FiiO BTR17 Portable Bluetooth Headphone DAC & Amplifier | Review

Summary

In this detailed review, Yan takes an in-depth look at the FiiO BTR1 17, a portable Bluetooth dongle DAC amplifier priced at $200. He covers the device's design, build quality, features, and specifications, including support for Bluetooth 5.4, high-resolution audio, and multiple output options. Yan highlights the device’s powerful sound performance, with a balanced, warm tone and impressive bass. Comparisons with other dongle DACs like the K7 and BTR 13 reveal the BTR1 17’s superior wireless capabilities, making it an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts. Despite being on the pricier side, it offers good value for its features.

Takeaways

• 😀 The FiiO BTR1 17 is a portable Bluetooth dongle deck amplifier for headphones and earphones, priced at $200.
• 😀 It supports Bluetooth 5.4 with a Qualcomm QCC5181 chip and multiple lossless audio codecs including LDAC, aptX HD, and more.
• 😀 The device features a USB-C to USB-C cable for wired connection and includes a protective leather case with a lanyard.
• 😀 The BTR1 17 can decode up to 768kHz at 32-bit and supports MQA for high-resolution audio playback.
• 😀 The amplifier is powered by the ESS ES9069Q DAC chip, ensuring high-quality sound output.
• 😀 The device includes two headphone outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced, with a maximum power output of 650mW per channel at 32 ohms in balanced mode.
• 😀 Battery life is approximately 8 hours with LDAC streaming, and it requires about 2 hours for a full charge.
• 😀 The BTR1 17 is built with a solid aluminum shell and features a multifunctional rotary knob for volume control, which helps prevent accidental volume changes.
• 😀 The device includes multiple modes: Bluetooth mode, PC mode (wired), and Phone mode (battery-powered), offering versatility in usage.
• 😀 Sound quality is described as balanced with a warm and casual tuning, with clear bass, slightly recessed mids, and smooth treble.
• 😀 For $200, the BTR1 17 offers a high-quality, Bluetooth-enabled portable DAC/amp with strong performance and value compared to other similar devices.

Q & A

What are the key features of the FiiO BTR1 17?

The FiiO BTR1 17 is a portable Bluetooth DAC/amp that supports high-resolution audio formats, including DSD512, MQA, and 32-bit/768 kHz. It features Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC, AAC, SBC, and aptX HD support, and offers both balanced (4.4mm) and single-ended (3.5mm) output options. It also has a 1.3" IPS display, long battery life, and a customizable EQ function through the FiiO Control app.

What is the primary use case for the FiiO BTR1 17?

The FiiO BTR1 17 is designed for audiophiles who want a portable, high-quality audio solution for headphones or earphones, offering both wired and wireless functionality with advanced Bluetooth capabilities.

How does the FiiO BTR1 17 compare to other models like the Ka7 and Ka15?

Compared to the Ka7, the BTR1 17 performs similarly in sound quality but stands out due to its wireless capabilities. It also offers a more balanced sound than the Ka15, which is warmer but less resolved. Overall, the BTR1 17 provides a more versatile and refined audio experience.

What type of audio codecs does the FiiO BTR1 17 support?

The BTR1 17 supports a variety of high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs, including LDAC, AAC, SBC, aptX HD, and the newer LE Audio codec for lossless wireless audio streaming.

What is the significance of the 1.3" IPS display on the BTR1 17?

The 1.3" IPS display on the BTR1 17 provides an easy-to-read interface for controlling settings, monitoring playback, and adjusting the device's functions, improving the user experience for both visual and functional feedback.

How long does the battery of the FiiO BTR1 17 last?

The BTR1 17’s battery lasts up to 8 hours of use when streaming over LDAC, and it takes approximately 2 hours to fully recharge.

What is the role of the customizable 10-band EQ on the FiiO BTR1 17?

The 10-band EQ allows users to adjust the sound profile to their preference by fine-tuning the bass, mids, and treble frequencies, offering greater personalization of the listening experience through the FiiO Control app.

What are the connectivity options for the FiiO BTR1 17?

The FiiO BTR1 17 supports both Bluetooth and wired connections, allowing it to be used with devices via USB-C or 3.5mm/4.4mm headphone jacks, offering flexibility depending on the use case.

What makes the FiiO BTR1 17 suitable for audiophiles?

The BTR1 17 is suitable for audiophiles due to its high-quality DAC (ESS ES9069Q), support for high-resolution audio formats, advanced Bluetooth capabilities, and balanced sound signature, making it a premium portable option for enjoying lossless audio.

How does the BTR1 17's sound quality compare to wired connections?

The BTR1 17 delivers sound quality comparable to wired connections, especially when using high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like LDAC or streaming DSD files, ensuring that wireless playback doesn't sacrifice audio fidelity.