The FiiO BTR17 has generated lots of anticipation with audiophiles and music lovers due to the company’s portability, wireless connection nature and above all its high-end DAC system. If you are looking for an audio interface that will effectively connect your sources and headphones with little interconnect issues and with great sound quality then the BTR17 may prove to be a good find.
This article essentially describes details of the BTR17 in the broad areas of features, performance as well as design. At the end of this article, you should be able to know everything about this device and if it fulfills your listening requirements.
Introduction
FiiO BTR17 is the newest portable DAC / amp in the FiiO, offering the high sound quality audio listening standard to listeners desiring this quality while not denying convenience. At about $199.99 it arrives in the most compact form and packs a heavy punch with dual ES9069Q DAC chips and support robust amplification in addition to high definition audio format support.
Main Specifications of the FiiO BTR17
First, to be able to discuss the device in more detail, we have to first see the first features before that. The FiiO BTR17 is not any ordinary DAC, instead, it’s loaded with some features as you’ve seen above.
- Two ES9069Q DAC Chips: Freedom will be much higher while the distortion of the sound will be significantly lower.
- Bluetooth 5.4 Compatibility: It can be said that there is wireless connectivity without laging because of the connection.
- Desktop Mode: It will have a better power output when used as an input and output through a USB.
- 10-Stage Parametric EQ (PEQ): Enables a user to set the tone to his or her desire.
In the following parts of this article we are going to detail every single one of them to explain why BTR17 is special.
Decoding Capabilities
High-Resolution Decoding
The BTR17 can decode high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, which ensures detailed and nuanced sound quality. This capability lets listeners enjoy their music as the artists intended, without sacrificing quality due to compression.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Format Support
FiiO also included MQA format support. MQA is the most commonly used audio format with high fidelity and streaming sites such as TIDAL. Decoding of MQA means the BTR17 plays studio quality audio in compact formats for audiophiles who demand so much audio fidelity on the go.
XMOS 16-Core XU316 Processor
The BTR17 utilizes an XMOS XU316 processor for processing digital audio data, which, again, is helpful in decoding complex formats such as DSD and MQA without lag. That is the secret to smooth performance and more flexibility for a DAC with BTR17 .
Amplification and Power Output Dual THX AAA78+ Amplifiers
The BTR17 makes use of two amplifier chips, the THX AAA78+, for delivering powerful sound. Audio chips enhance fidelity because of the reduction of harmonic distortion with clean and impactful sound.
Desktop Mode for Enhanced Output
Aside from its common modes, BTR17 has a “desktop mode,” which doubles the power output to 650mW per channel. The desktop mode is very useful for such applications involving the use of bigger or higher-impedance headphones. Whenever the desktop mode is activated, the BTR17 will tap into a supplemental source of power, thus enabling excellent listening experiences.
Four-Way Balanced Amplifier Topology
The BTR17’s balanced amplifier configuration further enhances signal quality, with reduced noise interference and enhanced channel separation. That design enables a clean, rich sound, especially when using balanced output.
Wireless Performance and Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.4 and Codec Support
BTR17 is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology, delivering strong wireless connectivity for high-quality audio codecs such as LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and the new aptX Lossless. Listeners who use one of these codecs will hear their CDs once more, even over Bluetooth.
aptX Lossless: The Next Innovation in Wireless Audio
The aptX Lossless codec transmits close-to-CD audio quality, yet remains a relatively niche codec since it is less supported by devices at present. It isn’t extremely common, but having it on the BTR17 makes the device future-proof, and gives the user an upper hand as more devices adhere to this codec.
Design and Build Quality
Modernity “Mech-Tech” Design
This BTR17 is a masterpiece that comes in a blend of glass, rubberized parts, and anodized aluminum for its stylish “Mech-Tech” appearance. The design reflects functionality and beauty, imparting a modern look with durability.
Compact yet strong
Although it is a full-feature device, BTR17 is quite compact – just 73.4 grams and 86.6 mm in height. Its robust design makes it very convenient to be kept in a pocket, although the rubberized back gives non-slip grip convenience.
User Interface and Controls
Improve Display and Knob Control
One of the apparent upgrades in the BTR17 is the volume buttons replaced by a rotary volume knob. The 60-step volume control knob also serves as an easy menu navigator, which lets users easily open the settings of the device.
Plain Button Configuration
The BTR17 has combined all the control buttons on one side, for example, on is the power, track, and mode-selection button. The configuration will ensure easy single-handed operation hence making it user-friendly especially to those that like to have quick access to settings.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery capacity: 1200mAh
The BTR17 comes with a 1200mAh battery compared to the older generation. This includes around 8 hours of playback with LDAC mode at moderate volume levels. As for the performance involved here, the battery life is pretty much more than decent.
USB-C Fast Charging
The BTR17 charges super quickly through a USB-C port, taking just about an hour to get a full charge. However, the device does not support wireless charging. That may be a limitation for what some customers are looking for.
Sound Performance
Neutral, Vivid Sound Signature
For FiiO, BTR17 offers the chance to balance vibrant signature. It is said that users appreciate BTR17’s natural midrange and crisp high-sharpness frequencies keep clear and crispy and do not offer harshness.
Detailed and Punchy Bass
The bass performance of the BTR17 is tight and detailed. It sounds a bit drier, but it never loses punchiness-the music flows even with high-quality sources.
Wide Soundstage with Dynamics
Optimally set up, the BTR17 delivers a wide soundstage that gives music playback a richer dimension. The dynamic range is quite impressive, although even more so when connected via USB, as transients are quick and impactful.
Additional Accessories
Leather Case and Cables
FiiO tosses in the BTR17 leather case for defense against dust and scratches when the device is transported. The included USB-C to USB-C cable is useful for direct connections to mobile devices and laptops.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rather Versatile: These devices can interact well with just about any gadget and accept many audio formats.
- Outstanding Sound Quality: Audio output is balanced, detailed, and leaves ample space for lateral sound.
- Future-proof: Compatible with the latest aptX Lossless codec.
- Convenient Design: Rotary knob control and solid build quality.
Cons
- Low aptX Lossless Support: Currently, most hardware products do not support this codec.
- No Wireless Charging Option: This would have been very convenient
Conclusion
The FiiO BTR17 delivers fantastic performance, flexibility and future-proof features-and is the best device for people demanding excellent quality without being tied to one device. Although advanced features may command a premium, the BTR17’s excellent audio quality, the reinforced construction, and flexibility are worth investing in to people who consider audio quality a priority.
Any user who needs a DAC to support the latest audio formats and to play streams guaranteeing reliable listening from any device will find it really hard to look beyond this FiiO BTR17.
