Today, our FiiO K11 R2R Review features one of the most budget-friendly R2R DAC & headphone amp. This recently released product is a fresh rendition of last year’s K11 desktop DAC & headphone amp.
Does this new DAC & headphone amp deliver better audio quality than its predecessor? Let us find out as we discuss the essential details about this product.
FiiO K11 R2R Review – Design and Functionality
When we unboxed the product for this FiiO K11 R2R Review, we immediately noticed its similarity to the original K11. The colours, build, and design are identical to its predecessor.
It has a sleek and compact body, measuring 147 x 32 x 133mm and weighs 420g. It takes up minimal space, making it fit perfectly on any desktop setup.
The chassis is made of aluminium alloy with an anodised finish, offering a premium appearance. It is also available in silver or black, allowing you to choose which best suits your setup.
The top panel features a large stylised FiiO logo illuminated with RGB lighting. It helps you identify the sampling rate of the audio you are playing.
Six LED strips work with carefully placed reflective film to make the light show uniform and elegant. You can adjust the logo RGB by five brightness levels and eight different colours or switch it off altogether.
The bottom of the unit has a rubber pad across its length to keep it stable when placed on any surface.
Controls and I/O
We want to highlight the intuitive controls and I/O in our FiiO K11 R2R Review. Its controls are simple for daily use, and its I/O connectors are comprehensive, making it flexible for various devices.
In the front panel, you will find a large volume knob that also serves as a multifunction button. Pressing once lets you select the audio source by rotating the knob to cycle through USB, optical, and coaxial inputs. Double-pressing switches the output.
A 6.35mm single-ended output and a 4.4mm balanced output are on the opposite end of the volume knob. On the left of the volume knob is the VA LED panel that displays vital audio information.
The back panel features a USB-C input, a coaxial input, an optical input, and an RCA line-out. Its USB-C port lets you connect the K11 R2R to computers, smartphones, and other compatible audio sources. The coaxial input and optical input allow connecting CD players, streamers, and other digital sources.
Aside from the input connectors, you will find RCA outputs to connect powered speakers or amplifiers.
LED Screen
We noticed its high-contrast LED screen while using the DAC & headphone amp for this FiiO K11 R2R Review. It is adequately bright, allowing us to see the information in bright and dark environments. Also, its brightness is not distracting in dimly lit rooms.
This screen shows the volume level, gain, sampling rate, and output mode. One of the things we liked about this LED screen is you can set a time for the screen to switch off.
Key Features of the FiiO K11 R2R
What makes this product better than its predecessor? Our FiiO K11 R2R Review will discuss more details about each feature to answer this question.
Fully Differential 24-bit R2R DAC
The proprietary fully differential 24-bit R2R DAC from Fiio uses 192 precision thin-film resistor arrays. These have 0.1% tolerance and 30ppm low temperature drift to reproduce unique and pleasant audio.
The fully differential architecture offers lower noise and less FFT harmonics.
OS and NOS Modes
NOS (Non-Oversampling) remains the original sampling rate, letting you enjoy authentic sound. It offers a captivating musical experience.
OS (Oversampling), on the other hand, enhances audio to a sampling rate of 384kHz. This mode offers clear, refined sound.
Excellent Capabilities to Deliver Outstanding Audio
With support for PCM 384kHz and DSD256 decoding, the K11 R2R can handle high-precision audio signals without problems.
4-Channel Electronic Volume Controller
The K11 R2R uses the NJW1195A, a high-quality electronic volume controller. It allows you to adjust the volume accurately since its resistor ladder electronic potentiometer lowers distortion and noise.
Three Gain Levels and Independent Volume Curves
The three gain levels and independent volume curves offer a better listening experience regardless of your headphones.
We tested multiple headphones when we tested this product for our FiiO K11 R2R Review. Surprisingly, it never compromised the audio quality. The K11 R2R worked well with sensitive and over-ear headphones.
Special Power Supply
The K11 R2R uses 17 low-noise LDO precision regulator ICs and 2 DC-DC converters, delivering a multi-channel specialised power supply. It ensures the delivery of organic power with the external custom 12V switching power supply.
Beryl Solid Capacitors
The capacitors have ultra-low ESR and excellent anti-interference capabilities. As a result, the K11 R2R offers a stable and clean power supply to produce high-quality audio.
Specifications
Hands-on with the FiiO K11 R2R
The OS mode, which stands for oversampling, enhances the audio signal by adding additional samples between the original data points. This process results in a sound that is more dynamic, engaging, and colorful.
Listeners will notice that the music feels livelier, with a richer tonal palette that adds excitement and vibrancy to the audio. This mode is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a more forward and intense listening experience, where every note seems to jump out with energy.
On the other hand, NOS mode, or non-oversampling, adheres to the traditional R2R (resistor ladder) DAC tuning, which is renowned for its relaxed and laid-back sound signature. In this mode, the K11 R2R delivers audio with soft transients and smooth textures, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the finer details of the music.
The absence of oversampling contributes to a more natural and unprocessed sound, which some audiophiles prefer for its authenticity and warmth.
When the K11 R2R is set to NOS mode, the bass response becomes more neutral, with less emphasis on impact. This subtlety in the bass allows other frequency ranges to take center stage, making details in the midrange and treble more prominent. The bass does not overwhelm, providing a balanced foundation that supports rather than dominates the overall sound.
The midrange in NOS mode is characterized by its smoothness and relaxed presentation. This quality makes it particularly easy to enjoy for extended listening sessions, as the sound is neither fatiguing nor overly aggressive.
The spaciousness and resolution of the midrange in NOS mode provide ample room for the finer details of instruments and vocals to be highlighted, creating a more nuanced and refined listening experience.
Similarly, the treble in NOS mode is smooth and relaxed, contributing to a clean audio output with minimal distortion. Although the treble impact is reduced compared to the OS mode, the overall sound remains pleasant and non-fatiguing, making it ideal for listeners who prioritize clarity and ease of listening over sheer brightness or sharpness.
In stark contrast, when the K11 R2R is switched to OS mode, the bass becomes more prominent and assertive. This mode brings out a heavier, stronger, and more pumped-up bass response, which is ideal for genres like EDM, rock, pop, and other bass-heavy music.
The sub-bass, in particular, gains more punch and impact, making the overall audio more defined and impactful. This bass-forward approach in OS mode creates a more thrilling and energetic sound that can elevate the listening experience for those who crave intensity in their music.
The most noticeable difference between the OS and NOS modes lies in the midrange. While the midrange in NOS mode is relaxed and smooth, OS mode introduces more texture with raw edges, giving the sound a more immediate and gritty character. This added texture enhances the presence of instruments and vocals, making them more engaging and upfront in the mix.
Finally, the treble in OS mode offers a significant increase in energy and extension. The higher frequencies gain more grain and texture, providing a sense of air and sparkle that is less pronounced in NOS mode. This results in a brighter, more detailed treble that complements the overall dynamic and lively nature of the OS mode.
The FiiO K11 R2R offers two distinct listening experiences that cater to different musical tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer the natural and laid-back sound of NOS mode or the dynamic and vibrant audio of OS mode, the K11 R2R provides flexibility and versatility, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking a high-quality DAC with multiple sonic options.
FiiO K11 R2R Review Summary
The FiiO K11 R2R emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly R2R DAC and headphone amplifier. This updated version of last year’s K11 model offers a blend of classic design and modern functionality, making it an attractive addition to any desktop audio setup.
The K11 R2R’s dual-mode operation, featuring both OS and NOS modes, provides users with the flexibility to tailor their listening experience to their preferences. Whether you favor the dynamic and vibrant sound of OS mode or the relaxed and natural audio of NOS mode, the K11 R2R delivers high-quality sound across the board. Its robust build, intuitive controls, and comprehensive connectivity options further enhance its appeal.
With its ability to handle a wide range of headphones without compromising audio quality, the FiiO K11 R2R is a versatile and powerful device that can meet the needs of both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles. Its thoughtful design elements, such as the customizable RGB lighting and high-contrast LED screen, add a touch of sophistication to its functionality.
The FiiO K11 R2R stands out as a well-rounded and feature-rich DAC and headphone amp that offers excellent value for its price, making it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience.
