Louis evaluations the FiiO QX13, a brand new high-end dongle DAC with an ES9027SPRO chipset, a 1.99″ colour show, and as much as 900mW of output energy. It’s presently priced at $219.99.
Disclaimer: I acquired this pattern in change for my trustworthy 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 concerning the FiiO audio merchandise we have now beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This submit follows our present scoring tips, which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
FiiO QX13 Evaluation
Abstract
The discharge of the FiiO QX13 is not only one other dongle DAC launch; it’s a step ahead on this style. It’s a dongle that I can wholeheartedly suggest to somebody who’s a desktop audiophile and who’s accustomed to listening to high-end gear.
Execs
Among the best-sounding dongles in the marketplace right now.
PEQ enhances the tuning flexibility.
Plushy design and huge colour display.
Cons
No Bluetooth.
Max energy is simply obtainable when utilizing two energy feeds.
Tapping into over a decade of technical experience, FiiO simply turned one other nook and launched their most superior dongle DAC but, the QX13.
FiiO’s most up-to-date and important dongle DAC releases had been the KA17 and the KA15. Each these fashions have some similarities to the QX13, however even on the floor, you may see that the QX13 takes issues a step additional.
I’ve owned many of the dongle DACs FiiO has ever made, and this one is definitely not like the others in FiiO’s lineup and is an attention-grabbing product launch for a couple of causes, which I’ve outlined in additional element in my full assessment beneath.
Options
Decoding
FiiO claims that the QX13 borrows from their Q line of parts, which consists of the Q3 MQA, the Q7, the Q11, and the Q15. However I don’t see any resemblance and even comparable parts between them, and to me, the QX13 is a unique species.
First off, I discovered it attention-grabbing that FiiO went with a not-so-common desktop-grade single Sabre ES9027SPRO on a dongle DAC as an alternative of going with the standard twin chip resolution.
For those who search for this chip and its specs, which I did, you’ll see that this chip has eight channels and sufficient energy to effortlessly cowl the QX13’s DAC wants with this single chip resolution, making room for different implementations.
Feeding the flagship DAC chip is an XMOS 16-core XU316 USB part with twin FemtoSecond crystals on the entrance finish. The tip product of this marriage is a PCM and DSD functionality of as much as 32-bit/768k in PCM and native DSD512. The QX13 additionally does full-decoding MQA.
To me, one of many coolest options of the QX13 is that you need to use FiiO’s Management app to tug up a 10-band parametric equalizer, or PEQ, which is a game-changer for many who prefer to tweak the general sonic signature of their units.
This additionally offers the tip consumer the power to appropriate a few of their headphones’ anomalies.
Amplification
On the again finish, the FiiO QX13 sports activities a high-end Sound Plus, Burr-Brown, multi-op-amp setup consisting of 6 TI op-amps composed of 4 INA1620 chips plus a few OPA1692 chips that, mixed, can produce as much as 990mW, making the QX13 essentially the most highly effective dongle up to now.
In fact, energy decreases if you’re on the three.5mm faucet, and the 990mW can solely be obtained by utilizing the QX13 in desktop mode and when a second USB energy is fed to the dongle.
With out the usage of the desktop mode, energy decreases to 605mW max on the 4.4mm port, which continues to be a formidable quantity.
FiiO carried out their twin USB-C port with desktop mode on the QX13, which I believed was gimmicky at first, significantly with earlier dongle DAC releases.
Nonetheless, with the QX13, a fast hear and comparability satisfied me that this implementation does enhance sonics total by offering additional energy when wanted. The characteristic, as soon as correctly engaged, is audibly noticeable on this mannequin.
Design
FiiO gives the QX13 in two types and with two completely different construct supplies. One mannequin wears a carbon fiber physique, and the opposite is made with an aluminum alloy shell.
The carbon fiber physique is extra complicated to provide and is product of 21 layers, and though it’s thinner and lighter, it retains the next energy stage in comparison with its steel counterpart.
Carbon fiber additionally has anti-interference and thermal insulating properties. The disadvantage is which you could’t use the MagLock system straight.
The again of the QX13 shows a diagonal tile sample on a stable again. However the entrance is occupied by a big 1.99-inch full colour show below a Corning 3rd technology scratch-resistant glass with 4 newly designed themes.
Bear in mind, the display is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. FiiO throws in a display protector, and it is best to set up it instantly. Nonetheless, FiiO ought to have thrown in two display protectors simply in case.
Except for that, one of the crucial vital features of the QX13’s design is known as multi-layer shielding.
FiiO separated the digital board from the analog board, plus insulated varied factors inside the dongle with electromagnetic insulation sheets. Even thermal conductive silicon was used inside to allow the chassis to disperse inner warmth from chosen parts.
There aren’t any buttons on the perimeters apart from the desktop mode slide-type selector change. FiiO opted to put them proper beneath the display, which I discover to be a handy placement.
Aesthetics
Talking of buttons, their operation produces a composed click on, assuring constructive suggestions of engagement.
There are three switches behind the rocker-type panel, and a middle press engages the display and helps navigate the menu record. The facet buttons regulate quantity and double as scroll buttons to navigate by the menu.
One factor I’d have modified is the location of the 2 USB-C ports. They’re appropriately color-coded, and the desktop mode feed is coloured crimson.
However in a desktop situation, it might have been higher to have each connections on the rear facet, as an alternative of getting two connections coming at you from two completely different instructions.
I feel there’s sufficient room to put them each on that backside panel, however you may all the time get an angled connector, which is able to resolve that cumbersome scenario.
Aside from that, it’s all good. I like the general design, artistry, and horizontal tile off-angle sample on the again. I’ve by no means seen a sample on a dongle like that earlier than.
The principle chassis has a skinny chrome bezel across the display upfront, which breaks up the general theme. It’s a pleasant contact, however it might have blended in higher if the bezel didn’t have that a lot sheen.
Though the entrance may very well be thought-about the middle of attraction of the QX13 so I absolutely perceive why FiO went with that bezel look. It’s a contact daring, although.
Menu Display screen
The primary setting on the prime of the record of choices inside the QX13’s menu is a two-stage achieve selector. However there’s additionally a 60% or 120% max quantity stage selector that naturally doubles the achieve stage choice.
This implementation works by both supplying the consumer with 60 steps or 120 steps of quantity, which is important. Comparatively, the best I’ve seen on a dongle DAC is 100 steps of quantity, and solely seen larger quantities of quantity steps on some finer dwelling audio gear.
What I like finest is the plethora of EQ presets you might have at your disposal. FiiO throws in eight presets, however you may retailer 10 extra presets. You may create and modify these profiles. You can too make one for every certainly one of your headphones or IEMs, and title them accordingly. That’s my favourite characteristic.
To be trustworthy, I received’t be stunned if we begin to see individuals posting their corrective settings for sure well-liked headphones and IEMs of all manufacturers quickly, together with a few of FiiO’s choices just like the FT7, the FT1 Professional, or IEMs just like the FX17 or the FA19.
I/O
The IO is straightforward and to the purpose right here and makes use of the same scheme as most dongles do. There’s a 3.5mm and a 4.4mm balanced connection.
The opposite two connections are two USB-C connectors which are color-coded. The black is the info and energy, and the crimson is used for supplying additional energy when the desktop mode is enabled.
Once more, my solely dislike right here is that the FiiO QX13 performs finest if you use two USB-C faucets and gives a desktop mode with extra energy on faucet.
It will have been nicer to have each USB-C plugs on the identical finish, and reverse to the headphone faucets. I can already see extremists carrying an additional energy brick to activate the desktop mode on the go.
By the way in which, to make sure USB compatibility, you may slip the QX13 into UAC 1.0 mode, selectable inside the onboard display menu or through the Management app alike.
You can too receive an SPDIF out sign from the three.5mm jack, however you’ll must outsource the adapter as a result of FiiO doesn’t embrace one. You even have to pick the choice inside the onboard display menu, or once more, inside the management app.
FiiO Management app
FiO has had years to get this app proper, and presently, it’s certainly one of my favorites as a result of it gives so many options which you could spend a superb half hour simply trying round for those who’re a first-timer, and many of the options are helpful and never simply filler.
The primary characteristic that’s value mentioning is, after all, the PEQ, which consists of a ten-band parametric EQ with adjustable frequency, achieve, and Q.
Heads up. Ensure you allow the EQ inside the QX13’s inner menu so the EQ possibility will seem inside the backside choices of the Management app.
There’s a lot to speak about with this app. It contains seven digital filters, two achieve ranges, stability, quantity limiting, and a quantity management mode with a selectable 60% or 120% max quantity stage setting.
You can too tweak the QX13’s appears with 4 selectable themes, rotation on or off modes, display brightness adjustment, and also you additionally get a selection between three button operate layouts. I saved mine on the inventory A-mode possibility.
Packaging & Equipment
FiiO has by no means let me down with their packaging, unboxing expertise, and accent inclusion updated. This time round, you even get a display protector on prime of getting a customized leatherette case.
One other shock is that FiiO included two USB-C silicon covers, which I’ve beforehand requested for on fashions that make use of two, just like the QX13 and KA17.
However I do want they would come with plugs for the 2 headphone jacks, so if you go moveable, you may cowl the unused plug and don’t have to fret a lot about water harm or international particles getting in there.
One other shock was the included MagSafe magnetic lock ring that magnetically attaches to the included case, however not the dongle alone. Sure, it’s important to use their case for this characteristic to work.
The opposite equipment include a braided four-inch USB-C cable, a guaranty card, and an unusually giant and thick fast information.
To me, this isn’t a fast information; it’s a e-book with all of the QX13 options, specs, and written in a number of languages. A variety of effort was notably taken past the typical fast information right here.
Sound Impressions
I fed the FiO QX13 with my Motorola Edge operating Android 15, and I additionally used my customized AMD-powered PC on the most recent model of Home windows 11, and FiiO’s model 5.74.2 USB driver.
I used a well-broken-in HIFIMAN Arya Natural and Sundara. I’ve familiarized myself with each of their sonic intricacies. I additionally used FiiO’s FH15, FX17, and the FA19 IEMs.
Abstract
The FiiO QX13 is a small, moveable dongle DAC with a desktop gear angle in that utilizing the system in such a situation and with the desktop mode produces a sonic efficiency that rivals some dwelling audio parts. Heck, I may point out a couple of items of dwelling audio gear that underperform in comparison with the QX13.
The FiiO QX13 produces a clear, highly effective, polished sonic image that’s each refined and energetic. I’d describe the general sonic presentation as balanced, with a presentation that avoids sounding too scientific as a result of there’s a contact of heat.
General, that sonic image comes by in a pure however crisp method. The QX13 is a contact mid-forward within the midrange within the sense that these bands are largely heard with a bountiful high quality that brings with it all of the element that’s obtainable. Sure, the QX13 is superb at extracting element.
The frequency response is full-bodied and full-spectrum. The bass is quick, exact, and punchy, however it does are likely to sound lean in inventory type. However that additionally ensures that it’s by no means overbearing. You possibly can all the time make use of the EQ to fatten issues up a bit for those who want.
The excessive frequencies are shiny, but they continue to be soothing and placid. The highs produce sparkle and are offered with the correct quantity of airiness that enables the total weight of notes to come back by, whereas concurrently remaining non-abrasive and detailed.
Staging & Dynamics
Lastly, right here’s a dongle DAC that has a soundstage worthy of some praise. The FiiO QX13 produces all of the angles and fills in all the weather that make up a superb soundstage.
The quantity of top is just not exaggerated, however it’s tall sufficient to provide ample top. Plus, the depth notion is there. The QX13 produces sufficient of these parts to provide a well-defined area with some elbow room left over.
Parts are correctly positioned and are offered with only a contact of intimacy, particularly inside the midrange bands. However parts nonetheless carry some width and physique, and well-defined auras.
Add to {that a} punchy, dynamic presentation to sum up the QX13’s normal sonic traits.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my really helpful pairings and chosen comparisons.
