Digital audio player

B B

blueinsa

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 Nov 2021
Messages
7,595
Team supported
City
As the title suggests, I’m toying with the idea of getting one and like the look of the FiiO M21.

I currently listen on my iPhone to Qobuz and use a dac/amp fiio KA5 and my fiio FH-7S IEM’s and have to say the quality is superb but does anyone have any experience of such an upgrade and if it’s going to be worth it sound quality wise?
 
I've still got an old Sony NWZ-S639F MP3 player that I use daily and it needs replacing [battery life degrading] so I will watch this thread with interest.

sony.jpg
 
Boo or Boo-urns said:
I've still got an old Sony NWZ-S639F MP3 player that I use daily and it needs replacing [battery life degrading] so I will watch this thread with interest.
Click to expand...

Was looking at the Sony NW-A306 but power issues (lack of) and only using an unbalanced 3.5 jack has put me off.
 
I got one of them when they first came out and it’s best thing I’ve done! I did have about 50 flac albums what I converted from my cd’s years ago! Sound wise, using the usb c is far better and bought some iem earphones that improves the sound too.. few months back I bought over the head headphones wired one the Sennheiser HD 560 that very good.. I buy HiRes music from HDTracks.. oh good for your podcasts to! That’s all I use it for…
 
I’ve been trying to research this a bit lately but I’m not sure I understand how these things work.
Right now I’m streaming music from my phone to Bluetooth speakers but the sound is not great.
Worst than that though is the fact that I always have my phone in my pocket and I can’t sit still so the music shuts off when I go walk about.
I think I need something that’s permanently connected to my stereo and will hold my library of music.
 
Last edited:
denislawsbackheel said:
Put your music all on an HDD, get a Streamer and stream through your hi fi
Click to expand...
Which streamers would be recommended for this ?

I've had a look at the Wiim streamers, but still not sure of what exactly I would require. Attaching a hard drive would be great as would being able to access internet radio within the same system.
 
MouldensChippy said:
Which streamers would be recommended for this ?

I've had a look at the Wiim streamers, but still not sure of what exactly I would require. Attaching a hard drive would be great as would being able to access internet radio within the same system.
Click to expand...

The Wiim ultra is currently considered the dogs doo dahs.

faq.wiimhome.com

How to Set Up Your WiiM Ultra

TABLE OF CONTENTS What You'll Need Step-by-Step Setup Guide Tips and Troubleshooting The WiiM Ultra is a compact device designed to combine digital and analog sources in an elegant aluminum case with a 3.5'' vibrant touchscreen, streamin...
faq.wiimhome.com faq.wiimhome.com
 
Got my eye on the HiBy R1 @ £76 (Amazon) or £70 (AliExpress)

Hi-By-R1.jpg


+ Entry-level digital audio player (DAP) offers a well-rounded audio performance.
+ User-friendly interface & software features with latest firmware upgrade support.
+ Bluetooth 5.1 & WiFi support.
+ Compact, lightweight design, weighing only 70 grams.
+ 15 hrs play time, 400 hours stand by from a 1150 mAh Lithium-Ion battery.
+ SD Card storage up to 2TB.
+ Responsive 3" touch screen with firm clicky side buttons [power / volume / play & advance track] for manual control.
+ Warm-neutral sound profile delivering a well-balanced and natural sound.
+ USB Type-C support.
+ Standard set comes with a spare screen protector, 2 glass protectors pre-installed, mesh pouch, carry lanyard.
+ Value set comes with additional Yves earphones, 32GB Samsung ultra memory card and a microfibre pouch.

- Not Android OS therefore no additional apps can be installed, uses a Linux based HiBy OS.
- Not supporting Spotify streaming, limited to Tidal, Qobuz + streaming radio by editing a radio.txt file.
- No internal memory only SD card memory.
- No 4.4mm jack support (balanced) only 3.5mm socket (unbalanced)
- No physical back or rewind track button. *Update: Double-click play button to rewind track available on V1.5 firmware upgrade
- Blue power "always on" LED light can be annoying in low light conditions, it can be turned off in settings.
- Volume level capped, however can be unlocked in developer mode. In the About menu tap the "HiBy R1" a few times to unlock the "Max volume" setting.

HiBy Official Website
HiBy R1 Amazon UK
HiBy R1 User Manual

*Update: Jan 2026
 
Last edited:
Just shy of 10 years ago I took the plunge and bought myself a Cayin N5. It's still going strong to this day. Not exactly the cheapest option in the market even if this was at the lower end of their product line. Never had an issue with it and it is used frequently.
 
Purchased the HiBy R1 DAP for £54 (Value set) from AliExpress with additional YVES earphones and 32GB card.

Hi-By-R1.jpg


Now looking for a budget IEM (In ear monitor) The Kefine Klean for £34 could be the next upgrade.

Kefine-Klean-IEM.jpg
 
Boo or Boo-urns said:
Purchased the HiBy R1 DAP for £54 (Value set) from AliExpress with additional YVES earphones and 32GB card.

Hi-By-R1.jpg


Now looking for a budget IEM (In ear monitor) The Kefine Klean for £34 could be the next upgrade.

Did you already have a player or is this your first shot? I needed to get walking end of 2020 (bad Covid) and spent £150 on a Sony. On fourth upgrade since then, about £1100 spent.
Click to expand...
.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top