Got one sat next to me, right now and I love it. Having owned DAC/amp combo’s and DAC/amp stacks from a few of the well regarded brands, all connected to a wiim, I can safely say this performs as well as them and is by far the most elegant desktop solution, for me. I hated having to use my phone and having 3 boxes and wires cluttering up the desk, and this device cures all of that. So if you’re looking for a well performing 1-box, desktop solution for HP listening, definitely give it a test.
I used to be the tech family member that fixed everybody’s computer. Now, I struggle changing the clock on my stove. I’m 53. The age comment is hilariously accurate.
Where is my tiny violin (for all of us)? I’m 72 (for another three weeks) and I, too, was once the family techie. Now, I am lucky to have an 11-year-old grandson and a 13-year-old granddaughter to help me out. And when they time-out in a few years, maybe my 2-year-old grandson will be there for me.
Hi Randy thanks for the review. Here are some things I think are relevant. 1. It has a VU meter display 2. Supports external screen via USB-C, I have mine hooked up to a portable 15.6 " screen 3. You can get a remote. 4. Mine came with a little wedge stand to tilt it to a better viewing angle.
Couple other things I think he didn't mention. You can buy a $25 remote for it. You can hook up a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to it. And the FiiO app on your phone will control it.
I own both the FIIO R7 and a Geshelli Labs J2 DAC. In no way the J2 outperforms the R7. R7 really shines when connected to a decent DC PSU- that pushes the little box to a higher level- especially with the head-amp-section. As a DAC it outperforms an RME ADI2 DAC FS. As a streamer it is fantastic. I find it to be important to choose the right music player software- best of all with this device- at least to my ears- is the Usb Audio Player Pro App on Android- no competition for that- make the right configuration and nothing will be left to be desired! To me R7 presents the future of HiFi- less cables- how I hate them ;- ), less space needed, ultra short signal paths, all in one! Next step- a flagship design- let's call it Fiio untypically R12! Greetingz!
I agree, the device sounds different depending on how you're using it, and what app you're using, USB Audio Player running Tidal is my pick. And upgrading the power supply away from the stock 3 pin plug is key to getting it sounding great, I'm using an IFI 12v atm which is a little under the amperage spec but big big improvement over the stock power input.
I've owned FiiO R7 a while now. One thing I learnt was it sounds very thin and unimpressive if you use its standard 3 pin power plug, sounds like there's lots of noise going on inside. When I connected an IFI 12V power supply it improved the sound quite a bit. It also sounds different depending how you're using it, what app you're using to play music, I think USB Audio Player Pro sounds better running Tidal than the stock Tidal app. Keep in mind though FiiO rate the external power supply at 12v - 3A, the IFI is only about 1.8A, but its fine for IEMs and less demanding gear. FiiO released the linear power supply option for a reason, because with so much going on inside, its an electrical noisy device.
Great video, my thoughts would lead me to believe this might be good for a dedicated listening room. I feel the balanced outs to monoblocks would make a great option for it to be on a coffee table next to you, to support your headphones and having the ability to just reach over and swap it over to speakers.
I went back & forth over buying the Fiio R7 or the Eversolo DMP A6 for several months....and ultimately spent more $$$ & got the DMP A6 Master Edition.
Got one sitting next to my bed. My main headphone listening spot. Its replaced my previous pi based streamer. Fed mostly from Roon but many other apps just a short touch away. Its sounds awesome and the balanced outputs push my hard to drive headphones with ease. I love it. Linear psu inbound also.
Integrating an Android device is a good idea, but I kept my old phone as a remote. That old phone can also serve as a control interface through the USB interface. This makes the Fiio expensively redundant.
They already dropped firmware support for the R7 not too long ago. Wasn’t even surprising that FiiO wouldn’t be updating or fixing issues like audio delay through usb input on the device.
I have this on order and will immediately install Poweramp on it, plug in my 2tb music card. I will manly use it in my bedroom and media room (easy to move by buying an additional power cord). Looking forward to getting my music away from my computer or no longer having one cable from my DAP to the amp then one cable going to my headphones, so much easier and less faff. Is it the best amp no but still very good for how I plan to use it.
If it's an open android OS, install HiBy Music & set it up as the default audio player. Then use HiBy cast on your IOS/Android phone to remotely control your music player. Addendum: Both devices have to be on the same LAN/WiFi network. You're welcome.
I believe the form factor is designed to create a smaller footprint where space may be limited and best utilize the screen with vertical oriented apps like our phone. Although not entirely future proof software updates should be easy to access. I might consider using this with my Buchardts to have a centralized visible hub as well as a headphone amp.
You didn't get the external power supply? Apparently that should make a noticeable difference on the sound quality. It's a 160 bucks more, but at least JD pointed out that it's well worth the SQ upgrade.
When I am sitting 10 feet away, I don't have eagle eyes to read the display screen. I was able to ENLARGE the display by connecting a 27 inch Samsung monitor to the FiiO R7 USB C port, along with the FiiO RM3 remote, I saved myself many trips of getting up and sitting down. I've tried the R7 in three scenarios, a) connected to my main system with USB C cable and remote b) sitting next to my PC/Mac with no streaming apps installed in my PC/Mac c) sitting on my bedroom night stand. I tried USB-C to HDMI cable, FAILED; unfortunately, very few TVs have USB C port input. Eversolo runs Android Ver 11 and FiiO R7 runs Android Ver 10. The latest stable Android version 14 was released on Oct 2023. Knowing that I still bought the R7 for the features and fun factors. When I upgrade my main system with better DAC or streamer, the R7 can migrate to my couch or nightstand setup as headphone amp.
@@charlienyc1 You can move the unit around as you upgrade your system. When I upgrade my main system getting a better streamer and DAC, I will move the FiiO R7 to either bedside or use it with my PC/Mac.
It's pretty neat no doubt. The price tag can be a bit off putting. Also, it runs on Android 10 and that is no longer supported. I am not sure how smooth it will run in the future
Thanks Randy.. your reviews are always a treat to watch full of details... I have a question, between Arylic BP50, Aiyima T2 and Aiyima T8 which one is better as a clean and detailed sounding preamp for my Edifier MR2 speakers? I will be really grateful if you kindly reply me... Thank you very very 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Great video! At 63, I hear ya on the "old guy"/new technology confusion. I am stepping back into two channel listening and still can't wrap my head completely around this streaming stuff.
I can hear ya, (even with diminished hearing at 65). When I got back into 2 channel a few years ago, I took the advice of getting an integrated amp with a DAC (found a good brand used). I have the old Chrome Audio puck. That got me started in a somewhat simple way. I can upgrade to a separate DAC if I want and certainly could use a new streamer, which is why I'm considering a Streamer/DAC combo.
Still enjoying two FiiO BTA30Pro's; one is being used in the home office as a DAC between PC (source) and a vintage receiver (Hitachi SR-503L + Marantz EQ20; via RCA); the other in receive (RX) mode with android phone as source (BT LDAC)...connected to the family room vintage receiver (Hitachi SR-903) via RCA. Both receivers are in pristine condition and used with either speakers or headphones. As well, I sometimes choose wireless for the office by placing the BTA30 Pro in transmit (TX) mode; pairing it to either my Sony headset or BT earhooks (KZ AZ09 Pro) w/ IEM's (e.g. S12 Pro's, HEXA's...). The BTA30Pro is do darn versatile with TX, RX and DAC modes. At only $125...a no brainer imho.
I bought one for my desktop at work and well...agreed still trying to figure it all out. It's great for the purpose though. I've got it connected to 5w tube amp using Amazon music on the android but I've had a hard time getting it to play nice with my laptop dock
Most people have as good or better DAC’s and headphone amps already. FIIO needs to make that streamer as a standalone product also, not just an “integrated” solution. Duh!
Great review Love the form factor of this device but concerned that the sound quality has had a few question marks against it. Not into online pay per month services. I want to own my music library. I'm just an old grump.
I made a ghetto version out of a Wiim Mini, Fosi BT20A Pro, SMSL SU-1, Sony BDP-S3700 and Jamo S803s and an Umidigi 10.1"Android 14 tablet as the controller with Apple, Amazon, TH-cam and Tidal all on the home screen. John Darko's review convinced me to stick with what I have.
Man, I’ve just learned you’re exactly my age! And it’s a bit hearwarming to see youtubers my age being successful since I’m just starting my journey :)
YES! ABSOLUTELY! 😅 like the R7.. BUT.. I'm not a roon user. I absolutely hate that I can't control the R7 with my phone. It won't even connect to FiiO's own app.?? I emailed FiiO when I first received the unit. They're reply was, "they were hoping... to get to this in a future update. A future update😡 You've got to be kidding me. I also have the DMP-A6 master. Connects to my phone instantly. Even my 1st gen Blusound Vault connects to my phone or tablet or my receiver. The R7 could be great.. but FiiO totally dropped the ball on this. It's like having GPS but you have to visit the satellite to enter your destination. The Wiim pro also connects to my phone instantly. It even let's me delete individual tracs on the Blusound streamer. Something I can't even do on the Blusound app. I have to delete an entire playlist. FiiO ran to the goal and then just stopped. Pathetic.
There are some amazing cutting-edge features out there that are chomping at the bit to be assigned to one gadget or another. As amazing as some of these features may be, they can sill ditch if they end up on the wrong device. For example, who wants spacial audio on a can opener?
I don't honestly understand sticking a dedicated device screen onto a stream/dac. I would rather stream to a dac from my phone, computer, or something that I already stream from. You could buy a cheap android device for a couple of bucks as a dedicated source and attach it to a plethora of dacs for a fraction of the cost. Or better yet a phone, tablet, or a wiim and a remote. Maybe if they stuck in an amp to have it aio? As it is, it's overpriced non-sense. Maybe if they made a cheap device that just had a screen that worked like carplay or auto play in your car.... which can be updated from the source at will. Having the device/screen interface attached just feels like a bad idea.
@@mychildrenareashamedtobese3398 Yeah that is precisely my point. You can build an amazing amount of variations that will be better for less money. Without even much creativity or research.
android device as source means sound quality is already compromised I use a portable dap by Hiby, it streams Tidal in a simple way and plays any file format, sounds as good on headphones as any high end stereo set costing 20k and fits in my pocket and is simple stupid to use. I stream mqa files and have dsd 256 stuff all on memory card on the device. plug in to your livingroom set with a wire ir using LDAC by bluetooth, no compromise in quality. You dont want your music running through an android stack.
I'm 66 and some of this stuff confuses me a little too. LOL I think the shape of that unit will hurt sales. I'm looking at my system and if it was laid out horizontally I could put it in my system. As it is now, I would have to set it on the floor. So you are correct.
had one since release. great product and even have my tv linked in via optical. output to either headphones or a pair of triangle aio twins and jamo sub. perfect for both music and films. the thx amps are fine and i have no problems with sibilance, then again, i use an external power supply. not the one by FiiO as thats over priced. a good quality power supply by any other brand, outputting 12v & +3A, is fine. this works as a great pre-amp/streamer should you not 100% like the inbuilt amp sound. going to a tube amp really is nice. there is a remote control available for this, if you find phone+FiiO app a pain.
@@luiscastro5456 I got this one from Amazon and it works perfectly - HOUHUI 12V 6A Power Supply Adapter, AC 100-240V to DC 12 Volt 6 Amp 72W, Transformer Charger - its pretty cheap too.
Good day brother, please tell me, what I need to know is I'm using an active Airpulse 100 active speakers connected to my PC, the question is if any reason to get an amp or maybe get a better sound card to improve and not just technically but so I can hear some difference, is there anyway and what's the best for active pare since they already do have power built in. Thank you so much and have the greatest day ever!! Really love what you are doing here!! Thanks
This is something I’ve wanted since i had heard about it. I want it on my night stand so i can lay in bed with amazing sound and it has all the software already.
I haven't gotten to say I got here first in a LOOOOOONG time. Tis the season! While I love that it's an Android interface, I agree that it's not gonna be a good long-term buy for most users. I have several 40yo amps that still get used, but tech from less than 20 years ago ages like spoiled milk.
use a portable dap an plug into your old gear I hqve a hiby dap fits in my pocket and at home can plug in to my 50 year old Luxman class A amp and Polk speaker setup. nothing modern matches s that gear but the portable dap is brilliant, 0.00001% THD. And when I go out my library comes with me and I can stream my tidal library as well, it fits in a shirt pocket with a set of in ear monitors, which are actual planars. Best of old and new. Forget gear like this fiio thing.
Thanks for your take on this unit. Interesting equipment, but holding out for the Emotiva XDA-3. No need at the moment for a streamer in my setup. Get well soon my friend. All the best.
If a Wiim could run Roon natively and take that processing off of my computer I'd buy that. This thing seems like overkill and I agree that it will likely become obsolete.
Great channel, i need a subwoofer for a room size 12x15 i have 100-inch screen with a pair of klipsch R-51m with a fosi audio BL 20C receiver which does an awesome job. I'm looking for 8sw or 10sw down firing or front firing not sue the difference except how bass waves goes. Any suggestions 🤔
If people are buying these things because how they look then stick with the Eversolo, this one looks cheap in comparison. Otherwise one can get better sound with a combination of other streamers/dacs if one doesnt care about the diaplay screen.
Speak for yourselves. Im 61 and I am still an electronic and gadget guru. Vaccum tubes, giant metal capacitors, glass fuses, punch tape, I can do them all.
I will NEVER buy an Apple product...Ever; I 've always been a DIY'er & Apple is the antithesis of hands-on Tech. As for the "Trendiness" of the product you have a point but when a product works, why change for the sake of change? My One Plus 8T is 3+years old and looks brand new, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage & $450 US out the door. I still have my NAD 7140 Receiver (circa 1984) & Linn KAN Mk.1 Stand Speakers at my workstation/study. I do have a SMSL SU-9 DAC and both solid state & a tube Amps for Headphone use so this product for me is superfluous. Good Review though.
I'm an Android user and agree with everything you've said. However, I am confused what not buying an Apple device has to do with this unit. If anything, it didn't seem to integrate well with Randy's iPhone.
It runs a custom version of Android 10. 4 years old OS today. But looks like a cool streamer🤔 And why use EQ? That's just a way of cheating. My rule: If it needs EQ it's not good enough🤷♂️
That is the main reason why so many people in the World prefer Android to Apple. Want another? That annoying lightning connector... The European Union was sensible enough to say "USB-C only within our borders. Apple, wanna sell here? FY!" LOL!
Great streamer, but it has lots of "buts" stopping me from buying. Unsupported Android because Fiio bought too many cheap Snapdragon 660 SoC which has no LTS Android, delays with USB DAC (no XMOS) and it takes too much space being empty. Why not add SATA 2.5 HDD slot?
I'm 54 years old; can someone explain to me -- as if I were a 5 year old child -- exactly what a "streamer" is? I have an off-brand Android box with (obviously) no screen; can I use it as a "streamer"?
A streamer allows you to play music from a streaming service. That means Spotify, TH-cam Music, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, etc. Most streamers also allow you to play back music stored locally, whether on a hard drive, USB flash drive, SD or micro SD card, or NAS (network attached storage) unit.
@@charlienyc1 I have a knock-off brand Android box with (obviously) no built-in display. Do I need to buy some kind of monitor in order to use it as a streamer, or can I run it from my phone?
@@charlienyc1 Yes! ...But the room where I'd like to use it as a streamer is not well-suited to deploying a conventional display like an old TV or something.
@@CinemaDemocratica Hmm... Really any monitor these days will have an HDMI input. You could get a little 5" display for instance. That box may be intended for TV playback vs audio streaming, but then again maybe it'll do both okay. You have it there, so it's worth a shot to see.
Sadly for anti apple folks, it’s much easier to stream bit perfect wired to a dac from an IOS device than one running android. That creepy convenience thing strikes again.
@@mychildrenareashamedtobese3398never had problems with getting bit perfect out of android, but needed applications for it like hiby music or eddict player etc. So if apple do it out of box, that's really nice. But I'm android fan anyways due to other reasons 😂.
Someone else did a review on this device, which uses Android as an OS, which eventually won’t be supported by Android or something similar to it. My personal opinion, not worth buying.
"Won't be supported by Android"?? Android is an operating system, not a manufacturer. Perhaps the hardware and software won't allow you to upgrade the operating system, but that only means that what works now will always work. The limitation here is your thought process. Let me guess: You're an Apple user.
Thanks to the video did you realize that AC/DC got their name from their grandmother they saw it on the back of a sewing machine it said AC/DC and they said hey that's cool I'll goofy is that have a great day Marco audio stuff thanks I don't need it anymore audio stuff but maybe I need it I don't know man I got some stuff
Got one sat next to me, right now and I love it.
Having owned DAC/amp combo’s and DAC/amp stacks from a few of the well regarded brands, all connected to a wiim, I can safely say this performs as well as them and is by far the most elegant desktop solution, for me.
I hated having to use my phone and having 3 boxes and wires cluttering up the desk, and this device cures all of that.
So if you’re looking for a well performing 1-box, desktop solution for HP listening, definitely give it a test.
I used to be the tech family member that fixed everybody’s computer. Now, I struggle changing the clock on my stove. I’m 53. The age comment is hilariously accurate.
Where is my tiny violin (for all of us)? I’m 72 (for another three weeks) and I, too, was once the family techie. Now, I am lucky to have an 11-year-old grandson and a 13-year-old granddaughter to help me out. And when they time-out in a few years, maybe my 2-year-old grandson will be there for me.
Hi Randy thanks for the review. Here are some things I think are relevant.
1. It has a VU meter display
2. Supports external screen via USB-C, I have mine hooked up to a portable 15.6 " screen
3. You can get a remote.
4. Mine came with a little wedge stand to tilt it to a better viewing angle.
Ooh, nice detail there with the external display capability. I have one of those (same size) that sits mostly unused.
Haha - you sold me
Couple other things I think he didn't mention. You can buy a $25 remote for it. You can hook up a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to it. And the FiiO app on your phone will control it.
I own both the FIIO R7 and a Geshelli Labs J2 DAC. In no way the J2 outperforms the R7. R7 really shines when connected to a decent DC PSU- that pushes the little box to a higher level- especially with the head-amp-section. As a DAC it outperforms an RME ADI2 DAC FS. As a streamer it is fantastic. I find it to be important to choose the right music player software- best of all with this device- at least to my ears- is the Usb Audio Player Pro App on Android- no competition for that- make the right configuration and nothing will be left to be desired! To me R7 presents the future of HiFi- less cables- how I hate them ;- ), less space needed, ultra short signal paths, all in one! Next step- a flagship design- let's call it Fiio untypically R12! Greetingz!
Can you control apple music from an iPhone in a different room 💪🏽😎
I agree, the device sounds different depending on how you're using it, and what app you're using, USB Audio Player running Tidal is my pick. And upgrading the power supply away from the stock 3 pin plug is key to getting it sounding great, I'm using an IFI 12v atm which is a little under the amperage spec but big big improvement over the stock power input.
I've owned FiiO R7 a while now. One thing I learnt was it sounds very thin and unimpressive if you use its standard 3 pin power plug, sounds like there's lots of noise going on inside. When I connected an IFI 12V power supply it improved the sound quite a bit. It also sounds different depending how you're using it, what app you're using to play music, I think USB Audio Player Pro sounds better running Tidal than the stock Tidal app. Keep in mind though FiiO rate the external power supply at 12v - 3A, the IFI is only about 1.8A, but its fine for IEMs and less demanding gear. FiiO released the linear power supply option for a reason, because with so much going on inside, its an electrical noisy device.
Great video, my thoughts would lead me to believe this might be good for a dedicated listening room. I feel the balanced outs to monoblocks would make a great option for it to be on a coffee table next to you, to support your headphones and having the ability to just reach over and swap it over to speakers.
The SD card is full sized with a mini adapter built into the plug. Both work fine.
I use it for two channel only and I love it.
I went back & forth over buying the Fiio R7 or the Eversolo DMP A6 for several months....and ultimately spent more $$$ & got the DMP A6 Master Edition.
Can I connect the A6 to my PC?
@@stacksmasher Sure.
Got one sitting next to my bed. My main headphone listening spot. Its replaced my previous pi based streamer. Fed mostly from Roon but many other apps just a short touch away. Its sounds awesome and the balanced outputs push my hard to drive headphones with ease. I love it. Linear psu inbound also.
Nice. I’m thinking that it might be the only way to get Apple hi res lossless to my Naim NDX?
Integrating an Android device is a good idea, but I kept my old phone as a remote. That old phone can also serve as a control interface through the USB interface. This makes the Fiio expensively redundant.
🤣 That's hilarious. Randy isn't Android savvy. That's all I've ever known. Btw...I'm 50!🤣
They already dropped firmware support for the R7 not too long ago. Wasn’t even surprising that FiiO wouldn’t be updating or fixing issues like audio delay through usb input on the device.
I have this on order and will immediately install Poweramp on it, plug in my 2tb music card. I will manly use it in my bedroom and media room (easy to move by buying an additional power cord). Looking forward to getting my music away from my computer or no longer having one cable from my DAP to the amp then one cable going to my headphones, so much easier and less faff. Is it the best amp no but still very good for how I plan to use it.
We’re not old…just seasoned. lol
It looks good but I don’t wanna leave finger prints all over it.
Thinking an old tablet paired with an OTG cable and a good DAC would be a better investment long term.
I was thinking of the same thing. Building a little enclosure for a table or phone and a DAC.
I've done this with my Android tablet, yet still picked up a streamer. One function per device has its advantages.
If it's an open android OS, install HiBy Music & set it up as the default audio player. Then use HiBy cast on your IOS/Android phone to remotely control your music player. Addendum: Both devices have to be on the same LAN/WiFi network.
You're welcome.
Does the equalizer for the R7 go into effect with all inputs? Bluetooth, Wifi, USB, Optical, Coax, etc?
I believe the form factor is designed to create a smaller footprint where space may be limited and best utilize the screen with vertical oriented apps like our phone. Although not entirely future proof software updates should be easy to access. I might consider using this with my Buchardts to have a centralized visible hub as well as a headphone amp.
For goodness people, just put a CD on and start enjoying music again.............the proper way!
The FiiO RM3 remote is available to control the R7.
This would be cool if built into a dedicated listening chair, your little star trek music console.
You didn't get the external power supply? Apparently that should make a noticeable difference on the sound quality. It's a 160 bucks more, but at least JD pointed out that it's well worth the SQ upgrade.
ive tried both, custom soundcard and custom dac psu, both sound great, better than any portables
When I am sitting 10 feet away, I don't have eagle eyes to read the display screen. I was able to ENLARGE the display by connecting a 27 inch Samsung monitor to the FiiO R7 USB C port, along with the FiiO RM3 remote, I saved myself many trips of getting up and sitting down. I've tried the R7 in three scenarios, a) connected to my main system with USB C cable and remote b) sitting next to my PC/Mac with no streaming apps installed in my PC/Mac c) sitting on my bedroom night stand. I tried USB-C to HDMI cable, FAILED; unfortunately, very few TVs have USB C port input. Eversolo runs Android Ver 11 and FiiO R7 runs Android Ver 10. The latest stable Android version 14 was released on Oct 2023. Knowing that I still bought the R7 for the features and fun factors. When I upgrade my main system with better DAC or streamer, the R7 can migrate to my couch or nightstand setup as headphone amp.
It seems nearly infinitely flexible.
@@charlienyc1 You can move the unit around as you upgrade your system. When I upgrade my main system getting a better streamer and DAC, I will move the FiiO R7 to either bedside or use it with my PC/Mac.
It's pretty neat no doubt. The price tag can be a bit off putting. Also, it runs on Android 10 and that is no longer supported. I am not sure how smooth it will run in the future
Thanks Randy.. your reviews are always a treat to watch full of details... I have a question, between Arylic BP50, Aiyima T2 and Aiyima T8 which one is better as a clean and detailed sounding preamp for my Edifier MR2 speakers? I will be really grateful if you kindly reply me... Thank you very very 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Great video! At 63, I hear ya on the "old guy"/new technology confusion. I am stepping back into two channel listening and still can't wrap my head completely around this streaming stuff.
I can hear ya, (even with diminished hearing at 65). When I got back into 2 channel a few years ago, I took the advice of getting an integrated amp with a DAC (found a good brand used). I have the old Chrome Audio puck. That got me started in a somewhat simple way. I can upgrade to a separate DAC if I want and certainly could use a new streamer, which is why I'm considering a Streamer/DAC combo.
When I was buying a few months ago.... I was choosing between this and the Node X. I chose the Node X and I love it.
Still enjoying two FiiO BTA30Pro's; one is being used in the home office as a DAC between PC (source) and a vintage receiver (Hitachi SR-503L + Marantz EQ20; via RCA); the other in receive (RX) mode with android phone as source (BT LDAC)...connected to the family room vintage receiver (Hitachi SR-903) via RCA. Both receivers are in pristine condition and used with either speakers or headphones. As well, I sometimes choose wireless for the office by placing the BTA30 Pro in transmit (TX) mode; pairing it to either my Sony headset or BT earhooks (KZ AZ09 Pro) w/ IEM's (e.g. S12 Pro's, HEXA's...).
The BTA30Pro is do darn versatile with TX, RX and DAC modes. At only $125...a no brainer imho.
Question is WiiM pro plus ($350 Au) or this Au$1149? I can appreciate the gulf in class here, but my limited cash goes to the WiiM, for now.
I'm looking for something with a optical output mainly to connect to my vehicle for media purposes any recommendations? Thanks
Great review as usual but wondering when you’re going to review the Schiit Magni Unity with the DAC for us more budget minded Headphone listeners?
I bought one for my desktop at work and well...agreed still trying to figure it all out. It's great for the purpose though. I've got it connected to 5w tube amp using Amazon music on the android but I've had a hard time getting it to play nice with my laptop dock
Looks like you werent using the balanced HP outputs. Thats probably why you felt the amp was underpowered.
Good catch. I was too busy perusing the comments to notice.
Most people have as good or better DAC’s and headphone amps already. FIIO needs to make that streamer
as a standalone product also,
not just an “integrated” solution. Duh!
Great review Love the form factor of this device but concerned that the sound quality has had a few question marks against it. Not into online pay per month services. I want to own my music library. I'm just an old grump.
How do you use this as an external DAC for my computer?
I made a ghetto version out of a Wiim Mini, Fosi BT20A Pro, SMSL SU-1, Sony BDP-S3700 and Jamo S803s and an Umidigi 10.1"Android 14 tablet as the controller with Apple, Amazon, TH-cam and Tidal all on the home screen. John Darko's review convinced me to stick with what I have.
Do Android 14 have bit perfect output? Thank you!
There's bluetooth remote control available for it for like 20 bucks.
Man, I’ve just learned you’re exactly my age! And it’s a bit hearwarming to see youtubers my age being successful since I’m just starting my journey :)
I have really been getting 2020 MKBHD vibes from your new chapter screen
Does the R7 allow you to fully control Apple Music from your iPhone like the eversolo?
Not at present
YES! ABSOLUTELY! 😅 like the R7.. BUT.. I'm not a roon user. I absolutely hate that I can't control the R7 with my phone. It won't even connect to FiiO's own app.?? I emailed FiiO when I first received the unit. They're reply was, "they were hoping... to get to this in a future update. A future update😡 You've got to be kidding me. I also have the DMP-A6 master. Connects to my phone instantly. Even my 1st gen Blusound Vault connects to my phone or tablet or my receiver. The R7 could be great.. but FiiO totally dropped the ball on this. It's like having GPS but you have to visit the satellite to enter your destination. The Wiim pro also connects to my phone instantly. It even let's me delete individual tracs on the Blusound streamer. Something I can't even do on the Blusound app. I have to delete an entire playlist. FiiO ran to the goal and then just stopped. Pathetic.
Pretty much how I felt when I found out Tidal Connect wasn't supported.
Good Sunday Randy. Good review. Interesting product. Perhaps not for some like myself. I do appreciate your observations here. Thank you.
There are some amazing cutting-edge features out there that are chomping at the bit to be assigned to one gadget or another. As amazing as some of these features may be, they can sill ditch if they end up on the wrong device. For example, who wants spacial audio on a can opener?
Any FiiO R7 owners if they are using external DAC with R7? Denafrips? Gustard? Just looking down the road for upgrades.
Imagine this form factor but with better sound quality, and an integrated Class D amp. Balanced inputs/outputs might not even be essential either.
I picked up a used Cambridge CXN V1 for
I don't honestly understand sticking a dedicated device screen onto a stream/dac. I would rather stream to a dac from my phone, computer, or something that I already stream from. You could buy a cheap android device for a couple of bucks as a dedicated source and attach it to a plethora of dacs for a fraction of the cost. Or better yet a phone, tablet, or a wiim and a remote. Maybe if they stuck in an amp to have it aio? As it is, it's overpriced non-sense.
Maybe if they made a cheap device that just had a screen that worked like carplay or auto play in your car.... which can be updated from the source at will. Having the device/screen interface attached just feels like a bad idea.
A much better solution would be a cheap phone stand/enclosure with space to hide wires an adaptors to make a tidy looking diy headphone station.
@@mychildrenareashamedtobese3398 Yeah that is precisely my point. You can build an amazing amount of variations that will be better for less money. Without even much creativity or research.
android device as source means sound quality is already compromised I use a portable dap by Hiby, it streams Tidal in a simple way and plays any file format, sounds as good on headphones as any high end stereo set costing 20k and fits in my pocket and is simple stupid to use. I stream mqa files and have dsd 256 stuff all on memory card on the device. plug in to your livingroom set with a wire ir using LDAC by bluetooth, no compromise in quality. You dont want your music running through an android stack.
Will you review R9?
I'm 66 and some of this stuff confuses me a little too. LOL I think the shape of that unit will hurt sales. I'm looking at my system and if it was laid out horizontally I could put it in my system. As it is now, I would have to set it on the floor. So you are correct.
Thank you Randy
had one since release. great product and even have my tv linked in via optical. output to either headphones or a pair of triangle aio twins and jamo sub. perfect for both music and films. the thx amps are fine and i have no problems with sibilance, then again, i use an external power supply. not the one by FiiO as thats over priced. a good quality power supply by any other brand, outputting 12v & +3A, is fine.
this works as a great pre-amp/streamer should you not 100% like the inbuilt amp sound. going to a tube amp really is nice.
there is a remote control available for this, if you find phone+FiiO app a pain.
which power supply would recommend ?
@@luiscastro5456 I got this one from Amazon and it works perfectly - HOUHUI 12V 6A Power Supply Adapter, AC 100-240V to DC 12 Volt 6 Amp 72W, Transformer Charger - its pretty cheap too.
An iOS user saying this was worth learning Android to use, that really says a lot in favor of this device imo
The only thing I could focus on was the spec of debris on your left glasses lens
Good day brother, please tell me, what I need to know is I'm using an active Airpulse 100 active speakers connected to my PC, the question is if any reason to get an amp or maybe get a better sound card to improve and not just technically but so I can hear some difference, is there anyway and what's the best for active pare since they already do have power built in. Thank you so much and have the greatest day ever!! Really love what you are doing here!! Thanks
Wavelet is a good solution for a eq selection and tuning for headphones
they are coming out with the fiio R9 btw the r7 has lag issues on it's initial release
This is something I’ve wanted since i had heard about it. I want it on my night stand so i can lay in bed with amazing sound and it has all the software already.
Mini SD is this thing 15 years old 😂
I haven't gotten to say I got here first in a LOOOOOONG time. Tis the season! While I love that it's an Android interface, I agree that it's not gonna be a good long-term buy for most users. I have several 40yo amps that still get used, but tech from less than 20 years ago ages like spoiled milk.
use a portable dap an plug into your old gear I hqve a hiby dap fits in my pocket and at home can plug in to my 50 year old Luxman class A amp and Polk speaker setup. nothing modern matches s that gear but the portable dap is brilliant, 0.00001% THD. And when I go out my library comes with me and I can stream my tidal library as well, it fits in a shirt pocket with a set of in ear monitors, which are actual planars. Best of old and new. Forget gear like this fiio thing.
Now do an Eversolo
DMP vs FiiO R7 shootout.
I already bought the Master Edition.
But I'm curious to hear which does a better job as a streaming DAC.
I'll stick to my node x even without a screen.
Thanks for your take on this unit. Interesting equipment, but holding out for the Emotiva XDA-3. No need at the moment for a streamer in my setup. Get well soon my friend. All the best.
Like you say, personally I wouldn’t use this due to how you have to use it upright
Sounds like it’s a ways away from the product it should be and hopefully will be. I’ll be keeping an eye out for upgrades.
If a Wiim could run Roon natively and take that processing off of my computer I'd buy that. This thing seems like overkill and I agree that it will likely become obsolete.
Great channel, i need a subwoofer for a room size 12x15 i have 100-inch screen with a pair of klipsch R-51m with a fosi audio BL 20C receiver which does an awesome job. I'm looking for 8sw or 10sw down firing or front firing not sue the difference except how bass waves goes. Any suggestions 🤔
I plunked down for an SVS 3000 Micro. Small footprint. Sounds great.
lol that's to much money for some thunder sound in a small room i may go for the 10 inch klipsch subwoofer since i had the 12 inch and it was alot
You can remote use it.. It's Android🤷♂️
There is an app (or deveral) for that too😝
Apple music has done some great tweaks the last few years. It’s my preferred music provider. Add with the Wii app and it’s almost perfect.
I'll wait for the wiim ultra that will have a screen. i don't think android 10 is even supported anymore by google.
You could at least plug it in for us to see.
I just got a streamer and was kinda dissapointed that I didn't get this.
Then I saw the price...
If people are buying these things because how they look then stick with the Eversolo, this one looks cheap in comparison. Otherwise one can get better sound with a combination of other streamers/dacs if one doesnt care about the diaplay screen.
0:24 IfI? This is FiiO
Speak for yourselves. Im 61 and I am still an electronic and gadget guru.
Vaccum tubes, giant metal capacitors, glass fuses, punch tape, I can do them all.
Way too complicated for a simple man like me, I'll pass on it and keep the 700 in my pockets.
I will NEVER buy an Apple product...Ever; I 've always been a DIY'er & Apple is the antithesis of hands-on Tech. As for the "Trendiness" of the product you have a point but when a product works, why change for the sake of change? My One Plus 8T is 3+years old and looks brand new, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage & $450 US out the door. I still have my NAD 7140 Receiver (circa 1984) & Linn KAN Mk.1 Stand Speakers at my workstation/study. I do have a SMSL SU-9 DAC and both solid state & a tube Amps for Headphone use so this product for me is superfluous. Good Review though.
I'm an Android user and agree with everything you've said. However, I am confused what not buying an Apple device has to do with this unit. If anything, it didn't seem to integrate well with Randy's iPhone.
I was curious about this thing.
It runs a custom version of Android 10.
4 years old OS today.
But looks like a cool streamer🤔
And why use EQ? That's just a way of cheating.
My rule: If it needs EQ it's not good enough🤷♂️
💯
That is the main reason why so many people in the World prefer Android to Apple. Want another? That annoying lightning connector... The European Union was sensible enough to say "USB-C only within our borders. Apple, wanna sell here? FY!" LOL!
I use Apple Music on my Apple TV so I leave it at that
Great streamer, but it has lots of "buts" stopping me from buying. Unsupported Android because Fiio bought too many cheap Snapdragon 660 SoC which has no LTS Android, delays with USB DAC (no XMOS) and it takes too much space being empty. Why not add SATA 2.5 HDD slot?
Not cheap, audio man.
I'm 54 years old; can someone explain to me -- as if I were a 5 year old child -- exactly what a "streamer" is? I have an off-brand Android box with (obviously) no screen; can I use it as a "streamer"?
A streamer allows you to play music from a streaming service. That means Spotify, TH-cam Music, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, etc.
Most streamers also allow you to play back music stored locally, whether on a hard drive, USB flash drive, SD or micro SD card, or NAS (network attached storage) unit.
@@charlienyc1 I have a knock-off brand Android box with (obviously) no built-in display. Do I need to buy some kind of monitor in order to use it as a streamer, or can I run it from my phone?
@@CinemaDemocratica If it's intended as a TV streamer, it should have an HDMI output to connect to your TV. Does it?
@@charlienyc1 Yes! ...But the room where I'd like to use it as a streamer is not well-suited to deploying a conventional display like an old TV or something.
@@CinemaDemocratica Hmm... Really any monitor these days will have an HDMI input. You could get a little 5" display for instance.
That box may be intended for TV playback vs audio streaming, but then again maybe it'll do both okay. You have it there, so it's worth a shot to see.
Unfortunately the reason I wouldn’t buy this is solely based on looks.
I've always called it a s#+t sandwich.
It's "Android" ... and it's also "Bit-Perfect"... 😂
The apple ecosystem is designed so one doesn't have to think. Which to me, is dangerous. And manipulative.
Sadly for anti apple folks, it’s much easier to stream bit perfect wired to a dac from an IOS device than one running android.
That creepy convenience thing strikes again.
@@mychildrenareashamedtobese3398never had problems with getting bit perfect out of android, but needed applications for it like hiby music or eddict player etc. So if apple do it out of box, that's really nice.
But I'm android fan anyways due to other reasons 😂.
it may be jam packed, but it lacks an aux input. As useless for my needs as basically every other DAC/Amp on the market. For shame.
The Eversolo is better and it is competition.
Yeah the headphone amp is great on the Eversolo.
Don't dumb it down, peeps getting into this may not understand what you're conveying!!!!!!!!!!
Whoot
93rd
It's trying to do too much and as a result nothing well.
And now it’s out of date
THX is world most linear amps.. If u dun like it.. Ok.. Others who into perfecta linear Eureka!! . Actually im older then u 50..Peace bro!
Someone else did a review on this device, which uses Android as an OS, which eventually won’t be supported by Android or something similar to it. My personal opinion, not worth buying.
"Won't be supported by Android"?? Android is an operating system, not a manufacturer. Perhaps the hardware and software won't allow you to upgrade the operating system, but that only means that what works now will always work. The limitation here is your thought process. Let me guess: You're an Apple user.
Thanks to the video did you realize that AC/DC got their name from their grandmother they saw it on the back of a sewing machine it said AC/DC and they said hey that's cool I'll goofy is that have a great day Marco audio stuff thanks I don't need it anymore audio stuff but maybe I need it I don't know man I got some stuff