In this article, we review FiiO’s latest DAC & AMP, the FiiO K11 R2R. It retails for $159 USD.
Disclaimer: The FiiO K11 R2R was provided by FiiO for this review, at no cost. As always, the article reflects my unbiased opinion.
FiiO Company
FiiO is one of the most popular audiophile-oriented companies in the world. Since 2007, they have been designing and manufacturing a wide range of audio products for different price ranges. They have distribution networks all over the world. Today, we will take a closer look at FiiO’s latest addition to their DAC & AMP line-up, the K11 R2R. We have reviewed and awarded a lot of FiiO equipment here at Headfonia over the years, and you can read those reviews here: Headfonia FiiO Reviews.
FiiO K11 R2R Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth
The K11 R2R’s product web page can be found here. It costs $159 USD from FiiO’s official Aliexpress Store. The K11 R2R is FiiO’s first foray into the R2R DAC design, and knowing FiiO, it won’t be their last. It is nice to have a budget R2R DAC/AMP as they tend to be much higher in price compared to regular implementation featuring AKM, ESS or Cirrus Logic DAC chips. Here’s a list of specifications and highlights of the FiiO’s new budget king in the DAC/AMP sphere.
- 24-bit R2R DAC Resistor Array (192 Low-Drift Resistors)
- NJW1195A Volume Control (≈1300mW @32Ω Load)
- x2 TI OPA1642 & x2 SGM8262 OP-AMPs, Beryl Caps
- Non-oversampling & OvAOSDersampling Modes
- USB-C, Optical, Coax, RCA. 4.4mm and 6.35mm I/O Options
- 3 Gain Modes L-M-H
- Compatible with PS5 & Several Console Systems
- Supports firmware update through USB-C
- Native PCM 24bit/384kHz + DSD256 Decoding
- Specifically Designed Low-Noise Power Supply
- Approx. 407g
You can get the Windows drivers using this link. Also, check out the FAQ.
What’s Different?
While the K11 and K11 R2R share similar aesthetics, they differ in a few key areas. The most significant difference lies in their internal circuitry. The K11 uses the CS43198 DAC chip, whereas the K11 R2R features a sign-magnitude R2R DAC. This change results in slight variations in the corresponding circuits.
In terms of on-paper performance, the K11 R2R shows slightly worse THD+N and noise floor levels compared to the delta-sigma-based K11. This is expected, as R2R designs typically measure worse in these areas, but such measurements are not always an accurate reflection of real-world performance. Additionally, there are differences in their software features. The OG. K11, equipped with the CS43198 DAC chip, offers a filter setting function. In contrast, the K11 R2R, with its R2R DAC, does not include this filter function. Instead, it provides Non-Oversampling (NOS) and Oversampling modes, along with a smart idle feature not found in the K11.
Packaging & Accessories
The FiiO K11 R2R comes with a well-designed package almost identical to the K11, carefully arranged with dense foam to protect its contents. Inside the box, the K11 R2R is accompanied by a set of essential accessories.
Accessories include a specially designed external PSU with LDOs for powering the device, a USB-A to USB-C cable for pairing it to a digital source such as a computer, a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter, a quick start guide for easy setup instructions, and a warranty card.
Design & Build Quality
The majority of the design is shared with the K11, with the exception of the new R2R logo on the top of the unit. The FiiO K11 R2R features a sleek and modern design that blends functionality with aesthetics. Its chassis resembles the Apple’s Mac Mini, a widely popular small-form-factor computer. Size-wise, Mac Mini is 30% bigger in footprint, so you can’t exactly stack/align them on top of each other, but still, it really is a compact desktop DAC, so it won’t take much space on your desk. The device’s chassis, available in an Obsidian black or Midnight silver finish similar to non-R2R K11, is constructed from aluminum and feels premium with its anodized surface.
The front panel of the K11 R2R consists of a burn-in-proof monochrome VA screen displaying high brightness and excellent clarity. The playback information can be viewed at any time, displaying info about PCM/DSD, sample rate, gain level, and active output. Right next to the display is a multi-function volume knob that doubles as a versatile interface for menu navigation.
Via this multi-function knob, you can change the output type (LO adjustable, LO fixed, HP output), gain settings (low, medium, high), input options (USB, optical, coaxial), and navigate the settings menu, which includes options like USB version, LCD brightness, standby time, firmware update, factory reset, and firmware version.
K11 R2R has a well-thought-out back panel for the price, housing a variety of inputs and outputs, including USB, optical, and coaxial inputs alongside 4.4mm, 6.35mm, and RCA outputs. This assortment of connections makes K11 R2R ready to pair with a broad array of sources, from consoles (thanks to UAC1) to phones and computers.
There are some practical design choices here as well; thanks to the big and wide silicone anti-slip pad, the device stays firmly in place, while the RGB logo lighting on the top lets you know the sampling rate with a quick glance. The illumination is pleasantly uniform and easy on the eyes.
My overall impression is quite positive; it’s a good device that comes with a competitive price tag, offering a rich set of skills for its price. The build quality is excellent, as expected from FiiO.
The review continues on Page Two, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Page 1: FiiO Company, K11 R2R, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality
Page 2: R2R Architecture, Sound & Performance, vs. K11, Pairings, Last Words
