HiBy’s Tiny BD100 Desktop DAC Packs Dual DACs and Over 1W of Power

HiBy has introduced the BD100, a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier that manages to squeeze an unusually broad set of features into a box barely larger than a stack of coasters. Dual Cirrus Logic DACs, more than a watt of balanced headphone power, Bluetooth 5.4 and even a microphone input make this rather more versatile than the average desktop DAC.

And if the usual black aluminum box feels a little too predictable, HiBy has another answer: walnut side panels and a leather-covered front.

The HiBy BD100 combines dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs with balanced headphone amplification in a compact desktop chassis.

Two CS43198 DACs inside

At the heart of the BD100 are two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, with one assigned to each audio channel.

USB playback supports PCM at resolutions up to 768 kHz/32-bit alongside native DSD512 and DSD256 over DoP. Optical and coaxial inputs support PCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit.

The selection of digital connections is unusually generous for such a small unit. Alongside USB, the BD100 includes optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs plus Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless playback.

There are actually two USB-C connections on the rear panel. One handles data from a computer, smartphone or other USB audio source, while the second provides the BD100 with its 9V DC power.

An external Bluetooth antenna connection, RCA line outputs and the main power switch complete the rear panel.

A 4.4mm balanced output delivers up to 1,087 mW into 32 ohms, alongside a conventional 3.5mm headphone connection.

More than 1W from the balanced output

The front is dominated by a circular color display and a large multifunction control knob.

The display has a resolution of 160 x 160 pixels and provides information including the selected input, playback format, Bluetooth status and volume level.

The control knob handles volume during normal operation before becoming the navigation control when entering the BD100's settings menu.

More importantly for headphone users, HiBy has equipped the front panel with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs.

The 4.4mm connection can deliver up to 1,087 mW into a 32-ohm load, giving the BD100 considerably more output than its compact dimensions might suggest. The standard 3.5mm connection is rated at approximately 281 mW into 32 ohms.

That should make the BD100 suitable for considerably more than easy-to-drive portable headphones, although power requirements will naturally vary between models.

The BD100’s circular color display provides quick access to volume, input selection, playback format and Bluetooth information.

And yes, there is a microphone input

One of the stranger additions is the separate 3.5mm microphone input.

Rather than being designed exclusively as a conventional hi-fi DAC, the BD100 can receive microphone audio through its USB Audio connection while simultaneously handling headphone playback.

That gives it some crossover potential for desktop users, gaming setups, streaming and voice communication without requiring a separate USB microphone interface.

HiBy even includes an external microphone in the package.

For users building a conventional stereo system, the rear RCA connection operates as a line-level output and can feed powered speakers or a separate amplifier.

Aluminum or something considerably more retro

HiBy is offering the BD100 in two noticeably different finishes.

The conventional version uses an aluminum enclosure and weighs approximately 302.5 grams.

The alternative model combines walnut side panels with a leather front panel, giving the little DAC a decidedly more vintage hi-fi appearance. Interestingly, that version is also lighter at approximately 242 grams.

Both measure just 116.8 x 100.6 x 39.7 mm.

The package includes the BD100 itself, a USB-C to USB-C cable, 9V power adapter, Bluetooth antenna and the external microphone.

HiBy offers the BD100 in a traditional aluminum finish or a more distinctive version with walnut side panels and a leather front.

A desktop DAC that refuses to stick to one job

There is no shortage of small desktop DAC/headphone amplifiers today, but the BD100 is at least trying to do something slightly different.

The combination of dual CS43198 DACs, balanced headphone output, optical and coaxial inputs, Bluetooth 5.4, line-level output and microphone support makes it less of a dedicated audiophile box and more of an all-purpose desktop audio hub.

The walnut-and-leather version also gives HiBy something many rivals in this category lack: a bit of personality.