As an audiophile all the time looking out for gear that gives distinctive worth, I used to be excited to get my arms on the brand new Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp. This up to date model of the favored K11 guarantees to convey the heat and musicality of R2R (resistor ladder) DAC know-how to a extra accessible value level. On this overview, I will share my experiences with the K11 R2R and discover whether or not it lives as much as the hype.
Unboxing and First Impressions
After I first acquired the Fiio K11 R2R, I used to be impressed by the excellent package deal. Contained in the field, I discovered:
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This whole set ensures you will have every thing you must begin utilizing the K11 R2R proper out of the field, which I all the time recognize.
Construct High quality and Design
As quickly as I picked up the K11 R2R, I seen its sturdy construct high quality. The aluminum shell offers it a premium really feel that belies its budget-friendly value level. Fiio gives the K11 R2R in each black and silver choices, permitting customers to decide on the one that most closely fits their setup aesthetics.
One of many standout design options is the straightforward interface, managed by a single push knob. This knob handles each quantity changes and menu navigation. I discovered the knob to have a pleasant tactile really feel, offering clean operation with simply the correct quantity of resistance.
All parts of the K11 R2R really feel flush and nicely put collectively. It is clear that Fiio has paid consideration to high quality management, as each unit I’ve come throughout has exhibited the identical stage of construct high quality.
The compact footprint of the K11 R2R stays unchanged from its predecessor, making it excellent for customers who want a strong amp with minimal desk area. That is significantly helpful for these with crowded workstations or small dwelling areas.
One minor gripe I’ve is with the LCD display on the entrance of the unit. Whereas useful, I discovered it a bit small and typically tough to learn. Nevertheless, given the compact measurement of the amp, this can be a trade-off I am keen to simply accept.
Technical Specs and Options
The principle distinction between the unique K11 and this new R2R model lies in its R2R ladder transistor array and R2R chip. For these unfamiliar with R2R know-how, it is recognized for offering a hotter, extra analog-like sound in comparison with conventional delta-sigma DACs.
The K11 R2R boasts spectacular technical specs:
– True 24-bit decoding
– DSD256 help (requires setting the DSD output mode to Native on the supply system)
– Below a 320Ω load, it delivers 1300mW + 1300mW energy output with the balanced connection
– THD+N of 0.025% (1kHz/-11.6dB@32Ω)
– Means to drive headphones as much as 350Ω impedance
I recognize the inclusion of a number of enter choices, together with RCA, USB-C, and Coaxial, in addition to RCA outputs. This versatility permits the K11 R2R to suit into quite a lot of setups.
One neat function is the LED brand that shows the present bit price of the audio being streamed. It is a small contact, however one which I discovered fairly helpful for confirming the standard of my audio supply.
Efficiency and Sound High quality
Now, let’s dive into essentially the most essential side of any DAC/Amp – its sound high quality. I examined the K11 R2R with quite a lot of headphones, together with the Audeze LCD-2, a handful of IEMs, Hifiman HE1000 SE, and the notoriously power-hungry Sennheiser HD800s
Energy Output and Driving Functionality
I used to be impressed by the K11 R2R’s means to drive demanding headphones. With the Audeze LCD-2, I not often wanted to push the amount previous 50% on excessive acquire mode. Even the HD800s, recognized for being tough to drive, posed no downside for the K11 R2R. This sturdy energy output makes it a flexible selection for a variety of headphones. The IEMs and HE1000 SE had been utterly in a position to be pushed by the R2R.
Soundstage and Imaging
Probably the most instant distinction I seen between the K11 R2R and its predecessor was within the soundstage and imaging. The R2R model presents a extra immersive soundstage, with spectacular width and peak that surpasses something I’ve heard on this value vary for built-in amps.
Nevertheless, this comes with a slight trade-off in imaging readability. As a result of added emphasis on low frequencies, the R2R has barely much less exact imaging than the earlier iteration. That stated, what it lacks in pinpoint accuracy, it greater than makes up for in general staging and immersion.
Tonal Stability and Character
The K11 R2R reveals a barely hotter general sound signature in comparison with the unique K11, which was recognized for its clear and flat response. Nevertheless, the distinction is delicate moderately than drastic.
I discovered the highs to be smoother and extra natural on the R2R model. There’s much less of a digital character to the treble, leading to a extra pure and fewer fatiguing listening expertise. This attribute makes the K11 R2R significantly satisfying for lengthy listening periods.
The midrange retains a lot of the readability and element of the unique K11, however with a contact extra physique and heat. Vocals and midrange-focused devices profit from this slight coloration, sounding wealthy and fascinating with out turning into overly lush or bloated.
Within the bass area, the K11 R2R delivers a strong efficiency. The low finish has good extension and influence, with a slight emphasis that provides to the general heat of the sound signature. Nevertheless, it would not overpower the remainder of the frequency vary, sustaining good stability and management.
Comparability to the Authentic K11
Whereas the variations between the K11 R2R and the unique K11 are noticeable to discerning ears, they are not evening and day. The R2R model gives a barely hotter, extra natural sound with a extra expansive soundstage. Nevertheless, it trades a small quantity of analytical precision for this extra musical presentation.
The unique K11 may nonetheless be most popular by these searching for essentially the most clear and impartial replica doable. Nevertheless, I discover the R2R model to supply a extra partaking and satisfying listening expertise general, particularly for many who hearken to all kinds of music genres.
Versatility and Pairing
All through my testing, I discovered the K11 R2R to be a flexible performer that paired nicely with quite a lot of headphones. Its barely heat character complemented analytical headphones just like the HD800s, including a contact of musicality with out obscuring element. With hotter headphones just like the Audeze LCD-2, it enhanced their inherent qualities with out pushing them into overly lush territory.
The K11 R2R additionally carried out admirably as a standalone DAC when paired with different amplifiers. Its DAC part maintained the identical heat, natural character, permitting customers to profit from the R2R sound even when they like to make use of a special amplifier.
Worth Proposition
At its value level, the Fiio K11 R2R gives distinctive worth for cash. It brings R2R know-how, sometimes present in way more costly models, to a extra accessible value vary. The mixture of its sturdy construct high quality, versatile connectivity choices, highly effective output, and fascinating sound signature makes it a compelling possibility for each newcomers to the audiophile world and skilled listeners on the lookout for a compact, all-in-one resolution.
Conclusion
After spending appreciable time with the Fiio K11 R2R, I can confidently say it is a superb piece of finances audiophile gear. Its means to drive headphones as much as 350Ω makes it an ideal match for standard choices just like the Sennheiser HD600 and Beyerdynamic DT770 250Ω. As customers progress of their audiophile journey, the DAC mode ensures the K11 R2R can proceed to function a succesful supply when paired with standalone amplifiers.
The K11 R2R’s standout function is undoubtedly its expansive soundstage, which outperforms many opponents in its value vary. This, mixed with its clean, natural sound signature, makes for a fascinating and satisfying listening expertise throughout a variety of music genres.
Whereas it is probably not the final phrase in analytical precision, the K11 R2R gives a extra musical and immersive presentation that I consider many listeners will favor for long-term enjoyment. Its slight heat and fuller physique make it forgiving with less-than-perfect recordings whereas nonetheless retaining sufficient element to fulfill crucial listeners.
For these new to the world of high-end audio, the Fiio K11 R2R represents a superb entry level. It gives a style of what dearer R2R DACs can do, wrapped in a compact, well-built package deal with sufficient energy to drive most headphones in the marketplace. Even for extra skilled audiophiles, the K11 R2R may function a succesful secondary system or an introduction to R2R know-how with out breaking the financial institution.
In conclusion, the Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp punches nicely above its weight class, providing a compelling mix of efficiency, versatility, and worth. Whether or not you are simply beginning your audiophile journey or wanting so as to add an R2R taste to your present setup, the K11 R2R deserves critical consideration. It is a testomony to Fiio’s dedication to bringing high-quality audio to extra accessible value factors, and it units a brand new normal for what we are able to anticipate from budget-friendly audiophile gear.
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