Hiby M300 Digital Audio Player (DAP): Affordable audio for non-audiophiles
Hiby M300 Digital Audio Player. Picture: Noel Campion.
Apple may have discontinued the much-loved iPod, but like vinyl, CDs, and even cassette tapes, it is seeing a revival. Digital audio players (DAPs) have never gone away, but most are incredibly expensive and cater to an audiophile market.
I've been testing the Hiby M300 DAP, which has functionality not found in devices ten times more expensive.
Available in three colours—white, black, and blue—the white variant I tested exudes sleek elegance. Encased in an aluminium chassis with glass front and back panels, the M300 feels both premium and lightweight, weighing only 136 grams and measuring 113 x 58 x 13 mm. Its four-inch high-resolution IPS display with 1280 x 640 pixels offers vibrant colours, good viewing angles, and intuitive touch navigation. Customisable themes and wallpapers add a personal touch to the user experience.
The M300 is packed with features catering to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. It boasts two built-in microphones for voice notes and interviews and one-touch recording for high-quality audio capture.
The 3.5mm headphone output, USB-C port, and built-in speaker are conveniently located at the bottom of the device. A micro SD card slot also supports up to 2TB of storage, expanding the 32GB internal memory. I don’t have a massive music library, so I only needed a 256GB card to store all my FLAC and WAV files.
Playback controls, a power button, and a customisable function switch are on the right side.
Powered by a Snapdragon 665 SOC and 3GB of RAM, the M300 offers smooth multitasking and performance. Its CS43131 DAC chip delivers high-resolution, high-fidelity sound with support for PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD 256.
The Hiby OS, layered on Android 13, enhances audio performance with features like MSEB, Hiby Link, and Hiby Music Cloud. It also means installing apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz and streaming them over Wi-Fi or using your phone as a hotspot.
Equipped with a 2000mAh battery, the M300 provides up to 29 hours of playback and over 15 days of standby time, but if you use the screen a lot, the rated time will be dramatically reduced. Quick charging ensures the device is ready to go in about two hours.
Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 support LDAC, AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs.
An FM tuner with a built-in antenna allows easy radio station access.
The M300 delivers a smooth, organic sound signature with a warm, full-bodied character. It offers a balanced bass, mid-range, and treble, with a slight emphasis on the bass and mid-range for added weight and presence. The bass is deep and powerful without being overwhelming, while the mid-range is lush and natural, reproducing vocals and instruments with realism and emotion. The treble is crisp and airy, adding sparkle and detail to the sound.
Despite its impressive audio quality, the M300 has some limitations, including low output power and volume from the 3.5mm headphone out, making it suitable for efficient IEMs and headphones but less so for more demanding ones. The default media volume is also low, requiring adjustments in the settings menu to maximise output potential.
The Hiby M300 DAP is packed with user-friendly features and offers high-quality sound. Its lightweight and compact form factor, extensive customisation options, and robust connectivity make it a versatile choice on a tight budget for music lovers.
Whether you're a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, the M300 delivers an enjoyable and immersive listening experience.
Hiby M300 €222 from Amazon.co.uk
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