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Hey Z reviews if you would have to pick one pair of everyday headphones (for phone) what would you say is most fun to listen to i don't care so much about accuracy. - 1more Triple-Driver - Sennheiser momentum 4 - or grado gw 100 ???? I like not dominating bass but the one that is punchy when needed in electro and can be low for movies Is 1more the best go?
Revisiting this video….. I in-store demo’d the Q7 yesterday versus the Gryphon primarily using a DCA Aeon 2 Noire. The Q7 stomped all over the Gryphon and it wasn’t even close! I bought the Q7. If I were to sum up the Q7, it’s a desktop DAC/Amp with Bluetooth that FiiO made portable. If you’re running planars or high impedance headphones and want to get the best out of them either wired or Bluetooth, this is a great way to go. The iFi Diablo has roughly only half the battery capacity of the Q7 which probably accounts for the majority of the weight and size disparity. The Diablo 32:21 also doesn’t have BT. These things, in my mind, make the Q7 a more versatile product. Addendum: Yes, you can use any of those amp to push your headphones and you will get sound. But what level of quality is that sound? On the Gryphon the Noire’s sounded thin and veiled. This was even with the Xbass turned on. The Q7, on the other hand, sounded like I was at home on a full desktop rig. Definitely worth the premium over the Gryphon!
If fully agree, also upgraded to Q7 in combo with DCA Aeon2 Noire / former DAC was an iFi xDSD (non Gryphon) which had to be repaired, just over 2 years old, due to battery problems.
I just bought one and matched with my Meze’s, wow. It is incredibly smooth and revealing. I rarely have “notable” musical experiences. I found this to be one of them. Love Z Reviews, but lord are we bouncing all over the place. Dial back the coffee and adderall. 😊
I appreciate the honesty. I am a huge fan of their Q5, I still use it every day,(well the Q5s tc, anyway) and love it. I was waiting for the Q7 because I need more power than what the Q5 has for a couple of my iem"s. I was looking at the Gryphon, but waiting to check out the Q7. I think I will go with the ifi...and save $150 bucks doing it. Damn. Too bad, I was really psyched for this, but I use my DAC/amps for the portability. Great honest review man. Thank you.
@untitledwebm Yes, I did. It makes my item's "better." It has more power than the Q5 or any of it'sversions,(Q5s, Q5s-Tc)so it drives them better, (I have some that are 50 ohms)but I think the gryphon colors the music more,and the Q5s-tc, was more neutral. Which I liked then and now. The gryphon is worth the money,every cent,imo. But so was (is)the Q5.
My use case for the M17 that would be the same for this device: throw it in a backpack and carry it to work with me and plug it into my work computer. Do I need that much power at work? Not often. But it's nice to have, and it sounds excellent. It's basically the best unit I could have at work.
Why doesn't Fiio ever say the price in their weabite? I don't even know where to purchase their products besides Amazon or eBay used prices , how do I know I'm getting a deal or paying more?
I gotta admit, the M17 is really tempting for me. I know @Z doesn't like it much, and yes it's very large. But that whole battery bypass thing is incredibly useful. Without it, as you said, it will use the battery and constantly charge/discharge. Which is pretty awful for keeping a device for any length of time. The thing that kinda works for me when it comes to these kind of devices is that I _never_ just put this kinda stuff in my pocket and walk around with it. It goes in my backpack. If I want music while walking, I use my cell phone without any kind of external connection(s). Simply bluetooth IEMs. Same if I'm on my motorcycle. This kinda device is when I'm going to a coffee shop and working, or traveling on a bus/plane/etc. So, never would sit in my pockets.
I got this almost brand new (box and accessories) + a pre-owned Arya stealth magnet (ok condition, also in box) for 550 euros. Am happy. Whatever you say about it, am happy.
Zeos... if you take the time to consider that it uses a BATTERY, you would understand that DC POWER from a BATTERY is AS CLEAN AS IT GETS! I designed a DAC / BASH amp around that. Meaning... it is CLEANER then those multiple thousand dollar units using AC to DC conversion. IMHO it is a desktop unit, with a CLEAN power supply. You should have taken a serious listen instead of being so dismissive. Now nobody knows because you took the stance of being biased because it has a battery. That said, I do agree that it needs XLR , balanced I/O etc.
Yeah I don’t understand why he is so against it when he sucks the D of the topaz in almost all videos… Maybe if he cared talking about sound quality a little more ?
this is absolutely one of the best DAC amps in the world received mine yesterday after week demo the month before and I feel Z here is kind of over complaining/ being dramatic about it some of the complaints are not as serious as being mentioned here. but everybody likes what they like. so he is entitled to hate it as much as he wants too lol this thing sounds absolutely phenomenal and I have a chord hugo as reference for me this is better in so many ways and Im even talking sound quality because dac wise the hugo wins amp wise the Q7 wins ... I also had the K9 as I demoned both before i bought it thinking they may sound the same ...nope its sounds better than the K9 especially with the linear power supply on ulltragain mode like Z said its close with out the linear power supply that its indiscernible. HOWEVER the gryphon is not even close in sound its not on par its not close from my wife to few friends with 2 LCDX and both hidden from view everyone picked the Q7 the gryphone sounds plastic with super light bass in comparison
Will you review the upcoming Q15? I wonder how it compares to the Q7 in your opinion :y And since you asked, the reason I'd be interested in getting something like this, is because I want what's effectively a decent stack in the size of a transportable unit. I have need to use Coax, and USB-C inputs. I also want to be able to drive basically everything from sensitive little IEMs to thirsty Cans, so I never need to buy something else again, aside from if the thing breaks on me past the warranty :u
@@johnsoriano3812 thumbnail. But you realise it's just a joke, right? Based on people's hype for face reveals whenever you see faces of online personalitys that usually don't show them in the reflection of something
At 23:50.. Basically PO is phones out.. LO + Adjustable LO volume sets it to pre-amp mode.. LO + Fixed LO Volume sets it to pure LO mode.. This has been a pretty standard implementation on FiiO DAPs (M11Pro and later afaik)
I wouldn’t use it as a Bluetooth receiver, but for those of us who use a laptop often and want something we can take with us, this is a good option. I’m sure a K9 sounds a bit better, but if I get that I can only use it while sitting at my desk.
Another well done review. It is a transportsble and ifi black label transportable amp that I already carry with me sometimes that is about similar in size and I stick in a backpack or have pants with deep pockets but likely it would be in backpack. I think the only reason it is that big is because the battery is big. I still would get q7 still. I have a few Bluetooth amps from fiio already. It has a lot of features on the app side and I am already used to using the Bluetooth app to change things and it doesn't bother me to do that. Some people want physical buttons but I don't really care that much as long there is a knob for the volume.
I returned my ifi Gryphon because I was underwhelmed, I found it weak and not enough power for Dan Clark Noire. ifi unit itself was cheap and tacky, so I've got the Q7 instead - I'm expecting good things. The size? It's back pack portable.
I would consider this to be a backpack item. This in not for carrying in your hand or pocket. Personally, I get just as much power from my A&K Kann Alpha if I use it on high gain. I actually never have to use high gain as I’m able to drive planars on regular gain at 65 to 75 percent volume with it. A device like this is not something I need.
I thought the Q series were meant to be portable and fits in your pocket. I had the Q1 and I'm currently on the Q3 (not the MQ, quck), both are great. The Q7 is massive.
The leather case that comes with the M17 definitely needed that velcro. It's just a tiny little flap at the bottom that can AND WILL just flop out and let your $1700 DAP slide out the bottom of the case. Disastrous results if you aren't expecting it. Fortunately when I discovered that fault, I was holding it over my lap so all 610 grams of solid DAP was stopped by my dickenballs. Still not great, but at least it didn't cost me anything... in fact it may have actually saved me thousands of dollars over about 18 years.
@@AliArghavan That's what got me two, I have heard the gryphon has no track button tho, buy fi it sounds as good as everyone claims, I guess I can ignore, what to me, is a pain in the ass. I just cant see taking the Q7 around like I do with their Q5. The Q7 is just not in the portable category.
My audio gear in general has a low wife acceptance factor. So if I owned hard to drive headphones like Susvaras I would need something like the Q7 that could disappear into the background.
@@chrisk3127it depends which headphone you use. If its low impedance one Senn HD 598, BTR5 is fine. If its a planar like Sundara, something like XD05 basic or a JD Labs Atom goes a long way to give that extra to music. If you have something like Senn HD 600, it just gets better and better with every watt of power you provide it. BTR7 might drive it well, but FiiO Q7 or WA7 Fireflies will give it new life. HD 600 is a rabbit hole for amps.
@@Krishnakumar-wl7ih imo BTR5 is more than enough for HD6--, run mine low gain at 40ish balanced, maybe a DT880 600ohm would be more of a struggle but ymmv
@@chrisk3127 enough to drive and able to resolve are two different things. 300ohm headphone is loud on BTR5, but when you feed it better amplification, it begins to resolve more. I own hd 600 and i have driven it with BTR7 and with Gryphon. There is audible difference. Not much difference when plugging in a hd 598. I used a WA7 in a canjam like fest here and I couldn't believe the potential hd600. Hd600 can become an endgame headphone with a WA7, IMO. So this is the difference
Maybe its not a portable, its like the koss electrostats, desktopclass pro audio with a battery in your first class night train cross country because you’re fancy and dont do that wireless noise-canceling shit. Just an easy enough transportable k9pro. Imagine watching the landscape going by while listening to your zmf’s, epic. Only few people would fit this use-case. Probably more so in china and japan with their bullet trains and mentally well organized public transport. I think fiio is making a desktop m11s called the r7 and a desktop amp called the k7 too. Knowing this makes it I guess just the k7 with a huge battery and some Bluetooth, and you should see just like that.
Great video, can you recommend a good Fiio player on a budget or value? I never see their prices in their website and want to know where and how I can buy one.
880s still my go to. I've heard more expensive and still come back to them and instantly realize I can't justify spending $500+ on something else. Using oratory1990 worn pad eq
Hey bro, I have run a pair of Beoplays B&O H6 since 2014, my pads are now finished. Before that, I used a pair of Sennheiser HD600 which I liked very much. I primarily use headphones through my laptop with an iFi Zen Dac. As a mature student with a young family, there is only so much money. I was wondering if you could direct me to an affordable headphone to add to my list. My budget is €350,00 I want pads that are easily accessible and relatively easy to drive, but still benefit from a headphone amp. Preferably headphones with a balance cable. I like the bass to be tight and detailed with no interference with the mids or treble. Ideally I prefer shorter cables. Cheers Z
Why does some need that much power in a so portable dac/amp? I have the xudoo balance and I never once taken it out doors but if I go away that’s what I put into my bag. I’m not saying I don’t like I do but would I use it?
Hi I have a fiio fh9 +Qudelix-5k, from the passage fiio fa7 and fh9 there was no Wooow effect! Can you recommend a superior portable bluetooth dac in terms of audio quality?
You nailed it! Why high power only when plugged in and why does it get so hot?? Reminds me of, why do the Aeon2 Noire fold up for portable use when I need a stair climber at my hotel to power it??? lol! BTW, my Gryphone didn't do justice for my Noire, so I said f' it, and ordered the Diablo... done! (Since I love the sound and isolation of Noire and it does fold, when on plane, train or at hotel with the wife I had to make the Noire work)
@@untitledwebm I had the Gryphon on the wrong gain setting (small switch on underside of unit so it I forgot to check it). Now it is great for powering my Aeon2 Noire. I would say the Diablo is more for when you need high end desktop power but also need it to be portable and/or super compact. FYI: I listen to Susvara on Diablo. I sounded very good but could max out the Diablo without distorting or clipping. Another reason I like the Gryphon is the multiple tone settings, oh, and I also really like the display.
Think I have use case for it: I have some old tube radios in different rooms at home, and in my summer house. Now I have K9 pro which is broken(hope I can return it and get refund) So I'm wondering will Q7 will be as good as DAC with line out as K9 pro? Any thoughts?
I'm confused about why you're so against its form factor when it's literally just a WA11 with Bluetooth (and disconnectable battery)... Not that I would be interested in such a device, but still. It's a "better" WA11 for 2/3 of the price. Sounds like a deal to me.
I mean WA11 is old tech at this point. No Bluetooth basically renders it moot for portability and its battery was never that great. But it still SOUNDS warmer and more .... Woo than this.
@untitledwebm i used the Q5k as the bluetooth receiver for the monolith. So i can not answer this. But if your headphones/iems dont require alot of power. Id say its a good starting point
Hi, I have a question. Is it possible to connect 4 headphones to it at the same time, to listen to music or watch movies? If this is not possible, do you know of a device that allows it? Thank you so much.
Yes and No. because the outputs will have different powers Bal vs SE.. AND if you have 4 different headphones the volumes will be uneven. There are tiny cheap 4 channel headphone amps you can get but they aren't self powered or digital.
@@ZReviews Thanks for answering. The headphones would be the same, I had planned to use 4 iem fa7s, fiio brand. I had seen those amps you talk about but with the problems you mention. I ask you this idea. 1- I would connect each iem fa7s to a dac (ka3 in this case). 2- as each dac has a usb output, direct that output to a usb hub. 3-and finally the output of the usb hub connect it to a usb sound card like the Matrix element H This that I propose could work to play 4 iem headphones at the same time from a pc.
@@endrizo i do the same with the qudelix k5, had a G8X same thing. Depends on genre its not INTEGRAL or needed...but it helps with imaging/tone sustain. Per ex you can make bass more tight or if its too punchy you can make it sluggish if youre listening to bass specific genre and you want to soften/round off your listening experience, if you own multiple iems/portables. Same to jazz, quicker signal/response=more identifiable snare hits and ride taps on jazz when theyre competing with treble/highs like guitar chords or brass section, depending on if its classic jazz or guitar driven fusion jazz. But its done in a dac so it changes the signal/analogue signal output to your amp which then is further modified by amp/tube/headphone tuning. So it is noticable in pure phone/portable settings or even if i use the K5 as a passthrough dac into my hybrid tube amp. Its not very integral...just helps minimize punishing aspects of music/tracks that may veil certain aspects of tracks or entail treble/piercing elements it can potentially mitigate it w.o having to do DSP/EQ as a digital element to changing the sound/signal vs the filter purely changing the frequency/response of the initial digital to analogue signal. The filters are more or less genre/recording/tracking quality specific and again not integral to a listening experience. Generally helps in more budget/portable scenearios to help round off sound/signature overall vs haivng a more ideal home/desktop setup. Another ex would be if you have a home setup and you get used to the frequency response in areas of some of youre favorite tracks....then use something like Koss portables with a G8x or a dac/amp dongle...and it isnt a 1:1 translation bc of different dac/amp, the filters can help "mitigate" the portable sound to be more capable of performing how you want a track to sound as far as imaging/frequency response again pending on genre high/low treble etc and of course the tracks master itself. If/when you encounter areas that you notice "pitfalls/punishing aspects' the filter may help mitigate this sound towards a closer/more ideal sound thats more towards your desktop/at home or a subjective/personal sound you seek. Like if the G8X has different overall frequency response in a couple "sectors" with my HD58X vs my home setup...the filter bc of the change in signal/analogue can help "lift" areas that were once a HEAVY to accomplish task for the G8X vs an independent dac/amp. Doesnt mean its relative to an ideal/flat/neutral frequency response, just more like a pre-eq aspect for idealizing portable/budget setups if youre used to good sound as it is or have high standards as far as listening quality, enjoying your playlists/tracks on the go from a streaming service and trying to insure you dont have distorted bass/too puncy, or piercing highs etc....bc of a lack of transparency in GEAR/power etc. But agian its not integral or to be considered a solution or ideal, any more than if you want to enable crossfeed for its own purposes.
@@in-earfetish Damn, sounds like probably pushing 95-100 DB. I always get that urge, but then force myself to turn it down. Probably easier with headphones/iems than speakers
Can someone at FiiO realize that to compete with the iPod they need to make a player that separates sound into "songs", "audiobooks" and "podcasts"? When I listen to podcasts, I FUCKING PAUSE. Sometimes I have 2 podcasts paused at once. Can anybody figure out this is important for a portable music player???
FiiO ain't competing with ipod. iPod is a fashion accessory which also plays music. FiiO is an audio enthusiast's weapon. Both cater to different demographics.
@@Krishnakumar-wl7ih When will FiiO players allow me to pause multiple podcasts at the same time, while also pausing my music? Yes, I want my music device to also be a podcast machine. WHY IS THAT SO HARD???
Nell Nell 20 hours ago G5 definitely more impressive So diid you actually test them both? Ow wait what other post do we see in here: "Nell Nell 20 hours ago How does it compare to g5 or m17?" Uhuh...
I’ve measured the Diablo. The 5 Watts they claim isn’t an outright lie but it is unusable. It only lasts 10 seconds before their dropping to its Actual output at 32 Ohm is under 2 Watts and 1 Watt at 60 Ohm. Remember doubling power only gives 3 dB boost. L7audiolab had the same measurements as me. I contacted Ifi and gave them my measurements, they confirmed continous is what I measured. I hate dishonesty. Get the Topping G5, they are exactly what they claim and is much cheaper than the Diablo and at impedances I measured of 64 and under, is less than 2dB less. These audio companies are seriously taking the P:$$ on layman consumers.
@@fsi2210 All I know is the Diablo drives my hard to drive headphones perfectly... maybe you got a bad example... will yours drive the Hifiman HE6sev2 or the HE1000 or the Susvara...
Yup! It’s niche, but what isn’t? I’m auditioning one, along with some Thieaudio Monarch MK2’s. Scales nicely 😌 Far as the bulk & weight goes, stick it in your backpack or back pocket, or regulate it to your desktop. Otherwise, go for less powerful, but more portable options; M11 Plus or BRT7 😉
Why does some need that much power in a so portable dac/amp? I have the xudoo balance and I never once taken it out doors but if I go away that’s what I put into my bag. I’m not saying I don’t like I do but would I use it?
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Hey Z reviews if you would have to pick one pair of everyday headphones (for phone) what would you say is most fun to listen to i don't care so much about accuracy.
- 1more Triple-Driver
- Sennheiser momentum 4
- or grado gw 100
????
I like not dominating bass but the one that is punchy when needed in electro and can be low for movies
Is 1more the best go?
Revisiting this video…..
I in-store demo’d the Q7 yesterday versus the Gryphon primarily using a DCA Aeon 2 Noire. The Q7 stomped all over the Gryphon and it wasn’t even close! I bought the Q7.
If I were to sum up the Q7, it’s a desktop DAC/Amp with Bluetooth that FiiO made portable. If you’re running planars or high impedance headphones and want to get the best out of them either wired or Bluetooth, this is a great way to go.
The iFi Diablo has roughly only half the battery capacity of the Q7 which probably accounts for the majority of the weight and size disparity. The Diablo 32:21 also doesn’t have BT. These things, in my mind, make the Q7 a more versatile product.
Addendum:
Yes, you can use any of those amp to push your headphones and you will get sound. But what level of quality is that sound? On the Gryphon the Noire’s sounded thin and veiled. This was even with the Xbass turned on. The Q7, on the other hand, sounded like I was at home on a full desktop rig. Definitely worth the premium over the Gryphon!
If fully agree, also upgraded to Q7 in combo with DCA Aeon2 Noire / former DAC was an iFi xDSD (non Gryphon) which had to be repaired, just over 2 years old, due to battery problems.
I just bought one and matched with my Meze’s, wow. It is incredibly smooth and revealing. I rarely have “notable” musical experiences. I found this to be one of them. Love Z Reviews, but lord are we bouncing all over the place. Dial back the coffee and adderall. 😊
Perfect for all DCA Stealth owners. We need more high power portable DAC AMPs like this
Hey thats literally the exact reason I'm looking into this, guess I'm not nearly as unique as I thought I was lol.
@@gimeurfridchiken4615 not sure if it has enough power tho. I feel like all DCA headphones need a speaker amp
I'm just here for the wallpaper o7
ghislaine from Mushoku Tensei - Jobless Reincarnation. thank me later
@@REDxzak What a woman.
I appreciate the honesty. I am a huge fan of their Q5, I still use it every day,(well the Q5s tc, anyway) and love it. I was waiting for the Q7 because I need more power than what the Q5 has for a couple of my iem"s. I was looking at the Gryphon, but waiting to check out the Q7. I think I will go with the ifi...and save $150 bucks doing it. Damn. Too bad, I was really psyched for this, but I use my DAC/amps for the portability. Great honest review man. Thank you.
Hey, did you get the gryphon? Does it sound better than Q5?
@untitledwebm Yes, I did. It makes my item's "better." It has more power than the Q5 or any of it'sversions,(Q5s, Q5s-Tc)so it drives them better, (I have some that are 50 ohms)but I think the gryphon colors the music more,and the Q5s-tc, was more neutral. Which I liked then and now. The gryphon is worth the money,every cent,imo. But so was (is)the Q5.
My use case for the M17 that would be the same for this device: throw it in a backpack and carry it to work with me and plug it into my work computer. Do I need that much power at work? Not often. But it's nice to have, and it sounds excellent. It's basically the best unit I could have at work.
Why doesn't Fiio ever say the price in their weabite? I don't even know where to purchase their products besides Amazon or eBay used prices , how do I know I'm getting a deal or paying more?
I gotta admit, the M17 is really tempting for me. I know @Z doesn't like it much, and yes it's very large. But that whole battery bypass thing is incredibly useful. Without it, as you said, it will use the battery and constantly charge/discharge. Which is pretty awful for keeping a device for any length of time.
The thing that kinda works for me when it comes to these kind of devices is that I _never_ just put this kinda stuff in my pocket and walk around with it. It goes in my backpack. If I want music while walking, I use my cell phone without any kind of external connection(s). Simply bluetooth IEMs. Same if I'm on my motorcycle. This kinda device is when I'm going to a coffee shop and working, or traveling on a bus/plane/etc. So, never would sit in my pockets.
Why not Grab the XD05 bal? It's got battery bypass and is completely user serviceable
me for moving in my pocket i have the fiio btr5
I have learned
Desktop amps: heavy good
Portable amps: heavy bad
That thing is so big it seems like it would make more sense to have the battery as a separate attachable module.
I got this almost brand new (box and accessories) + a pre-owned Arya stealth magnet (ok condition, also in box) for 550 euros.
Am happy. Whatever you say about it, am happy.
Zeos... if you take the time to consider that it uses a BATTERY, you would understand that DC POWER from a BATTERY is AS CLEAN AS IT GETS! I designed a DAC / BASH amp around that. Meaning... it is CLEANER then those multiple thousand dollar units using AC to DC conversion. IMHO it is a desktop unit, with a CLEAN power supply. You should have taken a serious listen instead of being so dismissive. Now nobody knows because you took the stance of being biased because it has a battery. That said, I do agree that it needs XLR , balanced I/O etc.
Yeah I don’t understand why he is so against it when he sucks the D of the topaz in almost all videos…
Maybe if he cared talking about sound quality a little more ?
☝️
☝️
I don't need it. But I wants it!
Jack black is that you son!
Next is Q7S with XLR output with opamp rolling.
this is absolutely one of the best DAC amps in the world received mine yesterday after week demo the month before and I feel Z here is kind of over complaining/ being dramatic about it some of the complaints are not as serious as being mentioned here. but everybody likes what they like. so he is entitled to hate it as much as he wants too lol
this thing sounds absolutely phenomenal and I have a chord hugo as reference for me this is better in so many ways and Im even talking sound quality because dac wise the hugo wins amp wise the Q7 wins ...
I also had the K9 as I demoned both before i bought it thinking they may sound the same ...nope its sounds better than the K9 especially with the linear power supply
on ulltragain mode like Z said its close with out the linear power supply that its indiscernible. HOWEVER the gryphon is not even close in sound its not on par its not close from my wife to few
friends with 2 LCDX and both hidden from view everyone picked the Q7 the gryphone sounds plastic with super light bass in comparison
Will you review the upcoming Q15? I wonder how it compares to the Q7 in your opinion :y
And since you asked, the reason I'd be interested in getting something like this, is because I want what's effectively a decent stack in the size of a transportable unit. I have need to use Coax, and USB-C inputs. I also want to be able to drive basically everything from sensitive little IEMs to thirsty Cans, so I never need to buy something else again, aside from if the thing breaks on me past the warranty :u
Damn Zeos put effort into the thumbnail.
Little did he know that that would be his downfall. He did a Finger reveal, theey reflect on the Q7's Glass!
@@johnsoriano3812 around the THX Logo at the bottom
@@johnsoriano3812 thumbnail. But you realise it's just a joke, right? Based on people's hype for face reveals whenever you see faces of online personalitys that usually don't show them in the reflection of something
@@Armbrust210 Got it. :)
I slip in many secret fingers.
I work remote, so I'm really interested in this as a transportable DAC amp. Def would not have it in my pocket through TSA/airports etc.
How much does THX make a difference?? Gryphon and Shanling H7 doesn't have it while this has it.
Fiio's engineers, we need more powerrrrrrrrrrrr
Buying it cos I can get a workout when listening to music and walking
Also for the memes
We all wanted a smaller m17. No screen should do this. But it's the same size?
At 23:50.. Basically PO is phones out.. LO + Adjustable LO volume sets it to pre-amp mode.. LO + Fixed LO Volume sets it to pure LO mode.. This has been a pretty standard implementation on FiiO DAPs (M11Pro and later afaik)
I wouldn’t use it as a Bluetooth receiver, but for those of us who use a laptop often and want something we can take with us, this is a good option. I’m sure a K9 sounds a bit better, but if I get that I can only use it while sitting at my desk.
Another well done review. It is a transportsble and ifi black label transportable amp that I already carry with me sometimes that is about similar in size and I stick in a backpack or have pants with deep pockets but likely it would be in backpack. I think the only reason it is that big is because the battery is big.
I still would get q7 still. I have a few Bluetooth amps from fiio already. It has a lot of features on the app side and I am already used to using the Bluetooth app to change things and it doesn't bother me to do that. Some people want physical buttons but I don't really care that much as long there is a knob for the volume.
Gishlane wppr, I see you're a man of culture as well
I returned my ifi Gryphon because I was underwhelmed, I found it weak and not enough power for Dan Clark Noire. ifi unit itself was cheap and tacky, so I've got the Q7 instead - I'm expecting good things. The size? It's back pack portable.
I would consider this to be a backpack item. This in not for carrying in your hand or pocket. Personally, I get just as much power from my A&K Kann Alpha if I use it on high gain. I actually never have to use high gain as I’m able to drive planars on regular gain at 65 to 75 percent volume with it. A device like this is not something I need.
If it's big as a house - give us access to all the power on battery (and stuff a big one in there! Giggity)
I thought the Q series were meant to be portable and fits in your pocket.
I had the Q1 and I'm currently on the Q3 (not the MQ, quck), both are great. The Q7 is massive.
The leather case that comes with the M17 definitely needed that velcro. It's just a tiny little flap at the bottom that can AND WILL just flop out and let your $1700 DAP slide out the bottom of the case. Disastrous results if you aren't expecting it. Fortunately when I discovered that fault, I was holding it over my lap so all 610 grams of solid DAP was stopped by my dickenballs. Still not great, but at least it didn't cost me anything... in fact it may have actually saved me thousands of dollars over about 18 years.
Thats what a DiknBallz is for.
Wonder when they start making daps instead of dacs for portable listen. And small ones to place around the neck. Not in packet
It's for everyone who wanted a cheaper m17
Ok…I’m going to give some serious thought to the Gryphon 🧐
G5 half price more powerful
@@nellatl It's not always about power. Gryphon has better build quality, better I/O, better features, Display, controls, etc.
@@AliArghavan I wouldn't say Gryphon is better built than the G5. G5 is nearly featureless is all.
But G5 is half the price of the Gryphon, so there is that…
@@AliArghavan That's what got me two, I have heard the gryphon has no track button tho, buy fi it sounds as good as everyone claims, I guess I can ignore, what to me, is a pain in the ass. I just cant see taking the Q7 around like I do with their Q5. The Q7 is just not in the portable category.
Honest review!
My audio gear in general has a low wife acceptance factor. So if I owned hard to drive headphones like Susvaras I would need something like the Q7 that could disappear into the background.
Get rid of her not the gear
can confirm XD05 basic has the battery/external power switch
How do you like your XD05 basic so far? Please compare it with anything. God bless. Sani
@@suncani if you just need a cheap portable with extra power for headphones it's great
if you don't need the extra power BTR5 is better overall imo
@@chrisk3127it depends which headphone you use. If its low impedance one Senn HD 598, BTR5 is fine. If its a planar like Sundara, something like XD05 basic or a JD Labs Atom goes a long way to give that extra to music.
If you have something like Senn HD 600, it just gets better and better with every watt of power you provide it. BTR7 might drive it well, but FiiO Q7 or WA7 Fireflies will give it new life. HD 600 is a rabbit hole for amps.
@@Krishnakumar-wl7ih imo BTR5 is more than enough for HD6--, run mine low gain at 40ish balanced, maybe a DT880 600ohm would be more of a struggle but ymmv
@@chrisk3127 enough to drive and able to resolve are two different things. 300ohm headphone is loud on BTR5, but when you feed it better amplification, it begins to resolve more.
I own hd 600 and i have driven it with BTR7 and with Gryphon. There is audible difference. Not much difference when plugging in a hd 598. I used a WA7 in a canjam like fest here and I couldn't believe the potential hd600.
Hd600 can become an endgame headphone with a WA7, IMO.
So this is the difference
Maybe its not a portable, its like the koss electrostats, desktopclass pro audio with a battery in your first class night train cross country because you’re fancy and dont do that wireless noise-canceling shit. Just an easy enough transportable k9pro. Imagine watching the landscape going by while listening to your zmf’s, epic. Only few people would fit this use-case. Probably more so in china and japan with their bullet trains and mentally well organized public transport.
I think fiio is making a desktop m11s called the r7 and a desktop amp called the k7 too.
Knowing this makes it I guess just the k7 with a huge battery and some Bluetooth, and you should see just like that.
oh f*ck, you have all the things, damn!
That thing is MASSIVE, why is it so big? Why RGB? It also sounds like it's heavy enough to beat someone to death with.
The Audiophile Wars
Great video, can you recommend a good Fiio player on a budget or value? I never see their prices in their website and want to know where and how I can buy one.
Thanks, great review as usual. By the way what are these ear pads you are running on these 880? thx
880s still my go to. I've heard more expensive and still come back to them and instantly realize I can't justify spending $500+ on something else. Using oratory1990 worn pad eq
Camera is on your head?! I’m so confused 😐
Z Reviews ... Camera on Head since 2013
he has a camera implanted in one of his eyes, he showed it in a video
This or a YULONG Aurora ? (I don't care for the portable size)
The housing is the heatsink maybe?
I just tried those out today at the Toronto audio convention. not enough power for r70x
What is this gadget for?
Hey bro, I have run a pair of Beoplays B&O H6 since 2014, my pads are now finished. Before that, I used a pair of Sennheiser HD600 which I liked very much. I primarily use headphones through my laptop with an iFi Zen Dac. As a mature student with a young family, there is only so much money. I was wondering if you could direct me to an affordable headphone to add to my list. My budget is €350,00 I want pads that are easily accessible and relatively easy to drive, but still benefit from a headphone amp. Preferably headphones with a balance cable. I like the bass to be tight and detailed with no interference with the mids or treble. Ideally I prefer shorter cables. Cheers Z
Why does some need that much power in a so portable dac/amp? I have the xudoo balance and I never once taken it out doors but if I go away that’s what I put into my bag. I’m not saying I don’t like I do but would I use it?
So that you can use it both home/outdoors??
I use it as desktop DAC /AMP
It saves space, it's very powerful, the sound is great and it's much better value than most overpriced desktop amps.
Hi I have a fiio fh9 +Qudelix-5k, from the passage fiio fa7 and fh9 there was no Wooow effect! Can you recommend a superior portable bluetooth dac in terms of audio quality?
You nailed it! Why high power only when plugged in and why does it get so hot?? Reminds me of, why do the Aeon2 Noire fold up for portable use when I need a stair climber at my hotel to power it??? lol! BTW, my Gryphone didn't do justice for my Noire, so I said f' it, and ordered the Diablo... done! (Since I love the sound and isolation of Noire and it does fold, when on plane, train or at hotel with the wife I had to make the Noire work)
Hey, does gryphon sound as good as diablo?! You said it didn't power your aeon 2 but does it sound as good with easy to drive stuff?
@@untitledwebm I had the Gryphon on the wrong gain setting (small switch on underside of unit so it I forgot to check it). Now it is great for powering my Aeon2 Noire. I would say the Diablo is more for when you need high end desktop power but also need it to be portable and/or super compact. FYI: I listen to Susvara on Diablo. I sounded very good but could max out the Diablo without distorting or clipping. Another reason I like the Gryphon is the multiple tone settings, oh, and I also really like the display.
AIO transportable unit!!
Think I have use case for it:
I have some old tube radios in different rooms at home, and in my summer house. Now I have K9 pro which is broken(hope I can return it and get refund)
So I'm wondering will Q7 will be as good as DAC with line out as K9 pro? Any thoughts?
can you say what earpad you have on the dt 880?
it looks nice.
My IFI Go Blue…feel’s suddenly inadequate 😮
What can't your Go blue drive anymore ?
@@thierryfaquet7405 I can use my Sen’s 650’s in balanced …but it just isn’t enough.
What other options do i have to portably drive hifiman He1000 stealth?
I just bought the topping g5 and wish I knew this was coming out...
You are a madman. Beeeeeeeeee happy
Had a bad experience with ifi and will never buy another product from them.
Looking to purchase used Triangle Borea Bro-8 speakers in ash black. Can you help?
GIRTHY
The Fiio Q7 is a stripped M17....
Yes!!! You're right! What is this device??? Not really portable and not really desktop... 🤔😂
18:19 Why not tho, it's better than m17
you get a 200 dollar phone that runs a mile better and connect this dac to it. Endgame stack
How to make it work with Samsung S22 Ultra?
Connect the USB cable .. enjoy
@@l67swap1 but it didn't, that's why I asked
so its like portable k9 pro?
Slightly Scaled Down
I'm confused about why you're so against its form factor when it's literally just a WA11 with Bluetooth (and disconnectable battery)...
Not that I would be interested in such a device, but still. It's a "better" WA11 for 2/3 of the price. Sounds like a deal to me.
I mean WA11 is old tech at this point. No Bluetooth basically renders it moot for portability and its battery was never that great. But it still SOUNDS warmer and more .... Woo than this.
Good choice in girls
I probably wont upgrade from the gryphon until the unit dies on me.
Is.it as good as everyone says?
@@ck9363 i upgrade from a Qudelix 5k and Monoprice monolith protoable amp. So i upgraded to power Fostex t50 argon and T60 argon.
@@Thec0nv1ct777 does gryphon sound 3x better than qudelix 5k?
@untitledwebm i used the Q5k as the bluetooth receiver for the monolith. So i can not answer this. But if your headphones/iems dont require alot of power. Id say its a good starting point
Oh my
Hi, I have a question.
Is it possible to connect 4 headphones to it at the same time, to listen to music or watch movies?
If this is not possible, do you know of a device that allows it?
Thank you so much.
Yes and No. because the outputs will have different powers Bal vs SE.. AND if you have 4 different headphones the volumes will be uneven. There are tiny cheap 4 channel headphone amps you can get but they aren't self powered or digital.
@@ZReviews Thanks for answering.
The headphones would be the same, I had planned to use 4 iem fa7s, fiio brand.
I had seen those amps you talk about but with the problems you mention.
I ask you this idea.
1- I would connect each iem fa7s to a dac (ka3 in this case).
2- as each dac has a usb output, direct that output to a usb hub.
3-and finally the output of the usb hub connect it to a usb sound card like the Matrix element H
This that I propose could work to play 4 iem headphones at the same time from a pc.
How does it compare to g5 or m17?
Z I'm a huge fiio fan, it does seem lately that they are off the rails. They ship this battery powered thing with a fan? I am rarely without word's!
Chonker review
I hear difference in filters on fiio q3 and LG g8 phone
really??? please tell us... explain something
@@endrizo i do the same with the qudelix k5, had a G8X same thing. Depends on genre its not INTEGRAL or needed...but it helps with imaging/tone sustain. Per ex you can make bass more tight or if its too punchy you can make it sluggish if youre listening to bass specific genre and you want to soften/round off your listening experience, if you own multiple iems/portables. Same to jazz, quicker signal/response=more identifiable snare hits and ride taps on jazz when theyre competing with treble/highs like guitar chords or brass section, depending on if its classic jazz or guitar driven fusion jazz. But its done in a dac so it changes the signal/analogue signal output to your amp which then is further modified by amp/tube/headphone tuning. So it is noticable in pure phone/portable settings or even if i use the K5 as a passthrough dac into my hybrid tube amp. Its not very integral...just helps minimize punishing aspects of music/tracks that may veil certain aspects of tracks or entail treble/piercing elements it can potentially mitigate it w.o having to do DSP/EQ as a digital element to changing the sound/signal vs the filter purely changing the frequency/response of the initial digital to analogue signal. The filters are more or less genre/recording/tracking quality specific and again not integral to a listening experience. Generally helps in more budget/portable scenearios to help round off sound/signature overall vs haivng a more ideal home/desktop setup. Another ex would be if you have a home setup and you get used to the frequency response in areas of some of youre favorite tracks....then use something like Koss portables with a G8x or a dac/amp dongle...and it isnt a 1:1 translation bc of different dac/amp, the filters can help "mitigate" the portable sound to be more capable of performing how you want a track to sound as far as imaging/frequency response again pending on genre high/low treble etc and of course the tracks master itself. If/when you encounter areas that you notice "pitfalls/punishing aspects' the filter may help mitigate this sound towards a closer/more ideal sound thats more towards your desktop/at home or a subjective/personal sound you seek. Like if the G8X has different overall frequency response in a couple "sectors" with my HD58X vs my home setup...the filter bc of the change in signal/analogue can help "lift" areas that were once a HEAVY to accomplish task for the G8X vs an independent dac/amp. Doesnt mean its relative to an ideal/flat/neutral frequency response, just more like a pre-eq aspect for idealizing portable/budget setups if youre used to good sound as it is or have high standards as far as listening quality, enjoying your playlists/tracks on the go from a streaming service and trying to insure you dont have distorted bass/too puncy, or piercing highs etc....bc of a lack of transparency in GEAR/power etc. But agian its not integral or to be considered a solution or ideal, any more than if you want to enable crossfeed for its own purposes.
@@anhiirr thanks very much.
They didn't only remove android, they also removed some of the best tech like one of the dacs. Not impressed
It's as big as my desktop amp.
And it has to be plugged in for the best sound
How loud do you generally listen? Any idea?
Rarely above my tolerance but usually too loud to hear someone behind me with open backs on? I suppose I could test.
@@in-earfetish Damn, sounds like probably pushing 95-100 DB. I always get that urge, but then force myself to turn it down. Probably easier with headphones/iems than speakers
Plz plz plz do FiiO Q11 review
So then what about the Cayin C9?
Can someone at FiiO realize that to compete with the iPod they need to make a player that separates sound into "songs", "audiobooks" and "podcasts"? When I listen to podcasts, I FUCKING PAUSE. Sometimes I have 2 podcasts paused at once. Can anybody figure out this is important for a portable music player???
FiiO ain't competing with ipod. iPod is a fashion accessory which also plays music. FiiO is an audio enthusiast's weapon. Both cater to different demographics.
@@Krishnakumar-wl7ih When will FiiO players allow me to pause multiple podcasts at the same time, while also pausing my music? Yes, I want my music device to also be a podcast machine. WHY IS THAT SO HARD???
Why are you Duct Taping a jock Strap to the side of your shorts ? Pffft. To carry my Fiio Q7 of course.
But is it JoJo Bizarre??
NaNi?!?!
better than honey h1 ?
Not to my ears. BUT this has way more power
G5 definitely more impressive
Nell Nell
20 hours ago
G5 definitely more impressive
So diid you actually test them both?
Ow wait what other post do we see in here:
"Nell Nell
20 hours ago
How does it compare to g5 or m17?"
Uhuh...
Too many fuck word in your analysis
Zeos: So what you're saying is that the Fiio Q7 has gender identity issues?
ifi Diablo .... more power and smaller package...
but no Bluetooth and none if the iFi "flavor" like z called them.
I’ve measured the Diablo. The 5 Watts they claim isn’t an outright lie but it is unusable. It only lasts 10 seconds before their dropping to its Actual output at 32 Ohm is under 2 Watts and 1 Watt at 60 Ohm.
Remember doubling power only gives 3 dB boost.
L7audiolab had the same measurements as me. I contacted Ifi and gave them my measurements, they confirmed continous is what I measured.
I hate dishonesty. Get the Topping G5, they are exactly what they claim and is much cheaper than the Diablo and at impedances I measured of 64 and under, is less than 2dB less.
These audio companies are seriously taking the P:$$ on layman consumers.
@@thierryfaquet7405 you do know that the Diablo is for connecting the iphone or android device... all of which has bluetooth
@@fsi2210 All I know is the Diablo drives my hard to drive headphones perfectly... maybe you got a bad example... will yours drive the Hifiman HE6sev2 or the HE1000 or the Susvara...
@@dixter1652 and you’re using the device’s Bluetooth for what in that case ???
Yup! It’s niche, but what isn’t? I’m auditioning one, along with some Thieaudio Monarch MK2’s. Scales nicely 😌 Far as the bulk & weight goes, stick it in your backpack or back pocket, or regulate it to your desktop. Otherwise, go for less powerful, but more portable options; M11 Plus or BRT7 😉
Why does some need that much power in a so portable dac/amp? I have the xudoo balance and I never once taken it out doors but if I go away that’s what I put into my bag. I’m not saying I don’t like I do but would I use it?