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Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!
Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
Today I thought I’d rank FiiO’s BTR series and give you the skinny on which of them is most worthy of a purchase in today’s overcrowded DAC market.
Think of this guide, similar to FiiO’s K Series, as a sticky post that will ebb and flow as I gain new experiences, adjust my recommendations, and so forth.
Companies typically come out with a lot of upgrades and also discontinue older units, and I’ll be here every step of the way to sort everything out for you.
Whether you’re just getting your feet wet with audio or need a rock-solid recommendation, I’m looking over your shoulder… but that’s only because I got your back.
With that, let’s dive in shall we?
What Are They?
I suppose it would be helpful to clarify what exactly we’re working with here.
The BTR series from FiiO represents their portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp lineup, meaning they are combo units that function as both a digital-to-analog converter + headphone amplifier rolled into one.
If that wasn’t enough, you can also use these as a preamp into separate speakers like the Presonus Eris e3.5s,FiiO SP3, etc. via the 3.5mm headphone output jack.
I tend to recommend things with tremendous value, and that’s why I’m excited to discuss these. They provide excellent bang for your buck, but which of them should you roll with?
Profile/Sound: Fairly Neutral & Free Of Distortion
The slightly larger BTR5 picks up where the 3K left off, only now you’re getting a lot more power in the package; 80mW into 32 Ohms and 90mW into 16 Ohms Single-ended, while the balanced jack supplies 240mW into both 16 and 32 Ohms.
Contrast that with the BTR3K:
Unbalanced provides only 25mW into a 32-Ohm load and 50mW into a 16-Ohm load.
For Balanced you’re looking at 78mW into 32 Ohm and 40mW into 16 Ohm.
That’s quite dismal, and thus why I have since retired the 3K from my recommendations.
With the BTR5, you’ll have plenty of headroom and won’t have to worry about maxing and relaxing with 99% of headphones.
The other thing you’ll notice is that the BTR5 is a bit heavier than the 3K and also larger in length, width, and height.
In addition to that,
the BTR5 displays sample rate, volume level, and battery level with a short press of the power button.
The 3K does not have this feature.
That said, I’ve talked ad nauseam on why DSD/high PCM doesn’t matter, so if you’re interested in that, click here.
Before I go on a rant, I’ll just say that 16/44, and 24/44 are perfectly fine and there’s no reason to pursue files above those.
Other than that, both the 3K and BTR5 gather plenty of fingerprints and have both 2.5mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs. Both support up to 32-bit/384kHz as well as Native DSD up to 256, and both can be paired with 2 devices at once.
There’s a charging port on the bottom, a display, volume buttons, a reset button, a power button, and a call button if you need to talk to your Grampa.
Other Similarities
Both have the CSR8675 Bluetooth Chip
Both are BT5.0
Both have In-Line remote control support
Both support USB Type-C
Both are aluminum alloy+Glass
Both have an App control
Both support the same formats: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL
Differences
The displays on both are a bit different.
The 3K will flash blue twice while it’s waiting for a pair, but the BTR5’s display is mostly blank. The BTR3K is also Matrix OLED vs. the RGB LED of the BTR5.
Other Differences
USB Interface
BTR5: Xmos xuf208, 384kHz/32bit; DSD256
BTR3K: CSR
In simpler terms, CSR in a DAC stands for “Current Source Register.” It’s like a setting that controls how much electric current flows out of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This current determines the voltage of the analog signal produced by the DAC.
By adjusting the CSR register, you can precisely control the strength of the signal the DAC sends out, which is important for things like sound systems, measuring instruments, and other electronics where accuracy is key.
So yeah, there are some subtle differences between the 2 DACS, but at the end of the day, they have very little to no bearing on any real perceivable discrepancies in sound.
Speaking of discrepancies, does the BTR13 represent a significant change to the lineup?
Dimensions: About 63.2x30x18.8mm including back clip
Weight: About 28.6g
Charging Time: ≤2 hours
Battery Life: About 8 hours
Output Power 1: L+R≥100mW+100mW (32Ω SE, THD+N < 1%)
Output Power 2: L+R≥10mW+10mW (300Ω SE, THD+N < 1%)
Output Power 3: L+R≥220mW+220mW (32Ω BAL, THD+N < 1%)
Output Power 4: L+R≥55mW+55mW (300Ω BAL, THD+N < 1%)
Frequency Response: 20Hz~40kHz (-3dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥128dB (A-weighted)
Noise Floor: PO < 1µV (A-weighted); BAL < 1µV (A-weighted)
Output Impedance: <0.6Ω (32Ω load)
THD+N: < 0.0018% (1kHz/-4dB@32Ω)
Profile/Sound: Fairly Neutral & Free Of Distortion
FiiO’s BTR13 improves power output over the BTR5, and thus is ranked higher.
In terms of appearance, it’s infinitely more attractive than a BTR15, with a better-looking overall interface and aesthetic, but it has less power than 15.
The same mode switch makes a return, and it is pretty convenient. But is it absolutely necessary? That’s up for debate. The BTR5 doesn’t have one of these switches, but I can still listen in all of the same ways and it doesn’t affect my experience in the slightest.
Build-wise, it’s light like the BTR15 but opts for a more angular appearance over the smooth, rounded corners of both the BTR5 and 15.
Which you prefer depends entirely on preference, but to me, it doesn’t matter all that much.
Standard equipped is the USB-C charging/listening jack as well as balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4).
Another subtle difference is the belt clip. Instead of a clear separate piece, it’s now attached to the unit and more streamlined overall.
In addition to power output, the inclusion of the 4.4mm jack also makes it a better purchase over the BTR5.
Some years ago, FiiO manufactured all of their units with a 2.5mm balanced output, but nowadays it’s much easier to listen via 4.4. If for whatever reason you prefer 2.5, you may opt for the BTR5 but just know it doesn’t have as much power.
Output Power 1: L+R≥125mW+125mW (32Ω single-ended/THD+N < 1%)
Output Power 2: L+R≥15mW+15mW (300Ω single-ended/THD+N < 1%)
Output Power 3: L+R≥340mW+340mW (32Ω balanced/THD+N < 1%)
Output Power 4: L+R≥50mW+50mW (300Ω balanced/THD+N < 1%)
Frequency Response: 20Hz~50kHz (-0.8dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥122dB (A-weighted)
Noise floor: PO < 2μV (A-weighted); BAL <2.7μV (A-weighted)
Output Impedance: PO < 1Ω (32Ω load), BAL < 1.5Ω (32Ω load)
THD+N: <0.0008% (1kHz/32kΩ)
Profile/Sound: Fairly Neutral & Free Of Distortion
Differences
The BTR15, like 13, opts for a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, and is slightly longer and somewhat thinner than a BTR5.
Balanced Output
In addition to being longer and slimmer, the BTR15 (like 13) also replaces the BTR5’s 2.5mm balanced jack with a 4.4.
Again, 4.4 is becoming just about the most common way to enjoy a balanced connection through headphones. If it was a bit of a chore to listen this way a few years ago, it’s become easier than ever before.
Mode Switch
The mode switch seen in BTR13 again shows up on the right side, providing 3 different options: PC, Phone (Wired), or Bluetooth (Wireless).
Weight
One difference I’m not too fond of is that the unit, while not feeling quite as cheap as the Hidizs S9 Pro, is notably lighter than the BTR5. This isn’t quite a dealbreaker, but let’s just say I’m not a fan.
One thing I’ve always appreciated about FiiO products is that they feel incredibly durable and built to last like Duralast.
The BTR15? Meh. It comes off as lighter and therefore cheaper (to me), but I’m probably not going to lose sleep over it since it’s more of a personal preference type of thing.
Interface
One thing most people will agree on is the incredibly stone-age-looking text on the front.
It’s just.. ugly.
If that wasn’t enough, the front screen is visible as an unintentionally retro-looking box that looks like some throwback to the ’80s.
By contrast, the BTR5 was clean, elegant, and essentially disappeared into a uniform look when powered off or idle.
The BTR15, to me, is a pixely-looking mess, and I’m normally quite fond of the old-school/retro vibe.
Here it just doesn’t work, but that’s only my opinion man.
I’m kind of nitpicking a little, but, being a snobby graphic designer, it’s something that immediately jumped out at me.
With all that said, yeah, it’s a bit easier to read, so if you’re 80 years old you’ll probably really like it.
I kid I kid.
Jack Placement
This is something I actually just noticed while taking the pictures for this review.
The 3.5mm and 4.4mm text for each of the jacks is upside down. Kind of a nitpick, but also kind of bothersome. Does it affect my listening experience?
No. But it does seem a bit sloppy.
Glass
FiiO says the glass encompassing the unit is now “Dual Curved Glass” which has been hot-bent and embedded on both the front and rear of the unit.
From FiiO:
Not only does this make the device easier to hold, but it also gives the BTR15 a more attractive and 3D appearance. Together with the aluminum alloy middle frame, they make the BTR15 a comfortable device to handle – you won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up.FiiO
Spoiler: I was able to put it back down. xD
*rolls eyes*
Yeah, that’s just a bunch of marketing speak but if you enjoy that sort of thing, more power to you I guess. To me, it doesn’t matter in the slightest and isn’t any easier to hold than the BTR5.
Power Output
The BTR15 offers significantly more power (balanced and unbalanced), boasting 250mW at 32 Ohm vs. only 80 for the BTR5.
This is one of the main reasons the DACs are ordered this way, since you’re getting progressively more power as you move up the line.
At A Glance
BTR3K: 30mW into 32Ω
BTR5: 80mW into 32Ω
BTR13: 200mW into 32Ω
BTR15: 250mW into 32Ω
THD+Noise
The BTR15 comes in at <0.0008% vs. <0.002% for the BTR5. Inconsequential really, and doesn’t have any effect on sound as you’d never be able to notice such tiny % differences.
So, as with the BTR3K vs. BTR5 comparison, there are some differences between the BTR5 and 15, but again, nothing noteworthy enough to say there’s a definitive difference in “sound”.
SNR
All 4 of these units easily surpass the SINAD (Signal to noise and distortion) standard of 90dB, but the BTR15 has the “best” rating at 128dB. Again, anything over 90 is fine, and even with a dedicated rig measuring at identical signal levels, you’re not going to hear a difference in “sound.”
BTR5 vs. 15 + Other Notes
I’m not sure if the BTR5 was Asynchronous, but the BTR15 is, and all 3 (3K, 5, 15) support 32-bit/384kHz files + DSD256. AFAIK, the BTR13 only supports up to 16-bit/96kHz (from their website) which seems strange. Bear with me as I explore this more.
Both the BTR5 and BTR15 contain the ES9219 chip, but the implementation is a bit different. More on that in a sec.
Both have mode features like Gain, Filter, EQ, Car Mode, etc. Just search “FiiO Control” in your App Store.
Both have a USB-C slot for connection to Phones and PCs.
Both can take calls.
Chip Implementation
The ES9219MQ and ES9219C chips are both digital-to-analog converters (DACs) developed by ESS Technology.
The 9219MQ chip is designed for mobile applications, featuring a compact form factor and low power consumption, making it suitable for smartphones and portable audio devices.
The 9219C chip is tailored for high-end audio equipment and offers enhanced performance characteristics, such as improved signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, but the difference, specifically with regard to SNR, is rather small (2dB).
While both chips offer high-quality audio output, the ES9219C emphasizes premium audio performance, while the ES9219MQ prioritizes efficiency and portability.
Profile/Sound: Fairly Neutral & Free Of Distortion
Coming in at #1 is the BTR17, a heftier, thiccer, wider version of the others that’s incredibly intuitive, streamlined, and fun to use. FiiO went ahead and added a volume knob + button combo which is one of the best updates the series has seen.
Moreover, power output gets a significant boost; 560mW into 32Ω which easily surpasses all of the others. I’m not one of those power whores who complains all the time, but I do like to have some headroom and this DAC doesn’t disappoint.
The same 4.4mm balanced headphone output and mode switch (PC, BT, Wired) make a return, but now there’s an additional desktop mode switch that enables high voltage power supply and also parallel drive, utilizing desktop-level output power while not consuming its own and the BTR17’s battery.
The DAC also supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0. In 2.0, the BTR17 supports full MQA decoding and rendering and will show up as “MQA” on the display.
In addition to music playback, the device can also take calls, activate voice assistant, be paired to 2 devices simultaneously, and be used as a preamp.
On the bottom, you’ll find the Type-C charging/decoding port and Type-C charging/power supply port.
The side reveals the volume knob/button, acting as a Play/Pause, volume adjustment, Enter/Switch/Confirm/Exit menu, Answer/Hang Up/Reject/Cancel a Call, Bluetooth reconnecting, and voice assistant activator.
Below are the microphone hole, Power On/Off, turn on/off display, reset, the next/previous track/switch EQ buttons, the mode toggle switch (PC mode, BT mode, Phone mode), and the desktop mode switch.
Final Verdict
FiiO’s BTR series is one of the few that gets better (for the most part) as you move up the line. Aside from some weird design choices, power output always gets a boost and that’s an important factor to me when deciding on which one to buy.
As much as I loved the BTR5 and recommended it for a long time, it’s simply outdated now when you can get a BTR17 and have loads of power for more demanding, inefficient headphones.
The volume knob also makes it much more intuitive to use, the font choices and overall readability got a major overhaul, and overall, it’s just something I could see myself owning. Both the BTR13 and 15, aside from power output boosts, were pretty underwhelming entries into the line and both seemed like more of a sidegrade to me.
But the BTR17 is a fantastic product and gets my highest endorsement.
Support includes AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX Lossless/aptX HD/LDAC LDAC, and aptX adaptive 24-Bit/96kHz in addition to Snapdragon Sound Technology.
It also comes with low and high gain, a PEQ (Parametric EQ) mode, filters, car mode, and UAC mode. To access PEQ, you’ll need to download the FiiO Control App for your phone.
Sound-wise, we’re getting a clean, distortion-free signal and a 128dB Signal-to-noise ratio; easily surpassing the 90dB SINAD standard (Signal-to-noise and distortion) which ensures your music sounds true to the source and very neutral. This also happens to be the best in the lineup.
Battery life and range are both good as well, giving you around 8 hours before needing a charge.
Overall, the BTR17 costs more, but to me is worth the extra money because of everything we discussed + they provide a nifty leatherette carrying case. The only thing they need to improve is adding a lightning cable or adapter for iPhones, but other than that, this to me is the one to buy.
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this FiiO BTR3K vs. BTR5 vs. BTR13 vs. BTR15 vs. BTR17 Shootout and came away with some valuable insight.
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Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Could you see yourself with a BTR17? Why or why not? I would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time…
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Stu is determined to help you make sound decisions, and strives to deliver the best and most in depth content on the internet! In his spare time, he likes to fish, paint, play guitar, pray, rap, make beats, take photos, record videos, graphic design, and more. His sense of humour, coupled with a knack for excellence and strict attention to detail are what allow him to stand out in an crowded industry.
Great review! Can you also let me know which one of these have a better microphone?
I’ll get either BTR5 or BTR15, but as I search on the net seems it got a noise cancelling microphone on the BTR5 but not on the BTR15, cause I need to make phone calls with it on a noisy situation oftenly, thanks.
Thank you! What a great question. I actually gave the BTR5 to my mom so I don’t have it at the moment! I just reached out to FiiO and will let you know what they say!
Clark, FiiO was away for a week or so but I received a response to the email on 2/19. All they said is that “the BTR15 mic is a bit better.” Hope that helps!
Hi Stu!
Thanks for the articles, I get a lot of audio wisdom from you. I was wondering if you had the occasion to try the BTR17? I was curious how it compares with the rest of the BTR series.
Thanks, Mihai.
Thank you for stopping by! Yeah, just received it actually and took some photos earlier. Going to demo it later this evening. I will keep you posted! And if I forget to ping you, just contact me or drop another comment.
Sorry for my late reply… me researching audio is a pass time activity that comes and goes at times along the years. However, your site and channel are my favourite place for doing it. Also, big fan of your truth series on YouTube.
So I ended up purchasing the BTR17 shortly after my previous message, so I now have more than a month of testing it. I also own a BTR5, so BTR17 was a nice upgrade to that one. I thought BTR5 was powerful, but man… BTR17 blows it out of the water! If it’s something that really impressed me, it is the amount of power it delivers. I don’t think there are any headphones that couldn’t be powered by it. Ok, maybe those very hungry, demanding and expensive, sure. But for most headphones? I don’t think most people need anything else!
All the connection types, most of the codecs, MPQ support (for those who are into it – I’m not, but I’m also no judge)… nothing to fault. And I appreciate A LOT (caps very much on purpose) that the charging connection bypasses the battery, so charging cycles are not wasted while being plugged. In a world filled with battery powered devices, this is a feature that I value most, because it saves me money while also being eco-friendly. Because of what use can a battery powered device be, when the number of charging cycles are coming close to the end of its life?
Now back to its audio qualities… well, you may not believe it, but I now use this as my desktop DAC! :)) I find me needing very little else. Has enough power, pairs well in both desktop and phone mode, works wired, works wireless. Works while plugged in, works still while on battery (though phone volume needs to be really high while on Bluetooth). I don’t think there’s anything this little fella can’t do! Volume knob it’s nice. It could be a little better, but it’s miles better having a knob than buttons (as I said, I also have the BTR5, so I sure appreciate the knob).
And here’s a funny little story for ya. I used to have an ifi Zen DAC v2, which I used to pair with a HD600. The sound quality was awesome, all I ever wanted. However… as strange as this may sound, I found those headphones to be uncomfortable. Nothing wrong with the headphones, mind you – they were great. I think it’s just me having a big head? :)) I tried adjusting those, but to no avail. The clamping force of those headphones was so strong that I couldn’t wear them for more than 20 minutes. I heard of others having this issue (I think I remember you also writing about it? not sure though) and they said that the clamping force goes down after a month or so. Maybe I didn’t get to listen to them very much because they were clamping hard on my jaw bones… dunno. But in the end I had to get rid of them. And since the Zen DAC was only a desktop DAC/amp, I got rid of that too. :))
So what do I use now? Koss KPH30i paired with BTR17! And it’s wonderful! Do they sound as good as HD600 + Zen DAC v2? I think not. But my ears are dumb enough that they can’t tell much difference. :)) Sure, there may very well be quite a good amount of difference, but if those headphones were painful to wear, then how much does it matter if they sounded better?
In the end I found out that the best setup is the one that makes you come back to listening to the music you love. And I listen to KPH30i paired to BTR17 a lot more than I was on HD600 + ZenDACv2. They’re mobile, KPH30i can be used while outside (unlike HD600), needs little power, and sounds almost just as good. At least to my dumb ears. :)) I enjoy music better now and surely more often. And after all… I learned from you that we should fall in love with music, not gear.
So I guess the meme was true for me… I did end up selling my more expensive gear and get a KPH30i lol. :))
If I need to be more aware of instruments and separation, I also have a pair of K702. Those are a lot more comfortable than the HD600, I have no problems wearing them for hours, even if I found out that I prefer the on-ear type better than over ear. And they work with BTR17 just as well.
So in the end? I found out that BTR17 is everything that I need, the everything device that I use to listen music everywhere.
If you managed to read everything… first of all, thank you. No, really. Thank you for reading all this. And for all your advice that you share with us here on the blog and on the channel. It helped me a lot with my audio choices, and helped me enjoying music more.
And I also have a question for you. What 4.4 mm balanced headphones do you use? I mean… yea, BTR17 has also balanced capabilities… but now that my HD600 are gone (I had an Openheart cable for that) and KPH30i being unbalanced (they don’t need to be balanced), I’m curious what can I use to pair with BTR17? Bonus points if they are on ear. Over ear are also good if they are comfy, but I found out that I almost can’t stand buds / IEMs.
And another question… if I already have the BTR17, do you think the Dragonfly Red is an upgrade to this? I know you used to praise it a lot in the past, and I know your opinions have changed recently, and I also read the updated review. So my question to you is this: for an owner of BTR17… do you think there are reasons to get the Dragonfly Red as well? Does it sound better? Louder? Different? Do you get more use out of it than the BTR17? Or is it better to I just keep listening on BTR17/KPH30i and not go down that rabbit hole?
NO worries! It’s great to hear from you. So glad you’re enjoying the BTR17! I really do think it’s a great product. Did you happen to read my BTR17 Review?
And trust your ears man! The KPH30i + BTR17 is a great combo. The 30i in all honesty sounds just as good if not better than a lot of stuff out of its price range. I would say you aren’t really missing out on much. And I know how that can be with the HD600. Even though it did open up, mine still clamps snug and I’ve had it since 2016 haha. I really enjoy how it fits though 😉
Yes! So true. It’s all about the music. Funny you mention this because I’m starting a new channel soon about MUSIC and not gear lol. My music, other music, etc. etc. I hope you will check it out! I’ll ping you when it goes live.
Ah yes, love the K702 for exactly the things you mention! I use one for mixing as well.
But yes, I did read all of what you wrote and don’t make me cry! LOL. I really appreciate your kind words. My goal is to help people avoid the abyss and make sound buying decisions, so it really means a lot that you recognize that. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help or if you just want to chat. I’m always here!
As for balanced, it just depends lol. I have almost 30 headphones here haha. Right now I’m using the FiiO FT1 balanced mostly. To be honest with you, I don’t really have on-ear headphones at the moment; pretty much all of what I have is Over-Ear though the MDR-7506 is technically a cross between the 2. Honestly man, you may try the FT1 now that I’m thinking about it. It goes really well with the BTR17 as they include a 4.4mm cable and 3.5 in the box.
And about the DF Red, no don’t get it lol. I used to recommend it years back but times have changed so much in audio and to me it’s just not worth the money anymore even at its somewhat discounted price. I kind of have to laugh that AudioQuest, after like 8 years, still charges $170 for it. That’s a joke. It’s come down by a whopping $30 and only recently did so. It’s a $100 product and nothing more (probably less now since FiiO Dacs are a much better value). The Cobalt is even worse though they’ve dropped the price of it too. Still not worth it even at $100 less than retail (now $200 instead of $300). If people buy either of those in 2025 and beyond they’re simply lighting money on fire IMO. Don’t be surprised when AudioQuest comes out with a new DragonFly that has balanced inputs and BT capability + more as they try to keep up.
And yeah my opinions on DACs have shifted quite considerably though I was never a huge proponent of “sound” differences even when I was heavily comparing them back and forth. I always felt like there was a lot of placebo and any differences were rather subtle, but my chat with John Seaber really cemented my stance and I’m probably not going to be reviewing them anymore. I just don’t give a damn nowadays. Perhaps only FiiO stuff and JDS Labs since I respect both, but that’s probably it. I haven’t talked to the rep at iFI in quite some time and he doesn’t send me stuff anymore. Likely because of my utter disdain + their stuff is horribly overpriced too.
I like FiiO as a company though they are really starting to release a bit too many for my liking nowadays. It used to be they would come out with something new once or twice a year, but it’s gotten really frequent lately and they’ve since added a whole slew of different products to the lineup. Companies know this market is still very hot and they can take advantage of people who don’t know any better and don’t understand how sound actually works, but I still think FiiO makes great products that are affordable and useful.
Anyway, the TL;DR is yeah, just be happy with what you have because let me tell you something, even when a “new” product comes out, another replacement is already in the works. Seriously. Most new stuff isn’t even that new. I look at it as a stopgap until the next thing comes out. They even say this on the box haha. From the K19 box: “This product will probably be upgraded; pictures are for your reference only.” xD
Keep me posted and let’s continue the conversation!
Yes, of course I’ve read your BTR17 review… more than once even! 😀 One thing that I’m curious about: the UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 modes. I’m not really familiar with those. What do they do? Are they important?
I’ve seen many professionals still using MDR-7506… are they that good? They are reasonably priced, I’ll check them out. 😀 I see you also reviewed them, so I’ll read that too. The FT1 also look really, really interesting! I really dig those wood covers. And they aren’t that expensive neither. Seems like a nice option.
Your video about the talk you had with John Seaber was an eyes opener for me. And really made me consider that a DAC is a DAC… and everything else is just placebo.
Yeah, I like FiiO a lot too. Not only are their devices great… but their apps in Play Store / AppStore don’t require account registration. Other manufacturers are after your personal data and make you create accounts… FiiO just provides the software. Also, I know of no other manufacturer who would put their EQ tools and settings on the web for everyone, without requiring app installations (https://fiiocontrol.fiio.com/). For me this is huge. They deserve a round of applause just for that. And not only software support, but their devices also are great! So, yeah… I really dig the FiiO DACs!
I liked the Zen DAC v2 too. I liked the build quality. Premium materials! The volume knob? I had the best feeling from turning that knob! It was just right. And I dig that bass boost, that really enhances the audio. All in all it was a great DAC/amp combo! Too bad that they got more and more expensive. I don’t really like the pricing for it these days, and I won’t get another one… but as a device? Yea, I can appreciate the engineering involved in making that device and what it does with the sound.
However, I have another question for you. 😀 What device do you use for listening to your music? I ask because I’m interested in getting a DAP. I usually use my phone and/or tablet, but those are Apple and they’re kinda restrictive. And I still have a few FLACs on my old Windows laptop, which I don’t use anymore, but I’d like to listen to those. And, yes, I could just buy a Sony phone for that… but I’d like to have a different device, not get all those notifications that interrupt your listening experience… and, yes, I know you can turn those off, but then you have to get them on again… and it’s taxing the phone’s battery… I’d much prefer to have a different device for listening to music, both offline and online. So do you have something similar, or do you just use your Windows PC and phone?
About your next music channel… yes, I’m really curious about it. 😀 I’m into learning guitar myself (in the little free time that I have – and it isn’t much), so I don’t think it will help me a lot… but every little bit of info is appreciated. I just started recently, so I’m sure there will be interesting things to follow. 😀
Great question! UAC 1.0 is the older USB audio standard, limited to 16-bit/48kHz with higher latency but works plug-and-play on most devices. UAC 2.0 supports higher resolutions (up to 32-bit/384kHz), lower latency, and multi-channel audio, making it ideal for professional use. However, it may require drivers on Windows, while macOS and Linux support it natively.
Yeah! The MDR-7506 is still a great reference headphone for sure. Treble is a bit bright but can be EQd. Yeah man just uploaded the FT1 video. Check it out 🙂
Yup, FiiO is a pretty great company overall. A little spammy with products lately, but they make quality stuff so I can’t complain too much. Plus their prices are excellent.
I agree about iFi. I still have the OG Zen from 2019 and it’s been a real trooper over the years. One thing I like about them is their products are very durable and last a long time. Solid materials, heavy duty, etc. But yeah, their prices don’t make sense and it’s part of why I don’t really care to review them right now. That may change in the future, who knows. The original Zen was $130 and a great deal. Not so much anymore for what you’re getting. The problem with iFi is that they come out with updates but like, nothing gets updated lol. They’re basically just ripping people off now. The Zen for example hasn’t added any connections or features yet it’s over $200 now.
I mostly use my iPhone and Windows laptop with Spotify! And yeah man, I’ll keep you posted on the music thing for sure. What kinds of songs/genres are you learning? I have an acoustic guitar myself. I need to pick it up again lol. What happens is I’ll play for a while, get my fingers all nice and calloused, and then get busy with other stuff and have to redo the whole process again. It’s like that scene from Happy Gilmore when you’re trying to play after a long time away: “MY FINGERS HURT!!” XD
And thank you man!
Talk soon,
-Stu
MihaiFebruary 3, 2025 - 8:52 am
Hey Stu!
I subscribed to the channel ages ago, but lately didn’t really have the time for YouTube. Watched your FT1 video though… funny and informative, as always. 😀 I wonder for closed back… which budget headphones would you recommend? I guess it’s a MDR-7506 vs FT1 vs 770 Pro showdown. 😀 I know closed back are recommended for recording, since they don’t leak. I won’t do that anytime too soon though. XD
For playback I also used my iPhone/iPad with Apple Music and the BTR17. And the BTR5 before that. But today I pulled the trigger on a DAP… It’s Hiby R4. Usually goes for 250 dollars, but I got it on discount for 193. It’ll take two weeks or so until I get it though, cuz shipping. Some reddit users say that with the right plugins that thing sounds as something that’s way more expensive. Hope I’m not going down the rabbit hole after this one. :)) I was wondering if you heard about it and if you have any opinion on it.
With learning guitar… that’s tricky, man! I mean… it’s hard! Any musical instrument is. I also picked it up and dropped it several times already. XD The only way to improve is by playing. And playing being hard… ugh. It’s frustrating. That’s why people quit.
It helps if you are trying to play songs that you enjoy listening. But those are far from being easy to play, since they are done by professionals. The hits we know and love aren’t exactly tracks with 2 or 3 simple open chords… Yes, you can find some simplified version for some of those and start from there… but that’s not always the case.
I guess that for the first 2 or 3 years you can forget about playing serious stuff. It’s a commitment for the long run. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. What keeps me going is the thought that time flies by anyway. I know that if I don’t stick to it, 3 or 4 years from now I’ll regret it and think “if only I didn’t quit 4 years ago, now I’d be able to play”. Because I started and quit before already, so I know how that feels. 😛
You just have to practice. 30 minutes daily, or once every two days at least. It helps having the guitar always handy. Don’t put it inside a case, because you won’t be inclined to get it out that often! :)) Mine is hanging on the wall, very easy to reach and get playing in an instant.
Also, what I found that it may help… get an electric guitar. The distance between the strings and fretboard (called the “action”) on acoustic guitars is higher than on electric guitars. And this is why it’s harder (and more painful) to play acoustic. Longer travel distance, having to press harder, leads to more pain. Which leads to frustration and eventually dropping it again. Also, being electric helps with practice and not annoying neighbours XD , since I don’t plug it to the amp most of the times.
As motivation… think of your favourite guitar players. Chances are they’re from an old band who learned their trade back in the 70s or 80s. Back then guitars were AWFUL! You had to pay more than 2000 bucks to get something even remotely good. In this day and age? New instruments are way better! Even the cheap ones. You could get a brand new guitar for 200-300 bucks, and it would be MILES better than what was made back then. Half of that, if you buy used. Our favourite artists learned their trade by hard work and love of music and the instrument… not because it was easy. So if they did it back then… it’s easier for us today. 😀 That’s a thought that could keep you stay motivated. 😀
Playing songs that you enjoy listening, using an electric guitar (easier on the fingers) or having the action set lower on your guitar, and having the guitar always on hand are things that help picking the guitar more often, which in turn help you learn better and faster. There’s no other way. You just have to grind through it.
Songs that I enjoy… dunno. There are many. 😀 I am a 90s kid, born in the early 80s. (don’t mind the profile picture, it’s old, didn’t update it in centuries :)) ) So I guess I enjoy stuff from back then and even earlier. I used to listen some metal and hard rock from the early 2000s… but I surely can’t try playing fast stuff on guitar! :)) And those barred chords… damn! :)) I would still like to learn rock & roll songs though. Music I like… I don’t have a specific genre in mind. I guess it’s rock, pop, jazz, country, pop, folk… even some Latin music. Basic rule is, if there are drums, bass and guitars in it, then chances are I may enjoy it. 😀 Bonus points for thoughtful lyrics. 😀
Thank you! Heh. I worked hard on that video so I really appreciate it! I think the 770 is out. Too bassy. But yeah I’ve been using the FT1 + SM57 to record rap vocals since it gives me that immersion and slam I need + it doesn’t leak as you point out.
Lol keep me posted on the DAP but yeah don’t go down that rabbit hole either. xD Nah I don’t give a lick about DAPs haha. I think I have one here from FiiO I was supposed to review years ago and never got around to it lol. I don’t even know where it is.
Yeah I’ve been playing guitar on and off for many years. It’s just hard to get back into it because of the whole fingers thing lol. It’s so incredibly annoying to have to rebuild the callouses. I’m more of an acoustic guy though. I just have too many other things going on right now but yeah, playing at least once a day helped back when I was doing it more. I have some song covers I want to eventually release as well. My guitar is in my studio so that’s good. And yeah, the one I have is from 2003 hehe. Still going strong! Definitely keep me posted on your playing and how it’s progressing. Don’t stop!
16 comments
Hi Stuart,
Great review! Can you also let me know which one of these have a better microphone?
I’ll get either BTR5 or BTR15, but as I search on the net seems it got a noise cancelling microphone on the BTR5 but not on the BTR15, cause I need to make phone calls with it on a noisy situation oftenly, thanks.
Best,
Clark
Clark,
Thank you! What a great question. I actually gave the BTR5 to my mom so I don’t have it at the moment! I just reached out to FiiO and will let you know what they say!
-Stu
Clark, FiiO was away for a week or so but I received a response to the email on 2/19. All they said is that “the BTR15 mic is a bit better.” Hope that helps!
Please let me know.
-Stu
Thanks Stuart, you really help me to decide, thanks a lot!
My pleasure man! Reach out any time.
-Stu
now they have fiio BTR13. Wonders how they compare
Hey man! I should be getting all of the new ones very soon. Stay tuned!!
Hi Stu!
Thanks for the articles, I get a lot of audio wisdom from you. I was wondering if you had the occasion to try the BTR17? I was curious how it compares with the rest of the BTR series.
Thanks, Mihai.
Mihai,
Thank you for stopping by! Yeah, just received it actually and took some photos earlier. Going to demo it later this evening. I will keep you posted! And if I forget to ping you, just contact me or drop another comment.
-Stu
Mihai,
Just finished the BTR17 review! Check it out and let me know if you have questions. Will be updating this article and adjusting the rankings slightly.
-Stu
Hey there, Stu!
Sorry for my late reply… me researching audio is a pass time activity that comes and goes at times along the years. However, your site and channel are my favourite place for doing it. Also, big fan of your truth series on YouTube.
So I ended up purchasing the BTR17 shortly after my previous message, so I now have more than a month of testing it. I also own a BTR5, so BTR17 was a nice upgrade to that one. I thought BTR5 was powerful, but man… BTR17 blows it out of the water! If it’s something that really impressed me, it is the amount of power it delivers. I don’t think there are any headphones that couldn’t be powered by it. Ok, maybe those very hungry, demanding and expensive, sure. But for most headphones? I don’t think most people need anything else!
All the connection types, most of the codecs, MPQ support (for those who are into it – I’m not, but I’m also no judge)… nothing to fault. And I appreciate A LOT (caps very much on purpose) that the charging connection bypasses the battery, so charging cycles are not wasted while being plugged. In a world filled with battery powered devices, this is a feature that I value most, because it saves me money while also being eco-friendly. Because of what use can a battery powered device be, when the number of charging cycles are coming close to the end of its life?
Now back to its audio qualities… well, you may not believe it, but I now use this as my desktop DAC! :)) I find me needing very little else. Has enough power, pairs well in both desktop and phone mode, works wired, works wireless. Works while plugged in, works still while on battery (though phone volume needs to be really high while on Bluetooth). I don’t think there’s anything this little fella can’t do! Volume knob it’s nice. It could be a little better, but it’s miles better having a knob than buttons (as I said, I also have the BTR5, so I sure appreciate the knob).
And here’s a funny little story for ya. I used to have an ifi Zen DAC v2, which I used to pair with a HD600. The sound quality was awesome, all I ever wanted. However… as strange as this may sound, I found those headphones to be uncomfortable. Nothing wrong with the headphones, mind you – they were great. I think it’s just me having a big head? :)) I tried adjusting those, but to no avail. The clamping force of those headphones was so strong that I couldn’t wear them for more than 20 minutes. I heard of others having this issue (I think I remember you also writing about it? not sure though) and they said that the clamping force goes down after a month or so. Maybe I didn’t get to listen to them very much because they were clamping hard on my jaw bones… dunno. But in the end I had to get rid of them. And since the Zen DAC was only a desktop DAC/amp, I got rid of that too. :))
So what do I use now? Koss KPH30i paired with BTR17! And it’s wonderful! Do they sound as good as HD600 + Zen DAC v2? I think not. But my ears are dumb enough that they can’t tell much difference. :)) Sure, there may very well be quite a good amount of difference, but if those headphones were painful to wear, then how much does it matter if they sounded better?
In the end I found out that the best setup is the one that makes you come back to listening to the music you love. And I listen to KPH30i paired to BTR17 a lot more than I was on HD600 + ZenDACv2. They’re mobile, KPH30i can be used while outside (unlike HD600), needs little power, and sounds almost just as good. At least to my dumb ears. :)) I enjoy music better now and surely more often. And after all… I learned from you that we should fall in love with music, not gear.
So I guess the meme was true for me… I did end up selling my more expensive gear and get a KPH30i lol. :))
If I need to be more aware of instruments and separation, I also have a pair of K702. Those are a lot more comfortable than the HD600, I have no problems wearing them for hours, even if I found out that I prefer the on-ear type better than over ear. And they work with BTR17 just as well.
So in the end? I found out that BTR17 is everything that I need, the everything device that I use to listen music everywhere.
If you managed to read everything… first of all, thank you. No, really. Thank you for reading all this. And for all your advice that you share with us here on the blog and on the channel. It helped me a lot with my audio choices, and helped me enjoying music more.
And I also have a question for you. What 4.4 mm balanced headphones do you use? I mean… yea, BTR17 has also balanced capabilities… but now that my HD600 are gone (I had an Openheart cable for that) and KPH30i being unbalanced (they don’t need to be balanced), I’m curious what can I use to pair with BTR17? Bonus points if they are on ear. Over ear are also good if they are comfy, but I found out that I almost can’t stand buds / IEMs.
And another question… if I already have the BTR17, do you think the Dragonfly Red is an upgrade to this? I know you used to praise it a lot in the past, and I know your opinions have changed recently, and I also read the updated review. So my question to you is this: for an owner of BTR17… do you think there are reasons to get the Dragonfly Red as well? Does it sound better? Louder? Different? Do you get more use out of it than the BTR17? Or is it better to I just keep listening on BTR17/KPH30i and not go down that rabbit hole?
Cheers, Stu! And thanks a lot!
Mihai
Mihai,
NO worries! It’s great to hear from you. So glad you’re enjoying the BTR17! I really do think it’s a great product. Did you happen to read my BTR17 Review?
And trust your ears man! The KPH30i + BTR17 is a great combo. The 30i in all honesty sounds just as good if not better than a lot of stuff out of its price range. I would say you aren’t really missing out on much. And I know how that can be with the HD600. Even though it did open up, mine still clamps snug and I’ve had it since 2016 haha. I really enjoy how it fits though 😉
Yes! So true. It’s all about the music. Funny you mention this because I’m starting a new channel soon about MUSIC and not gear lol. My music, other music, etc. etc. I hope you will check it out! I’ll ping you when it goes live.
Ah yes, love the K702 for exactly the things you mention! I use one for mixing as well.
But yes, I did read all of what you wrote and don’t make me cry! LOL. I really appreciate your kind words. My goal is to help people avoid the abyss and make sound buying decisions, so it really means a lot that you recognize that. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help or if you just want to chat. I’m always here!
As for balanced, it just depends lol. I have almost 30 headphones here haha. Right now I’m using the FiiO FT1 balanced mostly. To be honest with you, I don’t really have on-ear headphones at the moment; pretty much all of what I have is Over-Ear though the MDR-7506 is technically a cross between the 2. Honestly man, you may try the FT1 now that I’m thinking about it. It goes really well with the BTR17 as they include a 4.4mm cable and 3.5 in the box.
And about the DF Red, no don’t get it lol. I used to recommend it years back but times have changed so much in audio and to me it’s just not worth the money anymore even at its somewhat discounted price. I kind of have to laugh that AudioQuest, after like 8 years, still charges $170 for it. That’s a joke. It’s come down by a whopping $30 and only recently did so. It’s a $100 product and nothing more (probably less now since FiiO Dacs are a much better value). The Cobalt is even worse though they’ve dropped the price of it too. Still not worth it even at $100 less than retail (now $200 instead of $300). If people buy either of those in 2025 and beyond they’re simply lighting money on fire IMO. Don’t be surprised when AudioQuest comes out with a new DragonFly that has balanced inputs and BT capability + more as they try to keep up.
And yeah my opinions on DACs have shifted quite considerably though I was never a huge proponent of “sound” differences even when I was heavily comparing them back and forth. I always felt like there was a lot of placebo and any differences were rather subtle, but my chat with John Seaber really cemented my stance and I’m probably not going to be reviewing them anymore. I just don’t give a damn nowadays. Perhaps only FiiO stuff and JDS Labs since I respect both, but that’s probably it. I haven’t talked to the rep at iFI in quite some time and he doesn’t send me stuff anymore. Likely because of my utter disdain + their stuff is horribly overpriced too.
I like FiiO as a company though they are really starting to release a bit too many for my liking nowadays. It used to be they would come out with something new once or twice a year, but it’s gotten really frequent lately and they’ve since added a whole slew of different products to the lineup. Companies know this market is still very hot and they can take advantage of people who don’t know any better and don’t understand how sound actually works, but I still think FiiO makes great products that are affordable and useful.
Anyway, the TL;DR is yeah, just be happy with what you have because let me tell you something, even when a “new” product comes out, another replacement is already in the works. Seriously. Most new stuff isn’t even that new. I look at it as a stopgap until the next thing comes out. They even say this on the box haha. From the K19 box: “This product will probably be upgraded; pictures are for your reference only.” xD
Keep me posted and let’s continue the conversation!
-Stu
Hi, Stu!
Yes, of course I’ve read your BTR17 review… more than once even! 😀 One thing that I’m curious about: the UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 modes. I’m not really familiar with those. What do they do? Are they important?
I’ve seen many professionals still using MDR-7506… are they that good? They are reasonably priced, I’ll check them out. 😀 I see you also reviewed them, so I’ll read that too. The FT1 also look really, really interesting! I really dig those wood covers. And they aren’t that expensive neither. Seems like a nice option.
Your video about the talk you had with John Seaber was an eyes opener for me. And really made me consider that a DAC is a DAC… and everything else is just placebo.
Yeah, I like FiiO a lot too. Not only are their devices great… but their apps in Play Store / AppStore don’t require account registration. Other manufacturers are after your personal data and make you create accounts… FiiO just provides the software. Also, I know of no other manufacturer who would put their EQ tools and settings on the web for everyone, without requiring app installations (https://fiiocontrol.fiio.com/). For me this is huge. They deserve a round of applause just for that. And not only software support, but their devices also are great! So, yeah… I really dig the FiiO DACs!
I liked the Zen DAC v2 too. I liked the build quality. Premium materials! The volume knob? I had the best feeling from turning that knob! It was just right. And I dig that bass boost, that really enhances the audio. All in all it was a great DAC/amp combo! Too bad that they got more and more expensive. I don’t really like the pricing for it these days, and I won’t get another one… but as a device? Yea, I can appreciate the engineering involved in making that device and what it does with the sound.
However, I have another question for you. 😀 What device do you use for listening to your music? I ask because I’m interested in getting a DAP. I usually use my phone and/or tablet, but those are Apple and they’re kinda restrictive. And I still have a few FLACs on my old Windows laptop, which I don’t use anymore, but I’d like to listen to those. And, yes, I could just buy a Sony phone for that… but I’d like to have a different device, not get all those notifications that interrupt your listening experience… and, yes, I know you can turn those off, but then you have to get them on again… and it’s taxing the phone’s battery… I’d much prefer to have a different device for listening to music, both offline and online. So do you have something similar, or do you just use your Windows PC and phone?
About your next music channel… yes, I’m really curious about it. 😀 I’m into learning guitar myself (in the little free time that I have – and it isn’t much), so I don’t think it will help me a lot… but every little bit of info is appreciated. I just started recently, so I’m sure there will be interesting things to follow. 😀
Keep up the good work, it sure is appreciated!
Mihai
Mihai,
Great question! UAC 1.0 is the older USB audio standard, limited to 16-bit/48kHz with higher latency but works plug-and-play on most devices. UAC 2.0 supports higher resolutions (up to 32-bit/384kHz), lower latency, and multi-channel audio, making it ideal for professional use. However, it may require drivers on Windows, while macOS and Linux support it natively.
Yeah! The MDR-7506 is still a great reference headphone for sure. Treble is a bit bright but can be EQd. Yeah man just uploaded the FT1 video. Check it out 🙂
Yup, FiiO is a pretty great company overall. A little spammy with products lately, but they make quality stuff so I can’t complain too much. Plus their prices are excellent.
I agree about iFi. I still have the OG Zen from 2019 and it’s been a real trooper over the years. One thing I like about them is their products are very durable and last a long time. Solid materials, heavy duty, etc. But yeah, their prices don’t make sense and it’s part of why I don’t really care to review them right now. That may change in the future, who knows. The original Zen was $130 and a great deal. Not so much anymore for what you’re getting. The problem with iFi is that they come out with updates but like, nothing gets updated lol. They’re basically just ripping people off now. The Zen for example hasn’t added any connections or features yet it’s over $200 now.
I mostly use my iPhone and Windows laptop with Spotify! And yeah man, I’ll keep you posted on the music thing for sure. What kinds of songs/genres are you learning? I have an acoustic guitar myself. I need to pick it up again lol. What happens is I’ll play for a while, get my fingers all nice and calloused, and then get busy with other stuff and have to redo the whole process again. It’s like that scene from Happy Gilmore when you’re trying to play after a long time away: “MY FINGERS HURT!!” XD
And thank you man!
Talk soon,
-Stu
Hey Stu!
I subscribed to the channel ages ago, but lately didn’t really have the time for YouTube. Watched your FT1 video though… funny and informative, as always. 😀 I wonder for closed back… which budget headphones would you recommend? I guess it’s a MDR-7506 vs FT1 vs 770 Pro showdown. 😀 I know closed back are recommended for recording, since they don’t leak. I won’t do that anytime too soon though. XD
For playback I also used my iPhone/iPad with Apple Music and the BTR17. And the BTR5 before that. But today I pulled the trigger on a DAP… It’s Hiby R4. Usually goes for 250 dollars, but I got it on discount for 193. It’ll take two weeks or so until I get it though, cuz shipping. Some reddit users say that with the right plugins that thing sounds as something that’s way more expensive. Hope I’m not going down the rabbit hole after this one. :)) I was wondering if you heard about it and if you have any opinion on it.
With learning guitar… that’s tricky, man! I mean… it’s hard! Any musical instrument is. I also picked it up and dropped it several times already. XD The only way to improve is by playing. And playing being hard… ugh. It’s frustrating. That’s why people quit.
It helps if you are trying to play songs that you enjoy listening. But those are far from being easy to play, since they are done by professionals. The hits we know and love aren’t exactly tracks with 2 or 3 simple open chords… Yes, you can find some simplified version for some of those and start from there… but that’s not always the case.
I guess that for the first 2 or 3 years you can forget about playing serious stuff. It’s a commitment for the long run. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. What keeps me going is the thought that time flies by anyway. I know that if I don’t stick to it, 3 or 4 years from now I’ll regret it and think “if only I didn’t quit 4 years ago, now I’d be able to play”. Because I started and quit before already, so I know how that feels. 😛
You just have to practice. 30 minutes daily, or once every two days at least. It helps having the guitar always handy. Don’t put it inside a case, because you won’t be inclined to get it out that often! :)) Mine is hanging on the wall, very easy to reach and get playing in an instant.
Also, what I found that it may help… get an electric guitar. The distance between the strings and fretboard (called the “action”) on acoustic guitars is higher than on electric guitars. And this is why it’s harder (and more painful) to play acoustic. Longer travel distance, having to press harder, leads to more pain. Which leads to frustration and eventually dropping it again. Also, being electric helps with practice and not annoying neighbours XD , since I don’t plug it to the amp most of the times.
As motivation… think of your favourite guitar players. Chances are they’re from an old band who learned their trade back in the 70s or 80s. Back then guitars were AWFUL! You had to pay more than 2000 bucks to get something even remotely good. In this day and age? New instruments are way better! Even the cheap ones. You could get a brand new guitar for 200-300 bucks, and it would be MILES better than what was made back then. Half of that, if you buy used. Our favourite artists learned their trade by hard work and love of music and the instrument… not because it was easy. So if they did it back then… it’s easier for us today. 😀 That’s a thought that could keep you stay motivated. 😀
Playing songs that you enjoy listening, using an electric guitar (easier on the fingers) or having the action set lower on your guitar, and having the guitar always on hand are things that help picking the guitar more often, which in turn help you learn better and faster. There’s no other way. You just have to grind through it.
Songs that I enjoy… dunno. There are many. 😀 I am a 90s kid, born in the early 80s. (don’t mind the profile picture, it’s old, didn’t update it in centuries :)) ) So I guess I enjoy stuff from back then and even earlier. I used to listen some metal and hard rock from the early 2000s… but I surely can’t try playing fast stuff on guitar! :)) And those barred chords… damn! :)) I would still like to learn rock & roll songs though. Music I like… I don’t have a specific genre in mind. I guess it’s rock, pop, jazz, country, pop, folk… even some Latin music. Basic rule is, if there are drums, bass and guitars in it, then chances are I may enjoy it. 😀 Bonus points for thoughtful lyrics. 😀
Have a great one!
Mihai
Mihai,
Thank you! Heh. I worked hard on that video so I really appreciate it! I think the 770 is out. Too bassy. But yeah I’ve been using the FT1 + SM57 to record rap vocals since it gives me that immersion and slam I need + it doesn’t leak as you point out.
Lol keep me posted on the DAP but yeah don’t go down that rabbit hole either. xD Nah I don’t give a lick about DAPs haha. I think I have one here from FiiO I was supposed to review years ago and never got around to it lol. I don’t even know where it is.
Yeah I’ve been playing guitar on and off for many years. It’s just hard to get back into it because of the whole fingers thing lol. It’s so incredibly annoying to have to rebuild the callouses. I’m more of an acoustic guy though. I just have too many other things going on right now but yeah, playing at least once a day helped back when I was doing it more. I have some song covers I want to eventually release as well. My guitar is in my studio so that’s good. And yeah, the one I have is from 2003 hehe. Still going strong! Definitely keep me posted on your playing and how it’s progressing. Don’t stop!
You may enjoy my playlists. Let me know.
-Stu