Let me start by saying – this little gadget punches WAY above its weight for audiophiles on a budget. The CS43131 DAC delivers shockingly crisp details, especially with my FLAC jazz collection. Basslines feel textured, not muddy like cheaper players.

PROS:

• That GLASS BACK design? Gorgeous fingerprint magnet – but slipping it into my gym shorts pocket feels premium. The 3" touchscreen is tiny but razor-sharp for album art.

• Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC saved me during commutes. Pairing my Sony WH-1000XM4s took 3 seconds flat. No stutters even in crowded subway tunnels.

• The MSEB equalizer is witchcraft. Tweaking "Female Voice Overtones" made my old Fleetwood Mac tracks sound like Stevie Nicks was whispering in my ear.

CONS:

• No manual is BRUTAL. I spent 20 minutes accidentally discovering how to create playlists (protip: long-press songs!). Hiby – a PDF would cost you nothing.

• WiFi password entry feels like 2005. Tapping "ABC" "DEF" buttons to spell "P@ssword1"? My thumbs still ache.

• The 1150mAh battery barely lasts my 14-hour flight to Tokyo. Pack a power bank if you're a heavy user.

BOTTOM LINE: At this price, the HiBy R1 is a STEAL for lossless audio lovers who don't mind some quirks. Just download the firmware updates – they've fixed half my early complaints!