Technology and Features
The FiiO BR13 is a multi-purpose, all-in-one desktop device designed to cut the cord from your favorite devices and bring wireless connectivity to traditional sound systems. It is based on the Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth platform, ensuring a stable, high-quality wireless connection. The BR13 is a receiver only and cannot transmit like the BTA30 Pro, which we previously reviewed and awarded. Think of the BR13 as a budget alternative to the BTA30Pro. It’s designed for an effortless listening experience, allowing you to control your audio setup wirelessly and freeing you from the constraints of cables. Note that it is not a transceiver; it is a receiver only.
It supports an impressive range of seven high-definition Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, for superior audio quality over Bluetooth. Versatility extends to its outputs; the BR13 offers both digital and analog options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. It can be used as a USB DAC and supports UAC 1.0, so you can use it as a DAC with anything from full-size consoles to handheld gaming devices to TVs. Including Bluetooth/USB/SPDIF in a single unit allows seamless integration into various audio setups. The unit’s audio architecture is also modest, using older generation ES9018K2M DAC and TPA1882 op-amp that work together to deliver good performance, especially for the price. The BR13 also digitally upsamples any rate to 96kHz/24-bit. This is configurable via the app.
The unit features a custom LCD screen designed to be high contrast and durable, providing at-a-glance information without the risk of OLED burn-in. Control is also versatile, with the option to use physical buttons or a companion app, offering ease of use, whatever your preference.
For audiophiles who like to fine-tune their sound, the BR13 has seven presets for different music genres and a fully customizable parametric EQ in the app.
FiiO Control App
The BR13 is integrated with the FiiO Control app and is available for download on iOS and Android platforms. One standout feature is the support for over-the-air updates, allowing wireless firmware upgrades. FiiO has a strong track record of providing regular support and hot-fixes. The app offers a variety of customizable options, and here’s a quick list of options available within the app. You can control digital upsampling, set it to auto upsample or match whatever the source device is playing (up to 24-96), control channel balance, control the device’s volume, set LCD power off timer, and select Bluetooth codec priority. As for the EQ, FiiO will launch an update this week for the FiiO Control App that enables the EQ section. If you can’t wait, you can push the EQ button on the front panel and select from there.
Performance
I spent a week testing the BR13 using my Focal active reference speakers and budget bookshelves from Edifier. Firstly, I must note that the BR13 is a budget device, and I generally wouldn’t recommend pairing it with Focal speakers worth 1000€, but I proceeded with this setup regardless. Here’s what I discovered:
When paired with the Edifier R1280T active multimedia speakers, I couldn’t really discern a difference between the BR13 and the BTA30 Pro. However, when tested with the Focal speakers, some differences became apparent. The BR13 offers a clean, inoffensive, and colorless signature, delivering on its promise to liberate you from cables. Words like neutral, flat, and clean spring to mind when describing the sound signature of the BR13. In my view, FiiO has done an excellent job with this unit. It doesn’t manipulate or color the sound of the gear, faithfully reflecting the speaker’s signature.
There’s no coloration, no particular band elevation, nor artificially wide or deep staging. The device avoids overdoing anything. The background remains silent and clean. As for its bigger brother, the now costing $119 USD BTA 30 Pro features a nice, pleasant signature that becomes apparent when using Focal’s monitors. The BTA30 Pro is a superior device in terms of audio performance, but it doubles the cost.
I see little point in pairing the BR13 with a desktop amplifier, so I haven’t tested that setup. To me, the most logical use for the BR13 is as a solution for enhancing your gaming console’s audio or blessing your budget speakers with Bluetooth goodness. It also works well paired with a television, connected to active multimedia speakers, or double-sided taped into the back of an active budget bookshelf speaker, granting it with LDAC capability. I wouldn’t recommend using it as a wired USB DAC. My advice? Embrace the wireless freedom.
Last Words
In conclusion, the FiiO BR13 Bluetooth Receiver stands as an impressive offering in the wireless audio market, especially considering its $59 price tag. This compact device packs a significant punch with its professional HiFi architecture and support for high-resolution codecs, bringing a high-quality audio experience to budget-conscious audiophiles. With features like dual connection support and a low-latency mode, it caters to both casual listeners and gaming enthusiasts.
While it may not be suited for high-end systems, it’s a perfect match for multimedia setups and offers a significant upgrade to traditional wired connections. FiiO’s continuous updates and reliable app support only add to the BR13’s value, making it a practical and future-proof choice for wireless audio solutions.
Pros
+ Clean sound
+ Excellent codec support and stability
+ Great feature-set
+ Pricing
Cons
– None at this price
Page 1: Intro, FiiO, BR13, Packaging, Design & Build Quality,
Page 2: Technology & Features, App Support, Performance, Last Words
