$200 vs. $2,000: Hiby R8 II REVIEW

[@SuperReview]

What are you listening to lately? Join the community and share your thoughts 👉 social.squig.link/

[@minatoaqutansaiko]

hello,I just want to use one earphone and don't want to be tired of switching devices all the time depending on the type of music. I listen to 80% classical and 20% jazz and pop. I have also seen the audeze mm500 so far, and I think the instrument part is quite good, and the vocals are in the front, so the female voice sounds good. Do you recommend other headphones at this level? I think the sound field of the mm500 is okay. For classical music, the instrument tone is not too modified. , the low-frequency dive is enough for jazz. I don’t know if I understand this right?

[@oxyoxi3213]

Why is it so hard for audio reviewers to admit, they cannot hear any difference? RESPECT

[@SuperReview]

To be honest, it's actually harder just to convince you don't hear a difference than it is to admit. It's very easy to convince yourself (myself) that there's a difference with sighted listening, have to subject yourself to a blind test you can't game to really disabuse yourself (myself) of those conclusions.

[@rogerhuston8287]

It really depends if your headphone can show the difference. He only mentioned Campfire Aras. For IEMs, both have enough power and as they aren't particularly sensitive, both will appear quiet. If you want to power headphones the bigger amp will give more power, the question is if your headphones need it.

[@vaneast411]

get more resolving gear and you will hear the differences

[@harackmw]

@@vaneast411 such as?

[@vaneast411]

@@harackmw a highly resolving set of headphones such as the HE1000Se's will show you the differences in gear down chain as one example

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

You truly make some of the best reviews in the business! Thorough, honest, relevant, and last bit not least, down-to-earth! Thanks for your hard work! 🙂

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

Dang, y'all can't hear the differences between music players? Why can I? Or are you all old? My R5 saber sounded very different from my Surfans F28. Its a cheaper player that I bought to tide me over till I get a replacement for the R5 Saber. My echo ox explorer sounded great but it dodnt have the power I needed. My Cayin N3 sounded way different from my Fiio X3. My Sony 1V also sounds different from my LG V60.

[@Chris-tf7gi]

After watching your video I checked specifically if the Hiby R6 mIII has been updated with parametric EQ. Yep! I've been using it since the update without knowing it got this massive upgrade. Parametric EQ is absolutely in the audio settings now, the exact same one that is in your video. Only my Hiby R6 III cost about 3x less than the device you are reviewing. PEQ is the only thing the R6 III was missing. The R6 III has a huge battery that lasts for days, which is mostly what I like about the Hiby. Its my sound "brick" that isn't going to conk out on me when I'm listening to my audio to fall asleep. Think I paid $500 for my R6 III. I'm not sure what you're getting for $1500 more. If you like it, be happy! (I took the screen protecter off just now too. Much better!)

[@CompoundNihilist]

Brilliant review and it takes courage to state for the world to hear... the emperor has no clothes.

[@eruilluvitar]

As someone who has spent way too much on audio, I'll be honest: I also don't understand the R8ii, or even the RS8 (which I own). Their only major upside to other DAPs is the battery size, but definitely not worth 10x more, and not even always worth the extra weight if we're really being honest. Great review, as always!

[@SuperReview]

If I only charged this thing once a month... I'd consider living with the size :D

[@Ducbloke]

Another great one in the books. I love that you’re using Poweramp! This is my go to app for many reasons. I do like a volume knob on my DAPs,but having volume memory is pretty good. An analogue knob ensures this as well. Great honesty on your listening experience. Having a DAP with that much power is also something I like as well. It’s ubiquitous when you’re bouncing between outputs. Having more power does more efficiently drive high impedance circuits. As for Parametric EQ, I’ve been doing a lot of work in this area. I’ll message you

[@SuperReview]

Poweramp is goated.

[@--simplify]

Let's make a video on how to set poweamp equilizer

[@traktorpro10]

Watercooler thread on Headfi will not like this review 🤣🤣🤣

[@SuperReview]

What's their take on it?

[@traktorpro10]

@@SuperReview The consensus is always that the more expensive the better sounding, you are the exception which I appreciate especially because of your access to all price ranges if IEM's and it not affecting how you evaluate Daps sound wise (transducers affect sound more than source imo having owned multiple Daps and dongles myself).

[@maegnificant]

​I did not believe in DACs/Amps making a difference myself. Then I compared the Elysian Annihilator 23 with my smartphone dongle (Moondrop Dawn) vs a friends Shanling M9+ DAP. Same files, same music. It sounded much better on his DAP. ​@@traktorpro10

[@MrColdchillin81]

@@traktorpro10 of course the iems/headphones affect sound more. However the idea that amping doesn’t affect it is kinda ludicrous. I’m assuming he used single ended for the comparison - which is hamstringing the dap right there - it’s made with balanced topology so he should use balanced. I know he’s got a philosophical issue with balanced but that’s silly. Example chord uses a pulse array dac which by design is single ended, it’s fed into a single ended designed amp. Including a balanced output would actually degrade the quality so it’s not included. That’s done similarly here except in reverse. Even the measurements measure better. In this instance it’s actually objectively better lol

[@davidibarra6730]

Water-cooler crowd is strange they are too emotionally attached. They go from friendly to mob pretty quickly 😂

[@lcwpg]

Hiby R4 probably the one i would buy if i really want a DAP. $250 and it's the right size and have all the output i need.

[@SuperReview]

That one seems pretty well-spec'd, though the battery life claims are disappointing.

[@TWidXugA1]

Great video! Love your candour with regard to things like daps, cables, burnin, etc. Being aware and overcoming our own bias towards the shiny new, expensive thing is not trivial. With regards to system-wide PEQ, I've recently found that there is a dedicated Poweramp eq app that does that really well (after some tweaking) on Android devices, so I think that having system wide PEQ out of the box is now more in the "nice to have" category of features of a dap.

[@Tssukiii]

Just got me an used Fiio X3 for 30€ And it’s awesome :)

[@SuperReview]

Based.

[@lacsativ1]

I bought a FiiO M11S based on your review and I couldn't be happier. I'm using it on a daily basis with all my IEMs/buds/and even some headphones like the HD6XX and the Hifiman Edition XS. Plenty of power with balanced cables. If I heard that right, this Hibby flagship goes up to 700 something mw? That's crazy considering that the M11S can do up to 600 something mw with the balanced connection and it costs so much less.

[@DanRC69]

Poweramp ALSO has parametric adjustment, so they BOTH can do that.

[@andydj261]

Will you be reviewing the R4 - which obvs has balanced & PEQ functionality?

[@arshedfazal]

True if the m300 got a 5* review at 200 bucks, the R4 with PEQ, plug-ins and balance output should be at least 5* at 250

[@lokrj]

Oh boi, lemme grab the popcorn first

[@rupbhatt]

Again another DAP gimped by SD665 processor. Too much cost cutting by the manufacturers. Using an alnost 6 year old processor based on 11nm fab ensures you get really no advantage of bigger battery due to poor thermal efficiency.

[@SuperReview]

TBH I don't think the processor has to do with the battery life in this case, the M300 is using the same processor with a battery 15% the size and it gets the same if not a bit better battery life. Seems it's more to do with the audio architecture.

[@marlonsalugao6272]

That's what you call an honest , fact- based review.

[@cocktailuk]

Just because he is honest doesn't mean there is no difference in audio quality, it just means he isn't able to hear it, which could be very misleading for people who want to upgrade

[@marlonsalugao6272]

@@cocktailuk Nah!!! Do you own one? I love mine . Listen to it first . And you will know what he is talking about

[@cocktailuk]

@@marlonsalugao6272 I have the hiby r6 iii and the r8 ii and their is a clear difference in sound quality

[@F8Msssss]

Love your videos. Thanks for being transparent on everything. Using my A55 and considering whether I should upgrade to the WM1AM2

[@MrColdchillin81]

You should. The dsee alone is worth it

[@carlosfilho9404]

Tiny DAPs are great. Still using my Sony a55 when traveling. At home, I use the Oriolus Dps-L2. Amazing DAP for the price I paid for. Hint: not MRSP

[@matthewsaul2531]

I was initially disappointed with the sound quality of the R8. With longer listening it was the control, the holographic wider sound that separated it from my cheaper daps. Everything was so controlled and instruments and voices came from a jet black background. I was expecting to be blown away by it at the time, and never was. Now I prefer mid tier daps, I gave up looking for the perfect sound. I just want to enjoy my music collection and many songs I just enjoy more on my cheaper daps because I'm not focused on sound quality, just the music

[@ElNINETEENTH]

There is a solution from Joe bloggs on head-fi where you download files they add certain plugins in order to make the soundstage crazy wide and holographic when I did this the R8ii and the R6P2 sound very expensive.

[@ImAWSMDanny]

Question. Would you rather have the R8 II or about 9 M300's? Please reply, this is urgent.

[@SuperReview]

Maybe R8II, keeping 9x M300s charged sounds like work 🥵

[@ImAWSMDanny]

@@SuperReview Good point

[@ronenbuium7699]

Thank you so much for your honest review...

[@pelilin2519]

This guy is taking the sharur path.

[@ElNINETEENTH]

😂😂😂

[@ifan2705]

lmao audiophile is full of douchebag, being honest is not allowed

[@Weareonenation303]

Sharur is low effort rage bait, SR is not.

[@nikdhamigo6476]

for me,I wouldn't take r8 ii out with me. I had m300.it's pocket and handy. for the sound quality,m300 is decent compare to phone and some dac, m300 is better.

[@hpwrotethis]

Glad you validated my m300 purchase even if I don't use it anymore 😅

[@SuperReview]

Purchase validation: It's what I'm here for.

[@joegarcia6276]

Now you have to review the FiiO m23 and compare the sound to the m11s dap which I have and love with tidal HiFi plus

[@cody112ng]

Are you going to review the Hiby R4?

[@schoi604]

The new R4 has balanced out.

[@kevingest5452]

I feel like if there were a reason to buy something like this, it would be for high impedance and/or inefficient full sized head phones. If you have an expensive collection of high impedance dynamic drivers and low sensitivity planers, and you want a DAP that's just going to drive everything well, then I would think it makes sense to get a big chonky DAP .... for IEMs, expensive Daps or headphone amps make no sense at all.

[@Xerpocalypse_]

Conceptually speaking, it’s very very cool that they decided to use an FPGA, but I don’t see myself buying one of these any time soon. It’s way out of my budget.

[@SuperReview]

Agreed it is cool, wonder what sorts of things they could emulate with an FPGA -- e.g. could they have alternate DAC designs that have higher harmonic distortions?

[@wahid-lg1kk]

​​​@@SuperReviewmy dongle has it. The tempotec sonata bhd pro. Change tuning with firmware.

[@SaveMeAzathoth]

It's certainly a very pretty device. If the explanation for the price was "because it's basically jewelry" instead of source memes I'd probably be like "sure makes sense" (and still stick with a cheaper player).

[@SuperReview]

To some degree it certainly is about paying for the physicality of a device like this. And in that case I'm probably not the best target, 'cause I prefer the compact form factors to the ornate, impressive ones.

[@jburtonca]

For me the $1,800 price difference makes this a no brainer, it's the Digital M300 all the way.

[@Roni-u2c]

Another big question - Do they sound better or marginally better then a quality Smartphone (When connected to a quality IEM for example)? Thank you

[@resottolamontagna904]

You are one of the few honest reviewers that I know. Thanks to exists!

[@SuperReview]

I don't think others are dishonest FWIW, either (A) they hear things I don't hear, or (B) they think they do.

[@ryujinn8531]

Please put review out for HiBy R4 ... Ive been saving money to buy dap and its right around my budget

[@warth45]

i need a volume knob wait, did you use the pixel 4xl as a daily driver?

[@SuperReview]

I don't think I ever really used the 4XL as a daily driver except when I did a review of it years ago. Now it's a test device.

[@jebar908]

Do the m300 vs the r4

[@aaronfriedman8201]

I compared the A&K SR35 to the Hibi R62 pro and they sound completely different. They are both around the 700-800-dollar mark. It is really hard to fathom that these DACs sound alike. Also, I would never buy a DAP that has no Parametric EQ. All Headphones that are not digital processed could use a little EQ as they all have anomalies at some frequencies.

[@SuperReview]

Can you elaborate on "sound completely different"? I have not heard those DAPs, but I truly find that baffling.

[@ElNINETEENTH]

@@SuperReviewbro the sound signature would be different, noise floor, soundstage and lot of things. You could pick up the difference between those daps using iems like Mest2 or Radon 6 easily. Using mid tier iems won’t cut it.

[@ishmone21]

You show alot of love to the hiby m300 👍🏾. Let me go ahead and buy this thing. This is my first dap ever. I hope it's loud enough. I've seen your other video about this unit, and you said the volume is not really loud. I need a music player anyway for spotify. I'm tired of using my Samsung s24 ultra for spotify

[@SuperReview]

Careful with your hearing homie.

[@ishmone21]

@@SuperReview I will. And thank you for the hiby m300 review.

[@KLiNoTweet]

With highres flac or dsd-files 256 GB is not that much. (One file could have 1 gb). For that price it should have 1 tb at least. I like your review and have subbed 😊

[@andrewmorrison9049]

What's the name of the battery bar app you mention at 16:00, and how can I set it up so the music app is pinned, but everything else is password protected?

[@SuperReview]

App is called Overlay Battery Bar. If it's not already enabled by default, go into Android settings > Security > More security options > Enable app pinning. When you bring up the Android app switcher UI, tap the app icon at the top to get the pin option.

[@LWLW44]

I have Hiby 6 pro ii and R8ii clear sound difference. Which one is better that depends what you like.battery life is amazing on the R8ii. I don’t agree there is no difference between DAP’s.

[@rajeebdas1724]

You either don't have both daps or you're coping hard trying to justify to yourself your uber expensive purchase. Judging by the price of the devices, i think it's the first one.. However if it is indeed the latter one, you messed up real big child😅

[@LWLW44]

@@rajeebdas1724 why do you find it hard too comprehend ? I do indeed have both and can hear the difference. Also it’s not purely sound I have the R8ii also battery life. Now child please go talk shit to someone else who cares

[@CryptoHealthBSC]

The ones telling others they're coping are most likely the actual ones coping. 😂

[@theegreatest9322]

I’m looking to upgrade from my fiio m11 plus . Wich one of those 2 sound better for SQ for a sound system in ur opinion ? Bass , highs , etc … the 6 or the 8

[@marlon5188]

The Hiby R4 almost has the features that the R8 has for less if you want those and not concerned about the sound itself

[@SuperReview]

R4 claimed battery life is a bit disappointing, does real experience match?

[@marlon5188]

@@SuperReview playback time is usually around 10-11 hours and I think it's decent. I've had other android daps before and they performed worse. But standby time is great. Around 20% drain in the last 5 days without using it.

[@capberganza]

thanks for the video, love the honesty will you be reviewing the Moondrop MIAD 01?

[@SuperReview]

Nah.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

​@@SuperReviewit eats memory cards

[@jamesmiller4487]

The M300 seems amazing for the price! I have the R6 Pro II and am happy with it, but if I didn’t I might have gone for that one…. At $2000 the R8 II is a bit rich for me, and if I consider the legal fees if my wife found out I spent that much for a DAP, well it’s definitely out of my reach… 😂

[@wongricky9095]

Whether R8 II worths 10 times more is one question (personally I don't think so) but saying there is no difference in sound quality between these two ... come on ... probably just like he said before there is basically no significant sound difference between different IEM cables. Sorry I don't buy this at all - I can obvious hear difference b/w different DAP, different IEM cables, ..., whether it worths the delta in price in another question.

[@SuperReview]

Have you ever blind tested yourself to validate?

[@wongricky9095]

@@SuperReview To be fair not for these two particular models but yes for other DAPs and cables…expensive DAPs tend to over price these days and someone can easily get better sound with desktop (or less portable) setup at much cheaper price, but there are obviously sound difference between entry level DAP and more expensive ones (same for cables imo)

[@andipati2821]

I'll buy it if drive my xs properly. M11S still good right now 😂

[@SuperReview]

Edition XS? It doesn't require much in my experience.

[@andipati2821]

M11S 100 step in SE with PEQ eq fiio build in and 80 in BAL connector. Its good enough for DAP. Thanks for your reviews last years

[@jeffburling7224]

I have a pair of UE 11 Pro's that aren't getting very much use these days since I don't play music on stage anymore and I "upgraded" my cellphone to one without a headphone jack. I mostly listen to Metal...could you recommend a DAP(s) that would help me get the most out of these IEM's ? I use Tidal for their high quality source files.

[@pyrojinn]

I think at some price point manufacturers made DAP to be used like a desktop amp with the heft they usually have. I know there ain't any "portable" in a digital music player, but c'mon don't just make it like bricks?

[@SuperReview]

Some people like the bricks.

[@unknown00808]

That can be used for self defence i swear. No person is walking up after getting bonk with that

[@DominikPhilipp1]

Thank you for the review. Could you try to install poweramp equalizer on the m300 to see if one can get in this way systemwide peq? Thanks

[@hulmemane.t.1108]

Did you notice any difference in sound signature using the natively installed, HiBy music player software?

[@SuperReview]

No.

[@Alexandros_Ka]

Can you add a link with the A/B switch you run your tests with? Great review!

[@SuperReview]

I just used this: www.schiit.com/products/sys

[@Alexandros_Ka]

Thank you 🙏

[@forbiddencue1101]

Have you played with the R4 from Hiby yet? I'm near pulling the trigger on one or the other. Undecided

[@SuperReview]

I haven't, no, been using R5G2 as my daily.

[@aceofspades6667]

🔥🔥🔥

[@lovehearts9566]

hiby r4 please

[@jamesmiller4487]

You mention you have an audio switcher to do some blind testing. What is the name of the switcher? I’d love to pick one up!

[@SuperReview]

Schiit Sys: www.schiit.com/products/sys

[@jamesmiller4487]

@@SuperReview Thank you!!!!!! Do you know if there is a balanced version of a switcher? I pretty much have wired everything in balanced (back in the day when I was naive enough to believe that made a difference in a home setting) and it would just be easier to keep things consistent.

[@SuperReview]

Don't think Schiit makes one, but I'm sure someone does. Not something I've looked for.

[@jamesmiller4487]

@@SuperReview No worries. Thank you!

[@forbiddencue1101]

You choose Spotify over many hifi options. I'd love to know if you hear any difference in those as well? I personally miss spotifys interface but left them after there promise of hi-res fell through.

[@SuperReview]

I haven't compared Spotify with others, but I did try to test Apple lossless vs. Apple's normal compression and couldn't hear a difference, so I don't really bother. It's not a significant difference either way.

[@ElNINETEENTH]

Apple Music much better than Spotify.

[@rajeebdas1724]

​@@SuperReviewI have compared Spotify 320 kbps with the quality of my sd card songs. There though, I must say, there's an audible difference. The Spotify version distinctly sounds a bit 'dirtier' and slightly compressed laterally. The same song on my card sounds cleaner and more expansive. Not a huge difference. But it is definitely there. The problem is once I hear even a 5% difference, I can't go back really. But there definitely was a difference. I haven't checked apple music though.

[@harpokrates]

Can the R8 II be used as a Desktop DAC?

[@SuperReview]

Yes.

[@elasmojones]

go go Hiby R4

[@leonardotov8733]

I wouldn't recommend.. I got R8 after 2 years battery is depleted, sent several emails to this company... no answer!!! Obviously lousy customer service if any.. after pay 2k to a device... go elsewhere

[@SuperReview]

That's a bummer to hear, I went through customer service a couple of times and it was a smooth experience -- minus the overseas shipping costs 🫠

[@UltimateEnd0]

IBasso DX320, thank me later

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Every Hiby has peq in the music player it's just not system wide. Unless the m300 has a cut down music player like the R3. Then you could download the full version and have peq. But, dude, Spotify? Really? Doesn't help your audiophile cred..

[@SuperReview]

What about Spotify?

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Dude what is it, aac 256?

[@SuperReview]

@@wahid-lg1kk Actin' like you can hear a difference between 256 AAC and lossless.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

@@SuperReview actin' like you are an audiophile 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lextr3110]

ibasso?

[@UltimateEnd0]

Arguably Ibasso DX320 is going to sound better 90% of the time with quad hyper DAC. R8 II has R2R resistor ladder made for premium sound staging and orchestral music. IBasso DX320 is going to sound better but cost more.

[@alexeiboukirev8357]

Not worth it for me. I am waiting for R5 Mk 3. R5 Mk 2 is still awesome with switchable Class A amp and 30 hours in eco mode. And it can be had for $300 now. But M300 and variants of R3 are perfect for sleeping with.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah, R5G2 is still my daily DAP, the battery life + form factor are pretty excellent.

[@nyverinorlyth9555]

An FPGA, that sounds like a dev kit lmao. I guess you can turn the dac into whatever you want lmao.

[@SuperReview]

It's a cool idea, I wonder if you could use it to emulate DACs with worse noise, distortion, etc..

[@rajeebdas1724]

Can I turn it into a Tesla?

[@nyverinorlyth9555]

@@rajeebdas1724 Actually, you should be able to turn it into anything you can imagine as long as it has the same number or less unit circuit modules. Take this with a grain of salt it's been a while since I took the course that was to explain how FPGA's worked.

[@brunis_m]

You say “if I’m honest” so much that I automatically think you’re not being honest 😂

[@rajeebdas1724]

He is. He's just trying hard not to offend the dozens of divas out there who start whining when someone says their uber expensive purchase might've been unnecessary. Lol

[@drtydsh]

Alcantara is not good, my steering wheel turned gross after a few months of use thanks to my hand oils.

[@SuperReview]

Seems like a high-touch area they woulda planned for that...

[@harackmw]

Everything sounds the same. Even my Hiby Dap, after being tailored to my tastes, is so close to neutral that it is boring AF. It is fine for my electronic music, but sometimes I want coloration. It would be nice if they could make some filters to try and replicate real warmth, like what you would hear with a vintage amp from the 1970s and vinyl. Some classic rock and other genres sound amazing on that, while on modern systems that era of music sounds like midrange and treble murder so people avoid it, which is such a shame.

[@SuperReview]

There is built-in parametric EQ, you can add lots of coloration to taste if you want.

[@dentReviews]

sorry $2k for a dap is stupid. but i mean, it came with a screen protector... so..... i'd rather use my phone with a dap that size. sheesh. and no one would hear the difference in a blind comparison. boom. you can't hear a difference because there is no difference. :-P they are both good enough to be past the threshold of hearing specs that matter... that PEQ though... that might be worth $1800 more ;) ;)

[@SuperReview]

Seems to come down to how much you care about improvements to measurements you can't hear, or how much you can convince yourself you hear them. I keep most of my music in FLAC even though I can't hear a difference vs. well-compressed MP3. But that just costs a little storage, not $2,000.

[@dentReviews]

@@SuperReview i can hear the difference beween 256aac and lossless cd. but it is INCREDIBLY close and not always "easy." but that makes sense as CD quality was chosen by the designers because it is greater than the threshold of our frequency hearing. don't get me going on measurements ;) but no matter what you think, i don't think $2000 makes sense in the world of smartphones. I get it has better spec dac/amp, but if you consider it even possible that you can't tell a difference, you're paying more money by almost twice and getting 1/10th the functionality.

[@MrColdchillin81]

@@SuperReview it’s also got dsp plug ins that are better then the peq. Might be fun to play with those

[@illustrious420]

Again and again, these device don't have a "FPGA dac", it have a PWM dac(which is way more similar to a delta sigma dac than a r2r) and a FPGA chip program to control that PWM dac. BTW you can't hear a difference doesn't mean other can't, I used to be in the "It doesn't matter" camp until I successfully a/b blind (with help from another person) 3 otg usb cable.

[@rajeebdas1724]

If he can't hear a difference, it's end of story right?? Should I bother if others can or cannot? If I can't, I'll happily save my money and laugh at others who spend like they're possessed 😂😂

[@UltimateEnd0]

Love my iBasso DX320

[@marike1100]

HI-bee, not hibby. “Hi” as in Hi-Fi. So grating every time he says their name.

[@SuperReview]

(1) It's a made-up word, (2) get over it. No one pronounces my last name "correctly," I have complained about it zero times in my life.

[@UltimateEnd0]

WiFi is pronounced "wee-fee"

[@StarBuccaneers168]

That's one chunker. For $2000 it better be the thinnest DAP in history.

[@SuperReview]

If you get into a fight and need to hurt someone, you're gonna be happy you have this in your shoulder bag.

[@patrickdanneker5480]

most audiophiles logic goes like: the more expensive the bigger and heavier it needs to be

[@StarBuccaneers168]

@@SuperReview Sold

[@MML66]

I cannot understand these devices. Just get a dongle. I can take pictures while listening to music. I can play and view social networking sites. The screens of these devices are bad. Their sizes are large. They do not give you as much power as a desktop DAC gives, and they do not give you a significant power difference over a lightweight dongle.

[@SuperReview]

They have buttons and TBH I prefer carrying a second device to dongle fiddliness.

[@oxyoxi3213]

Dongles drain your phone battery and are clunky?

[@MML66]

@@oxyoxi3213 You will often use it to move around your home or travel, and use a desktop DAC and you will get unlimited listening time. At this price, you can get headphones, a desktop DAC, and the best dongle.

[@rajeebdas1724]

​@@oxyoxi3213A dap user shouldn't be using words like clunky...😅 A dongle can be thrown into the smallest of pockets.. What about a dap? You already have a phone. Then you have something that is 3 times thicker ! Where do you keep that? Mostly you need a whole bag... So dongles win on portability by a huge margin.

[@dominikalbers6983]

I bought a DAP Last year. I did it because i was primarily listening with a Dongle or BT DAC via my Phone and 10min later im on Instagram watch a reel someone send me or watching reviews like this, for products i don't need! With a DAP i don't get this distractions and the battery last 30h and i love the volumen in 150 steps through a volumeweel

[@patrickhamning1734]

Hiby finna blacklist you lol

[@SuperReview]

Nah they're pretty cool.

[@hibymusic1566]

We won't. Feelings are subjective, and it's not strange not to notice a difference. We appreciate diverse opinions.

[@AF-rd2vf]

This dude can’t hear the difference between these devices. Either his hearing is bad or he’s using subpar headphones or IEMs.

[@SuperReview]

You're welcome to do a convincing blind shootout video!

[@AF-rd2vf]

@@SuperReview there is no need to do a blind test among some of these players. To my ears there is a difference in how these players sound especially among the higher tier players versus entry level and mid players. The higher end players will use the best off the shelf DAC chips, RTR Ladder DAC and other DAC technologies. Also, better parts are used. The DAC implementation is tuned by the brand or company manufacturing the player. Company A player’s sound signature may be different from company B. Some players are more musical than other players. Some players will be voiced to sound more neutral than others. Sone players will use tubes which will have an impact on the sound. I’m sure there is a difference in sound from your $200 DAP versus the DAP you just reviewed. What IEM’s or headphones did you use? Using $150 IEM’s or headphones on upper tier players ain’t gonna cut it. These better DAPs demand better IEMs and headphones to hear the difference. That’s like putting $100 tires on a high end luxury car. You’ll eventually arrive at your destination but getting there will be different. High end DAPs with the best ancillary equipment is a true revelation in sound. I’ve been there…from the cheapest or entry level gear to better gear but once you get better gear there is no way you can unhear it.

[@kevingest5452]

@@AF-rd2vf confirmation biases can be strong, your feelings of certainty are not evidence that blind testing isn't necessary... kind of the opposite.

[@Cirillion]

@@AF-rd2vfThis!!!👍🏻

[@chavi798]

​@@AF-rd2vf Always the same excuse:"These better DAPs demand better IEMs and headphones to hear the difference"

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

😆😂I mean maybe you're right, but just maybe you have some little condition👀... also you said I think you don't hear cable differences, I do so much...but good for U saving $2000❤️🙋‍♂️

[@SuperReview]

I would seriously love to see a video of someone picking out these DAPs in a blind listening session.

[@Kenny-Somafunk]

@@SuperReview I’d love to see a similar test carried out at a canjam/headfi meet/audio show using an ABX switcher but we all know that will never happen - amplifiers/dacs have been “sorted” for so long and sound to all intents and purposes in normal use scenarios as very “similar”, I buy on features and useability rather than pseudoscience tarted up as sonic nirvana in a 1/2 kg brick. Hiby R6 iii and Symphonium Meteor (bought partly due to your review of it) is my sweet spot, especially with the PEQ, and I have the new Grell OAE1headphone on the way. Have you viewed Archimago’s dac test?, you may find it interesting. Google “Archimago’s musings” if you haven’t read any of his writings

[@Tssukiii]

@@SuperReview What could be some reason for them sounding the same is that some devices use the same circuitry for their single ended output (f.e. Golden Sound claimed the L30 and A90 sounded the same through single ended, but the A90 is way better in balanced for demanding cans in his review). Tbh the differences I hear are minor and there probably only because I imagine them being there. More power does make an audible difference to me with planar headphones like the Aryas, because they get loud enough on my cheap DAPs, but don’t sound nearly as good as with my A90. With IEMs though I would be really surprised to notice a difference between an Apple Dongle and a 2k DAP in a blind test lol

[@ElNINETEENTH]

@@Tssukiiibro Fatfreq iems can’t be even driven by an Apple dongle most high end iems require more power to shine.

[@rajeebdas1724]

​@@ElNINETEENTHStop distributing jargon everywhere you go just because you yourself picked it up somewhere...lol . Every Iem on this planet can be driven by an apple dongle.. You're just encouraging companies to charge more and more... Why do you want that?? They giving you commissions?

[@wyw201]

Never mind difference between DAPs, I couldn’t even hear the difference between 320kbps mp3 and flac. Both ripped from my own CDs.

[@SuperReview]

Same. Even 192Kbps I'm struggling to hear a difference. ...That said, i still store my music in FLAC, it's not that big. Hi-Res FLAC, however, is too much space waste for me.

[@roifilham29]

I was not ready with the thickness the moment you picked it up

[@SuperReview]

It really hits you.

[@kevingest5452]

That's what she said

[@recode8453]

this is why i love this channel. honest impression 💙

[@marcelaoferreira2566]

Another great review! I bought the 64 audio 4US based in your review. Hi from Rio, Brazil!!

[@SuperReview]

How's U4s treating you?

[@mechpade]

DAP's sound quality had peaked when iBasso released the first MAX, with its more transportable form factor. And when Fiio released their M17 as a competitor, I thought DAP makers would follow Fiio's direction and start modernizing and improving useability. All USB-C (source, DAC, AMP stages), desktop mode, excellent BT and wifi, and the latest Andriod version with support for future upgrades. But alas, they just keep adding DAC (or R2R/1-bit) chips and more powerful amps.

[@maegnificant]

I use the Hiby R3 II and I like it quite a lot.

[@SuperReview]

It's a good little player.

[@michaelmacvittie6977]

What I want for 2k: an S24 with all the audio fixings (volume knob, multiple outputs, etc) What I get: a Oneplus 7

[@SuperReview]

I want a motorcycle.

[@SimonP2]

One of the best phones ever made IMHO with its pop-up camera and no holes in the screen. I love my 7 Pro and dread the day when it has to be replaced.

[@mfgillia7606]

Would have been helpful if you told us upfront what headphones and/or IEMs you were using to compare the DAPs. If you're using easy to power, lower end stuff then not uncommon for sound differences between DAPs to be minimal.

[@SuperReview]

I use Apple EarPods and those headphones they use at the library.

[@scotteaton963]

😂​@@SuperReview

[@mfgillia7606]

@@SuperReview Ah, so you're more troll than a serious reviewer of audio gear. My bad.

[@SuperReview]

@mfgillia7606 No, you are just the third person to ask this question, I answered the other two seriously and it did not satisfy the people asking so I tried something else.

[@audio_tron]

Grateful for Super subjecting himself to the OCD self-doubt a blind listening test can cause. At this price, it’s a features game, not a sound game. Perhaps those few DAPs that have built-in tubes would be an exception on sound differences.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah testing the N3Ultra currently, it does have an audible change when engaging the tubes. I can even measure it!

[@rickoneill4343]

For that kind of money I'd prefer a modern phone with a dongle or a full on gaming laptop.

[@ChrisStoneinator]

How does a gaming laptop enter into the equation here?

[@UltimateEnd0]

Just get R6 II PRO almost as good, much cheaper but battery is 5000mah vs 12000mah in R8 II

[@franksam8610]

I prefer Benks cover it’s a soft rubber type and has cover for the 4.4 and 3.5 where you just lift it when using it

[@Kalimeero]

Thanks for the review i enjoyed it. The price tag is too much for me and when you say the battery performance and sound quality is basically the same. The m300 seems perfect dap for me especially the form factor. Probably gonna work perfectly fine with most iems.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah M300 is great with IEMs.

[@ifan2705]

yea people in this comment need to calm down lol

[@SupanontJ]

Great to hear opinion from ones who has both R8ii and M300 like me. I love them both but when I go outside, definitely picked M300 since R8ii is more than a half kg lol. //To comment session. Why are you guys making it complicated? If you can't perceive the difference, then so be it. Congratulations on saving many grand of your money. For people who can tell the difference, we gotta suffer together.

[@hpwrotethis]

I'm glad a 200 dap beating a 2000 dap. Now I'm waiting for the 20 dollar dap to beat the 200 dollar one

[@joegarcia6276]

😅

[@Henpukacaemblu]

just a bs. There are 2 main cons with this "super review": 1) there is no any mention about what iems he used to compare these daps. Because I'm pretty sure he use some mid tier stuff. 2) No audio feedback regarding two devices. The problem with the first one if you've got a top tier stuff you may use top tier iems with it, or it's just like putting bicycle tires on ferrari and pretend that this car is not that fast that you imagined...

[@funyeeter1164]

Really nice to see another Galdive enthusiast

[@SuperReview]

Just discovered them recently, good stuff.

[@troy041007]

I can understand your concern, if music source is Spotify as you have mentioned I am sure most people cant hear the difference. Try better source such as DSD. I enjoy your review.

[@SuperReview]

Not that I think it matters, but I only use streaming like Spotify to discover music that I later buy.

[@ricenoodles632]

idk why I laughed really hard at the thumbnail

[@HelloFellowMellowMarshmallow]

To be honest, with that size, I think it's better just to buy a normal smartphone and a portable dongle.

[@ChrisStoneinator]

If you like shit, then yes

[@DHRME]

I like big knobs and I cannot lie.

[@SuperReview]

It's why we get along.

[@kevinhegarty4153]

HI Mark, great review! I purchased the M300. The Hiby music player is not very good so I purchased the full version of Poweramp. During playback I notice that I get millisecond glitches / skips in the music. Any idea why that might be the case? Think there is a setting I have wrong? Thanks for your thoughts.

[@MrColdchillin81]

Your reviews make a lot more sense when people know you’re a low volume listener. So volume and gear scaling won’t matter for you like it does for mid to high volume listeners. Also helps me understand your tuning preferences why you’d prefer more lean and bright sounding stuff. All really common from low volume listeners.

[@karolkedzierski5824]

Great video, love it! I myself used to go this bias way, buying expensive daps. Not anymore. To make it more funny, i have the AK sp1000 which costed over 3500 bucks a couple years ago and now i have the me300. I cant hear any difference between them using Moondrop Variations, Monarch 2 or Sennheiser ie900. The only small difference is in the right/left channel separation where the sp1000 gives me an impression of a wider image but this could also be in my head lol

[@MrColdchillin81]

That’s exactly the benefit. Depth of stage lower noise floor wider stereo image and less distortion. And respectfully the sp1000 is ancient in terms of audio. Imagine what they’re sounding like now

[@karolkedzierski5824]

@@MrColdchillin81 "the sp1000 is ancient in terms of audio" 🤣🤣 "Depth of stage lower noise floor wider stereo image and less distortion" 🤣🤣 I dont hear any difference between the sp1000 and sp2000 so the sp2000 is ancient too? What makes the sp1000 "ancient" lol? A DAC? The newest Luxury&Precision flagship utilizes the same AKM 4497 DAC and they say that this DAC is the best for portables. Keep believing in dragons, your wallet will be happier for sure.

[@MrColdchillin81]

@@karolkedzierski5824it’s almost a decade old. That’s why it’s ancient. The rest is indicative of hearing loss and bias. My wallet is too heavy thanks

[@rajeebdas1724]

​@@MrColdchillin81Kid.. You're coping hard. I'm genuinely scared for your bank balance.

[@MrColdchillin81]

@@rajeebdas1724 I’m prolly older than you son.