Scenarios
The R9 offers a multitude of functionalities, making it a versatile device for various audio setups. Here are some of the ways you can utilize its capabilities:
- Standalone DAP: Simply use it as a Digital Audio Player (DAP) by connecting it directly to your headphones or speakers. While there’s no built-in battery, you can power it with the included cable. Access your local music files via the SD Card port on the back, or stream music from online services.
- DAC Mode: Utilize the R9 as a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to enhance the audio quality of other devices, such as active speakers or external amplifiers. Connect it to your phone, tablet, or PC for an improved audio experience.
- DAC/Amp Combo: Enhance your audio setup by using the R9 as both a DAC and an amplifier. Whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or PC, the R9 can elevate your audio output to a higher level.
- DP Mode: Take advantage of the exclusive DP mode to connect the R9 to an external display, such as a tablet, for a more immersive user experience on a larger screen.
- Digital Transport: Use the R9 as a digital transport by connecting it to an external DAC. Attach a hard drive to access your local music library, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio playback.
In my personal experience, I found the R9 particularly useful as an optical out from my TV. This setup allowed me to connect my active speakers in the living room, and with the inclusion of the RM3 remote this time around, operating the device from a seated position becomes effortless.
Operation
As you can see, the options are endless. To switch between modes, the R7 has a mode selector menu. The modes include;
- Android Mode
- Pure Music Mode
- AirPlay
- USB DAC Mode
- BT Receiving Mode
- Coax/Optical Mode
- Roon Ready
- HDMI Input Mode
- HDMI ARC Mode
For switching outputs, you use the knob which is located just below the volume knob. This one has four options;
- PO + Pre Out – Both front and rear outputs active with volume control
- PO – Front outputs active
- Pre Out – Rear outputs active with volume control
- LO – Rear outputs active with fixed maximum volume
User Experience
The new R9 comes equipped with the Snapdragon 660, which is highly popular in the DAP market these days. It boasts 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which is quite sufficient for a device of this kind. The real-world experience is excellent, with the device being snappy, having a clean UI, and feeling close to the stock Android experience. The Android version is 10, which could have been higher, considering that most units nowadays come with at least version 11.
The volume and output knobs have nice weight and sturdiness, but they’re also easy to operate and turn. You can customize the LED lights on both knobs. By default, they change depending on the sample rate. Under the screen, you have navigation buttons for tapping. You can set them as play/pause/skip/previous for easy operation without turning on the display, otherwise, they work for navigation on Android UI. 5Ghz WiFi works like a charm, and the BT quality is good, especially with LDAC.
Display
The R9 has a significant display upgrade, featuring a 6-inch, 1080×2160 LCD touchscreen with smaller bezels. The resolution is great, and the colours are pleasing, which is fair enough for a desktop device. The display is responsive and has good sensitivity. When the screen is off, you have different screen-saver options, which is nice. Additionally, there’s a pleasant graphic when you turn the volume knob, and you can change the volume by touching it once you turn the knob.
FiiO Market
One of the things I like about FiiO is its application menu. Unlike other devices, you don’t need to log in to Google services or accounts. The menu offers many music applications such as Qobuz, Roon, Tidal, Spotify, and Deezer, as well as FiiO applications and radio listening apps. With just one tap, you can download and install any of these apps and you’re good to go. This feature is so convenient that I didn’t even need to go to the Play Store.
Roon Ready
One great feature of the R7 is its compatibility with Roon. This means that you can use your Roon Core at home and enjoy the benefits of Roon’s capabilities. FiiO also has a separate app called “FiiO Roon”, which can be activated from the mod selector menu as mentioned earlier. Having Roon is always a great advantage.
Hardware
The R9 boasts some significant hardware upgrades over the R7 model, but the most notable one is the flagship-grade ES9038PRO DAC chip. The R9 features two of these DAC chips arranged in a dual formation, making it a standout feature in the R9’s spec sheet. The DAC chip can support up to 32-bit PCM and DSD256. The amplifier section is also improved, with an 8-channel THX788+ setup, which is twice the number of channels found in the R7. This upgrade gives the R9 an output power of 7300mW, which is more than double the R7’s output power. Also, the output impedance is less than 0.5 ohms.
The R9 audio device boasts a power supply design that separates the analogue and digital components. It also comes equipped with high-quality components such as ELNA electrolytic capacitors, silver-plated OFC wires, Neutrik plugs, and femtosecond crystal oscillators. The device’s amplifying stage provides 5 levels of gain, ranging from low to ultra-high. Overall, the R9 offers impressive specifications that make it a powerful audio device.
Power Supply
The R9 comes with a switchable power supply that features dedicated high-voltage capacitors. The AC input provides a large capacity and pure power for the device. Additionally, the R7 has a DC input circuit that is designed with a ±15V high-voltage design. This DC mode enables the R9 to utilize external power supplies such as FiiO’s PL50, which provides cleaner power, resulting in improved sound quality. Since I don’t have the PL50, my impressions of the unit are solely based on the device itself.
Page 1: Info, Package, Design, Build
Page 4: Technical Performance, Comparisons, Conclusion
