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

[MrWalkman]

Questions:
1) What is EQ Buypass and what does it do?
2) Is it normal that you can only change the volume when the screen is on?

1. The change between any EQ profile and EQ off will interrupt the sound. This is why instead of EQ off you can set to "Bypass", and it will not interrupt the sound. This was the explanation on some FiiO page.
2. Do you mean that the screen turns on every time you change the volume? There is an option for that in the FiiO Control app, something regarding the waking up, which is by any key, or only by the power key.

 

[sarkihalindekal]

So far definitely liking this evolution of the BTR7 for the most part. The interface is much better with the volume wheel and dedicated forward and reverse buttons. One thing I would love is to be able to turn a double press of the volume knob into skipping a track vs launching voice command for the phone. The Go Blu has that interface and it's so easy because the volume knob is the easiest thing to locate by feel without looking at the device, thus making it super easy to skip tracks, the most common thing I do at least, while listening to music, besides adjusting the volume.

The lack of a clip on the case is a bit of an issue.

Also sometimes I get static when restarting a song. I have to close out Tidal and re-open to then sound normal again. This is on stock android 15 on a P9Pro. I'll have to look back at this thread and see if this is a current bug. I disabled LDAC and am using Aptx HD which is my go to codec.

I do like the display screen better than the BTR7 as well.

However, as is common in ChiFi devices, the battery already seems wack. Fully charged it seems to last for a good long time, but then drops from 80% rather fast. Then while it's in the 30% range and played for another half hour, it then just powers off. I find this an issue with a lot of ChiFi stuff with batteries, the battery gauge is useless, they die when showing over 20% battery life, and the battery life is never as good as advertised, or close enough.

The battery may get better after some time.

Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistry Stabilization

Lithium-ion batteries do not operate at full capacity immediately after production. During the first few charge cycles, the chemical structure of the electrodes stabilizes. This process helps the battery reach its maximum capacity.

But what you said seems to be related to the battery level indicator. If there is "inaccurate battery percentage reading" I think this may be hardware related or can be fixed with firmware. I didn't notice it since I was using it without needing much battery.

 

[Stu Paddasso]

1. The change between any EQ profile and EQ off will interrupt the sound. This is why instead of EQ off you can set to "Bypass", and it will not interrupt the sound. This was the explanation on some FiiO page.
2. Do you mean that the screen turns on every time you change the volume? There is an option for that in the FiiO Control app, something regarding the waking up, which is by any key, or only by the power key.

1. The change between any EQ profile and EQ off will interrupt the sound. This is why instead of EQ off you can set to "Bypass", and it will not interrupt the sound. This was the explanation on some FiiO page.
2. Do you mean that the screen turns on every time you change the volume? There is an option for that in the FiiO Control app, something regarding the waking up, which is by any key, or only by the power key

When I need to change the volume I have to turn the screen on. If I turn the wheel with the screen off, there is no volume adjustment.

 

[sarkihalindekal]

When I need to change the volume I have to turn the screen on. If I turn the wheel with the screen off, there is no volume adjustment.

The setting provided does what you said. Select it as "any key". It works for me.

 

[Stu Paddasso]

Got it. It was the screen lock button. Turned off, now when I turn the wheel, the volume changes and the screen comes on.
What Lowpass filter is recommended? I don't hear any difference between different filters.

 

[sarkihalindekal]

Got it. It was the screen lock button. Turned off, now when I turn the wheel, the volume changes and the screen comes on.
What Lowpass filter is recommended? I don't hear any difference between different filters.

It is very difficult to hear the difference between them. You need to know the characteristics of each one, choose the piece accordingly and listen carefully to the details. Only then can you notice a little. It is very noticeable on some daps or dac/amps, but BTR17 is not one of them.

However, I think it will have an impact on the overall listening experience.

Chatgpt had this to say about lowpass filters:

"Which of these filters should you choose?

Each filter provides a specific sound characteristic:

Minimum Phase: A good choice for those who prioritize timing accuracy.

Apodizing: Reduces digital harshness and delivers a clean sound.

Linear Phase: Suitable for those who prefer a balanced sound.

Low-Ripple Fast: Ideal for a clearer and cleaner sound.

Slow Roll-Off: Offers a softer, more natural tone.

Low-Dispersion Slow: Provides minimal distortion and a natural sound, especially enjoyable for long listening sessions.


You can choose a filter based on the type of music you listen to and the sound character you prefer. Experimenting with the filters will help you determine which one works best for you."

 

[Stu Paddasso]

It is very difficult to hear the difference between them. You need to know the characteristics of each one, choose the piece accordingly and listen carefully to the details. Only then can you notice a little. It is very noticeable on some daps or dac/amps, but BTR17 is not one of them.

However, I think it will have an impact on the overall listening experience.

Chatgpt had this to say about lowpass filters:

"Which of these filters should you choose?

Each filter provides a specific sound characteristic:

Minimum Phase: A good choice for those who prioritize timing accuracy.

Apodizing: Reduces digital harshness and delivers a clean sound.

Linear Phase: Suitable for those who prefer a balanced sound.

Low-Ripple Fast: Ideal for a clearer and cleaner sound.

Slow Roll-Off: Offers a softer, more natural tone.

Low-Dispersion Slow: Provides minimal distortion and a natural sound, especially enjoyable for long listening sessions.


You can choose a filter based on the type of music you listen to and the sound character you prefer. Experimenting with the filters will help you determine which one works best for you."

You're right it is hard to hear. I only noticed it using Bluetooth. Now I'm using the Minimum Phase. Thank you for the Help.

 

[sarkihalindekal]

You're right it is hard to hear. I only noticed it using Bluetooth. Now I'm using the Minimum Phase. Thank you for the Help.

"You're welcome

In reality, it's even harder to distinguish between filters when the audio is transmitted over Bluetooth, or when using IEMs or headphones that lack a certain level of resolution, or when using low-quality audio files. Bluetooth introduces compression into the audio. That's why."

 

[Stu Paddasso]

"You're welcome

In reality, it's even harder to distinguish between filters when the audio is transmitted over Bluetooth, or when using IEMs or headphones that lack a certain level of resolution, or when using low-quality audio files. Bluetooth introduces compression into the audio. That's why."

I switched to Blue Tooth phone from wired lap-top and I noticed just a hint of bass bloat using 634ears loak2 TS. Played with filters and using minimum phase the bass bloat disappeared. Changed to Alter-Ego and bass bloat has disappeared here as well. Now I'm happier with the Blue Tooth set-up.

 

[MrWalkman]

The battery may get better after some time.

Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistry Stabilization

Lithium-ion batteries do not operate at full capacity immediately after production. During the first few charge cycles, the chemical structure of the electrodes stabilizes. This process helps the battery reach its maximum capacity.

But what you said seems to be related to the battery level indicator. If there is "inaccurate battery percentage reading" I think this may be hardware related or can be fixed with firmware. I didn't notice it since I was using it without needing much battery.

On older Li-Ion devices they recommended 3 discharge-charge cycles to get the best of the battery.

When I need to change the volume I have to turn the screen on. If I turn the wheel with the screen off, there is no volume adjustment.

For me it works with the screen off as well. It's connected to my Samsung S23, via LDAC.

I'm not sure that it only works like this when the screen is off, but the first adjustments seems to need 2 clicks instead of simply one, maybe to prevent accidental volume adjustments, like when you keep the device in your pocket.

 

[NBLt]

I'm not sure firmware update via PC works properly.

• Upgraded to 0.62 via PC and DFU utility said successfully upgraded. XMOS version got downgraded to 1.26. Firmware version on device still shows 0.51
• Upgraded XMOS version to 1.28 => success. Device firmware still shows 0.51
• Finally I switched to Bluetooth and did an online upgrade via the FiiO Control App on iPhone. Device firmware upgraded to 0.62 => Success. XMOS version shows 1.28 => Good.
• For some reason settings were reset after the device restarted. I had to select the Language and also setup the brightness and gain again. Bluetooth pairing and last used volume were not reset so it was not a factory reset.

TLDR - For me at least, the Bluetooth online upgrade worked properly and the first time. Please note that you need to keep the screen on and stay in the app all the time during the upgrade (roughly under 5 minutes) otherwise it takes much longer to upgrade.

Yeah it have been that since "v0.51", i catched a comment written on "bbs.fiio" under the BTR17 Firmware's Discussion mentioned exactly that.
"Rule of Thumb" is that if the Firmwares included a "XMOS"/USB Controller then Update that First, then the Devices's firmware by USB. Else just use OTA.
/ Yeah any "OTA" apps are all poppy through, just keeping the Phone's Screen on by Settings or playing "Pretends Floppy Bird" should definitely helps.

There was someone mentioning how they cannot adjust the BTR17 call volume.

I've done some testing:
1. Using the volume wheel while in a call actually adjusts the call volume from the smartphone. Keep the smartphone's screen on while on a call, and when you'll use the BTR17 volume wheel, you should notice a self-adjusting volume bar on the smartphone, based on how you rotate the BTR17's volume wheel.

2. When making a call with the BTR17 connected, but using the LC3 codec, then you will be able to adjust the volume, but it will adjust the "Device Volume", and not the "Volume of call" (as shown in the FiiO Control app).

3. When making a call with the BTR17 connected, and using the LC3 codec, the quality of the recorded voice is affected by some crackling - it seems software related (recordings attached).

4. When making a call with the BTR17 connected, and using the LC3 codec, the BTR17 doesn't seem to enter the call mode, as in the telephone icon is not showing up on the BTR17 screen.

Hopefully I'm not wasting my time writing all this, seeing how there are no more replies from the FiiO team

Thanks for the Tests Result. I tested with mine on LDAC, don't know if that is significant.
Also if you have any 3rd-Parties Apps or Modules (Root, xPosed,...) that is managing / changing the Bluetooth/Volume settings you should checked that out also to make sure they're not messing with the Volume function.

So far definitely liking this evolution of the BTR7 for the most part. The interface is much better with the volume wheel and dedicated forward and reverse buttons. One thing I would love is to be able to turn a double press of the volume knob into skipping a track vs launching voice command for the phone. The Go Blu has that interface and it's so easy because the volume knob is the easiest thing to locate by feel without looking at the device, thus making it super easy to skip tracks, the most common thing I do at least, while listening to music, besides adjusting the volume.

The lack of a clip on the case is a bit of an issue.

Also sometimes I get static when restarting a song. I have to close out Tidal and re-open to then sound normal again. This is on stock android 15 on a P9Pro. I'll have to look back at this thread and see if this is a current bug. I disabled LDAC and am using Aptx HD which is my go to codec.

I do like the display screen better than the BTR7 as well.

However, as is common in ChiFi devices, the battery already seems wack. Fully charged it seems to last for a good long time, but then drops from 80% rather fast. Then while it's in the 30% range and played for another half hour, it then just powers off. I find this an issue with a lot of ChiFi stuff with batteries, the battery gauge is useless, they die when showing over 20% battery life, and the battery life is never as good as advertised, or close enough.

The battery may get better after some time.

Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistry Stabilization

Lithium-ion batteries do not operate at full capacity immediately after production. During the first few charge cycles, the chemical structure of the electrodes stabilizes. This process helps the battery reach its maximum capacity.

But what you said seems to be related to the battery level indicator. If there is "inaccurate battery percentage reading" I think this may be hardware related or can be fixed with firmware. I didn't notice it since I was using it without needing much battery.

The usual "To-dos" for anything with "Lithium-ion complexes Battery" is to Fully-charged it with No load first before use, then 100% Discharged it by using it the ways that You usually uses anything with the same Battery technologies (Phone, Head/EarPhones, another DAC/AMP...) a few times then it should settles. Then just keep it charged by usages and should Fully-discharged it again Once every Month to keep both the BMS and Battery in checks.
/ Turn on the Built-in "CHG Protection" to keep it Maxed at 80% Charged, Disable it when doing Cycles and turned it on Again to somewhat remedies the Longevity of the Battery.
That's why i rather just simple 4/5 RGB LEDs indicator vs "Fully Digital". Been a thing ever since the "Stupid phones" age.
Also factoring in the Manufacturers choices & implementations of BMS (Battery Management System) + Battery(ies). IMO.

 

[MrWalkman]

Also if you have any 3rd-Parties Apps or Modules (Root, xPosed,...) that is managing / changing the Bluetooth/Volume settings you should checked that out also to make sure they're not messing with the Volume function.

Stock Android here. Adjusting the volume of the smartphone directly should be done via BT commands, send by the BTR17.

 

[Nick24JJ]

When using my BTR17 with my S23 Ultra, I always maximize the volume on the smartphone and control the volume level on the BTR17.

 

[RIGATIO]

When using my BTR17 with my S23 Ultra, I always maximize the volume on the smartphone and control the volume level on the BTR17.

Thats the correct way to do it

 

[NBLt]

Stock Android here. Adjusting the volume of the smartphone directly should be done via BT commands, send by the BTR17.

Yeah some people were having problems with the DAC not adjusting the Calls Volume while In-call, so i just wanna weed out all the possibilities.
Also maybe the DAC wasn't "Active", meaning they weren't using the DAC itself while In-call so it didn't do what it suppose to do because it couldn't.