Can we all acknowledge what Schiit Audio did for consumers with its affordable DACs and headphone amplifiers over the past decade? It was inevitable that companies would take advantage of the global interest in high-end headphones and portable audio and start to offer products that rival the prices we have become accustomed to in our segment of the consumer A/V world — but would we have such a wide range of affordable DACs, Dongle DACs, DAPs, and headphone amplifiers if not for Schiit Audio?
We are blessed to have Schiit Audio, Topping, FiiO, and Xduoo.
However, has the market begun to soften for headphones, DAPs, Dongle DACs, and IEMs?
We wouldn’t go that far but it would appear that manufacturers have a lot of “old” inventory to move before they introduce new products and that consumers are looking for products that are affordable right now.
CanJam SoCal 2023 is happening at the end of the month and we’ve noticed that very few manufacturers plan on announcing new products at the show based on the lack of communication so far this month. If new things are coming — we would know about it already.
We have been harping on this message for the past 4 or 5 months. Affordability is huge right now.
The new FiiO KA11 Desktop Headphone DAC/Amplifier build upon the success of an award-winning range of portable audio equipment from FiiO including the recently launched FT3 headphones, the M15S Digital Audio Player, and R7 Music Streamer.
The FiiO K11 Desktop DAC/Amplifier is a versatile low profile Desktop Headphone DAC and Amplifier. With multiple inputs — including USB-Type C, Optical and Coaxial — as well as RCA stereo line-out, the K11 also features a 1.1-inch VA display which can display information about the audio file being listened to.
Available in either black or silver, featuring both single-ended and balanced headphone connections, the K11 is powered by a CS43198 DAC chip and features full support for 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256 Hi-Res audio files.
Despite its relatively small footprint — just 147 x 133 x 32.3 mm — FiiO has engineered the compact K11 to deliver a power output of up to 1400mW.
Key Features:
- Main Chip : GD32F303RET6
- DAC Chip: CS43198
- Hi-Res Support: Up to 384kHz / 32-bit
- DSD Support: DSD256 Hardware Decoding
- Inputs:
- 1 x USB Type-C (USB2.0)
- 1 x Coaxial
- 1 x Optical
- Outputs: 1 x L/R RCA
- Balanced Load: 32Ω
- Output Power: Up to 1400mW + 1400mW
- Line Out (LO) Mode: Yes
- Power Out (PO) Mode: Yes
- Screen: 1.1-inch VA Segment Display
- Dimensions: 147 x 133 x 32.3 mm
Price & Availability
The FiiO K11 will be available from October, priced at $129 (£119, €139).
Related: Check out more of the latest FiiO products.
ORT
September 22, 2023 at 8:35 pm
FiiO is an excellent example of the not-so-old adage, “Just because something is inexpensive does not mean either it or the prospective buyer are CHEAP.”
The frAudiophilians are dead set on sharing the misery that is their OCD and hatred of fun. Their ego is what drives their misery and their pathetic Imitation of Life. To be certain, there are more costly products than this one by FiiO that may outperform it but can you really hear the difference or do you just want to pretend that you can so you can be one of the Tool kids on the block?
It is not the bestest looking AMP/DAC out there but neither is it futt-bugly. Would I, as your esteemed arbiter of elegance buy one and proudly display it in mine own ORTlair?
Damn right I would. If I had the need and the want. Right now I have a new set of $$$$$ major kitchen stuff arriving soon so…I ain’t gots the moolah!
For the foolish fiends out there that claim to be able to discern bitses ‘n’ such, have a care lest you run afoul of one such as I. I had a friend (still is but does not speak much with me now) that is a frAudiophile that in years past regularly belittled and besmirched my setup, especially so my CD playback. Soooo…
…I borrowed another friends expensive CD Player and placed it prominently in view and invited Pisster Golden Ear Surprise over to hear the new addition.
He walked in hearing the music but made no comment until he came in view of the player and recognized its pedigree. He waxed off like Mr. Miyagi over its “sound, clairity, presence” and all the other passwords of his cult.
I then unplugged it in front of him and the music continued…I then lifted up the rather plebe portable Yorx CD player and hit “pause”. No mo’ music.
He was the color of a beet. I told him what he alread gnu, he had been had but only by his fragile ego. He left in a cloud of piss and vinegar and we did not talk for a loooooooong time.
The moral of this twue (OH! It’s TWUE! It’s TWUE!!) story is do not belittle someone that has a sense of humor when all you possess is a sense of entitlement.
Buy and enjoy that which is comfortably within your personal zone of Buyer’s Remorse. And if you are going to rub your gear in someone’s face be prepared for them to strip your gears big time.
Outside of my iPods, FiiO was my first DAP and I still have one of them here. It works and looks just fine.
ORTiwan Kenobi
Ian White
September 23, 2023 at 3:01 pm
ORT,
FiiO is building great stuff and they never have to give the Governor a “Harumph” again. Their DAPs would make Lilli Von Schtupp blush. Very gifted.
Sheriff Bart