The Article
RS8 II DAP BY HiBy
24th November 2025

This new digital audio player from HiBy is powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS8550 system on a chip
The other big deal is an upgraded third-generation DARWIN audio architecture. This is a signal-path + DAC + filtering + clock + output stage chip built around R-2R resistor-ladder DAC topology.

Also included is AdaptiveAMP. This tech provides Class A/B amplification.

Sankofa AI is new to me but appears to be an EQ variant to mimic sound signatures modelled after classic audio sources such as MD, CD, cassette and reel-to-reel tape players.

Contained within a unibody aluminium chassis with a glass back, geometric lines and weighing in at 425g, the RS8 II features a 5.5-inch 1080×1920 HD display and a fast charging battery.

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. Support is give up to DSD1024, PCM 32bit/1536kHz and MQA 16X plus Direct Transport Audio (DTA), which bypasses the Android system SRC.

Output options include 3.5mm phone out/line out, 4.4mm Pentacon output, USB Audio In/Out and – reportedly – the first-time portable player I²S interface.

Price is £3,199 or $3,899 in black or gold/silver.