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The new FIIO Warmer R2R Tube Buffer DAC

Any more comparisons? I'm super curious as to how these compare to other DACs. For example, Gustard, Denafrips, LAIV, Topping. The usual suspects. I have been shopping for my next DAC and wanting to try R2R technology. I'd hate to spend 3.5K, then find out the Fioo Warmer is close in performance. Seems like most comments around the Web are very positive.

It would also be helpful to know what your system looks like. That also has an effect on the sound. Not to criticize, but for reference.
 
Isotonic said:
Any more comparisons? I'm super curious as to how these compare to other DACs. For example, Gustard, Denafrips, LAIV, Topping. The usual suspects. I have been shopping for my next DAC and wanting to try R2R technology. I'd hate to spend 3.5K, then find out the Fioo Warmer is close in performance. Seems like most comments around the Web are very positive.

It would also be helpful to know what your system looks like. That also has an effect on the sound. Not to criticize, but for reference.
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Mind you, I do not own any high dollar DAC’s. My Geshelli J2S with Sparkos 3602 opamps in all three positions is my costliest DAC.

The FiiO Warmer…..
I really like it. It seems to take the edges off crappy recordings. Rounds things out, if you will. In general, vocals are an absolute pleasure to listen to. I typically run two systems simultaneously, but not always. Today I am messing around by stacking my Human 81’s atop my rebuilt EPI 100’s. A pair of Schiit gen 1 Aegir are driving the Human and an Akitika GT-108 is driving the EPI. Khozmo preamp takes care of both balanced and unbalanced.

I switch things up weekly. Dynaco ST-35, a pair of Schiit Gjallorhorn and a pair of 3e audio A7 monoblocks. Human 61 and Omega K8. I mix and match to my heart’s content.

The Warmer DAC is very easy to listen to and I prefer it in the OS mode. I am currently listening to the great jazz trumpet player, Jack Sheldon. What a gas!!!

Here’s a pic of my somewhat cluttered set up. I also have stands which are not in this photo which allow me to space the speakers further apart.
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The K13 gets great reviews as well.
Seems like the K11, K13, and now the Warmer, are all good choices. There is not much difference in price between the K13 and the Warmer from what I’ve found, so makes the decision to go Warmer an easier choice.
 
Sliphorn said:
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Mind you, I do not own any high dollar DAC’s. My Geshelli J2S with Sparkos 3602 opamps in all three positions is my costliest DAC.

The FiiO Warmer…..
I really like it. It seems to take the edges off crappy recordings. Rounds things out, if you will. In general, vocals are an absolute pleasure to listen to. I typically run two systems simultaneously, but not always. Today I am messing around by stacking my Human 81’s atop my rebuilt EPI 100’s. A pair of Schiit gen 1 Aegir are driving the Human and an Akitika GT-108 is driving the EPI. Khozmo preamp takes care of both balanced and unbalanced.

I switch things up weekly. Dynaco ST-35, a pair of Schiit Gjallorhorn and a pair of 3e audio A7 monoblocks. Human 61 and Omega K8. I mix and match to my heart’s content.

The Warmer DAC is very easy to listen to and I prefer it in the OS mode. I am currently listening to the great jazz trumpet player, Jack Sheldon. What a gas!!!

Here’s a pic of my somewhat cluttered set up. I also have stands which are not in this photo which allow me to space the speakers further apart.
.
.
Click to expand...
Nice system. I'm a fan of the Omega brand and I imagine the Warmer helps to tame the high frequency problems that are pretty normal in single driver full range designs. I have always wanted to hear an ST35. The Human speakers are beautiful.
 
put in an order on Jan. 22nd for one of this. Hopefully it will get ship out on or by Feb. 7th.. I ran the Ayima T20 for about 2wks and liked it ok.. Wanted to try this, so I returned the other one to Amazon. 4 tubes gotta be better than 2, right?
 
Isotonic, these are NOT quite the comparisons you're looking for but there an increasing number of reviews starting to come out that compare it to some popular DACs:

Chasing the glow: FiiO’s Warmer R2R adds what other DACs leave out | Darko.Audio (luke warm review - pardon the pun)
(Old Guy HiFi - enthusiastic but balanced review and he compares it to some popular DACs)

OldGuyHiFi nailed it in my books. The Warmer didn't set out to win awards based on clinical laboratory measurements...rather it infuses music with some warmth and sounds good doing it for a very reasonable price.)
 
Isotonic said:
Nice system. I'm a fan of the Omega brand and I imagine the Warmer helps to tame the high frequency problems that are pretty normal in single driver full range designs. I have always wanted to hear an ST35. The Human speakers are beautiful.
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The Omega K8 by themselves are just so so. Nowhere near as good as the Human or EPI. Where they shine is with the ST-35 driving them and playing along with either the Human or EPI. The combo of the two systems is magical. I suppose my favorite set up is the ST-35 driving the K8 and the Schiit gen 1 Aegir monoblocks driving the EPI. It is superb.
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btl3.01993 said:
put in an order on Jan. 22nd for one of this. Hopefully it will get ship out on or by Feb. 7th.. I ran the Ayima T20 for about 2wks and liked it ok.. Wanted to try this, so I returned the other one to Amazon. 4 tubes gotta be better than 2, right?
Click to expand...
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Yeah, they’re selling like hotcakes. Backordered everywhere.
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GChief said:
Or they could of left the gimmicky meters in the parts bin. Hell even smaller ones would be more gooder :thumbsup:
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Man, you’re really hung up on the mechanical VU meters. I think you are in the minority. I pay no mind to them and when I do glance at them they’re dancing like Fred & Ginger. They’re cool daddy-o.
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33-13 said:
Isotonic, these are NOT quite the comparisons you're looking for but there an increasing number of reviews starting to come out that compare it to some popular DACs:

Chasing the glow: FiiO’s Warmer R2R adds what other DACs leave out | Darko.Audio (luke warm review - pardon the pun)
(Old Guy HiFi - enthusiastic but balanced review and he compares it to some popular DACs)

OldGuyHiFi nailed it in my books. The Warmer didn't set out to win awards based on clinical laboratory measurements...rather it infuses music with some warmth and sounds good doing it for a very reasonable price.)
Click to expand...
He's pretty good. It occurs to me that at this price, one could get a DAC for detail and analysis, and a DAC for relaxation and still spend very little.
 
I have no idea when I’ll be getting my Warmef. I ordered it back in December and it was supposed to be shipped by now. I only wish they had a switch that turns off the VU meter lights.
 
Jon S said:
I have no idea when I’ll be getting my Warmef. I ordered it back in December and it was supposed to be shipped by now. I only wish they had a switch that turns off the VU meter lights.
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dang, they must be really behind. Not sure how accurate their estimate is, according to the Apos website, it said if you ordered before Jan. 26, 2026 your order will be ship on or by Feb. 7, 2026. If ordered on or after Jan. 26th, you won't get it til April or later 2026.. So, seems like you and I are in the same batch. Hopefully they will ship soon.. I got a notice from my credit card that they just took the money today, I placed the order on Jan. 22.. so, maybe it will be on time??? *fingers crossed*
 
btl3.01993 said:
dang, they must be really behind. Not sure how accurate their estimate is, according to the Apos website, it said if you ordered before Jan. 26, 2026 your order will be ship on or by Feb. 7, 2026. If ordered on or after Jan. 26th, you won't get it til April or later 2026.. So, seems like you and I are in the same batch. Hopefully they will ship soon.. I got a notice from my credit card that they just took the money today, I placed the order on Jan. 22.. so, maybe it will be on time??? *fingers crossed*
Click to expand...
Dunno...
I was notified that FiiO won't be shipping the Warmer from China to Apos about February 7.

Hey Jon,​
​
The ship date for the next batch of FiiO Warmers was pushed back to Feb. 7th. FiiO needed the extra production time.​
​
Sorry for the extended wait.​


That means Apos probably won''t get it until mid- or late-February. Add a week for shipping and looking at the end of February.
 
Jon S said:
Dunno...
I was notified that FiiO won't be shipping the Warmer from China to Apos about February 7.

Hey Jon,​
​
The ship date for the next batch of FiiO Warmers was pushed back to Feb. 7th. FiiO needed the extra production time.​
​
Sorry for the extended wait.​


That means Apos probably won''t get it until mid- or late-February. Add a week for shipping and looking at the end of February.
Click to expand...
Well that just sucks big time. Waiting game begins i guess.
 
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