FiiO R9: the ultimate audiophile companion

After causing a sensation with the highly acclaimed FiiO R7 network player, the Chinese manufacturer is back with its new all-in-one system, the FiiO R9.

This network player, DAC, headphone amplifier and hi-fi preamplifier lets you access the entirety of your music collection, no matter the source. It also promises to get the best out of any headphones or hi-fi system. Do the improvements in this new generation justify the price increase?

Included accessories

Well-protected in its packaging, the FiiO R9 network player comes with a range of accessories. In addition to its power cable, a USB-A to USB-C cable is included. Also included are two rubber bases, one flat and the other angled (double-sided adhesive tape supplied), a dust cover for the headphone jacks, a cleaning cloth, a spare fuse and a 3.5mm mini-jack to 6.35mm jack adapter. A remote control and all the necessary documentation complete the package.

Presentation

What are the differences between the FiiO R9 and the FiiO R7?

Design

An evolution of the FiiO R7, the FiiO R9 has several major improvements that differentiate it from the previous model. Firstly, the design retains its vertical format, but adds a more high-end metal structure and a reflective finish on the side panels. New RGB lighting gives it a more modern look. Note that it can be switched off if desired. What’s more, the 6″ touchscreen (1080 x 2160 px) – up from 4.97″ (720 x 1280 px) – enhances the user experience.

Inside

The FiiO R9 is equipped with a Bluetooth receiver that supports the aptX, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs, as well as the traditional SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs. Another new addition, a Bluetooth emitter function has been added to allow you to stream tracks to any compatible Bluetooth headphones, True Wireless earbuds or wireless speaker.

The digital to analog conversion has also been improves with a pair of ESS Sabre 9038PRO chips, providing superior audio performance to the R7’s ES9068AS chip. A real advantage, the FiiO R9’s headphone amp, which is based on a THX788+ chipset, benefits from a significant increase in power, up to 7 watts, to meet the needs of the most demanding headphones and earphones. In addition, a third-generation XMOS XU316 USB chip has been integrated.

Last but not least, the addition of HDMI ARC facilitates the connection of a TV, broadening the possibilities for using the FiiO R9 in a variety of audiovisual environments.

Dual DAC

The FiiO R9 all-in-one system features a high-end ES9038PRO dual DAC. It has been tried and tested in a number of the brand’s devices, including the FiiO M17 and FiiO M15S DAPs, the FiiO K9 PRO ESS headphone amplifier and the FiiO Q7 portable audio DAC.

The FiiO R9 network player uses two ES9038PRO chips, one for each channel (left and right). Within each chip, eight separate DACs are interconnected in parallel, resulting in a fully symmetrical output. The aim is to deliver a rich, clear and precise sound.

The FiiO R9 headphone amplifier ensures optimal playback and conversion of the majority of audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, WMA, AIFF, APE, MP3, and more. It can read these files at up to 32-bit/768kHz for PCM streams. What’s more, it can read DSD files up to DSD 512 (DSD 22.1 MHz), as well as MQA format. It is also certified Hi-Res audio.

Headphone amplifier

The FiiO R9 network player features 8-channel THX AAA 788+ amplification. It benefits from a fully balanced four-way design, considerably improving transient performance. The FiiO R9 headphones amp delivers an impressive 7,300 mW per channel / 32 Ω balanced, 102% more than the FiiO R7. This promises a sound similar to that of the best class A amplifiers, without consuming more power than conventional class D amps. It offers five gain levels, adapting amplification to headphones requiring high power.

Wide range of connectors

The FiiO R9 network player features a wide range of analog and digital inputs and outputs, making it a versatile multimedia hub. The front panel features XLR 4-pin, 6.35mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs. Note that the headphone amplifier comes with two dust covers to protect connectors that are not frequently used.

On the rear, there’s a balanced XLR output, two sets of RCA line outputs, two coaxial outputs/inputs, an optical output, an optical input, USB and USB Type-C ports. The USB port supports host functionality, USB DAC input and USB audio output, while the Type-C port supports OTG functionality.

What’s more, the R9 is equipped with an SD card reader, a 100 Mbps LAN port for optimal network connectivity and two switches, one for AC/DC power and the other for grounding. It also features a power connector and on/off switch.

The connectivity of the FiiO R9 benefits from a significant improvement over its predecessor: an independent HDMI chipset that enables HDMI input, HDMI output and HDMI ARC. It supports high-resolution audio and high-definition visuals with image output up to 60Hz 4K.

Which connectors are available on the FiiO R9?

• Network inputs: 1x Ethernet RJ45, 1x WiFi chip, 1x Bluetooth QCC5125 chip, 1x micro-SD card reader, 1x USB-A
• Digital inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x HDMI ARC, 1x USB-C, 1x Toslink optical, 1x RCA S/PDIF
• Digital outputs: 1x Toslink optical, 1x RCA S/PDIF
• Analog inputs: 1x stereo RCA, 1x stereo XLR
• Analog outputs: 1x stereo RCA, 1x stereo XLR
• Headphone outputs: 1x XLR 4-pin, 1x 4.4mm jack, 1x 6.35mm jack

Revamped design

The FiiO R9 headphone amplifier features an aluminum chassis for a robust, high-end look. This material extends to the volume/multifunction potentiometers, which are adorned with RGB lights. The color of the light bar changes depending on the operating mode. They can be easily customized or switched off via the menu.

The honeycomb-shaped openings on the right-hand side provide effective passive ventilation and complete the design in a minimalist, sophisticated manner. The left-hand side features an attractive mirror effect. However, this part still shows fingerprints, and the included microfiber cloth comes in very handy on a daily basis to keep it looking its best. The large, practical touchscreen, combined with the sloping rubber base, ensures intuitive navigation. Note that a wired or Bluetooth keyboard is also available for easy configuration.

Key specifications

• Headphone amplifier with integrated network player
• 6-inch touchscreen, 1080 x 2160p resolution
• Android 10 operating system with Play Store (upgradeable to Android 12)
• Certified Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless
• Dual ESS Sabre ES9038 Pro DAC
• Dual THX AAA-788+ amplification
• Max. output power: 7,300 mW into 32 ohms
• Remote control
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 115 x 160 x 127mm
• Weight: 2.27kg

Installing the FiiO R9 network player

For this review, we paired the FiiO R9 headphone amp with the Meze Liric 2ᵉ generation hi-fi headphones and the Dali IO-12 Bluetooth model. We listened to Hi Res FLAC and DSD audio files stored on a micro SD card. We also connected it to a Windows computer, a Mac (AirPlay), an Android smartphone and a Sony XR-77A80J TV via HDMI ARC.

Set-up and configuration are both intuitive and quick. To simplify password entry, we used a keyboard and mouse. Once connected to Google, we downloaded Qobuz from the Play Store to enjoy the 24-bit/192 kHz music available to stream on the platform.

We also connected the FiiO KB1K mini keyboard (soon to be tested on the blog), as well as using the remote control and control app for added convenience. Although the system allows the installation of numerous dedicated apps, please note that the screen is not designed for use in landscape mode.

FiiO R9 operating modes:

• Android mode
• Pure music mode
• AirPlay
• USB DAC mode
• BT reception mode
• Coaxial/optical mode
• Roon ready
• HDMI input mode
• HDMI-ARC mode

Listening impressions

The FiiO R9 player and Meze Liric 2ᵉ generation headphones made an excellent duo, delivering a wide, immersive soundstage. The FiiO R9 streamer offered remarkable transparency and sonic precision. Every note resonated with great clarity and superb definition, capturing every nuance of the music. It offered a very balanced sound experience. The FiiO R9’s headphone amp was faithful to the original recording, scrupulously preserving the artist’s intention. Each musical register was packed with nuance and details, offering total immersion in the music.

With the Dali IO-12 wireless headphones, connected via Bluetooth aptX HD, the bass was slightly more present, and the overall dynamic range was excellent. What’s more, the integrated FiiO Music app gave us access to an equalizer to customize the sound signature according to our preferences and the musical genre we were listening to. Connected to the TV, it was a great way to enjoy movies, TV series and even video games on headphones.

FiiO R9 compared to FiiO R7

The FiiO R9 network player represents a significant advance on the FiiO R7, offering superior sound performance and even more impressive features. With increased power output, improved dynamics and refined sound resolution, the FiiO R9 headphones amplifier provided an even more immersive and captivating listening experience.

In addition to its enhanced sound performance, the FiiO R9 network player offered a wide range of features and connectivity options, making it more versatile. Furthermore, its improved design and construction gave it a more high-end appearance, with a larger screen and optimized internal components for optimum performance.

FiiO R9 vs R7: summary

Who is the FiiO R9 headphone amplifier for?

The ultimate audiophile companion, the FiiO R9 network player is aimed at discerning music lovers looking for an all-in-one system that acts as streamer, audio DAC, headphone amp, hi-fi preamplifier and multimedia hub. It offers high sound performance, advanced features and great versatility. Its intuitive user interface and compact size allow it to be installed in a variety of listening environments, such as an office, listening room or living room.

Conclusion

The FiiO R9 acts as network player, DAC and headphone amp in a single device, offering an ultra-complete system that finds its place alongside a smartphone, audio system, TV or computer. Simply connect a pair of active speakers or headphones and immerse yourself in your music or the soundtrack to a film or video game. Its practical design, Android system and extensive connectivity options set it apart from the competition, while its amplification power and sound quality enable it to meet a variety of streaming and connectivity needs.

We liked

• The accurate, natural sound
• The powerful headphone amplification
• The many connectivity options
• Its large touchscreen
• The ease of use
• Its design
• The included remote control

We would have liked

• A 3.5mm input
• A finish that was easier to keep clean