The FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier Review
Recently, mobile phone manufacturers are removing the headphone jack to make way for thinner bezels. Some actually gave a name for this transitioning period – headphone jack apocalypse. As a result, people are looking at audio adapters or Bluetooth adapters like the FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth DAC Headphone Amplifier.
The Headphone Jack Apocalypse
The headphone jack apocalypse started with the Apple iPhone 7 and the rest (i.e. Google Pixel 2 XL, Razer Phone) follow suit.
Although I am unaffected, I prefer not to be tethered to the mobile phone as I often get tangled in the audio cable mess. Furthermore, I am using the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 for my daily near noise-free commute. The ATH-ANC23 has a battery compartment in the middle (of the audio cable) and it dangles awkwardly. Hence, the need for a wireless solution. I was using the Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver and moved on to the FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier for a better wireless audio experience.
The FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier
The FiiO BTR1 is a Bluetooth DAC (AK4376 chip) and it supports Qualcomm aptX that supposedly gives CD-like audio quality over Bluetooth. I hope it performs like what it claims as it offers sampling rate bitrate up to 384kHz/32-bit whereas other bluetooth audio receivers might be using integrated solutions that do 96kHz/16-bit.
The FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier retails for S$89 but I managed to get it at S$63.04 after slapping on Lazada shop discount, Lazada coupon code and rebate from Shopback.
| FiiO BTR1 Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model | BRT1/FB1121 [Product link] |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 (supporting AAC, SBC, aptX) |
| Audio | 3.5mm (drive ability: 16~100Ω) |
| Chips used | Bluetooth chip: CSRA64215 DAC chip: AK4376 |
| Output power | ≥30mW (16 Ω/THD<1%) ≥ 15mW(32Ω/THD<1%) |
| SNR | ≥95dB (A-weighted) |
| Battery capacity | 205 mAh |
| Charging time | Less than 2 hrs (at DC5V 500mA) |
| Playback | About 8 hrs |
| Weight | About 20.5 grams |
| Dimensions | 24 x 50 x 11.6 mm |
| Price | S$89.00 |
Unboxing the FiiO BTR1
The FiiO BTR1 arrived in a small and simple looking package. Honestly, I did not expect it to be this small.
At the back of the package states that the FiiO BTR1 in my hands is version 2.0. After some research, I discovered that the version 2.0 of the FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier has additional AAC support while over the previous version. So get FiiO BTR1 version 2.0 if you have the need for AAC.
On the side of the FiiO BTR1 package, you will find a authenticity sticker that allows you to verify its authenticity via FiiO’s website. There is a unique code underneath the scratch area that you (as the owner) can use for authenticity check. This (hidden) code can only be used once. FiiO’s website will inform you if the code had been used before for another authenticity check. What this means is that the unique (hidden) code had probably been duplicated on other fakes or was used for yours.
You will find the following in the package:
- FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier;
- Micro-USB charging cable;
- Lanyard;
- User guide and warranty information.
Taking a look at the FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amp
The FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier is almost entirely made of metal except for the matte black plastic bottom portion. This is to allow Bluetooth wireless signals to pass through. Otherwise, the little FiiO BTR1 will act as a Faraday cage.
On the back of the FiiO BTR1 is a metal clip for clipping it to your clothing or bag. It is pretty wide so it should stay in place when clipped. If you prefer to hang it off your neck, the lanyard can be attached to the clip. To the top left hand corner of the FiiO BTR1 is the microphone. Yes, the FiiO BTR1 supports Bluetooth voice call.
On the top face of the FiiO BTR1 is the 3.5mm headphone jack. It has a super-low 0.2Ω output impedence that ensures no signature deviation. It is capable of driving 16~100Ω headphones.
On the other end is the micro-USB port for charging. Unfortunately, the FiiO BTR1 does not work as an USB DAC. I hope it does in the future.
At the front of the FiiO BTR1, you will find the universal button for powering on or off the BTR1 plus handling functionalities like pairing, playing music, pausing music, answering calls, etc. Pressing the button twice rapidly toggles the sound effect or DSP mode. The green led indicator on the button turns on when the sound effect is active.
With regard to calls, there are a couple of tips and tricks in using the universal button.
| Action | Button sequence |
|---|---|
| Answering call | Press the button once |
| Ending call | Press the button once during a call |
| Rejecting call | Press and hold the button for 2 seconds |
There is also a status indicator near the lower part of the BTR1 that flashes red and/or blue to give you an idea of what is it’s current status. There are audio prompters as well. On power on, there is a boot up chime that goes from the left to right.
| Status | Light sequence |
|---|---|
| Power on/off | Blue light flashes for 3 times |
| Power on without connection | Blue light flashes twice every 2 seconds |
| Pairing mode | Blue and red lights flash alternatively |
| Device connected | Blue light flashes every 2.5 seconds |
| Low battery warning | Red light is constantly on but flashes blue intermittently to reflect its working status |
| Charging | Red light is constantly on but flashes blue intermittently to reflect its working status |
| Charging complete | Red light is off but blue light flashes intermittently to reflect its working status |
On this side are the controls for volume and sound tracks. The buttons, although a little small for my liking, are still easy to press. A short press on the buttons changes the volume while a long press changes the sound tracks.
My Experience with the FiiO BTR1
I am using the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 for my daily commute on public transportation. It is a wired active noise cancelling earphones and the noise cancelling is great but the battery compartment in the middle of the audio cable is a little annoying. Therefore, I got the bluetooth adapter so that its audio cable does not dangle across my torso.
Pairing the FiiO BTR1 and OnePlus 3
I paired the FiiO BTR1 to my OnePlus 3 mobile phone like any other Bluetooth device. I am pleased to see that they identify each other as Qualcomm aptX compatible and auto-negotiated to use aptX instead of SBC.
Using the FiiO BTR1 with earphones or headphones is simply plug-and-play. I plug the audio cable into the 3.5mm audio jack and hit the music. Pleasant music pretty much started streaming immediately. Volume and track controls via the FiiO BTR1 works as intended.
Bluetooth range
In terms of bluetooth range, I find that both the Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver and FiiO BTR1 are pretty much the same. Music becomes spotty when I near the 10-metres limit. However, the FiiO BTR1 appears to be holding up better against interference from other wireless devices during my daily commute. Bluetooth audio receivers gets some crackle from interference once in a blue moon.
The FiiO BTR1 allows you to connect up to two devices simultaneously. One annoying thing I encountered with the FiiO BTR1 is that if you lost connection to one of the devices, there will be a repeated audio beep (or notification) from the FiiO BTR1 until the lost device is reconnected or after you restart the FiiO BTR1.
How does the FiiO BTR1 sound?
Compared to the Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver, the FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier definitely sounds better. With the FiiO BTR1, there seems to be better tonal balance; musics and sounds are also clearer with certain audio notes that I had not noticed previously. I load up on classical crossover musics whenever I need concentration during work and that was when I noticed that the classical sounds clearer with the FiiO BTR1.
Double tapping on the main button turns on the DSP or sound effects. The DSP makes the soundstage wider. It works for my classical but not for my usual daily mixes from Spotify with artists like Jay Chou, Jolin Tsai, Jayesslee, etc.
Verdict
Do you need the FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier? Definitely a yes if your mobile phone is a victim of the headphone jack apocalypse or you prefer not to be tethered to it while enjoying music like me.
The FiiO BTR1 does live up to its stated battery endurance. The FiiO BTR1 lasted me approximately three to four days while the Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver lasted me between one to two days at work. For my typical work day, I listen to music during the morning travel (which takes an hour or more) and during work with occasional switching to wired earphones. So it makes up around two hours of wirelessly music daily.
In terms of cost, I would say it is a little on the high side if you are just looking for a quick fix for the headphone jack apocalypse. However, if you look long term or don’t want to murder music, give FiiO BTR1 a try. You will be like rediscovering music again.
Lastly, the FiiO BTR1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier is available on Amazon if you are considering to rediscover music wirelessly.
