In this feature, Kurt reviews the HiBy Yacht10, a new, affordable 10mm single dynamic driver in-ear monitor with a mecha-style casing design. It is priced at $129.00.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links. I thank HiBy for their support.
You can click here to read more about the HiBy products we have previously featured on our website.
This article follows our latest scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
HiBy has built a strong reputation in the audio world and is known for its feature-packed value DAPs, such as the R1, and dongles, such as the FC6, that offer high performance and unique features.
While most recognize the brand for its source gear, HiBy has also stepped into the IEM market, producing models from budget-friendly sets to high-end flagships like the HiBy Zeta.
Now comes the HiBy Yacht10, an IEM designed around the themes of voyage and discovery.
Featuring a 10mm magnesium-aluminum alloy dynamic driver and a striking mecha-inspired shell, it promises a blend of detailed resolution and dynamic musicality in a bold new package.
Just how does it perform and compare to similar priced IEM such as the DUNU KIMA 2 and the AFUL Explorer? I found out in my full review below.
Features
The HiBy Yacht10 features a 10mm magnesium-aluminum dynamic driver, designed for low distortion while maintaining a lightweight and rigid structure.
Its advanced diaphragm enhances tonal accuracy and detail retrieval by optimizing internal resistance to minimize unwanted resonance.
To further refine its performance, HiBy developed the Low Standing Wave metal rear chamber, a dedicated compartment that precisely regulates air intake and airflow.
This innovation enhances bass control and overall dynamics, ensuring a cleaner and more responsive low end.
The driver also incorporates dual magnetic cores that generate 1.2T of magnetic flux, significantly increasing efficiency.
Paired with newly optimized CCAW coils boasting a 50% improvement over standard designs, the Yacht10 delivers better power handling and effortless drivability across a wide range of devices.
Design
HiBy leans into a bold, cyberpunk-inspired design with the Yacht10, giving it a futuristic and armored aesthetic. The sharp edges and intricate lines make it stand out, embracing the theme of voyage and discovery in both looks and concept.
The faceplate is split into two sections—one side is bright orange with some text, while the other has a clean gunmetal finish. The aggressive, angular edges reinforce its cyberpunk styling, making it look like a piece of futuristic technology.
At first, I mistook the white-yellow line on the orange faceplate for a USB-C port, but it turned out to be the Low Standing Wave chamber. This small design element helps regulate air intake and airflow to improve the Yacht10’s acoustics.
Just below the L.S.W. chamber, a large “10” is printed in a futuristic font, further adding to its unique styling. Despite the armored look, the faceplate feels smooth and well-crafted, with no rough textures to be found.
The right earpiece has “Yacht” printed on it, while the left side features the “HiBy” branding, making it easy to tell them apart. The L and R indicators near the 0.78mm connectors also help with quick identification when plugging in the cable.
Continuing the gunmetal theme, the shell keeps the same rugged yet refined finish. Two small vents near the nozzle handle airflow, while the nozzle has a proper lip to ensure ear tips will stay locked in place without slipping off.
Comfort & Isolation
Despite its sharp-edged design, the HiBy Yacht10 is surprisingly comfortable and lightweight. The thin shell and featherlight driver make it easy to wear for all ear sizes.
The angular design initially raised concerns about fit, but it sits naturally in the ear without any sharp points digging in. Unlike many IEMs with similar edgy aesthetics, the Yacht10 manages to avoid any pain on my ears.
Once inserted, it lays flush against the ear, creating a snug and gap-free seal, but prolonged usage is not recommended as the gapless seal places significant pressure on the ear. It also helps block out unwanted wind or external noise flawlessly.
Isolation is excellent, making it effective as a passive earplug even without music playing. Even with music at lower volumes, external noise is still minimized, and sound leakage is virtually nonexistent.
Ear Tips
The HiBy Yacht10 includes two sets of ear tips in medium, large, and extra-large sizes. The smallest size is noticeably larger than typical small ear tips, making it less suitable for those smaller ears.
The first set consists of cloudy, translucent white silicone tips with a matte texture. Unlike standard silicone tips, these feel slightly powdered at first but become drier over time, which irritated my ears.
These white tips feature a wide bore but don’t provide the best seal, leading to weaker bass. While they aren’t the most comfortable, they offer a clear and uncolored sound.
The second set includes black foam tips, which are firmer and more structured than typical foam options. They don’t squish down easily or retain a certain shape for long, unlike most foam tips.
These unique foam tips also have a wider bore, preventing excessive treble dampening while maintaining a clean sound. They also feel less sticky than standard foam tips, making them more comfortable for extended listening sessions.
HiBy also offers the WG01 ear tips as part of a bundle with a USB-C connector that fits the modular cable for just $20 more. These transparent tips are highly durable and resistant to yellowing, ensuring long-term use without discoloration.
Like the stock silicone tips, they have a dry texture at first but soften within seconds of being inserted without any irritation. They also have a wide-bore design but provide a much better seal, preserving the Yacht10’s intended bass response.
Stock Cable
The HiBy Yacht10’s stock cable boasts excellent quality, but its brown color choice feels out of place. It doesn’t complement the bright orange cyberpunk aesthetic of the Yacht10’s faceplate, making it a less visually cohesive match.
Despite the color mismatch, the cable itself feels high-end, with a smooth texture and durable build. It’s a Litz Type 4 braided single crystal copper cable featuring a fully balanced coaxial construction to minimize signal loss.
One of its standout features is the modular 4-pin lock with a screw-tightening mechanism, allowing for easy connector swaps. The cable supports 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C outputs, with the USB-C version available as part of a bundle.
Swapping connectors is simple, as the screw-tightening system is straightforward with its usage. Both the cable end and the connector jacks have arrows indicating the correct alignment, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Packaging & Accessories
The HiBy Yacht10 embraces a futuristic theme, with its box art featuring a cyberpunk font and an outline of the IEM. The back of the box is simpler, with a gray color scheme showcasing key technical details like sensitivity and impedance.
Lifting the cover reveals an even bolder cyberpunk-inspired design, blending bright orange and gray tones. The HiBy name is printed on the sides, while the Yacht10 branding sits front and center, accented by sleek, futuristic line work.
Inside, a tuning card with the same cyberpunk font and white line design sits on top. Yacht10’s tuning graph reveals a more neutral tuning with a surprising midbass boost rather than the usual subbass emphasis.
Beneath the card, the IEMs rest in a foam cutout next to the included carrying case. The case itself stands out with a mix of imitation leather and cloth, accented by orange stitching that adds personality and style.
Hidden beneath the foam insert is another box containing the ear tips and guide card. The carrying case features a small magnetic flap with the HiBy name engraved, securing the cable, 3.5mm connector, and cleaning brush.
Sound Impressions
Bass
The HiBy Yacht10 takes a different approach by emphasizing midbass over subbass, deviating from the typical tuning found in most IEMs. While the subbass lacks depth and authority, the midbass delivers a satisfying punch that keeps the sound engaging.
Its punchy character injects energy into tracks, making the bass feel more present than it is. Even though the subbass rumble is mild, its constant presence ensures the low end never feels entirely lacking.
Fortunately, despite the strong midbass, there’s no noticeable bass bleed into the mids. However, the bass isn’t the most detailed, relying on impact rather than texture, making it feel somewhat hollow and lacking in refinement.
Mids
The HiBy Yacht10’s midrange brings an adequately detailed vocal presentation. Backing vocals and nuances are well-revealed, adding a layer of detail that enhances the listening experience.
However, the vocals lean overly breathy, creating an unnatural and sometimes scratchy texture. Instead of a smooth and effortless delivery, it can feel like a constant whispering effect that distracts from the music.
The midrange also sits recessed in the mix, making it darker and less emphasized than expected. This uneven presentation results in a hollow vocal presence, though it never becomes shouty or harsh.
Timbre accuracy takes a hit due to this imbalance, causing vocals to lose their natural appeal. In certain tracks, the vocals feel pushed too far back, almost like an afterthought compared to the bass and treble.
Treble
The treble extension on the HiBy Yacht10 is well-balanced, providing a mix of energy and relaxation without introducing peakiness or sharpness. It delivers a refined top-end, ensuring clarity without becoming harsh or fatiguing.
Detail retrieval surpasses most single dynamic driver IEMs, bringing out nuances and subtle textures with ease. Sibilance is kept under control while maintaining a lively treble response, though there are moments where it takes on a slightly metallic tonality.
The abundance of air adds an expansive quality to the sound but also makes vocals sound overly breathy. However, this added air helps prevent the treble from feeling dark or lifeless, giving instruments the crisp bite needed for a more engaging presentation.
The extra airiness helps keep everything spaced out so that tracks don’t feel cramped. Even the tiniest details pop through more easily, making the overall sound feel more refined.
Staging & Dynamics
The HiBy Yacht10’s strongest aspect lies in its impressively wide soundstage and precise imaging that takes full advantage of vertical positioning. It creates a spacious and immersive experience, surpassing many IEMs in its price range.
Its stage width, depth, and height utilization outclass similarly priced options, offering a sense of openness rarely found at this level. The ability to subtly raise or lower sound placement adds a level of spatial accuracy that’s more common in higher-end IEMs.
While its vertical staging isn’t exceptionally tall, its effective headroom makes it stand out. However, the lack of forward and backward imaging keeps it from achieving a truly holographic presentation.
The dynamics are well-balanced, though the midrange loses some presence against the more dominant bass and treble. This imbalance remains consistent across different volume levels, preventing it from achieving balance.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
