James reviews the HiBy R6 III 2025, a new version of the company’s mid-tier Android 12 DAP with a fresh panel design and a quad CS43198 DAC. It is priced at $439.
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The HiBy R6 III 2025 is the latest upgrade of the uniquely-designed R6 III which I reviewed in 2023 and is at a more affordable launch price of $439 with the older version now dropping for $399 at the same time.
While many features like the dual Class A/AB mode have remained unchanged, I still consider the unchanged SoC and RAM adequate in 2025 especially when compared to the competition.
The 2025 version of the R6 III also introduces an interesting shift: upgrading from the Dual ESS 9038Q2M to the 8-channel, 4* CS43198 Cirrus Logic chipsets. This switch has implications for the tuning and performance of the new R6 III 2025 over the older version from 2023.
Additionally, the back panel has been given an appealing makeover and now looks more attractive externally.
So, how does the sound change from old to new and competition such as Shanling’s M5 Ultra, FiiO’s M23, and HiBy’s R6 Pro II? I found out in my full review below.
Features
The hardware on R6 III 2025 mostly inherits the framework of the older R6 III. Aside from the DAC chipset, the changes are aesthetical, so we will go through it quickly and decide if it is still competent as of 2025.
DAC
The biggest change technical change is the implementation of 4 pieces of CS43198 DACs from Cirrus Logic replacing the Dual ESS 9038Q2m, featuring a total of 8-channels in its output.
The CS43198 is more power efficient on paper, and the technical performance is better than the 9038Q2m and shall be seen as a small upgrade.
Like other HiBy Android players SRC is bypassed globally and the output is bit-perfect for all apps. The Class A/AB mode still exists and I will talk more about the overall performance in the sound session.
Similar to the R6 III, the new version decodes up to DSD512 and PCM 32BIT/768kHz, and also supports MQA 16x unfolding if this is still relevant to you.
Amplification
The amping circuitry follows the R6 III, using dual OPA1652 Opamps, and has audiophile-grade components, for example, 4 ELNA capacitors and 16 dedicated hand-matched transistors installed.
Toggling to Class A mode shortens the playback time by roughly 30% but the output feels more dynamic and punchier, while the Class AB mode feels more conservative and more power efficient.
On its balanced output with Class A toggled on, the R6 III 2025 achieves 405mW output power and 0.0006% THD which is nearly identical to the gen 3 R6 III.
However, the noise floor is only 1.7uV, SNR reaches 126 dB and dynamic range reaches 127 dB, which is quite a leap from the gen 3 R6 III.
The refreshed DAC section enhances the perceived dynamics and resolution, and I will share more about that in the sound impression section on page 2 of this review.
Design
The R6 III 2025 is available in silver and black, following the same faceted, angular outer design language seen in devices such as the RS6 but with the addition of a beautiful new glass backplate with a diamond-cut pattern creating a 3-D-like aesthetic on the rear panel.
Interestingly, it still features a 5″, 720p display for optimized playback time and it has adequate resolution to look clear and not pixelated.
The metallic structure feels solid in hand, and with an aluminum frame, it remains very light at 250g, allowing for easy single-handed control for both right and left-handed users.
The large buttons and volume pod on top are intuitive to use, enabling easy playback control even when the player is in the pocket.
Despite its metallic enclosure that offers better EMF shielding properties, the R6 III 2025 feels very light, enabling comfortable one-handed operation for playback control.
The easily accessible volume pod on top of the player remains convenient even when the device is pocketed, though when using the jelly case, it may get a bit clumsy.
I/O
HiBy’s designs are notably consistent, with most of the sockets conveniently located at the bottom of the player. These include the 4.4mm balanced line out(LO), 3.5mm LO, 3.5mm headphones out (PO), and 4.4mm balanced PO neatly arranged horizontally.
PD2.0 support for fast charging at 18W is included, which is quite essential. Additionally, you can utilize the USB-C socket for OTG purposes or connect to a laptop for decoding.
When fully charged and in Class AB mode, it provides 12 hours for the BAL output and 15 hours for the SE output, which is consistent with the previous generation.
On the left side of the screen, you will discover the TF card slot, supporting storage expansion of up to 2TB. This slot is covered when using a leather/jelly case, ensuring that you won’t lose the card when traveling.
Packaging & Accessories
The HiBy R6 III 2025 comes with pre-installed screen protectors and a transparent case. To be honest, the case obstructs the volume knob, making the operation somewhat clumsy.
I would recommend opting for another leather case or simply using no case at all for smoother operation, or you could simply remote control the player over HibyCast.
Also included in the packaging are a USB-C cable, user guides, and an extra screen protector, in case the pre-installed one gets scratched.
Software
For the controller, the R6 III 2025 runs on the same Snapdragon 665 SoC, which supports BT 5.0 connectivity. It remains fast, although not as power-efficient as some of the latest chipsets emerging this season.
Considering that some competitors are still using the Snapdragon 660 even on flagship models, it’s not seen as a competitive negative right now.
On a side note, the 4GB RAM onboard allows for smooth operation generally but may feel slightly lacking when heavily multitasking.
Android 12
The customized OS on the R6 III 2025 closely resembles that of the gen 3 R6 III, featuring enhancements like bypassing SRC globally and updated icons and menus for a more visually appealing interface.
By dragging down the top menu, users can access a variety of shortcuts for audio-related functions.
The user experience is notably stable, as this OS environment is a well-tested migration of an existing system. Users can take advantage of HiBy’s built-in equalizer/MSEB tuning plugin to adjust the audio output to their preferences.
While a few DAPs are beginning to incorporate open Android 13 OS, it would be beneficial to receive an Android 13 update.
However, for primarily audio playback purposes, the current OS provides a similar user experience. It’s also worth noting that Android 13 is more RAM-intensive and may not be ideal for devices with 4GB of onboard RAM.
Performance Numbers
Since the CPU and RAM setup is basically the same as the gen 3 R6 III, I ran AnTuTu Benchmark v10.4.4 to see if there is any hard numbers difference.
The R6 III 2025 scores 254315, which is quite close to the R6 Pro Max’s 260383 scores. Again it is the GPU and Memory that are more limiting when compared to smartphones.
In practice, this is not an issue as the device still runs very smoothly but I am expecting the next-gen product to pack in at least 6GB RAM to support Android 13 or above that consumes more memory.
Features
MSEB tuning
For any HiBy DAP, I recommend trying the MSEB tuning features in their Music app, as it provides an intuitive method to customize the tonality to suit your preferences.
By following straightforward on-screen instructions and adjusting bars, users can readily perceive the change. This feature is particularly useful for reducing spikes, improving tonal balance, or adding warmth and texture to the audio output.
Media Management
The R6 III 2025 is swift when scanning the music library on a new card. Playlists and tags are accurately captured and loaded.
There are various methods to filter songs in the library, and through the HiBy Music application, you can fetch lyrics and cover art online which nicely brushes up on the experience.
Thanks to its open Android OS, users can explore numerous possibilities and flexibilities with different applications, potentially noticing variations in output quality or tonality.
Despite this, the preloaded app remains very convenient, providing a wealth of built-in features that cater to a wide range of usage scenarios.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0
The Bluetooth functionality on the R6 III 2025 provides a consistent experience compared to the Gen 3 R6 III, likely attributed to using the same SoC. It supports various codecs like SBC, aptX-HD, and LDAC.
When streaming via LDAC to home receivers or using the player on the go, the connection remains stable within a range of approximately 3-5 meters, starting to drop a bit beyond that when moving fast, which functions satisfactorily in practice.
When used as a receiver for my laptop over Bluetooth, lip-sync issues are quite obvious so it is recommended to use it as a USB decoder instead for such cases.
WiFi
The R6 III 2025 supports dual-band 2.4/5G and inherits features from the R6 III, including AirPlay, DLNA, HiByLink control, and HiByCast.
With HiBy Cast, you can mirror-control the player using the HiBy Music App via a stable WiFi connection. This hands-free feature is especially practical when you are always working on the phone.
Wired Connectivity
USB-DAC
The R6 III 2025 can be connected to a tablet or laptop supporting USB Audio output, to be used as an external DAC without the need for any drivers. This is a fun and practical feature that enhances the sound experience when working on the laptop outdoors.
USB-OTG (Storage)
The R6 III 2025 allows connections to dongles and storage devices, similar to Android phones. This enables users to load photos or videos from a camera’s SD card via a card reader for viewing or storage or to transfer content from another card to the local storage.
When connecting to dongles, the USB volume is initially locked by default. Remember to access settings to enable USB volume control if you plan to pair it with other external USB decoders.
Sound Impressions
I gave the R6 III 2025 more than a week of burn-in and I paired it with the HiBy Yvain, the Earsonics Elements 1+2 Hybrid, the MOONDROP Joker portable headphones, the DUNU Falcon Ultra, to complete my sound impressions.
Summary
The 2025 version of the R6 III retains the same amplification section but features an upgraded DAC section, enhancing its technical performance and perceived dynamic range while improving detail retrieval.
Although the output power specifications on paper are identical, the R6 III 2025 appears to offer slightly better output power, likely due to enhanced dynamics and firmer low-end attacks.
The quality of the output has improved as well as the tonal balance. This improvement is particularly evident in the polished vocal reproduction and the overall presentation, which sounds more naturally rounded.
Overall, it is a rather balanced tuning, more so than on the Gen 3 R6 III. The older DAP sounds more compressed and dryer, with the vocal sounding slightly recessed.
This gives the previous mode a slight tilt to the V-shaped side, leaning a tad bit to the treble so it seems to sound more balanced with bassier IEMs.
Staging & Dynamics
There is sufficient power to drive various IEMs, resulting in a fairly defined soundscape and rather intimate but defined stage, especially in the x-axis. Compared to the older generation model, the R6 III 2025 feels more stereophonic, presenting more details and depth in the mids.
The vocals are nicely separated from the backing instrumentation while maintaining just enough body to avoid sounding overly thick. As said it is quite intimate so the depth is more limited than the width in the perceived stage.
Additionally, a darker background is achieved, enhancing the dynamics, thanks to the new DAC implementation.
There is sufficient control when more instruments come into play, the bass still sounds rather clear with fast and intense drumming, and it works well with woodwinds and strings with its smoothened treble.
You may also try using MSEB to stretch the perceived stage wider and deeper for OSTs and Classical music by boosting the two ends, which also helps add more brilliance and air to the upper register.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
