The COOLEST thing FiiO Makes! - FiiO R7 Review
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 27. 07. 2024
- FiiO just launched a ALL IN ONE Streamer, DAC, AMP FiiO R7 Here - apos.audio/products/fiio-r7?_...
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Just got this in recently and I love it, but man do they need an update with a system wide EQ app. Only makes sense considering everything else it can do
Yeah, that would be the feature that might push me over the edge to get one
It would be very nice if you could apply different EQ settings per output. Lets say you want a different EQ setting for the XLR outputs from the headphone output. That would be game changing for me. That and maybe the ability to have the different output methodes as different sound devices in Windows. Maybe that last one is already a possibility, I don't know.
WHATS GOOD PEOPLE ITS RANDOMFRANKP !
@@bosmuis could you not just do this with wavelet?
Hope a second review is coming :)
Honestly, spec/power wise this is probably more than good enough for the vast majority of users; most people can barely tell the difference between headphones, let alone amp/dacs. This is super cool device and could see a home for it in any dedicated music room/setup.
Many do not try blind tests. I have put a few friends through the tests and most heard the difference the problem I think is most do not to "side by side" or many headphones at once test on the same DAC and music. I have tested with Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Bose, Sony, Audeze LCD - 2 and also HifiAN XS. All found the LCD - 2 to be the best using the Liberty DAC. Note the Bose and Sony were not claiming to be audiophile head phones as they use Bluetooth. The tests are not lab tests that I did but more subjective.
I have ordered one and cannot wait !
@@alecgrolimond1678 I'd hope they could tell the difference with how wildly different the freq response is on those options! But I agree. A/B testing is very rare, outside of the audio community
I just received the FiiO R7 and it seems as good as my liberty DAC, and I can hear some differences but barley as I maybe inventing the difference in my mind.
It bothers me a little when people can't tell the difference between various cans. I once tried the Fiio FH7 and FA7 IEM's back to back, and was shocked at how much better the FH7 units sounded. My Shure 535 LTD IEM's don't hold a candle to the Fiio FH7 units in sound quality. Their only pitfall is isolation - the Shures are way more isolating than the Fiios. Apart from that, the sound quality difference is like a basic laptop monitor vs a giant Samsung QLED TV. If people can't hear the difference, I'd be very surprised.
The home run on this is the optical and coax out, allowing you to make this a streamer solution to your hifi system without using a computer, phone/dap or more expensive streamer
Agreed, with the optical out you could run that audio from it out to any soundbar out there just about. I wonder if a future version of this would possibly incorporate HDMI as well? Having both HDMI in and out would give it even more interesting connectivity options.
Wow! That's seriously impressive. Can't wait to actually get a hold of one of these and try it out. It will be very interesting to see if they do an even more advanced, updated, higher-end version of this going forward.
That thing looks sweet! I'm loving my FiiO Q3. I'm using it with my Sundara headphones in a balanced config, and they pair up nicely!
Hi Josh... Nice to see you reviewing a Fiio product. You seldom do that and it always felt like something is missing considering how incredible these Chi Fi companies like Fiio, Shanling, iBasso etc have grown.
Thank you Joshua. Very thorough introduction. One audio product I would like to see you mention in videos where applicable is Roon integration. It is very important to some segment of your audience. I think it is abundantly clear that the Fiio R7 is likely Roon ready considering it as a USB connectable DAC. But for other gear where it isn't so obvious, a mention would help. My 2 cents worth.
Really digging the setup man the dark glow theme is kick ass and your wallpaper is legit as well.
Love the new styling, Josh. Quite an improvement. đ
I have to say im watching your Videos for a couple of years now and you really improved the lighting and coulor. You shirt fits the Mood and the background and i i enjoy the close up shots of the products always :D
This looks perfect for my needs. I'm looking forward to more videos on this system.
Oooh this is exactly what I want for a bedside headphone setup!
I want one of these so bad. Looks so awesome and seems more than enough for my use cases. I really like what FiiO is doing. Trying to innovate in cool ways. I have an M11 Plus ESS DAP that I absolutely love for travel. But my home desktop stack is a Schiit stack. Would be cool to have something like this that I could put in like my living room and stream music from my NAS or something with it to various outputs.
Pretty cool. I personally really like using all in one solutions because of how clean they are, although most people I know seem to recommend separate DAC and AMPs. The R7 is even more All in one than the normal All in ones that I have. Pretty damn cool
I was thinking about all in one and in my mind it was a stupid idea because of possible failure. Just like the furniture type TV/Record player/Stereo Radio of 50 years ago :-)... I think you are correct for the price it is a very good choice and I have ordered one.
Your videos are amazing both in terms of picture and sound (and of course the content)!
wow.. this is cool ! hope you put out more test, videos etc.. about it, defo interested in buying it
Thanks for the review! I, too, think that Iâm going to buy this. It is a unique and trendsetting device in its own right! Kudos to Fiio!
For even more versatility, you could work around the lack of analog inputs by using an analog to digital converter, which can be pretty cheap (less than $20). You can use it to go from a CD player, turntable, or other analogy-only devices to the R7's USB or coax input. Best regards.
Reminds me of a modern take on the Micro Hi-Fi systems from the 90's and 00's.
Techmoan would probably love it.
Pretty sweet nightstand AIO... Another unit that is awesome is the auralic gemini 2000 which just sold used on usaudio mart for 550... pretty sweet looking dac/hp amp/stand AIO to put on a night stand.
I've seen the black one and it's very clean. The white and black scheme is way cleaner tho. Can really make a setup stand out.
Perfect use-case: the side table in my living room so I can listen to spotify :)
Sometime I have my phone sometimes I don't and often when I have my phone I'm reading a book and hate being interrupted when I need to change songs or something.
I'm not an audio guy but i'm in IT/hw-sw integration and I see tons of possibilities I can do with that thing, had no idea will ever see that kind of device and also just stumbled upon that video by coincidence... Also it's based on snapdragon which is a blessing in itself besides android, there's soo much stuff you can do with that device, that the price seems kind of good for the functionality it offers... great !!
While it's nothing that I would use for a main system, it is nice for a place like your office or a bookcase shelf or bedroom. It's cheaper than I thought it was going to be so there's that.
Thanks for the review Josh!
Two things:
- I believe it does NOT have any analog inputs (you said otherwise at 4:02)
- I would like to ask: did you test it with external linear power supply? It is said the audio quality improves audibly with it.
Anyhow, this is a very interesting device I have been considering for about a month now.
However, I am doubtful it would surpass (or even match) sound quality of the Topping A30pro/D30pro I currently use.
The production value in these vids is insaneee
thanks Josh for great reviewđ its a shame, that they did not include tidal connect and spotify connect to control the streams from smartphone...
I didn't know it had a white option, looks amazing!
The R7 is getting good reviews. I consider it a game changer for desktop use. And I too hope it fuels competition. I am going to wait till any hiccups in the software have been worked out. However, I do not plan to use it with powered 'active' speakers. And only at night with headphones. While I value its streaming capability, I most value it as a very high quality DAC/Pre-Amp. I plan to use its XLR outs* run into the new Schiit Gjallahorn Amplifier, which at just ten watts sacrifices wattage for a focus on fidelity. To drive my Omega Super 3i single driver bookshelves; 94.5 db sensitivity @ 8 ohms. Electrostatic speed and awesome imaging with no crossover. At the desktop, there's no worry about beaming. I'll supplement the Super 3i speaker's small 4.5" driver with my Quad LF-66 subwoofer, which has dual opposed 6" drivers. Take that KEF and SVS! You're wayyy late to the party ;-) Sadly its been discontinued but happily I got it new, half off. No surprise that it sounds great with desktop use, Quad makes top notch gear. * Emotiva Audio sells a really good XLR to RCA adapter for a pittance.
Hey Josh, I figured you're one of the best people to ask about this since you make high quality videos. Have you noticed that CZcams's compression is getting worse lately? 4K videos across the board are looking way more compressed than ever and I'm seeing absurd color banding/crush. I keep thinking it's something wrong with my monitor but my monitor looks just fine with Blu Ray.
Google is trying to skimp on bandwidth costs and are in the process of rolling out higher bitrates at a given resolution as a premium feature. Could be that.
My idea would be if that thing was a docking station and I could dock my Fiio to that thing and listen to stuff on my speakers or take that Fiio screen thing out and listen to portable music AND then also maybe allow that docking station to work as a normal AMP :)
Great video as always
the lighting that Joshy uses always makes me think that he's filming futuristic porn movies as his main hustle when he's not youtubing.
The colour schemes in this video are impeccable.
Hawaiian shirt with futuristic city lights - who knew...!?!
This product category will blow up big soon when you consider the android car HU market that has been around for years and has a large product list. This is missing many key features that have already been implemented on those. HDMI - DSP with system wide chip level EQ - Sub Out with high/low pass filter - better chipset - oled screen to name a few. But it was nice to see some new inputs/outputs suited by this category
This makes sampling music easier and loaded up on older music this makes sampling and dj so effortlessly im surprised producers not hoping on this
Lol, that bass note at the beginning made me appreciate my PC speakers
Looks like an amazing device! Hope ti give it a go one day
I have this thing waiting until i finish building my PC, then im using it hooked into my receiver. Yes sounds redundant but i love the look and i want to see how it does, in pure sound.
That bass on the intro đ€Ż
The moment they put video out with a desktop mode on devices like these, it opens up for a whole new plane of experience with movies, or concert footage.
Now this is OT, but what's the cool (screensaver?) video on your monitor?
I really like all in ones. I have an A&K ACRO CA1000 and I feel that is a better product but it is more than 3x the price. The ACRO is smaller but feels hefty. It can be a desktop or portable DAP/DAC/AMP/PREAMP. The ACRO is also more powerful amp-wise since it can do approximately 7W out
Dam, A&K ACRO CA1000 looks cool!
I really want something like this, but is also an audio interface. All audio interfaces are single ended. Basically just this, upgraded chip & OS, & audio interface functionalities.
Cool, I have the k9 pro ess and love it, i really like the screen interface on this k7. And google play.
It is missing HDMI input and Sub Out with bass management (high/low pass filter) for me to call it perfect. Still very good feature set.
That really looks like a very interesting product.
I never had a headphone amp but I always toyed with the idea of gettign one. I don't really sit at my desk all that much anymore since I prefer to listen to my speakers but this could change since I'm moving in a few months where I might have to take care of my neighbours more and my headphones could get more usage again.
Would the amp be a good match soundwise with my Sennheiser HD 6XX and HD 58X (and maybe sometimes the fiio FH5)?
I expected like 1000+ dollars for so many features... This definitely caught my eye.
My main concern here would be how reliably the software would be updated. The Android support here might prove to be a limit on how long this device would last, and if you have to replace it youâre not only replacing your streamer, but your amp, Dac and so forth as well.
My thought exactly. Will this be like any old Android phone? X years of OS / Security updates and after that you're screwed?
It's still plenty useful without an internet connection. Stream everything from your phone (which it looks like Fiio intended anyway due to the ergonomics of using the R7's touchscreen), and you won't need to directly connect it to the internet. If you want an app in the future and you're worried about connecting to the internet, you can always download the apk and sideload.
@@deanchur I mean, the whole point of a streamer is that it streams. I suppose if you don't mind that your Android software and its apps will one day no longer be supported and you won't even get security updates for it, as long as it still works to play files you could still use it, but I don't think that's the typical use case for this kind of device. I'd still think it makes more sense, if Fiio is your jam, to just get a K7 and like a Wiim Mini or something, and then if the Wiim Mini is no longer supported you can replace that and your K7 will still run fine.
@@EricRosenfield People are willing to pay for the convenience of getting all in one devices even if some of the features will be limited after a point in time. Not everyone can't afford things. If you don't have money to burn, feel free to enjoy the K7 and Wiim Mini.
Especially those Chinese companies, software update aren't reliable. I currently have one of their M11, they are not updated due to the chipset it used.
This is exactly the type of device that I've been wishing companies would make but nobody was. Like I've been frustratingly waiting around for something like this to exist. Kudos to Fiio. Been a fan of theirs since the X1.
I actually hope the market starts going in this direction and we start seeing more stuff like this.
I hope the entire market doesn't go this direction, but I hope that these types of products will continue to be released. Most audiophiles prefer to have separate systems for mixing-and-matching to achieve certain sound signatures, but these systems are great for people who just want to buy a product and have it just work.
Looking forward to the 2 next reviews of this thing. Btw the optional linear power supply by Fiio (PL50) should make it sound even better.
That's not how PSUs work
@@8lec_R hmm I wonder why Fiio makes it then đ§
@@Soundoverload multiple reasons. It's just a plain better PSU and can regulate voltage as the user requires, that can change thr sound (in some scenarios, but doesn't mean automatically makes it better)
It's at best something you buy to experiment with not something you buy to get better sound. You're better off buying other headphones or iems for different sound
@@8lec_R I have seen 2 other reviewers here that I trust, that hear a improvement in sound, e.g. darker background. It might not be the case with other items but it seems so in this case. Of course it canât compete with different iems and so on but if you already got great gear, this could be your next improvement.
Reminds me of my IPAD/lg V60 a few apps Spotify USBAudio Amazon or Tidal and my MOTU M4 Audio interface with Sabre DAC, but with much more power
The Fiio r7 feels like a response to the Shanling em5. They are close in price so I would love to see a comparison if you ever get the Shanling in.
Darko made a video about an all digital amplifier the Peachtree GAN-1. Would this be an ideal front end for that ? A variable digital out is needed.
Thatâs funny you mentioned the blue ledâs because my K7 is my night light and I didnât even realize it till now. I just leave it on 24/7
I'd love to know how this compares/ competes with a Bluesound Node! Also, is this Roon ready?
Original things to look for in the full review:
What are the I/O that show up when you plug it into a PC? Is there software you have to use on PC?
Does the optical support ADAT?
How easy is it to control volumes/mute of each output? Is there a universal volume menu? Can the dials on the front be mapped to control that?
What happens if you plug in keyboard and mouse to the unit? What about a usb display out dongle? Can you hook this up to an external display?
Do USB webcams work like on normal android via OTG
What version of Android and will it receive updates like normal? For how long?
It is one thing to have a phone security, bug fix, etc updates be cut off after a few years, but this is a problem once more things are based on this operation model.
My god the sound design in these videos is amazing despite CZcamsâs shitty compression.
Great video, thank you very much. BTW, the arya link is empty sir.
I am considering buying this device, but that depends on one question:
When in DAC mode, can you feed the coax in through the optical out?
Is there a unit like this that you could suggest that is a bit more analog? I have a Shure MV7 mic and a few sets of high end headphones and was looking for an audio interface that also has a good dac/amp for audio out.
Is that Wallpaper engine? Would it be okay to ask for the name of the background you used? It looks really nice
czcams.com/video/W5KJsQMKbwM/video.html&ab_channel=AmbientRenders
I was wondering the same thing. I did find it as an 8 hour youtube video loop: czcams.com/video/W5KJsQMKbwM/video.html
Maybe do a comparison on this vs a DIY version.
Maybe a ifi ZEN + topping dac/amp combo.
A great overview, however at 4.04 you say 'RCA inputs....' is that correct? if so, where? id be sold on this if so as that's my turntable covered as well.
Seems fairly sweet as ROON client. Especially vs a RPI + SCREEN + DAC + AMP that is commonly used.
Or client for any other streaming service.
I wonder how the support is for bitperfect audio from roon => android => dac tho
Exactly my thought as well. It needs to output bitperfect with Roon, otherwise it's a no-go for me.
I want an 30cm squared Matt screen to show the album cover in a LP Cover like style. I should patent that.
And I recently bought the K7. I like it but dang; BT, display, power, versatility and plethora of inputs and outputs? Color me jealous
Having an android tablet connected to a dac-amp in my bedroom, I feel like I've already had one of these for a while at way less cost. It is cool looking though...
So it's basically a really big DAP.
Iâm interested to know how the dac/amp would compare to that of the Fiio K9 pro.
I got this device and have been enjoying it a lot. FYI, there's an optional FiiO PL50 Linear Power Supply that you can buy to improve the sound quality, an optional remote control and an optional programmable keypad to make this device ever more customizable.
It has also balanced output đź
What an awesome device!đđ
Where can I get that sick live wallpaper you got there?
I have read that if you pair this device with the Fiio PSU, it can give a cleaner sound on certain scenarios. Please check this when doing your tests in the next videos.
I use Wavelet EQ on my Android device and it works well on all streaming services. I expect it would work in the Fiio R7, but would love to hear the experience of headphone users on this device.
Great video. How does it handle Dolby Atmos from Apple Music.? I never got Apple Music. Dolby Atmos to work on my Android devices. So I would like to know if this device being an Android has the same problem?
Wow I expected the price to be higher. Itâs not cheap but pretty affordable all things considered.
Hey Josh, any link to the cables you're using for your Diana's ? been looking for replacements to the stock ones.
I think this can be compared to the Korean manufactured Astell & Kern ACRO CA1000 or CA1000T (tube amp hybrid), I currently own the CA1000 which can output Balanced 15Vrms max which comes with 3.5mm, 6.35mm (1ohm) / 2.5mm, 4.4mm (2ohm), RCA (2ohm) outputs. wish this thing had a XLR balanced out put as well. It also uses the similar ES9068AS quad dac, so mine should sound similar to the one in the FIIO R7 with ES9068A. I would want to see more all in one products or modular products like this in the future. I am so tempted that this one only costs 699USD as opposed to the A&K ACRO series over $2000USD. I was wondering how is the fit and finish on the FiiO. THanks.
Great video this, I've been looking for an 'All In One" type of product. Would I be able to connect a turntable phono pre-amp to this device, and if I were choose speakers, would I be looking for Passive speakers or would they have to be Active(powered) ?
Without a dedicated amp you would want active speakers. This is essentially a DAP with more input and output options. It will drive any headphones with zero issues but it's not going to drive any decent speakers without a dedicated AMP. You can get a pretty good AMP. For 100 to 150 dollars as you have more options for speakers IMO that aren't active and need dedicated power and then you can always upgrade the amp at a later time so it gives you more room to expand in the future.
I think only have one analog input on this thing is really the only downside. I think this would be great as a go-between device; similar to a WIIM pro/mini that can also pull your turn table or tape deck in. COAX limits that a bit, but hey, at least it has something.
That being said, I think I would rather just get a DX5 or equivalent, a dedicated speaker amp, and a WIIM Pro for a lower price. I just don't think I need the screen and on-device streaming.
Dope shirt Josh. Mind sharing the source?
What is that wallpaper in the background of the TV window?
Have you tried running this with the Hekv2. Curious of how it sounds. I'm looking for a good dac amp for hekv2.
The Fiio K7 seems to be a high value for one that doesnât need all those bells and whistles. 13:13
Have you tested this with those big emotiva towers... Would love to hear that experience
Mannn, what are the spaceship wallpapers he uses on his screen?! around 10:41 ?
It's one of the vary few streamers that work with Apple Music and Apple Classical thanks to its Android base.
Rumor has it the performance of this unit goes up if you use a external ppwer supply for the unit? I think zeos tested it and was surprised at the difference. Be nice to get more data points on this. Looks like a intriguing unit. Anyone else see this dichotomy with stormtroopers? Often mocked the their inaccuracies shooting a blaster or for how much they are cannon fodder but still cool enough for people to spend big $$$ on entire stomtrooper outfits . Just a observation. Yes I'm a star wars fan bit couldn't help that.
Hi, great insight but I've discovered the major flaw. If you run the PL50 power supply - under section 3 of the PL50 notes & precautions it says "Please turn the power switch off immediately after use." So what's the point of all these functions if you have to power down the PL50?
question since it's android, can it do perfect bit play? cause this is a real problem with android devices since on native mode they will resample everything. Atm only few apps like USB audio player can by pass this and play perfect bit to the dac/amp.
I approve this shirt.
What is that cyberpunk video playing in the background? )
Well, bought myself a K9 a few months ago and a Fosi BT20A. Now I am considering to sell them ngl haha.
Dang Cyberpunk window looks vibe
Would be awesome if it could detach to be a DAP then be recdocked for home use
I know this. Is good because as u said u donât directly say to buy a product because u is want something đŻ good and u said this I would buy it without a doubt
Question: Is it possible to plug in usb headphones to the unit, and is it low latency enough for gaming/music production.
That is impressive piece of tech for sure, just wish it was about $500-$600. I am wondering, being on Android, how does it output (circumvent) the default output modes (hi-res signals), for likes of flac, etc; like I use USB Audio Player Pro on phone, and connect my external DAC for wired headphones. If it will be the same case with this equipment, then don't see a reason for buying this.