On this article, we assessment FiiO’s new moveable USB DAC/AMP, the FiiO QX13 dongle. It retails for $219 USD.
Disclaimer: FiiO offered the FiiO QX13 for assessment functions for free of charge. As all the time, I’ll convey my unbiased and trustworthy opinion to our readers.
FiiO Firm
FiiO is a number one model within the audiophile {industry}, acknowledged for its dedication to innovation and fervour for growing new merchandise. Since its creation in 2007, FiiO has specialised in designing a variety of audio merchandise at nearly each worth bracket identified to humankind. As we speak, FiiO continues its operation with an in depth distribution community spanning continents.
The launch of QX13 additionally represents the debut of FiiO’s new QX line. In accordance with FiiO, this line-up combines the efficiency of the earlier Q sequence with trendy design parts, resembling carbon fiber and magnetic techniques like Apple’s MagSafe, to reinforce smartphone compatibility and comfort on the go.
Through the years, we’ve coated quite a few merchandise from FiiO. To entry these evaluations, please use the next hyperlink: Headfonia FiiO Opinions.
FiiO QX13 Moveable USB DAC/AMP Dongle
Because the pioneer of the QX sequence, the QX13 combines ridiculous numbers of juice, resembling 900mW, with trendy design parts like carbon fiber development, magnetic mounts, and smartphone-friendly type/issue.
At its core is the ES9027PRO DAC from ESS, a flagship-grade part working in an eight-channel, absolutely differential configuration. It’s paired with six TI op-amps and a third-generation XMOS XU316 USB controller. This configuration allows the QX13 to decode as much as 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD512.
The QX13 comes geared up with FiiO’s patented desktop mode, much like the KA17, however delivering round 900 mW per channel on this desktop mode. That’s an absurdly spectacular determine for one thing weighing as little as 33 grams in its carbon fiber chassis.
Regardless of being filled with elements you’d usually anticipate in mid-tier desktop gear, it’s compact sufficient to slide into any pocket.
Its twin USB-C ports permit for separate information and energy enter. This implies you possibly can run it out of your cellphone or faucet right into a devoted energy provide for max output, resembling a powerbank or a PD-charger. It additionally comes with a 1.99-inch IPS show below chemically strengthened Corning Gorilla Glass 3 glass entrance.
With a price ticket of $219 USD, it has the potential to shake up the moveable DAC/AMP market, particularly for many who don’t wish to sacrifice driving energy or tuning flexibility after they depart their desks.
On the time of this assessment, the QX13 retails for $219 USD. Beneath is an inventory of key specs and highlights. We’ll discover many of those intimately within the following sections:
- ESS ES9027PRO Sabre 8-Channel Totally Differential DAC
- Twin OPA1692 preamp and quad INA1620 post-stage TI op-amps
- XMOS XU316 USB Controller
- Desktop Mode 900mW @32 Ω BAL Output
- Helps 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD512.
- Magnetic Mount System
- 1.99″ IPS shade show with Gorilla Glass 3
- Unbiased digital and analog PCB structure
- Twin USB-C ports for separate information and energy (elective)
- Carbon fiber or aluminum alloy chassis
Packaging & Equipment
The QX13 is available in a compact, premium-looking field with delicate geometric accents that immediately jogged my memory of the BTR17’s bundle design. Lifting the lid reveals the QX13 itself and its leather-based case sitting of their foam compartments. The primary impression is sort of good; this doesn’t really feel like simply one other dongle tossed in a field, however somewhat FiiO’s approach of signaling that the QX line is supposed to be one thing particular.
The included magnetic leather-based case is a standout, completed in a deep blue that appears and feels stable. It wraps tightly across the QX13 and doubles as scratch safety for the shiny carbon fiber shell. A fast look contained in the field reveals a display screen protector and a pair of USB-C mud guards, each intelligent touches I not often see included anymore with dongle DAC/AMPs.
FiiO has additionally gone the additional mile with the cable. As an alternative of the skinny, generic interconnects that always come bundled with sub-200 dongles, the QX13 arrives with an 8-wire braided USB-C cable comprised of a mixture of single-crystal copper and silver-plated copper. It feels sturdy in hand, appears to be like much better than common, and doesn’t depart me occupied with upgrading right away.
Actually, the entire accent set feels properly thought out and a step above what I normally see on this worth bracket.
Then there’s the magnetic mounting system. The leather-based case itself carries magnets that snap natively onto iPhones, whereas Android customers get a small magnetic conductor ring with adhesive backing to copy the identical impact. It’s a intelligent addition that makes the QX13 rather more phone-friendly, actually higher than having the QX13 dangling from the cellphone port.
I’m somebody who appreciates over-engineering when it’s priced fairly, and that is precisely that. At $219, FiiO spares me the difficulty of sourcing a third-party case, protector, or correct interconnect. All the things I’d usually contemplate an ”aftermarket repair” is already right here. Properly achieved!
Design & Construct High quality
The QX13 is a premium system. Coming at 64.2×30.7×13 mm, it’s crafted from 21 layers of stacked carbon fiber, and it feels very light-weight but in addition inflexible in your hand. The rated weight is 33g solely. The shiny woven floor catches the sunshine superbly, providing a novel look we’ve been wanting for a very long time however didn’t but know we needed. It’s good to see innovation within the interest.
Whereas there’s an aluminum model that’s named ‘Titanium-Gold Coloration’, the carbon design provides the QX13 a contemporary identification that feels distinctive. It’s one thing FiiO hasn’t achieved earlier than, not simply when it comes to texture, however when it comes to materials. FiiO has cured the carbon inside a UV acrylic resin shell, so that you get a really even floor with a slippery really feel.
The entrance of the QX13 encompasses a surprisingly giant 1.99-inch IPS shade show that gives superior decision and shade replica in comparison with the BTR17 and related gadgets. It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it barely extra scratch-resistant.
The QX13’s structure is easy and easy. The three bodily buttons are conveniently positioned beneath the display screen, and so they don’t require a lot power. A easy facet change allows you to toggle between regular and desktop modes, and there are two USB-C ports.
The info/energy combo is positioned on the underside, whereas the devoted energy, marked by its crimson connector shade, is positioned on the facet. Due to this facet port, the QX13 is absolutely appropriate with FiiO’s E-stick mini energy financial institution.
For headphone outputs, you get each a 4.4 mm balanced out and a 3.5 mm single-ended out, with the latter additionally appearing as a SPDIF out, which is nice for many who want USB-to-SPDIF functionality.
For my part, the leather-based case deserves a shoutout on this part. It provides the QX13 the looks of a compact digital audio participant somewhat than simply one other dangle dongle. The cutouts for the ports and mode change are clear and exact, and the built-in magnets work very properly with my iPhone.
Tech Inside
QX13 makes use of ESS’s newly debuted ES9027PRO. It’s an 8-channel absolutely differential DAC. It’s configured with either side paralleling 4 channels, regulated by ES9312 LDOs for improved channel matching and decreased noise, whereas twin femtosecond crystal oscillators handle the clocking.
The USB interface is the industry-champion XMOS XU316 with UAC 1/2 help, decoding 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD512. It additionally helps very useless and decimated MQA.
The analog stage is discrete and op-amp primarily based. Two OPA1692 models serve the preamp part. 4 INA1620 models deal with the post-stage and present drive, aiming to maintain the crosstalk distortion low below dynamic masses.
Energy supply is constructed round a patented Desktop Mode. With exterior energy on the facet Kind-C port, balanced output is able to delivering a whopping 900mW into 32Ω, whereas single-ended is rated at 310mW into 32Ω. The coaxial S/PDIF is restricted at 24-bit/96 kHz as typical.
FiiO has designed the QX13 with a separate PCB structure for digital and analog boards, integrating multi-layer shielding, EMI suppression sheets, and thermal pads for efficient warmth conduction.
General, this can be a properly engineered little system and I’m completely happy to see FiiO get aggressive in dongle DAC sphere as soon as extra. It truthfully looks like a small dac and amp stack that occurs to slot in a 33g lighter-sized shell.
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