Meldrick evaluations the FiiO K13 R2R, a brand new desktop 24-BIT R2R DAC and a couple of.4W-capable headphone amplifier with LDAC Wi-fi compatibility. It’s at the moment priced at $319.99.
Disclaimer: I acquired this pattern in alternate for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or providers. I wish to thank FiiO for his or her assist.
You’ll be able to click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the FiiO audio merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This publish follows our present scoring pointers, which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
FiiO K13 R2R Evaluate
Abstract
These looking for a heat, natural sounding DAC/AMP with fashionable connectivity and a strong PEQ suite to fantastic tune how their gear sounds ought to strongly think about the K13 R2R.
Execs
Stress-free Heat Tonality.
Various PEQ choices.
Handy side-panel USB-C port.
Cons
Net PEQ software program might be sluggish to reply.
FiiO wants little to no introduction inside the DAC/AMP area, particularly with their earlier K11 and K11 R2R desktop items. As we speak, the model is increasing its lineup with the K13 R2R, its newest all-in-one, reasonably priced, wireless-capable DAC and headphone amplifier.
Coming in at $319, the K13 R2R comes with Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, balanced XLR outputs, and a complete 10-band parametric EQ, making it a compelling desktop audio resolution on paper
To see if the K13 R2R delivers on its promise of offering improved R2R heat in a feature-complete desktop centerpiece, and the way it competes in opposition to the Shanling EH2 and the Fosi K7, learn my full assessment beneath.
Options
The FiiO K13 R2R employs a proprietary 24-bit R2R resistor array structure just like the K11 R2R, that includes 192 precision thin-film resistors organized throughout 4 channels with 0.1% accuracy and ultra-low 3 ppm temperature drift.
FiiO claims this delivers an analog-like sound signature that R2R implementations are celebrated for, making high-end multibit conversion accessible at an unprecedented value level.
The unit’s totally balanced amplifier part makes use of twin OPA1642 and twin TPA6120A2 chips, delivering as much as 2400mW per channel at 32Ω by its 4.4mm balanced output and 600mW at 32Ω through the 6.35mm single-ended jack, a big enhance over its predecessor
One of many K13 R2R’s standout options is its subtle 10-band parametric EQ system, accessible through the FiiO Management app or internet interface.
In contrast to easy bass/treble controls, this PEQ gives exact frequency-specific changes with cloud-based headphone correction profiles, permitting customers to compensate for headphone response traits or apply classic tuning curves.
Design
The K13 R2R adopts a considerably bigger footprint in comparison with the compact K11 R2R, measuring roughly 7.5 inches sq.. This elevated measurement accommodates the interior 30W switching energy provide and enhanced circuitry whereas sustaining a desktop-friendly low profile.
The unit contains a unibody CNC-machined aluminum chassis that is available in both a black or silver anodized end. The unit acquired by Headfonics is of the black selection, and its end offered good scratch and fingerprint resistance throughout my testing.
In contrast to many minimalist desktop DACs, the K13 R2R incorporates a particular “skylight” design, a round glass window on the highest panel that showcases the interior R2R resistor array.
As somebody who’s reviewed quite a few monolithic items of desktop audio tools, any quantity of visible aptitude is already an enormous plus. However the inside gearhead in me can’t assist however admire how FiiO thoughtfully laid out their resistor ladder on the PCB with aesthetics in thoughts.
The proper aspect of the unit homes a singular USB-C enter for ease of connection, whereas nearly all of the unit’s I/O choices might be discovered on the rear of the unit.
The entrance panel maintains FiiO’s signature clear aesthetic, with two knurled aluminum knobs flanking a 1.5-inch monochrome OLED show.
The left knob controls supply and menu choice, whereas the precise knob handles quantity adjustment and energy. Each knobs characteristic tactile detents and clean rotation with distinct stops, in addition to RGB addressable LEDs.
General construct high quality feels substantial and premium, whereas it has considerably extra aptitude than its predecessor, its cubic silhouette and aluminum shell nonetheless let it simply slot in aesthetically in any desk or audio setup.
I/O
The K13 R2R gives complete connectivity choices that deal with many limitations of its predecessor. Digital inputs embrace twin USB-C inputs, coaxial, optical, and Bluetooth 5.4, guaranteeing compatibility with a variety of supply units.
The USB-C enter makes use of an XMOS XU316 receiver supporting PCM audio as much as 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD256 with full MOQ decoding, offering complete playback capabilities.
The extra USB-C port on the aspect panel is a superb contact as properly. Providing handy connectivity for smartphones and tablets, this was my most well-liked port when connecting to my work laptop computer as properly.
After utilizing the K13 R2R, I couldn’t assist however assume why it took so lengthy for a DAC/AMP model to implement this characteristic.
A major addition is Bluetooth 5.4 wi-fi connectivity with assist for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. The included antenna ensures dependable wi-fi efficiency and connects to my completely different telephones, tablets, and laptops with none points
For outputs, the K13 R2R supplies each 6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone jacks on the entrance panel. The rear panel options switchable RCA outputs that may function in both fastened line-out or variable pre-out modes, in addition to balanced XLR outputs.
The inclusion of balanced XLR outputs considerably expands the K13 R2R’s utility, enabling direct connection to high-end energy amplifiers or lively screens with out the necessity for RCA-to-XLR adapters.
One other distinctive characteristic of the K13 R2R is its potential to be powered through the interior 30W energy provide or an exterior DC energy provide.
The DC barrel jack in the back of the unit makes it appropriate with higher-end linear energy provides, and switching between DC and AC powering modes is finished through the toggle change beside the AC enter port.
Controls
The K13 R2R maintains an intuitive, easy management interface regardless of its in depth characteristic set.
The left rotary encoder handles enter choice and menu navigation, whereas the precise quantity knob handles quantity management. Each knobs are digital rotary encoders and are endlessly with distinct stops between every step.
The OLED show supplies clear, at-a-glance info together with quantity, pattern price, achieve stage, and output mode. The show is well-sized and simply readable from typical desktop viewing distances.
In contrast to items with advanced button arrays, the K13 R2R depends totally on its two encoders for operation. A brief press on the enter selector cycles by accessible sources, whereas a protracted press accesses the settings menu, the place customers can choose between 3 achieve ranges, alter RGB lighting, allow sleep timer, and configure different parameters.
I appreciated how every achieve setting had unbiased quantity reminiscence, which got here in fairly useful whereas I used to be testing each IEMs and Headphones
The NOS/OS (Non-Oversampling/Oversampling) mode can be toggled through the menu, permitting customers to decide on between the extra natural, analog-like NOS presentation or the cleaner, extra exact OS mode relying on choice.
The quantity encoder additionally features a push-to-dim operate, turning off the OLED show after a fast press. This was fairly helpful throughout nighttime listening, whereby I didn’t want the data show throughout easy informal listening
An infrared distant management is included, providing fundamental playback management and quantity adjustment from throughout the room. Whereas not important for desk use, the distant proves helpful when utilizing the K13 R2R as a pre-amp in a lounge system.
After I had the K13 R2R on my nightstand for my bedside listening setup, I discovered the distant to be fairly helpful as I didn’t want to select up my telephone for easy controls.
Packaging & Equipment
The K13 R2R arrives in skilled packaging with an image of the unit displayed up entrance. Inside, the unit is well-protected by dense foam inserts that stop motion throughout transport.
Included equipment comprise a USB-C to USB-A cable for pc connection, the Bluetooth antenna, an infrared distant management, a 3.5mm to six.35mm adapter, and an in depth consumer handbook overlaying setup and operation.
The K13 R2R’s inside PSU merely requires a normal IEC energy cable (included) for operation. This streamlined method reduces cable muddle and eliminates considerations about energy provide high quality, although it prevents simple upgrading to linear energy until utilizing the optionally available DC enter.
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions had been made with the Sennheiser HD 600, HarmonicDyne BAROQUE, Audio-Technica R70X, Mod Home Argon Mk3, and MOONDROP Blessing 3 as my essential headphone and IEM pairings.
Until in any other case specified, all checks and comparisons on the K13 R2R had been accomplished in NOS mode and with the PEQ disabled at its impartial place.
NOS vs OS
The K13 R2R’s NOS mode delivers a hotter sound signature that barely smoothens some finer particulars. The presentation options softer transients and a relaxed treble that reduces listening fatigue whereas sustaining wonderful tonal density.
Soundstage in NOS mode feels expansive and atmospheric, with devices positioned in a pure, spacious surroundings. Nevertheless, micro-detail can appear barely compressed in comparison with extra analytical sources.
OS mode shifts the sound signature to a cleaner and extra exact tonality, with tighter sub-bass management and extra treble extension.
Imaging turns into barely extra outlined, with improved instrument separation and spatial accuracy, although the soundstage narrows barely and turns into extra intimate.
For many of my listening with funk, disco, and acoustic tracks, I gravitated towards NOS mode. The heat and pure move made prolonged listening classes easy and fatigue-free.
With extra advanced digital productions and Hip-Hop, OS mode proved to be extra applicable, highlighting deeper sub-bass hits and higher prolonged cymbal strikes.
The distinction between modes is minimal but substantial sufficient to successfully provide two distinct sonic personalities.
Bass
The K13 R2R’s sound signature leans extra in direction of the hotter aspect, however its sub-bass remains to be offered with wonderful texture and pure weight, by no means coming off as bloated or boomy. Sub-bass extension reaches deep with out overwhelming with extreme bass amount.
Mid-bass carries a slight heat that enhances the natural high quality of acoustic devices. Double bass and bass guitar exhibit wonderful word definition. What instantly struck me was how detailed every strum was, even on the NOS setting.
On different R2R DACs, I discovered that the NOS setting had higher word weight and tuning whereas sacrificing some element and texture, however the K13 managed to fuse the most effective of each configurations.
In tracks with distinguished kick drums and synthesized bass, the K13 R2R delivered spectacular dynamics and layering.
Percussive devices are a standout with the K13 R2R, coming off with practical harmonics and texture, with out overdoing their presentation or drowning out the combo.
The heat by no means muddied advanced basslines, sustaining readability between sub-bass rumble and mid-bass punch; nonetheless, the general hotter presentation did leak into the midrange.
Mids
The K13 R2R has a clear and organic-sounding midrange that leans barely in direction of the nice and cozy aspect. Male vocals possess distinctive weight and authority, with chest resonance and decrease harmonics superbly rendered.
Feminine vocals profit from the graceful higher midrange tuning, avoiding any trace of harshness or sibilance even with vibrant recordings. There’s a contact of heat that provides physique to thinner voices with out creating extreme thickness.
Nevertheless, in comparison with extra impartial or colder sources, they’ve a much less ethereal presentation which will come off as being much less detailed to some.
String devices present an analogous pattern; they’re offered with extra word weight and in a extra stress-free tonality, however they don’t have the identical element stage in comparison with colder sources. This turns into evident in tracks with predominant use of electrical keys inside the combine.
Horn sections and brass devices notably excel with the K13 R2R’s tonal steadiness, projecting with applicable chunk and brashness whereas avoiding shrillness.
Jazz and funk recordings sound vibrant and fascinating, with devices occupying their correct area within the soundstage.
Treble
Treble presentation leans towards smoothness relatively than sparkle and micro-detail. This tuning proves perfect for prolonged listening classes and brighter headphones that profit from smoothing.
Cymbal crashes and hi-hats possess good physique and shimmer with out changing into too sibilant. There’s enough element retrieval to understand manufacturing nuances, although the presentation prioritizes naturalness over analytical precision.
Larger-frequency harmonic content material is barely recessed in comparison with impartial sources, giving recordings a barely darker background. This attribute proves helpful with less-than-perfect recordings, smoothing over harshness and grain.
For these looking for extra treble vitality, OS mode supplies noticeable elevate within the higher frequencies, although it nonetheless falls in need of actually analytical sources.
Staging & Dynamics
Soundstage width in NOS mode impresses by balancing a large sense of ambiance with out being too exaggerated, making a convincing sense of acoustic area that seems like being in a room with the performers
Whereas not being overly large, it has good 360-degree directionality and peak. I discovered that the K13 R2R was higher than most sources I’ve tried in inserting devices or accents in direction of the higher left and higher proper areas of the soundscape.
Imaging accuracy falls barely behind the extra impartial sources just like the Topping L30II, however its imaging efficiency is an enormous step up from different R2R-based DAC/AMPs just like the K11 R2R.
Dynamics are a selected energy, with the K13 R2R delivering spectacular distinction between the softest and loudest devices inside advanced mixes.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my really useful pairings and chosen comparisons.
