FiiO K11 Balanced DAC/AMP
FiiO K11 Balanced DAC/AMP
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Prelude:
FiiO is one of those brands that never sleeps, literally, because they constantly release better and better equipment, not only those from the budget intended for the premium segment, but also many much cheaper items. One of the newest and at the same time very reasonably priced items is a small headphone amplifier with a built-in DAC circuit for USD 129. There wouldn’t be anything special about it if it weren’t for the fact that it is a fully balanced unit with a line output. So I invite you to read.
Unboxing and use:
Unpacking the device itself is a pleasant process because in a nice cardboard box we will find an adapter from a large jack to 3.5 mm, a USB cable, a good quality switching power supply and our device. Two colors are available, black and white. I received the black variant, which is matte and picks up fingerprints moderately. On the front there is an LCD display and a volume knob, which is also a switch and a control button for our device. In addition, there is, of course, a large jack output and a balanced 4.4mm output. The device is really small and is covered with a rubber pad at the bottom, which ensures a secure position of the device. At the top there is an illuminated FiiO logo and on the back we have a USB C input, coaxial input and output, optical input and RCA line output. I must admit that this is a pretty solid set of inputs and outputs. It is true that I lacked an input to connect my DAC, but in this price range and with such a small device, I completely understand that some compromises are inevitable. So I don’t see it as a disadvantage, but only as a personal preference. In general, the layout and arrangement of sockets are very well thought out, which makes the k11 comfortable to use because it is a completely functional all-in-one device
Functions:
It is worth noting that when it comes to functionality, Fiio has always represented a very high level. In fact, this has been happening from the very beginning of the company’s operation. If any function is available, you will find it in Fiio. So in k11 we have six types of functional and sound-changing digital filters, full backlight adjustment, and the ability to update the software. However, that’s not all. Using the volume knob, we can quickly switch between the line and headphone outputs. The former always functions as a preamplifier with a separate volume control. The headphone output has three independent gain levels and a 99-step volume control. Each gain stage has separate graphs and a slightly different sound signature. The only thing we don’t have here is a line input, but on the other hand, at this price it would be a crime to add so many functionalities, although I think it’s more a matter of the small size of the device and lack of space on the housing, rather than cutting costs.
Sound:
Bass: In general, the entire lower band is kept close to linearity and neutrality, with a tint towards minimal warming, however, allowing us to enjoy listening. The bass is clear and not dominant. K11 is a very detailed and balanced position, which translates into great control of the lower bands. All in all, you can clearly feel the character of the DAC chip used here. It is worth adding here that the purity of the sound is absolutely amazing and we have a completely black background. The bass, although neutral, attracts attention and is revealed when required and necessary. At the same time, in songs that do not need it, it perfectly gives space to other sounds. The bass itself, despite its neutrality, can go low and this is a great compromise between musicality and analyticality. I’m glad that Fiio decided on this tuning, because it is very pleasant to listen to.
Midrange: The midrange faithfully follows the linear and even tuning of the K11 signature. The vocals are very clear and transparent, they are not lifeless, but I wouldn’t call them overly colored. This midrange delights with the amount of detail and information, the span of the stage is very interesting due to the great 3D plane. The plan is not overly broken down into boli, instead it naturally breaks down all sounds into prime factors. At the same time, for USD 129, it is probably one of the best resolutions I have seen in equipment of this class. The positioning and separation of instruments are at a very good level. Of course, vocals are not as engaging as R2R-based structures. However, in technical and analytical terms, it is a huge qualitative leap. What I mean here is sacrificing candy warmth to analyze the music and admire its technical layer. Of course, this is not an exaggeration, and the Fiio K11 still plays lively, retaining all musical features.
Treble: What I noticed most compared to other Fiio products that I remember is a significant softening of the treble, we no longer have U-shaped tuning. The treble fits smoothly and linearly into the rhythm of our favorite music. K11 is a device tuned closer to the reference than the budget we will have to pay for this device could indicate. The upper bands are full of information and reproduce strings and other instruments very naturally. I think using cirrus bones is a very good step. Personally, I like them very much and their influence can be clearly heard in the music. In fact, the K11 is one of the most neutral devices I have ever encountered, thanks to which it perfectly captures the natural sound of the connected headphones.
Comparisons:
FiiO K11 ($129) VS EarMen st-amp ($199)
First of all, ST-AMP has a few additional functions that affect functionality, it has both a single and balanced line input. However, K11 is much smaller and takes up less space on the burek. It’s worth noting here that the st-amp is a bit brighter and more entertaining. K11 has a more linear, balanced sound. ST-AMP is one of my favorite amplifiers, but if I were looking for analysis and references, I would go towards the k11. Thanks to the gain control, the K11 copes slightly better with very effective headphones.
FiiO K11 (129USD) VS xDuoo ta01b (170USD)
XDuoo ta-01b is an excellent DAC/AMP based on cirrus chips, and with a hybrid amplifier design in class A. The benefits and natural warmth of the tube in the TA01B is something that I personally love, but the K11 is a more universal device with tuning that is technically I think it’s very good.
FiiO K11 (129USD) VS xDuoo xd05plus (269USD)
FiiO K11 is a stationary device, while xd05plus is quite mobile. The XD05Plus also has a few more features. However, its sound is warmer and more entertaining. After balancing, Fiio has a larger stage and greater control thanks to not only more power but also three gain levels. However, xDuoo XD05plus has irreplaceable mobility and this significantly increases its functionality. So I consider both devices to be very good and worth attention.
Summary:
Fiio surprised me once again. Not only did they create a very budget-priced unit with incredible build quality, but they also armed it with the latest technology. Great linear and natural/neutral tuning is another argument for the k11. The line output with volume control is perfect for active speakers or devices with an AUX input. In fact, when it comes to sound, the DAC/AMP is very well tuned between musicality and analysis, which allows it to be used for reference listening as well as for everyday listening. Compared to the competition with a total value up to PLN 1,000, it is difficult to find a clear rival for the K11. Not only because of the sound itself, which I personally like very much, but above all because of the multitude of functions. What I miss in the k11 is definitely the Bluetooth function, fortunately we have an optical and coaxial input, so it’s not that big of a problem, and AUX inputs. However, these are marginal comments and I would actually prefer a device that sounds great without unnecessary gadgets than a device that does everything without good sound. The K11 is a great little desktop device that comes with its own power supply and a surprising amount of clean power. I consider the K11 to be a very versatile device with a beautiful tone and excellent functionality, which is why I highly recommend it to all music fans. Regardless of the level of advancement in the musical hobby, I think that everyone will find something interesting and suitable for themselves in k11.