@@TheHonestAudiophile with the r2r version announced now, do you think this version will have higher latency? i say this because i use the K11 for gaming, but if latency is the same or better i’d return it for the r2r version
A great review. I finally got my hands on a Brennan B2 a month ago and needed something to give better headphone sound than the dual function jack socket. After checking out other DACs, I decided to try out the FiiO and I’m really impressed. I’ve connected it using an optical cable, and my headphones of choice are Bowers and Wilkins P7s. As you say, you get an honest representation of each album without any colourisation. Be prepared though to find that some albums might not have the punch that you thought that they had when listening through older equipment. This DAC is brutally honest. Great value for money over here in the U.K.
using with some dt880 pros sounds great on gaming or music was suprised it pushed these headphones so well. Sounds as good as the schiit stack on my other computer. Took me a minute to figure the push button control (I am a bit slow Ha Ha)@@TheHonestAudiophile
I am using Fiio k11, it really handles DSD 128 bit like fluid, no colouring or artificial timbre. Using it with beyer Dt 880 ed 30 ohm & akg k275 works great
Love my FiiO BTA30Pro ($125), which I have used on my desktop for the better part of three years. Source is usually my PC. The BTA30Pro supports TX, RX, and DAC modes. On my desktop it is connected to my Hitachi receiver (SR-503L) and Marantz EQ-20. Sometimes, I run it in TX mode with LDAC output to SONY WH1000XM3's or AptX to bluetooth earhooks (KXAZ09Pro's w/ S12's or MP-145's). Else, in DAC mode to the Hitachi...output to bookshelf speakers or HiFiman open back planars.
I use a Q15 at my work desk. Are you planning on reviewing the Q15? The way you described the K11, seems like it is a little like the Q15 in sound presentation just more refined. Great review BTW!
I almost want to pick this over the K7 due to the annoying volume knob on it. But I know the K7 tests better and has much more power. I just hope the K7's volume control is not that annoying in person I find myself adjusting volume a lot.
I can confirm, K7 volume is very annoying. Not worth the trouble. Plus, the sound quality is no better than fiios cheaper ka5 dongle. K7 just has more bass due to more power, but same exact sound. I find Fiios own ka13 dongle sounds way better than K7. However, K7 and ka5 somehow sounds better and more open when hooked up to a pc. But on a phone, the ka13 destroys both as far as sound quality. Ka13 has more punch, stringer fuller mids, every bit as detail while bringing the vocals and instruments closer to the listener. You can tell the difference instantly. Best part is, ka13 is only $79 and has way more power than ka5. Only the new ka17 has more power. I might grab the k11 just to see if the extra power will give more bass to my Ananda stealth.
Audeze LCD-5 Sennheiser HD660S2 Hifiman Ananda Aune AR5000 MrSpeakers Ether C The harder stuff like Hifiman Sundara, Arya Stealth, Audeze LCD-2 Closed, Moondrop Para and Fiio FT5 were adequate but sounded better on more powerful amplifiers
Hi there Dave! Great review as always. How do you think it holds up in terms of sound quality against the more expensive FiiO offerings like the K7? Thanks.
Been a while since I heard K7. If memory serves me correctly, the K7 is warmer, has better details and resolution. The K11 has the more analytical tuning and the K7 is more musical.
I wouldn't say it's superior just different and more capable in technical abilities. The K7 is a warmer more musical presentation whereas the K11 is more neutral and analytical. The K7 has a little better detail retrieval and resolution. The K7 has more output power and Bluetooth if that's what you need or seek. Personally I like the presentation of the K11 more and the slightly less technical abilities aren't a major issue for me.
Thanks for the review. I have a newbie question to ask. I recently got into the "audio game". Bought some cheap IEM, after my Senheiser Momentum 3 gave up and then bought some Senheiser IE 200. I use them on my Smartphone and then tried them on my PC. Then i read that you can uprgrade your Sound on the PC by using a DAC / AMP and bought the K11. i installed it and played arround with the garin and the filters, but i do not hear a signifikant difference between the K11 and the normal headphone jack on the PC (MSI B550 Tomahawk Mainboard). Yes, it gets louder, but that is all. Did i do something wrong oder does it only work with better Headphones / IEM then my IE200? Thanks in advance.
I haven't heard the IE200. Some products don't reveal differences well. Maybe your MSI has a really good headphone output, I don't know I don't have that setup. To my ears the K11 is a significant upgrade from my MSI laptop, my phone doesn't have headphone jack.
I plan to use the he400se with the k11 fiio, i was wondering if the dac itself sounds better than what i hear from my phone dac, i just need amplification power and the dac being atleast a decent level better than what i hear on my phone
I honestly can't answer that question. I haven't had a phone with a headphone output in at least 4 years. I think that the K11 bests most dongles that I've reviewed.
@@cujoo111 thanks! I think the HE400SE is a bit harder to drive than the Sundara and XS, but I'm not 100% sure. I would like to add some eq to the HE400SE too so that would require even more power as far as I understand.
I don't recall much about the K7. Here's a link to my review:.ua-cam.com/video/N05ibvkX-Zc/v-deo.html The K11 on balanced output is adequate for the HD8XX but I think a more powerful and higher quality DAC would be more optimal. But if K11 is all the budget will all for the time then it should suffice.
In the start-up guide provided in the box. 1. minimum-phase fast roll-off 2. fast roll-off, phase-compensated 3. minimum phase dlow roll-off 4. slow roll-off, phase compensated 5. wideband flatness 6. non over-sampling
@@TheHonestAudiophile I have one last question: If I connect both my headphones and speakers to the K11, will I be able to switch between them in Windows 10? Will Windows recognize them as two separate devices?
i'm 62 , not a golden eared audiophile , with tinitus . would this do all i need with my TYGR 300R headphones ? watching movies from the 65 hisense and of course youtube and music . thanks , jeff .
@@TheHonestAudiophile life got in the way and i didn't order the K11 . now i see fiio has a K11 R2R . any plans to review it or have you done any R2R related videos you can link me to ? thanks , Jeff
Here is a list of the filters that Fiio offers: 1) Minimum phase fast roll-off filter 2) Fast roll-off, Phase-compensated filter 3) Minimum phase slow roll-off filter 4) Slow roll-off, Phase-compensated filter 5) Wideband flatness filter 6) Non over-sampling filter I preferred #6.
Hey, I don't really know if you will have the time to awnser this question. But I am french, and I am using the Edition XS from Hifiman. Here the Atom 2 stack is too expensive, do you think that the K11 will be a good buy, or will I miss something in my audio experience with it combined to the XS?
Dumb question, but will K11 be sufficient enough with mine DT770Pro (250 ohm)? Or should I find something better? if so, can you recommend something in 200$ range (im not a picky one, but if K11 is good enough Im fine with that also)
Hello, I am very new to the audio world,especially in respects to IEMS. Would you recomend a IEM under or around $150? I liked the Kinera Celest Phoneixcall(on the internet offcourse) and watched your review. But $130 dollars is a lot of money(for me atleast),I wanted to get some recomendations. Thanks.
Here are a couple of recommends in and around the $150 price range. Moondrop Kato LetShuoer Galileo Ziigaat Cinno Now keep in mind none of them will have the bass of the Kinera PhoenixCall that you were looking for.
Aune X1s GT has more power for sure and can drive some more of the harder to drive headphones that the K11 struggles with. The Aune has a warmer, musical presentation. I've not heard the X1s 10th anniversary.
Is the K11 designed to drive headphones such as the 250 Ohm 770 Pro and the 300 Ohm 660S2? I currently have both these headphones hooked up to an Atom Amp+ and not satisfied with the max loudness I can get out of the headphones with this amp. I'm looking for just a little louder then what I can get from the Atom Amp+. Thanks for the feedback.
How do you compare this to the new schiit magni unity. I really wanted a dac/amp all in one unit to clean up the desk. I think the magni unity, though no balanced out, but on paper has plenty power to drive most things I have (Sundara hd490 pro, hd6xx, some simgot iems). I do like the aesthetics and the screen on the k11 better and it’s cheaper price though.
Excellent review! This DAC is at the top of my list. But I'm wondering about this use-case: I want to run optical s/pdif from my desktop computer to the K11, and use the balanced output to my powered desktop speakers, while simultaneously running the RCA line outs to my headphones. Will the K11 allow me to do that? And if yes, is the balanced output degraded because I'm also running the RCA line outs at the same time? Thanks so much!
The balanced output is for headphones and the RCA are for lineout to an external. The 4.4mm is not meant for lineout use. The RCA aren't meant for headphones use. You can only use one output at a time, it's either headphone output or lineout.
What is you suggesting at this price range! While i heard that k11 is not tht perfect! What about k3 ? Or any other suggestions I have dt990 32ohm and 700 x pro
Sorry haven't heard the K3. I think the K11 is fantastic value and is an excellent DAC/amp in the price range. Both the DT990 and 700x should pair well with it. But I've not heard those pairings.
Hey, i have a Schiit Hel 2, do you think the K11 would be any kind of "upgrade" to me? just trying to see if it does have any Upgrade interms of the sound performance wise.
I have Schiit Hel 2 and just recently bought the K11. They both are kind of the same in term of sound. The K11 is newer and has lcd screen while the Hel 2 has just a big volume knob on top. The reason why I picked the K11 is the 4.4mm jack, which the Hel 2 doesn't have.
Zen V2 has more output power. Sound wise the Zen V2 is warmer, has a more laid-back presentation, similar details and resolution. The K11 is more analytical and neutral. Keep in mind I haven't heard the Zen V2 since I reviewed it and am going off memory.
@@TheHonestAudiophileI allow myself to correct you as the ifi zen dac v2 is actually much less powerful than the k11. In fact the zen dac v2 delivers 330mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 230mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL) while the k11 delivers 1400mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 520mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL)
The balance 4.4mm HP output is weak for a HD600. It'll get it loud but doesn't bring out the sonic abilities as it is only 250mw at 300ohm. I recommend connecting an external amplifier for headphones that are harder to drive like the HD600.
@macs0544 Id recommend getting an external amp that has enough power to drive the HD600 and use the K11 as the DAC. BUT if you want an all in one that has enough power for the HD600 the iFi Zen DAC V2 is a decent option at a slightly higher price. Sadly I've not come across an all n one that has enough power in the 200 price range.
Schiit released their new Magni Unity (Amp + internal DAC) a month ago. It goes below the $200 price mark. According their official specifications it has an output power of: -Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 415mW RMS per channel
hi, great content btw, i have a little question tho, dosent iem's usually have low impedence and they dont need any dac/amps to run ? why would you buy something that costs 130 dollars to run them
Not all IEM have low impedance. And just because something has low impedance doesn't mean it won't sound better on a higher powered source. Some people like to listen to IEM at a desk with an external device instead of using a dongle or straight from phone, tablet, laptop.
@@TheHonestAudiophile i see, i have a truthear nova and idk if i should buy a dac/amp like the fioo k11 and change the cable to a better one. Would that improve the sound on this particular iem knowing that i usually plug into into my desktop and it is fairly loud already
Without knowing how your laptop sound card performs, I don't know much about them at all. The K11 can/could improve the performance of the Nova. I find that the K11 helps bring out performance of IEM that I review even when comparing them to USB dongles.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I will check the box when I reach back home, I think I have 2 cables and a 3.5mm adapter, maybe the other cable in the box is 4.4mm
K5 Pro has similar output power at 1.5w 32ohm. K11 does offer more in regards to the DAC functionality. I've not heard the K5 Pro so can't compare sonics though.
Saw in their 2024 roadmap they’re planning an R2R version of this, which will be super interesting if the price doesn’t skyrocket.
R2r will be a lot costlier
Awesome 👍 R2R or MultiBit or ladder configuration will add some cost more than likely. Very interesting information. Thanks 👍
@@TheHonestAudiophile with the r2r version announced now, do you think this version will have higher latency? i say this because i use the K11 for gaming, but if latency is the same or better i’d return it for the r2r version
@GOilers97 doubtful but I no idea to be honest
@@tradehut2782 The R2R version is still only $160 vs $130 for this one.
I love Fiio sources and happy to see such a versatile device at a good price.
A great review. I finally got my hands on a Brennan B2 a month ago and needed something to give better headphone sound than the dual function jack socket. After checking out other DACs, I decided to try out the FiiO and I’m really impressed. I’ve connected it using an optical cable, and my headphones of choice are Bowers and Wilkins P7s. As you say, you get an honest representation of each album without any colourisation. Be prepared though to find that some albums might not have the punch that you thought that they had when listening through older equipment. This DAC is brutally honest. Great value for money over here in the U.K.
Awesome 👍 Thanks for the impressions. Glad you enjoy the Fiio K11.
Yep just ordered one of these got a deal for 100 dollars thanks for the video info appreciate your time and info
Awesomeness. I look forward to hearing your impressions of the K11.
using with some dt880 pros sounds great on gaming or music was suprised it pushed these headphones so well. Sounds as good as the schiit stack on my other computer. Took me a minute to figure the push button control (I am a bit slow Ha Ha)@@TheHonestAudiophile
I am using Fiio k11, it really handles DSD 128 bit like fluid, no colouring or artificial timbre. Using it with beyer Dt 880 ed 30 ohm & akg k275 works great
Love my FiiO BTA30Pro ($125), which I have used on my desktop for the better part of three years. Source is usually my PC.
The BTA30Pro supports TX, RX, and DAC modes. On my desktop it is connected to my Hitachi receiver (SR-503L) and Marantz EQ-20. Sometimes, I run it in TX mode with LDAC output to SONY WH1000XM3's or AptX to bluetooth earhooks (KXAZ09Pro's w/ S12's or MP-145's). Else, in DAC mode to the Hitachi...output to bookshelf speakers or HiFiman open back planars.
Cool, glad you enjoy the BTA30 Pro. Thanks for the comment.
I use a Q15 at my work desk. Are you planning on reviewing the Q15? The way you described the K11, seems like it is a little like the Q15 in sound presentation just more refined. Great review BTW!
Q15 review coming soon.
I almost want to pick this over the K7 due to the annoying volume knob on it. But I know the K7 tests better and has much more power. I just hope the K7's volume control is not that annoying in person I find myself adjusting volume a lot.
I can confirm, K7 volume is very annoying. Not worth the trouble. Plus, the sound quality is no better than fiios cheaper ka5 dongle. K7 just has more bass due to more power, but same exact sound.
I find Fiios own ka13 dongle sounds way better than K7. However, K7 and ka5 somehow sounds better and more open when hooked up to a pc. But on a phone, the ka13 destroys both as far as sound quality. Ka13 has more punch, stringer fuller mids, every bit as detail while bringing the vocals and instruments closer to the listener. You can tell the difference instantly.
Best part is, ka13 is only $79 and has way more power than ka5. Only the new ka17 has more power. I might grab the k11 just to see if the extra power will give more bass to my Ananda stealth.
GM ☕️❄️
Did you just find the unicorn 🦄 that we’re all looking for 😉
Possibly 😉
Cheers!
Thanks for the review. Which balanced headphones with a 4.4mm connector did you use to test the 4.4mm audio jack with?
Audeze LCD-5
Sennheiser HD660S2
Hifiman Ananda
Aune AR5000
MrSpeakers Ether C
The harder stuff like Hifiman Sundara, Arya Stealth, Audeze LCD-2 Closed, Moondrop Para and Fiio FT5 were adequate but sounded better on more powerful amplifiers
Awsome review , please review toping D50 3/ A50 3
Thanks for the suggestion
Hi there Dave! Great review as always. How do you think it holds up in terms of sound quality against the more expensive FiiO offerings like the K7? Thanks.
Been a while since I heard K7. If memory serves me correctly, the K7 is warmer, has better details and resolution. The K11 has the more analytical tuning and the K7 is more musical.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Very interesting. Thanks for the reply!
@JOJOSSTAR1 my pleasure, you're welcome
@@TheHonestAudiophile Hi Dave, do you think the superior sound performance of the k7 (which you described) is worth the $90 difference?
I wouldn't say it's superior just different and more capable in technical abilities.
The K7 is a warmer more musical presentation whereas the K11 is more neutral and analytical. The K7 has a little better detail retrieval and resolution. The K7 has more output power and Bluetooth if that's what you need or seek. Personally I like the presentation of the K11 more and the slightly less technical abilities aren't a major issue for me.
Thanks for the review. I have a newbie question to ask. I recently got into the "audio game". Bought some cheap IEM, after my Senheiser Momentum 3 gave up and then bought some Senheiser IE 200. I use them on my Smartphone and then tried them on my PC.
Then i read that you can uprgrade your Sound on the PC by using a DAC / AMP and bought the K11. i installed it and played arround with the garin and the filters, but i do not hear a signifikant difference between the K11 and the normal headphone jack on the PC (MSI B550 Tomahawk Mainboard). Yes, it gets louder, but that is all. Did i do something wrong oder does it only work with better Headphones / IEM then my IE200? Thanks in advance.
I haven't heard the IE200. Some products don't reveal differences well. Maybe your MSI has a really good headphone output, I don't know I don't have that setup. To my ears the K11 is a significant upgrade from my MSI laptop, my phone doesn't have headphone jack.
I plan to use the he400se with the k11 fiio, i was wondering if the dac itself sounds better than what i hear from my phone dac, i just need amplification power and the dac being atleast a decent level better than what i hear on my phone
I honestly can't answer that question. I haven't had a phone with a headphone output in at least 4 years. I think that the K11 bests most dongles that I've reviewed.
Great review! do you think it will be powerful enough to drive the HE400SE?
Hmmm hi gain with 4.4mm balanced may be enough. I've not heard the pairing.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I see, thank you!
My pleasure, you're welcome
I have the sundara and the editionXS, it works with medium gain, no problem. All with balanced cable
@@cujoo111 thanks! I think the HE400SE is a bit harder to drive than the Sundara and XS, but I'm not 100% sure. I would like to add some eq to the HE400SE too so that would require even more power as far as I understand.
To be used with an Hd800s, would you recommend the K11 or the K7?
I don't recall much about the K7. Here's a link to my review:.ua-cam.com/video/N05ibvkX-Zc/v-deo.html
The K11 on balanced output is adequate for the HD8XX but I think a more powerful and higher quality DAC would be more optimal. But if K11 is all the budget will all for the time then it should suffice.
is there any guide to the digital filter options for Fiio K11 ? Don't know which filter does what, needed some guidance.
In the start-up guide provided in the box.
1. minimum-phase fast roll-off
2. fast roll-off, phase-compensated
3. minimum phase dlow roll-off
4. slow roll-off, phase compensated
5. wideband flatness
6. non over-sampling
Would you recommend connecting active speakers to this? I don't like the onboard sound of my computer.
Yeah it would work with the RCA output of the K11. Do keep in mind that the gain setting doesn't effect the RCA output.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Will that be an issue?
Nah, shouldn't be. just thought I'd mention it.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I have one last question: If I connect both my headphones and speakers to the K11, will I be able to switch between them in Windows 10? Will Windows recognize them as two separate devices?
@thanos1000000fc you change the output with the menu of the K11 not with your PC as it recognizes the K11 as one device.
i'm 62 , not a golden eared audiophile , with tinitus .
would this do all i need with my TYGR 300R headphones ?
watching movies from the 65 hisense and of course youtube and music .
thanks , jeff .
Hmmm good question. I've not heard the TYGR 300r but the specs seems doable. May need to use high gain for them but it should drive them.
@@TheHonestAudiophile life got in the way and i didn't order the K11 . now i see fiio has a K11 R2R . any plans to review it or have you done any R2R related videos you can link me to ? thanks , Jeff
I hope to get the K11 R2R in for review.
Great Review. Which filter type do you use on the k11?
Here is a list of the filters that Fiio offers:
1) Minimum phase fast roll-off filter
2) Fast roll-off, Phase-compensated filter
3) Minimum phase slow roll-off filter
4) Slow roll-off, Phase-compensated filter
5) Wideband flatness filter
6) Non over-sampling filter
I preferred #6.
Hey, I don't really know if you will have the time to awnser this question. But I am french, and I am using the Edition XS from Hifiman. Here the Atom 2 stack is too expensive, do you think that the K11 will be a good buy, or will I miss something in my audio experience with it combined to the XS?
I've not heard the pairing but I don't see why it wouldn't be a good pairing.
@@TheHonestAudiophile OK thank you, it was for an impedance probleme, because the édition xs is only 18 ohms
Probably will need to use high gain but it should be okay. I recommend 4.4mm balanced output as well.
@@TheHonestAudiophile OK thank you vrry much !
@StructureMastery my pleasure, you're welcome
I mean I kinda feel like they would drive sundaras arya and the like just fine because dongle amps can do it on 200-300mw but alrighty
As mentioned in video, gets to volume but doesn't drive to full potential, like some dongles.
Dumb question, but will K11 be sufficient enough with mine DT770Pro (250 ohm)? Or should I find something better? if so, can you recommend something in 200$ range (im not a picky one, but if K11 is good enough Im fine with that also)
It'll get them to volume but may not bring out full potential as K11 struggles with headphones I tested at 300ohm.
Hi , is it wise to use Fiio K11 with TV for movies the latency rate of audio and video will be in synchro ?
I've not used the K11 in that manner. I've not had issues gaming or watching videos on my laptop with the K11.
Hello,
I am very new to the audio world,especially in respects to IEMS.
Would you recomend a IEM under or around $150?
I liked the Kinera Celest Phoneixcall(on the internet offcourse) and watched your review.
But $130 dollars is a lot of money(for me atleast),I wanted to get some recomendations.
Thanks.
Here are a couple of recommends in and around the $150 price range.
Moondrop Kato
LetShuoer Galileo
Ziigaat Cinno
Now keep in mind none of them will have the bass of the Kinera PhoenixCall that you were looking for.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you so much!
@konstantinFPS my pleasure, you're welcome
Great choice...power sound.
I'm thinking of getting this for AR5000, is this a good choice?
Yes, it matches well with AR5000
Dave does k11 will be upgrade over aune x1s 10th anniversary (200mw at 300Ohm)?
Aune X1s GT has more power for sure and can drive some more of the harder to drive headphones that the K11 struggles with.
The Aune has a warmer, musical presentation.
I've not heard the X1s 10th anniversary.
Is the K11 designed to drive headphones such as the 250 Ohm 770 Pro and the 300 Ohm 660S2? I currently have both these headphones hooked up to an Atom Amp+ and not satisfied with the max loudness I can get out of the headphones with this amp. I'm looking for just a little louder then what I can get from the Atom Amp+. Thanks for the feedback.
It'll get them to volume but may not bring out full potential as K11 struggles with headphones I tested at/near 300ohm.
How do you compare this to the new schiit magni unity. I really wanted a dac/amp all in one unit to clean up the desk. I think the magni unity, though no balanced out, but on paper has plenty power to drive most things I have (Sundara hd490 pro, hd6xx, some simgot iems). I do like the aesthetics and the screen on the k11 better and it’s cheaper price though.
Sorry haven't heard the Magni Unity.
Excellent review! This DAC is at the top of my list. But I'm wondering about this use-case: I want to run optical s/pdif from my desktop computer to the K11, and use the balanced output to my powered desktop speakers, while simultaneously running the RCA line outs to my headphones. Will the K11 allow me to do that? And if yes, is the balanced output degraded because I'm also running the RCA line outs at the same time? Thanks so much!
The balanced output is for headphones and the RCA are for lineout to an external. The 4.4mm is not meant for lineout use. The RCA aren't meant for headphones use. You can only use one output at a time, it's either headphone output or lineout.
can i use for ath r70x ?
Yes on balanced output
What is you suggesting at this price range!
While i heard that k11 is not tht perfect!
What about k3 ?
Or any other suggestions
I have dt990 32ohm and 700 x pro
Sorry haven't heard the K3. I think the K11 is fantastic value and is an excellent DAC/amp in the price range. Both the DT990 and 700x should pair well with it. But I've not heard those pairings.
Hey, i have a Schiit Hel 2, do you think the K11 would be any kind of "upgrade" to me? just trying to see if it does have any Upgrade interms of the sound performance wise.
Sorry haven't heard the Schiit Hel 2.
I have Schiit Hel 2 and just recently bought the K11. They both are kind of the same in term of sound. The K11 is newer and has lcd screen while the Hel 2 has just a big volume knob on top. The reason why I picked the K11 is the 4.4mm jack, which the Hel 2 doesn't have.
As stated above, I've not heard the Schitt Hel 2.
Picked this up paired with a pair of 6XXs . Would you recommend a balanced cable and what Filter would you recommend? Just getting into the hobby
I use filter #6 non-over-sampling filter. I do recommend a 4.4mm balanced cable to be used with the 6xx.
Can you adjust treble and bass?
Sadly that isn't an option.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks
My pleasure, you're welcome
I have the ifi zen dac version 2 how does this compare to it
Zen V2 has more output power. Sound wise the Zen V2 is warmer, has a more laid-back presentation, similar details and resolution. The K11 is more analytical and neutral.
Keep in mind I haven't heard the Zen V2 since I reviewed it and am going off memory.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for your response 🙂
@TheCujo1956 my pleasure, you're welcome
@@TheHonestAudiophileI allow myself to correct you as the ifi zen dac v2 is actually much less powerful than the k11.
In fact the zen dac v2 delivers 330mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 230mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL) while the k11 delivers 1400mW@32 Ohm (BAL) and 520mW@32 Ohm (S-BAL)
I stand corrected. Thank you for the clarification. As I said above I was going off memory.
Would this pair well with HD600?
The balance 4.4mm HP output is weak for a HD600. It'll get it loud but doesn't bring out the sonic abilities as it is only 250mw at 300ohm.
I recommend connecting an external amplifier for headphones that are harder to drive like the HD600.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I see, what DAC/AMP would you recommend for around $200?
@macs0544 Id recommend getting an external amp that has enough power to drive the HD600 and use the K11 as the DAC.
BUT if you want an all in one that has enough power for the HD600 the iFi Zen DAC V2 is a decent option at a slightly higher price.
Sadly I've not come across an all n one that has enough power in the 200 price range.
@@macs0544 Topping DX3 pro plus
Schiit released their new Magni Unity (Amp + internal DAC) a month ago.
It goes below the $200 price mark.
According their official specifications it has an output power of:
-Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 415mW RMS per channel
hi, great content btw, i have a little question tho, dosent iem's usually have low impedence and they dont need any dac/amps to run ? why would you buy something that costs 130 dollars to run them
Not all IEM have low impedance. And just because something has low impedance doesn't mean it won't sound better on a higher powered source.
Some people like to listen to IEM at a desk with an external device instead of using a dongle or straight from phone, tablet, laptop.
@@TheHonestAudiophile i see, i have a truthear nova and idk if i should buy a dac/amp like the fioo k11 and change the cable to a better one. Would that improve the sound on this particular iem knowing that i usually plug into into my desktop and it is fairly loud already
Without knowing how your laptop sound card performs, I don't know much about them at all. The K11 can/could improve the performance of the Nova. I find that the K11 helps bring out performance of IEM that I review even when comparing them to USB dongles.
I seen people use it with ps5 how is it
Sorry I haven't tested it that way.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you for the response, I have 3.5 mm iem cable can I just get a 6.35 cable and not lose any quality?
You can use a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter instead of replacing your entire IEM cable.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you again lol
My pleasure, you're welcome
Hello there, honestly reviewing this product, can it run a pair of Sennheiser HD660s2 ??
It will power 660s2 on balanced output.
@@TheHonestAudiophile so another cost în plus for a balanced 4.4 mm balanced cable ..
Thank you for your response:)
I believe 660s2 ships with a 4.4mm balanced cable. Check when you are shopping.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I will check the box when I reach back home, I think I have 2 cables and a 3.5mm adapter, maybe the other cable in the box is 4.4mm
fiio entering smsl and topping territory.. too bad it lacks bluetooth.(LDAC)
I still dont get how it is supposedly a replacement of K5 Pro. It does not have the power on the single ended output.
K5 Pro has similar output power at 1.5w 32ohm.
K11 does offer more in regards to the DAC functionality.
I've not heard the K5 Pro so can't compare sonics though.
Wow for $130 bucks. Nice.
Yeah it's a great value in my opinion.
how long is the stock type c to type a cable?