Table of Contents
amazon Hiby FD1 reviews
Hiby FD1 is Hiby’s first USB DAC/AMP model ever. With the experience of designing and perfecting products that have reached the Hi-end level, what can an affordable USB DAC/AMP like Hiby FD1 do? Together we will find the answer through this detailed review.
BOXED AND FINISHED
Hiby FD1’s box is very minimalistic, with a white box and illustration on the front.
Inside Hiby FD1 is fully equipped with connection accessories including:
– 1 L-shaped Type-C to Type-C Cable
– 1 straight Type-C to Type-C cable
– 1 Type-C to USB-A cable
– 1 Double-sided adhesive sticker
– User manual and insurance card
Many of you may wonder why Hiby FD1 does not come with a Lightning cable to use with iPhone. To explain this question, it is very simple because a Lightning cable with MFi standard costs up to $30 will pull the product’s price up too high. And not everyone uses this type of cable, so it makes sense to cut back.
DESIGN AND FINISHING
Hiby brings on Hiby FD1 a very clean and beautiful design. The entire body of the machine is made from aluminum and is treated with a smooth surface. The edges are rounded, so it feels very comfortable to hold in hand.
The front of the machine has the Hiby logo embossed to create a premium feel for the product.
The size of Hiby FD1 is quite compact and portable, 61.5×61.5x 9.5mm (DxRxC), and weighs only 71.5g. With the ideal size, Hiby FD1 pairs perfectly with Hiby R2.
The bottom edge of the Hiby FD1 is where the connection ports are located. The 2.5mm Balanced port is placed symmetrically with the 3.5mm Single port with the USB Type-C port in the middle. These ports are all covered with gold borders to create beautiful accents.
On the right side of the device is a switch to switch between USB Audio 1.0 and 2.0 modes. Thanks to this switch, Hiby FD1 can support all types of devices; both new and old standards can be compatible, very useful.
The left side is where the control buttons are located. There are three function keys, including volume up/down and music stop/play.
On the back of the machine, there is stamping the manufacturer’s information. Besides, there are four solid silicone base plates so that Hiby FD1 can be placed on the table without scratching the case. These brackets also cover the position of the four body assembly screws.
Hiby FD1 will not have a minus point in finishing if the company makes buttons with extra rubber gaskets inside. When gently shaking the Hiby FD1, we still hear a crunching sound; the main reason is this shortcoming. Hopefully, this defect will be improved in future versions to create a more solid and premium feel.
where can you get a Hiby FD1 online
HiBy FD1 Portable Headphone Amplifier, Mini Hi-Fi USB C Headphone Amp/DAC Native DSD128 Decoding 3.5/2.5mm Output Type-C for Smartphones, Computers, Laptops, Tablets, Digital Audio Players – Sliver: Buy it now
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
At the decoding level, Hiby FD1 is equipped with a pair of ES9118 DAC chips from ESS Sarbe. Thanks to that, Hiby FD1 is capable of playing Balanced music through the 2.5mm port. Hiby FD1 supports PCM music decoding up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD128 Native.
Hiby FD1 is a rare portable DAC / AMP model in the price range of less than $100 equipped with two crystal oscillator chips like on expensive music players. That helps signals with a base sampling frequency of x44.1kHz and x48kHz to be decoded more accurately, reducing jitter and improving track detail and dynamics.
The output power of Hiby FD1, a 3.5mm port, reaches 26mW @ 32Ohm while in a 2.5mm Balanced port is 75mW @ 32Ohms for each channel. Hiby FD1 can handle high-sensitivity IEMs and full-size headphones with impedances of 150 Ohms or less.
Designed as a USB DAC/AMP, Hiby FD1 connects via USB Type-C and supports many devices from phones, music players to desktop computers.
It also supports both USB Audio 1.0 and 2.0 standards with a side switch. Older devices running Windows 7 and below will only be compatible with USB Audio 1.0 and will not decode DSD.
With new devices such as Android, iOS, Windows 10, or macOS phones, Hiby FD1 will work best with USB Audio 2.0 standards.
As a software company, Hiby FD1 will be best compatible with its Hiby Music software. Remember to enable Exclusive USB Audio Access mode on Hiby Music for the best experience with Hiby FD1. This software is available on both iOS and Android platforms. You can download it completely for free.
EXPERIENCE
Hiby FD1 does not have an internal battery, so you need to plug it into the source, and it will work, no need to install any driver, extremely simple.
Since there is no battery, the Hiby FD1 will draw power directly from the device it plugs into. However, you do not have to worry because Hiby FD1 consumes very little power. When operating, it only warms up a little, not too hot.
Hiby FD1’s background sound is very clean; even with highly sensitive headphones like Campfire Andromeda, background noise is almost absent.
On Hiby FD1, there is a play/pause button on the body. As I tested, this button will only work with App Hiby Music on Android only. On other platforms, this button will not affect you at all.
In addition, the 3.5mm port on the Hiby FD1 supports headphones with a control cluster, but unfortunately, does not support a microphone. And the ability to control from the headset will only work with the Hiby Music App on Android only.
SOUND QUALITY
Hiby FD1 for natural sound performance with a slight glow in the tonal color. The full range is quite balanced, with good dynamics.
Bass range: Quite linear and asymptotic to a natural level. This type of bass is neither too much nor too little in volume. The sub-bass part has an average depth, doesn’t pull the tail much but still goes deep. The mid-bass is a little more emphasized; the sound is natural and not colorful. Mid-bass well-controlled, round, and smooth.
Mid-range: Tends to be bright with good detail and very clear. Both male and female voices are expressed quite naturally. The high-mid part is pressed a little bit, so the sound tends to be brighter. The ability to separate the instrument layers is quite good. The sound does not mix and sticks together.
Treble range: Up to and very good detail for a DAC/AMP at this price point. Low-treble is emphasized just enough to enhance detail without making the sound too bright. Treble is well controlled, so the sound is airy.
Stage space: Wide in width but only average in depth. Ability to reproduce precise instrument position.
Hiby FD1 is very suitable for music with this sound that focuses on details and balance, such as Pop Ballad, Vocal, or Classic. In addition, in all other music genres, Hiby FD1 can respond well.
EPILOGUE
The Hiby FD1 in the sub-$100 price range is an extremely competitive player in this segment. It has a beautiful design and a solid metal finish. Compact size, fully support play port. Detailed sound quality, slightly light, very suitable for newcomers who want to find details in their music.