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Fiio R7 Android Streamer Review

Rate this streamer/DAC:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 14 6.4%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 44 20.0%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 134 60.9%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 28 12.7%

  • Total voters
    220
It is an industry-built streamer for Apple Music, just like EverSolo. To me, such a feature could be a big draw for AM subscribers.
 
From the front view photo of the review I though it would be something like an enhanced "audio tablet" but it is more like a mini PC, for an old school audio guy like me the form factor is weird and not really compatible to the other typical devices on the racks:
06hXU24eZYzNGcq.jpg
 
this device makes me wonder, is there a device that allows you to actually walk around while wearing DCA headphones? a portable battery powered streamer, DAC, High power headphone amp. I suppose a phone and a really high power dongle (if one exists) would work
Depending on how loud you listen, but the Topping G5 is quite powerful. I personally use the Qudelix for a headphone with 103dB/v sensitivity in SE mode with EQ but I also don't listen very loud. Qudelix app says around 73-78dB.
 
I think that the appeal of this device is the android os if there are no limits to third party apps. Compatibility with every streaming platform using its official app, choice of players, eq, peq and other dsp filters, etc.
 
I've had this since April, replacing a SMSL SU9/SH9 stack. I use it for my headphone setup. I have the mechanical keyboard (great) and bluetooth remote. So far the remote is largely unused. The R7 is a fantastic device and hasn't skipped a beat whatever source I use. I recommend it and there's a second generation R9 in the works. This will have upgraded dac chip, headphone amp, ram, storage and screen. I've been waiting for Amir to review this and his findings are reflected in my experience apart from the fiddly volume change? I use the keyboard or dial and it works as it should. Either up or down!
 
I think that the appeal of this device is the android os if there are no limits to third party apps. Compatibility with every streaming platform using its official app, choice of players, eq, peq and other dsp filters, etc.

The lack of remote is puzzling. So there’s the Tidal Android app, does it mean I need to lift my butt from the couch to skip a track if I don’t use it on the desktop?
 
From the front view photo of the review I though it would be something like an enhanced "audio tablet" but it is more like a mini PC, for an old school audio guy like me the form factor is weird and not really compatible to the other typical devices on the racks:
06hXU24eZYzNGcq.jpg
Oh, cheeeeeses...I was comparing it to smartphones based on the picture opening the review....!!!!
I was deceived into thinking it was a portable little brick...

Billions of blue blistering barnacles...
 
Thank you for the review, @amirm,
It is so nice to have such a great assortment of audio products and features to choose from.
At this price range, I'd definitely take the looks, performance and features of the EverSolo DMP-A6 Streamer.
View attachment 306377
About a dozen years ago, I found out that I am allergic to mobile phone displays.:facepalm:
While nice, that's a lot more shelf space and definitely not a 'desktop' item like this one. And... isn't that basically a sideways mobile phone display ;)
 
I think it looks better from this angle.
temp.jpg
I don't have a need for it but that doesn't mean it isn't kinda cool in some uses. Wait, I mean I wouldn't buy it, so why do they even make this!!!?!?!?!?!?
 
I think that the appeal of this device is the android os if there are no limits to third party apps. Compatibility with every streaming platform using its official app, choice of players, eq, peq and other dsp filters, etc.
I think the limit of this is the Android OS. You are reliant on the apps you need for streaming, etc remaining compatible with the Android version used as the OS for the device. It's fine if you only expect the device to last 2 or 3 years - but beyond that, you're hoping that things don't break with updated apps that are designed for later versions of Android. I'm not saying this as somebody that is opposed to Android - I use a FiiO M11 plus as a PMP (and enjoyed an earlier FiiO M9), but I don't see it as a long term solution for a streamer that a PC or small computer (Windows or Linux) would be. The same applies to the Eversolo that people seem to have been going crazy over.
 
Oh, cheeeeeses...I was comparing it to smartphones based on the picture opening the review....!!!!
I was deceived into thinking it was a portable little brick...

Billions of blue blistering barnacles...
The second picture in the review shows a device with XLR, S/PDIF and LAN connections - as well as an AC power input socket. You didn't look that far before commenting?
 
So you have to open the app at the device and then use the remote to control playback? I’m curious how remote button presses are passed to apps that expect button presses on the screen. It seems FiiO maybe supplying a player app that works with the physical remote playback control buttons but the likes of Spotify/ Tidal can only be controlled from the screen.
 
I’d love to see a test of the FiiO daps; I think the M11 is well regarded.
I have been reluctant to test Daps. Are they really popular? They are kind of a pain to test since my analyzer can't control them. I *think* some have been sent to me for testing though so some reviews will come.
 
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