To begin with, the FiiO R7 Music Server/Streamer/Headphone Amplifier is one of the best DAC / Headphone Amplifiers I have heard, in no small part due to being a music server it eliminates the computer and USB cable from the equation, both of which contribute to the end product and not in a good way, computers are not designed as audio devices it is simply a byproduct of their base function. As a music server, the R7 is stellar. FiiO's music app / GUI has been well-developed over the years, and is intuitive and functional.

The FiiO R7 works exactly like how it is described, not just like a DAC Amp with a screen. With a premium power supply and excellent connectivity, strong expandability, and an intuitive UI, the R7 has excellent performance to suit a wide range of audiophile needs.

Although I find this an odd device, it operates as you’d expect it to. This is a neat all-in-one player/streamer that gives you all the best qualities that Fiio DAPs normally bring you. It fulfills Fiio’s standard for having a smooth interface that matches its level of sound quality. You also get a ton of input and output options for different source and headphone connections. If you’re in the market for a streamer like this and aren’t willing to spend more than a thousand dollars, then the R7 is a perfect choice.

Of course, a higher-end full desktop system delivers better performance than a single device like this one, but the FiiO R7 is a fantastic piece of a unit for what it is. Its extreme versatility prepares it for every scenario of any audiophile, and it has a very pleasing user experience. The software in particular is well-thought-of, and I loved the fact that it’s very easy to use with a smooth performance.

A fantastically versatile and capable desktop amplifier, the FiiO R7 produces an entertaining, balanced, and musical performance across a range of sources in a compact, space-saving form. A surprise gem of 2023.

The FiiO R7 is a catch-all device that does the job of three separate devices. A desktop streamer, the Android-powered R7 delivers many features, including music playback or streaming, digital to analog conversion, and headphone amplification. Backed by two high-powered THX amp chips, the R7 is good for driving even the most demanding of headphones and offers an unrivaled desktop solution in its price bracket.