A true all-in-one model available for under €700, the FiiO R7 can be used as a network player, an audio DAC, a headphone amplifier and a hi-fi preamplifier. It provides access to streaming services as well as music shared over the local network (DLNA and Roon Ready), or stored on a USB stick or a micro SD card. The ESS Sabre ES9068AS DAC ensures optimal playback of all Hi-Res music, while the triple headphone output, combined with powerful amplification, will enhance all headphones and in-ear monitors.
FiiO R7: accessories
Well protected, the FiiO R7 comes with a power cable and a USB-C cable. Also inside the box are two rubber bases (one flat and one angled) with double-sided tape, dust covers for the headphone inputs, a spare fuse, a 6.35mm jack to 3.5mm mini-jack adapter, and a micro SD card adapter. Last but not least, a quick start guide and warranty card are also included.
FiiO R7: presentation
Design
The FiiO R7 headphone amplifier features a robust aluminum chassis that gives the device a pleasant, high-quality feel. Aluminum is also used for the volume/multifunction and analog output level knobs, which are situated on the front panel and are surrounded by RGB lighting. The honeycomb perforations on the sides ensure perfect passive ventilation and seamlessly complement this modern, refined design.
What’s more, the 4.97″/12.6cm (720 x 1280p) touchscreen ensures intuitive navigation. The angled rubber base makes for a more ergonomic user experience, although we would have appreciated a more pronounced tilt.
Connected headphone amp
The full-featured FiiO R7 headphone amplifier stands out as one of the few Roon Ready models with an Android 10 operating system, offering extensive access to apps and streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify.
Moreover, its dual WiFi and Ethernet controller allows you to play music shared over the local network. It is also equipped with a Bluetooth 5.0 controller that can stream music wirelessly. The latter supports the aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC codecs. For compatibility with Apple devices, FiiO also includes an AirPlay receiver.
Note that if you use the FiiO R7 elsewhere than on a desk, it can be controlled remotely using the FiiO RM3 remote control (not included).
ESS Sabre ES9068AS DAC
The FiiO R7 headphone amplifier takes advantage of the latest advances introduced by the brand’s DAPs, notably the FiiO M11 Plus II. Consequently, it is equipped with the same ESS Sabre ES9068AS DAC, which ensure optimal conversion of music and digital sources. Thanks to this DAC, the FiiO R7 supports PCM streams up to 32-bit/768kHz, as well as DSD512 files. To optimize the listening experience, the DAC is combined with a proprietary clock and an FPGA controller, which enable precise data timing, thereby reducing jitter.
THX amplification
The FiiO R7’s amplification is based on a symmetrical dual-mono architecture with two THX AAA-788+ modules. The latter provide high amplification power, rivaling the best Class A amplifiers, while consuming a comparable amount of power to conventional Class D amps.
THX AAA technology ensures a surgically precise reproduction and minimal noise, with extremely low distortion and an extended frequency response. These essential characteristics allow the amp to be Hi-Res certified, ensuring the best performance with HD recordings.
Very versatile, the amp has five gain levels to adapt the amplification for headphones that require a lot of power. The FiiO R7 is able to deliver up to 1,850 mW into 16 ohms for the unbalanced output and up to 3,650 mW into 32 ohms for the balanced outputs.
Wide range of connectors
The FiiO R7 desktop network player features a wide range of connectors so that it can be used with every possible audio source. It is equipped with an optical input and a coaxial input, which allow you to connect a television or a CD player, for example. The USB-C port lets you use the amp as a USB DAC with Windows and Mac computers. In addition, it is possible to play digital audio files from a USB stick or micro SD card via the USB-A port.
The FiiO R7 provides headphone outputs, a coaxial output and an optical output to bypass the internal DAC, as well as a balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA outputs.
FiiO R7: key specifications
- Headphone amplifier with integrated network player
- Android OS
- Certified Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless
- ESS Sabre ES9068AS DAC
- Double THX AAA-788+ amplification
- 3.5mm mini-jack, 4.4mm jack and 6.35 jack headphone outputs, XLR
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 110 x 160 x 134mm
- Weight: 1.28kg
FiiO R7: configuration
For our review, we paired the FiiO R7 headphone amplifier with the Focal Elegia and FiiO FT3. We listened to FLAC and DSD Hi-Res audio files stored on a micro SD card. We also installed the Qobuz app to enjoy the 24-bit/192kHz tracks available to stream on the platform.
The FiiO R7 headphone amplifier is configured in the same way as an Android smartphone. Simply select the language, then connect to the WiFi network. The first time you use it, you’ll need a few minutes to update it for smoother navigation. Its touchscreen is responsive and provides easy access to the content you want. Its 64GB internal memory and SD card slot (up to 2TB) can accommodate a large number of music files. Thanks to Play Store integration, you can easily download any streaming app.
FiiO R7: listening impressions
The heritage of the FiiO M11 Plus II DAP is reflected in the sound signature of the FiiO R7 headphone amplifier. With the FiiO FT3 headphones, (ultra-high gain mode for the headphones’ impedance of 350 ohms), the music came to life with remarkable agility inside a vast soundstage. The clarity of each note was impressive, and the excellent spaciousness offered striking depth, width and height. The spatialization created a truly immersive and holographic reproduction. The sound message conveyed a plethora of information, all meticulously detailed and highlighted.
With the Focal Elegia headphones, the bass was somewhat denser. Moreover, the integrated FiiO Music app features an equalizer to customize the sound signature according to your preferences and the music genre. The amplifier favored a clear, neutral sound, precisely adhering to the original musical message. All frequencies were full of nuance and details. The top end of the spectrum boasted excellent clarity and precision. This also makes it a great solution for enjoying films and video games through headphones.
FiiO R7 vs Shanling EM5 Streaming Music Center
The FiiO R7 and Shanling EM5 Streaming Music Center are both versatile headphone amplifiers that also have preamplifier, network player and audio DAC features. The FiiO takes the lead with 3650 mW of amplification power into 32 ohms, ideal for the most demanding headphones. In USB DAC mode, both devices are similar, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD 512 and MQA.
FiiO R7: who is it for?
A true hi-fi Swiss army knife, the FiiO R7 network player will delight any discerning audiophile looking for an all-in-one system that acts as streamer, audio DAC, headphone amp and hi-fi preamp. Compact, it is ideal for those who have limited space on their desk and who are looking for a comprehensive device. Very intuitive, the interface will be familiar to all those who own an Android smartphone.
FiiO R7: conclusion
With a high-end power supply and excellent connectivity, great versatility and an intuitive user interface, the FiiO R7 desktop headphone amplifier offers excellent performance for a wide range of audiophile needs. Its ability to handle different sources and play them through a variety of headphones and in-ear monitors makes it an extremely versatile player.
We liked
- Its versatility
- Its many inputs and outputs
- Its high power output
- Its intuitive user interface
We would have liked
- An included remote control
- A more sloping base
