The last FiiO product I tested was the Q5. I loved the sound quality, functionality and power for its size. So, I was interested in discovering how well FiiO could develop its desktop DAC/Amp. How much power does it have, and how does it sound?

In The Box

• Q7
• Leatherette case 
• Cooling stand 
• AC power cord  
• Power adapter 
• USB power cable
• USB adapter
• TypeC to TypeC data cable (long)
• TypeC to TypeC data cable (short)
• Lightning to Type C cable
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card

Build

This thing is heavy, but still sleek and minimalist in its design. The Q7 offers a number of inputs, including USB, coaxial, optical and even Bluetooth. The headphone outputs include 1/4 inch, 1/8 inch and 2.5 mm balanced. For this review, I kept it simple and just hooked the Q7 up to my iPhone with the included iPhone to USB-C converter. As for controls, a large gold dial dictates volume, and when pushed down, it allows you to switch through the various inputs. The Q7 features lights on the side that show varying colors depending on the sample rate or format. In addition, there are play and track skipping buttons, which work when connected via Bluetooth. Also included, is a brown leathery case and cooling stand, which adds to the aesthetic appeal to the device.

Design

The Q5 employs the THX AAA788+ amplifier and ES9038PRO DAC. To optimize resolution, FiiO has designed the Q7 with 4 parallel channels. With respect to formats, the Q7 supports DSD512, ultra-low latency, and up to 768kHz sample rates. And thanks to the 160-core XMOS XU316 chip, it can also decode MQA. If you decide to go the Bluetooth route, you’ll have plenty of format options, including SBC, AAC, LDAC aptX, aptX LL, aptX adaptive, aptX HD.

Sound

I paired the Q7 with my favorite, relatively neutral headphone, the Beyerdynamic DT 1770. At 250 Ohms, they take a bit of power to drive, but are slightly more efficient than something like the Sennheiser HD800’s. So, I was surprised to find that I had to push the volume to about 75%. For such a monster of a DAC, I was expecting it to drive the headphones a lot further. That being said, the Q7 handled the headphones well, revealing the color and articulation that the DT 1770 can produce on more powerful amps. 

The sound signature leans towards the neutral side, perhaps presenting a touch of warmth. It’s relatively smooth and controlled, somewhat reminiscent of some of the more affordable Astell&Kern players, though a bit livelier and less refined. The Q7 also expanded the soundstage, which I primarily heard in terms of width. With respect to noise-floor, I had no complaints. It’s a quiet DAC/Amp, but I’d be curious to see what happens when you pair it with a sensitive IEM.

Summary

Although its size feels a little big for the power it produces, the Q7 brings out great clarity, tightness and even a little character. The High-Res Bluetooth, including the MQA and DSD capability, is also a big plus. And if you’re planning to use it as a desktop DAC as intended, it should be a sleek addition to your audio setup.

You can pick up the FiiO Q7 at Audio 46.