FiiO X7 AM2 Amplifier Module: First Thoughts

The FiiO X7 is a player I’ve grown to like more the longer I use it, but I still have to say it has one fatal flaw: the stock AM1 amp module is just crippled.

On some tracks the X7 has a spiky, gritty treble, but when I run the X7’s LO output into my car stereo those treble spikes disappear. Think about it long enough and the only explanation is that crippled amp.

Maybe FiiO did it on purpose, but at least they did release the official mid-tier AM2 amp, and swapping modules is easy — all you need is one hex screw.

The amp comes with a generous set of accessories. It’s a tiny module, but they include pretty much everything to match the official stickers, plus spare screws and a rubber protective sleeve for the details.

The module fits nice and tight, no problems there. After inserting it you need to update to the latest X7 firmware for support; fire up the player and the top-left corner now reads AM2.

After swapping in the AM2 I listened for about 3 days, and it wasn’t as mind-blowing as other people made it out to be:

1. The power output is noticeably higher. I didn’t try full-size headphones, but I figure most that aren’t especially insane should be fine.
2. The IM03 and the Phonak FPF 212 finally sound normal — those two probably need a bit of drive.
3. All the treble spikes are gone.
4. Some say a higher-power module kills battery life, but after testing I found no obvious drop.

Thanks to the treble spikes being completely gone, I’d say this module is worth the money.