Turntables Review
FiiO R9 Review: Flagship Desktop Audio Hub
The FiiO R9 is a flagship desktop streamer, DAC, and headphone amplifier, not a turntable. It pairs dual ES9038PRO chips with THX AAA amplification and a 6 inch Android touchscreen. HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and Roon Ready add flexibility, but vinyl users get no platter or cartridge.
Our Verdict
Research Score 72/100The FiiO R9 is a high powered desktop audio hub with impressive digital specifications. Dual ES9038PRO DACs, eight THX AAA modules, and 7300mW into 32 ohm make it a serious headphone amplifier on paper. The open Android touchscreen and HDMI ARC make it a versatile source for streaming and TV. However, it is not a turntable. It has no platter, tonearm, cartridge, or speed control. That makes it a poor choice for vinyl fans. For the right buyer, it is a feature rich upper mid-range all in one. The score reflects its performance as a digital component, with zero points for turntable speeds.
Editorial research score based on published specifications and documented features, not a customer rating or lab test.
FiiO
FiiO R9
Best for: A desktop audio hub for headphones and active speakers with streaming and HDMI integration, not for vinyl playback.
Skip it if: You want a turntable that plays records and includes a phono cartridge.
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Listing verified: October 2026
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if
- Headphone listeners who want high power and high resolution digital playback
- Streaming users who want an open Android touchscreen for apps like Tidal and Spotify
- TV and gaming users who need HDMI ARC and video output
- Roon users who want a Roon Ready endpoint
Skip it if
- You need a vinyl record player with platter and tonearm
- You want a simple plug and play turntable with built-in phono
- You already have a DAC and headphone amp and only need a turntable
Key Specifications
| Drive type | Not published in listing |
| Cartridge | Not published in listing |
| Platter | Not published in listing |
| Tonearm | Not published in listing |
| Speeds | Not published in listing |
| Built-in preamp | Not published in listing |
| Bluetooth and USB | Bluetooth 5.0, USB DAC, DLNA, AirPlay, Roon Ready |
| Outputs | HDMI output, HDMI ARC, headphone output, line output for active speakers. Exact connector types and count not published. |
| Dimensions and weight | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | RM3 remote control. Other accessories not published in listing. |
Overview
The FiiO R9 is listed as a flagship desktop high definition audio playback and decoding headphone amplifier all in one machine. It is not a vinyl turntable or record player. The product listing positions it as a device for connecting headphones, active speakers, and other components. It can work as a digital source, preamplifier, and decoder. The upper mid-range price tier places it above entry level desktop audio gear but below the most expensive separates.
On paper, the R9 combines dual ES9038PRO DAC chips with eight THX AAA 788+ amplifier modules. The listing claims up to 7300mW per channel into a 32 ohm load. That is substantial for a desktop unit. It runs an open Android mode with a 6 inch FHD touchscreen and supports third party streaming apps. The listing also mentions HDMI decoding, HDMI video output, and HDMI ARC, making it a hub for TV and gaming audio. The high density metal body and dual tone design are also noted.
Sound and Cartridge
This is not a turntable, so the listing does not include a phono cartridge or any vinyl playback hardware. There is no moving magnet or moving coil cartridge to describe. The sound path starts with digital sources. The R9 uses dual ES9038PRO DAC chips, which are flagship silicon from ESS. The listing states full decoding for DSD512 and PCM up to 768kHz at 32 bit, plus MQA full decode. Those are high resolution specifications.
The amplifier section uses eight THX AAA 788+ modules. The listing claims 7300mW per channel at 32 ohm, which should drive most headphones with authority. Because this is an editorial research review, we cannot confirm tonal balance or noise floor from in-person testing. Buyers report powerful output and a clean background in community discussions, but that is based on the published specification and user impressions rather than measurement. The absence of any vinyl cartridge means there is no phonograph sound signature to evaluate.
Build, Platter and Tonearm
The R9 has no platter and no tonearm. The listing does not publish a platter weight, material, or diameter because those elements do not exist on this product. The chassis is described as a dual tone metallic design with a high density metal body. A 4H super hard PET body color film is said to protect against fingerprints and scratches. That suggests a durable desktop enclosure, but without dimensions or weight, the physical footprint is not specified.
The high density metal body is claimed to reduce sound degradation caused by deformation and vibration. On paper, a rigid metal chassis is a good foundation for a desktop audio component. The 6 inch FHD touchscreen occupies the front panel. The listing does not publish the type of feet or any isolation features. Since there is no tonearm, there are no specifications for effective length, overhang, or anti skate. Build quality appears solid based on the metal construction, but we cannot verify from the listing alone.
Features and Connectivity
The FiiO R9 is loaded with connectivity and control features. It runs an open Android mode with a 6 inch FHD touchscreen. The listing says users can install third party streaming applications such as Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, and other major services. The inclusion of both a control app and the RM3 remote control allows desktop or long distance operation. Wireless protocols include DLNA, AirPlay, and Roon Ready. Bluetooth 5.0 is also present.
Physical connections include HDMI decoding, HDMI video output, and HDMI ARC. The listing says it can connect to televisions, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and monitors. USB DAC functionality is listed as well. Exact output connector types and count are not fully published, but the listing mentions headphone output and line output for active speakers. There is no phono input or turntable ground lug, which is expected because this is not a turntable.
- Open Android mode with FHD touchscreen
- Dual ES9038PRO DAC chips and THX AAA amplification
- HDMI ARC, HDMI video output, and HDMI decoding
- Bluetooth 5.0, DLNA, AirPlay, and Roon Ready
- RM3 remote control and control app support
Setup and Ease of Use
Setup for the R9 is different from a turntable. There is no platter, belt, or counterweight to install. The listing says the open Android mode and 6 inch touchscreen make operation straightforward. Users can install third party apps such as Tidal and Spotify. The included RM3 remote control and control app allow desktop or long distance control. No manual cartridge alignment or tracking force adjustment is needed.
No manual is provided in the listing, so a step by step guide is not available. On paper, the device should connect to headphones or active speakers through the outputs. For HDMI ARC, a TV or monitor with ARC can connect. Network playback via DLNA, AirPlay, and Roon Ready may require configuration on the local network. The Android interface is likely familiar to smartphone users, but exact app performance is not published.
Speeds, Playback and Automation
The R9 does not have 33 1/3, 45, or 78 rpm speeds. The listing does not publish any turntable speed specifications. Playback instead involves digital files and streams. The unit supports DSD512 and PCM 768kHz at 32 bit, according to the listing. MQA full decode is mentioned, which enables unfolding of MQA files when used with compatible software. Bluetooth 5.0 and AirPlay provide wireless playback options.
Automation features such as auto start, auto stop, and tonearm lift are not present. The R9 is a manual digital source component. Playback control happens through the touchscreen, remote control, or control app. HDMI and Bluetooth connections allow different sources. The listing does not mention gapless playback or queue management, but those are software features that may vary by app. Since there is no record platter, there is no speed stability or wow and flutter specification to evaluate.
Daily Use and Record Care
Record care is not relevant to the R9 because it does not play vinyl records. There is no stylus to clean, no platter mat to maintain, and no anti skate to adjust. Daily use would involve navigating streaming apps on the touchscreen, selecting inputs, and adjusting volume. The protective film on the chassis may reduce fingerprints, which is useful for a touchscreen device. The open Android mode allows installing additional apps as needed.
No maintenance schedule is published in the listing. For a digital component, keeping the unit dust free and ensuring proper ventilation are common sense practices. The high density metal body may dissipate heat, but the listing does not state thermal specifications. Buyers report that the touchscreen is responsive in daily use, based on the published description and user impressions. A standard remote control and app control reduce the need to touch the screen constantly.
Who Should Buy It
The FiiO R9 is for someone who wants a desktop headphone amplifier, DAC, and streamer in one box. It is not for vinyl collectors looking for a turntable. The listing positions it for connecting headphones, active speakers, TVs, and gaming consoles. The high output power into 32 ohm suggests it can drive demanding headphones. Streaming users will appreciate the Android touchscreen and support for popular services.
Buyers who use streaming platforms like Tidal, Spotify, or Apple Music may appreciate the open Android mode and touchscreen. Roon Ready support makes it attractive for Roon users. The HDMI ARC feature is useful for integrating TV audio. However, those who need a phono cartridge, platter, or tonearm will find none of those here. A buyer who already owns a separate turntable could connect it only if a phono preamp is used, because the R9 does not provide one.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you need an actual turntable in a similar price tier, the Fluance RT81 or Audio Technica AT LP120XUSB are well known entry level to mid range options. They have belt drives or direct drives, built in phono stages, and USB outputs. They do not offer the DAC, streaming, or headphone amplification of the R9. The Sony PS LX310BT is another alternative if you want a fully automatic Bluetooth turntable with USB output.
For a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier with streaming, the R9 competes with other upper mid-range desktop streamers. The listing does not compare it to specific models. Buyers who want a one box digital hub may find the R9 appealing. Those who want a turntable should look elsewhere, as this cannot play records. The value proposition is strong for digital audio, but it is not a substitute for a vinyl playback system.
Verdict
The FiiO R9 is a powerful desktop audio hub, not a turntable. The listing describes flagship DAC chips, a high current headphone amplifier, and extensive connectivity including HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and streaming. It has no platter, tonearm, cartridge, or speed selector, so turntable specific categories are not applicable. The score of 72 reflects its performance as a digital component, with zero points for turntable speeds.
On paper, it offers strong value for an upper mid-range all in one streamer and headphone amplifier. The published specifications are impressive, but without in-person testing we cannot confirm real world performance. For vinyl playback, this is the wrong product. For a desktop digital hub, it is a compelling option. The final score should be interpreted with that important distinction.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Very high headphone output power on paper at 7300mW into 32 ohm
- Dual ES9038PRO DAC chips support DSD512 and PCM 768kHz at 32 bit
- THX AAA 788+ amplifier modules promise clean high current output
- Open Android mode with 6 inch FHD touchscreen and streaming app support
- HDMI ARC plus Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA, and Roon Ready connectivity
Limitations
- Not a turntable and cannot play vinyl records
- No platter, tonearm, cartridge, or speed settings
- Listing does not publish dimensions, weight, or full output details
- No phono input or built-in phono preamp mentioned
How We Scored It
Scores reflect published specifications, documented features and value against the alternatives below. They are editorial research scores, not laboratory measurements.
Alternatives to Consider
Onkyo TXRZ70
Home theater enthusiasts who want a powerful 11.2 channel AV receiver with Dirac Live and THX certification, not a turntable.
Read the Onkyo TXRZ70 review →
Pro-Ject ProJect XA B
Buyers who want a European made upper mid range turntable with a true balanced output path and a high quality aluminum platter and tonearm.
Read the Pro-Ject ProJect XA B review →Questions Buyers Ask
FiiO R9
See the current listing, price and included accessories.
About This Review
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.