HiBy FC3 USB DAC Headphone Amp OLED MQA DSD 112mW

The HiBy FC3 is a portable USB DAC and headphone amp with a bright OLED display, MQA decoding and 112mW output per channel for driving a wide range of headphones.

Compact and plug-and-play, the HiBy FC3 converts digital audio from phones, tablets and computers into high-resolution analog sound. It pairs an ES9281AC Pro decoding chip with a built-in headphone amplifier and a small OLED that reports sample rate, volume and decoding format at a glance. The FC3 supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD128 over DoP, and MQA unfolding when used with MQA-capable software, making it a versatile option for mobile and desktop listening setups.

How does the FC3 improve everyday listening?

The FC3 bypasses device audio circuits and delivers cleaner, more detailed sound by handling digital-to-analog conversion externally. Its dedicated DAC and amp reduce noise and jitter compared with typical phone or laptop outputs, revealing more texture in recordings.

• Dedicated ES9281AC Pro DAC for all-format decoding.
• Low-noise headphone amplifier with 112mW output per side (32Ω).
• OLED shows real-time sample rate, volume and format for quick verification.
• Supports PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD128 DoP for high-resolution playback.

What formats and services does the FC3 support?

The FC3 accepts a wide range of high-resolution formats and performs MQA unfolding when used with compatible apps. For full 16x MQA unfolding you’ll need MQA-enabled playback software that can relay authentication and decoding.

• PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128 via DoP.
• MQA hardware decoding with up to 16x unfolding when supported by the chain.
• Works with HiBy Music, TIDAL and other MQA-capable apps to realize enhanced MQA playback.

How easy is it to set up with phones and computers?

Setup is minimal: plug the FC3 into a compatible device and select it as the audio output. Macs and Windows 10 machines recognize it as a plug-and-play USB sound device; many phones also accept it via the appropriate USB adapter without extra drivers.

• Plug & Play on macOS and Windows 10 — no driver installation required.
• Works with iPhone, Android phones and tablets using the correct USB/Lightning adapter.
• No internal battery — draws power from the host device for continuous operation.

What headphones can the FC3 drive?

With 112mW output into 32Ω per channel, the FC3 provides sufficient power for most portable and many desktop headphones. It can handle efficient and moderately demanding models, yielding better dynamics and headroom than typical phone outputs.

• 112mW+112mW@32Ω output for improved headroom and transient response.
• Suitable for in-ear monitors, efficient over-ear headphones, and many higher-sensitivity closed and open backs.
• Not intended as a full-scale desktop amplifier for very low-efficiency, high-impedance planars without additional amplification.

Who is this for: The HiBy FC3 suits listeners who want portable, higher-fidelity sound from phones, tablets and laptops without bulky equipment. Audiophiles who stream high-resolution or MQA content, mobile professionals who need accurate monitoring on the go, and anyone upgrading from built-in device audio will find the FC3 a compact, feature-rich solution.