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Technical specs
- Type: USB DAC
- Model: FiiO KA11
- Chipset: CS43131
- Op-Amp: SGM8262
- Frequency range: 20Hz – 20 000Hz
- Compatibility: PCM up to 32bit/384kHz – DSD up to DSD256
- SNR: 125dB
- THD (normal): < 0.0006% (32 ohms) / < 0.00038% (300 ohms)
- Output power: 245mW (16 ohms) / 200mW (32 ohms) / 22mW (300 ohms)
- Size: 44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm
- Cable length: 65.5mm
- Weight: 8.5 g
- Socket: USB-C
- Output impedance: < 0.7 ohms
- Price: $29,99
Sound performance
For this review, I chose to pair the FiiO KA11 with the FiiO JH5, the Meze 99 Classics, the Beyerdynamic DT-700 Pro X, and the Hifiman Svanar – the same in-ear/ headphones I used for my KA17 review. If the Hifiman is a bit too higher-end for this DAC, the FiiO is more than adequate and paired quite nicely with the KA11.
As for the source, I kept my MacBook and iPhone, combined with the ddHiFi TC28i and FiiO’s default cables, For the files, I mainly used Apple Music Hi-Res stream and Spotify, as I ended up using the JA11 almost exclusively on the train, or at the office.
Overall signature
So, how does FiiO’s (second) smallest USB dongle fares against the like of Shanling UA1 or the JA11? Very good actually. In fact, despite its entry-level status, the unit still manages to deliver some surprisingly good results.
Power-wise, the FiiO KA11 is vastly more powerful than the JA11, even if not up to the KA13 and KA17 level. Paired with the FiiO FD11 and JH5, the results were compelling, but combined with the Svanar – an awfully hard to drive IEM – the bass remained a bit sup-optimal and imprecise. Fortunately, paired with the 99 Classics and Beyerdynamic, the render was far more impressive and head to head against the JA11, I could immediately feel the difference on the lower-end of the spectrum: better texture, more punch especially when you raise the volume.
When paired with efficient IEMs like the FiiO FD15 or portable headphones like the Meze 99 Classics Neo, the combination delivered a warm and engaging sound with good emphasis on the low-end, making it particularly enjoyable for bass-heavy genres. Despite its modest size, the KA11 managed to complement these headphones very well. With the DT700 Pro-X you get an amazingly potent combo. Same with the Meze which blended amazingly well too, the KA11 reaching the KA13 on many occasion, only falling behind in terms of openness.
The DT700’s clarity and the KA11’s smooth-yet-powerful output getting you the classic FiiO’s sound signature that’s both detailed and pleasing and, for casual listening and on-the-go scenario, this combination is hard to beat, especially at such an affordable price point.
As usual with FiiO’s latest creation, the render remains precise and dynamic, so bad recordings are not welcome, but compared to the KA5, this one appears to be a little less… unforgiving. I previously wrote about the JA11 that “there is a room of improvements here and there”, and the FiiO KA11 just do that – without any real downsize. Wider dynamic overall, better bass control, improved high-mids, and even paired with difficult headphones like the Svanar the result were stunning more than once.
Sure, compared to the KA17 or KA13, the KA11 struggles to provide the necessary power with big cans like the Meze Empyrean, resulting in a lack of dynamic range and weaker bass response. Not surprising given the KA11’s entry-level status and power output, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use it with higher-end or power-hungry headphones. Still, when put in perspective and compared to the stock adapter you usually get or buy with your phone – or even the JA11 – the KA11 remains a definitive upgrade, on every level: better bass, smoother mids, lower distortion…
For its intended use case, the FiiO KA11 excel and for users who need a simple, portable solution for their IEMs or entry/mid level headphones, the compact form factor and low price make it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a budget-friendly DAC/AMP.
Would I take it over the ddHiFi TC35C? Yes, definitely even if the latter offers an even smaller body. Would I take it over the TC35Pro ? That’s more debatable, but FiiO has one advantage: it’s cheaper.
Tonality
Highs: not so thin. High-frequencies extension isn’t perfect, that’s a fact, but it’s not bad either! I’d say that it’s twice better than the JA11, but still 30% worse than the KA1. You can’t go wrong with Cirrus Logic though, and FiiO knows it job very well, proving it once more.
Good test-track: The Look Of love – Dusty Springfield
Mediums: surprisingly acute. As usual with FiiO mids were great, even at low volume Women singers sounded natural and benefitted from the brand’s field expertise, and the same was true for men’s vocal range, that were perfectly reproduced with my headphones.
Good test-track: Plastic Love – Mariya Takeuchi
Bass: very good. Once more, bass was the real feat here, especially if you take account of the limited output power. Layering is good, low-mids are moderately impactful, and if you don’t push it too far, it’s up with many higher priced amp. And best of all: there’s no hiss whatsoever.
Good test-track : Peur des filles – L’impératrice
Noise and power
Noise: nothing noticeable on most headphones and IEM. I only encountered hiss once with my Unique Melody, but on every other IEM I tried I didn’t get any buzz or hiss.
Power: power-wise, you’ll be able to drive almost all IEMs (to the exception of Hifiman) and all some portable headphones, so long that they offer low impedance or high sensitivity. Don’t try to push planar with this for example, you won’t be able to.
Conclusion
Let’s sum up: for less than $30, the FiiO KA11 is a great addition to the brand’s line-up. More than a solid improvement over your basic dongle, it’s a full-fledged DAC/Amp, but dongle-sized. Sure, it’s not groundbreaking, nor is it as good as a solution like the KA13, but for the price, it remains an improvement on every aspect, compared to default options like the infamous Apple’s Dongle and even tackles more expensive options.
Build quality is fantastic, it’s powerful enough to drive most IEMs and portable headphones, sound signature is clean with your typical FiiO’s low-mid magic, and you get some features usually lacking on higher-priced DAC/Amp like an option to switch between UAC 2.0 or UAC 1.0, for maximum compatibility. It misses a microphone output, but apart of that, it’s a win on every level.
Summary
Pros:
- Sleek design and robust casing
- Low power consumption and very good power reserve for the size
- True DAC/amp performances
- Many software options, via app the app (Android only)
- very affordable
Cons:
- nothing really
