[FiiO BTR17/BTR7] True Lossless Bluetooth, Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier BTR17 Is Officially Released!

Jan 21, 2025 at 6:39 AM Post #3,106 of 3,186
I don't want to mislead you by saying that there is an excessive sub-bass focus. I'm not sure what BTR17 means to a bass lover.

However, I don't think it offers a dark, full-bodied bass. The BTR17 is more like playing in a cool, open atmosphere with mint scents. Technically very good. I also use K9AKM and Shanling M5 Ultra. It comes very close in terms of layering, resolution and staging.

When I play an instrument like a drum, I can feel the texture in the sound. When I play Triangle I can still feel the texture. I think it was successful in terms of visualization as well. I think the stage width is also quite good.

This is what I perceive with my limited iem and headphones. BTR17 is a technical, spacious and beautiful sounding device. Not full-bodied as if playing in a bathhouse, but rather as if playing in an open forest. Instruments playing one after another do not interfere with each other.The surround feeling I'm talking about is like a light and cool wind blowing over you in the forest.

However, other friends may think differently than I do. They will comment.
Wow, I really appreciate the detailed breakdown, your description of the BTR17’s presentation is poetic. The 'cool, open atmosphere with mint scents' and the forest imagery really paint a picture of its sound profile. It sounds like the BTR17 excels at clarity and separation, which might actually complement the FF Deuce's natural sub-bass focus quite well.
I just did a quick listen with Deuce & BTR17 (no BTR7). No EQ, wired to laptop using Qobus It sounds pretty good. The treble is lively with no sibilance, mids are clear and detailed (may be the best I've heard from Deuce), and there is some bass blot on certain songs. :ear:
Thanks for testing it out and sharing your thoughts! Sounds like the BTR17 really brings out the best in the mids and treble on the Deuce. The bass blot is interesting, might depend on the tracks, I guess. Appreciate the insight!
Xduuo XP-2Bal will do the trick, it makes Legend EVO Sound more controlled in the midbass and squeezes out quite a bit of shimmer on top while sounding wide and open.
I returned BTR17 and got the XP2 instead which i do not regret.
Absolutely fantastic and underrated device!
Not recommended If loooong bluetooth range is what you are after but absolutely fine within the same room.
Seems like the XP-2Bal could be worth considering. Sounds like it really brings out the best in the Legend EVO, and it might just give the Deuce the boost I'm looking for. Thanks for sharing!
 
Jan 21, 2025 at 5:18 PM Post #3,107 of 3,186
anybody discover a case for the btr17 that has a clip?
 
Jan 21, 2025 at 11:04 PM Post #3,108 of 3,186
Wow, I really appreciate the detailed breakdown, your description of the BTR17’s presentation is poetic. The 'cool, open atmosphere with mint scents' and the forest imagery really paint a picture of its sound profile. It sounds like the BTR17 excels at clarity and separation, which might actually complement the FF Deuce's natural sub-bass focus quite well.

Thanks for testing it out and sharing your thoughts! Sounds like the BTR17 really brings out the best in the mids and treble on the Deuce. The bass blot is interesting, might depend on the tracks, I guess. Appreciate the insight!

Seems like the XP-2Bal could be worth considering. Sounds like it really brings out the best in the Legend EVO, and it might just give the Deuce the boost I'm looking for. Thanks for sharing!
I took the Deuce out today and used my Cayin RU 7 wired to phone. This to me is the best I have heard the Deuce. The bass and sub-bass were phenomenal, with deep rumble and full texter. The mids were clear and clean, and the treble was smooth and easy to listen to. The whole signature was balanced and cohesive. RU 7 is considerably warmer than BTR17. BTR17 is airier and brighter.
 
Jan 22, 2025 at 4:46 AM Post #3,110 of 3,186
If someone in EU is looking for a BTR7 check out my classifieds listing (I have both BTR7 & BTR17 and I find these complementary because of their different sound signatures. However, I only need one so keeping BTR17).
 
Jan 22, 2025 at 8:03 AM Post #3,111 of 3,186
I took the Deuce out today and used my Cayin RU 7 wired to phone. This to me is the best I have heard the Deuce. The bass and sub-bass were phenomenal, with deep rumble and full texter. The mids were clear and clean, and the treble was smooth and easy to listen to. The whole signature was balanced and cohesive. RU 7 is considerably warmer than BTR17. BTR17 is airier and brighter.
That sounds like an amazing setup! The RU 7 seems to bring out a whole different side of the Deuce with that warmth and balance. It’s interesting how different sources like the RU 7 and BTR17 can shape the experience so uniquely. Makes me curious to explore more pairings for the Deuce. Thanks for sharing!
 
Jan 22, 2025 at 10:52 AM Post #3,112 of 3,186
I took the Deuce out today and used my Cayin RU 7 wired to phone. This to me is the best I have heard the Deuce. The bass and sub-bass were phenomenal, with deep rumble and full texter. The mids were clear and clean, and the treble was smooth and easy to listen to. The whole signature was balanced and cohesive. RU 7 is considerably warmer than BTR17. BTR17 is airier and brighter.
Yes, for those who want to have a Bass and Sub bass focused listening experience, RU7 and Ibasso DC07pro may be a more appropriate dac/AMP.
 
Jan 25, 2025 at 7:25 AM Post #3,114 of 3,186
What about BTR17 vs. RU7 in scene depth and layering?
I cannot tell a difference in anything else but slight tonality where the RU7 is a tiny bit warmer. And by tiny I mean a fraction of how much I can change tonality just by changing the tips.
 
Jan 25, 2025 at 8:46 AM Post #3,115 of 3,186
Hi, I'm in the market for a Bluetooth DAC/Amp and the BTR17 & BTR7 are devices that I'm considering buying. From what I read, it looks like the BTR17 has better resolution and clarity, possibly bigger stage vs the BTR7. Is there a big difference?

Functionality wise, did Fiio fix their software yet? I had BTR7 before and also the Q15, both had issues with EQ support and also refused to connect to the Fiio Control App with my Phone.

I read that the BTR17 has slightly anemic Bass which could be a deal breaker, anyone here used the Shanling H2 and compared it to the BTRs?
 
Jan 25, 2025 at 10:42 AM Post #3,116 of 3,186
Having an issue with the BTR17, can anyone in here confirm they have been able to successfully get the PS5 or PS5 Pro to recognize it as an audio output device? I have updated the BTR17 to Xmos 1.28 as well as the FW to .62 so I should be good with go with UAC1.0 selected but the PS5 Pro does not recognize it at all from any of the USB Ports. @FiiO can you offer any assistance to me here? My Astell & Kern HB1 works great with PS5 Pro but it doesn't have a 10 Band PEQ.
 
Jan 25, 2025 at 12:08 PM Post #3,117 of 3,186
Having an issue with the BTR17, can anyone in here confirm they have been able to successfully get the PS5 or PS5 Pro to recognize it as an audio output device? I have updated the BTR17 to Xmos 1.28 as well as the FW to .62 so I should be good with go with UAC1.0 selected but the PS5 Pro does not recognize it at all from any of the USB Ports. @FiiO can you offer any assistance to me here? My Astell & Kern HB1 works great with PS5 Pro but it doesn't have a 10 Band PEQ.
Did you restart BTR17 after changing it to UAC 1.0? There is a holiday in China until February 4th, so we will not receive a response until then.
 
Jan 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM Post #3,118 of 3,186
Hi, I'm in the market for a Bluetooth DAC/Amp and the BTR17 & BTR7 are devices that I'm considering buying. From what I read, it looks like the BTR17 has better resolution and clarity, possibly bigger stage vs the BTR7. Is there a big difference?

Functionality wise, did Fiio fix their software yet? I had BTR7 before and also the Q15, both had issues with EQ support and also refused to connect to the Fiio Control App with my Phone.

I read that the BTR17 has slightly anemic Bass which could be a deal breaker, anyone here used the Shanling H2 and compared it to the BTRs?
Stage width also depends on IEMs and headphones.

Firmware and software are still problematic. However, it depends on your usage scenarios and a bit of luck. In some cases, you may not encounter any software or firmware issues with the BTR17. In other cases, these problems might disappoint you.

I haven’t used the Shanling H2, but I do use the M5 Ultra. Since Shanling’s sound signature and the AKM chip in the H2 lean towards the warmer side, the BTR17 might be slightly weaker in terms of bass.

Speaking specifically about the M5 Ultra, in some songs, the bass feels like a heartbeat. In my car’s stereo system, the bass response feels like the heartbeat of a living being—tight, controlled, and fast.

I just compared the BTR17 and the M5 Ultra again while writing this. I only tested them with Burak Yeter’s song Tuesday. The BTR17 provides a decent bass experience on its own—not bad at all. However, when I switch to the M5 Ultra, the contrast in the bass is noticeable. The bass is tighter, more present, and well-defined, as I mentioned earlier. On the BTR17, the mids slightly bleed into the bass when both are playing at the same time, though not in a way that sounds terrible. Additionally, the bass in the BTR17 slightly overflows at the edges, just a bit.

For example, if you own the Fosi Audio DS2 2024, it also delivers contrasting bass, and the mids do not bleed into the bass. I think this is because the DS2 does not have the same level of resolution as the BTR17. However, if I were a bass lover, I would still choose the DS2.

These observations come from very careful listening—almost like looking at bacteria under a microscope. I play the same song repeatedly, listen for 5–10 seconds, then quickly switch to the other device, using the same headphones each time.

I am human, and my perceptions may be flawed. So, take this as just one perspective. Read other reviews as well, and if you have the chance, the best option is to experience it yourself.

It’s also important to recognize that comparisons never truly end—there is always something better. Sometimes, a cheaper DAC/AMP may not be overall better than a more expensive one, but it might excel in certain aspects. What we are doing here is simply trying to fully understand the equipment we have. Many of the details I’ve written here are things that most people—even myself—would not notice in daily use. They require extreme focus, a very quiet environment, high listening volumes, and repeatedly playing the same track.

In everyday use, we listen to music at a reasonable volume with high resolution and simply experience emotions. That’s all. However, as your ears become more trained and your equipment improves, I believe these details will start to influence your overall listening experience, especially during dedicated listening sessions.
 
Jan 25, 2025 at 1:39 PM Post #3,119 of 3,186
Stage width also depends on IEMs and headphones.

Firmware and software are still problematic. However, it depends on your usage scenarios and a bit of luck. In some cases, you may not encounter any software or firmware issues with the BTR17. In other cases, these problems might disappoint you.

I haven’t used the Shanling H2, but I do use the M5 Ultra. Since Shanling’s sound signature and the AKM chip in the H2 lean towards the warmer side, the BTR17 might be slightly weaker in terms of bass.

Speaking specifically about the M5 Ultra, in some songs, the bass feels like a heartbeat. In my car’s stereo system, the bass response feels like the heartbeat of a living being—tight, controlled, and fast.

I just compared the BTR17 and the M5 Ultra again while writing this. I only tested them with Burak Yeter’s song Tuesday. The BTR17 provides a decent bass experience on its own—not bad at all. However, when I switch to the M5 Ultra, the contrast in the bass is noticeable. The bass is tighter, more present, and well-defined, as I mentioned earlier. On the BTR17, the mids slightly bleed into the bass when both are playing at the same time, though not in a way that sounds terrible. Additionally, the bass in the BTR17 slightly overflows at the edges, just a bit.

For example, if you own the Fosi Audio DS2 2024, it also delivers contrasting bass, and the mids do not bleed into the bass. I think this is because the DS2 does not have the same level of resolution as the BTR17. However, if I were a bass lover, I would still choose the DS2.

These observations come from very careful listening—almost like looking at bacteria under a microscope. I play the same song repeatedly, listen for 5–10 seconds, then quickly switch to the other device, using the same headphones each time.

I am human, and my perceptions may be flawed. So, take this as just one perspective. Read other reviews as well, and if you have the chance, the best option is to experience it yourself.

It’s also important to recognize that comparisons never truly end—there is always something better. Sometimes, a cheaper DAC/AMP may not be overall better than a more expensive one, but it might excel in certain aspects. What we are doing here is simply trying to fully understand the equipment we have. Many of the details I’ve written here are things that most people—even myself—would not notice in daily use. They require extreme focus, a very quiet environment, high listening volumes, and repeatedly playing the same track.

In everyday use, we listen to music at a reasonable volume with high resolution and simply experience emotions. That’s all. However, as your ears become more trained and your equipment improves, I believe these details will start to influence your overall listening experience, especially during dedicated listening sessions.
I appreciate your comparing BTR17 with the Muse Ultra M5, as I am considering both of these to upgrade from my BTR7 (also considered Questyle M18i but the < 4 hours battery life is off-putting). My 2 common use scenarios are:
  1. Dongle connected to PC via USB for music listening with ability to make or receive a phone call, ie - simultaneous connection via BlueTooth to phone. With BTR7 in this scenario it will switch to phone and allow me to take the call.
  2. Purely wireless via BlueTooth to allow me to use my preferred wired headphones while away from source. LDAC or Aptx Adaptive / Lossless are preferred codecs.
With the Muse my thought was to use tube mode for my UM Maven II which are quite resolving and somewhat analytic IEM's, thus may benefit from some euphonic warmth, and use the Muse's SS mode for my warm-leaning ISN EBC80. However, there's far fewer reviews and limited information (power output etc...) on the Muse so BTR17 seemed like it may be a safer choice ... although now that I'm reading about BTR17's susceptibility to RF / EMI noise interference it gives me pause.

Thanks for any additional thoughts on the above, @sarkihalindekal! :ksc75smile:
 
Jan 25, 2025 at 1:41 PM Post #3,120 of 3,186
Did you restart BTR17 after changing it to UAC 1.0? There is a holiday in China until February 4th, so we will not receive a response until then.
Yes, I’ve restarted the BTR 17 as well as the PS5 pro multiple times while trying both the front and rear USB ports on the PS5 Pro, one user on Reddit told me that it can be finicky and that you might need to unplug and plug in the cable from the PS5 Pro several times. Thanks for the heads up, I forgot about the Chinese new year so I’ll probably end up just sending this thing back.
 

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