FiiO BTR13 Review – Headfonia Reviews

On this article, we assessment FiiO’s new finances wi-fi DAC/AMP, the BTR13, retailing for $69 USD.

Disclaimer: FiiO supplied the FiiO BTR13 for assessment for gratis. As all the time, this assessment displays my unbiased expertise with the product.

FiiO Firm

Identified for its dedication to designing high-quality audio gear, FiiO is a cornerstone of the worldwide audiophile market. Since its launch in 2007, FiiO has specialised in the design and improvement of a variety of audio merchandise. With an intensive distribution community spanning continents, FiiO continues to ship modern merchandise that resonate with music fanatics worldwide. 

As we speak, we’re trying on the BTR13, the successor of the now-old BTR3K. Followers have waited over three years for this replace. Let’s see if it was value it. Over time, we have now reviewed and awarded numerous FiiO gear on Headfonia. You may entry these evaluations by means of this hyperlink: Headfonia FiiO Reviews.

FiiO BTR13 – Transportable Bluetooth DAC & Amplifier

In 2024, FiiO has simplified its BTR sequence with a transparent construction: the BTR13, the award-winning BTR15, and the upcoming BTR17, which is able to substitute the BTR7 because the flagship. The BTR15, which I reviewed beforehand, was launched in late 2023 and made waves among the many audio neighborhood for its efficiency. Now, the BTR13 steps in as the most recent entry-level providing. It’s priced at $69 USD, and it’s been an extended wait because the BTR3K’s launch in 2020. Whereas I don’t have a BTR3K available, I do have the remainder of the BTR sequence to match the BTR13 with.

The BTR13 options twin CS43131 DACs, which is a brilliant alternative, as this chipset has turn out to be a go-to for good cause in 2024, balancing price and efficiency for audio producers. FiiO has additionally geared up it with a colour 0.96-inch IPS show, making navigation a lot simpler and supplying you with a extra refined design aesthetic. This can be a important improve over the screenless BTR3K.

One of many stand-out options of the brand new BTR13 is the 3-mode bodily swap, which permits straightforward toggling for a number of machine use. FiiO additionally built-in the popular automotive mode of the BTR sequence into the BTR13, one other helpful addition.

FiiO hasn’t disclosed a lot concerning the amp’s inside specs, however from my expertise with the sequence, the 220mW output right into a 32Ω load by way of the 4.4mm balanced port, means that it may possibly present a superb quantity of juice to IEMs, even when we’re left at nighttime on particulars. The BTR13 additionally comes geared up with the newer QCC5125 chip, supporting the newest hi-res wi-fi codecs LDAC and aptX Adaptive. Right here’s a short have a look at the specs & highlights under.

• Cirrus Logic CS43131×2 Twin DAC Configuration
• Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 Bluetooth Chipset
• AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/LDAC Codecs
• 3.5mm HPO 100mW@32Ω – 4.4MM HPO 220mW@32Ω
• 0.96-inch IPS Colour Show
• Telephone / BT / PC – Bodily Mode Swap
• 2-Step Achieve L-H
• 16bit-96kHz PCM USB Decoding Limitation
• FiiO Management App Assist with OTA FW Updates
• 10-band PEQ+GEQ (with all Bluetooth codecs and UAC)
• Microphones: Constructed-in Omnidirectional Mic for BL Voice Name
• Battery: 460 mAh Li-Po (7-10h Battery Life)
• Dimensions & Weight: Approx. 63×30×18mm – 28gr
• BTR13’s devoted internet web page could be discovered here. No driver wanted.
• I like to recommend testing FiiO’s FAQ part for extra info.

Packaging & Equipment

The BTR13 comes with packaging just like that of the BTR15. A two-tone design with a white and light-weight blue aesthetic. The entrance has a photograph of the machine itself and carries hi-res badges together with the mannequin title, and the again lists a number of the specs together with certification badges and FiiO’s firm handle. A QR with the FiiO webpage may also be discovered right here.

Upon sliding off the quilt, you’re greeted by a high-density foam compartment that holds the BTR13 in place. Together with the machine, you get a brief USB-C to USB-C interconnect cable and a material sling that may be connected to the again of the BTR13’s clip. Sadly, the unit doesn’t include a case or a USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Design & Construct High quality

The BTR13 takes many design cues from the remainder of the BTR sequence however with a swap to a plastic physique as a substitute of aluminum. Whereas this modification leads to a lighter machine, it feels noticeably totally different within the hand, particularly in comparison with my long-time pal, BTR15. The plastic building, mixed with the glass entrance panel and people signature curved edges, maintains the standard BTR aesthetic from afar. General, regardless of utilizing extra budget-friendly supplies, I discover the BTR13’s design good.

FiiO has conveniently positioned all of the buttons, switches, and controls on the fitting aspect of the unit, which makes one-handed operation intuitive. Nonetheless, the clip mechanism is a private con, as I don’t actually like utilizing clips. The machine comes with a non-removable clip that just about doubles the thickness of the machine. Whereas the clip itself serves its goal effectively for attaching the BTR13 to pockets or straps for individuals who use clips, I actually want we had the choice to connect and detach it to the machine’s chassis.

The show is a big enchancment over the BTR3K. FiiO has included a 0.96-inch IPS display, which I see as an enormous step ahead when it comes to performance. The show exhibits vital info similar to pattern price, quantity, and battery standing, making it straightforward to observe and navigate menus with out having to depend on the FiiO Management App. The inclusion of a menu system can also be an enormous plus. Navigating by means of settings and capabilities instantly on the unit is straightforward with the bodily buttons. The ‘3’ sequence is lastly on par with the 5 and seven sequence on this regard.

The BTR13 is each compact and light-weight at simply 28 grams, making it extremely moveable. It’s comparable in measurement to a cigarette lighter for reference. When you shouldn’t count on the premium really feel of the BTR15, I nonetheless discover the construct high quality good for its worth vary. Oh, and the BTR13 is available in two colours: black and blue. My assessment unit is the black model.

The assessment continues on Web page Two, after the click HERE or by utilizing the leap under.

Page 1: FiiO, BTR13, Packaging & Equipment, Design & Construct High quality,

Page 2: Amplitude & Chipset, Options & Management, Comparative Sound & Efficiency, Final Phrases