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Beauty & Beast in one: Hiby R6 Pro II
A few days ago the delivery with the Hiby R6 Pro II DAPs finally arrived and I was very excited about Hiby's new "Pro" DAP. In my opinion, the name R6 makes absolutely no sense and is probably due to the (somewhat unfortunate) marketing.
Why? Because the R6 Pro II has absolutely nothing to do with the R6. In contrast to the predecessor R6 Pro, which shared the housing and various internal similarities with the R6, there is no apparent relationship between the R6III and R6 Pro II. They are completely different on the outside and the Pro II also seems to have a completely different/new structure on the inside.
But no matter - name games or not, one thing immediately catches the eye and yes, you can be more divided here Be opinion:
"I personally think the R6 Pro II is the most beautiful DAP I've ever held in my hands!"
The case - especially the back - is elaborately designed and a real eye-catcher. No matter whether in black or, as I tested, in bright purple.
In fact, I've long wanted DAP manufacturers to have a bit more boldness in color. The only manufacturer that has been mentioned here so far is Astell&Kern, whose colorful devices have fascinated me before.
And now Hiby has dared - bravo and thank you!
As you can see, Hiby (at least in the purple version) has consistently carried the purple theme through to the user interface.
From follows Function
The back is particularly striking with its "hump", beveled edges and curved grooves. I suspect that this is not just for design reasons, but also for functional reasons. The "hump" probably houses the battery and when you hold the R6 Pro II in your hands, you will notice that the beveled edges in the lower area provide great grip for your fingers. This is particularly noticeable if you also use the included case - the Pro II sits comfortably and securely in the hand.
In complete contrast to Astell & Kern, where the "edgy design" is more of an end in itself, Hiby, true to the motto "Form follows Function", have really thought of something here! For me as a user experience designer, a step in the right direction! 🙌😊
By the way, the Pro II is surprisingly light for its size. Another plus for daily mobile use.
Sound
Of course, it's the inner values that count most in a DAP and this is where the Pro II can shine: a total of three AKM DACs ensure adequate conversion and the analog output section is not bad either!
In order to put the R6 Pro II through its paces, I attached one of my absolute favorites, the Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor. At 4499 CHF, the Multiverse Mentor is 6 times more expensive than the Hiby and definitely exposes every weakness - should it exist.
Wow - the two devices even match each other perfectly in terms of color - but do they also match in terms of sound?
The short answer is:
"YES!"
The R6 Pro II drives the Multiverse Mentor like there is no tomorrow - that is, without any problems.
Although I usually drive the Mentor with flagship DAPs of the caliber of a Hiby RS8, Cayin N8II or Cayin N7, the R6 Pro II manages to Using all the advantages of this wonderful in-ear, it plays wonderfully powerful and detailed, with a great stage and presence.
Sure, the flagship DAPs mentioned above can do the fine intermediate tones a little better, resolve them even more finely and the bass is even faster and more powerful - but - this is "whining" at the highest level!
Usually you would operate the Hiby R6 Pro II with in-ears or headphones of similar price ranges and yet it is capable of greater things and with high-end IEMs it outgrows itself and its price range.
"Hello!"
What Hiby have achieved here is the crowning achievement of their "run" in the development of affordable yet fantastic sounding DAPs.
Conclusion
There is currently no real competition on the DAP market for well under 1000 CHF/EUR. I would say even a little more than that. The next level of sound will probably only come with Hiby's in-house RS6 R2R DAP.
The Hiby R6 Pro II is now available to buy from Audio Essence.
More exciting blogs
Flagship without flagship price - Cayin N7
The new naturalness - Hiby RS8 Flagship DAP
Into the Multiverse - UM Multiverse Mentor