interface isn’t perfect — it could use some optimization for fluidity — it’s a far cry from the frustrating experience I had with the M300. It’s fast enough, and the customization options are fantastic. EQ settings, MSEB, and plugins allow you to fine-tune the sound to your exact preference. It’s got the kind of flexibility I was hoping for in a DAP, and it made my favorite IEM, the Final Audio B3, sound even better by adding that extra warmth and bass that was missing from its otherwise vocal- and fidelity-focused sound signature.
The Real Magic: Audiophile-Grade Sound at an Affordable Price
But here’s where things get interesting: when you pair this device with something like the Dunu SA6 MKII, you’re in for an experience. The 4.4mm balanced output delivers power and clarity that rivals desktop setups. The SA6 MKII, which I consider one of my best buys in IEMs, just comes alive with the R4. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to high-end IEMs, you know what I mean when I say the sound is almost transformative. The R4 doesn’t just play music; it brings your gear to life, delivering dynamic detail and a sense of emotional depth that’s hard to find in this price range.
For $250, the Hiby R4 can hold its own against DAPs costing twice as much, and that’s not something I can say lightly.
Price-to-Performance: A Steal
Speaking of price: at $250, the Hiby R4 isn’t just good for the price. It’s just good. Period. Sure, there are more expensive players out there that claim to deliver marginal improvements, but I honestly don’t think the jump in sound quality justifies the jump in price beyond a certain point. Most of these high-priced DAPs can be EQ’d to sound similar to more affordable models, and with the R4, you’re getting an impressive balance of sound quality, usability, and design — all without having to break the bank.
Where the Hiby R4 Falls Short
Is the R4 perfect? No. There are a few caveats. The screen, for example, is on the smaller side, which may not be a dealbreaker for younger users, but for someone in their 50s like myself, I find myself wishing for a bit more screen real estate. The system’s responsiveness could be faster too; it’s good, but not as smooth as I would like it.
Another thing: storage. The R4’s internal storage is limited, but there’s an expansion card slot, so you can easily add more for under $30. Battery life is decent, but again, not extraordinary.
Conclusion: A True Value Proposition
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Hiby R4 has become a solid contender in the mid-tier DAP market. It’s a disruptive product in a space that’s often dominated by devices that cost way too much for what they offer. The R4’s sound quality is fantastic, it has great customization, and the price-to-performance ratio is off the charts.
In a world where many DAPs are overpriced for marginal gains, the Hiby R4 feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a device that could easily serve 90% of audio enthusiasts without breaking the bank.
Final verdict: 3.8/5 stars. I recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, affordable, and good-sounding DAP.
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