In the case of moveable and desktop DAC/amps, nobody beats FiiO with respect to high quality for the worth level. So, I’m all the time excited to see what new budget-friendly units the corporate has to supply. The K11 is FiiO’s newest tremendous reasonably priced desktop DAC/amp. How a lot energy does it ship? And the way does the K11 sound?
What’s within the Field?
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Q11
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Energy adapter
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USB A to C cable
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1/4 inch adapter
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Consumer information
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Guarantee card
Construct
The K11 must be essentially the most engaging piece of kit that FiiO has created shortly. Extremely modern and minimalist with a dear look, the K11 appears to be like fairly good-looking on a desktop setup. And whereas not notably heavy, it does have some good weight and solidity because of its aluminum alloy construct. Lastly, contrasting the very understated design is the enjoyable FiiO emblem, which lights up in 6 completely different colours in line with the pattern price of the monitor being performed.
Design
Whereas the system appears to be like easy, it does provide some first rate performance. The amount knob, which feels firmly planted, additionally acts because the management for a wide range of capabilities, comparable to acquire switching, enter modes, and LO/PO modes, which bear in mind the final quantity stage set in a selected mode.
Energy
The K11 has a balanced energy output of 1400mW, packing a ton of vitality underneath the hood. You may just about hook this factor as much as any headphone and it ought to be capable of drive it (inside purpose). For this overview, I paired the K11 with the 250 Ohm Beyerdynamic DT 1770 and I had a powerful quantity of headroom to spare. However it must be famous that with the low acquire swap on, there’s little noise flooring to talk of when taking part in delicate IEMs.
Hello-Res Capabilities
The K11 helps as much as 384kHz/32bit PCM and DSD256. Curiously, there isn’t a MQA assist, which is the one main bummer with respect to the design of this cute system.
Inputs and Outputs
Inputs
- USB-C
- Coaxial in
- Optical in
Outputs
- Line outs
- Coaxial out
- 1/4 inch
- 4.4mm balanced
Sound Impressions
Most notable, the presentation felt actually tight and disciplined. Listening on the Beyerdynamic DT1770, which is already an correct and firmly contained sound, the K11 introduced that further little bit of precision, nearly scaling down the sound components ever so barely and delivering them with better intricacy than I’d usually anticipate from these cans.
The one flaw to the sound signature of the K11 is the delicate harshness that may happen within the greater frequencies. Rihanna’s “Love On The Mind”, for instance, had a grating high quality as quickly she went into the refrain. However aside from this tuning impact, the stability appeared largely untouched by the DAC within the K11.
Whereas the K11 gained’t do an amazing quantity on your imaging, you could discover a barely wider stage with extra accentuated depth and top placement, partly because of the enhanced stage of separation. However for essentially the most half, the improved management and further little bit of emphasis within the treble is what’s going to in all probability be most obvious.
Abstract
As traditional, FiiO is giving you a large number for the worth. The K11 not solely presents a commendable stage of energy, but in addition simply makes your music sound audibly higher. With an intricate, extremely managed supply and extra spacious imaging, the K11 brings simply sufficient character to your headphone’s sound with out manipulating its essence. The one main draw back to the K11 is the shortage of MQA assist. However for those who’re not a Tidal streamer, who cares; for $130, the K11 overdelivers in each different approach.
You should buy the FiiO K11 at Audio 46.
