On this article, Lynn opinions the FiiO TT13, the corporate’s debut entry-level turntable with a built-in phono preamp and non-compulsory wi-fi functionality. The usual model is priced at $239.99, with the Bluetooth model at $249.99.
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 possibly can click on right here to study extra concerning the FiiO audio products we’ve got beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This publish follows our present scoring guidelines which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
FiiO has been on a little bit of a retro-inspired journey for its product launches this 12 months.
Following the corporate’s 2024 blueprint, they launched the CP13 transportable cassette participant, which I reviewed earlier within the 12 months and now, the long-awaited TT13 BT turntable, priced at $239.99 for the usual version and $249.99 for the wireless-capable various.
Related in market place to the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB and AT-LP60XBT, the FiiO carries a premium look that the AT fashions might lack. Nonetheless, efficiency is the decide right here, which is far more aggressive.
With some fascinating approaches akin to going totally automated with replayability, the TT13 not solely presents newer expertise with wi-fi functionality but additionally has the tried and true options of yore that you’ll have had in your guardian’s turntable.
For sure, I used to be wanting ahead to this overview.
Options
The FiiO TT13 options two JRC5532 op-amp chips, every powered by unbiased LDO energy provides to cut back potential EF interference. This design ensures cleaner sign processing by isolating the facility sources for higher efficiency.
The inventory AT3600LA cartridge, a finances MM cartridge with a faithful following, feeds instantly into one opamp chip (powered by one LDO) after which right into a second opamp (powered by one other LDO).
The balanced potentiometer then routes the sign to both the 5.0 Qualcomm Bluetooth module or the Line Out (RCA) routinely. Moreover, the primary chip supplies enter to the MCU, which manages playback movement, button performance, and adjustable RGB temper lighting.
For even better EF isolation, the TT13 helps an exterior DC energy supply. When each AC and DC energy sources are related, AC takes precedence, sustaining seamless operation.
The AT3600LA cartridge permits for upgrades by changing the stylus with higher-tier AT choices. Whereas contemplating an AT91 substitute, opinions indicated the AT3600LA’s signature sound is considerably completely different from its counterparts, main me to stay with the inventory setup.
FiiO’s alternative of a strong aluminum plinth additional enhances efficiency by offering wonderful isolation, a characteristic not frequent in turntables at this worth level. I discovered this to be the primary turntable I’ve reviewed with an aluminum base, which provides a way of premium construct high quality.
The built-in 800mW phono stage output is greater than double what many opponents supply, eliminating the necessity for an exterior phono stage when paired with powered audio system.
Moreover, the included RCA connections and floor wire permit seamless integration into two-channel methods, making the TT13 a flexible choice for audiophiles and informal listeners.
Design
The TT13 comes throughout as svelte in form and fashionable. The skinny all-aluminum plinth and mixed base (4kg) give it a functionally luxurious look, which inserts nicely with its potential viewers. A showpiece in the event you favor.
That aluminum has some sturdiness. The platter can be forged aluminum, decreasing weight whereas growing isolation from potential interference.
The tone arm is totally automated with the press of a button, and matches the colour of the plinth, giving it a subdued silver look.
The straight-tone arm just isn’t adjustable, coming from the manufacturing facility set for monitoring pressure. For the reason that AT3600LA is a reasonably heavy unit (really useful 3.5g +/-0.5g monitoring pressure), the skinny look counters the cartridge look properly.
With the mud cowl on, I’m hard-pressed to inform a lot of a distinction from my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon in appears to be like, aside from colour, which is an efficient factor in my e-book. That mud cowl might be eliminated for simple entry and spinning.
All useful switches are both on the plinth (floor mounted), or on the again giving that streamlined look that has a contemporary contact.
I want there was a hooked locking mechanism over the tonearm when not in use, particularly for shifting. Nonetheless, the arm stays in place nonetheless.
The one factor that appears misplaced is the overly giant counterweight and balancing weight. However, for performance, I recognize that stout appear and feel. Nothing concerning the look makes you suppose it is a toy, however fairly a useful turntable.
I/O
The again of the TT13 tucks all the connecting choices, out of sight.
From left to proper, you’ve gotten a toggle for going between 7” and 12” information (tonearm recognition for 45 rpm & 33 rpm) and a separate steadiness knob for mismatched albums.
You additionally get the RCA connections (and separate floor RCA) for connecting right into a two-channel system or lively audio system to make use of the interior phono stage, the 12v DC plug, the AC plug, and the primary on/off swap.
My unit didn’t ship with the non-compulsory exterior DC energy unit.
Controls
Six spherical buttons, three per facet, lie on the entrance portion of the plinth to regulate the TT13. None are accessible with the mud cowl lowered. The left facet switches are for speeds between 33 rpm and 45 rpm, and the BT pairing button.
On the appropriate facet, the buttons are for begin/cease, repeat, and up/down (for the tone arm lifting and dropping solely); left to proper. As soon as the TT13 is turned on, one merely must hit the beginning/cease button and the remaining is automated, with a delicate glide throughout and down onto the album.
Upon completion of a facet, the tone arm routinely returns to its cradle, guaranteeing you don’t get that “finish of facet” run-on that may harm the stylus.
If repeat is hit (both on the TT13 or distant), the album can be performed again and again in a loop till another choice is chosen.
The controls are intuitive and simple to make use of, with clear labeling, making for simple operation.
Packaging & Equipment
The TT13 is available in a well-protected field, with the platter in a separate field, however the mud cowl is mounted, with a protecting adhesive clear plastic sheath retaining it from scratches.
Included equipment embody a felt platter mat, RCA cables, an influence twine, a fast begin handbook, a guaranty card, a forty five rpm adaptor for over the spindle, and a distant (IR spot is on the entrance proper of the plinth).
The distant controls on/off, begin/cease, repeat, mild brightness, and tonearm motion (akin to shifting ahead or again, however not complete tracks). The beginning/cease button is surrounded by a four-way perform switching, which did take some getting used to.
I want lettering was included, however that’s within the fast begin information, and all through the testing, it turned intuitive as nicely.
Arrange
The TT13 is among the many best turntables to arrange and begin utilizing. The platter comes with a belt already hooked up to its underside.
A small paper ribbon permits for rigorously stretching the belt over the motor spindle after mounting the platter by means of considered one of its two open sections. As soon as mounted and adjusted, the ribbon is well eliminated.
The fundamental felt mat sits atop the platter, offering satisfactory safety. Nonetheless, upgrading to a cork or leather-based mat may enhance efficiency.
After eradicating the protecting shell from the cartridge and the froth piece holding the counterweight, the setup is almost full.
Whereas the counterweight isn’t adjustable for various cartridges, the turntable’s inner system routinely adjusts it. FiiO confirmed the factory-set changes had been correct, however handbook changes are doable with effort.
To play, activate the swap on the again, press the facility button up entrance for 2 seconds, and hit begin/cease. The tonearm lifts and strikes over (with some noise), and lowers gently in beneath 5 seconds.
Playback may also be managed through the distant, permitting begin/cease, slight ahead or backward motion, and tonearm up/down. Monitor skipping isn’t obtainable.
The turntable’s LED colour might be adjusted through the facility button or distant, although urgent the distant’s energy button turns off the turntable fully, disconnecting Bluetooth.
Whereas related through Bluetooth, the LED stays blue, and a pale blueish-white signifies the repeat perform.
Utilizing a tonearm gauge, the cartridge was discovered completely mounted, with a monitoring pressure of three.9g which is inside the specified 3.5g ± 0.5g vary for the AT3600LA. Because the cartridge settled in, its sound signature turned extra rounded and refined.
Wi-fi Connectivity
Be aware that the TT13 model I’ve is Bluetooth-capable. The lower-priced normal model has no BT functionality.
Bluetooth
Pairing occurred shortly, with the lit FiiO emblem on the again blinking crimson/blue till the connection was made with my Klipsch The Sixes and the Edifier R1280DBs.
I discovered that when the TT13 was turned off, after which again on you needed to reconnect to the audio system, which was a minor annoyance.
Wired Connectivity
RCA
The TT13 hooked into my (different) backup Akai AM-U1 system with out difficulty. Not like the AT-LP120XBT-USB the place you must transfer a swap on the again to go between BT and LO (RCA).
The FiiO acknowledges the supply getting used with out difficulty, as soon as BT is turned off. Bypassing the built-in phono stage, the Akai & Yamaha took cost with none points.
When connecting to a two-channel system, first be certain that the bottom is connected (and that you’ve a phono stage for the bottom connection).
Then join the TT13 to an AUX enter (or CD, Tuner, and so on) in any other case, the phono stage of the amplifier and TT13 will compete in opposition to one another making a mash of distortion.
Sound Impressions
The TT13 was utilized in quite a lot of conditions, together with paired with my Klipsch The Sixes, and the Edifiers R1280DBs.
Two-channel methods included an Akai AM-U1 and the Yamaha NS-A638 audio system as a classic system and my primary workplace system consisting of the Yamaha A-S301 paired with the KEF Q150s, and the SMSL RAW-HA1 (through BT) hooked to the identical Yamaha audio system.
Abstract
The cartridge has extra to say concerning the sound signature than just about anything with regards to turntables.
The plinth can change sound considerably in accordance with the fabric mendacity beneath, and the electronics actually play an element, however the cartridge is the primary line and units the tone.
Referred to as a finances cartridge approaching turntables on this class in addition to barely increased, the AT3600LA comes throughout as considerably energetic, however with out a whole lot of element retrieval or character.
This may be construed as easy, with a tilt in direction of heat, too. It does set the tone fairly nicely, realizing the place it sits within the AT line, and this carries over properly into translating the sound of the TT13.
Whereas pure readability is missing, there may be sufficient power and element from the mids, to cowl the rolled-off high finish (conical stylus in play right here) and “virtually there” bass line.
Timbre
The TT13 delivers a lovely quantity of coloration in its sound, however not a lot that it obscures its total signature. Whereas I wouldn’t describe it as a completely mature sound, it goals to attraction to a broad vary of tastes and largely succeeds.
The rolled-off high finish creates a barely truncated signature, although it doesn’t really feel like a big shortcoming.
Most customers will seemingly join the TT13 to lively Bluetooth audio system, and on this setup, speaker changes can simply tailor the sound to particular person preferences.
On this context, the TT13 focuses on offering faster transients, however to not the purpose of sounding overly skinny or ethereal.
As a substitute, it leans in the wrong way, delivering a satisfying low-end thump. The slower decay in comparison with the assault prolongs the presence of every observe, contributing to a hotter total tonality.
This method provides the TT13 a strong presence, even when it feels considerably subdued by the inventory conical stylus of the AT cartridge.
Staging & Dynamics
What the AT3600LA lacks in prolonged dynamic vary, it compensates for with a large soundstage and wonderful separation.
This doesn’t imply the AT3600LA is devoid of dynamic vary; fairly, it delivers its presentation with a balanced, even-handed method. Its sound supplies good depth, successfully filling each my regular-sized workplace and medium-sized listening room with a satisfying audio expertise.
The rolled-off high finish and absence of deep are offset by a enjoyable, participating character. The smoothness it presents creates a very analog expertise, which is precisely what a turntable like this could purpose to supply.
The mixture of the AT cartridge and Bluetooth connectivity enhances the TT13’s total attraction to the fashionable audiophile. The music takes on a heat, inviting tone with an added factor of enjoyable, making for an pleasurable listening session.
Whereas it’s pure to want for a higher-end cartridge, the allure of the present setup grows the extra you hear.
Over time, the simplicity of operation and the musicality of the TT13 mix seamlessly, enhancing the general enjoyment and making it straightforward to understand the strengths of the system.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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