On this article we evaluate the all new entry-level dongle DAC/Amp from the Chinese language model, the FiiO Jiezi, priced at simply $29,99 USD.
Disclaimer: The FiiO Jiezi was despatched to us, freed from cost, by the model in alternate for our sincere opinion.
FiiO and Jade Audio
Established in 2007, FiiO has turn out to be a powerhouse within the audiophile realm, providing a powerful line-up of reasonably priced and high-quality merchandise. From IEMs, headphone amps, DACs, to DAPs, FiiO has persistently delivered top-notch units, setting benchmarks for different manufacturers to observe. Suppose FiiO M21, the mighty K17, or the wonderful FT1 Professional.
An unceasing saga of success, propelled not solely by a gradual stream of high-end units but in addition by the introduction of good, budget-friendly merchandise – their newest sequence of USB DAC/Amps being a primary instance. Compact dongle-sized DACs that hark again to the venerable FiiO E5 and E3, first revealed over a decade in the past, however now full of last-gen chips and much more options each time.
And if that line-up already appeared very full to me, the model nonetheless determined to launch one new gadget, below the Jade Audio flag (their very own entry-level sub-brand) : the FiiO Jade Audio Jiezi. An entry-level dongle priced slightly below the $30 USD threshold, a reputation that jogs my memory of 1 well-known hip-hop producer, and a physique carved with eastern-looking patterns.
The place does it sit in at present’s line-up? That’s what we’ll uncover at present
Jade Audio Jiezi
For a sub-$30 DAC/AMP, I’ve to say that the FiiO Jiezi largely surpassed my expectations, particularly in comparison with the equally worth dongle that Apple is promoting.
Skinny and neat, the brand new DAC took the identical tubular unibody case seen on each default dongle present in fashionable headphones, however with a premium contact. No plastic right here, however the identical aluminum-magnesium alloy present in most of the model newest creation.
An enormous improve compared to the flimsy white plastic discovered on Apple’s notorious audio dongle, that’s now commonplace on nearly all the newest creation from the model.
Dimension-wise, the Jiezi is 100 mm lengthy, 9 mm extensive, and simply 6g heavy, making it supremely moveable, like its youthful sibling, the JA11. Measurements that embrace the USB-C cable, non removable, making the DAC simple to hold in a jean’s pocket, a jacket, or just caught to your telephone for those who’re pleased with QI-wireless charging.
And, for those who actually wish to go gentle, you would even choose the three.5mm model, which shaves a full 10mm off the balanced model. Add to that some metallic carving labelled “golden hoop design” by the model, all impressed by “Mount Sumeru” and also you get a really good gadget all-in-all.
Construct High quality
Like each product lately launched by the model, the FiiO Jiezi is completely flawless on this regard. Stable black anodized aluminum-magnesium, tremendous sturdy 3.5mm or 4.4mm output, screw-less design, and an amazingly satisfying double-layer braided cloth outer sheath that feel and look wonderful to the touch.
In hand, the result’s much more spectacular, due to that slick physique and carved tubular physique. You can undoubtedly drop it, or step on it, and it shall come out unscathed (I don’t suggest any of that in fact). And, for those who have been looking a brand new fidget toy, I’m fairly positive the feel may provide you with some digital pleasure.
My solely criticism? The dearth of multifunction buttons and quantity controls, however for the value… that’s simply me nit-picking. All in all, a really strong piece of labor that actually provides a very good impression.
Every day use
Every day, it’s laborious to get one thing easier than the Jiezi.
Simply plug it into your telephone, pill, or laptop, insert your headphone jack, and also you’re good to go. There have been no points with my iPad Professional, and the identical goes for my MacBook and Steam Deck: every time, the FiiO Jiezi was instantly acknowledged by the supply, and music got here out nearly immediately.
On Home windows, I needed to wait a minute till the OS put in the right driver, however after that, it labored flawlessly.
Not like the KA15 and KA13, there aren’t any quantity controls on the Jiezi, permitting you to deal with that facet instantly from the supply gadget. A characteristic that I’m a bit unhappy to overlook, however not a dealbreaker contemplating the value. Moreover, for those who choose the three.5mm model, the DAC gives you entry to your ordinary in-line controls – in case your gadget helps them (my iPhone didn’t, for instance).
And, just like the JA11 earlier than it, the brand new DAC will get the identical array of customizable options, accessible by the FiiO App. Solely accessible for Android customers, this setup lets you set customized PEQ curves with the assistance of the Management app, plus different options like switching between UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 to make sure excellent compatibility with your whole sources (e.g. gaming consoles, computer systems, and many others.)
Contained in the field
Clearly, at a worth this low, the Jiezi doesn’t include an intensive bundle. Within the field you’ll discover:
- the FiiO Jiezi;
- some guarantee papers;
And… that’s all!
Proprietary DSP with 32bit / DSD decoding
Not like the KA11 and just like the JA11, the FiiO Jiezi doesn’t come together with your ordinary DAC from Cirrus-Logic, Sabre or AKM. As an alternative, the brand new dongle embeds an in-house chip, delivering much less energy than its standard counter-part, however draining even much less energy too.
On the go, it may well nonetheless delivers a bit extra juice than the JA11 (as much as 34mW per ears @ 32 ohms), however don’t count on to driver your new Hifiman or Audeze. Energy consumption is equally low although, and the Jiezi ought to be suitable with all supply on the market, so long as you stick with UAC 1.0.
On paper, there ought to be no actual distinction between the single-ended and balanced model, however I solely acquired the 4.4mm pentaconn one, so I’ll must order the three.3mm for comparability.
Final however not least, the Jiezi retains the flexibility to decode PCM sign as much as 32bit/384kHz however up its DSD sport to play DSD256 information on the go. High that with low distortion (<0.0034%@32ohms), diminished noise flooring (<0.5 ohms) and try to be good to go, even when signal-to-noise ratio appears surprisingly low on paper (104dB).
The article continues on Web page two, after the clicking right here, or after the soar
