Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Impressive output power, even without DC power, capable of driving a wide range of headphones.
- Highly detailed and resolving sound, revealing nuances in music.
- Solid build quality with CNC machined aluminum chassis and premium materials.
- Extensive accessory package, including a cooling stand, leather case, and various USB cables.
- Versatile with numerous inputs and outputs, including USB, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth, 3.5mm, 6.35mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm.
Product Considerations
- Large size and heavy weight may not be truly 'portable'.
- There is a mention of potential treble glare/brightness and a 'touch of warmth', making gear matching important.
- At least one reviewer wanted even more headroom, particularly with very power-hungry headphones.
- Some reviewers found the case to be somewhat loose.
- High and super-high gain modes may make the noise floor clearly audible.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FiiO M17: Q7 offers similar tuning at a lower price, though the M17 is superior in detail retrieval, smoother and more refined sound, and soundstage depth/3D effect, while the Q7 boasts better noise rejection performance.
- Vs FiiO K9 PRO ESS: Q7 delivers dynamics very close to the K9 PRO ESS, with greater power and headroom.
- Vs Shanling H7: Q7 has higher power output.
- Vs EarMen Angel: Q7 is more powerful, dynamic, impactful, resolving, detailed, and open sounding.
Takeaway: The FiiO Q7 is a versatile and powerful portable DAC/amp offering excellent sound quality and features, making it a great option for those seeking a desktop-class experience on the go. It delivers exceptional clarity and dynamics, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's collection.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Q7
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Power Output: 3000mW (Enhanced over-ear headphone mode), 1500mW (portable mode)
- Battery: 9200mAh
- Display: 1.3-inch full-color
- Inputs: USB, optical, coaxial
- Outputs: 6.35mm (SE), 3.5mm (SE), 4.4mm (balanced), 2.5mm (balanced), Line Out
- DAC Chip: ES9038PRO
- Bluetooth Chip: QCC5124
- USB Chip: XMOS XU316
Description
The Q7 is a portable amplifier packed with parts designed for desktop amps, making it a true fusion of portable and desktop amps. The Q7 redefines what a portable amp can be and sets a new benchmark not only for FiiO portable products but for all portable audio products.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- FIIO combines Bluetooth capability, high power output, and a desktop mode in their portable DAC/amp designs.
- They offer a high degree of user customization through their control app, allowing for adjustments such as parametric EQ and device behaviors.
Select products
Select product comparisons
K7
- Positioning: An all-in-one balanced desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed for affordability and compact convenience.
- Description: Uses THX AAA 788+ amplifier technology and a six-stage audio circuit to provide clean, balanced sound suitable for everyday listening in small room setups. Compared to the other models, its feature set is streamlined without some of the advanced digital processing and power management found in the higher-end products.
K9AKM
- Positioning: A desktop DAC and headphone amplifier built around AKM DAC chips to offer enhanced audio clarity at a moderate price point.
- Description: Focuses on a refined AKM-based design that delivers lower distortion and improved detail over the entry-level K7 while keeping the design compact and easy to use. In comparison with more premium models, it strikes a balance between performance and cost, offering better resolution.
K19
- Positioning: A high-power DAC and headphone amplifier aimed at users who need robust output for driving demanding headphones.
- Description: Incorporates advanced circuitry and a design optimized for high-current performance to maintain clear and natural sound even at louder volumes. Relative to the K7 and K9AKM, the K19 adds more power and precise output control while being less digitally complex than the top-tier models.
K11R2R
- Positioning: A desktop DAC and headphone amplifier that employs a fully differential 24-bit R2R resistor ladder for superior resolution and detail.
- Description: Offers dual NOS and OS modes along with a high-quality electronic volume control to enhance dynamic range and clarity. Compared to the more basic K7 and K9AKM, its advanced resistor architecture and multi-stage power supply deliver lower noise and customizable gain settings.
K17
- Positioning: A high-end desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed for uncompromising performance and extensive functionality.
- Description: Features a fully discrete amplifier circuit with advanced DSP, dual AK4499 DAC chips, and separate analog/digital circuitry to ensure smooth, natural sound with high output power. In contrast to other products in the lineup, the K17 provides top-tier build quality, multiple protection systems, and an extensive set of digital processing features.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
31
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
226
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
69
Founding Year
2007
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Brand Page
Used
FIIO
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
1299
/
25
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Product Page
Product Page
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RME
ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition
1499
1499
/
7
Reviews
RME is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs that bring professional studio tools to desktop listening, featuring 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, selectable digital filters, and comprehensive signal metering in their ADI-2 family. Their interfaces offer DSP-based TotalMix FX for zero-latency submixing, DC-coupled outputs for sending CV/gate signals to modular synths, and SteadyClock FS technology that reduces jitter to the femtosecond range.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Packed with technology, including an AKM4493 chip, FPGA, and Femtosend clock generator
- A strong asset is its powerful headphone amp, which can drive low to high impedance headphones with ease
- The RME offers a 5-band EQ, separate for each channel
- Transparent, crisp, and ultra-high resolving sound quality
- Offers safety features and overcurrent protection
Product Considerations
- The ADI-2 Pro is very complicated to operate, and while learning to navigate through its menu system takes time, it's not as intimidating as it may seem initially
- Main line outs and right headphone jack share the same DAC chip, so these outputs cannot be controlled independently
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ADI-2 Pro has 2 DAC chips, and the ADI-2 DAC has one
Takeaway: The RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition is a versatile device that combines high-quality digital-to-analog conversion, analog-to-digital conversion, and a powerful headphone amplifier in a compact package. It offers extensive features and customization options for both professional and home use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
RME is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs that bring professional studio tools to desktop listening, featuring 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, selectable digital filters, and comprehensive signal metering in their ADI-2 family. Their interfaces offer DSP-based TotalMix FX for zero-latency submixing, DC-coupled outputs for sending CV/gate signals to modular synths, and SteadyClock FS technology that reduces jitter to the femtosecond range.
Product Page
Product Page
MASS-kobo
Model 475
1687
1687
/
3
Reviews
MASS-kobo is a hifi amplifier brand. Each unit is hand-assembled by a single craftsman, Mr. Masuda, who personally tests and selects every component through an extensive binning process that limits output and creates long lead times. The brand embraces unconventional design choices, including intentionally high output impedance (~10Ω balanced), switch-mode power supplies in summit-tier amps, and build-to-order practices with sequential serialization and optional personal delivery by the craftsman himself.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Very clean and stable sound
- It enhances the quality of the bass with extra rumble, making it sound more articulate
- Excellent natural resolution, and among the best vertical micro/macro dynamics expansions
- Very precise layering and separation of the instruments and the vocals gives every sound a multi-dimensional standalone presentation
- It can be powered directly from a USB charger without batteries
Product Considerations
- The words written on the front panel can rub off with use
- With sensitive IEMs, the Model 475 can pick up electronic noise from devices with capacitive screens
- In high gain, the Model 475 can have some background noise with IEMs, so low gain should be used instead
- The volume knob is unbalanced at the first few percent, it always starts off on the left side before the right side, and then a bit unbalanced still before it stabilizes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Brise Audio Tsuranagi, the Model 475 adds more body to the sound, which gives mids extra coloring density without affecting the resolution or the retrieval of details
Takeaway: The Model 475 is a unique headphone amplifier that provides a clean and stable sound with enhanced bass. It could be worth buying if one wants a solid portable amplifier that can be used at home and that adds body to the sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MASS-kobo is a hifi amplifier brand. Each unit is hand-assembled by a single craftsman, Mr. Masuda, who personally tests and selects every component through an extensive binning process that limits output and creates long lead times. The brand embraces unconventional design choices, including intentionally high output impedance (~10Ω balanced), switch-mode power supplies in summit-tier amps, and build-to-order practices with sequential serialization and optional personal delivery by the craftsman himself.
Product Page
Product Page
RME
ADI-2/4 Pro SE
1999
1999
/
1
Reviews
RME is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs that bring professional studio tools to desktop listening, featuring 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, selectable digital filters, and comprehensive signal metering in their ADI-2 family. Their interfaces offer DSP-based TotalMix FX for zero-latency submixing, DC-coupled outputs for sending CV/gate signals to modular synths, and SteadyClock FS technology that reduces jitter to the femtosecond range.
Expand Details
Video review
Our take on the brand
RME is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs that bring professional studio tools to desktop listening, featuring 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, selectable digital filters, and comprehensive signal metering in their ADI-2 family. Their interfaces offer DSP-based TotalMix FX for zero-latency submixing, DC-coupled outputs for sending CV/gate signals to modular synths, and SteadyClock FS technology that reduces jitter to the femtosecond range.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
/
Released
2022
The British designed and built Mojo 2 is the most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in the world today. Winner of Best DAC (£300-£500) in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022, the Mojo 2 is entirely engineered around a powerful, custom-coded FPGA processor and benefits from several unique technologies.
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
xDSD Gryphon
599
/
Released
2021
On the desk or in your pocket, be ready for anything. Packed with award-winning features and functionality, the xDSD Gryphon takes the best tech from our desktop DACs to create a portable DAC/Amp that can rise to any challenge.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
- Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
- Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
- The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle
Product Considerations
- The user interface is not very intuitive
- Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
- The OLED screen can be difficult to read
- Battery life is around six to eight hours
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
- Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
- Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound
Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Product Page
Product Page
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