Fiio K11 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The Fiio K11 packs a genuinely balanced desktop DAC and headphone amplifier into a compact chassis at an entry level price. Built around the Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC, it delivers up to 1400mW per channel from its 4.4mm balanced output, decodes PCM to 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD256, and covers USB, optical, and coaxial sources.

Type and Technology

A CS43198 DAC feeds a balanced analog stage with SGM8262 output op-amps, keeping noise vanishingly low with an SNR of 123dB or higher and THD+N below 0.0006%. The USB-C input supports driver free operation, while optical and coaxial inputs serve TVs, consoles, and streamers. A coaxial digital output is also available when running over USB.

Sound Character

The K11 is clean, neutral, and transparent, with none of the grain or congestion typical of budget sources. It simply gets out of the way of the music, with enough power in reserve to keep dynamics intact on more demanding headphones.

Build and Features

The compact aluminum chassis is controlled by a single multifunction knob, with a crisp VA display showing volume and sample rate and an RGB logo light indicating format. Three gain levels and a switchable line out let it double as a tidy preamp source for powered speakers. See more affordable desktop DACs in the Fiio collection.

Best For

First desktop setups, dorm and office rigs, and anyone stepping up from a dongle who wants balanced output and real power without spending much.

What's in the Box

• Fiio K11
• Power adapter with AC cable
• USB-A to USB-C data cable
• 6.35mm headphone adapter
• Quick start guide and warranty card

Specifications