Introduction
HiBy, a well-known company renowned for its Digital Audio Players, DACs, IEMs, and audio software, recently launched its flagship IEM, the HiBy Zeta In-Ear Monitor. With a combination of a 10mm liquid silicone DD, 4 BAs, and 4 EST drivers, it's an intriguing addition to their lineup. In this review, we'll delve deep into the HiBy Zeta IEM.
Design and Build Quality
The Zeta IEM boasts Titanium Alloy Housings with a CNC machine finish. Its faceplate is a blend of half-glossy abstract patterns and half-matte finish, adorned with the HiBy logo—a simple yet elegant design. The cable's build quality is commendable, although the choice of blue color might leave some wishing for a more cohesive look with the IEM shell. Additionally, the absence of swappable plugs at this price point is disappointing. However, the included circular case and black mesh pouch provide excellent protection for the IEM.
Comfort and Fit
While the IEM shells carry some weight when held in your palm, you'll find they become nearly weightless once placed in your ears. Their medium-sized shells ensure comfortable listening even during extended sessions. HiBy thoughtfully includes a variety of eartips in the retail package, catering to different preferences.
Sound Quality
For my listening tests, I used Apple Music > Apple MacBook Air > M15 DAC > Stock Cable > SpinFit W1 Eartips. The HiBy Zeta offers an energetic sound signature. Its liquid silicone DD produces a textured and impactful bass, akin to a subwoofer-like experience. Vocals are clear, clean, and imbued with natural flavor, while the treble is both musical and meticulously detailed. The overall soundstage, while not exceptionally wide, provides a satisfying listening experience with decent imaging.
Bass: When testing bass-heavy tracks, the liquid silicone DD impressively generates physical bass with ear-vibrating qualities. It's clean and assertive, delivering the promised subwoofer-like sensation. Overall, it offers impactful, textured bass with a thumping character.
Midrange: Both male and female vocals shine with ample weight. While the midrange does sit slightly behind the bass and treble, it maintains a clean and clear profile. The midrange is smooth, devoid of sibilance or sharpness, resulting in a pleasant listening experience.
Treble: The treble is crisp, clean, highly detailed, and musical. It unveils the nuances in music, allowing you to discern each instrument layer by layer. In complex tracks like "Kun Faya Kun" from Rockstar, the treble creates a sense of immersion, making you feel like you're surrounded by the music. It's energetic yet polished, avoiding fatigue or sharpness. HiBy has excelled in the treble department.
Soundstage & Imaging: The soundstage, while not exceptionally wide, remains enjoyable due to its holographic nature. Imaging is excellent, creating a convincing sense of sound coming from different directions.
Value and Competition
The HiBy Zeta, priced around $1399 globally, competes with IEMs like the ThieAudio Monarch MK3. Notably, the Monarch MK3 offers a wider and more spacious soundstage, while the Zeta excels in bass, delivering a powerful and thumpy experience. The midrange and treble performance of both IEMs is on par. In terms of fit and comfort, the Zeta wins due to its smaller shell size. Overall, both are exceptional IEMs, but HiBy could optimize their pricing to attract more customers in the $1000 price range.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Outstanding V-shaped sound signature | Soundstage lacks spaciousness |
| Powerful and thumpy bass | Absence of swappable plug cable at this price range |
| Detailed and musical treble | Slightly overpriced; it should ideally be priced around $1,000 USD |
| Well-built IEM with high-quality accessories |
Conclusion
My first experience with HiBy IEMs has been a pleasant one, especially with the HiBy Zeta. If you're in search of a V-shaped sound with an intimate soundstage, the HiBy Zeta is a compelling choice. I hope HiBy continues to innovate in the IEM space and gains recognition within the audiophile community. It's clear that HiBy's expertise extends beyond digital audio players and DACs—they can make exceptional IEMs too. Keep up the great work, and keep prices honest.
I received the Zeta IEM from Mr. Pulkit, and all the views expressed here are entirely our own, uninfluenced by any external factors. Thank you for reading our HiBy Zeta Review and for your support. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out; we're just a message away.
