Built around a quad AKM4493 DAC array and sporting a maximum output power of 1523 mW, the HiBy F5 multifunction desktop-grade heavy-duty headphone amplifier supports both USB and Bluetooth input and features independent 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone and line outputs. Priced at $429, it should begin shipping next week.
Audiophiles looking for a new piece of hardware to add to their collection now have another tempting option coming from HiBy, namely the FD5 multifunction desktop-grade heavy-duty headphone amplifier. With quite a few functional highlights, this audio gadget also sports an attractive cyborg-inspired exterior design while supporting all desktop audio functions that almost any desktop PC user would ever need, all for the price of $429.
With both class A and class AB amplification (a switch allows the user to choose one or another), the HiBy FD5 uses a 4 x AKM4493 DAC array with dual femtosecond-grade crystal oscillators, separate balanced and SE line-level output, an isolated power supply, dual Hi-Res certification, and more—everything enclosed in an all-metal chassis. It has a 1.1-inch transparent OLED display, and the maximum power of 1523 mW allows the FD5 to easily drive virtually all headphones currently on the market.
Those who are looking for more audio-related numbers should keep in mind the maximum SNR of 125 dB, 127 dB dynamic range, 106 dBr crosstalk rejection, THD+N as low as 0.0004%, and a frequency response of 20 Hz–90 kHz. Shipments are scheduled to kick off next week, but those in a hurry can currently grab the affordable and less potent HiBy FD3 off Amazon for just $79 instead.
Codrut Nistor - Senior Tech Writer - 6716 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2013
In my early school days, I hated writing and having to make up stories. A decade later, I started to enjoy it. Since then, I published a few offline articles and then I moved to the online space, where I contributed to major websites that are still present online as of 2021 such as Softpedia, Brothersoft, Download3000, but I also wrote for multiple blogs that have disappeared over the years. I've been riding with the Notebookcheck crew since 2013 and I am not planning to leave it anytime soon. In love with good mechanical keyboards, vinyl and tape sound, but also smartphones, streaming services, and digital art.
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