The FiiO R7 as a streaming DAC in a HiFi set
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A touchscreen is nice, but you don’t want to get up from the sofa every time to select something else. What options do you have?
The proprietary FiiO app should also be controllable with a remote (bluetooth) app from FiiO on the phone, but your reviewer didn’t get it working. He considers himself IT proficient. A manual is missing and even the support section on FiiO’s website provides no clues.
The options left are Airplay, Bluetooth or Roon, or you have to pair a PC with, say, Audirvana over USB and use the Audirvana app.
Streaming services
If you don’t mind a stroll from the couch, installing the Qobuz, Tidal, or any other streaming service app on the R7 is hassle-free via the Google Play store. Operating these apps is the same as on the phone. However, being a stationary device, the controls don’t work as nicely as on a phone that you hold in your hand.
For Spotify users, it might be a bit strange: you have to install the Spotify app on the FiiO, there is no Spotify Connect. For Spotify-using households, this will be a dealbreaker.
For users of less regularly supported music services such as Amazon HD or Deezer, the R7 is a gift. You can install and use these services’ own apps.
Roon
If you want to use the R7 as a regular streaming DAC in a HiFi set, Roon is the most robust option, unless you prefer Airplay. If you are looking for an affordable streaming DAC, then a Roon subscription will probably not be the first thing you think of. Still, this cost is justifiable, because if you are an audio enthusiast using Roon, then the FiiO R7 is a good and affordable option that easily keeps up with more expensive streamers.
I am using the R7 with a Synology NAS running Emby server (https://emby.media/), works flawlessly and the Android app is very easy to use. The Fiio Music App is basically unusable.