Absolutely. I’m definitely still in that stage. There’s just so much to learn. But the Fiio K11 definitely helps. I know I’m getting quality, transparency and a nearly neutral signal from it. Plus it’s fun!!! Enjoy!
Nice review. Thank you. I was looking at this desktop amp/dac so I can relegate my Mojo2 to my speaker system. May I ask are you happy with the silver version?
I want to upgrade my Zen dac, and the Fiio looks like a good solution. The problem is that the bass boost is so good on the Zen dac, I can't bring myself to actually replace it.
I do miss the bass boost feature on the K11. The much older Q3 still has it, but honestly it’s not in the same league quality-wise as the analog X-bass on the Ifi. So I definitely understand your hesitation. I’ve pretty much left my bass boost behind and when I occasionally use it, it is reserved for my Elegias and Venus. Both of those headphones can handle it and benefit from it. Other than that, the button stays off. I guess what I’m saying is that you might be okay without it. And unless you’re getting rid of the Zen Dac, you can always go back to it if you need a fix 😉
Giving the basic tech specs like amp type and architecture, type of dac chip, etc, is a good thing, most people don't. Have you tried the k11 r2r? Might be too early still for r2r to be so cheap tho.. 0.1% variance resistors, which is a big number..
Thank you! That was a super nice comment to leave! I finally found an iem that the K11 doesn’t pair well with. The Kinera Freya 2.0. It’s strange because you’d think the set would be fine, but she has expensive tastes I guess. The Freya 2 came in not her glory on my TA-22 and to a slightly lesser extent on the Zendac v2. Really strange. The K11 had no problem driving my 300 ohm HD660s2, but didn’t bring out the best in a 20 ohm iem on a 4.4mm cable? Bizarre.
See, i went for the k7 to drive koss kph40 and i am ...okay with it ?? Volume has to be at 12 o'clock for normal listening volume. Gain is set to high as well Anyways hooked it up to an integrated amp and sounds very good, but i cant tell the difference with my smsl su1+topping L50 for clean power.
Would this be a good match for AKG k701 ? On another note I'll be using them mostly for gaming, are they better fit or sony xm5 ? (i do have xm5 that i can use with 3.5mm to pc , but the sound is worse than bluetooth connection on my phone or pc) would they benefit from dac/amp ? Also would it be suitable for gaming, i see you mention 05 to 1 sec delay while playing, is it just after starting or its constant because that would be a deal breaker for gaming:/ ?
Okay let’s see. The AKG k701 should do well with the Fiio K11. The specs mention a max input power of 200mW, and the K11 delivers up to 1400, so I’d recommend keeping it in med gain. That should be fine with the K701s resistance. So yes, it should be a good match. When I first started using Dac/amps, I tried my B&W px7 s2 with the Fiio Q3 and Ifi hipdac2. It sounded great with both. Much better than Bluetooth. So i am assuming you’ll have similar results with the xm5. Powered headphones have their own Dac I believe, so I’m not sure how that gets sorted, but I can definitely attest to wired being better with my bowers. And on the delay. It only occurs at the inception of playback and not again at any time that I’ve experienced. That would be a deal breaker for gaming. But I don’t believe you will experience it once the K11 kicks into gear. Hope this was helpful! ☮️
@@BassDad8 Thanks for the reply, so basically its worth buying the k11, as it would improve the sound/usability of both my headphones without costing me an arm and a leg.And probably will be enough even if later down the line i decide to update to something in the more mid to upper end, like Sennheiser hd 600 and the likes ?
@@ivanpetrov7379 Yes. You will definitely "future proof" yourself with the K11. I seriously don't think there is a headphone or earphone that it cannot power, well maybe outside of Stax. And I seriously doubt I'll ever be able to test that theory. I think Stax needs and EST amp anyway lol. If I am ever rich enough to get one, I'll let you know...
Looking at your specs, I would say yes. 5-40,000 KHz, 30 ohm impedance, 98db sensitivity are right in the Fiio K11's wheelhouse. 50mm dynamic open back . All looks good. I have not heard your se I, but I'm confident it will be a good match.
Would this be better than e10k? I'm having weird static noises and pops when sound cutting in and out. Can this one be powered without usb? I think the usb is the issue on the e10k
Yes. So the K11 comes with an external power supply. And I don’t think it can actually be powered without it. The noise floor is like being in space. In other words, it doesn’t have one. Not that I’ve noticed anyway. That is why I use it for 99% of my iem and headphone testing. It has one quirk, however. When you start playing a song, there is a bout a half of a second delay. This only happens on initial playback and does not happen again during continuous playback. It’s a nitpick, but it’s worth mentioning so it doesn’t surprise you. It has never really bothered me. That is literally the only “complaint” I have. Outside of that it performs as well as anything I have, including the TA-22. The TA-22 has the warm coloration I prefer for headphones and some neutral IEMs, but it’s not a $360 upgrade in SQ. The K11 holds its own.
@@BassDad8 thank you so much for your feedback. Do you play games at all? Is that delay an issue gaming or with anyth other sound that doesn't involve music?
@@SignorFreeze I have not tried gaming with anything besides the Fiio BTR7 and that was fine via Bluetooth on my switch. For my ps4 I just use the headphone jack on the controller. So as you can tell, I’m not super up to date on gaming. But you’ve got me thinking about trying some stuff out. My Asus is woefully underpowered for gaming. Not even a basic nvidia gpu in there. So I’m probably not a great source of info for gaming…
Planning on getting the k11 more so for gaming paired with the orchestra lites. I’m new to all this stuff and was wondering if it would make for a good combo?
I actually ended up ordering the Fosi Audio sk02 just for the impedance purposes. From the looks of it the k11 has a highish impedance for sensitive iem’s and I think the dx3 pro+ is on the higher side too. I suppose I just wanted to be safe. If you’ve looked up any reviews on the sk02 almost every person says that they’re neutral and on the brighter side with a little warmth on the mids. I can say they were pretty accurate. Nothing mind blowing though.
@@Rip_blackmambaforever it sounds great man. It just came today and played a few games of warzone but I also use artiswar audio which is basically just an eq set up through hesuvi and voicemeter that’s really broken but positional audio was amazing. Definitely a very neutral sound from sk02 which was what I was looking for.
I also intend on using the balanced 4.4mm audio jack with my orchestra lites since I just got some 4.4mm seraph tripowin cables (which pair great with the blue ochestra lites). Heard a lot of people saying that the balanced 4.4mm audio sounds a lot more cleaner and sharper than the typical 3.5mm
@@innovance3788 such bs. Well it does power everything I have including the 300 ohm HD660 s2, but no it’s not a truly balanced Dac/amp. It’s absolutely fine. And it’s dead neutral. I just like the energy that my others have more. The zendac v2 is warmer. The Fiio K11 has more life to it and the TA-22 is just fun. Way too expensive, but fun anyway. If I were to give one up, it would easily be the DL200. It’s fine, but it’s not balanced and it is a little flat sounding in my experience.
@@BassDad8 Thanks I'll bear that in mind! I got a FX Audio DAC-X6Mk2 thrown in with an iem I bought recently. So that has me thinking I should probably pick up a decent dac/amp. I"m defo keeping the K11 in consideration, esp as I think it looks great in black too! But I'll keep looking around for other options.
It’s doing a fine job of powering my 660s2s. Pretty effortlessly actually. I do use high gain, but just because it’s there. You can use med gain and there is still plenty of room left on the volume dial. ☮️
i want to get this for simgot supermix 4 iem for gaming. what port should i use? balanced or unbalanced? and what kind of converter/cable do i need then?
@@ronald0122 the K11 has plenty of power on the unbalanced side too, so unless you’ve got really hard to drive ‘phones, the 6.35mm single ended port will be fine. You may need a 3.5 to 6.35 adapter though.the main input is usbc so you should be able to hook it up to a laptop or console without any issues
@@ronald0122 you should probably replace the stock cable on the SuperMix 4 anyway as some people have reported problems with reversed polarity. In that case, I always recommend 4.4mm balanced cables. If you’re going to replace it anyway, might as well get the extra juice.
I have a problem using this, I always listen for noise popping when listening to music or it could be directly by changing the Windows volume it will be heard quickly. Has anyone experienced it? Then how to fix it?
I have not had that issue at all. I’m n a windows os and QoBuz studio. For playback I click the speaker icon on the bottom right of the window and select Wasapi (exclusive) under the K11. The only glitch I experience is about a 0.5 second delay on initial playback, but nothing during continuous play.
Do you even have the K11? Seems like you don't, and that is one ignorant, wet-blanket statement. I looked into the reviews and, as with any product, there are some negative responses. Look, I get the delay could be annoying. It is less than 1 second and it only happens right when you start playing music through it and not again at any time during continuous play. If you don't want to deal with a firmware update, you don't have to, and if you don't like the update, you can revert to factory settings, literally on the device itself. So, when you say DO NOT BUY THIS, are you referring to the device, or that I recommended it? If you have a better suggestion for a desktop dac/amp combo for under $150, I'd love to hear it. Look, if you are going to leave a drive-by comment, I am either going to ignore it, or I am going to demolish you, which I just did. Have a nice day :)
I’m getting one. Looking great so far for a beginner audiophile. Thanks for the review 😊
Absolutely. I’m definitely still in that stage. There’s just so much to learn. But the Fiio K11 definitely helps. I know I’m getting quality, transparency and a nearly neutral signal from it. Plus it’s fun!!! Enjoy!
@@BassDad8 Yep! Thanks.
Thanks for your review, you push me to get it, i just ordered haha. So keep doing your stuff.
i have no doubt youre going to love it!
Great review!! The fiio k11 seems really nice, specially with that power output.
Thank you! Yes it’s definitely a little powerhouse. No problem running the 100mm planar Venus on it, that’s for sure 👍
I have zero need for the K11 but I want one pretty badly.
Why？
@@Kevin-sh1sx cuz it's pretty
@@ImAWSMDannyand there's a red r2r too (yes I know this comment is months old lol but still)
I want that
Nice review. Thank you. I was looking at this desktop amp/dac so I can relegate my Mojo2 to my speaker system. May I ask are you happy with the silver version?
Yes. I love the silver actually!
I want to upgrade my Zen dac, and the Fiio looks like a good solution. The problem is that the bass boost is so good on the Zen dac, I can't bring myself to actually replace it.
I do miss the bass boost feature on the K11. The much older Q3 still has it, but honestly it’s not in the same league quality-wise as the analog X-bass on the Ifi. So I definitely understand your hesitation. I’ve pretty much left my bass boost behind and when I occasionally use it, it is reserved for my Elegias and Venus. Both of those headphones can handle it and benefit from it. Other than that, the button stays off. I guess what I’m saying is that you might be okay without it. And unless you’re getting rid of the Zen Dac, you can always go back to it if you need a fix 😉
Giving the basic tech specs like amp type and architecture, type of dac chip, etc, is a good thing, most people don't. Have you tried the k11 r2r? Might be too early still for r2r to be so cheap tho.. 0.1% variance resistors, which is a big number..
Looking at r2r too. Based on comments I've seen, it seems that r2r is better but not in all areas.. In some area the vanilla k11 is better
Excellent review
Thank you! That was a super nice comment to leave! I finally found an iem that the K11 doesn’t pair well with. The Kinera Freya 2.0. It’s strange because you’d think the set would be fine, but she has expensive tastes I guess. The Freya 2 came in not her glory on my TA-22 and to a slightly lesser extent on the Zendac v2. Really strange. The K11 had no problem driving my 300 ohm HD660s2, but didn’t bring out the best in a 20 ohm iem on a 4.4mm cable? Bizarre.
See, i went for the k7 to drive koss kph40 and i am ...okay with it ?? Volume has to be at 12 o'clock for normal listening volume. Gain is set to high as well Anyways hooked it up to an integrated amp and sounds very good, but i cant tell the difference with my smsl su1+topping L50 for clean power.
Would this be a good match for AKG k701 ?
On another note I'll be using them mostly for gaming, are they better fit or sony xm5 ? (i do have xm5 that i can use with 3.5mm to pc , but the sound is worse than bluetooth connection on my phone or pc) would they benefit from dac/amp ?
Also would it be suitable for gaming, i see you mention 05 to 1 sec delay while playing, is it just after starting or its constant because that would be a deal breaker for gaming:/ ?
Okay let’s see. The AKG k701 should do well with the Fiio K11. The specs mention a max input power of 200mW, and the K11 delivers up to 1400, so I’d recommend keeping it in med gain. That should be fine with the K701s resistance. So yes, it should be a good match.
When I first started using Dac/amps, I tried my B&W px7 s2 with the Fiio Q3 and Ifi hipdac2. It sounded great with both. Much better than Bluetooth. So i am assuming you’ll have similar results with the xm5. Powered headphones have their own Dac I believe, so I’m not sure how that gets sorted, but I can definitely attest to wired being better with my bowers.
And on the delay. It only occurs at the inception of playback and not again at any time that I’ve experienced. That would be a deal breaker for gaming. But I don’t believe you will experience it once the K11 kicks into gear. Hope this was helpful! ☮️
@@BassDad8 Thanks for the reply, so basically its worth buying the k11, as it would improve the sound/usability of both my headphones without costing me an arm and a leg.And probably will be enough even if later down the line i decide to update to something in the more mid to upper end, like Sennheiser hd 600 and the likes ?
@@ivanpetrov7379 Yes. You will definitely "future proof" yourself with the K11. I seriously don't think there is a headphone or earphone that it cannot power, well maybe outside of Stax. And I seriously doubt I'll ever be able to test that theory. I think Stax needs and EST amp anyway lol. If I am ever rich enough to get one, I'll let you know...
Would you recommend this for philips fidelio x3
Looking at your specs, I would say yes. 5-40,000 KHz, 30 ohm impedance, 98db sensitivity are right in the Fiio K11's wheelhouse. 50mm dynamic open back . All looks good. I have not heard your se I, but I'm confident it will be a good match.
Would this be better than e10k? I'm having weird static noises and pops when sound cutting in and out. Can this one be powered without usb? I think the usb is the issue on the e10k
Yes. So the K11 comes with an external power supply. And I don’t think it can actually be powered without it. The noise floor is like being in space. In other words, it doesn’t have one. Not that I’ve noticed anyway. That is why I use it for 99% of my iem and headphone testing. It has one quirk, however. When you start playing a song, there is a bout a half of a second delay. This only happens on initial playback and does not happen again during continuous playback. It’s a nitpick, but it’s worth mentioning so it doesn’t surprise you. It has never really bothered me. That is literally the only “complaint” I have. Outside of that it performs as well as anything I have, including the TA-22. The TA-22 has the warm coloration I prefer for headphones and some neutral IEMs, but it’s not a $360 upgrade in SQ. The K11 holds its own.
@@BassDad8 thank you so much for your feedback. Do you play games at all? Is that delay an issue gaming or with anyth other sound that doesn't involve music?
@@SignorFreeze I have not tried gaming with anything besides the Fiio BTR7 and that was fine via Bluetooth on my switch. For my ps4 I just use the headphone jack on the controller. So as you can tell, I’m not super up to date on gaming. But you’ve got me thinking about trying some stuff out. My Asus is woefully underpowered for gaming. Not even a basic nvidia gpu in there. So I’m probably not a great source of info for gaming…
good review
Thank you!
I want the red r2r.. The last one in my local store was bought buy a guy (he seems nice though).. And he owns an HD 800 wtf.. I want his headphone too
Planning on getting the k11 more so for gaming paired with the orchestra lites. I’m new to all this stuff and was wondering if it would make for a good combo?
I have the same IEM’s as you and I’m wondering the same. I’m narrowing my options to dx3 pro plus and K11
I actually ended up ordering the Fosi Audio sk02 just for the impedance purposes. From the looks of it the k11 has a highish impedance for sensitive iem’s and I think the dx3 pro+ is on the higher side too. I suppose I just wanted to be safe. If you’ve looked up any reviews on the sk02 almost every person says that they’re neutral and on the brighter side with a little warmth on the mids. I can say they were pretty accurate. Nothing mind blowing though.
@@RyanSmith-lr1ul ok thanks for the response! If I may ask how has the sk02 been for gaming?
@@Rip_blackmambaforever it sounds great man. It just came today and played a few games of warzone but I also use artiswar audio which is basically just an eq set up through hesuvi and voicemeter that’s really broken but positional audio was amazing. Definitely a very neutral sound from sk02 which was what I was looking for.
I also intend on using the balanced 4.4mm audio jack with my orchestra lites since I just got some 4.4mm seraph tripowin cables (which pair great with the blue ochestra lites). Heard a lot of people saying that the balanced 4.4mm audio sounds a lot more cleaner and sharper than the typical 3.5mm
Does your smsl have a proper balanced output?
No. It’s definitely not balanced. But at least they don’t say that it is. It’s simply listed as 4.4mm out. I knew that when I bought it.
@@BassDad8 Oh the amazon listing here said it was balanced, smh
@@innovance3788 such bs. Well it does power everything I have including the 300 ohm HD660 s2, but no it’s not a truly balanced Dac/amp. It’s absolutely fine. And it’s dead neutral. I just like the energy that my others have more. The zendac v2 is warmer. The Fiio K11 has more life to it and the TA-22 is just fun. Way too expensive, but fun anyway. If I were to give one up, it would easily be the DL200. It’s fine, but it’s not balanced and it is a little flat sounding in my experience.
@@BassDad8 Thanks I'll bear that in mind!
I got a FX Audio DAC-X6Mk2 thrown in with an iem I bought recently. So that has me thinking I should probably pick up a decent dac/amp.
I"m defo keeping the K11 in consideration, esp as I think it looks great in black too! But I'll keep looking around for other options.
Would it power a hd650 or hd660s2 sufficiently?
It’s doing a fine job of powering my 660s2s. Pretty effortlessly actually. I do use high gain, but just because it’s there. You can use med gain and there is still plenty of room left on the volume dial. ☮️
i want to get this for simgot supermix 4 iem for gaming. what port should i use? balanced or unbalanced? and what kind of converter/cable do i need then?
@@ronald0122 the K11 has plenty of power on the unbalanced side too, so unless you’ve got really hard to drive ‘phones, the 6.35mm single ended port will be fine. You may need a 3.5 to 6.35 adapter though.the main input is usbc so you should be able to hook it up to a laptop or console without any issues
@@ronald0122 you should probably replace the stock cable on the SuperMix 4 anyway as some people have reported problems with reversed polarity. In that case, I always recommend 4.4mm balanced cables. If you’re going to replace it anyway, might as well get the extra juice.
Thanks. What filter is best on the k11 for gaming? @@BassDad8
I have a problem using this, I always listen for noise popping when listening to music or it could be directly by changing the Windows volume it will be heard quickly. Has anyone experienced it? Then how to fix it?
I have not had that issue at all. I’m n a windows os and QoBuz studio. For playback I click the speaker icon on the bottom right of the window and select Wasapi (exclusive) under the K11. The only glitch I experience is about a 0.5 second delay on initial playback, but nothing during continuous play.
I do run it through a usb hub however because I have multiple Dac/amps connected. The noise floor is complete silence on mine. Pitch black.
amazon reviews from actual buyers say DO NOT BUY THIS
Mine came shipped with the latest firmware and have had zero issues with it so far.
Do you even have the K11? Seems like you don't, and that is one ignorant, wet-blanket statement. I looked into the reviews and, as with any product, there are some negative responses. Look, I get the delay could be annoying. It is less than 1 second and it only happens right when you start playing music through it and not again at any time during continuous play. If you don't want to deal with a firmware update, you don't have to, and if you don't like the update, you can revert to factory settings, literally on the device itself. So, when you say DO NOT BUY THIS, are you referring to the device, or that I recommended it? If you have a better suggestion for a desktop dac/amp combo for under $150, I'd love to hear it. Look, if you are going to leave a drive-by comment, I am either going to ignore it, or I am going to demolish you, which I just did. Have a nice day :)
That's not what the overwhelming percentage of buyers have said. I'm one of them, this is a remarkably good product for the price paid.