Packaging and Accessories

This is only the second of such larger-but-still-portable DAC/amps I've tested, and yet I already had a preconceived notion in my mind about how large, or not, the product boxes would be. Even FiiO, which is notorious for packing in a lot of accessories, would still have had a reasonably sized box, correct? As it turns out the product box for the FiiO Q7 is larger than that of the K9 Pro ESS flagship desktop source. It took me a few seconds to get around the absolute size of this thing made up of thick cardboard that gets a similar glossy and iridescent banderole over it, matching recent FiiO product releases. On the front is the company logo and product name in addition to a simplified render of the unit, the expected Hi-Res Audio stickers, and some salient marketing features. The back confirms MQA support and the use of THX amplifier tech inside with a FiiO authentication sticker alongside. Some product specs and contact info for the company are also seen here. The sides are adorned by a faux circuit diagram that looks cool, but, really wanting to see what's inside, I began by simply lifting the lid off the box.


The Q7 is seen right away protected by thick foam on the side, with a machined cutout helping you to remove it easily. Then we get to paperwork in the form of some handy tips, a quick start guide, and a warranty card. I recommend going through the former two pieces at least to make the most of the product as there are some neat features here you might otherwise miss out on. The bottom layer is especially large and explains the reason for this massive product box, courtesy not only an accessory box but a fairly unique accessory in itself. The box contains a lot of things to help users in any scenario imaginable including portable use or even plugged-in to AC mains, courtesy a dedicated low noise power supply capable of providing up to 24 W—more than what came with the K5 Pro ESS desktop DAC/amp! I have also the UK version of the power cord itself but this is serious stuff for a portable source. Also provided are four different types of USB input cables in the form of Type-A/Type-C/Lighting connections including short and long cables with the former also having right-angled connectors. This allows for the FiiO Q7 to be used with mobile devices just as easily as desktop PCs. We also get rubber pads that are to be used on the side buttons as per the note, but do try them out as-is first before sticking these on.


Remember how I mentioned the FiiO Q7 is based off the M17 DAP? Soon after the M17 was released, FiiO and customers both realized the set got uncomfortably warm when plugged in and used with the higher gain modes. After all, that's a lot of power being fed to the device and a lot of power being drawn out of it too. FiiO made a cooling stand accessory for the M17 thus which is now included with the Q7 from the get go. This is a metal/silicone stand which you place the Q7 on to improve heat dissipation, courtesy a USB Type-C powered fan with three different fan speeds, as seen above. The stand is well built and extremely stable, but does feel better suited for a player rather than the Q7 which would have been better off with a more horizontal stand/cooler. Either way I am still glad this is included in the box.


Now we get to the Q7 again which comes inside a pre-installed leatherette case that gets a finish akin to brown tanned leather. It feels quite nice in the hands and the stitching quality is also well executed. More importantly, all the cutouts are in the right place to allow full access to the I/O, and we also get button markings too so you don't have to struggle with what buttons are where. The case wraps around and over the back with a hook-and-loop fastener to secure it in place. Branding is subtle, with FiiO on the back of the case directly above where it is also present on the Q7 itself. Note also the sticker in the gap up front that alerts you to the use of ESS and THX hardware inside. This is not glued in place and is easily removed, allowing a closer look at the device.