FiiO BTR17
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The FiiO BTR17 is a versatile Bluetooth DAC/Amp praised for its clean THX amplification and neutral sound signature. It is frequently highlighted for its 'Desktop Mode,' which allows the device to bypass the battery when plugged in, preventing degradation and providing additional power for demanding headphones. While users generally consider it a significant upgrade over previous models in terms of build quality and physical controls, it is noted for being bulkier than competitors and having a less sophisticated companion app than the Qudelix 5K.
Pros
- Dedicated Desktop Mode bypasses the battery and increases power output
- Clean, neutral, and transparent sound signature via THX Amp circuitry
- High-quality build with a physical volume knob for easier control
- Versatile performance as both a Bluetooth receiver and a wired USB DAC
- Capable of driving high-impedance headphones like the HD650 effectively
Cons
- Larger and heavier than ultra-portable alternatives
- Companion app is considered less feature-rich than the Qudelix 5K app
- May lack sufficient current for extremely power-hungry planar headphones in the long run
- Higher price point compared to more basic portable receivers
Caveats
- Desktop Mode requires a constant power source to maintain peak performance
- The device's size may require creative solutions like Velcro for mobile mounting
- Some users find the device a bit too expensive for a portable-only setup
Best for
- Users wanting a hybrid device for both desktop and mobile use
- Owners of Sennheiser HD600-series or similar high-impedance headphones
- Listeners who prefer a transparent sound without added coloration
Avoid if
- You prioritize the smallest and lightest form factor possible
- You require the most advanced app-based EQ and software features
- You are trying to drive extremely demanding full-sized planar magnetic headphones
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence comes from a 13-month window with a median source age of approximately 200 days, reflecting a stable consensus on the product's performance.
Sentiment
22 positive (79%) · 3 mixed (11%) · 3 negative (11%)
Trust + time weighted score: +72% · raw score 68%
What redditors said (10 of 28)
I have same BTR17 for listening (either BT connection or wired to the phone, depending on the circumstances), and the desktop dac when on laptop.
fiio btr17(technically a bt receiver but it's good wired too and it's portable)
If you want to run the Noire X with ample power and headroom to spare, BTR17 is not going to be enough on the long run.
It doesn't have enough current to drive them properly. The BTR17 is not just an amp if that's what's confusing you.
The BTR17 is a great device because it is a well all rounder device and can be used as bluetooth or hooked up to USB for any source.
To finish this portion of the review, I would personally pick the BTR17 over the qudelix 5K. That might be a controversial thing to say, but at this point, I don't really care. I had the 5K and still do, but the BTR17 is just a better product and an overall improvement, despite the 5K having a better app.
The sound of this DAC/AMP is very well detailed and clean as well. It is neutral and very transparent. No coloration to the sound. This is all thanks to the implementation of the THX Amps inside.
The device itself is built so well. Probably one of the best in its price range. The volume knob is such a game changer too, as you can control the volume more easily now. Speaking of volume, the THX Amp circuitry Fiio chose for amplification is done very well. Clean sound output coming out of this device with no audible clipping or distortion. It honestly doesn't get better than this.
The BTR17, in my opinion, does what every bluetooth DAC/AMP should do, with some caveats. It takes everything the BTR7 did and what was missing from it and makes a next level jump across the board. It now has bypass battery. This means that you can now leave it plugged in to a power source without worrying about battery degradation. With that feature, you also get even more power, allowing you to power hungry headphones.
Be a crazy person like me, who buys regular wired headphones and straps a Bluetooth DAC/amp to the headband. Here I've got my Sendy Egrets with a Fiio BTR17.
Compare
FiiO BTR17 vs FiiO K7FiiO BTR17 vs Qudelix-5KFiiO BTR17 vs FiiO K13
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