FiiO X7 + AM1

The FiiO X7 AM1 utilizes Rockchip’s RK3188 SoC, with 4 Cortex-A9 cores (each 35%faster than an A7) running at 1.4GHz. It is also 30% and 40% faster than Tegra3 at CPU and GPU performance respectively. The RK3188 is also made in a new 28nm process, 55% faster and 60% more power efficient than the 45nm LPSoC process, ensuring long runtime with ultra-low leakage current.

 

No-compromises DAC for the ultimate sound
Designed originally for hi-end home audio, the FiiO X7 AM1 is one of the first devices to utilize the original ESS ES9018S in portable audio. Its 8 output channels can be bridget 4-a-side for an astonishing 135dB S/N ratio and dynamic range, while THD is as low as -120dB. Compared to the ES9018K2M popularly used in portable devices, the original ES9018S features 6dB higher SNR and dynbamic range at the cost of higher power consumption, a cost that the X7 is willing to pay with its robust power section.

 

Patented source + amp design for best of both worlds
Patent-pending dedicated source module + independent headphone amp module design keeps the compact integrated profile of a single portable music player while providing the sonic advantages os utilizing a separate headphone amplifier. The resulting customizability allows you to customize the resulting sound (warm, neutral, etc.), output power (for driving IEMs or full-size headphones) or output port (single-ended or balanced, etc.) by choosing among different modules.

 

This model includes the headphones amplfier module FiiO AM1. Its main advantages of small amount heat generation, low power consumption and long battery life are specially designed for earbuds users and some portable headphones users that don’t require very high output power. The FiiO AM1 utilises OPA1612 as its voltage amplification, which is a best-seller audio operational amplifier of Ti with low noise and power consumption.

 

Using the screwdriver included in the accessories to unscrew the T5 screws and exchange the headphone amplifier module. Although protection circuits are installed on the FiiO X7 AM1, it is still recommended to perform module exchange while the FiiO X7 AM1 is turned off.

 

Other modules available:

• FiiO AM2
• FiiO AM5

 

Reasonably sized for one-handed operation
The FiiO X7 AM1 utilizes a full multi-touch screen for operation. Obviously, when it comes to music players, larger is not always better. After extensive comparison with other music players, FiiO settled on a width of 64mm, which is a comfortable middle size between 58.6mm (iPhone5) and 67mm (iPhone6) that is very suitable for one-handed operation.

 

Given the unavoidable thickness of the FiiO X7 AM1 audio player from having a flagship class DAC, amp and a battery to match, making the FiiO X7 AM1 comfortably handholdable from a thickness point of view is also a significant challenge. The FiiO X7 AM1 is carefully bevelled at the edges and also has a stepped design at the back, which has proven to be a comfortable hold in user testing.

 

Symmetrical button design. Customizable mapping for left/right handed control
We each have our handedness preference for pressing buttons on the side of the player; the FiiO X7 AM1 carries 6 hard buttons, 3 on each side in symmetrical layout: volume+/-, prev/next track, power, play/pause; all of which may be mapped to either the left or the right side for your most comfortable control.

 

Precision machining tolerances for reliable connections.
To ensure that the headphone amp module is easily mounted and removed, with reliable connections, precision machining is essential; the chassis is CNCed in difficult side-on manner requiring precise assembly and each part is examined via magnified projection before being accepted for use. the expansion module is secured via stainless steel star screws, which may be unscrewed using the provided tool. Hardened bronze screw nuts are installed whithin the chassis for reliable multiple installation and reinstallation of modules without fear of loosening connections.

 

All-purpose player – Universal decoder
Not only does the FiiO X7 AM1 suppport popular lossless / lossy music formats such as WAV, FLAC, APE, ALAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, OGG, etc., higher formats such as DXD, DSD64/128 and PCM are supported at up to 384kHz/64bit 5.6MHz (DSD).

 

FiiO X7’s own customized music app
FiiO X7’s embedded music app (FiiO music) was researched and developed with almost as much effort as the hardware itself. Compared to usual Android music player apps, the FiiO X7 AM1 music app handles lossless music more proficiently and is more user-friendly. The UI is clear and concise, and all status indicators and controls are available at your fingertips in a few screens.

 

Intuitive and Powerful
Designed for the advanced audiophile. Swipe from left edge of the screen to show the Now Playing playlist; slide up and down on the right side of the screen to adjust volume; the FiiO X7 AM1 also has other features such as custom playlist and batch addition of deletion of favorites songs.

 

More fun with accessories for FiiO X7
the FiiO X7 AM1 supports pairing with Bluetooth devices for effortless wireless music playback and remote control, 3rd party apps may be also used to connect to unlimited online music via WiFi. Through firmware updates, playback via LNA, NAS and cloud storage will also be supported by the FiiO Music app.

 

Docking expansion functionality
Coming home from a day enjoying Hi-Fi music from the FiiO X7 AM1 on the move, you may plug the FiiO X7 onto the FiiO-exclusive docking amplifier FiiO K5 for even higher-grade home listening! The FiiO K5 charges the FiiO X7 while providing extra functionality such as ≥1.5W output power, balanced line out, and aux line in, while the FiiO X7 may continue to be connected to the computer via the FiiO K5, for e.g. USB DAC function.

 

Specifications
Operating System: Deeply customized Android 4.4.4
CPU Model: RK3188
No. of Cores: 4
CPU Operating Frequency: 1.4GHz
DAC: ES9018S
Keyboard: Virtual QWERTY keyboard
Input Method: Touchscreen
Special features: Dual Android / Pure Music operating modes, symmetrical remappable keys, separate interchangeable amp modules, USB DAC, docking connector, etc.
User Interface: Android 4.4.4 / FiiO Music

 

Connectivity
WIFI: 2.4GHz IEEE802.11 b/g/n standards supported
Bluetooth: 2.4GHz Bluetooth V4.0 + EDR
USB: Micro USB2.0

 

Display Screen
Display Size: 3.97 inches
Number of Colours: 16.7 million colors
Display Type: IPS TFT
Viewable Angle: 178°
Resolution: 480×800
Pixel Density: 233 ppi
Touchscreen: Tracks up to 5 simutaneous touch points

 

Sensors
Light Sensor: Included
NFC: Not included
Accelerometer: Included

 

Storage
RAM: 1GB
Total ROM: 32GB
Storage Expansion Type: Micro SD
ROM Available to User: About 27G
Maximum Storage Expansion: 128GB

 

Buttons and Ports
Buttons: Side buttons + touchscreen
Custom Key Mapping: Supported (track and volume controls)
Headphone Out: 3.5mm TRRS (supports in-line remotes)
Balanced Output: Supported (balanced amp module sold separately)
Line out / Coaxial Out: 3.5mm TRRS composite port
USB Connection: Micro USB2.0 (charging / data transfer / docking function / USB DAC)

 

General
Color: Titanium
Dimensions: 130 mm× 64 mm× 16.6 mm
Weight: 220g
Volume Control: 120 steps +/- button control (via analog-domain controller)
Recommended headphone Impedance: 16~300 Ω (depending on fitted amp module)
Equalizer: 10-band EQ (±6dB), 8 presets+custom preset, freestyle EQ curve drawing planned
Bass Boost: N/A
Treble Control: N/A
Balance Control: Max. 10 dB bias
Gain Control: Low / High
USB DAC: Up to 384kHz/32bit supported, DSD supported (driver installation required on computer)

 

Power Specifications
USB Power Adapter: DC5V 2A recommended
Battery: Internal 3500 mAh Li-polymer battery
Charging Indication: Via LCD display and pulse LED
Play Time: About 9 hours (32Ω headphones driven to normal listening levels via IEM amp module, display off)
Battery Indication: Yes (Accurate battery % readings)
Charging Time: <4.5h (using USB 5V 2A charger)

 

Others
Firmware upgrade: supported both via zip file and OTA
Font Size: Changeable

 

Partial Performance Parameters for Line Output
THD+N: <0.0007% (10 KΩ/1 kHz)
SNR: ≥115 dB (A-weighted)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz~20 kHz
Dynamic Range: >115 dB
Channel Separation: >100 dB (10 KΩ/1 kHz)
Line Level: >1.4 Vrms (10 KΩ/1 kHz)

 

Partial Performance Parameters for Headphone Output (for bundled IEM module)
Output Power 1: >100 mW(32Ω/1 kHz)
Output Power 2: >200 mW(16Ω/1 kHz)
Output Power 3: >10 mW(300Ω/1 kHz)
Output Impedance: <0.2 Ω (32Ω load)
Channel Separation: >73 dB(32Ω/1 kHz)
THD+N: <0.0008% (32Ω/1 kHz)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz~20 kHz
Peak Output Voltage: >5.2 Vp-p
SNR: ≥115 dB (A-weighted)
Max. Output Current: >250 mA (For reference)

 

Audio Formats Supported
Lossless： DSD: DSD64/128 (“.iso”,“.dsf”,“.dff”), DXD: 352.8K, APE FAST/High/Normal: 384kHz/24bit (MAX), APE Extra High: 192kHz/24bit (MAX), APE Insane: 48kHz/24bit (MAX), Apple Lossless：384kHz/24bit (MAX), AIFF: 384kHz/24bit (MAX), FLAC: 384kHz/24bit (MAX), WAV: 384kHz/64bit (MAX), WMA LOSSLESS: 96kHz/24bit (MAX)
Lossy Compression: MP2, MP3, AAC, ALAC, WMA, OGG…