FiiO K11 vs K13

playittwice

playittwice

Super Member
I am in the market for a DAC for a second system. I have switched over to the ladder DAC format and it provides great synergy in my system.
I’d like to stay a bit more budget friendly on this one. I’m currently using a Denafrips Ares II.

I’m thinking the K11 or K13, from what I’ve read the K11 seems to be a decent/good option. Has anyone experienced the K13 to compare to the K11, or just purchased one for DAC use?
This will be used solely as a DAC in a two channel system-no headphones, so the amp portion is immaterial.


Thanks.
 
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playittwice said:
I am in the market for a DAC for a second system. I have switched over to the ladder DAC format and it provides great synergy in my system.
I’d like to stay a bit more budget friendly on this one. I’m currently using a Denafrips Ares II.

I’m thinking the K11 or K13, from what I’ve read the K11 seems to be a decent/good option. Has anyone experienced the K13 to compare to the K11, or just purchased one for DAC use?
This will be used solely as a DAC in a two channel system-no headphones, so the amp portion is immaterial.


Thanks.
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I would be interested to hear if you find the FiiO K11 R2R to sound better than the Denafrips Ares 2. I’m using the K11 off my WiiM Pro Plus and I prefer the ladder DAC sound.
 
I highly doubt I will ever go back to D/S.
What speakers do you use?
What type of amplification do you use? (Tube or SS)
 
You might want to look at the FiiO Warmer R2R Tube Buffer DAC... From what I read, it is a bit better than the K11/K13 DACs. It uses four JJ E88CC buffer tubes and has a built-in linear power supply which is superior to the standard wall bricks that are usually provided with DACs. I read that if you tube roll the DAC, you only need to replace two tubes if you are using the RCA outs. The other two tubes are required only if you are using the balanced outputs. The price is a somewhat affordable $350.

The other DAC that is recommended is the Schiit Mimir MESH DAC for $300. It has gotten great reviews and is reportedly superior to the older $800 Schiit Bifrost.

I ordered both of these DACs but due to high demand, I probably won't be getting them until February 2026. Look for a comparison of these two DACS after I get and try them.
 
I can vouch for the K11 R2R. Not sure there is a better value in DACs at the moment. I run it exclusively as a DAC so I couldn’t tell you about any of the other functions. One note about it. I run it in NOS mode. To me it was noticeably better sounding than OS. Your ears may vary.

If I were buying today I’d probably buy the FIIO Warmer R2R. The only thing I wish they had done differently from a design standpoint is make the power switch an on/off dimmer that could dim the meter lights.
 
local said:
I can vouch for the K11 R2R. Not sure there is a better value in DACs at the moment. I run it exclusively as a DAC so I couldn’t tell you about any of the other functions. One note about it. I run it in NOS mode. To me it was noticeably better sounding than OS. Your ears may vary.

If I were buying today I’d probably buy the FIIO Warmer R2R. The only thing I wish they had done differently from a design standpoint is make the power switch an on/off dimmer that could dim the meter lights.
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I want to echo everything you said in your reply. I'm listening to the K11 R2R as I type this (Redbook FLAC through the Parasound system in my sig) and it sounds fantastic. It really can't be beat for the price. Like you, I would buy the Warmer R2R today and eventually will down the road, but I have zero complaints with the K11 R2R. Funny thing is the only DACs I have ever owned (and still own) are R2R: Parasound D/AC-1100HD and D/AC-2000 Ultra Analog, and the K11 R2R.
 
I was close to getting a Mimir (I liked the Forkbeard app on the Kara F I had for a while) but I decided to go for the K11 R2R. I will get around to trying the headphone amp eventually, but for now I need to learn the controls for the DAC features. The Fiio replaced a Fosi ZD3 DAC, I won't be going back. The ZD3 will likely end up in my TV sound set up, all I need there is 2.1. I might get a ZA3 to pair with it in that spot.
 
I should have lots of time to try it out this week, probably will be snowed in for a few days. I decided to keep the Wiim pro as my streamer, so the Wiim app is enough of a control for everything except my turntable ( doesn't get a lot of use ). I have a Tidal subscription for streaming, that is fine so far.
 
I am undecided between the 11 and the 13. From what I’ve researched, the primary differences are more connectivity options and more power with the 13, if using it as a headphone amp. May be more subtle differences, but the sound it described as being the same between them, as far as the R2R sound signature.
 
I think what would sway me between the two is if I intended to use the XLR connections on the back of the K13, which the K11 does not have. K11 is also a smaller form factor and the power supply is not internal if that matters to you. If you don’t care about XLR and having an internal power supply, you can get the K11 for about half the money.
 
I thought about the new tubed K 13, but I decided I didn't need the hassle of tubes. The K11 really does sound better than the other budget DAC's I have tried, ( FX D6, Topping E 30 lite, Fosi ZD3).
 
sfox52 said:
I was close to getting a Mimir (I liked the Forkbeard app on the Kara F I had for a while) but I decided to go for the K11 R2R. I will get around to trying the headphone amp eventually, but for now I need to learn the controls for the DAC features. The Fiio replaced a Fosi ZD3 DAC, I won't be going back. The ZD3 will likely end up in my TV sound set up, all I need there is 2.1. I might get a ZA3 to pair with it in that spot.
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I have the K11 R2R and while I like the dac I found the amp to be a bit underwhelming.
 
I honestly will hardly use the headphone amp. The Fiio will stay with my main system as a dedicated DAC I have other amps and receivers for the headphones. I agree with local, it sound best in nos mode.
 
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They've launched Fiio BR15 R2R with the same resistors ladder. Since I don't need the headphone amplifier I'm considering it too.
BR15 works at 5V 2A DC instead of 12V 2.5A DC of the K13 and output is BR15 RCA 2.2Vrms and XLR 4.4Vrms instead of K13 RCA 2.6Vrms and XLR 5.3Vrms what might be more convenient to avoid saturation in some connections.
Measurements seem to be particularly bad for DSD 1 bit output but an upgrade with a LPS might raise the noise floor.
COAX accepts DSD64 with DoP in both devices. I plan to connect my multifomat Sony Blu-Ray player though an eBay HDMI-i2S DoP transceptor to play my SACDs with their direct DSD dac.
 
I am currently testing the K13 R2R for a couple of weeks now, the Denafpris 2 has been my baby for a few years, and I would say so far, the K13 does not have the finesse the Denafpris has, or the soundstage presentation.

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centaurojz said:
I am currently testing the K13 R2R for a couple of weeks now, the Denafpris 2 has been my baby for a few years, and I would say so far, the K13 does not have the finesse the Denafpris has, or the soundstage presentation.

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Is there someone in your household who could blind test you on that and score how many times you correctly identified each DAC? When people claim they can easily tell the difference between two components I think that should be tested blindly.
 
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