{"product_id":"fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip","title":"FiiO R9 Flagship Desktop Media Player with Dual ES9038PRO DAC Chip","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe FiiO R9 is a flagship all-in-one digital media streamer that brings a network streamer, DAC, headphone amplifier, digital jukebox and preamplifier together in one desktop unit. Two ESS 8-channel ES9038PRO DACs and an 8-channel THX AAA 788+ amplifier deliver up to 7,300mW per channel; an open Android system on a 6-inch portrait screen runs your streaming apps; and an unusually wide range of inputs and outputs, including HDMI and HDMI ARC, across ten operating modes makes it the centre of a desk or TV system. Its two-tone metal finish is inspired by luxury cars. Its awards include Headfonics Best Wireless Streamer 2023, EHA 2024 Good Design and Technology Innovation awards, and VGP Life Style awards in 2024 and 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-hero.jpg?v=1791336515\" alt=\"FiiO R9 desktop media streamer with its 6-inch screen\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo 8-channel ES9038PRO DACs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiiO has used the ES9038PRO in the M17, Q7, K9 Pro ESS and M15S, and that experience lets it push sound quality further here. The R9 uses two of them, one for each channel. Each chip contains eight independent D\/A converters, connected in parallel for a fully differential output, for precise, clear yet full sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-ess.jpg?v=1791336521\" alt=\"The two ESS ES9038PRO DACs of the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNext-generation THX AAA 788+ amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8-channel THX AAA 788+ headphone amplifier is fed by a high-voltage power supply, with its channels connected in parallel in 2 × 2 groups for a four-way, fully balanced design that greatly enhances transient performance. Comb-shaped heat sinks and an optimised layout dissipate heat efficiently for continuous, stable high-power output: 7,300mW (over 7W) per channel into 32Ω from the balanced outputs, 102% more than the R7, and 1,000mW per channel into 300Ω.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-thx.jpg?v=1791336527\" alt=\"The 8-channel THX AAA 788+ amplifier board of the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA five-stage audio architecture and five gain levels\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe analogue circuit has five carefully crafted stages: I\/V, low-pass filter, gain, pre-amplification and current expansion. Key to it are OPA2211 op-amps, made in a silicon-germanium (SiGe) process for excellent performance. Variable gain and a variable supply voltage give five gain levels (ultra high, super high, high, medium and low, at 0, −3, −9, −15 and −21dB), and three volume curves suit everything from IEMs to hard-to-drive headphones, so you can dial in exactly the volume you want.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAndroid on a 6-inch portrait screen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tall 6-inch (2,160 × 1,080) portrait screen and open Android system make the R9 intuitive to use: install the third-party streaming apps you like, and FiiO has refined the system so you don’t have to worry about app compatibility. Navigate with gestures or two or three buttons, double-tap to wake, and choose a screensaver (analogue clock, performance panel, “space FiiO goat” or digital clock). There is 64GB of storage (about 46GB available), 4GB of RAM and a microSD slot for cards up to 2TB, and firmware updates arrive over the air or from local storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-android.jpg?v=1791336532\" alt=\"The FiiO R9 running Android streaming apps\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA high-end digital core\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree components work together: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, which FiiO has fine-tuned over several years for a silky-smooth experience; a 16-core XMOS XU316 for high-performance, low-latency USB audio up to 768kHz\/32-bit and DSD512; and a Qualcomm QCC5125 for Bluetooth reception. A fourth-generation phase-locked loop FPGA with two low phase noise femtosecond oscillators gives a high-precision, low-jitter unified clock for a purer, more stable signal chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-diagram.jpg?v=1791336538\" alt=\"How the Snapdragon 660, QCC5125, XMOS XU316 and FPGA connect in the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTen operating modes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAndroid:\u003c\/strong\u003e use third-party apps and the major music streaming services.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePure Music:\u003c\/strong\u003e FiiO’s dedicated music mode, for truly immersive listening.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB DAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e connect a computer or phone, up to 768kHz\/32-bit and native DSD512.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBluetooth receiver:\u003c\/strong\u003e LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC and SBC.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirPlay:\u003c\/strong\u003e stream wirelessly from an iPhone, iPad or other Apple device.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoon Ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e certified, for serious Roon users.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoaxial and optical:\u003c\/strong\u003e a high-end decoder for other sources, up to 192kHz\/24-bit (coaxial) and 96kHz\/24-bit (optical).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHDMI IN:\u003c\/strong\u003e audio from games consoles, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes or a computer, up to 192kHz\/24-bit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHDMI ARC:\u003c\/strong\u003e audio returned from a TV or projector.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-desk.jpg?v=1791336543\" alt=\"Choosing an operating mode on the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe R9 also streams over DLNA, plays music from a NAS on your network and plays local files up to 384kHz\/32-bit and native DSD256, with MQA. In the Android, Pure Music, AirPlay and Roon modes it can send audio on through its USB port (up to 768kHz\/32-bit and DSD512) or by Bluetooth 5.0 to wireless headphones with LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC or SBC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHDMI IN, OUT and ARC\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect a computer, games console or Blu-ray player to HDMI IN and a monitor to HDMI OUT: the R9 decodes the sound and passes the picture through, for high-resolution audio with high-definition video and games. HDMI OUT also puts the R9’s own interface on a larger TV or monitor for easier remote control. With HDMI ARC, connect a TV or Blu-ray player and feed active speakers such as FiiO’s \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-sp3-high-fidelity-active-desktop-speakers\"\u003eSP3\u003c\/a\u003e from the RCA or XLR outputs for high-quality TV sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-hdmi.jpg?v=1791336549\" alt=\"FiiO R9 connected by HDMI to a games console and monitor\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-arc.jpg?v=1791336555\" alt=\"FiiO R9 under a TV with active speakers, using HDMI ARC\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEvery connection you need\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the front are 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm headphone outputs. On the back are RCA (2.4Vrms) and 3-pin XLR balanced (4.8Vrms) line outputs, coaxial and optical inputs and outputs, HDMI IN and HDMI OUT\/ARC, Ethernet, a USB-A host port, a USB-C (USB 3.0) port and a microSD slot. As a preamp, it can feed several amplifiers or active speakers at once; as a digital jukebox, its coaxial (up to 384kHz\/24-bit and DSD128), optical and USB outputs feed an external DAC. The USB ports also take hubs, portable drives, external decoders and keyboards, supplying up to 1.5A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/FIIOR9-TITANIUM_1000x463_b63d5199-8627-4dd3-bd8a-3f7903e4fed9.jpg?v=1767196037\" alt=\"FiiO R9 front and rear panels\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne knob chooses the output: PO+PRE OUT (the default) for the headphone outputs and the rear line outputs together, PO for headphones only, PRE OUT for a volume-controlled feed from the rear, or LO for a fixed-level feed to an amplifier with its own volume control. Switch from headphones to speakers with a twist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-knob.jpg?v=1791336558\" alt=\"The output selector knob of the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFine-tune the sound\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe audio settings include a 10-band dynamic EQ (±12dB) with eight presets and custom curves, three DAC filters, All to DSD (which converts all PCM to DSD, also for third-party apps), a second-harmonic setting (levels 0, 1 and 2) that simulates the even-order distortion of valve amplifiers, channel balance in 0.5dB steps (up to 20 steps each way) and a choice of Bluetooth transmit codec and volume mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCareful power supply design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA new 40W low-noise, high-efficiency, long-lasting industrial-grade power supply is built in, able to operate from −40°C to 85°C and rated for 500,000 hours. A rear switch selects an external 15V DC supply (at least 3A) instead, such as FiiO’s \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-pl50-low-noise-regulated-power-supply\"\u003ePL50\u003c\/a\u003e linear supply, for an even purer, blacker background. A ground switch, which connects or separates the circuit board and the case, can reduce ground-loop interference. The digital and analogue circuits have separate supplies, and the analogue circuit has a finely divided, multi-stage supply for the DAC, low-pass filter, pre-stage and amplifier, each with many precision LDOs for clean, stable power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeparate boards and industry-leading parts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe power supply, digital section, DAC and headphone amplifier sit on separate boards, and metal shields fully isolate the DAC and THX amplifier sections, so the signal stays accurate, clean and dynamic. Twelve wide-temperature, low-loss metallised film capacitors and 70 high-precision, low-noise film resistors keep the sound stable in hot or cold rooms; ELNA electrolytic capacitors improve the soundstage; five sets of silver-plated oxygen-free copper wires connect the boards; and gold-plated, tulip-shaped Neutrik connectors resist oxidation and wear. Side honeycomb vents and a rear grille keep it cool, and overheating, over-voltage and DC protection safeguard the R9 and your headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-exploded.jpg?v=1791336564\" alt=\"Exploded view of the separate boards inside the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-parts.jpg?v=1791336570\" alt=\"Shielded boards and Neutrik connectors inside the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLuxury-car styling and lighting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two-tone metallic finish is inspired by luxury cars. A body-coloured 4H PET layer protects it from fingerprints and scratches, and the high-density metal body is robust and stable, reducing vibration that could degrade the sound. A dynamic light bar and RGB rings around the knobs can be set to custom effects, and their colours also show the Bluetooth codec or the sample rate (blue for lossy, cyan for SQ, yellow for hi-res, green for DSD and magenta for MQA). Two included stands set different viewing angles, and dust plugs protect unused sockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip-photo-stands.jpg?v=1791336575\" alt=\"The two stands and dust plugs of the FiiO R9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/FIIOR9-TITANIUM_1000x567_62636b43-1a3e-4b11-b40d-165538799ab3.jpg?v=1767196040\" alt=\"FiiO R9 on a desk with its screen and lighting on\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMany ways to control it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included RM3 Bluetooth remote controls playback from a distance with buttons and gestures, even for complex operations. From your phone, FiiO Link in the FiiO Music app selects the mode, adjusts the volume and chooses tracks, over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth from Android or over Wi-Fi from an iPhone, and third-party apps can control it too. FiiO’s \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-kb1k-mechanical-keyboard\"\u003eKB1K\u003c\/a\u003e adds play, pause and track controls on your desk. Dual-band 2.4GHz\/5GHz Wi-Fi and a 100Mbps Ethernet port keep it connected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDAC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 × ESS ES9038PRO (8-channel) · XMOS XU316 USB · 4th-gen PLL FPGA + 2 femtosecond oscillators\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAmplifier\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-channel THX AAA 788+, fully balanced · OPA2211 · 5 gain levels · 3 volume curves\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBalanced output (4.4mm, XLR4)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7,300mW @ 32Ω · 3,500mW @ 16Ω · 1,000mW @ 300Ω per channel (ultra-high gain, THD+N \u0026lt;1%) · SNR ≥126dB · noise floor \u0026lt;7µV · THD+N \u0026lt;0.0002% · crosstalk ≥117dB · \u0026lt;0.6Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e6.35mm output\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2,100mW @ 32Ω · 3,500mW @ 16Ω · 245mW @ 300Ω per channel (ultra-high gain, THD+N \u0026lt;1%) · SNR ≥126dB · noise floor \u0026lt;4µV · THD+N \u0026lt;0.00025% · crosstalk ≥77dB · \u0026lt;0.4Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLine outputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA 2.4Vrms (SNR ≥124.7dB) · XLR 4.8Vrms (SNR ≥128dB, THD+N \u0026lt;0.00024%) · 20Hz–20kHz (\u0026lt;0.04dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB-C DAC 768kHz\/32-bit, DSD512 · coaxial 192kHz\/24-bit · optical 96kHz\/24-bit · HDMI IN 192kHz\/24-bit · HDMI ARC · Bluetooth 5.1 receive · Wi-Fi · Ethernet · microSD · USB host\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDigital outputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoaxial 384kHz\/24-bit, DSD128 · optical · USB audio 768kHz\/32-bit, DSD512 · HDMI OUT · Bluetooth 5.0 transmit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSystem\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAndroid · Snapdragon 660 · 4GB RAM · 64GB (about 46GB available) · microSD up to 2TB · 6-inch 2,160 × 1,080\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNetwork\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.4\/5GHz Wi-Fi · 100Mbps Ethernet · DLNA, AirPlay, Roon Ready, NAS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in 40W supply, AC 100–240V · or DC 15V ≥3A · AC\/DC and ground switches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize and weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 115 × 127 × 160mm · about 2,271g · black and silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe coaxial and optical outputs are switched off by default; turn them on in the audio settings. They are not available in the HDMI modes, and USB audio and Bluetooth output work only in the Android, Pure Music, AirPlay and Roon modes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhich headphone output to use? The balanced outputs give far more power (7,300mW against 2,100mW into 32Ω).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: R9, AC power cord, RM3 Bluetooth remote and tips card, slanted and flat bases with silicone pads, USB cable, headphone adapter, spare fuse, dust cover plug, cleaning cloth, microSD card holder and screen films (fitted), quick start guide and warranty card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/FIIOR9-TITANIUM_1000x672_628e61ec-bd45-4c58-967b-63ec89a46627.jpg?v=1767196047\" alt=\"FiiO R9 next to a desktop speaker\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FiiO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57117138157955,"sku":"FIIOR9-TITANIUM","price":1449.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/img_proxy_681e8c1f-5aa1-414b-b2f1-a3c1c3d2c783.jpg?v=1767196068","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/fiio-r9-flagship-desktop-media-player-with-dual-es9038pro-dac-chip","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}