FiiO K11 DAC and Headphone Amplifier for Home Audio or PC, 6.35mm and Balanced 4.4mm, RCA, Coaxial, Optical, 1400mW, 384kHz/24Bit DSD256 (Silver)

This is a wire with gain. Mine came with firmware v125. Sound can now be somewhat controlled through Windows in USB mode. Firmware v125 has filter number 3 as default. As for the DAC part of the deal, it blows onboard sound implementations out of the water, even the ones from high end motherboards. It also blows the old Xonar DX / STX dedicated sound cards from last decade out of the water. Those were CS4398 (the CS43198's grandpa, this is what the K11 is built around) and BB PCM1792A, great parts. As for the amplifier part of the deal... with the balanced output, it drives my HD650s to ear damaging sound levels in high gain mode. It could easily be run in low gain mode for most modern content that's loud and compressed by default. Middle gain is a good middle ground. Go get a balanced cable if you have one of the 300 ohm Senns, it's worth it. For other cans the single ended output is more than enough. The complete package is outstanding. Sound quality is amazing. For music and movies, you get detail, dynamics, engaging presentation, speed. Not dull at all. You will hear it all as it was recorded in all its glory. If it was recorded good it will be amazing. If it was recorded bad it'll be bad. You can't polish a turd. I'm using filter 6 (no filter). For gaming (CS2, for example) the presented image is expansive and accurate (and this also applies to music). You will have no issues pinpointing where the other players (or instruments) are around you. The price/value is amazing. I firmly believe this K11 right could be considered endgame gear for most. I don't know how much better things can get in both DAC and amp departments over $129, if they ever do. FiiO really outdid themselves with this little beast, and the K11 is just the entry level product from the new generation. Oh, and when you read in reviews that the HD600/HD650s don't have a ceiling and they keep scaling and scaling with better gear, that's completely true. Now I wonder how much more those headphones can do...

I wanted to get into higher end audio, namely by finding a desktop DAC with balanced audio output. For under $150, this was an incredibly sensible purchase for my needs. Unit itself is made of solid material, sleek black finish that isn't a total fingerprint magnet, with full size audio out as well as the aforementioned 4.4mm balanced out. My headphones ROAR out of that balanced out, even on low amplification! Love the aesthetics from the LED lighting on top, which I didn't even realize was a feature when I plugged it in! Pairs great with a room and setup full of RGB. If you want to get into upper mid to higher end audio, this is a fantastic starting point that'll run out of any desktop or laptop, or even game console with no drivers needed! Drivers are necessary for ASIO out on desktops though, which can be tricky to install. Overall though, great value and sound, these make your headphones even better.

First thing to note is the title is incorrect this DAC is actually 32 bit, I verified this before purchasing on the Fiio website. As for performance this DAC is very good, probably one of the best dollar to performance deals currently available. You do need to read the menu because navigation is not entirely intuitive but once you do it once it works very well. I have no issues driving my 600ohm headphones at a volume that is louder than I would ever use, I did have to set the output to high gain mode as the DAC doesn't auto detect headphone impedance but I don't mind this at all. Sound quality is great and I love having other input options and a rear panel to connect my speakers, also being able to switch to the speaker by double pressing the volume knob is a great feature. Overall I am very happy with this DAC.

The FiiO K11 is a compact, feature-rich desktop DAC/amp that aims to deliver high-quality audio without breaking the bank. Positioned as an entry-level unit in FiiO’s lineup, it offers a sleek design, versatile connectivity, and enough power to drive most headphones—all for around $159. The sound is clean, detailed, and largely neutral—though not without quirks. While many users report a pleasant listening experience with no coloration, others have noted issues with the digital filters, describing the sound as “compressed” or “plastic” depending on the preset. Filter 4 is often cited as the most natural The FiiO K11 (non-R2R) is a solid entry-level DAC/amp that balances aesthetics, usability, and performance. It’s not a technical powerhouse, and audiophiles seeking absolute neutrality may find its sound signature lacking. However, for casual listeners and budding enthusiasts, it’s a fantastic starting point—especially if you value convenience and versatility. If you're looking for a clean desktop solution with balanced output and modern design, the K11 delivers. Just be aware of its quirks before diving in.

Definitely a nice little amp and love the fact that it has the balanced output. I'll keep it simple since I'm not into all the silly audiophile terminology. After watching a few videos I decided to pick this up it was pretty happy with it. I've had a few other amps previously and I have to say this one has some seriously heavy filtering. Never before have I been able to switch filters and hear such a difference between the sound. This one goes from Bright and sharp a filter number one to completely dark and muffled at filter number five. Filter six is basically bypass and it's where I kept mine at. It's a really good sound really nice vocals good Sound Stage and really overall a great value. I think the interface is really cool and the form factor is really nice the knob feels great the display looks cool, however the LEDs on top make me feel like it was geared towards gamers especially at that price point. Moving on to a couple comparisons. Versus the smsl c200 it's pretty close but I have to give the win to the smsl but it's nearly $70 more. The smsl just sounds a little more detailed you hear a lot more Reverb and symbols and acoustic guitar strums it's just more clear. Also the biggest thing is the Sound Stage is much bigger in the smsl. You feel much more like your standing in the center for performance and things feel a little bit wider around your head and a little more holographic. Comparing it to the topping dx3 Pro+ it's just a different game totally. The topping is much Superior than all the others. It's punchier it's much much more clear and you're hearing details that just disappear on the k11. The soundstage is bigger and distant reverbs on vocals or snare drums just feel like they're floating around the air in your head. It's really cool amp unfortunately it didn't have a balanced input so I couldn't do a direct comparison. Comparing them all through the quarter inch plug the topping blew everything out of the water however comparing the topping with the quarter inch versus fiio and smsl balanced, the topping was dead last. I don't know if my sundara's shipped with a poor cable but for $17 here on Amazon I bought a balanced cable that really changed the entire sound making it much more clear in detail. Anyway that's what I noticed. Either way I didn't end up keeping the fiio k11 just because I found a better option at a higher price that I just couldn't give up after hearing it. I think anybody would be very very happy to have this amp as was I before I made the mistake of listening to more expensive units :)

The FiiO K11 punches way above its price and size. It delivers a clean, powerful sound with enough headroom to drive most headphones comfortably, especially through the balanced output. The tuning is neutral and detailed without being harsh, making it a great match for both planars and dynamics. Build quality feels solid and premium. The volume knob is smooth, the screen is bright, and the menu is simple to navigate. It stays cool during long sessions and doesn’t clutter the desk. USB connectivity is stable, and switching between inputs is quick. For everyday listening, gaming, or music production, the K11 offers excellent clarity and separation. You get high‑resolution support up to 384kHz/24‑bit and DSD256, which is more than enough for most libraries. If you want a compact desktop DAC/amp that delivers clean power, great usability, and impressive sound for the money, the K11 is an easy recommendation.

Absolutely fantastic when paired with Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro headphones or other high impedance devices. The sound quality is phenomenal in comparison to other DAC & Amp setups. I also love the fact that there is no clipping when using high gain. The devices filter selection is also a nice feature. I am currently using filter 6.

wow! listened to music all my life. decided to try a higher level of equipment. got the k11, fiio jade audio JT3s, the cable to go balanced and a sony 510 dvd/cd player. I'm blown away. I hear things in my CDs I have never heard before. started amazon hd music on a tablet and run it through the K11 too. UHD quality! just amazing. budget set up, incredible sound..... Update: added Kiwiears Altruva for a different listening experience on some genres.

Le FIIO K11 est une vraie réussite ! Ce DAC/ampli offre un son clair, puissant et précis, avec une excellente dynamique. La prise en charge du DSD256 et du 384 kHz/24 bits permet de redécouvrir ses morceaux préférés avec un niveau de détail impressionnant. Les multiples sorties (6,35 mm, 4,4 mm, RCA, coaxial, optique) rendent ce petit boîtier ultra polyvalent, parfait pour un usage sur PC, Mac ou système audio domestique. La puissance de sortie est largement suffisante pour driver des casques exigeants. La finition noire est sobre et élégante, et la prise en main est simple, même pour les non-initiés. Rapport qualité-prix imbattable dans cette gamme ! Je recommande chaudement aux audiophiles comme aux utilisateurs en quête de meilleur son au bureau

I am running as a DAC/headphone amplifier for a Bluesound streamer via the optical connector. I have a pair of Audeze LCD-2 headphones which are tough to drive and for which I have upgraded to a 4.4mm balanced cable. The FIIO K11 drives the big Audezes with ease and the combination sounds great - detailed with clear, deep bass, clear midrange and nice high frequency definition without sounding shrill or sibilant. The menus are very easy to navigate - I migrated from a Chord Mojo2 which was a nightmare with all its coloured LEDs (it eventually died and I have not got round to getting it fixed yet). I am very happy with the FIIO K11 and would recommend it strongly. For the price it is an absolute steal!

My Wiim Ultra had an iffy headphone output so I bypassed it with this puppy, using the USB port. My modest headphones sound better than ever! I am very happy with this unit as it also has optical and coax inputs, if needed. It has 3 settings for various types of headphones. The default "medium" setting works great with my headphones so I left it. But it can also work with headphones that need more juice, I guess. Anyway, I am a happy guy!

Excelente

Ich habe lange nach "dem richtigen" DAC "für mich" recherchiert (mein erster). Der Markt ist sehr unübersichtlich und wenn man, wie ich, gerade erst das Feld "Audio/Hifi" (wieder) betreten hat kann es wirklich überwältigend sein. Ich habe jahrzehntelang über meinen Marantz SR4002 mit AKG K500 Kopfhörern Musik gehört und war auch sehr zufrieden. Die AKG's sind nun im halben Ruhestand und wurden von DT770 Pro X von Beyerdynamic abgelöst. Da das Meiste seit Langem sowieso über den PC läuft und ich etwas kompakter werden wollte habe ich mich auf die Suche nach einem DAC/Amp gemacht. Geworden ist es der K11 von Fiio. Das Gerät kam gut und schön verpackt bei mir an. Alles was man benötigt ist dabei. Das Gerät, Netzteil, USB-C Kabel sowie ein 3,5mm zu 6,3mm Adapter. Mein Gerät hatte bereits die neueste Firmware Version installiert (Stand 5.8.24 V122). Die Bedienung geht leicht von der Hand und zu Einstellungen welche sich nicht sofort erklären findet man im Forum des Herstellers sowie auf Reddit fundierte und verständliche Antworten. >>>Wichtig<<<: Das Gerät bietet die Möglichkeit verschiedene Filter einzustellen (sechs an der Zahl). Im Auslieferungszustand ist Filter Nummer 3 voreingestellt. Diesen sollte man umgehend auf Filter 2 oder 6 (entspricht keinem Filter) umstellen. Viele Reviews weisen darauf hin und ich auch. Mit dem voreingestellten Filter ist der Sound "muffig" und nicht "offen/frei" und auch ich als nicht Audiophiler merke den Unterschied deutlich. Ich persönlich nutze Filter Nummer 6. Die Leistung (Gain) kann in drei Stufen (L, M, H) an die jeweiligen Kopfhörer und ihren Bedarf angepasst werden. Ich betreibe meine Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X (48 Ohm) auf der mittleren Stufe. Auch die erste Stufe wäre möglich, aber ich habe gerne Reserven nach oben wenn die Aufnahme nicht so laut ist. Der Klang ist klar und sauber und wird nicht "verfärbt". Auch bei hohen Pegeln. Nichts was mich stören würde. Kein Knarzen, kein Überschlagen, nichts. Einfach guter Klang bis (wenn man möchte) zur Schmerzgrenze. Die Lautstärkeregelung erfolgt nicht linear über den gesamten Bereich des Lautstärkereglers sondern steigert sich erst langsam um dann bei ca. 75% die restliche Lautstärke schneller zu erhöhen. Ich habe mich schnell daran gewöhnt. Jedem der einen fähigen DAC sucht und sich auch (wie ich als Laie) in den Kaninchenbau begeben hat kann ich den K11 wärmstens empfehlen. Es mag "bessere(!?) " und technisch raffiniertere Geräte geben, aber ich bin nach all den Wochen des Lesens und Schauens "angekommen", und das zu einem guten Preis. Das Gerät tut was es soll, nämlich genug Leistung mitbringen und den Klang von der Quelle möglichst unverfälscht zu mir bringen! @Fiio well done