HIBY FC6 Review

Sound Quality

So, how does HiBy’s latest USB-DAC performs? It’s overall quite good, with good power for almost all IEMs in existence, and it’s also surprisingly strong when it comes to headphones. Presentation-wise it’s a good balance between warm/full, and neutral/technical. Yet, I think it lies more in the warm/dark area, with good thickness, power, and fullness. 

In terms of bass, the FC6 doesn’t give an overpowering delivery. There’s good body and texture in the bass, and it shows good balance here, probably on par with entry-level DAPs. There’s also good dynamism and resolution in the bass, which is beneficial for a realistic and natural bass response. However, I think the mid-bass section could’ve been a bit flatter and leaner overall. In some tracks, the mid-bass is just a bit over the top. That depends on the recording of course, but there could’ve been less body there in particular. 

In the mids, I think FC6 is very emotive, warmer than neutral with an excellent body and timbre. Most instruments sound realistic to me, with a good definition and smooth delivery. I think the mid-range is FC6’s strong suit, with good transparency, nice imaging and separation. The vocals sound especially well but that can be said for the instruments, particularly the guitar and sax tones. There’s good note weight with a fluid signature.

The treble has a very good balance. There’s no harshness here but the treble doesn’t lack much energy either. However, the extension could’ve been a bit better. Not saying that it lacks anything in particular, but the clarity side is not amazing, but the positive here is the treble balance. It has good timbre and smoothness, which I like, but it may not be the best bet for neutral or bright sound lovers. Those aside, I think the micro-detail performance in the treble is very good, but the definition is not the best I’ve heard. 

Technical Performance

The FC6 has this sweet but powerful sound with a full and smooth nature with musical delivery. However, the FC6 also surprises when it comes to output power. I actually couldn’t turn the volume up beyond 16-17 with my UE5 Pro CIEM. That’s no joke. The FC6 is that powerful indeed. The maximum level is 31, so you get the idea. It drives my Arya Stealth to some extent, although the performance is not very impressive in terms of pure SQ. But it surely can drive many headphones in the market, if that’s what you’re interested in.

The FC6 is silent when it comes to background noise. Even my sensitive CIEMs couldn’t catch a noise, so that’s a plus for the FC6. As a result, the stereo imaging is good, but the overall layering performance is not the best here. The overall presentation here is what I call ”papery”, without much depth and air. Although that’s a common trait of USB dongles, it’s worth mentioning. Of course, compared to standard dongles, this is a big improvement nevertheless.

DAC Filters & HiBy Music

Finally, let me describe the DAC modes. When you click the button in the centre you see the OS/NOS switch on the screen. Use the volume buttons to switch, and you change the setting. NOS mode is the ”native” mode, which disables the oversampling and all the filter settings. To use the filters, you first need to switch on the OS mode, and then you can select all the filters. 

In terms of sound, the NOS mode sounds a bit wider to me, while the OS brings the vocals even more forward, which is already a bit forward with NOS. However, OS allows switching filters, which provides good options here. It all depends on your taste. Fast filters provide a bit more dynamic and precise sound, which I chose most of the time.

At last, I tried the HiByMusic App, to see if there was a real difference, but I couldn’t spot a notable difference during my tests.

Comparisons

I don’t review a lot of USB dongles, but I have two comparisons here before concluding the review.

iFi Audio Go Bar has a similar price range, with a bigger frame and 4.4mm output. Build-wise both iFi and HIBY are very good with aluminium materials. User experience is better with the FC6 in my opinion, with a simpler operation. HIBY also has better packaging and product presentation.

In sound, Go Bar sounds more neutral and leaner in comparison. Overall clarity is better with the Go Bar, and overall musicality/timbre is better with the FC6. Of course, the 4.4mm provides more options in terms of IEM pairings. On another note, if the form factor is important to you, the FC6 is more compact with a smaller footprint. 

Here’s another great device in terms of form factor, the Violectric Chronos. Chronos also has a single 3.5mm output, which limits its usability, especially from an audiophile’s perspective. However, it has an incredibly simple operation, a great neutral sound, and good power. FC6 has its special R2R sound, versus the very well-balanced and clear sound of the Chronos. 

So at the end of the day, it comes down to your personal choice of sound presentation. If you prioritize technicalities, the Chronos is hard to overlook. But if you have a neutral, rather thin-sounding IEM/headphone, the FC6 can complete it very well. But in terms of pure technical performance, I think the Chronos does a better job.

Conclusion

The HiBy FC6 is another nice addition to the world of portable USB-DACs. Capable of great musicality, the FC6 is a very smooth/full-sounding device with great warmth and great mids. Once paired with a corresponding IEM you get the special R2R musicality.

However, the price bracket and the lack of 4.4mm out are the things to be considered well. When you put that aside though, the build quality is great, the design is excellent, and it works perfectly whether you’re an Android or iOS user – even more if you’re a HiByMusic App user.

Pros:

• Great build and design
• Excellent packaging & leather case
• Nice layout on the screen
• Simple & effective operation
• Great musical sound with good mids

Cons:

• The price is a bit steep
• No 4.4mm output
• Clarity & staging is not the best in class