FiiO’s R7 was one of the standouts from last year, offering a lot of bang for your buck. But now, there’s a new sheriff in town: the R9. This beast not only solves all the gripes I had with the R7 but also raises the bar for all-in-ones. The only problem? It’ll cost you twice as much. But hey, if you’re looking for the ultimate audio experience, the R9 tastes like the crème de la crème of do-it-all devices. So, let’s dive in and see if it’s worth the extra dough.

The FiiO R9 is an incredibly versatile and practical all-in-one streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier that offers possibly the most comprehensive set of I/O options, well customized to seamlessly integrate into desktop or speaker setup.

The FiiO R9 stands out as a remarkable piece of audio equipment, offering versatility that caters to every audiophile’s needs. Its adaptability ensures seamless integration into various scenarios, making it a versatile companion for any setup. Moreover, the user experience is highly satisfying, with well-thought-out software that boasts smooth performance and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or new to the hobby, the FiiO R9 offers a delightful user experience that enhances your enjoyment of music.

You could, of course, save your cash by springing for something simpler like a desktop/headphone amp — especially if full-blown Android on a touchscreen is beyond overkill for your needs. For a very specific set of power users though, the FiiO R9 will delight and amaze in equal measure.

The FiiO R9 is the most sophisticated and mature sounding audio device FiiO has designed up to date. They have pushed audio performance to its boundaries and it is rather impossible to extract more sound quality from the combination of the ES9038PRO DAC chips and the THX amplification modules.

The FiiO R9 all-in-one music streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier presents the most comprehensive set of input and output options ever seen in such a bijou product and the R9's excellent Android interface and smartphone-like screen quickly helped it become the center of my music setup during my time with it – whether via headphones, to my active wired speakers, or simply beamed to the nearest Bluetooth speaker.

A superb, do-it-all audio powerhouse that sounds as good as it looks. The FiiO R9 is expensive, but does it all.