FiiO BTR17 Review – Portable DAC of the Year
After a long wait, FiiO has released the all-new revamped BTR17. As an upgrade to the award-winning BTR7, the latest BTR17 packs a lot of new features and upgrades such as the latest Qualcomm’s flagship QCC5181 Bluetooth chipset. It enables Bluetooth V5.4 connectivity along with Snapdragon Hi-Res wireless transmission support. This includes Hi-Res 24-bit/96kHz wireless transmission protocols including LDAC, aptX Adaptive, etc.
The Fiio BTR17 Bluetooth amplifier is making quite a splash in the audio community, positioning itself as a significant upgrade from its predecessors, the BTR5 and BTR7. Designed for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, this device marries exquisite craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. From its sleek aluminum chassis and stylish leatherette case to the dual Type-C OTG data cable and pre-installed protective film, the BTR17 is not just a piece of audio equipment—it’s a stylish accessory for the modern music enthusiast.
FiiO has equipped the BTR17 with a premium dual DAC setup housing two latest ES9069Q DAC chips. Based on the 32-bit HyperStream architecture, the ES9069Q chipset achieves outstanding Dynamic Range and SNR performance while decoding Hi-Res audio signals. The FiiO BTR17 features patented Desktop Mode that has an independent power supply and supports a maximum output thrust of up to 650mW per channel.
FiiO BTR17 offers Hi-Res Lossless wireless Bluetooth functionality. Equipped with Qualcomm’s latest QCC5181 Bluetooth chipset, the BTR17 meets the LE Audio standard and supports up to 2.1Mbps transmission speed. It supports strong and stable wireless Bluetooth V5.4 connectivity along with Snapdragon Sound Technology. The BTR17 supports high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz LDAC, and AptX Adaptive wireless codecs.
Along with wireless Bluetooth, the FiiO BTR17 also supports Hi-Res wired audio processing as well. It comes equipped with a 3rd generation XMOS XU316 16-core USB processor which has low latency and more stable wired signal transmission. It is also compatible with ordinary USB chips supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 audio signal processing. It also supports MQA decoding and has easy connectivity with different devices.
FiiO BTR17 features patented desktop mode, you can connect it to outer power while using and turn the independent D.Mode Switch on. It has a strong 650mW per channel output in this high-power desktop mode. The independent power supply mode completely bypasses the power intake from the connected source device and avoids overflow of the current in the circuit.
FiiO BTR17 comes equipped with a THX AA78+ amp chipset that produces a strong output thrust on the device. In desktop mode, the BTR17 delivers a ferocious 650mW per channel output. Even with low-sensitivity IEMs and Headphones, the BTR17 maintains a clean and clear output free from any noticeable background noise.
BTR17’s most apparent upgrades are its volume wheel and bound raw lather back. The rest of the chassis is made from aluminum alloy materials, and with all of these components combined, the BTR17 feels more like a luxury product than ever before. It feels more refined than the BTR7, which appeared more bulky and less sleek than how the BTR17 looks. There’s also the screen, which is around the same size as the BTR7 but has a reworked display. It shows about the same amount of info but the screen resolution is better.
The BTR17 supports both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs. A welcome addition to the BTR17 is two separate USB-C slots for DAC and power. Using the switches on the side of the device also helps with creating less confusion about whether you want the BTR17 to charge or be a DAC dongle. There’s also a separate switch for D-Mode(desktop mode) where the BTR17 becomes a more effective DAC/Amp combo.
Depending on whether you are using balanced or unbalanced headphones, the BTR17 should give you around 9 hours of playtime.
Unboxing
- BTR17 Unit
- Leatherette (fake leather) Case
- Specially made short dual Type-C OTG data cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
- PET Protective Film (pre-installed)
Features
- Qualcomm’s Latest QCC5181 Bluetooth Chipset.
- Bluetooth V5.4 Connectivity.
- Supports Wireless Lossless Codecs(LDAC, AptX Adaptive, etc).
- Patented Desktop Mode with Independent Power Supply.
- Independent Desktop Mode Switch.
- THX AA78+ Amp Chipset.
- Supremely Powerful Output(Up to 650mW Per Channel).
- High-Performance ES9069Q Dual-DAC Architecture.
- XMOS XU316 16-Core USB Chipset.
- Colorful Display Screen.
- PC, Bluetooth, Phone Three Device Modes.
- High-Quality 8-Wire Type-C Connector Cable.
- MQA Certified.
- Hi-Res Audio+Hi-Res Audio Wireless Certified.
Specifications (Full Specs: Link)
- Color: Black/Blue
- USB chip: XMOS XU316
- USB DAC: 768kHz-32bit, DSD512 native, MQA full decoding
- USB DAC driver-free mode: Supported
- Bluetooth chip: QCC5181
- Bluetooth version: 5.4
- Bluetooth formats supported: AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX Adaptive/aptX Lossless/aptX HD/LDAC
- DAC: ES9069Q*2
- Display: 1.3-inch 240×240 color IPS
- Battery life: About 8 hours (LDAC)
- Charging time: ≤2H
- Headphone outputs: Single-ended 3.5mm + balanced 4.4mm
- Output power 1: L+R≥280mW+280mW (32Ω/THD+N<1%/single-ended/desktop mode)
- Output power 2: L+R≥31mW+31mW (300Ω/THD+N<1%/single-ended/desktop mode)
- Output power 3: L+R≥650mW+650mW (32Ω/THD+N<1%/balanced/desktop mode)
- Output power 4: L+R≥125mW+125mW (300Ω/THD+N<1%/balanced/desktop mode)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥126dB (UAC decoding, desktop mode, A-weighted)
- THD+N: <00035% (UAC decoding, desktop mode, balanced output)
- Dimensions: About 16.3×41.2×86.6mm
- Weight: About 73.4g
- Price: $199
FiiO Control – App
FiiO Control – Web
Sound
The FiiO BTR17 delivers a seamless and harmonious sound throughout the entire range, showcasing an abundance of intricacies. Its tonal balance remains neutral, preserving the authentic sound without any alterations. The sound quality is pristine and articulate, featuring rapid and precisely managed transients.
It presents itself as a versatile performer, offering a satisfying listening journey, irrespective of the chosen IEM. The majority of combinations produce a clear and consistent sound, characterized by excellent dynamics. The BTR17 provides a completely silent background on 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports, with no hissing or humming.
Lows
The bass response on the FiiO BTR17 is neutral with great punch. I never missed a kick drum beat and the separation between low-end instruments was phenomenal. Especially on the Focal’s, which are known for their dynamics, I got a great sense of slam without it ever becoming too much. The sub-bass rumble is present without causing any bias towards the low end and the transitional space between mid-bass and lower-mids is smooth and transparent.
The BTR17’s low range delivers a tight, quick, and well-rounded sound. The bass level is just right and precise, without overshadowing the midrange or blending with other frequencies. It is well-managed and rich in texture.
Mids
I found the midrange to be neutral-warm. Vocals are clear and natural without feeling too forward. What stood out to me was the sense of micro dynamics of which the FiiO BTR17 is. Sounds like violin pans had a great attack while moving within the stereo range. Meanwhile, I could hear the decay of reverb-laden vocals with crystal clarity.
The vocals are positioned accurately, and the midrange as a whole feels musical and dynamic due to its warm tonality. The BTR17 effectively combines accuracy with a natural timbre, resulting in a precise tone
Midrange detail is also fantastic. I could hear the sounds of the guitarist’s fingers moving up and down the fretboard. Instrument notes are all handled with care. You can feel the impact of snare drum hits and guitar strums. All in all, the midrange of the FiiO BTR17 is nuanced, detailed, and natural.
Highs
The BTR17 delivers a crisp and precise treble reproduction, showcasing an abundance of details. The extensions are well-maintained and controlled, ensuring a pleasant listening experience without any sense of deficiency.
Like the rest of the frequency response, the FiiO BTR17 leans towards the neutral side of things. As I alluded to earlier, cymbal hits are delivered with great detail and resolution. The DAC/amp delivers a great sense of attack on cymbal hits, however, there is never a sense of any sibilance or discomfort when listening.
I’ll use the word decay again to describe how the high-end resolves. Sounds don’t just end, they shimmer and fade like sound naturally does. There’s no distortion that I can hear, just high-resolution sound.
Soundstage
Off the bat, the soundstage on this device was impressive to me. It has a great sense of space and sound placement. What I enjoyed the most, though, was the DAC/amp’s imaging and separation. I could hear every sound and where it was coming from. But even more impressive is I could hear the open space on the track and locate where it was.
For example, on King Crimson’s “Starless,” not only could I hear the detailed imaging of the different cymbals as they crashed, but I could also get a sense of the space they recorded in as the musicians built from quiet to loud. Overall, this is an impressive amp for imaging and processing details to the point that it feels like you’re in the room with the musicians.
Sum-Up
The FiiO BTR17 is a remarkable upgrade in Bluetooth audio amplifiers. It blends style with strong performance, making it suitable for casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles. It’s easily the best portable Bluetooth DAC-AMP of 2024 in any price range.
If you want to improve your current audio setup or explore high-quality sound, the BTR17 is a top option that offers both style and quality. For those wishing to enhance their listening experience, the BTR17 might be just what you need.