#donglemadness. HIBY FC6 DARWIN Review & Comparison

Full Review of the new, soon to be released HIBY FC6 DARWIN R2R
One very special dongle that will be hard to beat.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:16 Build & Configuration (MAIN)
01:31 DAC Specifications
02:50 Operations and Functions
03:44 Filters
04:20 Sound Analysis (MAIN)
04:38 Grading Categories
05:52 Dynamic Presentation
06:36 Tone & Timbre
07:16 Note Weight & Density
07:42 Technicalities
08:33 Driving Power
09:52 Synergy Factor
10:43 Volume Management
11:12 Features
12:01 Value Proposition
12:55 Power Efficiency
13:30 Overall Score & Rating
16:00 Comparison & Conclusions

Check HIBY site for the release announcement:

HIBY FC6 Official FW Update: Addressing some bugs and MQA fixes

[AndyAudioVault]

HIBY FC6 Official FW Update: Addressing some bugs and MQA fixes

[IRON_PANDA]

Ain't nothing like seeing Burzum on a HiFi-component review. Kudos for the vid, Andy!

[SHARANPIYUSH]

finally the review came, that i was waiting for 🥳🎉 thank you😊

[Radugazon]

Very informative 👍
I am still baffled when I see a R2R in such a small device, then the ability to select the filters without external app is a plus.
Gonna think of it.

[paolozafra]

Just got the FC6 for the same price as the Questyle M12i at around $110 so it was a no brainer to go directly to the FC6 since I like a more analogue sound. Most of my gear is single ended so this was perfect. Received it yesterday and your review is spot on! Thank you as always Andy.

[RomeroLins]

Bought one because of your review. Thanks

[joey]

Awesome review as ever Andy. So how FC6 compare to Questyle M15?

[isadorealire]

This is my first time seeing your channel. Very nicely done. This will be the first time dipping my toe in the R2R world. I am new to this hobby/addiction and will be in the market for a DAP soon as I live in a rural area and a DAP will hold more music.

[nat]

Now to constantly refresh the Hiby website until release 😂 Thank you for the review Andy

[rssin]

Love your channel and the way you explain sound characteristics. I think you are the best sound reviewer on you tube. How would FC6 pair with Tanchjim Origin?

[ramaidaugirdas]

Wow! Really wanna ser this! The Ibasso DC04 Pro is another one that is promising.

[.e]

Am I seeing different reviewing format?
very informative and easy to understand
thx for your effort Andy🙏

by the way how do you like the dates?

[dominiquejoannetlelardeux]

Thank you buddy, now you can enjoy a full and enjoyable annight.

[marcelpfeiffer]

Great review, so they're really close!

[minsung]

Great review! I have Hiby FC5 and was wondering if FC6 or DC04 Pro is worth the upgrade. In terms of sound, I felt that FC5 was somewhere inbetween analog and neutral. How does the other two compare to the FC5? Thank you.

[m_yy_m]

Amazing! For people like me who like analogue type sound, but can't stretch the budget to get the FC6 at the moment, which cheaper dongle ($100 range) would you recommend?

[Dcseven]

If it's not a trouble and hassle, I request to test the top three contenders on a desktop system. For example using an external Balanced/Unbalanced Headphone Amplifier (if possible volume matched) with a Headphone (fairly Neutral, open back) to judge the true potential of these DACs to challenge higher valued desktop systems. I ask this to you because as customer I want to use the any these portable R-2R DACs (because they are cheaper and have that magical sound R-2Rs have) in a Desktop setup (wherein I wouldn't have to spend too much to get a decent R-2R system lets say under USD 500). If not a dedicated video, if you can just check this and reply on it would be great. Still thank you for the review. Also thumbs up for the grading system.

[montokboy]

Thank you for posting your very informative reviews. I am looking to get a DAC dongle and would appreciate your advice. My mobile gear is Etymotic ER3SE and Sennheiser HD6XX. I was originally interested in getting the HiBy FC6 but also came across your review of the iBasso DC04Pro which is less expensive. I have to admit I do really enjoy the R2R sound as I have a Denafrips Ares II for my home system but at the same time I am not sure spending $300 on the mobile gear I have is justified. I would appreciate your thoughts on which DAC to get. I like the sound neutral, warm, smooth, natural, and tactile.

[surdzo]

Hi Andy, because of your opinion in your reviews I decide to order Cayin RU6, I would go with FC6 if they put 4.4 and little bit more power, but, they probably decide to make two same DAC (in near future) and pump out more money from the costumers (that is my opinion maybe I'm wrong but that's how I feel).
I would like to ask you for your opinion about what IEM to order, which one will be perfect match for RU6? I`m running IE600 but I want to order another good IEM but bit different than IE600 so I was thinking something around Xenns TOP, Xenns UP, Oracle Mk2 and DUNU SA6 MK2 the question is, what do you think which one of them will be good pair with RU6? I like my IE600 (in combo with M15 and Hiby FC4) very much but I want in my collection something that is bit unreal (that wow effect) so it has to be something like IE600 on steroids if you understand what I mean :)
Thank You very much again for all your work and effort.

[radiofreealbemuth]

1:23 would you recommend a 4.4 to 3.5mm adapter? or is it better to just buy a new 3.5mm cable?