As an audiophile who is always on the lookout for gear that offers exceptional value for money, I was excited to get my hands on the new Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp. This updated version of the popular K11 promises to bring the warmth and musicality of R2R (resistance ladder) DAC technology to a more accessible price point. In this review, I will share my experiences with the K11 R2R and discuss whether it lives up to the hype.
Unboxing and first impressions
When I first received the Fiio K11 R2R, I was impressed with the entire package. Inside the box, I found:
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This complete set ensures that you have everything you need to start using the K11 R2R right out of the box, which is something I always appreciate.
Build quality and design
As soon as I picked up the K11 R2R, I noticed its sturdy build quality. The aluminum casing gives it a premium feel that belies its budget price. Fiio offers the K11 R2R in black and silver options, allowing users to choose the one that best suits the aesthetics of their setup.
One of the most notable design features is the simple interface, controlled by a single knob. This knob handles both volume adjustments and menu navigation. I found the knob to have a nice tactile feel, providing smooth operation with just the right amount of resistance.
All of the components on the K11 R2R appear to be aligned and well put together. It's evident that Fiio has paid attention to quality control, as all of the units I've tested have displayed the same level of build quality.
The K11 R2R’s compact size remains unchanged from its predecessor, making it perfect for users who need a powerful amplifier with minimal desk space. This is especially useful for those with crowded workstations or tight spaces.
One small complaint I have is with the LCD screen on the front of the unit. While it is functional, I found it to be a bit small and sometimes difficult to read. However, given the compact size of the amp, it's a trade-off I'm willing to accept.
Technical specifications and features
The main difference between the original K11 and this new R2R version lies in its R2R ladder transistor array and R2R chip. For those unfamiliar with R2R technology, it is known for delivering a warmer, more analog-like sound compared to traditional delta-sigma DACs.
The K11 R2R has some impressive technical specifications:
– True 24-bit decoding
– DSD256 support (requires setting DSD output mode to Native on source device)
– Under a 320 Ω load, it offers an output power of 1300 mW + 1300 mW with the balanced connection.
– 0.025% THD+N (1 kHz/-11.6 dB at 32 Ω)
– Ability to drive headphones with an impedance of up to 350 Ω
I appreciate the inclusion of multiple input options, such as RCA, USB-C, and coaxial, as well as RCA outputs. This versatility allows the K11 R2R to fit into a variety of setups.
A nice feature is the LED logo that shows the current bitrate of the audio being streamed. It's a small detail, but one that I found quite useful in confirming the quality of my audio source.
Performance and sound quality
Now, let’s discuss the most crucial aspect of any DAC/amp: its sound quality. I tested the K11 R2R with a variety of headphones, including the Audeze LCD-2, a handful of IEMs, the Hifiman HE1000 SE, and the notoriously power-hungry Sennheiser HD800s.
Power output and driving capacity
I was impressed with the K11 R2Rs’ ability to drive demanding headphones. With the Audeze LCD-2s, I rarely had to crank the volume above 50% in high gain mode. Even the notoriously hard-to-drive HD800s posed no problem for the K11 R2Rs. This robust power output makes them a versatile choice for a wide range of headphones. The IEMs and HE1000 SEs were able to be fully driven by the R2Rs.
Sound scene and image
The most immediate difference I noticed between the K11 R2R and its predecessor was in the soundstage and imaging. The R2R version features a more immersive soundstage, with impressive width and height that surpasses anything I've heard in this price range for integrated amplifiers.
However, this comes at a slight disadvantage in imaging clarity. Due to the added emphasis on low frequencies, the R2R has slightly less accurate imaging than the previous version. That said, what it lacks in pinpoint accuracy it more than makes up for in overall staging and immersion.
Tonal balance and character
The K11 R2R features a slightly warmer overall sound compared to the original K11, which was known for its transparent and flat response. However, the difference is subtle rather than drastic.
I found the highs of the R2R version to be smoother and more organic. The highs have less of a digital character, resulting in a more natural and less fatiguing listening experience. This feature makes the K11 R2R particularly enjoyable for extended listening sessions.
The mids retain much of the clarity and detail of the original K11, but with a touch more body and warmth. Mid-focused vocals and instruments benefit from this slight coloration, and sound rich and engaging without becoming overly lush or inflated.
In the bass region, the K11 R2R delivers a solid performance. The bass has a good extension and impact, with a slight emphasis that adds to the overall warmth of the sound signature. However, it doesn’t dominate the rest of the frequency range, maintaining good balance and control.
Comparison with the original K11
While the differences between the K11 R2R and the original K11 are noticeable to discerning ears, they are not exactly the same. The R2R version offers a slightly warmer, more organic sound with a more expansive soundstage. However, it sacrifices a small amount of analytical precision for this more musical presentation.
The original K11 may still be the preferred choice for those seeking the most transparent and neutral reproduction possible. However, I find the R2R version to offer a more engaging and enjoyable listening experience overall, especially for those who listen to a wide variety of musical genres.
Versatility and pairing
During my testing, I found the K11 R2R to be a versatile pair of headphones that pair well with a variety of headphones. Its slightly warm character complements analytical headphones like the HD800, adding a touch of musicality without obscuring detail. With warmer headphones like the Audeze LCD-2, it enhances their inherent qualities without pushing them into overly lush territory.
The K11 R2R also performed excellently as a standalone DAC when paired with other amplifiers. Its DAC section maintained the same warm, organic character, allowing users to benefit from the R2R’s sound even if they prefer to use a different amplifier.
Value proposition
For its price, the Fiio K11 R2R offers exceptional value for money. It brings R2R technology, typically found in much more expensive units, to a more accessible price range. The combination of its robust build quality, versatile connectivity options, powerful output, and immersive sound makes it an attractive option for both newcomers to the audiophile world and seasoned listeners looking for a compact, all-in-one solution.
Conclusion
After spending considerable time with the Fiio K11 R2R, I can safely say that it is an excellent budget audiophile piece of equipment. Its ability to drive headphones up to 350 Ω makes it a perfect match for popular options such as the Sennheiser HD600 and the 250 Ω Beyerdynamic DT770. As users progress further down their audiophile path, the DAC mode ensures that the K11 R2R can continue to perform as a capable source when paired with standalone amplifiers.
The K11 R2R’s most notable feature is undoubtedly its wide sound field, which outperforms many competitors in its price range. This, combined with its smooth, organic sound, creates an engaging and enjoyable listening experience across a wide range of musical genres.
While it may not be the last word in analytical accuracy, the K11 R2R offers a more musical and immersive presentation that I think many listeners will prefer for long-term enjoyment. Its slight warmth and fuller body make it forgiving of imperfect recordings, while still retaining enough detail to satisfy critical listeners.
For those just getting started in the world of high-end audio, the Fiio K11 R2R represents an excellent entry point. It offers a taste of what more expensive R2R DACs can do, wrapped in a compact, well-built package with enough power to drive most headphones on the market. For even the most seasoned audiophiles, the K11 R2R could serve as a capable secondary system or introduction to R2R technology without spending a fortune.
In conclusion, the Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp punches well above its weight class, offering a compelling combination of performance, versatility, and value. Whether you’re just beginning your audiophile journey or are looking to add some R2R flair to your existing setup, the K11 R2R is worth serious consideration. It’s a testament to Fiio’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio at more accessible prices and sets a new standard for what we can expect from budget audiophile gear.
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