In the world of portable audio, audiophiles constantly seek the best gear to maximize their listening experience, whether on a morning travel or relaxing at home. With an array of portable devices like Digital Audio Players (DAPs) and dongle DAC/amps available, there’s no shortage of options for those looking to extract the finest details from their favorite tracks. But in recent years, a new category has emerged, combining the convenience of wireless connectivity with the performance of high-quality wired setups: Bluetooth DAC/amps, also known as Bluetooth receivers. Among these, the FiiO BTR7 stands out as a device that promises to deliver top-notch audio quality in a compact, versatile package.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Amplifiers | Dual THX AAA-28 |
| DAC Chips | Dual ES9219C |
| Bluetooth Chip | Qualcomm QCC5124 Dual-Core CPU |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD/Adaptive, LDAC |
| Wired Inputs | USB-C, USB-C to Lightning (Apple Deluxe Edition) |
| Wired Outputs | 3.5mm Single-Ended, 4.4mm Balanced |
| Power Output (3.5mm SE) | 165mW @ 16Ω, 160mW @ 32Ω, 18mW @ 300Ω |
| Power Output (4.4mm BAL) | 235mW @ 16Ω, 320mW @ 32Ω, 40mW @ 300Ω |
| Digital Audio Decoding | PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, MQA x8 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <0.00048% |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 118dB |
| Battery Capacity | 880mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 4.5 hours (single-ended), up to 4 hours (balanced) |
| Charging Time | Up to 1.5 hours (wired), up to 3 hours (wireless) |
| Display | 1.3-inch IPS |
| Dimensions | 39.6 x 83.6 x 14.6 mm |
| Weight | 68 grams |
| Price | $199.99 |
What is the FiiO BTR7?
The FiiO BTR7 is a Bluetooth DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and headphone amplifier designed to provide high-fidelity audio through wireless and wired connections. Priced at $309 (or $329 for the Apple-friendly version with a lightning adapter), the BTR7 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the BTR5, by offering improved power output, battery life, and overall performance. With its dual functionality, users can choose between wireless convenience and the superior sound quality of a wired connection, making it an attractive alternative to traditional DAPs or smartphone headphone outputs.
Design and Form Factor
At first glance, the FiiO BTR7 might evoke memories of a miniature Digital Audio Player (DAP), especially with its solid metal casing and sleek, contemporary design. Measuring just 39.6 x 83.6 x 14.6 mm and weighing only 68 grams, this compact device exudes a sense of substantiality due to its robust build quality. The metal enclosure not only enhances the device’s durability but also cleverly serves as an integrated antenna, ensuring stable and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
The BTR7’s design is reflective of FiiO’s signature aesthetic, featuring familiar hexagonal buttons and an angular, gamer-inspired look that echoes the design language of their higher-end models, such as the FiiO M17 Portable High-Resolution Audio Player. Despite its small dimensions, the BTR7 feels well-crafted and solid in hand, contributing to its premium feel.
This compact device is designed for ultimate portability. It’s small enough to slip into the front pocket of your jeans or to be tucked discreetly away in a jacket pocket, making it an exceptionally portable solution for audiophiles on the move. The BTR7 combines a minimalist design with practical functionality, making it a standout choice for those who demand high-quality audio in a portable package. Whether you’re using it while out and about or as part of a stationary setup, the BTR7’s design and build ensure that it remains a durable and stylish companion for all your audio needs
On-Board Controls and Display
One of the standout features of the FiiO BTR7 is its 1.3-inch IPS display. This bright and colorful screen provides essential information at a glance, such as volume levels, battery life, and the current Bluetooth codec or file type being decoded. The on-screen settings menu is easy to navigate, allowing users to adjust gain settings, select digital filters, and switch between EQ presets with ease.
The BTR7’s controls are user-friendly. The power button turns the device on and off, while a multi-function button manages playback, call handling, and voice assistant activation. A rocker switch adjusts the volume with precision, offering 60 increments for fine-tuning your listening experience. The device also supports both single-ended (3.5mm) and balanced (4.4mm) headphone outputs, catering to a wide range of IEMs and headphones.
Packaging and Accessories
FiiO has a reputation for delivering well-thought-out packaging, and the BTR7 is no exception. The device comes in a sleek, black-hinged box that exudes a premium feel. Inside, you’ll find a protective pouch of light grey leather, designed to keep your BTR7 safe from scratches and bumps. The pouch includes cutouts for the screen, microphone, and control buttons, ensuring full functionality while offering protection.
In addition to the BTR7, the package includes two USB cables: a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A cable. These cables allow you to connect the BTR7 to various devices for charging and data transfer. The Apple Deluxe Edition includes an additional USB-C to Lightning cable for iPhone users.
Under the Hood: Amplifiers and DAC Chips
At the heart of the FiiO BTR7 (Buy now at $199.99) lies the technology that makes it a standout device in the world of portable audio. FiiO has equipped the BTR7 with top-of-the-line components that ensure it delivers the best possible audio quality.
The BTR7 is powered by the Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth chip, which supports the latest Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC. This ensures that the BTR7 can handle a wide range of audio formats, from standard Bluetooth audio to high-resolution audio streams.
But the real magic happens inside the BTR7’s dual DAC architecture. The device features two ES9219C DAC chips from ESS Technology, one for each channel. These DAC chips are known for their excellent audio performance, offering high signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and low distortion levels. The dual DAC setup ensures that the BTR7 can deliver a balanced, detailed, and dynamic sound signature, whether you’re listening to high-resolution audio files or streaming music over Bluetooth.
In addition to the dual DACs, the BTR7 is equipped with dual THX AAA-28 amplifiers. THX (originally founded by George Lucas in 1983) is renowned for its audio technologies, and the AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology is one of the company’s most significant innovations. The AAA amplifiers in the BTR7 are designed to deliver high power output with minimal distortion, ensuring that your headphones receive a clean and powerful signal.
The combination of the Qualcomm Bluetooth chip, dual ES9219C DACs, and dual THX AAA-28 amplifiers makes the BTR7 a formidable device in the world of portable audio. Whether you’re using it as a Bluetooth DAC/amp or as a USB DAC, the BTR7 is capable of delivering audiophile-grade sound quality in a compact and portable package.
Wireless and Wired Performance
While the BTR7 shines as a wired USB DAC, it’s primarily marketed as a Bluetooth device. Equipped with Qualcomm’s QCC5124 Bluetooth chip, the BTR7 supports high-resolution audio codecs like aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC, allowing for wireless playback of up to 24-bit/96kHz audio. This makes it one of the most capable Bluetooth DAC/amps on the market, despite the inherent limitations of Bluetooth’s lossy nature.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Listening
Battery life is always a concern with portable audio devices, and the FiiO BTR7 does not disappoint in this regard. The device is equipped with an 880mAh battery, which is capable of providing up to 9 hours of continuous playback time. This makes the BTR7 more than capable of handling a full day of listening, whether you’re using it on your commute, at work, or home.
Charging the BTR7 is straightforward, thanks to its USB-C charging port. The device supports fast charging, meaning you can get a significant amount of playback time with just a short charge. From empty to full, the BTR7 takes approximately 1.5 hours to charge, which is relatively quick considering its battery life.
One of the unique features of the BTR7 is its wireless charging capability. The device is compatible with any Qi-certified wireless charger, making it incredibly convenient to keep the BTR7 topped up without having to worry about cables. This is a rare feature in the world of portable audio devices and adds to the overall convenience of the BTR7.
The combination of long battery life and wireless charging makes the BTR7 a truly portable device that you can rely on throughout the day. Whether you’re using it as a Bluetooth DAC/amp or a USB DAC, you can rest assured that the BTR7 will have enough juice to get you through your listening sessions.
User Experience
Living with the FiiO BTR7 is an absolute pleasure. From the moment you pair it with your smartphone or laptop, the device proves to be reliable and easy to use. Pairing is a breeze, and once connected, the Bluetooth signal remains strong and stable, even when moving around or placing the source device in a different room.
The BTR7 is versatile enough to handle various tasks beyond just music playback. Its built-in microphone allows for clear phone calls, and the device can even be used as a Bluetooth receiver for your TV or stereo system. Whether you’re watching a movie, taking a call, or streaming music, the BTR7 adapts effortlessly to your needs.
Listening Experience
The most important aspect of any audio device is, of course, how it sounds. In this regard, the BTR7 does not disappoint. Whether in wired or wireless mode, the BTR7 delivers a detailed, balanced, and dynamic sound that makes listening to music a joy. The dual THX amps provide a clean and transparent signal, allowing the character of your IEMs or headphones to shine through without adding any coloration.
When using high-sensitivity IEMs like the Ultimate Ears UE LIVE Custom In-Ear Monitors, the BTR7 delivers a noise-free background, letting the music take center stage. Streaming John Mayer’s “Last Train Home” via Qobuz in LDAC Bluetooth mode, the BTR7 captures every nuance of the recording, from the warm, textured vocals to the punchy bass lines and shimmering cymbals.
In wired mode, the BTR7 takes the sound quality up another notch, offering a slightly more cohesive and refined presentation. The differences are subtle but noticeable, particularly in the high-frequency details and overall sense of space. This makes the BTR7 a fantastic option for audiophiles who want the best of both the world’s wireless convenience and wired performance.
Versatility and Compatibility
The BTR7’s versatility extends to its compatibility with a wide range of headphones and IEMs. Whether you’re using it with FiiO’s FF3 Dynamic Earbuds, which pair beautifully with the BTR7’s balanced output, or full-sized headphones like the Focal Clear Open Back, the BTR7 delivers a performance that belies its small size.
Even with more demanding headphones like the Sennheiser HD800s, the BTR7 holds its own, providing enough power to drive them to satisfactory levels. While it may not match the performance of higher-powered desktop amps, the BTR7 is more than capable of handling most portable listening scenarios, making it a versatile companion for any audiophile.
Comparison with Competitors: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
The FiiO BTR7 is not the only Bluetooth DAC/amp on the market, and it’s essential to understand how it stacks up against the competition. This section will compare the BTR7 with some of its main competitors, including the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon, EarMen Sparrow, and Qudelix-5K.
iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon:
The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon is one of the most popular Bluetooth DAC/amps in the market, known for its excellent sound quality and versatile features. Like the BTR7, the Gryphon supports many Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC and aptX HD. However, the Gryphon is larger and heavier than the BTR7, making it less portable. The Gryphon also lacks the BTR7’s wireless charging capability. Both devices are excellent in terms of sound quality, but the Gryphon has a slightly warmer sound signature, while the BTR7 is more neutral and detailed.
EarMen Sparrow:
The EarMen Sparrow is a compact and affordable Bluetooth DAC/amp that offers excellent sound quality for its size. However, the Sparrow is more of a budget-friendly option and lacks some of the features found in the BTR7, such as a display, wireless charging, and dual DACs. The Sparrow is a great option for those on a budget, but if you’re looking for a more feature-rich device, the BTR7 is the better choice.
Qudelix-5K:
The Qudelix-5K is another popular Bluetooth DAC/amp that has gained a loyal following among audiophiles. Like the BTR7, the Qudelix-5K supports a wide range of Bluetooth codecs and has a compact design. However, the Qudelix-5K lacks the BTR7’s dual DACs and THX amplifiers, which give the BTR7 an edge in terms of sound quality and power output. The Qudelix-5K does have a more extensive EQ customization feature, making it a great choice for those who like to fine-tune their sound.
The FiiO Control App
FiiO’s BTR7 is more than just a plug-and-play device; it offers a level of customization that enhances the user experience. The FiiO Control app, available for both Android and iOS, allows users to fine-tune their BTR7 to their liking. The app offers a range of EQ presets, from “Jazz” to “Rock,” as well as a 10-band equalizer for more precise adjustments. Users can also control volume limits, and channel balance, and toggle a “Boost” mode for more demanding headphones.
Additionally, the app enables firmware updates, ensuring that your BTR7 stays up to date with the latest features and improvements. This level of control and customization sets the BTR7 apart from many other portable DAC/amps, making it a smart choice for users who want to tailor their listening experience to their preferences.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-Quality Sound: Dual THX AAA-28 amplifiers and ES9219C DAC chips provide detailed and powerful audio performance, both in wired and wireless modes.
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports a variety of Bluetooth codecs (including LDAC and aptX HD), and features both single-ended and balanced outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm).
- Compact and Durable Design: Lightweight yet robust, with a metal enclosure and a compact form factor that fits easily in pockets.
- Intuitive Controls and Display: Features a clear 1.3-inch IPS screen and user-friendly controls for volume, playback, and settings adjustments.
- Excellent Battery Life: Long-lasting battery with up to 4.5 hours of playback, and compatibility with wireless charging.
Cons:
- Price Point: At $309 to $329, it may be considered expensive for some users, especially those new to high-end portable audio gear.
- Limited Power for High-Impedance Headphones: While adequate for most IEMs and earbuds, the power output may fall short for demanding, high-impedance headphones.
- No Track Information Display: The screen does not show detailed track information, which may be a drawback for some users.
- Initial Setup Complexity: New users might find the initial setup and pairing process a bit complex, requiring familiarity with the device’s settings and app.
Conclusion
The FiiO BTR7 is a remarkable device that combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of wireless connectivity and high-quality wired audio performance. Its impressive build quality, powerful THX amplifiers, and versatile functionality make it an essential tool for audiophiles On-the-move.
Whether you’re using it to stream high-resolution audio wirelessly or as a USB DAC for your laptop, the BTR7 delivers a listening experience that is both enjoyable and technically impressive. Its compact size and robust feature set make it an ideal companion for anyone looking to enhance their portable audio setup without compromising on sound quality.
In a market saturated with portable audio devices, the FiiO BTR7 stands out as a top-tier option that offers both flexibility and performance. For those who demand the best from their music, the BTR7 is a device that delivers on all fronts, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile’s collection.