The new naturalness - Hiby RS8 Flagship DAP

This year was definitely full of exciting new head-fi products, but a few really surprised me. 😱

Great expectations...

My most anticipated product of 2022 was definitely the Cayin N8ii DAPAfter the great and very successful R01 module for Cayin's N6ii, my love for R2R was completely ignited. When Cayin then announced their new flagship, the N8ii, I was sure it would be an R2R flagship DAP that would surpass everything that had come before (including the L&P P6 PRo) would be overshadowed.

...and small disappointments

Then the first details came to light, and disappointment set in. NO R2R! 😵😣

How would the N8ii beat the N6ii-R01 without R2R DAC? With the R01 module, the N6ii had surpassed the old N8 in terms of sound in my eyes (or rather ears) and the new N8ii should now come onto the market without R2R, but with a conventional DAC?

Finally, the moment arrived, and all my doubts were completely dispelled after the first few notes: The N8ii was and is a masterpiece of a DAP. Instead of an R2R, it features a dual ROHM DAC, which is usually only used in extremely expensive desktop hi-fi systems. - plus balanced tubes and a great amp section.

Everything is fine...

All this makes the N8ii arguably the most versatile and customizable DAP of all time—and one of the best sounding in the world. From then on, the N8ii became my daily companion for listening to music and my workhorse for evaluating and comparing other components.

However, a little sadness remained in my heart because I couldn't quite let go of the thought of an Android flagship R2R-DAP.

...and gets even better

Then suddenly, in September this year, the first pictures and information appeared on head-fi.org that an attentive and loyal customer sent me, asking when the product would be available for purchase. I was immediately enthusiastic and learned from Hiby that the Hiby RS8 - their new R2R-DAP flagship, would be launched at the end of November. I couldn't wait!

And finally, the time has come – the RS8 is here, and it immediately blew me away in every way. But enough of the talk – let's take a closer look at the car. The following pictures are from the "Launch Edition," which exclusively includes a leather suitcase that won't be included in the "regular" edition.

Unboxing

sound

Okay, this thing looks incredibly good and is simply perfectly crafted – titanium, leather, fabric – what more could you want? 😍

But how does it sound? This time, I'd like to share not only my own impressions but also some of our customers' opinions – and we'll also see what the pros think, to give you all a better idea.

My first impression

I had read that the RS8 needed up to 200 hours of running time to reach its full potential, so I was cautiously optimistic...

...and was blown away by his first notes! 😵😱

The first word that came to my mind was "naturalness". This DAP simply sounds incredibly natural and organic. I immediately grabbed my Cayin N8ii and started an A/B test.

The result: Both DAPs play at the same, very highest level and together are the two best DAPs in the world.

The differences: The N8ii sounds overall "brighter", has slightly more treble extension than the RS8, which at first glance could be mistaken for more resolution. The repeated However, switching between the two DAPs made me realize that the amount of detail, or resolution, that both are capable of reproducing is pretty much the same.

While the N8ii sounds somewhat crisper, tighter, and more taut, the RS8 counters with a naturalness and effortlessness, an organic, almost analog reproduction that is unparalleled and doesn't even need to hide from larger R2R desktop solutions—in fact, it's on par. The bass of the N8ii is also somewhat faster and crisper, but the RS8's has more texture and "digs deeper."

All in all, after my short time with the RS8 so far, I conclude that this device is the biggest surprise of 2022 for me.
Hiby gave me what I hoped for from Cayin: An absolute flagship R2R device in pocket-sized format that completely convinced me in every respect, be it workmanship, presentation, sound, or future-proofing (Android 12!). Bravo Hiby!

Oh yes, I have tested mainly with the new Empire Ears x Astell&Core Odyssey IEMs – they are a perfect match for the RS8!

Reviews

HiBy RS8 Review — Headfonics

TheHeadphoneList

"The very first words that come to mind on first hearing the RS8 are expressive, expansive, nuanced and refined. There's a vibrancy to the sound that engages you almost immediately, not as an overwhelming 'shock to the senses', but rather it just sounds genuinely large, life-like and dynamic."

Reviewers - theheadphonelist.com

What our customers say

Patrick, Solothurn

"I'd like to start with an ironically "negative" point. Namely, the thing is so beautiful that you don't even want to touch it because of fingerprints. You could say that you put it in the included leather case, which is also very beautiful, but then you wouldn't see it as well... which puts you in a bit of a dilemma ;-)

I think this says a lot about the design and build quality, which is almost perfect. Matte titanium, which already has a beautiful color, as well as many perfectly defined edges, which, for me as a tech geek, is an absolute feast for the eyes. I also have to say that I don't know anyone as picky about build quality as I am. XD

But now to the main part: What kind of sound does the RS8 deliver?

It's also worth mentioning that the player is still new and hasn't been burned in. Therefore, experience has shown that the sound will generally be a bit more open.

As many people know, the "older" R-2R concept produces a more natural sound than the transistorized version with DACs. This is also the first thing you notice when listening to the RS8.

The most natural sound I've ever heard in an audio player. It really feels like you're there live.

As a comparison, I like to use the Cayin N8ii because I also own one and it's in the same league. Compared to the RS8, its tuning is more on the analytical side and therefore brighter in tone (this changes slightly from mode to mode). Therefore, it doesn't sound quite as natural as the RS8. However, the details are pretty much identical.

From a stage perspective, the RS8 beats the N8ii, although the N8ii comes close to the RS8 in tube mode, but there's still a difference. Generally speaking, it seems like all the instruments, vocals, etc., are much closer together on the N8ii.

Separation, instrument separation...hmmmm...I'd say very similar. Since the RS8 sounds a bit more open/wide, I usually find it a bit easier to distinguish individual details, but the N8ii sounds a bit more forward/present, which gives it an advantage in this regard. We'll see how it changes once it's properly burned in.

Another striking aspect is the dynamics. The RS8 packs a real punch. In short, the dynamics this DAP delivers only enhance the natural sound. Which makes me repeat that I don't know of any other player that brings the live experience as close as this one.

My conclusion

These were my first impressions of the Hiby RS8. Of course, I must clearly state that impressions vary slightly from person to person, and it also always depends on which other DAPs are being compared.

For me, however, I have to say quite clearly that my absolute number 1 until now was the Cayin N8ii, but this has now been pushed into second place by the RS8.

I'm really impressed Hiby, this is a near-perfect player. :-)

PS: All comparisons were made with the Empire Ears Odin IEM, with both players operated without any filters or acoustic adjustments.

More exciting blogs

Unboxing &Impressions: Empire Ears & Astell&Core Odyssey

Cayin N8ii - Tube Magic

Oriolus Szalayi - Review by The Vagrant Audiophile

Crown Jewel - Aroma Audio Jewel

The Bird: Oriolus Traillii Unboxing

Silver Bird: Oriolus Mellianus JP Unboxing

Truly divine - Empire Ears Odin

The Emperor's New Clothes - Kinera Imperial Baldr 2.0 Unboxing