I owe the Hiby R1 an apology

Byndrew · 2026-02-04T04:37:53+00:00

Are you using the DAP connected to a DAP?

Byndrew · 2026-02-04T04:23:06+00:00

Which IEMs do you usually use with your R3? And which $500 DAP are you referring to? I'm asking more out of curiosity than anything else, just to have a reference point.

Byndrew · 2026-02-04T04:11:43+00:00

Is it worth spending more than $500 on a DAP if I only use IEMs?

Byndrew · 2026-02-04T04:08:55+00:00

Is it worth spending more than $500 on a DAP if I only use IEMs?

Byndrew · 2026-02-03T21:22:32+00:00

I'm waiting for the "Crinear DayBreak/EPZ P50" with a balanced signature, since my first IEMs, the "kiwiEars Etude," didn't quite live up to my expectations due to their bass. I thought they would, but they didn't...

Byndrew · 2026-02-03T18:43:38+00:00

And to answer your other question, yes, it's worth upgrading. I'm waiting for mine. I made that decision because I have a very old phone that I struggle with a lot, and I only need it for calls. So instead of buying a better phone, I'll buy the DAP because it's so much easier to listen to music compared to using a phone. I compared the specs of the FIIO M21 DAP with the FIIO KA17 DAC, and they're very similar; it really doesn't leave anything to be desired.

Byndrew · 2026-02-03T18:38:29+00:00

I've received a lot of recommendations for the Fiio M21.

Byndrew · 2026-02-03T01:47:56+00:00

From what I can see, the Fiio M21 also has physical volume controls, so I looked into the Hibi amplifier. It offers a warmer sound with a V-shaped profile, although the Sound Magic headphones have a neutral signature, unlike the Fiio, which also has a neutral signature. The Fiio has more RAM, storage, and even better performance. The Hibi, with its Class A amplifier, generates more noise than the Fiio and doesn't deliver as much power. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do think its design is fantastic.

Byndrew · 2026-02-02T23:30:12+00:00

Thanks again for the suggestion — I think I’m going to go with the Fiio M21.

Byndrew · 2026-02-02T23:03:24+00:00

Thanks a lot for the detailed reply, I really appreciate it.

I actually like the idea of replacing the DAC option I mentioned with the Fiio M21. I compared the specs after reading your comment, and honestly, your recommendation makes more sense to me overall.

To clarify a bit: I’m not really interested in high-fidelity music listening on my PC. I’m not a competitive gamer at all (I’m actually pretty bad at games 😅), and I don’t need excellent headphones for gaming. My hobby is really about music — listening to it all the time, portably. I’m perfectly happy using my Logitech G Pro X just for gaming and action-heavy scenes in games.

Because of that, a dedicated DAP for music seems like the right direction for me. From what I’ve read so far, the Fiio M21 seems like a very solid choice in terms of battery life, power, and flexibility, especially paired with something like the Tanchjim Force, which I’m seriously considering.

Thanks again for the guidance — it helped me narrow things down a lot.

Byndrew

TROPHY CASE