HiBy RS8 II unveiled: a flagship portable digital audio player built for purists and power users
HiBy’s new RS8 II takes the brand’s top-tier portable DAP to another level, pairing serious processing muscle with a bespoke R2R DAC, studio-grade amplification, and an AI-powered tonal simulator that recreates the character of classic record and tape players. Priced at $3,899 and offered in black or gold, this premium player is designed to deliver reference-quality sound on the go.
At the heart of the RS8 II is the Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS8550 platform with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage, running HiByOS based on Android 13. A 5.5-inch 1080p LCD sits atop a meticulously machined monoblock aluminum alloy chassis, complemented by a jewel-like volume wheel that underscores the player’s luxury feel.
For audiophiles chasing accuracy and musicality, the upgraded Darwin III R2R DAC is the star. HiBy quotes total harmonic distortion under 0.0008% and a frequency response from 20 Hz to 50 kHz, with signal-to-noise ratio over 121.6 dB, dynamic range over 115.2 dB, and channel separation exceeding 94.2 dB depending on the chosen output. The RS8 II features both a refined Class A/B stage and a higher-powered Class A amplifier; you can choose either or let the player adaptively switch between them to balance warmth, power, and efficiency.
Connectivity covers both 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs, supporting an array of high-resolution formats including DSD1024, 32-bit/1,536 kHz PCM, and MQA 16x. Wireless listening is just as serious, with Bluetooth 5.3 and support for Sony’s Hi-Res Audio LDAC and aptX Lossless. For those who crave vintage flavor without compromising fidelity, the Sankofa AI tonality feature simulates the sonic signature of classic analog gear at the tap of a setting.
Powering everything is a 6,000 mAh battery rated for over 10.9 hours of playback depending on amp mode. When it’s time to recharge, PD 3.0 fast charging up to 80 W can get you back to listening in under two hours.
The RS8 II targets listeners who want a no-compromise portable source: cutting-edge processing, an advanced R2R architecture, flexible amplification, and modern wireless with the option to dial in nostalgic tones. It’s available directly from HiBy, with broader retail availability expected to follow.
Key specs at a glance:
– Price: $3,899; colors: black or gold
– SoC and OS: Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS8550; HiByOS based on Android 13
– Memory and storage: 16 GB RAM, 512 GB internal storage
– Display: 5.5-inch 1080p LCD
– DAC: Darwin III R2R
– Measured performance: THD 121.6 dB; dynamic range > 115.2 dB; channel separation > 94.2 dB (varies by output)
– Amplification: selectable Class A/B and high-power Class A; adaptive switching available
– Outputs: 3.5 mm unbalanced, 4.4 mm balanced
– Formats: DSD up to DSD1024; PCM up to 32-bit/1,536 kHz; MQA 16x
– Wireless: Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC and aptX Lossless
– AI tonality: Sankofa simulator for classic record and tape player sound
– Battery: 6,000 mAh; over 10.9 hours playback; PD 3.0 fast charging up to 80 W, under two hours to full
– Build: monoblock aluminum alloy body with jewel-style volume knob
If you want a portable player that blends cutting-edge digital engineering with the soul of vintage audio, the HiBy RS8 II is built to be your endgame DAP.
