Introduction
The FiiO BTR7 is the latest flagship portable Bluetooth and USB DAC/amplifier from the well-respected audio brand FiiO. Priced at $199.99, it packs an impressive array of features into a compact chassis, including Bluetooth 5.1 with support for advanced codecs like LDAC and aptX HD, a powerful THX AAA-28 amplifier, dual ESS Sabre DACs, and both 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs. But specifications alone don’t make an excellent device—how does the BTR7 sound? Does it live up to the FiiO name? Read on for my review.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
FiiO BTR7
Specifications
- Display: 1.3-inch IPS color screen
- Charging: Wired and wireless charging
- Bluetooth version: 5.1
- Bluetooth chip: QCC5124
- DAC chip: ES9219C x 2
- Amp chip: THX AAA 28 x 2
- Battery capacity: 880mAh
- Power output (3.5mm): 160mW
- Power output (Balanced): 320 mW
- Audio format support: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
Individual ratings
Solid metal design and construction, with glass panels giving it a premium look and feel. The controls are also well-placed. The only downside is that the glossy surfaces attract fingerprints.
The BTR7 packs impressive specs like dual flagship ESS Sabre DACs, Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC/aptX HD support, MQA decoding, and native DSD256. Excellent connectivity and decoding capabilities.
The sound is clean, neutral, and transparent, with a touch of added musicality. The bass is tight and extended, the mids are clear, and the treble is airy. The powerful THX amplification delivers excellent dynamics and power output. Overall, the sound quality is great.
With the dual THX amplifiers, the BTR7 delivers up to 320 mW of balanced output, which can drive everything from sensitive IEMs to high-impedance headphones with ease. The power output capabilities are outstanding.
The FiiO Control app provides useful features like parametric EQ and gain control. Connectivity is reliable. App integration enhances the device's usability and functionality.
Wireless charging, a battery disconnect switch for pure DAC mode, and mic input for calls are handy extra features. But none are truly unique to the device.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
With excellent connectivity, construction, power output, design, and engaging sound, the feature-packed BTR7 excels as an ultra-portable audiophile headphone amp suitable for discerning listeners who crave quality wireless audio with bleeding-edge codec support.
Pros
- musical, dynamic sound
- neutral yet engaging tonality
- Impressive decoding and connectivity specs
- reliable Bluetooth, well-implemented app
- excellent power output, capable of driving a wide range of headphones
- Solid metal design and construction
- useful features like wireless charging and battery disconnect.
Cons
- larger size than typical dongle DACs
- expensive compared to BTR5.
- Short battery life, around 6–8 hours, depending on the use case
- The UI looks dated compared to slick displays nowadays.
1. Packaging
- FiiO BTR7
- case
- usb a to usb c
- usb c to usb c
- paperworks
2. Design And Build Quality
The BTR7 departs from FiiO's usual rounded design language and instead features an angular CNC aluminum chassis with chamfered edges reminiscent of their latest digital audio players. The front and back panels are made of glass for a premium look and feel. At 83.6 x 39.6 x 14.6mm and 68g, it's not the most compact device but easily fits in a pants pocket. I'm a fan of the new industrial design; it looks and feels high-end.
The 1.3" IPS color screen is bright with good visibility outdoors. All controls are clustered on the right edge—power, play/pause, volume, and a battery disconnect switch—and are intuitive to use. The included faux leather case provides basic protection. My only gripe is that the glossy surfaces attract fingerprints. Overall, excellent build quality continues FiiO's trend of well-constructed devices.
3. Technology and Decoding Capabilities
Dual flagship ESS Sabre 9219C DAC chips, the same ones found in FiiO's high-end DAPs, handle digital-to-analog conversion. On the amplification side, the BTR7 utilizes a dual THX AAA-28 design that significantly boosts power over previous BTR models.
For connectivity, the BTR7 supports advanced Bluetooth 5.1 codecs like LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, as well as basic SBC and AAC. I experienced reliable wireless performance within typical ranges. As a USB DAC, it handles up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and native DSD256. MQA decoding and rendering (up to 8x unfold) is also supported.
In summary, the BTR7 packs impressive specs and connectivity into a portable form factor. Both wired and wireless operations are hassle-free.
4. Sound Quality Of The FiiO BTR7
I tested the BTR7 primarily as a Bluetooth receiver with my iPhone and iPad, using both wired and wireless headphones. Overall, the sound is clean, neutral, and transparent, with a touch of added warmth and musicality compared to more clinical DACs.
Bass reproduction is strong; sub-bass extension reaches deep with good rumble, while mid-bass punch is tightened up. The low end sounds lively yet avoids bloating or muddiness. Mids are clear and open, with no hardness or etch to high-pitched instruments. Treble is well-extended and airy, without excessive brightness. Soundstage space is about average for a portable device.
The THX amplification makes its mark through the BTR7's high power output, excellent dynamics, and authoritative grip over transducers. It sounds dynamic and engaging. The noise floor is also extremely low.
Whether wired or wireless, this thing drives headphones with ease. IEMs to medium-impedance over-ears like my Sennheiser HD6XX—no problem. The powerful balanced output makes even 300 ohm+ headphones viable.
Overall, the BTR7 delivers musical yet accurate sound with the versatility to capably drive anything you plug into it.
5. App Integration And Usage
FiiO's Control app unlocks additional functionality, including parametric EQ, gain boost for balanced output, battery saver mode, and firmware updates. The EQ is particularly useful for fine-tuning headphones. App connectivity over Bluetooth is reliable.
I also appreciate small touches like properly displaying high-res audio sample rates on the screen and auto-on/off based on headphone detection. Usability is well thought out.
6. Unique Features Of The FiiO BTR7
While not unique, the BTR7 does stand out by offering both wireless charging (Qi standard) and an internal battery switch for pure USB DAC "dongle" mode without draining a smartphone's battery when connected via USB.
Another handy bonus is that it can relay mic input for phone calls when paired to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
8. Power Output and Drivability
With dual THX amplifiers, the BTR7 cranks out up to 320 mW into 32 ohms from its balanced output. That's far more than typical portables and enough juice for most full-sized headphones. Noise and distortion are extremely low. Even sensitive IEMs exhibit barely any hiss.
Since testing over a dozen headphone models, I'm comfortable saying the BTR7 can capably drive anything up to 300 ohms, especially from its balanced output. Harder-to-drive planars may want a bit more power, but they still sound great at moderate volumes. But easy-to-drive IEMs benefit the most thanks to the ultra-quiet noise floor.
10. FAQs
Q. Who should buy the FiiO BTR7?
Listeners wanting a versatile wireless headphone amp to pair with phones and tablets
Those seeking Bluetooth codec support beyond basic SBC and AAC
Anyone needing to capably drive a wide variety of audiophile IEMs and headphones
Users who desire maximum portability without sacrificing sound
Q. Who should avoid the FiiO BTR7?
Buyers on a tight budget should consider cheaper options like Qudelix 5K or FiiO BTR5.
Those needing ≥10 hours of runtime on a charge (battery life averages 6–8 hours, depending on usage)
Anyone wanting a pocketable dongle-sized device (larger than typical USB DAC amps)
Q. How long does the battery last?
Around 6–8 hours, depending on volume, gain, codec, etc.
Q. What headphones does it drive best?
Easy to drive IEMs benefit most from an ultra-low noise floor but also capably drive up to 300 ohm over-ear models.
Q. What makes it better than a phone headphone jack?
Significantly more power, lower noise, premium components, advanced codec support, and higher sound quality.
Conclusion
If you're seeking a versatile high-end Bluetooth receiver and USB DAC for audiophile use that capably drives most headphones, packs premium design and technology, and sounds superb, the FiiO BTR7 admirably fits the bill. While not cheap, you get what you pay for—this device punches above its weight. FiiO's latest portable amp sets a benchmark for performance and usability.
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Overall User Rating
Read More Reviews On FiiO BTR7: Headfonia