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HiBy R8 II Android Audio Player Review

An Android-based audio player from HiBy that the page lists with a Darwin-MPA design, a 16-way current-mode DAC, dual headamp circuits for Class A or Class AB and a 5.9-inch 1080p display. It costs $1499 in three options, all with an aluminum alloy shell.

4.0Editorial rating: 4.0 out of 5Editorial rating · research-basedUpdated November 11, 2026
$1,499Price checked November 12, 2026Pre-order only at Linsoul at our last check (November 12, 2026)
Check price at Linsoul

Our verdict

An Android audio device for someone who wants a listed 5.9-inch 1080p display, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 alongside Class A or Class AB headphone amplifier circuits, at $1499 in Silver, Red or Black. Look elsewhere if you need listed output power, battery capacity or sample rates, since the listing text gives none. The main caveat is that the page's sound and Turbo mode descriptions are the maker's claims and were not checked here.

Best for
Someone who wants an Android-based audio device with a listed 5.9-inch display, WiFi and a switchable Class A or Class AB amplifier.
Skip if
You need listed output power, battery capacity or sample rates, since the listing text gives none.

HiBy's R8 II runs HiByOS on Android 12, which the page says supports unlimited app installations, and pairs a 5.9-inch 1080p display with dual audio ports, 2.4/5GHz dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0. For audio, the page lists a Darwin-MPA architecture with a multiphase PWM array and a 16-way current-mode DAC, plus dual headamp circuits that switch between Class A and Class AB. The price is $1499 across three options.

Options and pricing

There are three options at $1499 each, all with an aluminum alloy shell, in Silver, Red or Black, so the color choice does not change the price. The spec lines also list Blue and a material called Regular, neither of which appears among the orderable options. The page shows no crossed-out price. It describes a Bayer UE95 TPU protective shell with an Alcantara finish, but the listing text does not say whether that shell comes with every option.

How it compares

The TOPPING Pre900 is the same $1499 and shows no spec line, while the Gustard R26II is $1484.99 and the SMSL VMV D2R MK2 is $1160. Of these entries only the R8 II gives a material, aluminum alloy. Its page also lists an Android operating system and a 5.9-inch 1080p display, which the entries for the other three do not show.

Shipping

  • Methods and costs. The store's shipping page offers Standard Shipping (4PX, Yanwen or Yun Express), free for most countries, and Express Shipping (DHL Express, FedEx or SF Express) at 15-50 USD depending on the country, free for orders over 270 USD in most countries (checked 2026-11-11).
  • Large items. The page says headphones and desktop DAC/AMPs count as large items, for which Express is free only for orders over $499.99.
  • Delivery times. It says an in-stock order ships within 3 working days, Standard takes about 2 weeks after shipping out (up to 1-3 months for some countries, and the store makes no refund for that transit time) and Express takes about 3-7 days. Festive seasons and other circumstances can change the timing.
  • Taxes and fees. The buyer pays any customs, import or processing fees. The page says Standard via YunExpress is tax-inclusive for some countries, that remote areas can carry extra Express charges, and that a parcel refused or left uncollected over taxes is deducted two-way freight and may be destroyed with no refund.
  • Where it ships. The page says the store can generally ship to most countries by Express and many by Standard, and to confirm Standard with the team for your country. It cannot ship to PO boxes or APO/FPO addresses and can only use Express to Hawaii. It does not name the US, Canada, the UK, Australia or New Zealand, so confirm before you pay.
  • Lost parcels. If a parcel has been in transit for at least 3 months, the page offers a one-time reshipment or a full refund for orders under $50 and a 50% refund for orders above $50.

Returns and warranty

  • Returns. The return page allows returning any non-customized product that is still factory sealed within 30 days of receiving it, with the buyer paying the shipping. Email [email protected] within that period; the store asks for the return to be shipped within 5 working days of the RMA instructions and in most cases processes a refund within 5 business days of inspecting it (checked 2026-11-11).
  • Opened items. A product opened within the first 7 days after delivery can be returned for the price minus a restocking fee of 35% of its retail value, including when it still works properly.
  • Refund or credit. The buyer can choose a refund to the original payment method (PayPal or card) or store credit; with no answer within 48 hours of confirmation the default is store credit, which can also be prioritized during promotions, final-sale events and for items 40% or more off retail.
  • Not returnable. Customized products, including faceplate designs, are non-refundable, and the page says the same applies to carry cases, cables, ear tips and other accessories, "due to hygiene purposes". If one item in a package is defective, incorrect or missing, the refund or replacement covers only that item.
  • Warranty. The page gives a 1-year warranty on products, excluding carry cases, ear tips and other accessories, and 3 months on cables and adapters, from the date of purchase. It covers factory defects that affect proper function, not damage from human error, negligence, accidents, dismantling, water, abuse or modification (checked 2026-11-11).
  • Not covered or limited. It does not apply to items bought elsewhere (AliExpress, Amazon, local dealers and the like), prize or giveaway items, normal wear or colour change, commercial use, or items that were stolen or went missing. Coverage is limited for products 40% or more off retail, for review units and for items repaired or modified by anyone Linsoul has not authorized.
  • Claims. Email [email protected] with the order number, the issue and photos and videos of the fault. The store may ask for the unit back for a replacement. It covers shipping for some defects reported within 7 days of delivery if the fault can be shown on video or photo; after 7 days the buyer ships it back. For wrong or missing items an unboxing video of the whole sealed parcel is required.

Before you buy

Linsoul says it was founded in 2016 by the Crazy HiFi team to bring Chinese HiFi makers closer to listeners worldwide, and that it now sells other makers' products alongside four brands of its own, THIEAUDIO, Kiwi Ears, ZiiGaat and Tripowin (checked 2026-11-11).

We have not read any independent review of this product or of the store. Ratings and owner reviews shown on the store's own pages are the store's and were not verified.

What we liked

  • The page names the DAC design: a Darwin-MPA architecture with a 16-way current-mode DAC
  • Dual headamp circuits are listed, switchable between Class A and Class AB
  • The page lists HiByOS on Android 12 with a 5.9-inch 1080p display
  • Dual-band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 are listed
  • All three options cost the same $1499

Worth noting

  • The listing text gives no DAC chip model, sample rates, output power, battery capacity, storage size or weight
  • The spec lines list Blue and a Regular material that the orderable options do not show
  • The page text mentions a stainless steel chassis while the option and spec lines name aluminum alloy
  • The sound and Turbo mode descriptions are the maker's own claims and cannot be checked from the listing

Questions before you buy

What DAC design does the R8 II list?

The page lists the Darwin-MPA architecture, a multiphase PWM array coupled with a 16-way current-mode DAC. The listing text names no DAC chip model.

What does Turbo mode do?

The page says Turbo mode unlocks 25% more power reserves and amplifies the voltage swing, max volume and overall performance. The listing text gives no output power figure.

Which colors are offered?

The orderable options are Silver, Red and Black, all with an aluminum alloy shell at $1499. The spec lines also list Blue, which the options do not show.

Can I return it if I change my mind?

The return page allows returning a non-customized product that is still factory sealed within 30 days of receiving it, with the buyer paying shipping. An opened product returned within 7 days carries a 35% restocking fee. Refunds go to the original payment method or to store credit, which is the default if you do not choose.

How long does shipping take?

The shipping page says in-stock orders ship within 3 working days. Standard Shipping takes about 2 weeks after shipping out, up to 1-3 months for some countries, and Express takes about 3-7 days. Standard is free for most countries; Express costs 15-50 USD and is free over 270 USD (over $499.99 for large items such as headphones and desktop DAC/AMPs).

Does Linsoul ship to the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand?

The page says Linsoul can generally ship to most countries by Express and many by Standard, and to ask the team about Standard for your country. It names no restriction for the US, Canada, the UK, Australia or New Zealand, but it does not list them either, and it can only use Express to Hawaii.

What warranty does it have?

The page gives a 1-year warranty on products from the purchase date for factory defects, not for human error, accidents or modification. Coverage is limited for items 40% or more off retail and for review units, and it does not apply to items bought from other sellers.

Sources & verification

What this review is based on and the day we last read it. Specs and claims from the maker are the maker’s own; the verdict and the rating are ours.

From the store

  • HiBy R8 II product page: specs, options and price (the buy buttons go there)Specs, options and the listed priceRead November 11, 2026
  • Linsoul shipping pageStandard and Express shipping, costs and times, import taxes, lost parcels, couriers, trackingRead November 11, 2026
  • Linsoul return policy and warranty page30-day returns of sealed items, 35% restocking fee on opened ones, 1-year and 3-month warranties, exclusions, how to claimRead November 11, 2026
  • Linsoul support FAQThe same shipping, return and warranty rules in question form, plus order changes and cancellationsRead November 11, 2026
  • About LinsoulFounded in 2016 by the Crazy HiFi team; names its own brands; the awards listed there are the store's own accountRead November 11, 2026

What we couldn’t verify

  • Per the page, the nuanced sound, detail and clarity descriptions and the 25% power gain from Turbo mode are the maker's claims and were not checked here.
  • The page text describes a high-gloss stainless steel chassis and a TPU shell, while the option line says Aluminum Alloy and the spec lines add Regular and Blue; the listing text does not reconcile them.
  • The listing text gives no DAC chip model, sample rates, output power, battery capacity, storage size or weight.
  • We have not read an independent review of this product or the store, and the store's own ratings were not verified. We read the store's catalog description only: a specification table or image shown just on the live page was not read.
  • The shipping page names no US, Canada, UK, Australia or New Zealand times or fees: its figures are general and we could not confirm them for these countries.

Spotted an error or something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it and update the date.

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