[FiiO]

(1) Preface

The new year has begun. In general, we FIIO always enjoy communicating with consumers. For one thing, we hope consumers can decide their purchasing plans based on our product plans to make rational and reasonable consumption. For another, the company can adjust the priority of resource allocation based on the market feedback.

Furthermore, regarding the new product plan, there are a few things we must mention.

There used to be an old saying that plans are made to be delayed. So, the new product preview can only be used as a reference, and changes are probably unavoidable.

We hope you will not deviate from the premise when discussing the number of new products. As a reliable brand in the domestic and even global headphone and HIFI industry, FIIO's R&D team and strength are outstanding. It's not as simple as saying a brand is meticulous if it releases one product in a year, or it's not serious if a brand releases 100 new products in a year.

FIIO currently has five business departments responsible for the development of different product lines, with nearly 150 engineers, including 5 ID designers, and the team is still expanding.

So, for those who criticize us, please be rational and have some common sense.

FIIO's current product lines are relatively extensive, covering portable players, desktop players, portable DAC/Amps, portable Bluetooth headphone amplifiers, TWS earbuds, IEMs of dynamic drivers, balanced armatures and hybrid drivers, over-ear headphones of dynamic drivers, planar drivers, earbuds, speakers, desktop DAC/Amps, keyboards, USB dongles, as well as CD players, cassette players, and many other categories.

The product line is rich yet actually with fewer models in each line. Moreover, the differences between these products are quite significant. It's impossible for one engineer to know and do everything. So, don't worry that we're not professional or focused enough.

In addition, in the execution process, besides time deviations, our projects may be terminated or new ones may be added and some projects may need to be kept confidential for business secrets. However, we will try our best to be open and transparent. In essence, FIIO is not a company that excels in speed (the R&D process of many projects exceeds 2 years). We really hope you can understand us. Thanks in advance.

 

[Djankie]

Where is product Schedule?

 

[mcnaugha]

Where is product Schedule?

They post it a piece at a time over several days, traditionally. The first part just appeared on Facebook. BTR17 coming with aptX Lossless.

 

[FiiO]

(2) HIFI Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier

HIFI Portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifiers are very popular thanks to their compact and portable body, built-in battery, excellent sound quality, and powerful power output. They can be used wirelessly or wired, making them highly welcomed. Currently, it is FIIO's flagship product line. Without exaggeration, FIIO is a leader in the field of HIFI portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifiers in the global market.

In 2024, our main focus will be on the regular updates and iterations of our product lines, including the following models.

1. BTR17 (successor to BTR7)
It is expected to be released in the autumn or winter. The BTR17 will undergo significant changes in appearance and will incorporate the latest Bluetooth technologies such as aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec. As for the NearLink technology, which many domestic consumers are concerned about, it cannot be integrated for now due to the unavailability of related chips and solutions. However, its size and other performance won't differ significantly from the BTR7.

2. BTR13 (successor to BTR3K)
The first-gen BTR3 was released in early 2018 and immediately gained immense popularity among consumers globally, eventually becoming one of FIIO's flagship series. In 2020, the BTR3K was released, continuing the successful sales of the BTR3 to this day. Considering the long sales cycle and significant technological developments, as well as the difficulty in sourcing certain chips, we have decided to introduce the BTR13 this year to replace the BTR3K.

The expected release is also in the autumn.

3. BTR11 (successor to BTR1)
In the early series of FIIO's Bluetooth DAC/Amps, there were two models, uBTR and BTR1. However, due to a two-year chip shortage and price surge, we focused extensively on updating our mid-to-high-end products.

Nonetheless, there is still strong demand in the market for entry-level models that are friendly to the budget. Therefore, in 2024, we will introduce a new BTR11 model, primarily designed for users who use wired HiFi headphones, utilize their phones as audio sources, and find the USB dongle somewhat cumbersome and power-consuming.

Compared to the original BTR1, the BTR11 will also be upgraded to support LDAC reception. The expected release time is in the summer.

BTR11-BTR13-BTR15-BTR17。
After the adjustments, the product lineup for Bluetooth DAC/Amps will become BTR11-BTR13-BTR15-BTR17 by the end of 2024.

 

[SirBruceLee]

(2) HIFI Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier

HIFI Portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifiers are very popular thanks to their compact and portable body, built-in battery, excellent sound quality, and powerful power output. They can be used wirelessly or wired, making them highly welcomed. Currently, it is FIIO's flagship product line. Without exaggeration, FIIO is a leader in the field of HIFI portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifiers in the global market.

In 2024, our main focus will be on the regular updates and iterations of our product lines, including the following models.

1. BTR17 (successor to BTR7)
It is expected to be released in the autumn or winter. The BTR17 will undergo significant changes in appearance and will incorporate the latest Bluetooth technologies such as aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec. As for the NearLink technology, which many domestic consumers are concerned about, it cannot be integrated for now due to the unavailability of related chips and solutions. However, its size and other performance won't differ significantly from the BTR7.

2. BTR13 (successor to BTR3K)
The first-gen BTR3 was released in early 2018 and immediately gained immense popularity among consumers globally, eventually becoming one of FIIO's flagship series. In 2020, the BTR3K was released, continuing the successful sales of the BTR3 to this day. Considering the long sales cycle and significant technological developments, as well as the difficulty in sourcing certain chips, we have decided to introduce the BTR13 this year to replace the BTR3K.

The expected release is also in the autumn.

3. BTR11 (successor to BTR1)
In the early series of FIIO's Bluetooth DAC/Amps, there were two models, uBTR and BTR1. However, due to a two-year chip shortage and price surge, we focused extensively on updating our mid-to-high-end products.

Nonetheless, there is still strong demand in the market for entry-level models that are friendly to the budget. Therefore, in 2024, we will introduce a new BTR11 model, primarily designed for users who use wired HiFi headphones, utilize their phones as audio sources, and find the USB dongle somewhat cumbersome and power-consuming.

Compared to the original BTR1, the BTR11 will also be upgraded to support LDAC reception. The expected release time is in the summer.

BTR11-BTR13-BTR15-BTR17。
After the adjustments, the product lineup for Bluetooth DAC/Amps will become BTR11-BTR13-BTR15-BTR17 by the end of 2024.

Nice to see NearLink is coming. Would love to see support for Qualcomm's Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) too

 

[mcnaugha]

Would love to see support for Qualcomm's Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) too

I mentioned this on their Facebook post by virtue of referencing the S7 Pro platform but I think given they're just delivering aptX Lossless this Autumn, it's unlikely to happen in 2024. I think we just have to live with these platforms taking a few years to proliferate. No doubt the initial cost is much higher as well and availability is probably terrible. I think FiiO also likes to let things mature for a while too, to ensure quality.

 

[razorpakk]

Still use my BTR3K.

All I want in this entry-level price segment is reasonable battery life and portability.

The unnecessary power output and low battery life ruined the BTR15 in my opinion. You shouldn't try to cram in every feature possible in what's meant to be a comfortable tool.

 

[mcnaugha]

1. BTR17 (successor to BTR7)
It is expected to be released in the autumn or winter. The BTR17 will undergo significant changes in appearance and will incorporate the latest Bluetooth technologies such as aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec. As for the NearLink technology, which many domestic consumers are concerned about, it cannot be integrated for now due to the unavailability of related chips and solutions. However, its size and other performance won't differ significantly from the BTR7.

I forgot it’s just a BT receiver. I really want a USB aptX Lossless transmitter that’s small.

 

[EniGmA1987]

Can't wait for the news on the upcoming UTWS product line

 

[PitSteelers69]

(2) HIFI Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier

HIFI Portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifiers are very popular thanks to their compact and portable body, built-in battery, excellent sound quality, and powerful power output. They can be used wirelessly or wired, making them highly welcomed. Currently, it is FIIO's flagship product line. Without exaggeration, FIIO is a leader in the field of HIFI portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifiers in the global market.

In 2024, our main focus will be on the regular updates and iterations of our product lines, including the following models.

1. BTR17 (successor to BTR7)
It is expected to be released in the autumn or winter. The BTR17 will undergo significant changes in appearance and will incorporate the latest Bluetooth technologies such as aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec. As for the NearLink technology, which many domestic consumers are concerned about, it cannot be integrated for now due to the unavailability of related chips and solutions. However, its size and other performance won't differ significantly from the BTR7.

2. BTR13 (successor to BTR3K)
The first-gen BTR3 was released in early 2018 and immediately gained immense popularity among consumers globally, eventually becoming one of FIIO's flagship series. In 2020, the BTR3K was released, continuing the successful sales of the BTR3 to this day. Considering the long sales cycle and significant technological developments, as well as the difficulty in sourcing certain chips, we have decided to introduce the BTR13 this year to replace the BTR3K.

The expected release is also in the autumn.

3. BTR11 (successor to BTR1)
In the early series of FIIO's Bluetooth DAC/Amps, there were two models, uBTR and BTR1. However, due to a two-year chip shortage and price surge, we focused extensively on updating our mid-to-high-end products.

Nonetheless, there is still strong demand in the market for entry-level models that are friendly to the budget. Therefore, in 2024, we will introduce a new BTR11 model, primarily designed for users who use wired HiFi headphones, utilize their phones as audio sources, and find the USB dongle somewhat cumbersome and power-consuming.

Compared to the original BTR1, the BTR11 will also be upgraded to support LDAC reception. The expected release time is in the summer.

BTR11-BTR13-BTR15-BTR17。
After the adjustments, the product lineup for Bluetooth DAC/Amps will become BTR11-BTR13-BTR15-BTR17 by the end of 2024.

I would love to see a AKM version of the R9. I would order it today!

 

[rickles]

Looking for an ultra highend DAP

 

[PitSteelers69]

Looking for an ultra highend DAP

Higher end than the M17?

 

[rickles]

Higher end than the M17?

Yep. Maybe a DX320 Max or RS8 competitor.

 

[Rhamnetin]

Yep. Maybe a DX320 Max or RS8 competitor.

I don't expect FiiO to compete with those in price, but when it comes to the quality of the DAC and especially the headphone amplifier, the M17 are as good as it gets. Well... the A&K KANN Ultra uses the newer ESS Sabre DAC, but that's an insignificant change.

Although it is interesting that the DX320 Max has a stepped attenuator: I'd like to see FiiO one up that with 100+ step relay switched R2R volume control in a new flagship. In any case, I am eager to see what new FiiO DAPs are announced. Definitely watching this thread.

 

[FiiO]

(3) Portable Music Player

First, let's talk about FIIO's perspective on the portable music player industry.

It is undeniable that after a decade of rapid development, the relevant technology of portable players has matured, including configuration, performance, specifications, etc. For example, support for sampling rates beyond 384K/32B and DSD256 may not be significant for audiophiles. Truly native recordings with such high specifications are rare (some ultra-high specifications found online are likely artificially upsampled). Considering the availability of high-quality lossless audio sources from legitimate channels like Apple Music, a specification of 192K/24B or DSD128 is sufficient.

In terms of performance, high-end players like the FIIO M17 already utilize two ESS flagship DAC chips. The 8-channel ESS9038PRO DAC commonly used in desktop devices comes with an output power of 3000mW+3000mW and comprehensive interfaces. These devices lack only standard optical and RJ45 network ports.

The only aspect that might be considered insufficient is the main control. However, for an audio player, the M17's 660 processor is powerful enough to handle major streaming apps' operation for the next few years. The operating system will be upgraded to Android 12.0 this year.

Therefore, similar to smartphones, the upgrade cycle for audiophiles has been significantly extended due to the lack of stimulation from new technologies and features.

What is more, low-end players are facing challenges from TWS, USB dongles for mobile phones, and Bluetooth portable DAC/Amps, leading to a noticeable market decline.

Hence, two years ago, FIIO began redirecting research and development resources to expand into other categories, such as desktop streaming all-in-one units like the R7 and R9.

Regarding the future, I personally believe that high-end portable players may eventually get rid of the Android system. The demand for streaming playback may be achieved through other ways, such as transmitting music to the player from a phone via lossless Bluetooth/WiFi. After all, the upper limit for streaming music specifications is 192K/24B. Even if it doesn't reach 192K/24B, achieving 44.1K/16B is sufficient for the majority of audiophiles, and this can be easily achieved with aptX Lossless or NearLink technology.

Here is the launch plan for FIIO's new portable music players in 2024.

1. M27
As FIIO's flagship model at the end of 2021, the M17 has been around for over two years. FIIO plans to replace it with the M27 at the end of 2024. It will continue to be the flagship model in FIIO's portable player product line.

The M17 remains an outstanding player, equipped with powerful desktop mode output and features two flagship DAC chips from ESS, four THX 788+ power amplifiers, complete inputs and outputs of 6.3/4.4/3.5/2.5/coaxial/external power ports/2 Type-C ports, and a currently the highest-performance Qualcomm 660 chip.

It boasts a complete range of standard interfaces. We will continue to enhance the M17 in terms of functionality, performance, and user experience, providing top-notch hardware configuration, and making it an undisputed flagship model among Android intelligent portable music players.

However, it's challenging for the M27 to bring about significant innovations or improvements in appearance design, functionality, and performance, as the M17 did.

So, if you need a flagship player with sufficient performance, powerful output power, complete interfaces, and a satisfying experience, the M17 is enough. Especially when it's on sale, the price is quite competitive.

2. M23
We adjusted our product naming rules last year, so you may not be very clear about the positioning of the M23. This model, positioned between the X7-X7II-M11PRO-M11PLUS-M23, is likely the fifth generation and is a mainstay model in our mid-to-high-end portable player lineup.

We plan to launch the M23 in the spring of 2024. There won't be significant differences in appearance compared to the M11 Plus, but there will be some functional upgrades with an appropriate DAC.

3. M21
The M21 is the successor to the M11S, where the “2” in the model represents an upgrade from the first “1” in the M11, and the second “1” indicates the M21 is an entry-level model in FIIO's Android portable player lineup.

The planned release is also in late 2024, and the differences from the M11S will mainly involve changing the DAC and popularizing some existing features (such as the desktop mode).

So, by the end of the year, FIIO's Android portable player product line will consist of M21-M23-M15S-M27.

As for the pure music player that some users have suggested, based on our current research, there is a significant difference in opinions between domestic and foreign users. Especially for foreign users, since most of their audio sources come from streaming apps like TIDAL, SPOTIFY, and Apple Music, before solving the technical problem of pure music players when playing streaming music, we won't consider making it.