HiBy Digital BD100 Desktop DAC/Amp Launches at $129

The HiBy Digital BD100 was launched internationally yesterday (October 15). The first desktop DAC/amp from HiBy’s sub-brand enters the market in the US$100 price range and competes directly with the Topping DX1 II. The BD100’s main highlights include a microphone input, a volume knob with an integrated display, and a version featuring wood and synthetic leather. Full details of this new HiBy Digital release are provided below.

The BD100 Features a Compact Design with a Wood Finish Option

To distinguish it from other options on the market, HiBy Digital has released the BD100 in two versions with different finishes.

One version of the HiBy Digital BD100 features aluminum alloy side panels and a main enclosure made from the same material.

The other version features wooden side panels and a main enclosure finished in synthetic leather. The wood used is natural walnut.

The BD100’s Volume Knob Features an Integrated Display

I do not recall seeing a volume knob with a built-in display, so I consider the BD100 innovative in this respect. The screen is not touch-sensitive and serves only to display information. However, the rotary knob can be pressed to navigate the desktop DAC/amp’s menu.

Another interesting feature is the ability to view information about music playback, operating modes, and enabled features on the screen. Using the rotary knob in conjunction with the display also provides access to the equalizer, filters, gain settings, and other features.

A Dedicated Microphone Input

In addition to its two headphone jacks, the BD100 features a dedicated 3.5 mm microphone input. HiBy Digital also includes a small microphone with a short cable that connects directly to the desktop DAC/amp. This makes the device ready to use out of the box, requiring only a pair of headphones or a powered speaker.

Sufficient Output Power for Most Headphones

Capable of delivering up to 1,087 mW into 32 Ω through its balanced 4.4 mm output, the BD100 can adequately drive most headphones. For users who prefer IEMs (in-ear monitors) with 3.5 mm cables, the BD100’s single-ended (SE) output delivers 281 mW into 32 Ω. Three selectable gain levels also allow for more suitable volume adjustment.

How Does the HiBy Digital BD100 Sound?

One user on the Chinese social media platform Weibo described the HiBy Digital BD100’s sound signature as follows:

“Neutral, transparent, and well-defined, with a clean background, fast and focused bass, and clear, smooth treble without harshness. This presentation is well suited to a variety of uses. In gaming, detail definition and bass speed also stand out.”

Another Weibo user described the BD100’s sound as follows:

“The sound follows a typically modern approach: balanced, accurate, and clean. Although the soundstage is not particularly expansive, it still extends forward, backward, and to the sides. The presentation is three-dimensional rather than flat, with well-focused imaging and notable resolution.
Across the three frequency ranges, the bass is agile and well-defined, the midrange is understated, and the treble is transparent.”

Bluetooth Reception Support

The BD100 uses the Qualcomm QCC5181 Bluetooth chip, which supports Bluetooth 5.4. HiBy Digital’s desktop DAC/amp also supports advanced Bluetooth codecs such as aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC. Bluetooth functionality is limited to reception; the device cannot transmit audio wirelessly.

Powering the BD100 via USB Requires More Than 5 V

The BD100 requires a 9 V supply through USB-C using the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. A conventional USB charger therefore cannot adequately power this DAC/amp; a charger supporting fast charging is required. HiBy does not include a charger in the box, only a USB-C to USB-C cable.

The HiBy Digital BD100’s Direct Competitor

The Topping DX1 II costs almost the same as the HiBy Digital BD100. Both deliver approximately 1,000 mW into 32 Ω and support microphone input through a 3.5 mm port. The difference is that the DX1 II uses the same 3.5 mm jack for headphones and microphone input, making cables with an integrated microphone the recommended option.

Regarding DAC chips, the BD100 uses the Cirrus Logic CS43198, whereas the DX1 II uses the ESS ES9039Q2M. The DX1 II is also easier to power because it requires only 5 V, eliminating the need for a fast charger.

There is also parametric equalizer (PEQ) support to consider, a feature the BD100 lacks. Users must therefore rely on third-party software to apply equalization, either within an individual application or across the entire operating system.

HiBy Digital BD100 Connections

In addition to the volume knob with an integrated display on the front panel, the HiBy Digital BD100 features several digital inputs and an analog output on the rear panel. Bluetooth provides wireless digital audio reception, while optical, coaxial, and USB connections provide wired input options. Analog audio is available through an RCA line output (LO).

HiBy Digital BD100: Specifications

General Specifications

• Analog outputs: RCA
• Bluetooth chip: Qualcomm QCC5181
• Color: Black
• DAC chips: Two Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips
• Digital inputs: Coaxial, optical, USB, and Bluetooth
• Dimensions: 116.8 × 100.6 × 39.7 mm
• Enclosure materials: Walnut wood and synthetic leather / aluminum alloy
• Headphone outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4 mm balanced
• Microphone input: 3.5 mm, CTIA standard
• Physical controls: Rotary knob with an integrated display
• Power supply: 9 V via USB-C using the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard
• Weight: 302.5 g (aluminum alloy version) / 242 g (walnut version)

Bluetooth Specifications

• Bluetooth 5.4
• Supported Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC

General Audio Specifications

• Native decoding: PCM up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD up to DSD512

3.5 mm Single-Ended (SE) Output Specifications

• Output power: 281 mW into 32 Ω
• Output voltage: 3 Vrms into 32 Ω
• Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N): 0.0006%
• Noise floor: 1.8 µV
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 124 dB
• Crosstalk: 70 dBrA
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–90 kHz

4.4 mm Balanced Output Specifications

• Output power: 1,087 mW into 32 Ω
• Output voltage: 5.9 Vrms into 32 Ω
• Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N): 0.0004%
• Noise floor: 2.4 µV
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 126 dB
• Crosstalk: 106 dBrA
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–90 kHz

RCA Line Output Specifications

• Output voltage: 2 Vrms
• Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N): 0.0005%
• Noise floor: 1.2 µV
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–90 kHz

What Comes in the HiBy Digital BD100 Box?

The HiBy Digital BD100 package includes the following items:

• HiBy Digital BD100
• Separate Bluetooth antenna
• Direct-connect microphone
• Warranty card and quality control certificate
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• User manual
• Outer packaging

Release, Pricing, and Availability

The HiBy Digital BD100 is now available in aluminum alloy and walnut versions for US$129 through HiBy’s official AliExpress store.