FiiO BTR17 adds Qualcomm aptX Lossless and 650 mW amplifier to smartphones for $199
Most current smartphones no longer have a headphone jack, and top models such as the Apple iPhone 16 only support highly compressed Bluetooth codecs such as AAC and SBC. The FiiO BTR17 headphone amplifier is designed to solve both problems. If the gadget is connected to a smartphone via USB-C, headphones can be connected either via a 3.5 mm or a balanced 4.4 mm jack plug.
An ESS Sabre ES9069Q DAC and a 650 mW amplifier are intended to ensure first-class sound, even in tandem with more demanding headphones. Alternatively, Bluetooth headphones can also be connected, with the FiiO BTR17 also supporting Sony LDAC as well as Qualcomm aptX Lossless thanks to the Qualcomm QCC5181 Bluetooth chip, so that music can be streamed in CD quality without loss of quality. The gadget, which weighs around 73 grams, is said to have a battery life of eight hours.
A small 1.3-inch IPS panel provides information about the currently selected settings and the quality of the music being played. The volume can be adjusted via a dedicated rotary control, while the sound can be adjusted to one's own preferences using a 10-band equalizer. Firmware updates can be installed at the touch of a button via the associated FiiO Control smartphone app. A desktop mode enables maximum performance, while smartphone mode reduces power consumption and prevents the smartphone battery from being tapped for power.
Prices and availability
The FiiO BTR17 headphone amplifier is currently available at a price of $199, in either blue or black. FiiO includes a leather carrying case and a USB-C cable. Further details can be found on the official product page.
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