FiiO BTR3

The FiiO BTR3 Review

A Small & Wireless All-Rounder

Introduction:

The BTR3 is the latest member of FiiO’s Portable Bluetooth Receiver product line and has been announced at the KL International AV Show (KLIAV) in 20 July 2018.

The FiiO BTR3 is a small portable Hi-Res Bluetooth receiver with build in DAC (AK4376A) and Amplifier, which supports a wide variety of Bluetooth Audio Codec’s.



About me: www.moonstarreviews.net

Some Short information’s about FiiO:

FiiO is a Chinese HiFi brand that was established in 2007 and has experience in researching and developing countless portable music products of different types, and sell FiiO-branded products through sales agents worldwide. The brand name FiiO is composed of Fi (fidelity from HiFi) and iO (number 1&0), representing the real feeling and convenient life that digital brings to life.

Meanwhile, the Chinese “飞傲” is the transliteration of FiiO, indicating the positive and innovative spirit as thriving as spring.



Disclaimer:

I would like to thank FiiO for providing me the FiiO BTR3 as review sample. I am not affiliated with FiiO beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.


Price:

The MSRP price for the Fiio BTR3 is 69,99 USD under the following links;

• Amazon : FiiO BTR3
• AliExpress : FiiO BTR3

Package and Accessories:

The device comes in a small white card-box that sports the product image on the top cover.

This box is containing the following items/accessories;

• 1 x FiiO BTR3 Portable Bluetooth Receiver & Amplifier
• 1 x USB mini to USB Type-C cable for data cable and charging
• 1 x Lanyard
• 1 x Quick Start Guide
• 1 x Warranty card

Design, Buttons and Build Quality:

The FiiO BTR3 is a small and lightweight device with a dimension of 58×25×10.4mm (exclusive back clip) and weight of 26g (inclusive battery) that has an aluminum body with a glass panel on the front.

On the front of the device is a black 2.5D glass panel, which has an oleophobic coating that keeps off fingerprints. This glass panel has a smooth texture and sports an NFC and the FiiO Logo. The FiiO logo has a build in RGB indicator light that lights up in various colors.







On the right side of the device are the power button, a microphone, a multi-functional button, and the volume "up/down button", which also operates as previous and next track button.







At the bottom of the device are the 3.5mm headphone jack (unbalanced TRS) and the USB Type C port, which serves as data, digital out and charging port






On the back side of the device is a shirt clip that sports the FiiO branding.






Specifications:

• Model : FiiO BTR3
• Audio Input : Bluetooth V4.2
• Supported Codec’s : AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC
• Bluetooth chip : Qualcomm CR8675
• DAC : AK4376A
• AMP : onboard AMP Included in AK4376A
• Frequency Response : 20～20kHz（aptX connection), 20～40kHz（LDAC connection)
• THD+N : 0.003%(LHDC 1kHz)
• SNR : 120dB (A-weighted)
• Output : 3.5mm Single Ended
• Output Power : 33mW@16 Ohm & 25mW@32 Ohm
• Output Impedance : 0.3 Ω（32Ω loaded)
• Crosstalk : ≥ 75 dB（32Ω loaded）
• Drivability : 16~100 Ω (recommended)
• Battery : 300mAH
• Battery Life : about 11hours
• Charging Time : ≤1.5 h (DC 5V 500mA)
• USB Port : USB Type C
• Size : 58×25×10.4mm (exclusive of back clip)
• Weight : 26 g (incl. battery)

Hardware and Functionality:

The FiiO BTR3 sports a Qualcomm CR8675 Bluetooth Chip and an Asahi Kasei AK4376A DAC with build in amplifier.



a) Bluetooth Chip:

The Qualcomm CR8675 Bluetooth chip used in the BTR3 is a premium low-power solution designed for enhanced audio applications with support for 24-bit transmission and processing, thanks to its 120MHz DSP. This chip is also much more stable in signal strength than other competing chips, especially in situations with lots of interference.



b) DAC and AMP Section:

The AK4376A is a compact DAC with a build in headphone amplifier for portable audio products. It has some nice specs such as -107dB THD+N and signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 125dB.






c) Drivability:

The FiiO BTR3 has a power output of 33mW@16 Ohm & 25mW@32 Ohm, which makes it loud enough for IEM’s with an impedance between 8 to 60 Ohm (HiFiMAN RE800 Silver). The BTR3 was also able to drive my full sized headphone the very popular Audio-Technica ATH M50 to very loud volume levels.



d) Pairing:

The BTR3 can be paired to other compatible devices with just a simple tap using the NFC wireless short-range communication protocol, entirely avoiding the cumbersome traditional pairing process.

But if you want to pair the BTR3 in traditional ways, here is a short instruction for you;

1. Unlock your smart phone and turn on Bluetooth;
2. 2. BTR3 is in pairing mode which means the blue and red lights flashing alternately.

To enter pairing mode:

1. After powered on for the first time: the BTR3 would automatically enter the pairing mode, and the red and blue lights will flash alternately.
2. Force the BTR3 to enter Pairing mode: Hold the button A for about 5 seconds when the device is on, and the red and blue lights will flash alternately.
3. Then the BTR3 will appear on the list of Bluetooth device of the phone, and just click it to pair with the BTR3.

e) USB DAC function:

The BTR3 adopts the Type-C connector, which is easier to use than older Micro USB connectors; this allows you to insert the cable in either way. The Fiio BTR3 supports also the USB DAC functionality without the need to install a driver, just simply plug and play!









e) Battery Life:

The FiiO BTR3 sports a 300 mAh battery, which takes 1.5 hours to fully charge. According to FiiO should this battery last for nearly 11 Hours with a single charge by using the AAC codec.

My experience shows that the battery of the FiiO BTR3 is actually capable to last around 10 Hours, which is pretty good for such a small device.



f) Hissing:

The FiiO BTR3 shows a very low background noise with sensitive IEM’s, while most IEM’s including the FiiO FH5 and F9 Pro have had shown zero hissing.


Firmware Update:

The latest firmware for the BTR3 is v1.0 (v1030) at present. There is no need to upgrade your BTR3 again, if it is already latest firmware.

It will be displayed as version 1.0 on latest version FiiO Music app v1.0.4 after upgrading the BTR3 to firmware v1.0.

Note: please download and install the latest version FiiO Music app v1.0.4 firstly, if you want to know the version on your BTR3.

You can find the download link and update instruction under the link below;

https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/84403.html?tdsourcetag=s_pctim_aiomsg



Supported Audio Formats:

The FiiO BTR3 supports almost any Bluetooth Audio codec such as AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL (Low Latency), aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC

The FiiO logo on the top of the device works as a codec indicator light and flash’s up in the following colors;

• SBC ：Blue light flashing
• AAC ：Cyan light flashing
• LDAC/DAC ：White light flashing
• LHDC ：Green light flashing
• aptX/aptX LL ：Purple light flashing
• aptX HD ：Yellow light flashing

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAC/AMPS’s : FiiO BTR3 & Astell&Kern XB10
• IEM’s : FiiO F9 Pro, FiiO FH5, Campfire Audio Comet
• Earbuds : Penon BS1 Offical, Astrotec Lyra Collection (32ohm)
• Headphones : Audio-Technica ATH50M, SoundMAGIC P22C

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Edith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• First Aid Kit - My Silver Lining (Spotify)
• London Grammar – Interlude (Live) (Flac 24bit/44kHz)
• Laura Pergolizzi – Lost On You “Live at Harvard and Stone” (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Minor Empire – Bulbulum Altin Kafeste (Spotify)
• Leonard Cohen – You Wnt it Darker (Spotify)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Casey Abrams – Robot Lover (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Chopin - Nocturne op.9 No.2 (Spotify)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (DSF) – Binaural Recording
• Future Heroes – Another World (Tidal Hi-fi)
• Lorde – Team (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Tom Player – Resonace Theory “Album” (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Opeth – Damnation (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Megadeth - Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Slayer - Angel of Death (Spotify)

The Sound:

The FiiO BTR3 is a wireless DAC/Amp that has a balanced and fairly neutral sound, which is neither warm nor cold in tonality.



The Bass:

The sub-bass region shows good depth and will be have enough rumble for most music genres, while it is missing slightly more extension, which is quite acceptable for a DAC/AMP at this price range.

The midbass area of the BTR3 is mildly emphasized, is pretty controlled and shows good midbass speed. Nice to hear that the bass of the BTR3 doesn’t shows any noticeable mixing, muddiness or mid-bass hump.

The speed of the bass while listening to fast drum kick in genres such as metal music is great at this price point and will satisfy many users who are looking for a source with a dynamic presentation.







The Midrange:

The midrange of the FiiO BTR3 has a fairly neutral, transparent presentation, without any additional coloration such as warmth or the opposite.

Male vocals are sounding lively and clear, while the only thing that is missing is a little bit more body of the presentation. I wish that it could sound a little bit fuller and thicker, while i listen to vocals such as Dave Gahan or Eric Clapton.

When it comes to the female vocal performance of the BRT3, I can confirm that it sounds great at this price point, because presentation is transparent, airy, detailed and controlled. This makes the FiiO BRT3 to a great choice for those who give value of the performance of a source with female voices.

The tonality of the FiiO BTR3 is not thick or to thin that makes it to a pretty neutral source for listening to instrument. Instruments such as guitars or violins are slightly bright, have good extension and detail. Instruments like side flutes sounding fast, a touch brighter than in normal and exhilarated, while the overall presentation sounds clear and distinct, which makes the FiiO BTR3 to a quite competitive Bluetooth DAC/AMP solution.

One other good aspect of the BTR3 is the separation and positioning of instruments.



Upper Midrange and Treble:

The FiiO BTR3 has some crystalline, strong and fairly bright treble region, while the upper midrange is a bit on the sharper side of neutral is. But the transition between upper midrange and lower treble is well done and doesn’t sounds too harsh or ear piercing. Furthermore, the treble area sounds quite airy and spacious that could make the BRT3 to a good pairing with IEM's/Earphones that are a bit too hot in this region.

I have had no remarkable complains regarding to the extension, sharpness and treble emphasis, while listening to songs such as Chopin’s Nocturne, GoGo Penguin’s sharp jazz or to Megadeth’s Holy Wars with the very fast drum performance. I can say by the end, that the FiiO BRT3 shows a treble performance with a success wide over its price tag.





Soundstage:

The FiiO BTR3 has a soundstage and definition of instrument placement that can be considered as fairly good. The relatively neutral tonality and the fairly wide stage give the BTR3's overall presentation a breezy and spacious feel, while the depth shows a rather average performance.




Comparison:

FiiO BTR3 versus Astell&Kern XB10:

The Astell&Kern XB10 is a Bluetooth DAC/AMP with slightly warm tonality and V shaped sound signature, while the FiiO BTR3 is more neutral in with its tonality and shows a fairly straight frequency sequence.

The subbass area of the XB10 is superior to the BRT3 in terms of the quantity and depth and shows also the better extension. Both Bluetooth devices are pretty equal when it comes to the midbass performance, while the BTR3 has a faster and tighter bass character which is also superior to the XB10 in terms of control.

When it comes to the midrange the Astell&Kern XB10 is showing a noticeable recessed presentation due to the V shaped tuning, while the FiiO BRT3 is relative neutral and uncolored in this region with its more forward oriented midrange presentation.

The XB10 is the more successful source for male vocals due to the stronger lower midrange character, which makes male voices more realistic an enjoyable. But when it comes to the female vocal performance, the situation is changing, because the FiiO BTR3 sounds more realistic due to the transparent, clean and more pronounced upper midrange region. The Astell&Kern XB10 is missing the clearness and presence that the BRT3 has that makes it suitable for female vocals.

Both Bluetooth devices are quite successful in terms of the instrument detail. The Astell&Kern XB10 performs better with instruments, which need a thicker presentation, while the FiiO BTR3 is more suitable with instruments that have a thinner presentation.

The treble range of the Astell&Kern XB10 sounds thicker and musical, while the FiiO BTR3 is brighter and superior in terms of treble extensions.

Both devices have a stage that suitable for fairly precise instrument placement. The soundstage of the Astell&Kern XB10 is narrower compared to the FiiO BTR3, while the XB10 has slightly better depth than those of the BTR3.

Conclusion:

The FiiO BTR3 is a wireless Bluetooth Receiver that shows a clean and neutral sound presentation, which is packed in a small sized device with lots of features and wireless audio codec.



Pros and Cons:

• + Clean and Neutral Sound
• + USB DAC functionality
• + Supports lots of Audio Codes

• - There is no Screen Protector and Case in the Box
• - Soundstage depth

About me: www.moonstarreviews.net

FiiO BTR3 Amp/Dac Review
- Expatinjapan



FiiO BTR3 amp/dac review
-expatinjapan

https://www.fiio.com/btr3

World's first Bluetooth amp to support all wireless sound formats
｜ Bluetooth audio codec indicator ｜Supports USB DAC functionality ｜CSR8675 Bluetooth chip ｜One-touch NFC



Unboxing





























Specifications

Volume Adjustment Independent adjustment separating from cellphone's volume
Profile HFP,HSP,A2DP,AVRCP
Supported Audio Formats AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Low Latency,aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC
Bluetooth Chip CSR8675
AMP AK4376A
DAC
USB DAC Yes
Pairing Button Yes
Volume Button Yes
Transmission Distance 30m (at open area)
Status Indicator Light RGB light indicates the input Bluetooth audio codec, charging and working status
Hands-free call/Mic Yes
Call up Siri in iOS Yes
NFC Yes
Headphone Output 3.5 mm stereo jack
USB Port Type C
Battery Capacity 300mAh
Battery Life About 11h
Charging Time 1.5h
Dimensions 58*25*10.4mm (excl. back clip)
Wearing Clip + lanyard
Weight About 25g





FiiO Specifications and information

See the information pictures below and more by following the link.
https://www.fiio.com/btr3
















Connectivity with another device.

I tried out the Bluetooth with a number of devices and found connection easy and fast.
The amp only FiiO μBTR and FiiO FB1 bluetooth earphones also paired quickly and easily.





Price
At around US$69 - 79.00 it is a great option with excellent sound for those on the go, or exercising or even with decent high end earphones playing via a phone.



Overall

The FiiO BTR3 Bluetooth Dac/amp is an excellent choice for those wanting to improve on their current cellphone audio set up.

Easily paired with an external device the BTR3 fits easily into a pocket or clips on. Ideal for messing about the house, at the gym or on the go.

I tested it by moving about upstairs and downstairs in my house and experienced no drop outs. I am not sure which Firmware I am on as the FiiO iOS app would not show me.

The gems in this is are the AK dac and the wide range of Bluetooth codecs that it can connect to.

The size is also a factor, hard to imagine a device like this a few years back.

Sound is dependent on which codec one chooses of course. aptX or LDAC yielded the best results in my testing.
Its a great fairly neutral sound signature to my ears but with a tad of that energetic AK warmth.

It has enough power to please If you are using IEMs.

The price is very agreeable.

A simple device, but one that is welcome and useful.



My son enjoyed the BTR3 and ATH-ESW9 whilst doing his homework.

Thank you to FiiO for sending the BTR3 to Head pie for review.

*This was originally posted on my blog over at Prime Audio Reviews here.

Bluetooth is here to stay. We simply cannot avoid it any longer. Just look at how many new phones still have a headphone jack: there seem to be fewer every day. So how are you supposed to enjoy music from your smartphone now? Enter the FiiO BTR3 Bluetooth Receiver.

The BTR3 is a thumb-sized Bluetooth receiver that you can plug your headphones into and enjoy Hi-Res music from your phone or streaming device. The BTR3 has a built-in microphone so it can be used for hands-free calling too. You can also hook it up to your PC, laptop or tablet with the included USB-C cable and use it as an external DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter).

The BTR3 has a special claim to its name too: It’s the world’s first Bluetooth amp to support all wireless audio codecs. Yes, all of them. This includes aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC, SBC and LHDC.

FiiO official website: https://www.fiio.com/Home

SPECIFICATIONS

Model BTR3
Weight About 26 g (incl. battery)
Audio Input Bluetooth connection (Bluetooth 4.2 supported)
NFC Supported
Headphone Output 3.5 mm stereo jack
Volume Control Side buttons
Charging Time ≤1.5 h (DC 5V 500mA)
Battery Capacity 300 mAh
Output Power About 25mW (32Ω loaded)
About 33mW (16Ω loaded)
THD+N ＜0.003%(LHDC 1kHz)
SNR 120dB (A-weighted)
Bluetooth Chip CSR8675
Color Available Black
Dimensions About 58×25×10.4mm (exclusive of back clip)
Supported Audio Format(s) AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/ aptX HD/LDAC/LHDC
Mic Function Supported
USB Port Type C USB
Status Indicator Light RGB light indicates the input Bluetooth audio codec, charging and working status
Power Input Recommend DC 5V, 500mA
Drive Ability 16~100 Ω (recommended)
Frequency Response 20～20kHz（aptX connection)20～40kHz（LDAC connection)
Output Impedance ＜0.3 Ω（32Ω loaded）
Crosstalk ≥ 75 dB（32Ω loaded）
Accessories Type C USB charging cable*1, Quick Start Guide*1, Warranty Card*1, Lanyard*1
This sample was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Package and Accessories
The FiiO BTR3 comes in a small white box with an image of the device on the front. It’s simple but practical packaging that isn’t wasteful or unnecessarily flashy so we’ll just leave it at that and jump into the actual contents. Inside the box are:

• FiiO BTR3 Bluetooth Receiver
• USB-C cable
• Lanyard
• User manual and warranty

So, just like the box, the package contents are basic but practical and contain everything you need to get your new device up and running. So how are the physical aspects of the BTR3?
Build Quality and Design
As soon as you lay your eyes or hands (whatever comes first) on the BTR3 you’ll know that it has a really nice build. It has an all-metal chassis with a 2.5D glass front. There’s an LED on the front that lights up in different colours indicating various operating states and which Bluetooth codec is being used.

All the controls are on the right side of the device and are made up of 3 buttons in total. At the top is the Power on/off button that is also used to switch between input devices (the BTR3 can be simultaneously paired to 2 devices).

The second or middle button is a multi-function button used for Reconnect/Play/Pause/Answer phone call/End call. It can also be used to force pairing mode and even to activate Siri for iPhone users.

In between the top 2 buttons is the built-in microphone which can be used for hands-free phone calls. Lastly, we have the Volume up/down, Previous track/Next track buttons.
On the bottom edge are the 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C port. The USB port is for charging the unit and can be used to connect the BTR3 to a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone via the included USB-C cable for use as an external DAC.

Over on the back of the device is a metal clip which can be used to attach the BTR3 to clothing or a bag etc. At the top of the clip is a through-hole which can be used to attach the included lanyard.

BLUETOOTH AND BATTERY LIFE
Bluetooth connectivity is taken care of by the Qualcomm CR8675 Bluetooth chip which promises to have a more stable signal strength compared to other competing solutions. It is a low-power chip with support for 24-bit signal transmission. During my testing, I have not experienced any dropouts or disconnects when paired with my Android phone or Sony NW-ZX300 DAP.

FiiO’s BTR3 has a rated battery life of 11 hours and this turned out to be quite accurate for me during use. Using the included USB-C cable the device can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours.

Sound
Gear used for testing includes my Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (aptX), Sony NW-ZX300 (LDAC) and Shanling M0 (LDAC) as sources. On the receiving end were the Ultrasone Performance 860, Campfire Audio Cascade and a bunch of IEMs including the BGVP DMG, HiFi Boy OS V3 and Custom Art FIBAE 2.

At the heart of the FiiO BTR3 is the AK4376A DAC which according to the AKM website is:

a higher performing solution of the AK4375A that is adopted by many portable audio products since it was launched in 2014

AKM
I have to say the BTR3 really surprised me with its audio quality, especially since my recent infatuation with the similar Radsone ES100 (comparison below). The BTR3 sounds much better than my Galaxy Note 5 and laptop’s headphone outputs as well as some of the ultra-budget wired DAPs that I have laying around.

It should be noted that the BTR3 is rated for headphones up to 100 ohms, so if you’re looking to drive something above that then you should consider an alternative such as the ES100. Don’t be one of those donkeys who buys blindly and then complains when the unit doesn’t drive their 300 ohms headphone…

Having said that, it can actually drive my 250 ohms Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro really well: certainly loud enough though not quite optimal. For the majority of IEMs and low impedance headphones, however, the BTR3 has enough juice to bring out their best.

Comparisons
FIIO BTR3 VS RADSONE EARSTUDIO ES100 ($99 USD)
This is one comparison that everybody has been asking for and understandably so, considering these are the 2 major players for Bluetooth receivers in this price segment.

First of all, let me say that they both sound fantastic and there’s very little difference in actual audio quality. To my ears the BTR3 sounds just a tad more vivid and has more note density but that could possibly be a result of stored settings from the Earstudio app (crossfeed, digital filter etc.)

The FiiO unquestionably has a more premium build with its metal chassis and 2.5D glass front. Its clip has a better grip too, making it feel more secure when attached to clothing etc. That’s not to say the ES100 doesn’t have its own charm. If I were forced to make a choice between the 2, I’d probably have to flip a coin because I genuinely love them both.

For anyone who’s not sure which device suits them best I would say this: If you need to drive high impedance earphones or headphones then the ES100 is the better choice for you (requires balanced cable). Similarly, if you’re a control freak and demand EQ functionality and a multitude of tweaks then again the ES100 is the way to go.

If you’re the type who wants a simpler plug and play experience then the FiiO BTR3 would likely be your best choice. The BTR3 arguably has a better button layout than the ES100 and it supports a couple of rarer codecs such as aptX-LL and LHDC. One more thing worth mentioning is that the FiiO costs around $30 less.

FIIO BTR3 VS AMPIO VS-1880 ($189 USD)
The VS-1880 is another great Bluetooth receive and shares many similarities with the BTR3. Both units have a similar shape and size and both have metal housings. The Ampio’s clip can be reversed or even removed which is really handy.

In terms of sound quality both are fantastic and the real differences come down to features more than sound. The BTR3 supports those rarer codecs (aptX-LL and LHDC) so if you want to use either of those it should be an easy choice for you to make.

Both units have a similar power output and are suitable for up to 100 ohms headphones or slightly higher. Battery life is almost the same: 10 hours for the VS-1880 and 11 hours for the BTR3. Both have a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and both can be used as an external DAC: the Ampio via Micro-USB and the FiiO via USB-C.

Considering the VS-1880 is more than double the price of the FiiO it’s difficult to recommend over the BTR3. The only really compelling reason I can think of is if you like to treat your gear roughly then the VS-1880 feels more robust as it doesn’t have a glass front like the BTR3.

From left to right: Ampio VS-1880, FiiO BTR3, Radsone Earstudio ES100.
Conclusion
The FiiO BTR3 is the latest in high-fidelity Bluetooth receivers, something I believe we are going to see a lot more of in coming times as more smartphone companies ditch the headphone jack from their phones.

The BTR3 is a gorgeous device that sounds great and works just as it is intended. It’s a Bluetooth receiver with the most extensive codec support, it’s an external DAC, it’s a dongle and it will only set you back $70. What’s not to like?

Introduction

Magic. Sorcery. Bluetooth. Man always feared what they cannot comprehend, and delivering invisible rays of music to my ears is as foreign as it gets. So what’s stopping an evil genius from misusing these invisible rays to deliver death? Wait, a microwave you say? For cooking, no one thought about killing? Just me then? Hmm!

While my faith in humanity is restored, I like the idea of a wired audio signal delivered via good conductors, like expensive silver wires, because then I know the sound ain’t going anywhere else. Wireless audio paraphernalia were for tech nuts and exercise nuts. But as more armchair audiophiles grow heavier and need to shed some pounds, well, necessity is the mother of great audio quality.

Flagship digital audio players (DAPs) and smartphones are getting larger and heavier, burdening pockets until a solution is found. Enter the FiiO BTR3, a Bluetooth receiver and amplifier, now in its third iteration (I must have fallen asleep for the first two). At 25g and just the size of a thumb, it turns your portable setup into a lightweight solution, so you carry just the BTR3 and earphones, and stay active while your DAP/smartphone rests nearby.

The BTR3 also carries a slew of secondary functions. It receives calls with Qualcomm’s cVc noise cancellation technology. It converts car and computer speakers to Bluetooth receivers, playing music wirelessly from your smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled DAP. It can also be used as an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for your laptop or computer, instantly improving sound quality via its dedicated AK4376A DAC chip.




Life is all rainbows and fairies with Bluetooth!



The best part is, sound quality for Bluetooth audio is at its unquestionable peak as of now. The BTR3 supports the widest range of wireless audio codecs, from the vanilla SBC, to CD-quality aptX, to the mighty high-resolution audio-capable LDAC. We used to be satisfied if a Bluetooth setup produces contiguous sound that doesn’t break up, and now at long last we have fidelity!

I'd like to thank Lily from FiiO for the review sample. The BTR3 retails for USD79.99 and is currently available through FiiO’s official site, Amazon and AliExpress. Embrace the future! Go wireless or end up like the Last Jedi! Why send a projection of your own body and soul to fight battles when remote controlled robots can do the same? Obviously Luke wasn’t friends with Tony Stark.

This article was first featured in Headphonesty.



Equipment Used:

• FiiO BTR3
• Samsung Galaxy S9
• Sony WM1A “K” Modded
• FiiO FH5
• Advanced AcousticWerkes W900
• Empire Ears Legend X
• Sennheiser HD800S

Albums Listened:

• Amber Rubarth – Sessions from the 17th Ward
• Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
• John Mayer – Continuum
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• Michael Jackson – The Essential
• The Police – Synchronicity
• Dozens of 320kbps MP3s from my smartphone

Packaging and Accessories

I hate to use a millennial term because it’s daylight theft and makes me sound like an old geezer, but the packaging of the BTR3 is stupendously basic. It’s a cardboard box with a photo of the BTR3 printed on top. Open it up and you get the BTR3, lanyard, USB to USB-C cable for charging or the external DAC function, warranty and a quickstart guide.




Trust me, it gets better, or off with me head!



It wastes no time in telling you to throw away the box and start listening. Just don’t throw away the quickstart guide, it was my bible for the last few weeks while playing with this thing. You can wear the BTR3 two ways, either with the shirt clip, or with the lanyard. Being a person of advanced age and misplacing things everywhere, I much prefer the lanyard. Makes me look like a coach too, completing the geezer look.



Design and Build Quality

The monolithic shape of the BTR3 is timeless and honestly, critic-proof. Dressed in a glossy jet black, with a sand-blasted shirt clip, FiiO logos front and back, the design is classy and practical, delivering on all fronts. If you get fingerprint smudges on the glass surface of the BTR3, it’s your own fault. Glossy is as glossy does.

I’ve always been confused by the term “smashing”. It’s a compliment but at the same time it might incite violence. When I say the BTR3’s build quality is smashingly good, please don’t find a hard surface to smash it on. Just take my word for it. The BTR3’s metal and glass structure is solidly built despite its feather-light weight, and inspires beaming confidence.



Pairing and Connectivity

With quickstart guide (in 200 languages) in hand, you can connect and listen in no time. Turning the BTR3 on for the first time will automatically enter pairing mode (FiiO logo flashes blue and red). Every time you turn the BTR3 on it will automatically pair with the last used device. To pair with another device subsequently, just press the ‘A’ button for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode at any time. For the uninitiated, the final setup looks like this.




Fit for a Queen!



Audio source (phone/DAP) > paired wirelessly with Bluetooth > FiiO BTR3 > cable > transducer (IEM/headphones/speakers)

Granted, this is not a fully wireless setup. But if you get creative, the BTR3 to transducer chain can be made as lightweight as possible. For example, a short IEM cable with the BTR3 clipped to your collar. Or for headphones, a tiny cable to connect to the BTR3 so you can clip it on your cap. You gotta be imaginative. But if you're old school like this geezer, the setup looks like the one above.

To pair, make sure BTR3 is in pairing mode (flashing red/blue) while your source’s Bluetooth is turned on. The BTR3 will appear on your source as, well, FiiO BTR3. No passwords, nothing. Click and pair and get listening. While music is playing the FiiO logo flashes according to the colour of the codec. If you're using Android Oreo and above chances are it's LDAC with the logo flashing white. Keep it that way yeah?




In actual fact your phone can be up to 20 feet away, not this close!



Both my sources, the Galaxy S9 and Sony WM1A, paired with the BTR3 with the minimum of fuss. The quick pairing is thanks to the Qualcomm CR8675 Bluetooth 4.2 chip. If Bluetooth pairing proves too slow for your speed demon tendencies, NFC will do the trick. Took literally one second for the BTR3 to pair with my Sony this way. Breathless yet?

Fast pairing isn’t worth a cent if the signal drops at the slightest provocation. To test the signal strength I did some chores while my phone sits in the middle of the house. You’re welcome, wifey. While toiling around the toilets, the signal remained clear and uninterrupted at 20 feet if separated by one or two walls, and a jaw-dropping 40 feet if maintaining line of sight with the BTR3. Any longer, I’d have to get a new house.




The obligatory mood piece to show we're serious.



Functionality and Battery Life

Let’s get our hands dirty with the BTR3’s primary function. The Qualcomm chip is capable of transmitting 24 yummy bits of audio information. It has the widest audio codec support known to man. When they say the whole gamut of codecs are covered, they mean it. AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC. Every. Single. One.

The BTR3 will display the codec used via colour-coding of the front FiiO logo. You can choose audio output prioritising performance (SBC/blue/boo), sound quality (LDAC/white/yay) or somewhere in between (aptX/pink/meh). Again, the codec support is kind of a big deal. This being an audio enthusiasts’ hideout, I accept nothing but the FiiO logo flashing the reassuring LDAC white, naturally.

Using the BTR3 is a joy. Not lugging the heavy smartphone or DAP around while I listen to hi-res music has been a hitherto unknown pleasure. The BTR3 has enough juice for a rip-roaring party for one, with all my in-ear monitors (IEMs) tested sounding sufficiently good. Best of all, the noise floor is astoundingly low with no hiss detected with them.

Just for kicks, although the BTR3 is designed to drive headphones up to 100Ω, I went ahead and tried the Sennheiser HD800S (rated at 300Ω), because YOLO. To my surprise, the BTR3 could power them below maximum volume with juice to spare! While the BTR3 won’t fulfil the 800S’ full potential (the tone was good but the soundstage awfully tiny), nice to know it has some driving muscle. Now flex.

Rounding out the other functions, answering calls with the BTR3 is excellent with crystal-clear vocals. The external DAC function for laptops is foolproof, just plug and play (heh) without driver installation. Using the BTR3 as a receiver for ancient transducers worked for my computer speakers and TV, with a 3.5mm.to 3.5mm audio cable (not provided though).

Sadly, I couldn’t do the same with my car as the stereo system doesn’t have a 3.5mm socket. Unless, you know, someone could sponsor a new car? I tried. As a bonus, streaming videos produce no lag between video and audio. Besides telemarketers (who deserve a class all on their own), there is nothing more irritating than out-of-sync audio, so BTR3 is safe here.

As for battery life, the BTR3 is power-packed, like a calorie-filled energy bar. It’s a teensy weensy 300mAh battery, but allowed LDAC playback for a full workday. That’s 9 hours with some leftover power for the ride home. Honestly I didn’t try the other codecs because LDAC or bust. I bet AAC or SBC can go more than 10 hours as advertised, but would you want to listen to worse stuff, for longer?!

Before we go any further, I have to say that updating the firmware is a pain in the gonads. First up, finding the file itself involved Googling. Clicking FiiO’s firmware download section leads to its forums, so imagine the bitter pill of searching thread by thread. Lastly, take a look at the mind-boggling instructions here. The BTR3’s display is off throughout the update and involves lots of praying. I was successful in my third attempt, after much cussing, not praying.




Invisible wearer taking the BTR3 out for a spin.



Sound Quality

The BTR3 has a dedicated AK4376A DAC with headphone amplifier to handle all audio output and flex audio muscle. For fear of describing the transducers’ sound instead of the BTR3’s and tarnishing my reputation forever, I tried several IEMs and cans with the BTR3 and looked for similarities to gauge its overall signature.

I don’t think burn-in applies here, so I skipped it. You can burn-in with a microwave if it suits you. Critical listening was done out of the box for instant fun and gratification. The main rig for review is Samsung Galaxy S9 > BTR3 > transducer of choice. I tried the BTR3 with the FiiO FH5, Empire Ears Legend X, AAW W900 and just because I can, the Sennheiser HD800S. I heard the BTR3 gasp at the last one.



Overall Sound Signature

The BTR3 has an overall warm presentation, with an emphasis on detail. It sounds a bit contradictory, like ice cream and broccoli, but bear with me. The bass is elevated for a warm, enveloping feel, while notes are meaty and pronounced. You won’t find a thin, nimble response here. At the same time, note texture is easily heard, especially at note decay, as the BTR3 lays out a wealth of information before fading into a jet-black background.

Another thing of note, the BTR3 has fun in mind. Even with its emphasis on detail, the signature is lively and natural. A vibrant, people-pleaser signature. It’s hard to dislike it unless you compare the BTR3 with a high-end DAP, which in all fairness, is unfair. The BTR3 provides baby steps to the wireless lifestyle for hard-headed, snot-nosed audiophiles like me. But does it succeed? Let’s dissect the sound.



Bass

The mighty bass anchors the signature down, and provides a firm base to expand the sound on, like a fulcrum. The mids and treble teeters and totters but doesn’t wander far, thanks to the steady foundation built upon the bass. It’s diligent, dependable and steady, like the leader of a ship. That’s how leadership is forged, captain.

The bass is mildly enhanced especially in the midbass region, giving off warmth and body. It’s well-rounded and full of character, like a proper Irish stout. Notes hit with authority and aplomb. And like the delicate foam on top, note decay gives off a smooth, gentle finish, never offensive, rounding off a satisfying bass. I need a drinky.

Of course, while everything is merry and jaunty from midbass to upper bass, I would have preferred more subbass extension and rumble, to really show them who’s boss. But from the wireless, Bluetoothy side of things, this is probably the best sound I’ve listened to yet. Drink up your stout, boy.




Also doubles as a bookmark.



Mids

Ascending to the mids, the notes are clear and articulate, free from the clutches of the bountiful bass. Note detail is milked to the maximum here. From note attack to decay, you hear with utmost clarity the texture and timbre of each note, lovingly detailed, yet flowing seamlessly into one another. It’s a musicality to fall head-first into, and get giddy with excitement about.

Describing the tone of the mids, while detail and transparency is at a good level, they are not neutral or flat-tuned. Rather, notes have a coloured, sweet and euphonic finish, sounding natural and lively. Like Frampton, music comes alive! Instruments and vocals alike, the tuning highlights all that is good about music. Ever-so-slightly warm, but engaging and addicting almost to a personal level. Like a tidal wave of puppies.

I’ve always maintained that, for my sources, I like the tone to remain as neutral as possible, and let the transducers weave their magic with signatures, colourations and unicorn dust. But here, the mids tuning has me won over, with my IEMs and cans jiving and chiming with it, and changing for the better.



Treble

As the last puppy tails off into the sunset, the treble inherits some of its playfulness and liveliness. The lower and mid-treble display good amounts of detail and transparency, while verging on the safe side of brightness. I’ve listened to many FiiO products and most of them favour a smooth, sibilance-free treble that plays well with most listeners.

Once again, like the mids, note texture and timbre are given a first-class treatment. Cymbals sound realistic and no-nonsense, without added bells or whistles. Bells and whistles sound natural as well, with a melodious ringing free of tizziness and that nails-to-chalkboard sensation which makes you skip to the next track.

The highest registers are muted. I would have liked more treble air to flow freely, weaving its way in and out of the signature. It’s a personal preference really, but as it is, the BTR3 treble has just enough detail, counterbalanced with equal smoothness. Notes have just the right thickness, contrasted with a dollop of crunch and crisp. A good tuning beats end-to-end extension anyday.



Soundstage and Imaging

Remember the uh, fulcrumatic bass? The anchor of the signature and keeper of the music, he can get quite attached to things. The mids and treble are totally fine with this (Stockholm syndrome) and deliver the sound as a united whole. The soundstage however, feels caged in, and stutters and stammers, itching to be let loose.

The stage size is intimate at best. The elements of music never leave the perimeter of your head, although this can be transducer-dependent. Pair the BTR3 with an IEM known for a big soundstage and you can push the dimensions outward by a little. Most times however, you have to accept the average stage width, and barely-there depth and height.

It’s not all doom and gloom as I make it out to be. From a value standpoint, at USD79.99, barely any DAP or IEM would be able to produce a holographic, wide-open soundstage. It’s just generally accepted that at this price range, tonality and signature is prioritised over staging and imaging. Having said that, the left to right positional cues are rather good, aided by the vast black background. Just don’t expect sounds to pop out of your head.




Crouching tiger hidden say aaaahhhh!



Comparisons

Samsung Galaxy S9

I must apologise. This audiofool isn’t a techie at heart, and has no other Bluetooth receiver to compare with. Comparing it with a similar-priced DAP seems unfair, since I already have a preconceived bias that wired systems whups wireless. So I bring you the Galaxy S9 audio output as comparison, while providing one answer to the question, “does adding an external DAC improve sound quality?”

The Galaxy S9 is one of this year’s premier flagship phones, meaning it is the master of all trades and jack of none. If we look at spec sheets alone, everything is peachy and perfect, from top to bottom. The audio quality is likewise, a reliable performer. As one of the top performers for smartphone sound quality, the signature is neutral and clear, but almost to the point of sterility.

The BTR3 bass is meatier with more character, leaving the S9’s thinnish bass behind. S9’s mids bring precise notes, with plenty of detail and articulation, but BTR3’s lovely coloured mids sound more euphonic and natural. BTR3’s beautifully-textured treble make the S9’s sound grainy and thin in comparison. Soundstage size is similar, but BTR3’s impressive black background gives better imaging cues than S9. As an add-on to improve sound, the BTR3 proves its worth.



Final Words

At some point in life you begin to assess your wants and needs. Bluetooth audio is for me, something I do not indulge in day in, day out, as opposed to say, quality brunches. Be that as it may, the entry-level price point and widespread high resolution LDAC support from Android Oreo, might finally mean that the time to adopt Bluetooth is now.


The BTR3 is incredibly hard to fault for what it does: providing a strong, rarely-interrupted signal for your IEMs to enjoy on-the-go, while sounding simply superb. The sound quality rivals, even betters top phones; and is within touching distance of wired portable systems. Consider also the host of secondary functions that are only limited by your imagination. The future might have already arrived, so get on board and have fun.

FiiO Bluetooth Freedom - BTR3



FiiO created a large number of Bluetooth accessories recently, all with outstanding technical specs, but today I'm going to compare them and let you know where the sweet spot is, if you want to go for a Bluetooth module from FiiO.


Introduction

[This review is part of a 4-Way review posted on Audiophile-Heaven, where I reviewed BTR3, FB1, BTR1K and uBTR. You can find the full version there: https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2019/01/fiio-bluetooth-freedom-review.html ]

FiiO created a large number of Bluetooth accessories recently, all with outstanding technical specs, but today I'm going to compare them and let you know where the sweet spot is, if you want to go for a Bluetooth module from FiiO. FB1 is an entry-level Bluetooth IEM from FiiO, which is also in the same price range as their Bluetooth modules.

FiiO is a large company from China which rose to popularity quite a while ago, and which is known for providing excellent customer support, and great price / performance ratio for their products. Lately, they've been investing more and more in modern abilities for their products, like Wifi, Bluetooth, and Streaming abilities. I can totally recommend FiiO as a company, they provide good support, and if you would ever have an issue with a product, it is one of the companies I'm fairly sure will look after you. If you happen to not receive a response, make sure to not give up, they have offered really good service for all the time they existed, and they are still offering it, but with how much they've grown, some inquiries may take a little longer to get solved, but so far, they have all been solved.

It should be noted that I have absolutely no affiliation with FiiO, I am not receiving any incentive for this review or to sweeten things out. This review is not sponsored nor has been paid for by FiiO or anyone else. I'd like to thank FiiO for providing the sample for the review. The sample was provided along with FiiO's request for an honest and unbiased review. This review reflects my personal experience with FiiO BTR3, BTRR1K, MicroBTR, and FB1. Every opinion expressed is mine and I stand by it, the purpose of this review is to help those interested in FiiO BTR3, BTRR1K, MicroBTR, and FB1 find their next music companion.



About me

https://audiophile-heaven.blogspot.ro/p/about.html



Packaging

First things first, let's get the packaging out of the way:

FiiO BTR3:




















They all come packaged in a small sized cardboard box, with a USB cable, and some of them with other accessories. Since the bluetooth receivers have a simple job, they don't need more accessories, and I consider they are fairly well packaged.



What to look in when purchasing a Bluetooth Accessory

https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/p/what-to-lookl.html



Build Quality/Aesthetics/Functionality

Starting with the obvious, they all have one thing in common, which I really love. All the FiiO Bluetooth receivers are based on the USB Type-C connector, which is awesome. The build quality is also exceptional for all the bluetooth receivers, and they are all made in a similar style. They are all small devices, made with a clip on the back, so they can clip to your shirt, or to your cap, or be worn as an accessory. They are made to receive bluetooth signal from your smartphone or Player, and to send that to your earphones, or headphones. They are all very well put together, and they feel nice.

All of the Bluetooth modules support SBC, AAC, and even APT-X, which is quite incredible, considering that there are products many times more expensive that do not offer support for APT-X, which has been proven to be much better than either SBC or AAC. You will require a source sporting APT-X to take most advantage of them, but most modern smartphones do have APT-X support, as well as most Audiophile Players.

They start to differ from each other, in terms of aesthetics, and functionalities, so I tried to make a little description of each, and their abilities.




FiiO BTR3 - This is the most expensive option out of the bluetooth receivers, but it isn't nowhere near expensive, considering that it is around 70 USD new, less than most Players that would sport similar abilities. BTR3 features all the Bluetooth codecs you could dream or think about, including SBC, APT-X, APT-X LL, APT-X HD, and even LDAC. This means that it is pretty much futureproof for a long while, and some of those codecs sound much better than their less intricate counterparts, but like for the other two Bluetooth receivers, it requires your source to also sport compatibility with those codecs. Physically, it looks best of the bunch, with a piano gloss front surface, with a clip at the back, but also being slightly more weighty than the other two. BTR 3 has a microphone, so you can use it to take calls, it can function as a USB DAC, and it also has both the Type-C and the 3.5mm Single Ended Audio Jack at the bottom of the device.


BTR3 is made of metal, where the other two bluetooth receivers are made of plastic. The front plate can be slightly prone to fingerprints though, but those are easily solved by gently wiping it on your shirt. Overall, BTR3 leaves an excellent impression of a high-end device, and it easily reaches a golden point in terms of build quality and features.



Sound Quality

First, it is important to note that Bluetooth codecs tend to cut down on sound quality, sometimes quite a bit. Low-end Bluetooth codecs (SBC and AAC) cut down in sound quality considerably, and even for the untrained ear, it is easy to notice a simplification of the midrange (especially low levels of background instruments), usually an enhanced bass, and a reduced treble which tends to not extend above 11kHz. APT-X tends to be quite a bit better, usually being much more transparent than SBC and AAC, but it tends to have a lower working range, and require higher bandwidth, and it still won't be fully transparent (compared to the original CD ripped in FLAC). This being said, for the purpose of walking, or jogging, where there is a large amount of noise, bluetooth codecs tend to be more than sufficient most of times.

For more serious listening, FiiO makes some really fine Players, like their FiiO X7mkii, and FiiO M7 that I reviewed before, as well as some really fine IEMs (In-Ear Monitors), like FiiO FH5 and FiiO F9Pro, which I also reviewed before.

Back to the Bluetooth modules, the sound is pretty easy to describe, and this time being a very clear ranking between them, where uBTR < BTR1K < BTR3. This stands true regardless of the musical tastes, because of the bump in details and resolution each brings compared to the lower entry option.




BTR3 is the best of the FiiO BT receivers, and it provides the best resolution, best clarity and best overall detail. The bass is deep and fairly natural, with a good impact and clarity, the midrange is very clear, well detailed, and natural, and the treble is also well extended and clear, with a good amount of sparkle, and a fairly natural texture. The sound is mostly balanced, without any kind of specific tuning, and this BTR3 provides the best listening experience out of the FiiO Bluetooth modules in terms of sonics. The soundstage is also fairly wide, and has a good holographic presentation.



Portable Usage

All of the three Bluetooth Receivers, and FB1 are portable products, intended for portable usage, and they are excellent at it.



All three Bluetooth modules have at least eight hours of battery life, and so does FB1, providing more than necessary for a typical day of usage. While the range is best on BTR1K, they all provide at least eight meters of Bluetooth range, and they are all usable from within a pocket, resulting in a very pleasing overall experience.

I noticed no dropouts, while walking, or while doing other activities inside my home, like cleaning, or doing physical exercise like working out, and even when I tested all four Bluetooth friends in a shopping mall, I still had perfect signal. Since I wanted to test the LDAC and APT-X HD, my portable tests were mostly done with a really good DAP for bluetooth abilities, namely FiiO M7.

Other things to consider, are that uBTR is the easiest to use portable because it is the smallest and lightest, while BTR3 is the heaviest and largest of the AMP modules, but provides the best overall sound.

FiiO FB1 sits nicely in the ears and doesn't have any kind of portability issues as far as I can tell. I can run while wearing them, and they won't budge. They also keep their signal as well as the Bluetooth receivers, and the battery life is pretty much as good as well.

Overall, all FiiO Bluetooth devices deliver well in terms of portability and portable usage, with good battery life, and ergonomics.



Comparisons

Now, Ido not have a lot of products in the same price range, or which have the same intended usage scenario, and after looking around, there simply aren't quite so many made to date. Even so, there are certain products that those can be compared to, especially as most people aren't looking for a BT receiver specifically. For example, the solution for a really portable setup can also be something like a Sahnling M0, which also comes with a clip case, or even a FiiO M3K, which is small enough to be as portable as a BTR Module.



FiiO BTR3 vs Shanling M0 - Shanling M0 is a mini-DAP from Shanling. It has a lot of power under its belt, and can do a lot of tricks, but the fact that there's a clip case, and its size make it a pretty interesting opponent for BTR3. Now, they do not serve the exact same purpose, nor are they similar devices, but as a reader, you may be wondering about either getting a Bluetooth receiver for your smartphone, or a mini DAP like Shanling M0. First, the price is higher for Shanling M0, and quite a bit so (close to 50% higher, compared to BTR3). The package is more complex for Shanling M0, but not by much. Shanling M0 has a much more complex features set, and it can be used as a transport, it can also receive, but also send Bluetooth signal, and it can play files from a microSD card, and provides the same Type-C connector as BTR3. When using them as a USB DAC, Shanling M0 tends to have some delay, making it non-ideal for watching movies or playing games, while BTR3 has less to no delays, when using by the cable, as a USB DAC. The play time and charging time is pretty similar between the two. When it comes to the sonic quality, they are close to each other, and it would be complicated to define a clear winner in terms of detail. Both are fairly neutral devices, and if used as a Bluetooth receiver, I think I'm leaning slightly towards BTR3 sounding a bit better. When it comes to their physical size, though, BTR3 is still considerably smaller than M0, and considering it is less expensive as well, you may be inclined to get BTR3 more if you're looking for the ultimate portability, while if you want to also be able to play its own files, and to have a more complex feature set, Shanling M0 makes a pretty darn interesting micro-DAP. Shanling M0 also works fairly well with BTR3, if you want to use it as a source for it.

FiiO FB1 vs BQEYZ KB1 - The price is pretty much the same, and both FB1 and KB1 are bluetooth IEMs. Starting with the package, it is very similar, and it would actually be complicated to say that either has the better package, but FiiO has a pouch included in the package, that KB1 doesn't. Going forward to the build quality, things are more in favor of KB1, which has both a full metal body, and a detachable cable, making them quite a bit better in build quality than FB1, although I don't know if I really mind FB1's plastic construction, especially considering that they are better for running and jogging. In terms of comfort, they are similar, although the feel of them is a bit different. In terms of sound, they are pretty different actually. KB1 is more aggressively V-shaped, with a more harsh treble, and with a less thick overall bass, and a more natural midrange, while FB1 is more lush and thick, has a more thick midrange, deeper and fuller bass, and a less present treble than KB1, with far less harshness, and which feels way more smooth. In the end, if you prefer a more sparkly music presentation, with a less thick midrange, then you should go for KB1, while if you prefer a smoother, finer, more lush and thicker overall sound, you should go with FB1 from FiiO.

FiiO BTR1K vs BTR3 - This comparison is pretty asked for, since those two are quite a bit similar, and increasing your budget from BTR1K to BTR3 is something you may be considering. Starting with the package, it is pretty much the same. The build quality, though, is slightly different. BTR1K is a plastic device, where BTR3 is more of a glass and metal device, and although this adds a bit to the weight, you'd be hard pressed to not like BTR3 more. Both are easy to clip on virtually anything, and both are very portable. BTR3 features a few more codecs and is generally the better sounding device, being more detailed, more clear, deeper, tighter, and with a better overall resolution. The soundstage also seems both wider and deeper on BTR3. BTR1K actually has a slightly better Bluetooth range, at least from most of my tests, and it also seems to have a slightly better battery life. From the two, if you want the ultimate FiiO Bluetooth module, BTR3 surely makes the cut nicely, with support for even the newest and most interesting Bluetooth codecs, while if you want to experience a great overall device, and save a few bucks, FiiO BTR1K is a sleek, lightweight and effective device.



Pairing

All FiiO Bluetooth Modules are pretty much enough for most IEMs, and while uBTR isn't exactly what I'd recommend for IEMs more than entry-level, BTR3 actually sounds amazing, even with some flagships. Using a Bluetooth module means that you have true access to your streaming services, and your smartphone's ability, without having to deal with cables, or other inconveniences usually implied by OTG DACs, at a small sacrifice in terms of sonic quality.







FiiO BTR3 + FiiO FH5 - Now here's a pairing that I've seen used in Bucharest at least a few dozen times. The reason that most people go for it, is quite simple actually, the pairing is simply stunning. BTR3 has enough power to drive FH5 properly, but it also has a really amazing sound with them. All of this, while the user can have their smartphone in their pocket, or looking at it, while in the subway, and man, when we get a crowded day, you really want to not be bothered by much equipment. Other things to consider, are that BTR3 has a nice overall sound that is fairly natural and neutral, which works well with FH5's thick and forward sound. The soundstage of BTR3 is fairly wide, which widens FH5 a bit compared to most sources, which means they sound more natural and effortless.

FiiO BTR1K + FiiO F9Pro - This is a nice entry-level solution that works well in more than one way. BTR1K has a pretty good overall sonic performance, but it also has a good pairing with F9Pro, which was fairly neutral. BTR1K is slightly warm and thick, which gives F9Pro a thicker sound, giving them a more natural overall presentation. Most listeners should be quite happy with this pairing, and the level of freedom it brings.

FiiO uBTR + Tin T2Pro - uBTR is quite interesting, because it has the warmest and smoothest sound of all the FiiO BTR receivers, and it doesn't have quite that much detail, compared to its bigger brothers, but it still is quite interesting, because it is sleek, small, and just as nimble as its bigger brothers. With Tin T2Pro, which is a really wide-sounding IEM, with a really open stage, but with a slightly thin sound, it gives it more warmth, it thickens the sound a bit, giving it a bit more bass, and it also makes the soundstage a tad smaller, ergo a bit more natural as well. Overall, this is a pairing easy to recommend because those two complement each other and their price points also work nicely together.



Value and Conclusion

All of those Bluetooth receivers are relatively new products, and drawing a conclusion is both exciting and fun. All of them are really affordable, have good battery life, and all of them provide a new product that is interesting and relevant. But it is more interesting to talk a little about each one of them.




FiiO BTR3 is the best of the series, a fully metal and glass receiver, with a body that's not really larger than BTR1K, but which is a tad heavier. This one has USB DAC abilities, so it can work even if you ran out of power, and the sonic performance is the best out of the Bluetooth receiver lineup. It has the most USB codecs supported, including exotic ones like LDAC and APTX-LL, so you'll be able to watch movies or play games using it, and it is a sleek device that goes with any clothing style. Overall, it feels the best, and has all of the advantages of the other receivers, but costs about 20 USD more. If you want the best FiiO Bluetooth Receiver experience, then BTR3 is your go-to option.

At the end of this review, I have to admit, I need to avoid writing about multiple products in a single review in the future, but when most questions are inherently about "how they compare", and when the company making them is the same, and they are really similar, it makes sense to showcase them all together. If you're looking for a bluetooth receiver, something simple, to clip on your shirt or even hat, which will stay connected with your smartphone while walking or running, then all of the FiiO BTR modules will do a great job.



If you want a Bluetooth module to sound alright, and to have a nicer form factor than the basic, then BTR1K should really be in your list, and with its sweet price, it makes sense that you may be considering it, especially if you're using headphones.

If you're looking for a Bluetooth module that is the best there is, with the best build quality, best codec support, and with the most sleek look, then BTR3 is the choice to go, and it should do well for a long time. Paired with a high-end IEM like FiiO FH5, you have a setup made in heaven, which not only sounds great, but is also very practical.

And if you want a IEM to use while jogging, and if you like a more commercial, thick, lush, and smooth sound, then FiiO FB1 makes an interesting choice, with good comfort, and great overall build quality. They are what I can easily recommend for a Bluetooth IEM that is simple and affordable, easy to use, and easy to like, in the sea of 40 USD IEMs, making itself remaked by its sonic abilities and good bluetooth support.



Playlist used for this review

While we listened to considerably more songs than those named in this playlist, those are excellent for identifying certain aspects of the sound, like PRaT, Texturization, Detail, Resolution, Dynamics, Impact, and overall tonality. We recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you're searching for new most, most of them being rather catchy.


Bats - Gamma Ray Burst: Second Date
Eskimo Callboy - Frances
Incubus - Summer Romance
Electric Six - Dager! High Voltage
Kishida Cult - High School Of The Dead
Dimmu Borgir - Dimmu Borgir
Breaking Benjamin - I Will Not Bow
Thousand Foot Krutch - The Flame In All Of Us
Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.
Infected Mushroom - Song Pong
Attack Attack - Kissed A Girl
Doctor P - Bulletproof
Maximum The Hormone - Rock n Roll Chainsaw
Rob Zombie - Werewolf, Baby!
Escape The Fate - Gorgeous Nightmare
SOAD - Chop Suey
Ken Ashcorp - Absolute Territory
Machinae Supremacy - Need For Steve
Ozzy Osbourne - I Don't Wanna Stop
Crow'sclaw - Loudness War
Eminem - Rap God
Stromae - Humain À L'eau
Sonata Arctica - My Selene
Justin Timberlake - Sexy Back
Metallica - Fuel
Veil Of Maya - Unbreakable
Masa Works - Golden Japang
REOL - Luvoratorrrrry
Korn - Word Up!
Papa Roach - ... To be Loved
Fever The Ghost - Source
Fall Out Boy - Immortals
Green Day - Know The Enemy
Mindless Self Indulgence - London Bridge
A static Lullaby - Toxic
Royal Republic - Addictive
Astronautalis - The River, The Woods
We Came As Romans - My Love
Skillet - What I Believe
Man With A Mission - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Yasuda Rei - Mirror
Mojo Juju - Must Be Desire
Falling Up - Falling In Love
Manafest - Retro Love
Rodrigo Y Grabriela - Paris
Zomboy - Lights Out
Muse - Resistance
T.A.T.U & Rammstein - Mosaku
Grey Daze - Anything, Anything
Katy Perry - Who Am I Living For
Maroon 5 - Lucky Strike
Machinae Supremacy - Killer Instinct
Pendulum - Propane Nightmares



I hope my review is helpful to you!

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[This review is part of a 4-Way review posted on Audiophile-Heaven, where I reviewed BTR3, FB1, BTR1K and uBTR. You can find the full version there: https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2019/01/fiio-bluetooth-freedom-review.html ]

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