HiBy FC4 Portable Headphone Amplifier DAC Review High-Quality Audio for Any Device

Description

Initial Impressions of the HiBy FC4 Headphone Amplifier

From the moment I got my hands on the HiBy FC4 Headphone Amplifier Portable DAC, I could tell this device was built with audiophiles in mind. Its compact size, weighing only 0.776 ounces, makes it incredibly easy to carry around. Despite its small stature, this USB DAC dongle is packed with features like dual ES9219 DAC chips and MQA 16X unfolding, promising a premium listening experience. Testing it out, I was eager to see how it handled my collection of high-resolution music files on multiple devices.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed was the sleek, minimalist design. The dimensions, 2.57 x 0.87 x 0.47 inches, make it roughly the size of a flash drive, which is perfect for portability. The build feels sturdy, and the metallic finish adds a touch of class. What really impressed me were the dual headphone outputs—a 4.4mm balanced output and a 3.5mm single-ended output. This versatility means it caters to both casual listeners and serious audiophiles who use high-end gear.

The device feels durable, and its simplicity in design ensures it doesn’t complicate the user experience. However, I did find the lack of an included Lightning to Type-C OTG cable for iOS users a bit inconvenient. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re an iPhone user like my coworker, who had to borrow an adapter to test it with their setup.

Key Benefits

What sets this product apart is its ability to deliver high-definition audio effortlessly. Here’s what stood out during my testing:

• Dual ES9219 DAC chips provide exceptional audio clarity and ensure lossless playback.
• 340mW+340mW @32Ω driving power easily handles a wide range of headphones, even my full-size studio monitors. The performance here genuinely surprised me.
• MQA 16X unfolding allowed me to experience studio-quality sound on Tidal streams, which was a game changer for someone who values audio fidelity.
• Plug-and-play functionality made setup a breeze across all my devices, from my Android phone to my Windows laptop.

These features combine to create an audio experience that rivals much larger, more expensive equipment.

Performance and Audio Quality

The sound quality delivered by this device is nothing short of fantastic. Using my HiFi earphones, I tested it with various genres, from classical to rock, and the FC4 amplifier brought out details I hadn’t noticed before. The bass was rich without being overpowering, mids were clear, and highs sparkled without any harshness.

One of my favorite features is the 340mW+340mW driving power, which gave my headphones newfound energy. Whether it was a soft acoustic track or a heavy metal anthem, the dynamic range was impressive. The dual crystal oscillators also deserve a mention for their role in reducing jitter and improving audio precision. I even tried it with a pair of budget earbuds, and the difference was noticeable—everything sounded fuller and more vibrant.

Adverse Aspects

While the HiBy FC4 DAC has a lot going for it, there are a few areas where it could improve:

• Lack of a Lightning to Type-C OTG cable for iOS devices feels like an oversight, especially considering the otherwise seamless compatibility.
• No physical volume controls on the device itself, which means you’re entirely dependent on your source device for adjustments.
• The metallic finish, though sleek, is prone to fingerprints and minor scratches over time.

These are minor issues, but they’re worth mentioning for those considering this product.

Competing Products

When comparing the HiBy FC4 to other popular USB DAC dongles, a few competitors come to mind. For instance, the FiiO KA3 offers similar features like balanced and single-ended outputs, but it doesn’t support 16X MQA unfolding, which is a significant advantage for the HiBy. On the other hand, the AudioQuest DragonFly Red is known for its excellent sound quality but lacks the dual-output flexibility provided by the HiBy.

Where the HiBy FC4 excels is in its price-to-performance ratio and driving power, which outshines many competitors in this range. However, the FiiO KA3 does have slightly better app support for fine-tuning the output, something the HiBy could improve on.

Cost Efficiency

For the features it offers, the HiBy FC4 provides exceptional value for money. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its ability to deliver professional-grade audio in such a compact form factor justifies the investment. Whether you’re a casual listener looking to enhance your streaming experience or an audiophile seeking a portable solution, this device delivers true value for its price point.

Many competing products in this price range cut corners in areas like driving power or decoding capabilities, but the HiBy FC4 strikes a balance that’s hard to beat. You’re essentially getting the audio performance of much larger equipment in a device that fits in your pocket.

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