Overview

The FiiO R9 is a flagship all-in-one digital media streamer combining network streaming, decoding, headphone amplification, and preamp output in a single desktop unit. Dual ES9038PRO DAC chips, one per channel with eight independent D/A converters each, connect in parallel for a fully differential output, and an 8-channel THX AAA 788+ headphone amplifier design delivers up to 7300mW per channel into 32Ω from the balanced XLR4/4.4mm output. A 6-inch FHD vertical touchscreen running open Android OS handles navigation and streaming apps, powered by a Snapdragon 660 processor. Connectivity covers HDMI in, out, and ARC, optical and coaxial digital I/O, USB, Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi, plus a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip supporting LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. Local playback and USB audio both support up to 768kHz/32bit and native DSD512, and a microSD card slot adds local storage. It measures about 115 x 127 x 160mm, weighs approximately 2271g, and comes in a metallic silver finish with a Bluetooth remote included.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The R9 is built to sit at the center of a desktop or listening room setup rather than travel in a bag — HDMI in and out, Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi let it work as a network streamer and a headphone amp at the same time.

• Dual ES9038PRO DACs with 7300mW balanced headphone output
• HDMI in/out/ARC plus Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi
• 6-inch Android touchscreen for streaming apps

Best for the FiiO R9: connect it over Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi when streaming high-resolution files, for the most consistent network performance.

More Details

Why It Wins

• Dual ES9038PRO DACs: One chip per channel, each with eight independent D/A converters connected in parallel for a fully differential signal path.
• 8-Channel THX AAA 788+ Amplifier: Delivers up to 7300mW per channel into 32Ω from the balanced output.
• HDMI Input and Output: Lets the R9 decode audio from a TV or source device and pass video through with ARC support.

What Makes It Different

Most digital audio players are built to travel. The R9 is a stationary all-in-one streamer, DAC, and headphone amp with HDMI, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, running Android for streaming apps on a 6-inch touchscreen, aimed at listeners who want one box to anchor a desktop or dedicated listening setup.

Technical Highlights

• Open Android OS: Runs on a Snapdragon 660 processor for direct streaming app installation.
• Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth: Supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC for wireless receiving.
• Comprehensive Digital I/O: HDMI, optical, coaxial, USB, and Ethernet cover nearly any source or destination.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The Desktop Reference Listener: Wants a single unit to handle streaming, decoding, and headphone amplification.
• The Home Theater Integrator: Wants HDMI ARC support to decode audio from a TV setup.
• The Network Streamer: Wants Ethernet and Wi-Fi streaming with Android app support.

Ideal Use Case

• Desktop Headphone Listening: Driving demanding headphones from the balanced XLR4/4.4mm output.
• Network Streaming: Running streaming apps directly on its Android touchscreen over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• Home Theater Audio: Decoding audio from a TV over HDMI ARC.

What To Pair It With

• Demanding Full-Size Headphones: To make use of the 7300mW balanced output.
• Powered Speakers or an Integrated Amplifier: Using the RCA or balanced XLR3 line outputs as a preamp.
• A Home Network Connection: Ethernet is recommended for the most reliable high-resolution streaming.

Alternative Options

If you want similar balanced desktop power without networking and HDMI, FiiO's K19 covers high-power desktop DAC and headphone amplification at a lower price point.