A great review. I finally got my hands on a Brennan B2 a month ago and needed something to give better headphone sound than the dual function jack socket. After checking out other DACs, I decided to try out the FiiO and I’m really impressed. I’ve connected it using an optical cable, and my headphones of choice are Bowers and Wilkins P7s. As you say, you get an honest representation of each album without any colourisation. Be prepared though to find that some albums might not have the punch that you thought that they had when listening through older equipment. This DAC is brutally honest. Great value for money over here in the U.K.
Audeze LCD-5 Sennheiser HD660S2 Hifiman Ananda Aune AR5000 MrSpeakers Ether C The harder stuff like Hifiman Sundara, Arya Stealth, Audeze LCD-2 Closed, Moondrop Para and Fiio FT5 were adequate but sounded better on more powerful amplifiers
I am using Fiio k11, it really handles DSD 128 bit like fluid, no colouring or artificial timbre. Using it with beyer Dt 880 ed 30 ohm & akg k275 works great
using with some dt880 pros sounds great on gaming or music was suprised it pushed these headphones so well. Sounds as good as the schiit stack on my other computer. Took me a minute to figure the push button control (I am a bit slow Ha Ha)@@TheHonestAudiophile
I use a Q15 at my work desk. Are you planning on reviewing the Q15? The way you described the K11, seems like it is a little like the Q15 in sound presentation just more refined. Great review BTW!
In the start-up guide provided in the box. 1. minimum-phase fast roll-off 2. fast roll-off, phase-compensated 3. minimum phase dlow roll-off 4. slow roll-off, phase compensated 5. wideband flatness 6. non over-sampling
Is the K11 designed to drive headphones such as the 250 Ohm 770 Pro and the 300 Ohm 660S2? I currently have both these headphones hooked up to an Atom Amp+ and not satisfied with the max loudness I can get out of the headphones with this amp. I'm looking for just a little louder then what I can get from the Atom Amp+. Thanks for the feedback.
Hi there Dave! Great review as always. How do you think it holds up in terms of sound quality against the more expensive FiiO offerings like the K7? Thanks.
Been a while since I heard K7. If memory serves me correctly, the K7 is warmer, has better details and resolution. The K11 has the more analytical tuning and the K7 is more musical.
I wouldn't say it's superior just different and more capable in technical abilities. The K7 is a warmer more musical presentation whereas the K11 is more neutral and analytical. The K7 has a little better detail retrieval and resolution. The K7 has more output power and Bluetooth if that's what you need or seek. Personally I like the presentation of the K11 more and the slightly less technical abilities aren't a major issue for me.
Dumb question, but will K11 be sufficient enough with mine DT770Pro (250 ohm)? Or should I find something better? if so, can you recommend something in 200$ range (im not a picky one, but if K11 is good enough Im fine with that also)
Hello, I am very new to the audio world,especially in respects to IEMS. Would you recomend a IEM under or around $150? I liked the Kinera Celest Phoneixcall(on the internet offcourse) and watched your review. But $130 dollars is a lot of money(for me atleast),I wanted to get some recomendations. Thanks.
Here are a couple of recommends in and around the $150 price range. Moondrop Kato LetShuoer Galileo Ziigaat Cinno Now keep in mind none of them will have the bass of the Kinera PhoenixCall that you were looking for.
Here is a list of the filters that Fiio offers: 1) Minimum phase fast roll-off filter 2) Fast roll-off, Phase-compensated filter 3) Minimum phase slow roll-off filter 4) Slow roll-off, Phase-compensated filter 5) Wideband flatness filter 6) Non over-sampling filter I preferred #6.
Aune X1s GT has more power for sure and can drive some more of the harder to drive headphones that the K11 struggles with. The Aune has a warmer, musical presentation. I've not heard the X1s 10th anniversary.
Hey, i have a Schiit Hel 2, do you think the K11 would be any kind of "upgrade" to me? just trying to see if it does have any Upgrade interms of the sound performance wise.
I have Schiit Hel 2 and just recently bought the K11. They both are kind of the same in term of sound. The K11 is newer and has lcd screen while the Hel 2 has just a big volume knob on top. The reason why I picked the K11 is the 4.4mm jack, which the Hel 2 doesn't have.
How do you compare this to the new schiit magni unity. I really wanted a dac/amp all in one unit to clean up the desk. I think the magni unity, though no balanced out, but on paper has plenty power to drive most things I have (Sundara hd490 pro, hd6xx, some simgot iems). I do like the aesthetics and the screen on the k11 better and it’s cheaper price though.
i'm 62 , not a golden eared audiophile , with tinitus . would this do all i need with my TYGR 300R headphones ? watching movies from the 65 hisense and of course youtube and music . thanks , jeff .
@@cujoo111 thanks! I think the HE400SE is a bit harder to drive than the Sundara and XS, but I'm not 100% sure. I would like to add some eq to the HE400SE too so that would require even more power as far as I understand.
I almost want to pick this over the K7 due to the annoying volume knob on it. But I know the K7 tests better and has much more power. I just hope the K7's volume control is not that annoying in person I find myself adjusting volume a lot.
What is you suggesting at this price range! While i heard that k11 is not tht perfect! What about k3 ? Or any other suggestions I have dt990 32ohm and 700 x pro
Sorry haven't heard the K3. I think the K11 is fantastic value and is an excellent DAC/amp in the price range. Both the DT990 and 700x should pair well with it. But I've not heard those pairings.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I will check the box when I reach back home, I think I have 2 cables and a 3.5mm adapter, maybe the other cable in the box is 4.4mm
Zen V2 has more output power. Sound wise the Zen V2 is warmer, has a more laid-back presentation, similar details and resolution. The K11 is more analytical and neutral. Keep in mind I haven't heard the Zen V2 since I reviewed it and am going off memory.
@@TheHonestAudiophileI allow myself to correct you as the ifi zen dac v2 is actually much less powerful than the k11. In fact the zen dac v2 delivers 330mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 230mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL) while the k11 delivers 1400mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 520mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL)
Love my FiiO BTA30Pro ($125), which I have used on my desktop for the better part of three years. Source is usually my PC. The BTA30Pro supports TX, RX, and DAC modes. On my desktop it is connected to my Hitachi receiver (SR-503L) and Marantz EQ-20. Sometimes, I run it in TX mode with LDAC output to SONY WH1000XM3's or AptX to bluetooth earhooks (KXAZ09Pro's w/ S12's or MP-145's). Else, in DAC mode to the Hitachi...output to bookshelf speakers or HiFiman open back planars.
hi, great content btw, i have a little question tho, dosent iem's usually have low impedence and they dont need any dac/amps to run ? why would you buy something that costs 130 dollars to run them
Not all IEM have low impedance. And just because something has low impedance doesn't mean it won't sound better on a higher powered source. Some people like to listen to IEM at a desk with an external device instead of using a dongle or straight from phone, tablet, laptop.
@@TheHonestAudiophile i see, i have a truthear nova and idk if i should buy a dac/amp like the fioo k11 and change the cable to a better one. Would that improve the sound on this particular iem knowing that i usually plug into into my desktop and it is fairly loud already
Without knowing how your laptop sound card performs, I don't know much about them at all. The K11 can/could improve the performance of the Nova. I find that the K11 helps bring out performance of IEM that I review even when comparing them to USB dongles.
The balance 4.4mm HP output is weak for a HD600. It'll get it loud but doesn't bring out the sonic abilities as it is only 250mw at 300ohm. I recommend connecting an external amplifier for headphones that are harder to drive like the HD600.
@macs0544 Id recommend getting an external amp that has enough power to drive the HD600 and use the K11 as the DAC. BUT if you want an all in one that has enough power for the HD600 the iFi Zen DAC V2 is a decent option at a slightly higher price. Sadly I've not come across an all n one that has enough power in the 200 price range.
Schiit released their new Magni Unity (Amp + internal DAC) a month ago. It goes below the $200 price mark. According their official specifications it has an output power of: -Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 415mW RMS per channel
K5 Pro has similar output power at 1.5w 32ohm. K11 does offer more in regards to the DAC functionality. I've not heard the K5 Pro so can't compare sonics though.
I love Fiio sources and happy to see such a versatile device at a good price.
A great review. I finally got my hands on a Brennan B2 a month ago and needed something to give better headphone sound than the dual function jack socket. After checking out other DACs, I decided to try out the FiiO and I’m really impressed. I’ve connected it using an optical cable, and my headphones of choice are Bowers and Wilkins P7s. As you say, you get an honest representation of each album without any colourisation. Be prepared though to find that some albums might not have the punch that you thought that they had when listening through older equipment. This DAC is brutally honest. Great value for money over here in the U.K.
Awesome 👍 Thanks for the impressions. Glad you enjoy the Fiio K11.
Saw in their 2024 roadmap they’re planning an R2R version of this, which will be super interesting if the price doesn’t skyrocket.
R2r will be a lot costlier
Awesome 👍 R2R or MultiBit or ladder configuration will add some cost more than likely. Very interesting information. Thanks 👍
Cheers!
Thanks for the review. Which balanced headphones with a 4.4mm connector did you use to test the 4.4mm audio jack with?
Audeze LCD-5
Sennheiser HD660S2
Hifiman Ananda
Aune AR5000
MrSpeakers Ether C
The harder stuff like Hifiman Sundara, Arya Stealth, Audeze LCD-2 Closed, Moondrop Para and Fiio FT5 were adequate but sounded better on more powerful amplifiers
I am using Fiio k11, it really handles DSD 128 bit like fluid, no colouring or artificial timbre. Using it with beyer Dt 880 ed 30 ohm & akg k275 works great
Yep just ordered one of these got a deal for 100 dollars thanks for the video info appreciate your time and info
Awesomeness. I look forward to hearing your impressions of the K11.
using with some dt880 pros sounds great on gaming or music was suprised it pushed these headphones so well. Sounds as good as the schiit stack on my other computer. Took me a minute to figure the push button control (I am a bit slow Ha Ha)@@TheHonestAudiophile
I use a Q15 at my work desk. Are you planning on reviewing the Q15? The way you described the K11, seems like it is a little like the Q15 in sound presentation just more refined. Great review BTW!
Q15 review coming soon.
is there any guide to the digital filter options for Fiio K11 ? Don't know which filter does what, needed some guidance.
In the start-up guide provided in the box.
1. minimum-phase fast roll-off
2. fast roll-off, phase-compensated
3. minimum phase dlow roll-off
4. slow roll-off, phase compensated
5. wideband flatness
6. non over-sampling
Is the K11 designed to drive headphones such as the 250 Ohm 770 Pro and the 300 Ohm 660S2? I currently have both these headphones hooked up to an Atom Amp+ and not satisfied with the max loudness I can get out of the headphones with this amp. I'm looking for just a little louder then what I can get from the Atom Amp+. Thanks for the feedback.
It'll get them to volume but may not bring out full potential as K11 struggles with headphones I tested at/near 300ohm.
Hi there Dave! Great review as always. How do you think it holds up in terms of sound quality against the more expensive FiiO offerings like the K7? Thanks.
Been a while since I heard K7. If memory serves me correctly, the K7 is warmer, has better details and resolution. The K11 has the more analytical tuning and the K7 is more musical.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Very interesting. Thanks for the reply!
@JOJOSSTAR1 my pleasure, you're welcome
@@TheHonestAudiophile Hi Dave, do you think the superior sound performance of the k7 (which you described) is worth the $90 difference?
I wouldn't say it's superior just different and more capable in technical abilities.
The K7 is a warmer more musical presentation whereas the K11 is more neutral and analytical. The K7 has a little better detail retrieval and resolution. The K7 has more output power and Bluetooth if that's what you need or seek. Personally I like the presentation of the K11 more and the slightly less technical abilities aren't a major issue for me.
Dumb question, but will K11 be sufficient enough with mine DT770Pro (250 ohm)? Or should I find something better? if so, can you recommend something in 200$ range (im not a picky one, but if K11 is good enough Im fine with that also)
It'll get them to volume but may not bring out full potential as K11 struggles with headphones I tested at 300ohm.
Hello,
I am very new to the audio world,especially in respects to IEMS.
Would you recomend a IEM under or around $150?
I liked the Kinera Celest Phoneixcall(on the internet offcourse) and watched your review.
But $130 dollars is a lot of money(for me atleast),I wanted to get some recomendations.
Thanks.
Here are a couple of recommends in and around the $150 price range.
Moondrop Kato
LetShuoer Galileo
Ziigaat Cinno
Now keep in mind none of them will have the bass of the Kinera PhoenixCall that you were looking for.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you so much!
@konstantinFPS my pleasure, you're welcome
Great choice...power sound.
Great Review. Which filter type do you use on the k11?
Here is a list of the filters that Fiio offers:
1) Minimum phase fast roll-off filter
2) Fast roll-off, Phase-compensated filter
3) Minimum phase slow roll-off filter
4) Slow roll-off, Phase-compensated filter
5) Wideband flatness filter
6) Non over-sampling filter
I preferred #6.
Dave does k11 will be upgrade over aune x1s 10th anniversary (200mw at 300Ohm)?
Aune X1s GT has more power for sure and can drive some more of the harder to drive headphones that the K11 struggles with.
The Aune has a warmer, musical presentation.
I've not heard the X1s 10th anniversary.
Hey, i have a Schiit Hel 2, do you think the K11 would be any kind of "upgrade" to me? just trying to see if it does have any Upgrade interms of the sound performance wise.
Sorry haven't heard the Schiit Hel 2.
I have Schiit Hel 2 and just recently bought the K11. They both are kind of the same in term of sound. The K11 is newer and has lcd screen while the Hel 2 has just a big volume knob on top. The reason why I picked the K11 is the 4.4mm jack, which the Hel 2 doesn't have.
As stated above, I've not heard the Schitt Hel 2.
How do you compare this to the new schiit magni unity. I really wanted a dac/amp all in one unit to clean up the desk. I think the magni unity, though no balanced out, but on paper has plenty power to drive most things I have (Sundara hd490 pro, hd6xx, some simgot iems). I do like the aesthetics and the screen on the k11 better and it’s cheaper price though.
Sorry haven't heard the Magni Unity.
Hi , is it wise to use Fiio K11 with TV for movies the latency rate of audio and video will be in synchro ?
I've not used the K11 in that manner. I've not had issues gaming or watching videos on my laptop with the K11.
i'm 62 , not a golden eared audiophile , with tinitus .
would this do all i need with my TYGR 300R headphones ?
watching movies from the 65 hisense and of course youtube and music .
thanks , jeff .
Hmmm good question. I've not heard the TYGR 300r but the specs seems doable. May need to use high gain for them but it should drive them.
Great review! do you think it will be powerful enough to drive the HE400SE?
Hmmm hi gain with 4.4mm balanced may be enough. I've not heard the pairing.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I see, thank you!
My pleasure, you're welcome
I have the sundara and the editionXS, it works with medium gain, no problem. All with balanced cable
@@cujoo111 thanks! I think the HE400SE is a bit harder to drive than the Sundara and XS, but I'm not 100% sure. I would like to add some eq to the HE400SE too so that would require even more power as far as I understand.
I almost want to pick this over the K7 due to the annoying volume knob on it. But I know the K7 tests better and has much more power. I just hope the K7's volume control is not that annoying in person I find myself adjusting volume a lot.
What is you suggesting at this price range!
While i heard that k11 is not tht perfect!
What about k3 ?
Or any other suggestions
I have dt990 32ohm and 700 x pro
Sorry haven't heard the K3. I think the K11 is fantastic value and is an excellent DAC/amp in the price range. Both the DT990 and 700x should pair well with it. But I've not heard those pairings.
I'm thinking of getting this for AR5000, is this a good choice?
Yes, it matches well with AR5000
Hello there, honestly reviewing this product, can it run a pair of Sennheiser HD660s2 ??
It will power 660s2 on balanced output.
@@TheHonestAudiophile so another cost în plus for a balanced 4.4 mm balanced cable ..
Thank you for your response:)
I believe 660s2 ships with a 4.4mm balanced cable. Check when you are shopping.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I will check the box when I reach back home, I think I have 2 cables and a 3.5mm adapter, maybe the other cable in the box is 4.4mm
can i use for ath r70x ?
Yes on balanced output
GM ☕️❄️
Did you just find the unicorn 🦄 that we’re all looking for 😉
Possibly 😉
I have the ifi zen dac version 2 how does this compare to it
Zen V2 has more output power. Sound wise the Zen V2 is warmer, has a more laid-back presentation, similar details and resolution. The K11 is more analytical and neutral.
Keep in mind I haven't heard the Zen V2 since I reviewed it and am going off memory.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for your response 🙂
@TheCujo1956 my pleasure, you're welcome
@@TheHonestAudiophileI allow myself to correct you as the ifi zen dac v2 is actually much less powerful than the k11.
In fact the zen dac v2 delivers 330mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 230mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL) while the k11 delivers 1400mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 520mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL)
I stand corrected. Thank you for the clarification. As I said above I was going off memory.
Love my FiiO BTA30Pro ($125), which I have used on my desktop for the better part of three years. Source is usually my PC.
The BTA30Pro supports TX, RX, and DAC modes. On my desktop it is connected to my Hitachi receiver (SR-503L) and Marantz EQ-20. Sometimes, I run it in TX mode with LDAC output to SONY WH1000XM3's or AptX to bluetooth earhooks (KXAZ09Pro's w/ S12's or MP-145's). Else, in DAC mode to the Hitachi...output to bookshelf speakers or HiFiman open back planars.
Cool, glad you enjoy the BTA30 Pro. Thanks for the comment.
hi, great content btw, i have a little question tho, dosent iem's usually have low impedence and they dont need any dac/amps to run ? why would you buy something that costs 130 dollars to run them
Not all IEM have low impedance. And just because something has low impedance doesn't mean it won't sound better on a higher powered source.
Some people like to listen to IEM at a desk with an external device instead of using a dongle or straight from phone, tablet, laptop.
@@TheHonestAudiophile i see, i have a truthear nova and idk if i should buy a dac/amp like the fioo k11 and change the cable to a better one. Would that improve the sound on this particular iem knowing that i usually plug into into my desktop and it is fairly loud already
Without knowing how your laptop sound card performs, I don't know much about them at all. The K11 can/could improve the performance of the Nova. I find that the K11 helps bring out performance of IEM that I review even when comparing them to USB dongles.
Picked this up paired with a pair of 6XXs . Would you recommend a balanced cable and what Filter would you recommend? Just getting into the hobby
I use filter #6 non-over-sampling filter. I do recommend a 4.4mm balanced cable to be used with the 6xx.
Would this pair well with HD600?
The balance 4.4mm HP output is weak for a HD600. It'll get it loud but doesn't bring out the sonic abilities as it is only 250mw at 300ohm.
I recommend connecting an external amplifier for headphones that are harder to drive like the HD600.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I see, what DAC/AMP would you recommend for around $200?
@macs0544 Id recommend getting an external amp that has enough power to drive the HD600 and use the K11 as the DAC.
BUT if you want an all in one that has enough power for the HD600 the iFi Zen DAC V2 is a decent option at a slightly higher price.
Sadly I've not come across an all n one that has enough power in the 200 price range.
@@macs0544 Topping DX3 pro plus
Schiit released their new Magni Unity (Amp + internal DAC) a month ago.
It goes below the $200 price mark.
According their official specifications it has an output power of:
-Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 415mW RMS per channel
I still dont get how it is supposedly a replacement of K5 Pro. It does not have the power on the single ended output.
K5 Pro has similar output power at 1.5w 32ohm.
K11 does offer more in regards to the DAC functionality.
I've not heard the K5 Pro so can't compare sonics though.
how long is the stock type c to type a cable?
Wow for $130 bucks. Nice.
Yeah it's a great value in my opinion.
I mean I kinda feel like they would drive sundaras arya and the like just fine because dongle amps can do it on 200-300mw but alrighty
As mentioned in video, gets to volume but doesn't drive to full potential, like some dongles.