FiiO BTR17

Preface

This BTR17 was purchased by me with my own money, all thoughts and opinons are my own.

Overview

Introduction

The BTR17 is equipped with dual ESS ES9069Q DAC chips and a THX AAA 78+ amplifier. It supports Bluetooth 5.4 with codecs including AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX-HD, LDAC, and aptX Lossless. For connectivity, it offers both a single-ended 3.5mm and a balanced 4.4mm output.

• Single-Ended Output (3.5mm):

• Non-Desktop Mode (32Ω): 140mW per channel

• Desktop Mode (32Ω): 280mW per channel

• Balanced Output (4.4mm):

• Non-Desktop Mode (32Ω): 300mW per channel

• Desktop Mode (32Ω): 650mW per channel

Overall Thoughts

I had gotten the BTR17 after hearing good things about it being able to function as both a dongle and a desktop DAC/amp, and this intrigued me. Previously, I had been using a Hiby R4 DAP but had been getting tired of using such slow and buggy software, and it didn't have much storage if I wanted to use Tidal on it, but after I got the BTR17, I sold the R4. The Bluetooth is very easy to connect and use, the sound is very good, and it has more than enough power than I'll ever need, I also can rely on my iPhones software and storage instead of the less-capable built-in software of a DAP.

What's in the box

• FiiO BTR17

• USB-C to USB-C cable

• Faux leather case

• Manual pamphlets

I really appreciate the fact that FiiO included a case for the BTR17, devices like this can get scratched up very easily, and finding a 3rd-party case can be difficult, not to mention expensive. The case is smooth, easy to clean, and has cutouts for buttons, switches, and the LED, my only complaint about it is if I have the BTR17 in my pocket, and I take it out to change volume or skip tracks, the BTR17 can slide out of the case, meaning I then have to use 2 hands to find it and put it back on which can be difficult sometimes. 

Normally I wouldn't talk much about the cable that comes with things like this, but this cable is better than any USB cable I've seen come with any audio device. It's copper colored, has black metal connectors, and is braided. Another small thing I really appreciate from FiiO.

Usability

As a Bluetooth dongle, the BTR17 is naturally more versatile and easier to use than a wired dongle, which can sometimes feel unwieldy. This has let me use my preferred IEMs in situations where I’d normally reach for my AirPods

Modes and buttons

It works in three different modes that you can switch between with a simple toggle on the side:

• • Bluetooth Mode (BT) 

    1. • Connects wirelessly to your phone or laptop, no cables needed.

  • PC Mode

    1. • You can use both Bluetooth and wired connections. However, you need to plug an extra power cable into the charging port. This extra power boosts the output from 300mW to 650mW per channel.

  • Phone Mode

    1. • Works like a regular USB dongle. Just plug in the USB cable (into the USB port, not the power port), and no extra power is required.

On the top right, there’s a volume wheel that lets you adjust the sound without touching your phone. You can press it to play or pause, double-click it to skip to the next track or triple-click it to rewind. 

Below the volume wheel is the power button. A short press turns the screen on, while a long press turns the device on or off. 

Underneath the power button, two additional buttons work like the double and triple-click actions of the volume wheel for skipping tracks or rewinding. These buttons also let you cycle through different EQ modes and presets, which you can customize using the FiiO control app. 

Lastly, there are two mode switches: one for changing between PC, BT, and Phone modes, and another for activating D. mode. With D. mode, you can bypass its battery if you have an external power source for more power.

Sound

The thing I like about the BTR17 is that there is nothing inherently special about the sound, which in a sense is the special part. It sounds excellent but nowhere specific you can point a finger at, not frequency response-wise. It doesn't boost the bass elevate the treble or add any richness to the midrange, it just does all it can to produce a clean uncolored sound. That isn't to say it doesn't sound good or interesting, because the presentation of the sound is also very coherent and clean. If I were to pick one complaint about the sound, I doubt I could give a good answer.

Conclusion

The impressive FiiO BTR17 has earned an S+ rating because it has clean sound, seamless usability, and plenty of power