Bluetooth 6.2, balanced output, and global PEQ

The FiiO BTR25 is a portable Bluetooth receiver, USB DAC, and headphone amplifier for wired headphones and earphones. It pairs Qualcomm’s QCC3095 Bluetooth chip with an ESS ES9069Q DAC and two ES9603Q headphone amplifiers, delivering up to 460mW per channel into 32Ω through its balanced output. Three operating modes accommodate computers, phones, and Bluetooth sources, while global parametric EQ lets you carry your tuning between wired and wireless playback.

Bluetooth connectivity for wired headphones

The QCC3095 supports Bluetooth 6.2, Snapdragon Sound, and codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC, along with LE Audio. Dual 240MHz Kalimba audio DSPs handle Bluetooth audio processing. Codec availability depends on the transmitting device, and lossless operation also depends on connection conditions.

A detachable magnetic clip secures the BTR25 to clothing, keeping its controls accessible while your phone stays in your pocket. Support for simultaneous connection to two phones lets you switch between mobile sources.

Separate conversion and amplification stages

An ESS ES9069Q handles digital-to-analog conversion, with two high-current ES9603Q headphone amplifiers providing the output drive. The fully differential architecture feeds a 3.5mm single-ended output and a 4.4mm balanced output. Balanced power reaches up to 460mW per channel into 32Ω or 570mW per channel into 16Ω.

Output impedance stays below 0.3Ω, helping limit frequency-response changes caused by interaction between the amplifier and an earphone’s impedance curve. That interaction is particularly relevant to multi-driver earphones, whose impedance can vary with frequency. LDO voltage regulation and independently regulated power sections support operation with low-impedance loads.

Three modes with different power arrangements

A three-position switch selects PC, BT, or PHONE mode. PC mode draws power from a computer while operating as a USB DAC and headphone amplifier. BT mode uses the internal battery for wireless playback and allows charging when USB is connected. PHONE mode accepts USB audio from a phone or tablet while using the internal battery to help reduce power drawn from the mobile device.

Both USB modes support PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD256. Gaming mode supports devices such as Switch and PS5, along with USB microphone operation for voice chat.

Parametric EQ across wired and wireless playback

Global 10-band parametric EQ provides control over frequency, gain, and bandwidth through the FiiO Control app or web interface. Those adjustments let you target a specific frequency region, control the size of the adjustment, and determine how broadly it affects neighboring frequencies.

PEQ works with all supported Bluetooth formats and with PCM sample rates up to 384kHz in PC and PHONE modes, allowing headphone-specific adjustments across multiple sources.

A display and physical playback controls

A 1.3-inch (3.3cm) color IPS display shows operating status and playback information, including song information in Bluetooth mode. The aluminum-alloy chassis houses a rotary volume knob, dedicated track buttons, and a mode switch. Pressing the knob provides playback and call controls.

Two volume adjustment curves and a choice of 60 or 120 steps let you change how level adjustments respond. A built-in microphone handles calls, with support for CTIA-compatible inline microphones through the 3.5mm jack. The BTR25 comes in Black, Retro Gold, and Gradient Green.

Battery life and device protection

FiiO’s laboratory testing rates SBC Bluetooth playback at up to 10 hours through the single-ended output or 9 hours through the balanced output. LDAC playback reaches up to 8.5 hours through either output, while PHONE mode reaches up to 11 hours. Charging takes 1.5 hours or less. Actual runtime varies with listening conditions and use.

Temperature monitoring and output DC detection help protect the BTR25 and connected headphones. An adjustable maximum volume provides an output limit, while firmware updates are available through USB or Bluetooth OTA. For vehicle use, car mode allows the unit to power on and off with the vehicle.

Availability

The FiiO BTR25 is available now on Apos.