At the moment, Meldrick evaluations the FiiO BTR13, a multifunctional Bluetooth dongle with a twin CS43131 DAC and as much as 220mW of balanced output energy. It’s priced at $69.99.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in change for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or companies. I thank FiiO for his or her help.
You may click on right here to study extra in regards to the FiiO audio products we have now beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This submit follows our present scoring guidelines which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
As a constant chief within the Bluetooth DAC/AMP market with their BTR7 and BTR15 dongles, FiiO is re-entering the ring with a sub-$100 BTR13. That includes an IPS display and PEQ capabilities, the BTR13 is a refresh of the outdated BTR3 and retains up with the options of its extra premium siblings.
As an entry-level providing in FiiO’s Bluetooth DAC/AMP lineup, the BTR13’s specs and options make it appear to be the go-to advice inside its value bracket.
To see how the BTR13 pairs with totally different IEMs and compares to different Bluetooth DAC/AMPs and dongles, such because the not too long ago launched 7Hz Artemis39, learn my full assessment beneath.
Options
The BTR13 is a multifunction wi-fi dongle DAC that may seamlessly change between PC, Bluetooth, and Cellphone working modes.
Whereas Bluetooth mode is simple, the separate PC and Cellphone wired operation modes permit the person to decide on whether or not they need the BTR13 to be powered by its inside battery or by USB-C energy from the supply gadget.
This strategy enhances flexibility with out requiring separate USB-C inputs for energy and information.
The BTR13 helps Parametric EQ settings by way of the FiiO App, which can attraction to listeners who wish to tune their headphones and IEMs utilizing software program reminiscent of Peace EQ.
This characteristic permits customers to get pleasure from their customized sound profiles wirelessly, untethered from a pc.
Further options, like in-line mic pass-through and automobile mode, prolong the BTR13’s versatility past on-the-go audiophile listening, including performance for convention calls and retrofitting older automobile audio methods with out wi-fi connectivity.
Design
Weighing simply 28.6g, the BTR13’s matte plastic physique and plastic crystal show make it sturdy sufficient to slide right into a pocket with out concern. It’s accessible in blue or black, with my assessment unit being the black model.
With a slim rectangular form, just like most of FiiO’s Bluetooth DACs, the BTR13 is simple to carry and stays discreet in a denims or coat pocket. The entrance of the unit has a plastic IPS show, flanked by sharp ornamental angles, and comes with a pre-applied display protector to stop scratches.
The left facet of the unit is naked, whereas the proper facet homes the built-in microphone, energy button, multi-purpose button, quantity rocker, and mode selector change. The buttons supply respectable tactile suggestions, although their small measurement could make them tough to press.
The again of the unit options FiiO’s signature built-in clip, permitting customers to connect the BTR13 to a belt or strap. The clip, constructed from plastic with a steel spring within the hinge, feels sturdy sufficient for attachment to a bag strap with none extra equipment.
The clip additionally features a cutout for the lanyard attachment. Although I didn’t use the lanyard throughout testing, the BTR13 is gentle sufficient to be worn comfortably across the neck.
I/O
The highest of the BTR13 holds two output jacks, a 3.5mm SE and a 4.4mm BAL. For a sub-$100 gadget, the addition of a extra highly effective 4.4mm BAL output is a welcome shock.
With extra funds IEMs, such because the DUNU Titan 2 and LETSHUOER S08, now that includes 4.4mm terminations, it’s encouraging to see DAC/AMPs and dongles on this value vary maintaining.
On the backside of the unit is a single USB-C port for each charging and information switch. In PC mode, each energy and information cross by the unit, whereas in Cellphone mode solely information is transferred, with the BTR13 relying solely on battery energy.
For wi-fi connectivity, the BTR13 helps AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX HD/LDAC codecs by way of Bluetooth 5.1. Paired with the FiiO Management App, customers can choose codecs to prioritize sound high quality or stability stability and energy consumption.
Controls
Quantity & Observe Controls
In each wired and wi-fi modes, the BTR13’s quantity controls are unbiased of the supply gadget’s OS-level controls. I discovered this handy, as I may regulate the quantity extra finely on the BTR13 with no need to entry my cellphone.
Quantity and observe management is managed by the quantity rocker on the proper facet. An elevated “dot” on the “+” portion made it straightforward to establish orientation with out taking the BTR13 out of my pocket.
Within the FiiO Management App, customers can set observe controls to both double-clicks or lengthy presses of the quantity rocker, with the default set to lengthy press. Switching to double-click mode felt extra intuitive to me and helped ease the educational curve.
Menu Interface
The multifunction button above the quantity controls handles play/pause, answering calls, and activating voice assistants like Siri. This intuitive management scheme prompts Siri with a 2-second press, minimizing unintended activation.
This button can be used to enter sub-menus or verify settings on the show, with navigation dealt with by the quantity rockers. Although it took a couple of minutes to study, the interface felt intuitive as soon as acquainted.
The display is small at 0.96 inches, however I solely used it to navigate the menu throughout setup and examine the pairing standing, so it didn’t detract from the listening expertise.
Software program
The short begin information gives QR codes for the FiiO Management app on iOS or Android. I appreciated that FiiO’s app was accessible on the Apple App Retailer, not like another Chi-Fi manufacturers reminiscent of MOONDROP.
Upon opening the app, I used to be prompted to pair the BTR13 and set up the newest firmware. Although it took a number of tries, I managed to replace the firmware after just a few gadget restarts. Firmware stability may use enchancment in future updates.
The FiiO Management App can be the place PEQ settings will be adjusted. Although I’m not very skilled with PEQ instruments, I confirmed that the app immediately utilized newly imported PEQ settings as soon as toggled.
Packaging & Equipment
The BTR13 is available in a easy field with:
- The BTR13 Bluetooth DAC/AMP
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Pre-installed display protector
- Lanyard strap
Given the BTR13’s value, the included equipment are enough. A USB-C to USB-A adapter would have been a pleasant addition to help older units, however for an inexpensive Bluetooth DAC/AMP, the supplied equipment suffice.
Sound Impressions
Testing was carried out with three pairs of IEMs: the Moondrop Blessing 3, LETSHUOER S08, and the Yanyin Canon II, in addition to the Sennheiser HD 580 Precision headphones.
Bass
The BTR13 has a heat leaning sound signature with a major punch and slam within the sub-bass area. Throughout my testing, the BTR13’s rapid standout was its chest-shaking sub-bass playback in fashionable pop tracks.
It pairs this superb sub-bass efficiency with a thick mid-bass presentation that accentuates bass particular person bass traces with a velvety sound signature.
Mid-bass tones are usually not as textured as different extra technically proficient dongles such because the 7hz Artemis 39, however its heat offers funk and jazz tracks a extra enjoyable presentation on the low finish.
This mixture of a robust sub-bass and a heat mid-bass does trigger some bass to bleed into the mid-range. It isn’t as offensive as much less technically proficient dongles, however sufficient to paint the general sound signature.
When switching to Bluetooth mode, I noticed that devices within the sub-bass area had much less slam. This lower doesn’t detract an excessive amount of from the listening expertise. In truth, these averse to an excessive amount of sub-bass may even discover it preferable.
The change to Bluetooth additionally offers the BTR13 barely worse texture retrieval within the mid-bass The distinction is sufficiently small that I used to be solely capable of acknowledge it throughout back-and-forth testing between wired and wi-fi modes, however it was evident sufficient to be price mentioning.
Mids
The BTR13 has a extra recessed mid-range presentation than devices within the bass and treble area. With the slight bass bleed from the bass area, the BTR13 has a muddier mid-range that blends male vocals and devices within the decrease mid-range.
String devices and lower-pitched feminine vocals are introduced with respectable instrument separation and element. It’s not fairly on the degree of extra impartial sources such because the 7hz Artemis39, however it was respectable sufficient to make every instrument simply identifiable regardless of the V-shaped signature of the BTR13.
The extra recessed mid-range makes listening to acoustic and balladic tracks not as gratifying. I discovered myself rising the quantity on sure tracks in order that I may higher respect the strings and vocal efficiency, however the treble grew to become fatiguing at quantity ranges that top.
On its Bluetooth setting, vocals and string devices within the mid-range are likely to overlap with each other. This provides the BTR13 sub-par imaging and separation efficiency in advanced tracks with a number of layers.
Treble
The BTR13 gives a clear and energetic treble presentation, with cymbal crashes and hi-hat strikes coming by with sufficient vitality and element to make their strikes distinct and well-defined, giving tracks a noticeable sense of brightness and air.
This added sparkle drives pop tracks with a fascinating, vigorous edge, whereas higher-pitched feminine vocals are delicately rendered with simply the correct quantity of shimmer and smoothness.
In comparison with extra neutral-sounding sources, the treble on the BTR13 has extra pronounced overtones, giving cymbal hits a barely prolonged decay.
Nevertheless, when switching to Bluetooth mode, the treble area begins to lose a few of its microdetail, and devices within the increased registers change into a bit of extra liable to sibilance.
This slight harshness on the prime finish, sadly, makes the Bluetooth listening expertise extra fatiguing than the extra managed treble presentation of wired mode operation.
Staging & Dynamics
The BTR13’s dynamics efficiency is simply common; it’s capable of ship deep sub-bass hits and ethereal cymbal strikes, however it may gain advantage from a extra refined tonal stability.
The recessed midrange and heat within the bass area detract from the general staging efficiency, making it tougher to put devices inside an area.
In additional advanced tracks, this ends in much less exact separation, with devices mixing somewhat than standing out distinctly.
In comparison with extra impartial sources, the BTR13’s soundstage feels extra closed-in, making it tougher to completely respect the spatial nuances and positioning of devices within the combine.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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