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.