The FiiO R9 is an ambitious all-in-one media streamer and network player that aims to deliver high-resolution audio and video playback, flexible streaming capabilities, and cutting-edge digital-to-analog conversion. Positioned at the intersection of high-end audio and modern streaming technologies, the R9 is packed with a robust feature set including HDMI output, MQA full decoding, support for a variety of high-res audio formats, and a touchscreen interface for intuitive control. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its design, performance, and overall value.
Build and Design
1. Aesthetic and Build Quality
The FiiO R9 comes in a sleek, modern design with a premium metal chassis that feels solid and well-constructed. The front panel houses a large 6-inch touchscreen that is both vibrant and responsive, with the screen size making it easy to navigate through menus, settings, and album artwork. The device is compact for its feature set, making it portable and relatively easy to place in any home audio setup.
The device’s front features a volume wheel with a satisfying click, which is responsive and precise in adjusting sound levels. Below the wheel are a set of physical buttons, adding tactile control for basic functions. The back of the R9 houses a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI output, USB inputs, Ethernet port, and Bluetooth antennas, among others.
2. Display
The 6-inch touchscreen is bright, sharp, and highly responsive. The user interface is intuitive, built on Android OS, making navigation relatively straightforward. The colors are vivid, and the screen is large enough to display album art and metadata without feeling cramped.
Features and Functionality
1. Audio Performance
The FiiO R9 excels in audio playback. It supports an extensive range of formats, from DSD512 and PCM768kHz/32-bit to MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) for hi-fi streaming and decoding. If you are into high-resolution formats, the R9 has you covered, handling native DSD and PCM with ease.
DAC & Decoding: The built-in DAC is an ESS ES9038PRO, a high-end chip known for its exceptional dynamic range, low distortion, and highly transparent sound. The R9 handles complex audio with authority, producing rich, detailed, and neutral sound that can reveal subtle nuances in recordings. Whether you're playing lossless FLAC files, DSD tracks, or MQA-encoded content, the FiiO R9 showcases the full potential of these formats.
MQA Full Decoding: The R9 is capable of full MQA decoding, meaning it can unfold MQA files to their full resolution, providing studio-quality audio through supported streaming services like Tidal. This is an exciting feature for audiophiles who prefer the highest level of audio fidelity from streaming sources.
Bluetooth 5.0: The R9 also features Bluetooth 5.0 support, allowing you to wirelessly stream audio to compatible headphones or speakers. It supports aptX HD and LDAC, offering high-quality wireless audio transmission for those who prefer to go wireless without compromising on sound quality.
2. Streaming Capabilities
Android OS: The FiiO R9 runs on Android OS, which means you have access to a vast array of streaming apps directly from the device. Popular apps like Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, and Deezer are all accessible natively through the interface. The Android-based platform makes it easy to install third-party apps or services that may not be pre-installed.
Network Streaming: The R9 features built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for streaming high-res content from your local network or from supported streaming services. This makes it a versatile device that can integrate seamlessly into existing home network setups. The Ethernet port is particularly useful for stable, high-bandwidth streaming without interruptions.
HDMI Output: One of the standout features of the R9 is its HDMI output, which allows the device to stream both audio and video to an external display or AV receiver. This feature makes the R9 an excellent choice for users who want to integrate their high-res audio setup with their home theater system, providing both high-quality audio and video in one device.
3. Inputs and Outputs
The FiiO R9 is incredibly versatile when it comes to connectivity:
USB Inputs: The R9 supports USB input for connecting external storage devices, such as hard drives or flash drives, allowing for direct playback of media files stored on external drives.
Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs: It offers both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) audio outputs, giving you the flexibility to connect to various audio systems. The balanced outputs are ideal for those with high-end audio equipment, providing better noise rejection and improved sound quality over long distances.
Optical/Coaxial Outputs: For users with other DACs or audio systems, the R9 also offers optical and coaxial outputs. This makes it possible to use the R9 as a high-quality transport for another DAC, further expanding its utility in a home audio setup.
User Interface and Experience
The R9’s user interface is based on Android OS, which is familiar to anyone who has used smartphones or tablets. The integration of Android provides a smooth experience for browsing music libraries, adjusting settings, and accessing streaming services. The touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, with minimal lag, and the layout is clean and easy to navigate.
The system supports both touch gestures and physical buttons for control. For audiophiles, the inclusion of a hardware volume knob is a thoughtful touch, providing precise volume adjustments without the need for navigating the touchscreen interface.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the FiiO R9 is the most critical aspect of any review, and the device does not disappoint. Thanks to the ESS ES9038PRO DAC and its ability to handle high-res formats like DSD512 and PCM768kHz/32-bit, the R9 provides crystal-clear audio, with an expansive soundstage and impressive detail.
Bass: The bass is deep and well-controlled. It's not overly emphasized but maintains enough weight and presence to complement genres like rock, electronic, and hip-hop.
Midrange: The midrange is neutral, making vocals and instruments sound natural and lifelike. The R9 excels in delivering clear, articulate midrange frequencies, which is important for complex orchestral music or acoustic performances.
Treble: The treble is crisp and clean, with excellent extension and no noticeable harshness or sibilance, even at higher volumes.
Overall Presentation: The R9 produces a balanced and neutral sound signature. Its clarity and transparency allow you to hear the nuances in high-resolution recordings, while the soundstage is wide and immersive, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles who prioritize detail and accuracy.
Software and Updates
FiiO’s use of Android OS makes the R9 future-proof to a degree, as it supports frequent software updates. The Android-based platform also makes it easy to update or add new streaming apps via the Google Play Store. However, Android updates on audio devices can sometimes be slow or infrequent, so users should manage expectations when it comes to long-term software updates.
Final Thoughts
The FiiO R9 is an impressive, feature-rich media streamer that delivers excellent sound quality, robust connectivity options, and a flexible, intuitive user experience. It’s an all-in-one solution for audiophiles looking to stream high-resolution audio from local libraries or streaming services while maintaining top-notch audio performance. The inclusion of MQA full decoding, DSD512/PCM768kHz support, Bluetooth 5.0, and HDMI output makes it versatile, and the Android OS provides a familiar interface with access to a wide range of apps.
Whether you’re an audiophile who appreciates the finer details of high-res audio or a home theater enthusiast looking to integrate premium audio into your setup, the FiiO R9 offers exceptional value. It's not the cheapest device on the market, but considering its sound quality and comprehensive feature set, it is well worth the investment for serious music lovers and home audio enthusiasts.
Pros
- Outstanding audio performance with ESS ES9038PRO DAC and full support for DSD512 and PCM768kHz/32-bit.
- MQA full decoding for Tidal users.
- Versatile connectivity with USB inputs, Ethernet, HDMI, and both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs.
- Android OS for easy access to streaming apps and services.
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and LDAC support.
- 6-inch touchscreen is vibrant and user-friendly.
Cons
- Android OS updates may not be as frequent or timely as other platforms.
- No built-in storage for offline media, requiring external drives for local music libraries.
Rating: 9.5/10
The FiiO R9 stands out as a high-performance media streamer and network player that combines audiophile-grade audio quality with modern features like MQA decoding, streaming apps, and flexible connectivity options. It’s an excellent choice for those who want top-tier sound quality with a range of functionality for both music and home theater setups.
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