FiiO K11 Review

In this article, we review FiiO’s latest all-in-one unit, the FiiO K11. It retails for $129 USD.

Disclaimer: The FiiO K11 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. 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 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth

The K11’s product web page can be found here. It costs $129 USD from FiiO’s official Aliexpress Store. Here’s a list of specifications and highlights of the FiiO’s new budget king in the DAC/AMP sphere.

• Cirrus Logic CS43 Premium DACs
• SGM8262-2*2 Twin Amp Module (≈1400mW @32Ω Load)
• USB-C, Optical, Coax, RCA. 4.4mm and 6.35mm IO Options
• Console Mode *UAC 1 – Driverless Operation
• 3 Gain Modes L-M-H
• Supports firmware upgrade through USB-C 
• 384kHz-32bit/DSD256 Native 16/24/32bit (USB DAC) Decoding
• Approx. 407g

A while ago, we took a closer look at the K9 Pro ESS and were quite impressed with its performance. Today, FiiO has introduced a new product called the K11, positioned as a budget offering of the K series, and in this article, we are taking a closer look at it. 

Packaging and Accessories

The FiiO K11 arrives in a well-designed package, carefully compartmentalized with foam to protect its contents. The attention to detail in packaging ensures the DAC’s safety and adds to the unboxing appeal. Inside the box, the K11 is accompanied by a set of essential accessories. These include a power cable and a power adapter for connecting and powering the device, a USB cable for linking it to a digital source, an 6.35mm jack adapter, a quick start guide for easy setup instructions, and a warranty card.

Design and Build Quality

The FiiO K11 sports a sleek and modern design that marries functionality with aesthetics. Its chassis resembles the Apple Mac Mini computer. The device’s chassis, available in an Obsidian black or Midnight silver finish, is constructed from a sturdy aluminum alloy, giving it both a premium feel and durability. Its compact dimensions ensure that it won’t dominate your desk space.

The front panel of the K11 consists of a custom LCD screen featuring high brightness levels and clarity. It is a monochrome display designed to be always on without suffering from burn-in, ensuring that key playback information remains visible at a glance without compromising the screen’s longevity. Accompanying the display is a multi-function volume knob that doubles as a tactile and intuitive interface for volume control and menu navigation.

Flipping the K11 reveals a well-thought-out back panel for the price, housing a variety of inputs and outputs, including USB, optical, and coaxial, alongside 4.4mm, 6.35mm, and RCA jacks. This assortment of connections makes K11 ready to pair with a broad array of sources, from consoles to phones and computers. The details extend to practical considerations as well; the big and wide silicone anti-slip pad ensures the device stays firmly in place, while the adjustable RGB logo lighting on the top adds a customizable visual appeal or can be configured to provide visual feedback on the audio format being played.

The overall impression is one of a device that has been crafted not just to look good but to withstand the rigors of extensive use. Also, the DAC can be used vertically, which is useful if you have limited available space on your desk.

The review continues on Page Two, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.

Page 1: Intro, FiiO, K11, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality

Page 2: Controls & Features, Sound & Performance, Pairings, Last Words