Sound analysis.
Usually, I like to get at least 100hrs of playback before any DAP sound evaluation, so after I received R6, it spent a week on a burn in, just playing random music in the loop while I switched between SE and BAL, making sure HO were loaded. As my usual disclaimer, DAP sound description is very tricky because you are describing the synergy of the DAP with headphones you are listening to. It’s easy to fall in a trap of describing the headphone signature, thus I usually go through a number of headphones, from neutral to more revealing, to find common sound characteristics relative to the source, rather than headphones.
In general, I found R6 to be a neutral DAP with a little tilt toward a brighter more revealing side. It has a rather wide soundstage expansion, both in width and in depth. It also stands out with decent dynamics, where, regardless of headphone pair up, the sound was always vertically expanded, never felt compressed. The background is black and hiss free even with most sensitive low impedance iems. Also, the transient response of notes on/off transition is clean and sharp, which makes details pop out faster. Though in the settings there is Tonality selection with Reference/Warm/Tube amp, all three sounded on a reference level to me. MageSound 8-Ball effect is where I was able to tweak tonality with a more noticeable effect. And, especially when paired up with more revealing analytical earphones/headphones, you can appreciate the level of layering, transparency, and separation between the sounds.
But there is one variable when it comes to a tonality since R6 has a higher than usual output impedance, 10 ohms, while today’s typical DAPs have around 1 ohm or less. So, what does that mean? With majority of full size dynamic driver headphones and single driver IEMs or higher impedance headphones/iems, a pair up with R6 will have a minimum effect on a change of the original tonality as intended by headphone manufacturers. But a handful of low impedance multi-BA and hybrid IEMs will be affected to the point where the bass gets attenuated and the treble is a little boosted. The degree of this effect will vary, and I have examples in pair up section of this review. You can’t ignore it, but it’s also not the end of the world since you can use iEMatch from iFi (either 3.5mm or 2.5mm version) to “restore” the sound.
Comparison.
In this comparison I used a few different IEMs, all volume matched, to compare how R6 stacks up against some other DAPs.
R6 vs FiiO X5iii – R6 has a more neutral revealing sound while in comparison X5iii is smoother, warmer and less resolving. With R6, bass is more articulate and better controlled, and there is more sparkle in treble. Two things that stand out for me, R6 has a blacker background (very noticeable) and a wider soundstage. X5iii has quite a noticeable hissing. Also, from a technical performance, R6 sound has more layering, better separation, better dynamic expansion. R6 sound is just cleaner and more detailed. And the same with Android performance, R6 is faster, more responsive, and more capable as a standalone Android device. X5ii does have dual uSD, more storage, and it has low OI, but in terms of sound quality and Android performance, there is a big gap between these two.
R6 vs Cayin N5ii – There are a lot of similarities in sound when comparing these two. Both have a similar soundstage expansion, though I noticed with some IEMs R6 sounds a little wider, not sure if OI and/or using iEMatch has anything to do with it. For example, I noticed this difference with U18t, while with IE800s connected directly – it was nearly identical in both soundstage and tonality. So, lots of similarities in terms of being neutral and with a more revealing tonality, though in some cases where I had to use iEMatch, the bass was a little more neutral and treble had a touch more sparkle. Both have a nice dynamic expansion of the sound and a black background. In terms of a technical performance, R6 has a little edge in layering, separation, and transparency of the sound. Besides output impedance, the biggest difference here is Android interface where R6 feels like a smartphone with a higher quality display and a very snappy Android performance. In contrast, N5ii presents itself as DAP first and Android device with Google Play and streaming capability second, like an add-on. Also, N5ii has an advantage of a dual uSD versus a single card in R6.
R6 vs FiiO X7ii – Similar soundstage expansion, though R6 is just a little wider. Also, R6 has a blacker background. Both have a very similar neutral revealing tonality with excellent retrieval of details, punchy extended bass, layered detailed mids, and well defined airy treble, though in some pairs up with R6, I hear treble being more extended. Besides the sound, there are also many feature similarities with both being a full Android DAP. But while they both support Bluetooth and wifi, and have open Android OS with pre-installed Google Play Store, the actual navigation and Android OS experience is on a much higher level with R6, while X7ii is slower and not as responsive as R6. Both have the same internal and external storage, but X7ii also has an advantage of replaceable amp modules.
R6 vs theBit Opus#3 – While I hear R6 soundstage to be a little wider, in terms of the sound signature these two are very close with a brighter revealing neutral tonality where in a blind test it’s hard to even tell them apart. Even their technical performance, in terms of layering and separation of the sounds is very similar. They both have a more neutral, yet rather articulate and punchy bass, and a little brighter upper mids and crisp airy lower treble. Both have a similar black background. What sets them apart are the physical features. While #3 has 64GB of internal memory vs 32GB of R6, they both have one uSD. Also, both support Bluetooth and Wifi, but #3 has Android running in the background and it’s closed, to the point where you have to side-load apps. R6 has a full open Android support with access to Google Play where you can easily install any app. So, while tonality and overall sound performance might be similar, if you want a true powerful android DAP, R6 is the way to go. Plus, 8-Ball sound shaping effects of R6 are a huge plus.
R6 vs Cowon Plenue R – Both have a very similar soundstage expansion, in width and depth. The difference here in R6 being more revealing and a little brighter while PR sound is smoother and a touch warmer in comparison. Both have a similar bass emphasis, though the tonality of PR gives it a little deeper perception. I’m also hearing R6 mids to be more layered with a little better separation of sounds. Both have a nice extended airy treble. While R6 has its MageSound 8-ball, Plenue has its advanced JetEffect. Both have Bluetooth to pair up with wireless headphones or speakers. That’s about it for PR, while R6 is a full android dap with Google Play store support to load any app, including streaming ones. In terms of storage, PR 128GB of internal storage and uSD card are superior to 32GB of R6 w/uSD. Also, PR has better battery life.
Twister6 Reviews 
Thanks for the review. I’ve got a FiiO X7ii that I am thinking about changing. I’ve already got the DX200 and Opus#2 shortlisted. Should I add the R6 to this list? Any other suggestions would be welcome.
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definitely consider it, but you have to be aware that with some of your multi-BAs and hybrid IEMs – iEMatch will be necessary.
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may you make a review pairing it up with qdc neptune?thank you in advance.
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sorry, I never heard of qdc neptune…. just looked up the spec. It’s a single BA, though should pair up well. The only concern is low impedance. But either way, iEMatch can solve this problem.
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I need one!
(My life was so easy with Sansa Clip on my shirt and Meelec M9 in my ears… 🙂 )
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I’m going to assume that you have never heard any Custom Art ciems? Their Fibae range sound a natural fit (though assumption = dangerous on my part!) if you don’t want to use a dongle. Got both on order so looking forward to them. Also available as universal if you ask nicely.
Maybe on the con’s list you ought to put long wait time from ordering due to nature of backing indigogo!
Nice review as always.
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I reviewed a few CA in the past, just never got to Fibae series. Heard 2 is too smooth/natural while 3 is too forward? But yeah, they use crossover which makes the sound independent of OI. 64audio does it with LID crossover used in U12t and Trio.
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Thanks a lot!
It’s not entirely clear what position the iematch switch was in, could you clarify?
It would be great if you continued to post matching with other IEMS.
It’s a pity you can’t test Tidal or other hires apps to be able to estimate the implementation of bypassing Android SRC.
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I always use the lowest (first) setting on iematch, otherwise you will need more gain compensation from your source. The higher the setting, the more attenuation and the more volume you have to raise from a DAP. With Tidal and other streaming services, I’m not sure if they can sound identical to high res from your internal storage. They are not streaming 100MB individual songs and do have to use some compression, right?
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I was referring to the comparison of hires apps like Tidal or Deeser on R6 and Flio, Cayn, etc because they do not bypass the src.
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I have read many times many times when you mention how the 64 Audio U12 need a higher OI player!
Do u have any idea if the Onkyo DX P1 would be a good match?
I simply love that player more than any other at any price.
Thanks
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are you planning to buy u12? those are discontinued, replaced by u12t and trio, but if you can get second hand – don’t think it will sound as good as paired up directly with R6. Don’t have experience with Onkyo, but it’s a low impedance source. Might work better with a brighter cable like Ref8.
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Thanks for the fast response , and for the review of course , I already have the onkyo and the u12 and I use it with the hybrid balanced penon Audio cable , to me it sounds great but can’t help to think that the U12 should sound better , due to the OI. I recently listened to the forte and the u18 and both are great but liked the 18 better. I can’t really afford to pay 3k for IEMs so stocked with the U12 I am. That’s why I was thinking maybe buying the R6 after selling my onkyo. The hard decision is weather I sell it or not because I truly love it.
Any advice?
Thanks
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your decision, man. I’m not familiar with Onkyo dap, but I have a feeling R6 will be an upgrade, plus, a bonus upgrade of U12 sound 😉
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Great review! So far loving the R6 paired with my 64 Audio U4-SE and Plussound Echo Series Cable and Null Audio Arete MK III Cable (a bit stiff). Loving 64 Audio so much I’m waiting for a pair of discontinued U8’s this week (current line up is out of my range). Also waiting for Atlas Zeno IEM cable to pair up with the U8. Big mistake I made (gotta read more before jumping the boat) was wanting to try some open backs and going with the AKG K7XX. Great headphones but because of there sensitivity the R6 will not run them on there own. Using the FIIO A5 will get them to where I want but I want to avoid stacking. Even though open backs may create a larger soundstage I really want a good closed back, any suggestions? Even though I incline to listen to music on my IEM’s a lot more every day!
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I’m IEM guy 🙂 not much experience with closed back. I do still use MSR7 and like T5p 2nd gen. Last yeat at canjam, I was VERY impressed with AEON closed back too.
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Do you think iEM Shure SE535 would match well with R6? I was having second thoughts to place an order. Very nice review. Thanks.
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i guarantee it will need iEMatch
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I got the same pair. Works very well I think. I don’t think I hear any issues due to the high impedance.
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Why wasn’t it compared to the DX200?
Really interested in your opinion since they both use Sabre chips, with one being mobile and one being desktop grade.
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Someone asked me the same question. With AMP1, there are a lot of similarities in sound wiht R6, though obviously amp1 has more power and low output impedance. DX200 really scales up in performance when you upgrade amp modules. Even since I switched to AMP4, I’m keeping it permanently attached. DX200 will have an advantage in sound quality and amp module choices, but keep in mind – dx200 is bigger and heavier, and doesn’t have Google Play (either side load apk files or need to install Lurker’s custom ROM which has Google Play store).
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hi twister6,
How do you connect R6 with idsd BL using usb otg? Should i use app usb audio player pro or hiby app can do it? Please advise. Thanks.
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ok nevermind,. i can play it through deezer and poweramp.. but not hiby app
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That’s strange because I was using it with Hiby app. Per my review in a picture, it’s just a cheap $5 usb-c to full usb otg interconnect, and once you turn micro iDSD on you will get a pop-up if Hiby app can access the connected device (or something like that). When you click OK – it should work.
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Hello and great review. here on headfi always enjoyed the simplicity of the reviews for a relatively uninitiated ones like me.
I been on X5(3)+A5 combo. my only issue is the hissing i get on Dunu’s and even IT01 also catches them. Lot of classical rocks even good recordings would play with minute pauses and the hissing just destroys all the mood.
I loved this player , my only issue is single card as i travel and I prefer music along with me.
If someone preferred warmer musical tone, bit of punch in that musically, but no hisses, decent battery and dual storage what should I try. Older rock, some alternate n metal is what keeps me happy. Wifi – i dont need, bluetooth- if its there all right but not a deal breaker to my needs.
Sony WM1A is way out of my reach currently 🙂 .
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have you looked in to N5ii? That might fit you better, hiss free, SE and BAL outputs, and dual uSD storage. I reviewed it not too long ago on my blog.
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i saw and at that price point it seems too good to be true :). The sound comparison was similar to costlier daps. My only worry was the volume wheel and that just kept me away. and Cayin’s UI I tried with first gen and I never took to it.
any other option that also be future proof.
Thank you for replying. really appreciate it.
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Sorry to bother you again. how would you stack Opus#1S in this mix?
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it’s inferior in sound quality (not by a lot, but R6 still sounds more detailed), but the biggest downfall in this comparison is that #1S is just an audio player, no bluetooth, no wifi, no app support, no streaming, etc.
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With the potential problem with the high output impedance, with can’t Hiby make a hardware modification to address this?
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it’s not a problem, just a part of the design. They had first batch released in China first where everybody loved it, they went on IGG to crowdfund it and got feedback from audophiles who demanded low OI. You can’t change the design after production started, it will only introduce the delays and will make people upset who bought it already. My vote goes for R6 Pro version in the future 🙂
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Hi wanted to know what you think
Would ibasso it01 or it03 would be a better pair for Hiby r6, a little confused beteeen these two and would like to know what you think ( m well aware of their price difference )
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Did you read the last page of my R6 review? These two have two different sound signatues, you can also search on my blog for detailed reviews of it01 and it03, to get a better idea which sound you prefer. Regarding pair up, as I mentioned in the review, with R6 it01 pairs up great directly connected while it03 requires iematch adapter due to high impedance of R6 which messes up the sound. So, all will depend on your budget and a sound preference.
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Hey Twister! Nice review. Could you tell that R6 is superior to Plenue R in sound quality? I can’t decide between these too. Because if they technically are on par(soundwise), but have just different signatures, I would rather go with the Plenue R. But if R6 is a step up in sound, then the decision is clear.
Thank you in advance.
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It’s not exactly night’n’day, unless if you are dealing with some low impedance multi BA iems and not using iematch, just keep in mind high output impedance of R6. I think many will be making their choice based on features between these two, especially if you want a fast android performance with streaming and app support. Other wise PR is damn good.
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Hi Twister,
I want to double check that the R6 suits my needs. I intend to get a coax cable (3.5mm to BNC male),connect it to a Nuetrik impedance convert (75 to 110) and finally link it into my subwoofer, which expects AES signal.
Is the output signal from the RS coax port SPDIF 75 on?
I’m I correct I require an audio coax cable? (not to be confused with Topslink).
Thanks!
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R6 already comes with 3.5mm to BNC male cable bundled in, for SPDIF coax output (you can select either Line Out or SPDIF coax out). I’m using it to drive iFi Micro iDSD DAC/amp. To be honest, I’m not sure if it’s 75 ohm, can’t find it anywhere in the spec of R6 or Micro iDSD. I’m a “portable” audio guy, only familiar with DAP and portable dac/amp equipment, sorry man.
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Super helpful. Exactly what I need, although I’ll have to get a new coax cable: the enclose is RCA terminated, whereas the 110ohm converter wants a BNC connecter.
BTW, how do you find the sound from coax port? Does the bit perfect algorithm makes a difference?
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well, to me the sound from the coax port is “colored” by the external DAC/amp which I use 😉 Though I’m into portable setup, Micro iDSD is one heck of a transportable DAC/amp. So, in general, no complaints with Coax of R6 😉
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That amp is sweet!
BTW, the R6 will be replacing an sp1000…Its confined ecosystem, where I can’t stream off SoundCloud, drives me crazy. I wish A&K fitted the DAP with a digital input for a Chromcast and likes…Furthermore, 11 months of the year, the DAP serves as a transport, and the sp1000 has only Topslink output, which is prone to jitter and requires tons of format conversions. Oh well…
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I love SPK as a standalone DAP, but for $3.5k it’s one expensive transport lol!
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Well argued 🙂
May I trouble you with one question?
Can the R6 can be controlled remotely? Put differently, I’d like to run the “HiBy Music” app on my phone, and, using the HiByLink feature, control the R6 remotely.
Thanks…
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hibyLink is supported as part of the HibyMusic app on R6 and when you install it on your phone to control it remotely. Other remote control apps – you can search Google Play, I’m sure there are many in there. R6 is like a full android phone without a “phone” part, like iPod touch 😉 So, whatever you can install on a phone can also be installed on R6.
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Hi, I am a iem newbee. I ordered the R6–it comes tomorrow. I have an older iem–Earsonics SM64. It seems to get no love in the reviews I have read. Could I trouble you to steer me in the direction of IEMs in the $500-1000 range. I read your reviews and I am trying to find the sweet spot between expense and sonic quality for the R6. I prefer a direct match if possible. I listen to mostly jazz and classical. I don’t want to put you on the spot and I will be responsible, of course for my buying choice, and will test as much as possible. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Doug
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Funny, that’s a price spot which doesn’t get as much coverage from me, either going with budget iems or a lot more expensive flagships. You do need to try different ones. If you are in US, attending CanJams might be a very good start for you. For the type of music you are listening to and in this price range, I would try Westone UM Pro 50 v2. It will give you a more musical tonality, and still with a great bass extension and punch and enough airy sparkle in treble. These are not the most resolving, have that Westone laidback feeling, but you might need to get either ear-buddy or iematch adapter, unless if you are getting R6 from MusicTeck where they offer now a free ear-buddy with R6 purchase.
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Hi
Thanks for the review. Does the iEMatch take any volume from the signal? I’ve just seen a Youtube video on how to update to 8.1. Looks overly complicated.
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iEMatch does attenuate the output level, so volume will be lower, you will have to raise it from the DAP.
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