This year at the Montreal show, FiiO received a lot of support from new and existing customers from Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24, 2023, located at Hotel Bonaventure, in the Marketplace downstairs. A lot of people came around to see the highly anticipated R7 which is a Desktop Digital Audio Player and Streamer. They liked that it is powerful enough to drive over-ear headphones, able to connect to speakers, have an Ethernet port and an easy-to-use interface. At the show, we paired the R7 with the HEDDphones or the Audeze LCD-XC which was able to provide an idea what type of headphones the R7 can drive. As the R7 is coming out in April 2023, many are looking forward to purchasing it soon!
We also showcased FiiO’s Desktop Headphone DAC/Amp: K7 and K9 Pro ESS, a couple IEM’s: FH9, FH7s, FD3 Pro, FW5, UTWS5, BTR5 & BTR7, and DAP’s: M17, M11 Plus ESS, and M11s.
We felt that last year at the Montreal show, IEMs didn’t get as much attraction, given everyone still needed to wear face masks. However, this year it felt like it was back to normal! Consumers who wanted more bass in the IEM’s gravitated towards the FH7s more, but those who wanted a more balanced sound enjoyed the FH9’s more. The flexibility of the removable plugs and earpiece’s gave consumer’s options to change how they want their music delivered. Consumers also liked the FiiO blue leather case it comes in as it shows off a bit of luxury.
The BTR series has definitely impressed a lot of existing FiiO Users as well as gaining new customers (given the portability and function)! A lot of people can hear more detail in the BTR7 which they enjoyed if they wanted to use it on the go or as a DAC at home. Although, many do confuse it as a portable DAP because they assume it is like an old Ipod Shuffle Gen. 3 or similar style MP3 players.
Unfortunately, we were not able to showcase the Q11, K9, or M15s for demos, but we will definitely have it at the next show for those interested!
Overall, everyone is excited to see FiiO’s upcoming products and the start of a Hifi Desktop experience including the SP3 – speakers and FT3 – over-ear headphones coming out to pair with the R7!
At the FiiO booth, we also showcased the HEDDphone’s which is a German brand who is known for their speakers. A lot of consumers enjoyed the sound from HEDDphones and even thought it was better than the Audeze LCD-XC. Consumers were also surprised at how much it takes to drive the headphones, but felt it definitely delivered a wonderful sound with the AMT driver. Although, the only complaint was that it was very heavy-duty and bulky to wear on a regular basis.
We also had a room for PS Audio & Kimber Kable in Westmount 6. We showcased the new Pearl White Aspen FR20 speakers, along with the new DirectStream DAC MK2, SACD Transport, BHK Preamp, Power Plant 20, and BHK Mono 300’s. They were on Quadraspire’s and hooked up with Kimber Kable’s. Travis, from PS Audio came back again to assist with any questions or inquiries on existing and new products. Lonny and Shane from Kimber Kable flew in from Utah to support their brand and also assist with those who had questions about cables. A lot of people came by the room to listen to the Aspen FR20’s and thoroughly had a great time!
It’s always exciting to come back to Audiofest each year to see what new and upcoming products there is to showcase from different brands. It gives consumers, dealers, and vendors the opportunity to test and listen to what each brand has to offer. Everyone always has an amazing time and walk away knowing what they want next!
Until the next show ~ Cheers 😊