Massively agree with your final point - ever since I started listening to better quality audio gear, my preferred volume has been getting lower and lower. Get so much more enjoyment from music and with considerably less risk of damaging your hearing.

Thank you, your reports are so much better than most and agree with you on many points you have made on this report as well as others. I appreciate your labor and service you have made to audio technology.

Wow, I purchased this little device and I have never been so pleased with the audio coming out of my IEMs, I don't ever feel like I need to turn up the volume again. When this little device is hooked up to my desktop setup in usb mode, it even seems to out perform my 1st gen schiit modi to an extent. While it comes off a little smoother/laid back sounding than my modi (idk if thats the right term to use but best I can think to describe it) the representation of the soundstage compared to my old modi is absolutely no contest for my akg q701s. There does seem to be more extension in the treble range as well. Quality audio gear for the price is really getting good these days. Its thanks to great reviewers like you that I have such good sounding setups for cheap. This is a very competent and versatile device for the money paid. As a side note this device seemingly has a problem locking up entirely when I change around the settings on the device too much/too quickly and locks up to the point I have to set it in dfu mode and re upload the firmware to get it back to working order. Other than that everything is perfect.

I'm really glad this has a balanced output.

Wow. That was a well done video. You have an excellent presentation style. And no wasted words, which is phenomenal in my book.

Subscribed you had me at “it was enjoyable, that’s what it’s all about”

I've been using one of these for almost a month now and have been more impressed as time goes on. I don't use the Bluetooth option all that much (Apple - so limited to AAC) but via USB. If you use the Onkyo HF iOS App (highly recommended), it can upsample 44.1K content to DSD128 in realtime and send it off the the Fiio (the BTR5 natively supports DSD). Subtle smoothing in the overall sound without perceivable loss of detail. The Onkyo app even allows you to run a 10 band EQ (with multiple custom profiles with the upsampling option enabled), far better than the Fiio player app. Even Tidal with layer 1 MQA unfolding sounds very nice on this unit. Overall an excellent performer. I run Tin T4s, Shouer Tapes, Tin P1 and Audeze El-8s, LCD-2s and Senn HD650s. Have done A/B testing against my THX 789 and think it gets to 90% there to my ears. There is a little bit of 'sparkle' from the ESS chips I did notice though (but isn't that what the ESS Sabre DACs are known for?). Not distracting but if you like warmth in your music then perhaps a darker headphone is a better match. I think the Planars are better than dynamics with this one. I really found the EL-8s just sing on this little thing! BTW: The balanced output uses the two onboard DAC chips while the SE uses one. You can see this on the bock diagram on the BTR5 product page.

Thanks for the nice review. I have the UP5 and the BTR5 coming. 👍

I love my BTR5, I've had it for over a year it's well worth the bank.

Thank you for this great, thorough review! I recently bought the BTR5 (w/latest 2.1 firmware pre-installed) and it drives my Drop HE-X4 planars (25 Ohm but only 91dB sensitivity--current eaters!) quite competently out of its balanced connection. This is via the USB connection to a Samsung A11 smartphone. In fact I would say that the synergy between the Samsung USB'd to BTR5 and the HE-X4's out of balanced, may be the best HE-X4 portable solution I've yet experienced even vs. FiiO X5III line out to (800mW) Cayin C-5. Using Bluetooth it drives the cans fairly well too and it feels like there is decent enough headroom.

I love this thing and use it every day. The BTR5 with the Moondrop Starfield is a killer combo for less than $230 total which is just insane for this level of killer sound. My favorite current mobile combo.

I have a Fiio X3 that is a great little DAP that I don't use much because it's a pain to change the music on the flash card. This device makes total sense in that all my streaming music is always available. I love it - and your review was just what I needed to make the purchase decision!

Damn the review i was waiting for!

Great Review I just purchased a fiio btr5 sounds beautiful.

Hello there, I finally got the Audio Technica ATH-ADX5000, wow. I am loving it. As you said it, a truly hi-fi hps. Pairing with the Hugo tt2, also with my hybrid Rogue Audio Rh5, and I couldn’t be happier. Huge sound, clear, beautiful highs, smooth vocals, just enough of bass, sub bass. The new 58mm driver is top notch! Very fast, nothing gets overshadowed, great separation. I love it.... cheers 🍻

I have built an isolation transformer box for powering my laptop/usb dac and this mostly gets rid of the hardening/brightening noise floor that you mentioned, but laptop on internal batteries is best.

Great review mate!

Great review! Probably going to order one, since my E17 just won't work on my S9...

Great review! Clean, neat and concise. Btw could you review Audiolab's m-dac nano snd compare it to this Fiio btr5? Thanks

While I prefer the clear plastic clip because it's optional and more aesthetically pleasing, the downsides are mainly it's more fragile than the metal integrated clip from the BTR3 and the holes for putting an optional strap is on the clip. If it gets yanked it can separate easily from the plastic clip frame, disconnect from the 3.5 or 2.5mm cable and fall to the ground while the clip frame is secured by whatever the strap is tied to.

Nice reviews thanks.

Bought an AuKey pos receiver for 20 quids. The thing gave up the ghost in less than 2 weeks. Saving up for something more durable. This may suit my needs. I mainly use it to watch TV with mid range headphones and may use it to listen to my cellphone on the move (the audio jack sputters even with an easy to drive Sennheiser 25-2).

Excellent review going to try mine using usbc ipad pro and apple hi res I understand it can cope with it thank you.

Interesting how the phone app resembles the one for the Ear Studio ES-100 right down to the manual with diagrams.

can i use my headsets built int mic with this or do I have to use the fiio units mic?

hi there, want to ask about the dac clock divider level, is the battery drain really noticeable if i set to 1 while using it via bluetooth? also did the balanced 2.5mm improvement over 3.5mm is really that noticeable on the btr5?

These devices really over deliver. I've bought a lot of tech this year and out of everything I feel this little gadget is the best value for money by far. I've bought some of the pricier wireless headphones and earbuds recently and I really like them but I probably wouldn't have bought them if at the time I knew about this gadget. If Fiio make another that can do ANC I'll be very happy.

hi there, thanks for the review! I got both the btr5 and fh5 and am very happy with the pair. ( also have the meze 99 classics and moondrop starfield and they all go very nicely with the BTR5). Would like to get a good Open Back headphone (for under 500US) but am afraid the btr5 won't be able to drive it to its best potencial. Do you have any ideas or suggestion in that regard? Thanks! Best, Rodrigo.

I use the EarStudio ES100 in combination with InEar StageDiver 2 and a Sennheiser HD 650. I would be interested to know if FiiO has gotten a handle on dynamic amplification, as both the BTR1 and BTR3 have audible digital artifacts when heard quietly. I can hear this very clearly with my StageDiver 2. And that's why I chose the ES100 instead of the BTR3, not to mention the longer battery life. By the way, what is the battery life of the BTR5?

So as you say, the low pass filter 'Apodizing fast roll-off filter 2' and 'hybrid roll-off' make it sound smoother and less sharp? I'm using with fiio fh7 and it sounds a little bit harsh to me, maybe the filters you mention will fix it.

wow the ability to disable codecs is amazing. i wanna use it with ym PC and i'm glad to know that i can use their mobile apps to turn them off to make sure aptx-ll is in use does the app work with BTR3K too?

Really hope you could do a review of the Shanling UP4, its close competitor!

I’ve been using my m6 in a similar fashion for the last 6 months and was thinking about stepping up to a Q5. But this is a much better alternative

What's the top Ohm that it can handle? And can the BTR5 power something like the DT 770 250 ohms? And do you know IKKO ZERDA dongle? If so, should I take BTR5 or ZERDA, mostly for IEMs like the TRN BA5

THANKS!

I think the second & third harmonics settings try to emulate the harmonics one gets with a clean class A SET TUBE AMP. If I am wrong, please correct me. 🤔

I love the BTR5 so much I bought 2. Sold my Q5s, was getting to be a pain to use OTG.

Hello, I have Hyperx Alpha S gaming headset which is compatible with usb sound cards. Will the microphone work when I connect this headset with BTR5 2021? Or should I get a separate sound card for my gaming headset? thanks.

IM NEW just interesting to know and plan to buy that to can that be plug for phone type c to Fiio Btr5 DaC?

Can I connect my Samsung S10 Lite which has only USB C port to this device? Or I have to connect only via bluetooth

How does this compare to dc02?

I just bought the the fiiO BTR5 and downloaded the fiiO control app on the iPhone XS . I have noticed that the app will disconnect while using it , so I need to close and reopen the app

Thank You

Much appreciated overview and review! Thanks. How does it compare soundwise with the EarStudio ES100 with its companion app?

Can someone help me please!? I've got a set of KZ Zs10 iems and I love them, but they are hissing, I'm using an mpow and/or an anker Bluetooth transmitter because my phone has no Aux. Will the BTR3 or the BTR5 or the Es100 fix the hissing? Thank you in advance

Does anybody know if the BTR5 can drive the 250 ohm beyerdynamic dt770 pro? Specifically I'm wondering about single ended performance, because balanced essentially doubles the power, but the dt770 pro can't run balanced

So I know you mentioned the mic. When you get a call do you have to use the BTR5's mic instead of your phone?

I want to put this inside a portable boombox, anyone know if I turn car mode on are all the settings available through the app? it seemed like most were from the video. . .

Hi, i have an SE535 and an S9+ as music player. What would be your recommendation to improve the sound: BTR5, or ibasso DC02?

Anyone know the difference of 8 low pass filters in BTR5 ?...

After watching this I to got one, but I find it not as resolving as the Hibi FC1 that was only $30. After much EQ it does seem to improve. I will keep it for the wireless gaming I have never experienced before. Just kinda disappointed in the over Music presentation. But thanks for everyones thoughts.

better than red dragonfly ? or es100 ?

I actually bought the es100 and btr5 because of the 2.5mm balanced output.

May be somebody could help me out pls. Can btr5 properly and efficiently drive my. 1. Hifiman sundara 2. Beyer dynamic 990 pro 250 ohm

Nice review, Can you suggest me a balanced 2.5 mm male to 3.5 mm female adapter for the balanced out put.

Ironically, the mmcx connector on my Fiio FH1 broke on the 3.5mm so balanced is what I'll be using this in.

Bro can I use it with Andromeda 2020 ? Can I stop the hissing using the app toggle?

Excellent in depth Review! Can you suggest good affordable headphones or IEMs compatible with FiiO BTR5 for both 2.5 mm jack or 3.5 mm jack?

My tin hifi p1 using balanced cable and 4xx can drive this beast i would recommend over the es100

Soundwise, does the BTR5 have better quality than Fiio’s older daps, such as the M6 or M9? I don’t expect it to keep up with the M11 or higher

Does this have a better sound quality compared to Dragonfly Red when connected tbrough USB?

I would use this most often as an USB DAC with IEMs and a smartphone. Any problems with connecting it to an Android 9 device in such configuration?

Can it improve Audiotechnica M40x- with 35 ohms , 98 dB -pairing with OnePlus6? Currently using them without amp .

There's one small detail that no review seems to cover: Can you use the microphone while it is in USB mode? 'cause you can't on the BTR3.

Can i use my btr5 with my Bluetooth earphones?

can it pair with B&O H9?

in term of sound quality, how this btr5 compared to ifi hip dac? cant choose between those two

How does it compare to the built-in Macbook DAC? Never had a chance to test my MBP 15" Mid-2015 against any DAC though. There are many opinions on the web stating it is hard to get better sounding DAC for less than ~$200. Currently considering to buy BTR5 to drive DT770 Pro (80 Ohm).

I was thinking about the BTR5 because somehow I misplaced my X5 3G and wanted a new DAC for my notebook. But I don't see why anyone should consider the BTR5 over the M5 given the M5 is cosiderably cheaper but can be used standalone, except for the balanced output it has all the same features, right? Am I overlooking something? Would be great if Fiio had a better comparison chart.

someone can please answer a question i have about this product, it improves the music quality or you need a dedicated player ? for example, between the btr5 with a phone and the m6, only in music quality, which ones better ?

I think i agree with your opinion. Ill just end up getting the btr3, simply cant justify double the price

Hi I have a pair of beyerdynamic dt770 pro, 32 ohms. I'm using them with my phone but I want a more fun and loud sound. Is the fiio btr5 for me?

I don't use IEMs so what else can you drive with this, Senns 6## and 5## or ATH-M40x by any chance

Hi, will this thing benefit an AUX car audio with your smart phone playing off streaming music??

I got iem's with inline mic... Can I still use the in-line mic with this?

Hi, is it possible to use it as a wired LDAC transmitter VIa USB from my Laptop? I would like to use it from my Laptop for my Wireless LDAC Headphones AND wired for my Sennheiser 660s (Can it supply 150 Ohms?). Thank you

Can I drive hifiman sundara with this ?

Make you5the test true bluthoot o otg?

Just starting out with IED’s I have a set of the periodic BR’s and no idea if u are familiar with them but wondered if these or the 3’s would be more appropriate to compliment its default sound signature?

how well do all those wired headphones and portable amp/dac solutions compeete with Sony WH-1000XM3? The sony has 30 hours of battery life.

Will this be an upgrade over fiio e17 to power Beyerdynamic dt770 pro?

is there any sound degradation switching between usb and ldac?

is this comparable to the mojo

I find using Thunderbolt 3 cable sound better than using the supplied cable with USB-C adaptor

could i use this for sundara's to make them wireless?

Can i use this device in usb dac mode with wireless headphones? If yes, how to pair it?

Hey compared to the M5 and the shanling m0 does the btr5 sound better?

Noob question. Should the sound quality be better while using this rather than the built in bluetooth let’s on an iphone?

2:50 what app is that ? fiio music player or another control app? fiio music player is a mess designed by the enemy. i use UAPP. thanks

Can it b connected via bluetooth to the phone and wireless headphones at the same time?

First :) thinking about getting this

Hi, can this be connected to iphone wirelessly?

Hi, I have fiio x5lll. It only supports SBC codec I guess. If I connect btr5 with x5lll, will I get all the codecs mentioned in btr5. Please help me. Thanks

Noob question. Just bought a BTR5 and some HD600. What's the "best" way to listen to some FLACC files from my Samsung phone? Is bluetooth alright or is it better if I connect it directly to my phone?

How do you charge this thing? It's it okay to put it on a phone charger too?

The difference between balanced and 3,5mm with my fh3s was almost as big as the difference between Bluetooth and usb mode

Can you charge your phone while connected to USB?

Walkman NW-105 Review? if its possible..

I think my ears are broken cause I don't hear a difference between when I am listen through the phone or through the BTR5. only that it gets louder with btr5 but in terms of quality for me it is the same, tested it with Starfields, ZSX, ZSN PRO, the only difference I heard was TIN P1 which reached its potential with BTR5.

This might be a stupid question but. I bought this about a month ago and was wondering if I can use wireless bluetooth headphones with this amp