About Hiby R5 ( MSRP $399)
The R5 is a fully packed, compact Android DAP with lots of features just like the previous models above. Once again we have a fast processor (for a DAP), DTA Architecture, Dual DACs, full Android app support, Hi-Res Bluetooth capability and more. The new device also supports 4.4mm balanced connection just like the R6 Pro. It’s good to see the 4.4mm appearing everywhere in the market nowadays.
With this player, Hiby also uses what they call an “Ultra Audio Transmission”, shortened as UAT, which allows transferring higher sample rates through Bluetooth. Hiby claims that this codec “might set the new wireless audio standards for the entire industry“, and it is “superior to all previous standards“. With UAT, 192KHz files would be streamed directly from the source to headphones with no further down-sampling, says Hiby.
About IBasso DX160 ( MSRP $419)
It comes with latest Bluetooth 5.0, 5-inch full screen delivering a massive view on an impressive body and hi-end DAC chips, it is catching the spec of some flagship P/Ns from other factory but the price is not so high.
The DX160 opts a dual CS43198 chipset design which seems to be the flavor of the month. The CS43198 is capable of DSD over PCM (DSD DoP) up to DSD256 and PCM 32/384kHz. The chip makers also advertise an S/N of around 130dB.
At the moment there are rare DAPs could support MQA decoding, but DX160 does support MQA. With Andriod Oreo OS and various APKs could be installed and MQA decoding, DX160 brings more fun for us.
Main differences
1. Bluetooth 5.0 on iBasso DX160
Comparison Table
2 comments
Don
I have both. I love the dx160 except for 1 thing. If I’m not in the same room as my router, my wifi stops completely. So streaming is not going to happen. With my r5, and even my fiio M6 and all phones, tablets, and computers, this is not happening. I contacted ibasso hoping that a firmware update might help but the said no. Seems to me that a 400.00 unit should not have an issue that a 150.00 unit doesn’t have. Any input would be great.
Allen J. Feinberg
The DX160 sounds brighter in my opinion. It is a little more vibrant. I own both. I like the R5 too but there is more to explore and better results with the DX160. I still have a lot to experiment with on the Parametric Sound System but I have been able to get great results so far with the DX160. This is my only iBasso player. My album art is mostly blurred on the DX160 which is aggravating and iBasso so far won’t, or isn’t able to fix that for me. All of my other players show the album art work clearly and I own lots of brands/ models from the Shanling M0 to the HiBy R6 Pro. My music is on an SD card in FLAC format.
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