User Experience
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I personally experienced the R6, R5 and R3 DAPs before this model. All of the HiBy players left good impressions on me in terms of design and usability. However, the R3 series is somewhat a little bit of a downgrade in terms of overall user experience.
You have a very small screen in today’s market standards, and its resolution is not the best. Yes, this player is not a rival to those giant screen devices, but still it’s not very straightforward to get used to it. Expect to have a certain adjustment period. When searching something, typing with an old school T9 keyboard is not the best thing you can have, but that is an expected compromise for the R3 Pro’s screen size. Typing with a full keyboard in a small screen would not have been ideal as well. So overall I understand it, but maybe they could’ve made the device just a little larger to implement a full keyboard. But then again, there’s the R5 model for that purpose.
Streaming works smoothly without a problem, including the master recordings from Tidal. I heard some people had problems with Tidal software with the original R3, but in my case everything is easy and flawless. The device is fast enough for day to day operation, including the booting time.
HiBy R3 Pro
I did not face a bug or another problem with the UI or software yet. But don’t expect a very snappy performance like the R6 and R5 models since they have faster processors. I also found the battery life to be quite good. However when you use WiFi, it drains much faster as expected.
The software is intuitive and it actually operates very nicely indeed. Especially if you want to play your local files through your Micro SD card. You can navigate through folders or artists and it’s very quick. However when you switch to Tidal, expect to have some waiting time while loading your favorite albums. I think it’s quite tolerable, as I usually don’t expect a smartphone performance from any DAP anyway, regardless of the price.
The HiBy R3 Pro is also an excellent transport. I’ve been using it with the Chord Hugo 2 as a streamer for Tidal and I’m very happy with it. All you need to do is connect the player to your DAC via USB, and you’re good to go. It instantly recognizes the DAC and you can directly stream MQA and all the other formats without issues. I’ve also heard that it’s a perfect match for the Mojo size-wise.
You can check this short video below for some basic tips about the R3 series (since it is completely the same with the standard model):
Also, let me remind you again to check Lieven’s HiBy R3 review for more details.
The review continues on Page Three, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Ricardo
Hi… thánks for the review.
I´m looking for na upgrade from my Fiio X3 MKII and was considering the Hidizs AP80 Pro or the Hiby R3 Pro… what is your opinion? (using manly Bose QC35II or Sennheiser Momentum Over ear (MKI). Thank you
Berkhan
I’m afraid I don’t have any idea about the AP80 Pro. Choose whichever that suits you the best.
Ricardo
thanks for your answer… someone recommended me the R5 because it would be better suited for headphones… is this acurate? on the other hand I have a Fiio Mont Blanc Amp so woud the R3 Pro + Fiio amp be a good option? Thanks again
Berkhan
Yes, R5 would be better for you in that case.
Sotiris
Hi.
I’m about to buy a Hiby R3 Pro and I would like to know if it works with windows 10 and if it supports archives mp3 and wav.
Please respond.
Thank you.
Berkhan
Yes for both of your questions.
You’re welcome.
Sotiris
Thank you for your answers.
Christopher J Evans
Given that the R5 is now $299 do you see that as better value over the new R3 Pro ?
Berkhan
For obvious reasons, yes. But that would depend on your chocies about size and other aspects.
Jorge A.
Hello, Berkhan.
I came to your review directly from HiBy’s page. I’m new to audiophile, and I’m planning to get into it with this DAP. I’m also planning to upgrade my headphones next year to complete my portable set. In the meantime I use Amazon special edition of the Sennheiser HD 598 CS. Do you think that these headphones will be good enough to take the most of the R3 Pro? Or should I consider something else?… I mostly buy and ripp CDs as FLAC format and I’m using Tidal for MQA on streaming too.
Thanks for your review, I’ve been looking for something honest like this. I’ve red a lot of interesting things that were decisive for me to get this one (budget mostly).
Berkhan
Hi Jorge,
I think the R3 Pro is a good start for you and your headphones are enough for now.
xs
any comparison of sound of r3 pro to radsone es100?
Berkhan
I haven’t heard the ES100.
Jeff
Is the R3 Pro Saber able to power the HiFiMan Sundara headphones?