On this article, we evaluate FiiO’s new flagship wi-fi DAC/AMP, the BTR17, retailing for $199 USD.
Disclaimer: FiiO supplied the FiiO BTR17 for evaluate for free of charge. As at all times, this evaluate displays my unbiased expertise with the product.
FiiO Firm
Recognized for its dedication to designing high-quality audio tools, FiiO is a cornerstone of the worldwide audiophile market. Since its launch in 2007, FiiO has specialised in the design and growth of a variety of audio merchandise. With an intensive distribution community spanning continents, FiiO continues to ship progressive merchandise that resonate with music fans worldwide.
In the present day, we’re wanting on the BTR17, the successor of the now-old BTR7. It’s the new flagship of the BTR collection with a bunch of latest tech inside its brand-new, bigger chassis. Through the years, we’ve reviewed and awarded numerous FiiO tools on Headfonia. You’ll be able to entry these opinions by way of this hyperlink: Headfonia FiiO Reviews.
FiiO BTR17 – Flagship Transportable Bluetooth DAC & Amplifier
In 2024, FiiO has simplified its BTR collection with a transparent construction: the BTR13, the award-winning BTR15, and the brand new BTR17, which replaces the BTR7 as the brand new flagship of the favored collection. The BTR17 brings numerous information to the BTR line-up, with new DACs, improved and redesigned amplifier modules, correct PEQ implementation, an fascinating desktop mode, and extra. FiiO didn’t enhance the value of its 7-series, because the BTR7 was additionally priced identically. The BTR17 is priced at $199 USD and accessible across the globe, due to FiiO’s huge community.
The BTR17 options twin ES9069Q DACs, which is a brand new DAC launched by ESS Know-how. It comes with ESS’ Hyperstream IV modulator, balancing energy consumption and efficiency for audio producers. FiiO has additionally outfitted it with a coloration 1.3-inch IPS show. Just like the remainder of the BTR collection, the display helps loads with the navigation.
Identical to the brand new BTR13 we’ve reviewed not too long ago, the BTR17 comes with a 3-mode bodily swap, which permits simple switching between the modes. Additionally, FiiO has improved desktop capabilities by introducing a brand new mode referred to as Desktop Mode, which doubles the ability supply and makes it potential to drive harder-to-drive full-size headphones.
FiiO has been growing THX amp modules in cooperation with THX for some time now. The BTR17 options the newest THX AAA 78+ and delivers the 650mW output right into a 32Ω load by way of the 4.4mm balanced port and DESKTOP mode (D.Mode), which requires an extra energy cable linked to it. The common/transportable mode can push 300mW of energy right into a 32Ω load. The BTR17 additionally comes outfitted with one of many newest Bluetooth chipsets, the QCC5181 chip, supporting the newest and the best within the hi-res wi-fi sphere.
- ESS ES9069Q×2 Twin DAC Configuration
- Improved THX AAA 78+ Twin AMP Modules (×8 op-amps)
- Qualcomm QCC5181 Bluetooth 5.4 Chipset
- AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX Adaptive/LDAC Codecs
- 32-bit 768kHz DSD512 USB-Decoding Functionality
- 3.5mm HPO 140mW@32Ω – 4.4MM HPO 300mW@32Ω
- Desktop Mode Change -dual wired- 650mW@32Ω
- Click on here for the full chart of BTR17’s power output.
- 1.3-inch IPS Coloration Show
- Cellphone / BT / PC – Bodily Mode Change + Automotive Mode
- 2-Step Acquire L/H + D.Mode Toggle
- Flagship USB ControlleR XU316
- FiiO Management App Help with OTA FW Updates
- 10-band PEQ+GEQ Help + Net-based EQ by way of USB
- Microphones: Constructed-in Omnidirectional Mic for BL Voice Name
- Battery: 8h of Balanced Utilization & 10h of Single-Ended Utilization
- Dimensions & Weight: Approx. 16×41×86mm – 73gr
- Obtainable in Black & Blue
- BTR17’s internet web page may be discovered here. Full specs are here.
Packaging & Equipment
FiiO has gone with a darker, extra refined search for the BTR17’s packaging, which aligns with 17’s flagship positioning inside the BTR collection. The semi-reflective outer floor contains a blue diamond sample that provides a premium contact, and I’ve to confess, it caught my eye instantly. For somebody acquainted with FiiO’s aesthetic decisions, it looks like an intentional nod to their high-end merchandise.
Lifting off the quilt, you’re greeted by a cardboard insert displaying the BTR17 mannequin identify in each English and Chinese language. Under this layer, the BTR17 sits snugly in a foam compartment alongside a smaller field holding the equipment. Contained in the accent field, FiiO has included a blue leather-based case. The case contains a good fake leather-based textured design and features a sturdy clip, making it simple to connect to belts, bag handles, or straps.
The accent field additionally comprises a small USB-C to USB-C interconnect cable. Beneath the principle compartment, you’ll discover a fast begin information and a guaranty card. For a $199 product, I’d say the accent choice is modest, although the leather-based case does elevate the general package deal. Personally, I’d have favored to see an extra USB cable devoted to energy supply; this small addition would have made the BTR17 absolutely prepared for motion proper out of the field.
Design & Construct High quality
We’ve come to count on FiiO to ship strong, high-quality gadgets, and with the BTR17, they’ve maintained that fame as soon as once more. Contemplating that FiiO has launched over 100 merchandise up to now with just a few exceptions, it’s spectacular how constant they’ve been general. With the BTR17, they’ve stayed true to type by choosing a design that prominently options aluminum and different premium supplies. This mannequin instantly gave me a nostalgic really feel, harking back to traditional Walkmans, with its asymmetrical construct, aluminum chassis, and leather-wrapped again. The amount crown on the precise facet makes quantity changes and navigation a breeze. It’s value mentioning that the BTR17 is accessible in two colours: black and blue. Our evaluate unit is in blue, and I used to be fairly impressed with the sandblasted end, which provides a refined contact.
All of the controls are conveniently positioned on the precise facet, laid out as follows: on the very high is a microphone gap, adopted by the ability button. Slightly below that, you’ll discover the earlier monitor button, then the following monitor button, and beneath that, a bodily mode selector. On the backside, there’s an extra bodily swap devoted to enabling Desktop Mode, which is harking back to the outdated mute swap on iPhones, offering related tactile suggestions. The headphone outputs (4.4mm balanced and three.5mm single-ended) are neatly organized facet by facet on the highest of the machine, whereas the underside homes two USB-C ports. One for knowledge and energy and the opposite solely for energy. To activate Desktop Mode, you’ll want to attach a cable to the devoted energy port on the facet. The design of the BTR17 brings to thoughts each classic radios and traditional Walkmans, due to its raised entrance curvature. This design enhances the grip and feels extra snug for right-handed customers.
The amount knob doubles as a button and has a tactile, stepped rotation, permitting exact quantity management. The left facet of the machine is solely freed from buttons, giving it a clear look. Total, the BTR17’s design language marks a departure from the earlier BTR collection. With sharper angles and a extra distinctive aesthetic, it jogged my memory of Astell & Kern’s design method. Identical to A&Ok, FiiO has utilized mild reflections on the machine’s floor to create various shades, including a novel character to the BTR17.
Whereas the sooner BTR fashions, apart from the BTR7, favored smoother traces and a traditional sandwich design, the shift in model for the BTR7 and now the BTR17 appears to emphasise their flagship standing. To me, this alteration alerts FiiO’s intention to set these fashions aside as their top-tier choices.
Energy & Amplitude
One of many standout options of the BTR17 is the combination of FiiO’s newest THX AAA 78+ amplifier modules, developed in collaboration with THX. These modules have been fine-tuned over time. An analogous module was current in BTR7 as effectively, and I’m regularly impressed by how FiiO has managed to miniaturize these full-sized, high-powered modules to be used in a battery-powered, pocket-sized machine just like the BTR17.
Constructing on the suggestions from their world person base, FiiO has additional optimized the ability output with the BTR17 to cater to each IEMs and full-sized headphones. This time round, the ability supply is much more spectacular, due to the brand new desktop mode and the twin ES9069Q DAC configuration paired with the quad THX amp modules. The BTR17’s balanced 4.4mm output can attain a powerful 650mW right into a 32Ω load in Desktop Mode, which doubles the ability supply in comparison with the earlier flagship, the BTR7. This mode requires an extra energy connection by way of the devoted USB-C port.
Right here’s a full breakdown of the ability outputs:
- Single-Ended Output (3.5mm) in Desktop Mode: Delivers 280mW + 280mW into 32Ω load.
- Single-Ended Output (3.5mm) in Transportable Mode: Delivers 140mW + 140mW into 32Ω load.
- Balanced Output (4.4mm) in Desktop Mode: Delivers 650mW + 650mW into 32Ω load.
- Balanced Output (4.4mm) in Transportable Mode: Delivers 300mW + 300mW into 32Ω load.
For larger impedance hundreds (300Ω), the single-ended mode delivers 31mW + 31mW, whereas the balanced mode outputs 125mW + 125mW.
This substantial enhance in energy, notably in Desktop Mode, permits the BTR17 to comfortably drive full-size headphones in my assortment, such because the Sennheiser’s HD58X and Hifiman’s Ananda Nano, simply.
Past its amplification capabilities, the BTR17 contains a true twin DAC structure, making certain a totally balanced audio path. The twin ES9069Q chips work in tandem with a complicated LDO filtering system, isolating the amplification part with an EMI protect to scale back interference. The THX modules function with x8 op-amps in whole.
For many who want that additional push, FiiO’s Desktop Mode considerably improves energy supply, making the BTR17 one of the crucial highly effective DAC/AMPs that additionally supply Bluetooth connectivity in a small package deal. Versatility is the important thing right here.
The evaluate continues on Web page Two, after the click HERE or by utilizing the leap under.
Page 1: FiiO, BTR17, Packaging & Equipment, Design & Construct High quality, Energy & Amplitude
Page 2: Options & FiiO Management & PEQ, Comparative Sound & Efficiency, Comparability, Final Phrases
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