FiiO has recently unveiled the FiiO K11 R2R desktop DAC/headphone amplifier, which is an upgraded version of the previous K11 model. The new product features a four-channel fully differential 24-bit R2R resistive matrix that has been specifically developed for the K11 R2R DAC. With 48 ultra-thin film resistors used for each of the four channels, a total of 192 resistors are incorporated with an accuracy of 0.1%. The R2R array, in combination with a professionally designed audio circuit featuring low-noise FFT components, delivers a clean, high-quality sound with a darker background.
The FiiO K11 R2R DAC features two easily switchable operating modes – NOS/OS, each offering distinct sound characteristics. In NOS (no oversampling) mode, the original bit rate of the digital stream is maintained, while in OS (oversampling) mode, the input digital stream is scaled to a frequency of 384 kHz, resulting in more detailed sound.
The FiiO K11 R2R DAC is designed to handle high-resolution PCM and DSD audio signal processing. It supports PCM audio signals with parameters up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. The decoded signal is then sent to a robust amplifier section featuring Ti OPA1642 low-pass filter chips and two professional SGM8262 operational amplifiers. With an output power of up to 1.3 watts per channel, the headphone amplifier in the FiiO K11 R2R can easily drive even the most demanding headphones. Additionally, the ability to switch gain levels and the utilization of the NJW1195A digital volume control chipset allow for precise volume adjustment for various types of headphones, from over-ear to low-power IEMs. This DAC also comes with two headphone jacks – a 6.35 mm jack and a balanced 4.4 mm jack.
FiiO recognizes the significance of a robust, clean power supply in delivering top-notch sound quality. Leveraging their years of expertise, they have engineered a professional low-noise power supply comprising 17 low-noise precision LDO voltage regulator chips and 2 DC-DC chips.
The FiiO K11 R2R External DAC and Headphone Amplifier can now be bought for $169.99 as per the suggested retail price.
The difference between K11 and K11 R2R
- Outlooking differences: K11 R2R comes with R2R logo while K11 does not have. The other appearances are same,
- Internal circuitry differences: K11 uses CS43198 as the DAC chip, while the K11 R2R uses sign-magnitude R2R as the DAC chip. Some of the corresponding circuits are slightly different.
- Parameters differences: The THD+N & Noise and noise floor of K11 and K11 R2R are nearly the same.
- Software settings function differences: K11 uses the CS43198 as DAC chip so it comes with a filter setting function. The K11 R2R uses sign-magnitude R2R as the DAC chip, so it has no filter function and the filter setting option is removed. But the oversampling mode and smart idlefunction are added for K11 R2R.
