FiiO BTR7 portable DAC with Bluetooth review

The new flagship of FiiO Bluetooth-enabled portable DACs brings a lot of improvements both in sound and functionality
Official site: www.fiio.com/btr7
0:00 - Introduction
2:49 - Package, design, and controls
7:39 - Companion app
10:27 - Sound
13:51 - Pairings and comparisons
Tracks, mentioned in the review
Musica Nuda - I Will Survive (Live)
Marvin Gaye - Right On
Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays - "It's for You"
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@jasonmusic3]

🎉 Been watching your videos for awhile now and just realized I hadn't subscribed, I just subscribed bro🎉 Thanks for your information! 🤙🏾

[@iScorpio1971]

Thanks for your take on the BTR7. Looks like a buffed BTR5, costing doble at lunch, having very similar DAC ES 9219C vs ES 9218P, different amp stage with THX, that I've not yet heard. I'm really looking forward to upgrade the already excellent BTR5.

[@PortaFi]

I think that exactly amplification is a main source of quality gain for BTR7

[@vitavkv]

Thank you for your review. 🤝. P.S.: Musica Nuda! 👍

[@boltvanderhuge8711]

Sounds great, looks great (except for some super cheap looking chifi UI elements), and the wireless charging super useful. Am finding it a lot harder to locate the buttons I want to push while it's in my pocket though, vs the BTR5. Probably would have made more sense to have power & the charge switch on the left, and expand the volume and playback button on the right.

[@PortaFi]

thank you for sharing!

[@alexp3577]

Could you please tell how does the sound quality compare to Fiio K5 Pro? I know it will have enough power for my Sennheiser HD560s(120ohms, even K3 can power it on balanced) headphones, but I am curious if it could be an upgrade for my K5 Pro in terms of sound quality. Is it overall better, worse or pretty much the same?

[@PortaFi]

You know, it's a question without the distinct answer. With some power-hungry cans, of course K5 Pro is an obvious choice But with more sensitive models it's more a matter of preferences. K5 Pro does a bit better in terms of "macro", offering bit more forward emotions and better dynamics, while BTR7 is ahead in "micro" domain. For me it renders micro nuances a bit better, giving… can't find 100% proper word, probably "more exquisite" sound. It's like keyboardist in rock band vs piano player in classics concerto (well, I'm bit exaggerating here for illustration purpose) Subjectively, I prefer BTR7 for the wast majority of tracks, but it's more a matter of taste

[@TheSaskva4]

Пишу з госпіталю! Це просто найкраще що траплялось за 35 років, BTR7 це просто космос! В моєму сценарії, Asus ROG phone 7 ,Deezer hi fi , BTR7, bqeys spring 2, я заворожений лежу і чую в своїх улюблених композиціях те, чого до цього не чув! Роздільна здатність, чіткість, як на мене дуже грамотні баси,відчуваються навіть слої басових партій,все технічно,зібрано і надпотужної! Раджу просто всім!!!😊😊😊

[@PortaFi]

дякую за відгук! дуже приємно що він так вас тішить найшвидшого одужання!

[@user-nn7zm5qv5b]

Hello, please tell me your opinion. Fiio FH7 headphones are available. I am faced with a choice: to take a Q5s on the secondary or a new BTR7 . In terms of sound quality, which would be preferable? I am aware of the difference in size, this is not a critical moment for me. In the future, it is possible to switch to more serious headphones, but I would not like to change the dac.

[@PortaFi]

I don't have Q5s for a pretty long time, but in general, I think that BTR7 is more convenient and versatile. So, even if Q5s sounds a bit better (which isn't a fact), for FH7 BTR7 is a better choice.

[@miloedo]

Hello Friend.. witch Dongle Dac do you consider has the best layering and soundstage.. ?

[@PortaFi]

Hello, I haven' heard many popular models, but so far BTR7 is one of the best in this acpect

[@AlainKapture]

Great review, thanks a lot! Would you rather pick the BTR7 or the iFi Go Bar as USB DAC for Hifiman Edition XS on the go? Not sure if I will use Bluetooth a lot.

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately I didn't test this headphones, so I can't say anything here

[@KadeWenter]

How's the bluetooth latency for watching videos? I had the fiio m6 and had to return it because the lag was really noticeable.

[@PortaFi]

it's pretty good with aptX LL, with other codecs it's more noticeable, less than for M6, but can be spotted

[@ZanderLexx]

Hi! Nice review as usual! Here in Romania the price is double at one of our local stores in Bucharest. Here BTR5 2021 edition USB type C version(there is a lighting versions as well) costs 650 Ron which converted at 1 Ron = 5 Euro it costs 130 Euro. BTR7 seems at first that is more to expensive at 240 Euro. Even though 7 is better than 5, the price just still seems to steep. Here in Romania many electronics are overpriced and at 240 Euro 7 is not worth it, even though it really is a good product .

[@PortaFi]

Buna ziua! Ce mai faceti? :) Prices for audio gear in EU are pretty bad in general, so Romania is not an exception here. But in general, of course BTR7 is a product targeted towards a smaller audience compared to BTR5, but it's also common for expensive gear. Anyway, after the war you can visit Ukraine and buy gear at lower prices :)

[@adriangpuiu]

It’s the vat price added to the imported goods … nothing new ..

[@PortaFi]

@@adriangpuiu sure, it's all about tax. But it's still sad to pay more :)

[@adriangpuiu]

@@PortaFi well that’s true, I remember when I ordered the Qudelix 5x , with shipping and everything was 130 usd and then when it arrived I had to pay another 35.5 USD for tax , so in the end paid almost 170 usd for qudelix … pure robbery man ….

[@kyron42]

Great review. I just saw No Theme Reviews review. Yours is much better. He made no mention of the parametric EQ. Something with more power than the Qudelix-5K with parametric EQ is what I've been looking for. Unfortunately it doesn't have a clip so I might have to tape it to the top of my headphones. Does it still have the problem that the btr5 had the where you couldn't use EQ with ldac?

[@PortaFi]

Parametric EQ was added just recently, and still is work in progress. Probably that's why he didn't mention it (just my guess) As for EQ with LDAC, as far as I remember, it's working, but it's better to double check with FiiO support to be sure (or I can check when mine BTR7 will return back, as I've sent it to a few friends for audition)

[@elbassico01]

Hey, ive got the Audio Technica ATH R70x is the btr7 a good pairing with it?

[@PortaFi]

sorry, I didn't test R70X

[@snailmail1962]

OK curious why doesn’t the Apple cable that comes with my iPhone work with this dac? I do have the cable that came with the dac for the iPhone and it does work it’s just very short. Also, I’m just wondering I get this kind of metallic sensation from the FiiO DACs I’m doing something wrong is there a way to lesson that. One other thing the FiiO website does anybody know why it’s so slow and or if there’s another link for the firmware update because the website is almost impossible to access --so slow so very slow… the FiiO app says it’s updated, but the current firmware is V1.85 but I have 1.68.

[@PortaFi]

> why doesn’t the Apple cable that comes with my iPhone work with this dac? because you need a cable that supports USB Audio OTG for Lighning, and Apple's stock cable isn't created for that purpose > I get this kind of metallic sensation from the FiiO DAC sorry, I don't understand what that means > One other thing the FiiO website does anybody know why it’s so slow it's hosted in China, and many Chineese data centres don't have a good connectivity with the world. But usually I have no issue downloading firmwares. If you have problems with that, I think you can just ask on Head-Fi forum in BTR7 thread, someone will help you with downloading firmware and putting it to some storage

[@-Ambos-]

Seems to be the new No. 1 for portable DACs

[@PortaFi]

may be, but I didn't test many popular models, so I can't tell for sure :)

[@AlexDeejay1973]

In your opinion to me who does not care about bluetooth, could the Low DC06 dual DAC ES9219C quad DAC be a compromise?

[@PortaFi]

It can be a compromise in terms of price/quality ratio. In terms of sound it's not as good as BTR7, but of course it's cheaper which is important in many cases

[@nightscorpius]

Thanks for the review. Great job! Need advice. Now I have BTR 5 2021. AudioSense T800 headphones. Should I buy a new BTR 7 to get a boost in sound quality?

[@PortaFi]

T800 is pretty sensitive and has their own, unique coloration, so in this particular case I don't think boost will be big

[@nightscorpius]

Thanks for the answer. Have a great weekend 😃

[@PortaFi]

@@nightscorpius thanks! you too!

[@Basv7]

Thanks for a great informative (as always) review! Got BTR7 & FH5s recently and this combination works just great, especially in a "sandwich" wired mode with a smartphone (LDAC is good enough, but blurs the details and dynamic range a bit) : ) Meanwhile sometimes I feel that bass and sub-bass is not enough, don't want to mess with EQ, but thinking to get another pair of IEMs, such as FD5 or maybe FD7, but not sure yet. Really interested in your opinion : )

[@PortaFi]

Well, I think it's impossible to tell without trying, as FD's bass is more impactful, but not more weighty, so it's a matter of what are you lacking: impact or weight )))

[@Basv7]

@@PortaFi Thanks a lot for the answer : ) I like impact better :)

[@PortaFi]

@@Basv7 wise choice! :)

[@Basv7]

@@PortaFi Special thanks for the answers : ) getting a warm-lamp feeling once my comment got answered, haha!

[@PortaFi]

@@Basv7 I'm getting almost the same feeling when I can be helpful to someone somewhere :)

[@mohammedshafi463]

I have btr5 and timeless 7hz can i upgrade to Btr7 any boost in audio quality

[@PortaFi]

yep, BTR7 is better, but I won't call the difference "big"

[@mgunin]

Great review, as always! Speaking of comparisons, you mention that BTR7 outperforms DAPs within its own price range. Speaking of wired sound, do you think it is more in a mid-fi DAPs league (I mean DX160/170, Shanling M6, Hiby R5 etc)?

[@PortaFi]

no, it's good, but not M11S good. so mid-fi daps still will be better (didn't test DX170 yet)

[@frazy1984]

Hi, how’s the Bluetooth range on btr7, I used btr5, it’s range was horrific, it got cut within 3 feet in open space. Thanks

[@PortaFi]

Hello, in my tests I easily got up to 10 meters without issues. But the same applied to BTR5 There are lots of factors that can impact Bluetooth: interference, transmitor's power, selected coded (for example LDAC with SQ priority almost constantly having issues for virtually any device I had)

[@frazy1984]

@@PortaFi Okay, thanks

[@whatisthepoint814]

Hi.Is it suitable for hd650 and hifiman ananda?

[@PortaFi]

Hello, I didn't test it with this particular models. I think from the balanced out it will be OK in terms of power, but it's an assumption

[@raghidalshairi3608]

Is the sound better than the Fiio Utws5 in terms of highlighting details and in terms of better bass, or is it similar, and the sound will not different? I'm interested to know if I get better bass and a warmer sound in particular! I use it with Fiio FH7. I am thinking about buying and selling Utws5. Do you advise me to do that or not? And if not Can you recommend the best option of adapters for the Fiio Fh7 ? Thank you so much .

[@PortaFi]

Yes, BTR7 is better, more technical and resolving. But UTWS5 is more convenient. As for my suggestions, FiiO announced BTR7 successor this year, so I'd wait for this release and see what it'll give.

[@S7M7N]

Hi, BTR7 sound thin with iphone AAC compare to android LDAC or connected with cable?

[@PortaFi]

hello, for me it doesn't. compared with cable, you're losing extension on both ends, and stage size. as for comparing with LDAC, it depends on particular phone, as different manufacturers uses different LDAC settings, and sometimes AAC can be even better

[@S7M7N]

@@PortaFi thank you so much 🙏🏼

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

Hey, I just returned ifi XDSD Gryphon because I thought it's not worth it's price also not much better than BTR5 so does BTR7 sound as good as gryphon? Or are there any other options? I've excluded dethonray Pegasus sg-1 and topping G5 because g5 lacks functions and sg1 having issues. Even a DAP that works like every bluetooth dac/amp

[@PortaFi]

I already answered this question under other review, but actually, you can get any DAP and get a really good sound, for example, HiBy's new R6 Pro II

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

@@PortaFi can you use that DAP as you would a typical bluetooth DAC like BTR7? And if it does , does it sound as good as in normal way?

[@PortaFi]

@@beyondtheuniverse999 yes, you can. You'll lose some sound quality anyway due to lossy Bluetooth codecs. And DAPs doesn't support microphones

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

@@PortaFi so if I buy the DAP will it be better than BTR7? In bluetooth reciving mode?

[@PortaFi]

@@beyondtheuniverse999 yes it will, but difference won't be huge, as it's still lossy

[@user-ul4ub6sz5r]

Добрый день,стою перед выбором fiio btr7 или topping g5,использоваться будет дома,чтобы Вы порекомендовали?

[@PortaFi]

я не пробовал G5

[@user-ul4ub6sz5r]

Спасибо,выбрал G5,было бы интересно Ваше мнение.Всего доброго

[@freeq333]

Can you compare BTR7 to ifi Go Bar?

[@PortaFi]

BTR7 is less powerful, but more refined, with more focus on small nuances

[@artsciencefaith]

Can the BTR7 pairing to portable amp?

[@PortaFi]

Sure, why not. But in vast majority of situations it won't make lot of sense, as built-in amp here is pretty decent

[@artsciencefaith]

@@PortaFi ok, i see, is the NX7 input compatible with coaxial cable?

[@PortaFi]

@@artsciencefaith I haven't test NX7

[@malinyamato2291]

as always great serious review --- how does this compare to ifi go blu and ifi go bar?

[@theodorezurla496]

And the Shanling UP5

[@boltvanderhuge8711]

Like almost any other portable DAC it's much less noisy than the go blu 😂Sounds much more dynamic than the UP5 and has more bass by default than the go bar, though the bar offers more digital filtering options as well as analog bass boost and crossfeed options.

[@malinyamato2291]

@@boltvanderhuge8711 so okay, BTR7 is a Go Blu, Go Bar and UP5 killer. I own Go Blu and its range really sucks.

[@boltvanderhuge8711]

@@malinyamato2291 yeah for range the btr7 is noticeably better than the blu, the btr5, and the up5

[@PortaFi]

So, Bolt VanderHuge perfectly summarised everything :) Indeed, BTR7 is more neutral than Shanling's typical tuning, has better weight compared to GObar and better with sensitive IEMs than both iFi offers

[@markrussellsmith]

Informative review, thanks. How does it compare to the M11 Plus ESS? I wasn't too impressed by the M11 Plus, particularly the bass which wasn't very impactful compared to the DX300.

[@PortaFi]

They have some degree of similarity in representation, but M11 Plus is better sonically. So BTR7 won't be a substitute for the DX300 )))

[@julianfrancofarinas4280]

Does this sound better than the FIIO Q3?

[@PortaFi]

Well, to me yes. But they have a pretty different signature, so it's a matter of taste first of all

[@zombywoof4147]

Hi nice and informative review, thanks! Can I use BTR7 as a BT transmitter from my PC? It would be nice if I could plug it into my PC via USB and transmit audio to my BT enabled headset. Unfortunately PC's BT does SBC only :(

[@PortaFi]

no, it's just a receiver. for transmitter you can use FiiO BTA30 Pro (or maybe some other transmitter, but I can't recall one)

[@zombywoof4147]

@@PortaFi Hi, thanks the quick response ! It is a pitty, that would be a very useful feature. I could solve all audio connectivity issues I have. Do you know if newer models of Fiio players can do that? A player must have BT tx capability and also works as a USD DAC, so the hw functionality must be there.

[@PortaFi]

@@zombywoof4147 almost all modern players can work as USB DAC and has BT transmission feature, but usually they are mutually exclusive. If I remember, Shanling's M0 and M1 (and maybe some other players) can work transmitting audio from USB to Bluetooth. But I just read about that, not tested this feature (it was added later with firmwares), so it's better to double check that

[@zombywoof4147]

@@PortaFi Thanks the info & advice, I check them.

[@garthmckeil9539]

This was a review I have been waiting for. Have the BTR 3 and the BTR 5. Was wondering if this was a worthwhile upgrade.

[@PortaFi]

yes, if you want a better sound and has some decent earphones to show this difference :)

[@starguy1656]

I have BTR3 BTR5 and now +BTR7. No regrets, BTR7 is amazing 👍🏼

[@PortaFi]

@@starguy1656 congratulations and thank you for sharing!

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

​@@starguy1656hey, in what ways is it better than btr5 does it have more soundstage?

[@7ArchEnemy7]

BTR7 or Hiby R3 Pro Saber for sound quality? They are similarly priced and almost the same power output. I know it's dongle vs DAP but still what's a better purchase?

[@PortaFi]

they are really different in sound, FiiO is more focused on micro-contrast and is more neutral. also it's a matter of your preferences, in general player is more "universal" device as it doesn't need a separate transport. But if you prefer streaming services, then streaming from smartphone to BTR will be more convenient

[@lantern054]

Hi man, watching ur videos after a long time 😁. Would you review Xduoo link 2 bal dac?

[@PortaFi]

Unfortunately, most probably I won't. But if I'll manage to get one, I'll definitely review it

[@lantern054]

@@PortaFi yes, please try ur best to review it once🙂

[@DiabloTempest]

Fioo btr7 or Shanling ua 3?

[@PortaFi]

if you want more neutral sound, then BTR7. UA3 will give you a warmer signature

[@DiabloTempest]

@@PortaFi okay great thanks.

[@FabioKasper]

No clip-on? 😩

[@PortaFi]

No. Probably FiiO decided that it's to big and bulky to be clippable

[@ateksudianto6237]

how about the mic ?

[@PortaFi]

It's pretty decent, but to be honest, I don't think it will make much use here, as you'll have to move it close to your mouth to use. So, for some rare cases it'll be Ok option to quickly answer the call, but if you need to do it more frequently, it's better to find some earphones with mic on wire

[@Idontevenknowmyslf]

@@PortaFi while in usb-mode, can it used in-line mic from the cable?

[@PortaFi]

@@Idontevenknowmyslf no, only in BT mode

[@Idontevenknowmyslf]

@@PortaFi damn, i've been waiting this feature from btr5 2020. Can you recommend me usb DAC that can use in line mic? Thank you!

[@PortaFi]

@@Idontevenknowmyslf sorry, I don't remember any. Maybe some dongles support it, but I'm not sure about exact models

[@Rakshit0076]

Great review as always. I've looked at people saying the btr7 performs almost as good as fiio's flagship daps, in wired mode. How exaggerated is that claim, or are they indeed comparable..

[@PortaFi]

Pretty much exaggerated :) Probably it's based on "same chips = same sound" idea. BTR7 is indeed great. Really good sound, especially for this price and size. But definitely not on level of M15 and M17 :) And even M11 Plus is better. Of course not proportionally to the price better, but it's a law of diminishing returns

[@Rakshit0076]

@@PortaFi makes perfect sense.. why would Fiio make their expensive product obsolete by launching an inexpensive one.. besides, btr is a streamer with a dac & amp at the end of the day.. it has its place, but not to a point of replacing a dap

[@JB19504]

Does this give you lossless bluetooth, and can I use it with Apple Carplay?

[@PortaFi]

there is no lossless bluetooth. even LDAC that is promoted as "lossless" is a lossy indeed. as far as I understand what CarPlay is, there is no possibility to use some in-between device. but you can connect this receiver to aux in of you car music system, and it will work this way. it also has a convenient "in car" mode to simplify this usage

[@suncani]

Hi. As you often mention layering in your videos, would you please recommend example of a minimum audio set up in which I would be able to experience such fine details etc. Please include a DAP or a DAC/AMP and a pair of iems or headphones. This might be a good proposal for a separate video production. God bless you. Slava Ukraini. Sani

[@PortaFi]

Well, to fully experience it in the IEMs you'll need something like CA Andromeda, or, let's say some IMR models (especially ones with ES) For the sources, FiiO's M11 Plus, iBasso DX240… But it's not a complete list, it's just a few random examples that came to my mind If one can consider second-hand models, choice can be broaden even wider

[@suncani]

@@PortaFi Thank you. God bless. Sani.

[@PortaFi]

@@suncani thank you! all the best wishes to you too!

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

Uglier, much bigger to the slim btr5, viewing the review to see if it is necessary when btr5 works well with my iems. Z did not said anything about it

[@PortaFi]

BTR7 is indeed created for those who need more power. And it delivers it. For sensitive IEMs it doesn't make a big sense

[@chewkenghong]

while it sounds good, the screen and buttons implmentation is horrid! the screen is much larger but entire screen shows LDAC! and the vol numbers are now even smaller than that of BTR5. the buttons....if you wanna pause music, you have to tap once to wake the screen, then tap again to pause. and the screen dont even show that you have paused the music. why wake up the screen then??? a complete waste of its bigger colour screen. e.g. it will be more logical if the screen change to show the volume when one is adjusting it. and number changes colour like red if passed 60 to show harmful loudness and green to show normal listening volume etc so that the colour is information. really great sound and poor UI.

[@PortaFi]

the only solution here, is to write suggestions to FiiO. maybe they'll take them into account in future (but it's not highly likely IMO)