Desktop Champ: FiiO R7 Streaming Headphone DAC (vs. Eversolo DMP-A6)

#fiio #audiophile #headphones
Product Link here : www.fiio.com/r7
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Time Stamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:33 What is it / features
4:38 Using optical connection to prevent lip sync issues with USB interlude
5:04 My setup's and use cases / front dials
7:29 Headphone connection types & gain settings interlude
7:58 Connections, other features and PL50 LPSU use
13:42 Comparisons to Eversolo DMP-A6 in a hifi system
16:48 Using Fiio Music EQ and Specifications interlude
17:21 A competitive headphone streaming DAC!
20:14 Final thoughts and conclusions
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Further thoughts against the Eversolo DMP-A6 in my hifi (PMC 25-23, Hegel H390, Isotek Aquarius) from my notes - this is a comparison in HiFi and doesn't detract from this units FAB desktop capabilities and sound quality;
1) Sound of Eversolo versus FiiO (no PSU with the FiiO)
-There is more separation in an even handed way in the space between the midrange and higher frequencies with the Eversolo, with darker backgrounds there, in contrast to the FiiO’s relatively conjoined and less separated but more shouty mid to treble presentation.
-Better stereo image with the Eversolo in a back and forth way to the rather trebley and expansive presentation of the FiiO which maybe is your thing but I didn’t find it as natural to the Eversolo.
-Listening to George Michael after watching that new Wham documentary on Netflix, and the track 'different corner', you could feel the depth of the piano synth instruments more with the DMP-A6.
-The FiiO does spring back in its approach to bass i.e the elasticity in the bass notes, which I think another reviewer was referring to bass, and in this sense I’d have to agree - I enjoyed this more with the FiiO. But the bass of the Eversolo hits lower so their is a trade off
-Both DACs are pretty resolving but the Eversolo's approach to treble is a bit more neutral and natural, and taken with my comment about a shoutier less separated mid to treble, I’d say more would prefer the Eversolo as a streaming HiFi DAC, in using the FiiO without a linear PSU.
-So I don’t think it’s equal sound wise in a great HiFi system like mine doing straight A to B unit comparisons, but maybe I’m exposing the differences because I'm using such a system and you might be partnering with more price comparable gear, so I’d also factor that in and remember always to try yourself!
-But this 15% in sound quality is before we try power supplies for the FiiO ...
2) Sound with Silent Angel Forester F2 and FiiO versus Eversolo
- with the Forester f2 power supply using the 12v output and unpluging the mains of the R7 I found it much closer to the DMP-A6.
- flatter with the f2/FiiO in the staging width ways and depth ways against Eversolo
-The sound pops out slightly more with the Eversolo so far as soundstaging and dynamic expression.
-The FiiO is much closer than before and that shouty mid to treble has gone, and now the FiiO is smoother than the Eversolo at the top end, but these main traits which mark these out when everything else is similar between the two, is not one to prefer the FiiO more than the Eversolo in my opinion. Why? Because sound-staging is such an obvious and fundamental area of a HiFi system, it's my preference for reasons I mentioned in the video.
-That said, The FiiO / f2 paints its treble in an airy way to the Eversolo's prominent characterisation of upper registers and the Eversolo appears to have more treble on tap, but I found it all recording dependent and only to the extent of highlighting 'toppy' recordings, so for me personally not a disadvantage. In fact when I played Orbital's attached on Snivilisation, one of my treble test tracks, the Eversolo was a little more realistic.
3) Sound quality with the FiiO PL50 versus Eversolo in HiFi use.
- with the £135 PL50 which brings it up to the Eversolo price, it is much the same as the F2 combo, with the sound popping and depth staging , everything’s a little more dramatic, but important to stress these differences are maybe again only 5-10% if pushed to put a figure on it, so it is close in initial terms, maybe not in repeat audiophile listening.
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[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much for watching. Just to say if anyone wants more product advice , or just wants to support me, please do so on Patreon, by Paypal, or KZbin super thanks - hit the icon under the main video window, and links in the description. HiFi reviews are not a money making scheme with the effort and time that goes into these, as I am sure you can appreciate. I don't answer advice questions on KZbin, but am happy to chime in with further comments about the product and features I may have missed. BW Simon

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I don’t use Apple Music or android phones but it’s no doubt the same app on an android phone, so if it’s the same use on an iPhone to android then I bet you probably can, as why would apple make different uses for apple phones or android if they want people to have same user experience with Apple Music.

[@kirkbagge2790]

A great review. I have been a fan of your reviews for a while but after your post about why you wanted to test this product a couple of weeks ago, I feared it would be a negative review regardless and I've got to say that actually, this review came across as honest, fair and full of integrity. The best thing I would say about your reviews is that I genuinely believe your assessments, and trust me...I cant say that for all the reviewers out there.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Kirk. I’ve always reviewed journalistically regardless and I put myself in the buyers shoes especially when there is more than one obvious use case as in this case. If the use cases are a bit tenuous on single features as to worth, then I tend to look at products in totality because I think that’s how people buy. Obviously build. connections, sound and price factor very highly. If you like what I do please consider supporting with small donations. It all helps.

[@David-mi3il]

Simon. Objective and straight to the point. It’s all we ask for. Keep up the amazing work. Huge respect to you

[@ianorigbo7617]

I love your channel.. Most reviewers don't do in-depth reviews and detailed comparison like you done here. I got RME ADI-2 for headphone duties. So it's Eversolo for me. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much 😀🎼🔉👍

[@joostbodewes4325]

Well done Simon! 🥇

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS SIMON 🤗 FOR HELPING US IN THE AUDIOPHILE COMMUNITY 👍💚💚💚

[@stuartlindsay4589]

Great review Simon, open and honest and informative 😊

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Stu. I want to try the matching desktop speakers too now.

[@callmevil]

21:08 its that good.. I bought the r7 instantly after learning about it from Darko Audio’s video. Its on my desktop now replacing something I thought was the final boss for utilitarian desktop audio; the RME adi2dac.. touchscreen, the soft connectivities (to apple devices especially), storage(!!).. None of these translates to better audio but the levels of convenience this r7 adds makes up for it and then some. so yes, it is that good!

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

real definition of op audio

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

both are great just matter of preferences, happens that i like the other one more

[@catherinelugg4321]

This is just brilliant. I'm not interested in a desktop piece of kit, but you kept my attention throughout the video AND I learned a LOT. The production values are just top notch and you do an excellent job of TEACHING about the kit. So, thank you!! You're just fabulous at this.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks so much Catherine ,best wishes to you as always 😀

[@murraycampbell1548]

Thanks again Simon for a cracking review! Always a treat to watch your channel. Cheers from Vancouver Canada!

[@attrktmarketing4582]

Lovely review. Nicely set out and structured. Thank you

[@carsdankandchicks]

Fantastic video and overview of the product and its performance, thanks very much Simon! So happy you're still doing these reviews! Thinking about replacing my Node 2021 with the Eversolo on streaming duty in my speaker system.

[@rajkrish9347]

Thank you Simon for comparing to DMP A6 which I bought after seeing your rave review. I enjoy the audio, video, graphics and editing of your videos, needless to mention the depth of content. While watching the above video, i am ripping CDs into my DMP A6's SSD. Keep rocking. Raj from Malaysia.

[@brandonburr4900]

Haven't seen one of your videos in a while and I must say the production quality is terrific. It's right up their darkos channel. Thank you!

[@RichardXDahl]

Nice review and comparison Simon. I got the Eversolo largely based on your video. Added a 4 TB SSD. Some futzing go set up transfer of files, but really a nice piece of equipment. The Fiio looks interesting as well, but not regretting the Eversolo.

[@marcgoldstein2957]

Another great review Simon! (and as usual, I end up craving Fromage afterwards!

[@hutspan]

Dear Simon, Thank you for the excellent review

[@Joel-m777]

Thank you Simon, I really hope you continue to do reviews.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I think it will prob turn more into a hobby but I still like keeping the production quality.

[@johncallaghan3097]

A terrific and very detailed review, Simon. Much appreciated and kudos to you! 🙂 I have just one question. Were I to get the DMP-A6, I'd use it as a music server playing FLACs from an SSD (I don't stream from the Web). Do you think that it would improve on the sound quality I currently get from a music playing app on my laptop? I'd have the DMP-A6 right next to my listening position, BTW, and attach it to my DAC via a Supra USB cable just like the laptop I currently use.

[@AudioTnT]

Great review & video presentation. Much more definitive than Darko's review of the same products. We are spoiled for choice in high performance, high value audio components these days.

[@liamporter1137]

Great review. Eversolo A6 can be buggy but sound quality is good and feature rich.

[@etk4188]

Well done!

[@mich071162]

hi simon fantastic review you are doing thank you for it. I wonder why there is no review about the eversole a7 mater edition.......there is not much you can find on it best regard michael dk Sorry it was the danish version ;09

[@granin69]

Respect of Oceanlab😊!!!

[@NeilLavitt]

Excellent review, Simon, which adds far more definition to the debate about the A6 and the R7. Just a question about Roon usage. Does the FiiO Roon Ready app have to be the front-running active app, or can it run in the background before it appears as a destination? One other question, did you ever run the R7 into another possibly higher-end DAC? If so, what does that do in your opinion to the sound presentation?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Neil. Im glad it’s done that whilst still being very fair on headphone use. You can run either Roon remote or the FiiO Roon app once you turn the FiiO Roon app on, it acts like an input switcher. There is another input menu where you can also turn Roon on for the Roon software. I don’t have any high end dacs no, I should try and get one for a review which I can keep on long term loan. I’d expect the sound differences to widen a bit into such a DAC and sometimes I do think what I have is more than good enough to test, in all likelihood, whether that will be the case or not. 😀🎼🔉👍

[@TheAnsyefulful]

Thank you for your review. I now using R7 with LP50 with Rega elex-r amp to Dynaudio speakers. First they sounds realky shouty, i purchased LP50 and change interconnect cable to Van Damme cable, and now sounds better. Yet, still i feel like there is something lacking. I never hear Eversolo directly, but listening to your review, i am now wondering if i should have bought Eversolo instead. Do you have any suggestion that i can do to increase sound stage of my current setting?i feel like that is what it lacking now. Will another DAC help? Thank you for your help 🙏

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

It is an amazing looking product, and very modem. FiiOs track record is cramming as much of features in package that is affordable. Should find a way in recent future to test this.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

let us know how you get on.

[@aceofspades6667]

It’s quite a nice package for a desktop solution

[@Unicorn-ST]

Simon, thank you for so good review as always. One question… is possible to cast from Plex with R7?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. I don’t know tbh as I’ve never used plex but if you do find out would be pleased to hear back on here for others benefit. 😀

[@garyfacey6822]

Thanks for a great review, very informative. I purchased the R7 for £650 a few weeks ago and have to agree the headphone output sound quality is great however there are a few things that let the R7 down in my opinion. 1. On my R7 the optical input stutters every 20-30 seconds when connected to my LG C2 television. (No problem with usb via PC). 2. The R7’s software uses Android 10 OS which no longer receives updates or security patches. 3. The software feels a little clunky / dated. 4. No remote control or mobile app to control volume or source selection. As a desktop device it did not make sense for me because I have a modern computer, so a good headphone amp and DAC will suffice. As a living room device it does not have a remote control or mobile app. I personally could not find a valid reason for keeping the R7 so I sent it back after two days of testing it out. If I was getting the R7 for free as a reviewer then yes it’s great but at £650 it feels like it was rushed out the factory and not fully tested and polished.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It might be you’ve got the tv digital output wrong - bitstream or other settings play around with or get a cheap converter. I didn’t think the updates has any bearing if it works. You can get a remote as I explained

[@garyfacey6822]

I agree with your review of the R7, the points I made were just for my personal experience. I did try all the different settings on my LG C2 television, still no joy, the Optical input works when connected to other devices like my Panasonic television, usb Sound blaster G6 DAC and others just not the LG C2 television. With regard to the remote control, would of be nice to have one included in the box. Unfortunately security update are very important for devices that have access to online services, websites and downloadable apps, but as I said that my own personal opinion, others my not have any concerns and that’s absolutely fine for them.

[@luisamorim6726]

I have Bluesound Node 3 and I'm thinking of buying Eversolo Master what improvements will I have. or Buy the Bluesoud Nod X is it worth the exchange thanks

[@erwindewit4073]

Very nice review. I kind of like this thing! Also because it is Android based, it can just use all apps, so streaming mixcloud and digitally imported is easy. And I have a weird old school Accuphase poweramp (1991) WITH volume control on it!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Erwin. I suspect this type of device will become more the norm. Who doesn’t like a display like this

[@erwindewit4073]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Precisely my point! It looks good, plays everything really and sounds good. What's not to like, really .

[@m.m.8497]

Great review. I have both devices (R7/DMP-A6) and I can agree with your thoughts. One more thought: if I compare the OS I must say, the R7 works a lot better. The user interface isn’t very intuitive. And I have a lot of problems with the DMP-A6 outputs. Sometimes they don’t work. I have to send the DMP-A6 back to the dealer. I will see what happens.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much. What amps and speakers do you use out of interest so I contextualise our experiences. All useful. Thank you.

[@m.m.8497]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I am using Buchardts A700 with a Plutin Hub. I tried USB out/optical/coax from the DMP-A6 to my Platin Hub. Sometimes it worked and the next day it didn’t. The R7 is working without problems with my Platin Hub. I have ordered the new Buchardt A10 with a second Platin Hub as my second system. For this system I will use the R7. What connection between the R7 and the Platin Hub would you prefer? I have the Fiio remote also, it’s good but it doesn’t help if your are sitting 4m away from the screen. So the usability front the sofa is not the best. In this point the cast modus from the DMP-A6 is a great benefit.

[@danab7472]

I bought the FiiO R7 and have it paired with a Sansui AU-555A feeding an XTZ power amplifier driving a pair of Celestion Ditton 551. A few weeks later I bought the LP50 power supply. My experience was that I very much liked the sound of the R7 out of the box, more with DSD upsampling and simulated 2nd harmonic filter on, and that the LP50, while it certainly made a positive difference, was not something that saved the R7 from sounding rubbish on my hifi system. To my ears the R7 sounded just fine prior to the LP50, and something like 5% or so better with the LP50. To say that the R7 is not suitable for a hifi system without the power supply does not reflect my experience with FiiO.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I can only reflect my experience relative the kit I use and really great amp in the Hegel and the pmcs. I’d never say it’s not suitable relative to kit used which goes without saying

[@mich071162]

hej simon fantaskt review du laver, tak for det. jeg undrer mig lidt over hvor der er ingen der review om eversole a7 mater edition.......der er ikke meget man kan finde på den best regard michael dk

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

id add another 0.2-0.3v, for more power do at your own risk

[@rebelacoustics1262]

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?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. I think it matters for hifi systems in which case you are turning on other gear anyway, but the pl50 is not a massive benefit for desktop systems anyway as Lachlan on his channel ‘passion for sound’ agreed. Personally im not currently using my pl50 I bought with the R7 and SP3 speakers. Of course other systems might differ.

[@toxotis70]

An I use it as a dac with my pc or Mac via usb ?

[@NeilLavitt]

Just another question Simon. Is it possible to operate the R7 with a sub?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

There is no sub out Neil but you can use one of the line out pairs and the other to the pre or active speakers etc

[@erbertoviazzo8277]

Can I connect TV?

[@bigjt37]

I just was trying to find out what size the DC barrel socket was on the R7? Is it 5.5×2.1mm? Or.. 🤔

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I measured the one on the pl50 which fits the r7, with my calliper for you, and the metal part is 10m long up to the plastic sleeve and 5.3mm wide. The 2.1 must be the inner bit I guess and it’s roughly that, so I’d say your 5.5x2.1 is right. Hope that helps.

[@bigjt37]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Oh, okay..thank you very much, it did. Yeah I was curious about the inside. 🙏🏼

[@radissimo1]

hifiman EF600+mobile phone better imho

[@mich071162]

Sorry eversolo a6 master edition

[@fletchermunson6225]

If you touch the case and it is cool before you turn it on, it's metal. If it's warm, it's plastic.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It’s definitely not plastic otherwise it would flex and be lighter

[@fletchermunson6225]

Lots of new materials now. Who knows?@@13thnotehifireviews7