Pair up.
In the following pair up testing I tried R5 with various IEMs and full size headphones, to analyze the synergy of this DAP with different monitors including low impedance and higher sensitivity, and more demanding higher impedance and harder to drive dynamic and planar magnetic headphones.
Campfire Audio Andromeda – wide soundstage with a little more depth; balanced sound signature with a smoother natural tonality and excellent retrieval of details; good bass extension with a punchy mid-bass, more neutral lower mids with a good amount of body, detailed revealing upper mids/vocals, crisp well-defined treble without any harsh peaks. Just a slight “waterfall” hissing when idling or volume is very low.
Campfire Audio Solaris – wide soundstage with a good balance between width and depth; balanced sound sig with a natural revealing tonality and excellent retrieval of details; deep sub-bass extension with a decent amount of rumble and authorative mid-bass punch, neutral lower mids with a good amount of body, natural revealing upper mids/vocals, crisp detailed and well defined treble without any harsh peaks. Just a slight “waterfall” hissing when idling or volume is very low.
64 Audio U18t – above average soundstage width with more depth than width; slightly mid-forward signature with a natural revealing tonality; good low-end extension with a more neutral rumble and impact, neutral lower mids with a good amount of body, natural detailed upper mids/vocals, extended natural well defined and controlled treble. No hissing.
64 Audio Fourte Noir – above average soundstage width with more depth than width; more v-shaped signature with warmer tonality; deep sub-bass rumble and harder hitting mid-bass punch, warmer thicker lower mids with more body, natural detailed upper mids, crisp airy treble. No hissing.
ZEN Omega Edition (ZOE) – above average soundstage width with more depth than width; balanced signature with a warmer thicker tonality; laidback relaxed bass, thicker body lower mids, smooth organic clear upper mids, slightly rolled off treble but still with a good smooth definition. R5 was driving these 320ohm earbuds with ease, but a little more on a warner thicker side.
Beyerdynamic T5p 2nd – didn’t expect these full-size Tesla drivers to pair up that well with R5, but they did! Soundstage is wide (surprise!), almost on a holographic level; signature is nicely balanced and with a natural revealing tonality; bass extends with a deep sub-bass rumble and mid-bass punches through the mix with a good speed, overall bass is fast, deep, and articulate, lower mids are neutral with a nice amount of body, upper mids are natural, very detailed, treble is crisp and extended with a nice airy sparkle. I was pleasantly surprised with a synergy of this pair up.
Audeze EL8C – wide soundstage with a little more depth than width; signature is more mid-forward and the sound is brighter, thinner, a little drier; bass is very neutral, not as much sub-bass, lower mids are lean and upper mids/vocals are on a brighter more revealing side, treble is very crisp and with extra sparkle and unfortunately with a few harsher lower treble peaks that give the sound a metallic sheen. This particular pair up with planar magnetic drivers wasn’t good.
Meze Empyrean – another big surprise how well R5 was able to drive Empyrean (only 40/100 volume in high gain). Soundstage was wide and expanded in every direction; signature is very balanced, more w-shaped with a balanced emphasis on lows/mids/highs, tonality is revealing and quite natural but a little more on a brighter side; bass extended low with a deep sub-bass rumble, mid-bass had a good solid punch, lower mids were neutral with a nice body, upper mids/vocals were natural but also quite revealing with a very good retrieval of details, treble was crisp, airy, and well controlled and well defined. While Empyrean sounded a little brighter here, the pair up was very enjoyable.
Wired/Wireless Connection.
If you want to use R5 with an external portable amp, you need to switch to LO in Audio settings for corresponding port. If you want to use R5 as a digital transport, just connect USB-C OTG cable and it works by default.
While testing R5 LO w/FiiO E12A portable amp, I hear a clean transparent sound and some improvement in soundstage width. Very important here is that LO could be adjusted with a volume from R5 which is a big plus if you are connecting to external amp without volume control, like Oriolus BA300S portable 4.4mm balanced tube amp.
While testing R5 USB-C w/iFi micro iDSD, the pair up was flawless, just connect and start using R5 as a transport to drive this external DAC/amp. I found this pair up to be very good, with a similar natural tonality as R5, but on top of that an improved dynamics and soundstage expansion.
For a Bluetooth wireless pair up, I used Sennheiser Momentum 2 Wireless headphones (HD1 M2 AEBT). The initial pair up was fast and later it paired up automatically every time headphones where turned on. R5 notification bar was showing battery status of headphones, I found the operating range to be about 40ft, and I was able to control volume, play/pause, and skip tracks from Momentum 2 headphones. The sound was very transparent, crystal clear, with a nice sub-bass rumble. Typically, Momentum 2 wireless sounds a little warmer, perhaps extra transparency here was due to aptX HD pair up which was enabled on R5.
With access to WiFi, you can run any streaming service, of course. I don’t have any premium accounts, at least not yet, so my testing is usually limited to a free Spotify account. Here the sound was on par with playing the same tracks from micro SD storage. And as I was typing this review, Hiby just made the announcement that later in September their R5 DAP will be officially MQA enabled, assuming with upcoming fw update.
Conclusion.
I did start my review on a bit of a negative note because DAP market is saturated, and people are overwhelmed, based on what I hear from my readers. And while being “overwhelmed” with too many choices can drive some audio enthusiasts crazy, it can also push manufacturers to be more competitive, trying to come up with something different and more unique, to stand out from crowd in order to be noticed.
While R5 certainly does sound good and has a very fast performance fueled by its Snapdragon processor, I think what makes it standout is a very compact pocket friendly size. On top of that, add the flexibility of both 3.5mm and 4.4mm Headphone and LO outputs. The Android benchmark performance is nearly identical to R6Pro, you have access to Google Play store and all the apps, you can use it with your aptX/HD and LDAC headphones or as BT wireless LDAC receiver, you can stream (MQA coming soon) or play from local storage (supporting up to 512GB uSD), you can use it as a digital transport or pair its LO with external amp and adjust the output from R5. Its audio performance will not outpace other flagships, but its design flexibility and the number of features is quite impressive on the go!
Twister6 Reviews 
Hi, I bought a R5 and iBasso IEMs based on your excellent reviews. I am really enjoying the the combination. I am a neophyte and have a question. I bought an iBasso CA02 adapter because I Ineeded a 4.4mm termination for the R5. However, get no sound from the R5 using the balanced jack. I set the R5’s outputs to both “line out” and “phono out”, but no joy. Am I missing something?
Thanks a lot!
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Definitely not missing anything. I assume you pushed it all the way in? Sometimes you think it’s in, but turns out not to be pushed all the way. And the same with your 2.5mm cable plug, pushed all the way in? I assume the bundled 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter that comes with ibasso (IT01s or IT04?) working OK plugged into 3.5mm jack, and nothing is wrong with a cable. So, if everything else is working and all plugged in firmly, your adapter must be defective. Ask for replacement, ibasso is good with support.
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May I ask how does R5 compare with X5iii(line out) only? I mean I use X5iii with Fiio A5 so is the X5iii(line out+amp) as good as a standalone R5?
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Should be good, just a little warmer.
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which one would you recommend, R5 or R6 or R6 Pro?
for the price may have little difference in some areas that both R6 and R6 Pro are on sales, but their larger size seems less convenient than R5
is R5 equipped with bluetooth 5.0? do you find any difference for bluetooth 4.2 vs 5.0? as I need that to pair with bluetooth adaptor or earphones
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In terms of BT 5.0 vs 4.2, there is no difference with headphones I’m using. There could be some with the latest headphones, but still, sound should be similar. R6 has high output impedance, so I would skip it. Then, decide which sound sig you prefer, more revealing brighter R6Pro or smoother R5. Then, consider the size difference, which also going to affect display size. And see how much power you need, since R5 is better for iems and less demanding full size, while R6Pro will have more power for demanding headphones.
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Thanks for your advice!
Have to look for sites with demo to explore on the sound signature.
You have reminded me on the issue of screen display size, hmm..
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Twister,
you mentioned that R5 is not on the same level as some high-end flagships.
I read your comparison: R5 to Fiio M11 and Dethonray DTR1 to Fiio M11. If I got the impression that R5 sounds similar to M11 (even a tad better on few aspects), while DTR1 is seems little bit better than M11. Can I say that R5 is not too far from DTR1 while DTR1 sounds like flagship; with very limited features being a pure DAP only?
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It’s a little tricky because it will depend on which earphone or headphone you are pairing it with. R5 is better for iems, dtr1 is a killer with full size demanding headphones and less sensitive iems. So, I would get dtr1 in addition to R5, not instead of it.
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Thanks… for mobility with common IEM it seems R5 seems better choice for then… the sale price really draw my interest
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Hi there, which iem / cable would you match up with the R5 for classical music to provide depth, clarity but keeping some warmth? Someone else recommend the DX160 & Oriveti OH500 or 300 but I the combination is a bit our of my budget. As the R5 is cheap currently I thought getting a decent IEM & cable to improve the sound would be a better move. Would appreciate your thoughts, thanks.
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I assume we already covered it in our PM exchange on Head-fi: R5 + YB04 😉
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Yes, thanks for that!
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Thanks for a great review. I’ve only recently located this review site and very much appreciate the quality of these reviews. They’re incredibly helpful for those new to the DAP/IEM hobby! Keep up the great work! The R5 appears to spell great value for my application at $299. I’ve been concerned about the inability to access Google Play, etc. and just wanted to make certain that the R5 has the ability to install “Tidal” before I purchase one. Thanks in advance for your response.
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Yes, not a problem installing Tidal and being able to play songs offline, and it even supports full MQA decoding.
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Thank you. I guess I can “stream” as well? Last question – any thoughts on vendors, MusicTek or direct from Hiby? I’ve never purchased from either and am worried about customer service but am also concerned with speed of delivery – I’d like to have it soon!
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If you are in US contact Musicteck for availability, they are Hiby’s official US distributor. Very well known and highly respected retailer.
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How would you compare this to the ibasso dx160 since they have similar specs (dac chips primarily)?
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covered it in my d160 review 😉 https://twister6.com/2019/11/06/ibasso-dx160/ – look on Comparison page.
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I see that you have used R5 LO with Fiio E12A amp? Did this improve the sound a lot and definitely a clear improvement over R5 Sound? I’m satisfied with the way R5 sounds and volume is also good, I’m just thinking would an amp would improve clarity and vocals on my HD650 ? Thank you
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small improvement, not nigh’n’day. Just more clarity and wider soundstage.
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Well done Twister. As I sit and listen to my R5 4.4 Balanced Out with KZ IEM’s, I can wholeheartedly say “yes”. Spot on. The R5is a fantastic little DAP that outperforms more expensive brethren. I have done some comparisons and find at the current”sale” price at MusicTek, a resounding YES. To not purchase this DAP at that price would nothing less than foolish. I do not need to power huge planars, only be happy with intimate IEM’s. Thank you…
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glad to hear it, man! And, it’s more than just local playback, you also got access to Google Play store all the streaming apps 😉
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Yes Tidal is surely a good thing supporting MQA playback, Amazon HD and Pandora too. I’m subscribed to all 3 and just cannot drop any.
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By the way Twister… I have the urge to use my new iFi Hip DAC/Amp with the R5 DAP.
My question is that being too redundant or can it be effective? Not even the DAC so much (Burr Brown candy) but the additional amp power to utilize harder to drive headphones such as The Hifiman Planar Magnetic (so fine) HE4XX? What’s your take on this please?
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Not familiar with Hip, but my gut feeling it would be redundant since it was designed to be used with laptop or a smart phone instead of another dap. Micro iDSD is a different story, but I was under impressions Hip was for portable use, like you would use R5 as your USB dac.
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Hip DAC is just a newer product from IFI. Similar to IFI’s Micro iDSD or xDSD. Thank you anyway. I intend to try using the amp portion only from the HIP DAC for driving harder to use full size headphones. Thank you so much Twister and please Stay Well!
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You can’t use ifi hip dac only as an amp. You can only connect via USB ….it will act as dac amp .
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Lenin: Will Hip a DAC work together with R5?
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No. It does not . Unless u wanna use hip dac as a dac and amp , and double decode to analog. You can use ifi xcan amp with R5. If you want bass boost options and more power 💪 from R5.
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Ok it’s all figured out. I understand. So just let me as a new age question. R5 DAP or Note 9 and ifi hip DAC? Your thoughts and opinion please.
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Lenin: Will Hip DAC work with R5 through USB?
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Ya Hip Dac Will work with R5 through USB. You are using R5 just as a digital pass-through and all decoding and amping are done in ifi hip DAC. R5 is redundant and ur not using anything in R5 Other than as a digital source.
R5 as a dap is better than “Note 9+ Hip Dac” in terms of convenience and sound quality too. You can also send audio via Bluetooth to R5 from Note9 and completely use ur Note 9 for media consumption.
If you have R5, there’s no reason to have Hip Dac. Unless you want to experience Burr brown dac and amp from ifi hip Dac. But In terms of sound quality, R5 is superior, in detail, clarity, and overall separation.
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That’s a great explanation! Thank you Lenin. Although these questions are probably asked all the time, you took the time to explain this in a very straightforward way. I do have both R3 and hip dac. I will be using each device separately to enjoy sound signatures from different headphones and sources. Again, as a lover of all things audio, I thank you!
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you are most welcome.
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I own R5 since September and I like it, but I’d like a better sound.
I’d like to improve body sound and better performances at all.
I thought Cayin N6ii T01 would be a good choice or A&K SA700, I prefer open android Dap and with good drive, even better than R5 (I know it is not easy).
Can you suggest me some products?
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no familiar with SA700. But I have reviewed N6ii with all of its dac/amp cards in separate reviews. Please look it up on my site, it will give you more details.
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I’m looking for a player that can support over 50,000 songs (Sony NW-40 tapped out at 50,000 even though I have more songs than then that on the SD card). What is the limit on either the R5 or R6. I saw that the R3 had a limit of 20,000. If not these, can you suggest one with a high or limitless song list (only limited by storage space). I want to put my entire library on a unit and I’m over 50,000 songs and growing.
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Just got this answer straight from Hiby. When it comes to scanning/indexing songs, R3 Pro has limit of 15k because it’s not android DAP. But R5 and R6 Pro don’t have a song limit due to these being Android daps, running HibyMusic app (the same way as you would on your smartphone).
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Hi I talked to Hiby they told me that the R8 Stainless steel version with 4G will not be sold in the United States anytime soon if ever. So that was the big selling point for me. So my question the aluminum version of the R8. Which will be for sale in the United States. Is it a lot better than the DX 160 or just a little bit better. Is the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth a lot better or little bit better. So trying to decide since the main selling point for me is not going to be there. So there is obviously a lot more competition now with no 4G. So would you recommend the R8 over let’s say the M15. Or one of the cheaper models of the Astell&Kern.I really like the DX 160. So I was thinking of doing the 220 Max. But it’s too big I want something that’s really portable not just transportable. So hope you get the R8 soon and look forward to a review
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I already posted on FB 2+ wks ago pictures of R8 when I received it. Still have dozens of products to get to so review will take a while. R8 4G sim version only works with 4G in China, thus they are not even sending those review unit to anybody outside. And it is on the level of performance of A&K, Sony, Lotoo, Cayin high end flagships. Plus, it is the fastest Android dap available on the market, based on running benchmark tests it is a lot faster than even M15. Sound performance closer to MAX level, still need to do more testing. Keep in mind, R8 is as big as MAX, just thinner, also cost about $1.9k. It makes no sense to compare high end flagship to entry level daps. Regarding BT/Wi-Fi, Dx160 performance is not that great, you known it, their focus was more on audio quality. And MAX bt/wifi is good, but not stellar, identical to original DX220. Regarding sound comparison, I have people arguing with me all the time they hear their iPhone or SanDisk clip+ mp3 player sound better than $3k daps. So it’s all relative to people’s ears and very subjective. Plus, depends what you are planning to drive. It is easier to convince our mind that easy to drive iems sound similar on various audio players, while the real test is when you are driving more advanced hybrids/tribrids or hard to drive demanding headphones. Like, R8 has a boost Turbo mode that doubles output voltage. Just read more about it on Hiby site.
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Thank you so much for your reply. Well it turns out circumstances kinda force my hand. I have had the Plenue R for a couple years now dropped at least a dozen times a couple of those were really hard drops from a good height. One little scratch that’s all it’s on the body and everything else works perfectly. The I Basso DX 160 had it on a counter it fell about 2 feet to a tile floor total loss nothing works. I couldn’t believe it. Kept trying to restart it rebooted. It’s totally dead. When I hold it I can hear parts moving around inside so it’s totally dead. So that was a deal breaker for me I love the sound of that machine as you said I probably have to spend twice the money to get the same sound. Some of the firmware was a little iffy and there were some other problems but overall I really love the machine. However the build quality was not as I expected it to be especially compared to the R. So I went ahead and pulled the trigger and ordered the R8 I’ll receive it sometime mid September. However I don’t want to just run around with a $2000 machine in my pocket all the time sometimes yes but not all the time especially if I’m doing some hard work or play. So I also on your recommendation bought the Hidizs AP 80 Pro. That should be here by the end of the week. That will keep me going till I get the new R8. So thank you so much for all of your help. It helps us amateurs to have really competent professionals like yourself to help us navigate all of the options out here. So I will definitely be letting you know what I think of both machines once I have a chance to really work with them. Thanks again be in touch soon.
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Do You know how to have root in hiby r5?
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Have no idea, sorry. You will need to find audiophiles on xda-developers site so they can root it 🙂
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bonjour et grand merci pour vos revues pertinentes et détaillées. je n’arrive pas à choisir entre R3 pro et R5, R3 pro a t’il un volume faible ? mais R3 pro a t’il le meilleur son ? avec plus de basses ? R5 est plus détaillé mais plus aigu ? merci de m’aider car c’est difficile de choisir sans écouter
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just translated your message with Google Translate 🙂 If you only care about the sound and local files playback, you can save yourself money by going with R3 Pro. Maybe R5 Sabre sounds a little better, but you can really save money going with R3 Pro. Now, if you want more power and planning to use streaming apps (Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon, etc) – get R5 Sabre, it is a full Android DAP with access to Google Play store.
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merci encore
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