Mix Wave announces petite, pop-colored HiBy R1 digital audio player with DSD, LDAC, and microSD card support

Mix Wave has announced the release of the R1 digital audio player (DAP) by HiBy music. The pop-colored DAP targets high-resolution music enthusiasts with a petite device that can be easily carried about.

The HiBy R1 utilizes a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC with a high-fidelity headphone amplifier capable of driving high-impedance headphones through the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Music can also be streamed over Bluetooth 5.1 connections with standard SBC and AAC codecs or higher-quality aptX and LDAC codecs. An optional USB-C DAC out cable can be purchased to connect the R1 to home audio systems.

The DAC supports a wide-range of common audio file formats, including MP3, AAC, FLAC, as well as DSD256 and 384 kHz 32-bit PCM audio streaming through DLNA/LAN Wi-Fi connections. A microSD card slot allows users to store thousands of songs on cards up to 2 TB in size. Streaming music services Tidal and Qobuz are supported for owners who do not have off-line music collections.

Users control the R1 using a 800 x 600 pixel LCD touchscreen, which gives access to nuanced MSEB audio controls, such as sibilance and tonal warmth, not found on most other DAPs. The Linux-based HiBy OS can be updated over-the-air.

The DAP measures 3.3 x 2.0 x 0.5 in. (83.5 × 51.1 × 12.35 mm) and weighs 2.5 oz. (70 g). The internal battery has a runtime of 15 hours and recharges in 2 hours over USB-C. A handstrap is included for secure carry.

Interested readers can pick up a HiBy R1 on Amazon US for $109 in black, blue, or green, or the Mix Wave Japan store for 16,800 yen in black, blue, green, orange, and white.