Comparisons
Well, these types of DAPs like the R3 Pro Saber 2022, they’re not that much around like they used to be. So it’s not easy to find a direct competitor to this R3 model, since this budget level has been taken over by USB dongles. As for the entry-level DAP market, the prices usually lie around 400$ and more. But I’ll compare it with two other HiBy offerings.
The old R3 Pro is a good DAP but the new version simply tops it with better transparency, imaging and soundstage. However, you might ask this question; if you’re a fan of the R3 model, does it worth upgrading it? Well, I haven’t listened to the previous R3 Pro Saber (non-2022), but if we compare the first R3 Pro and this one, I think you can keep the R3 Pro. Sure, if you use Qobuz that could be a factor because I’m not sure if that feature is added to the R3 Pro with a firmware update.
For sound, yes the R3 Pro 2022 is better, but the R3 Pro is already pretty good with the same features. But specifically, if you need more power to drive your headphone, it could be a viable choice. But again, if you enjoy improvements in sound, you can still get the newest version. But I would double my budget and get the R5 Gen 2 if I’m going with the HiBy brand.
Another compact DAP from HiBy is the RS2. The RS2 has a more premium unboxing experience, a volume knob, a leather case, and overall a more premium design with a better screen. However, its target audience is different, since you can’t use stream services with it. It’s a pure DAP for the people who just care about a good DAP to play their archive. It has two MicroSD slots for that purpose, and you also have an additional 4.4mm BAL out.
The RS2 is a warmer-sounding DAP, with fantastic musicality. You simply get more emotion and note thickness, and despite that presentation, the sound is pretty spacious for its 479$ asking price. It also has better layering, which is an important factor among DAPs in my book. So you get a bigger, more powerful and fuller sound with the RS2. The R3 Pro Saber is for the people who want a neutral-sounding super small DAP that can do it all when asked, for a fraction of the price of other entry-level Android offerings. You can stream music, and use Bluetooth either for playing music from your phone or on your TWS IEMs. The RS2 has a single purpose in comparison.
Conclusion
HiBy R3 Pro Saber 2022 is a viable choice for the ones who’re looking for a super compact DAP with lots of features and streaming capability. For just 209 $, you get a lot of things including a very nice neutral sound which is the most important in my book.
I also think that this device is a great transport. Don’t look at it as a sole DAP. Sometimes I stream through my phone with the UAPP app to my DACs, but the R3 Pro saber is much smaller and it doesn’t need any other application to work with DACs. It also helps me to get rid of my phone for this purpose. Wonderful.
This is a recommended tiny DAP for sure. To our Recommended Buy List it goes!
Page 1 – Intro, Package, Design & Build
Page 2 – User Experience & Software
Page 3 – Sound Quality
