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The FiiO Q7 is a fantastic digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier designed for music lovers who value audio quality above all else. The Q7’s elegant appearance and sturdy construction are intended to benefit listeners of all backgrounds. The Q7’s robust DAC is the engine that drives the device’s ability to play a wide variety of audio formats with pinpoint accuracy.
The legendary ESS Sabre ES9018S chip, used in it, is widely regarded for its high level of performance and precise audio reproduction. This guarantees that the listener will receive an accurate representation of the music in all of its nuances. The Q7’s many inputs and outputs allow it to fit in with a wide range of audio systems. It can be directly connected to PCs, smartphones, and other devices that accept USB or coaxial digital inputs.
FiiO Q7 Specifications
since we got my hands on the Fiio M17, we have been looking for a system that’s on par with its calibre. It is still one of the most capable digital audio players (DAPs) that you can get, giving you the portability of a desktop-level experience.
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre ES9018S |
| Input Ports | USB, Coaxial |
| Output Ports | 3.5mm Single-Ended, 2.5mm Balanced |
| Supported Formats | PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to DSD256 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 40kHz (±0.5dB) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (depending on usage) |
| Dimensions | 125mm x 66mm x 18.5mm |
Design and Build Quality
The Fiio Q7’s design is similar to that of the Fiio M17, albeit the two digital audio players do not use the same IPS display. The chassis is made of ribbed and glass-paneled aluminium that has been precisely cut using CNC. The device’s top is home to a solid gold potentiometer with a textured pattern that makes turning it a pleasure. A LO analogue out and a PO analogue out, both available in single-ended and balanced forms, round out the available inputs and outputs. The 3.5mm and 6.35mm SE jacks, as well as the 2.5mm and 4.4mm jacks on balanced outputs, mean that a wide range of in-ear monitors can be used. You can buy this FiiO Q7 from its official website
FiiO Q7: Controls
The Q7’s controls range from an innovative multi-function potentiometer dial to a physical power and playback control mechanism with four buttons on the device’s right side. The multi-function dial’s intuitive interface with the display makes it simple to use. The current input mode is displayed on the home screen, and it may be switched with a single tap.
The Q7’s home screen has a ton of depth, so holding down on it for a while will reveal additional options. As AC power is switched off, the four-stage gain control becomes a five-stage control with a very high level. You can also change the LO from fixed to variable and vice versa, and swap between PO and LO. You can choose between USB 2.0 and USB 1.0, have full access to the DAC’s seven digital filters, adjust the screen’s brightness, limit the volume to protect your ears, and more.
FiiO Q7: Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Q7 stands alone. It did an excellent job driving the Audeze LCD-X, Meze 99 Classics, and HD6XX that we tried it with. With the available hardware, you can expect great lows, clear mids, and soaring highs; the sound quality was on pace with the K9 Pro, which is saying a lot. Fiio done an excellent job keeping the sonic fidelity in what is essentially a portable device, and the Q7 will get the most out of any headset or IEM that is connected to it.
FiiO Q7: Battery Life
The Q7 has a big 9,200mAh battery that is built-in, but it can also be fueled by the DC connector if necessary. Additionally, there is a handy toggle that enables you switch between battery power and DC power. If you choose the second option, you will be able to completely avoid using the battery, which is the one that makes the most sense if you want to use the Q7 on a desk or other stationary surface.
Final Words
The Fiio Q7’s excellent linearity and granularity make it a highly accomplished DAC-Amp solution. Because of its flexible input/output configuration and adjustable gain, it may serve as a host for a wide range of in-ear monitors and headphones. The Fiio Q7, in general, is a product that has been meticulously planned out and is competitively priced with other desktop options. Unlike the Fiio M17, its companion digital music player.
FiiO Q7 review: The good and The bad
With its excellent linear and detailed presentation, the Fiio Q7 is a very well-accomplished DAC-Amp combination.
The Good
- Energetic tuning
- High output power
The Bad
- Huge for a portable amp
Questions and Answers
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is required for high-quality audio. If you want to hear music with greater precision and depth, as the artist intended, then you need them. If you have headphones or speakers plugged into your smartphone, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) might help them sound better.
This month we’re highlighting FiiO’s CEO, James Chung. Since its founding in 2007, FiiO has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the fields of portable music product research and development.