In 2023, HiBy released what I believed to be the most unique-looking DAP I had ever laid my eyes on. Its slim profile, huge touchscreen, and unusual back panel made me appreciate everything about it. Everyone else was still using large chins below the display assembly and had much smaller screens, but HiBy adopted a modern, smartphone-like appearance, earning tons of style points in return, and I still think it’s the most striking-looking DAP to date.
But what about the 2025 Edition? You know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, that’s exactly what HiBy did with the 2025 Edition – it looks exactly the same. The only difference is that the leather case included in the package now has a small cutout around the buttons, so you’ll be able to press them more easily when needed. The case is soft on the inside and harder on the outside, and it should protect your DAP from accidental drops. You know what else has changed? Most of the internal components and the asking price. The R6 Pro II sold for $749 two years ago, and it was a very advanced DAP for its time. But now the 2025 Edition is $50 cheaper, while improving many of its components.
Around September, we tend to see new iPhones and Android devices. However, I’m way more excited about the newest digital audio players that will be released afterward. I’m not sure I’ll buy every single DAP out there, but the ones made by HiBy, FiiO, and Shanling will surely get the attention they deserve. Today, I’ll discuss the newest midrange model, the HiBy R6 PRO II 2025 Edition. I’ll pit it against its predecessor, and let’s check all of that.
