FIIO K11 Compact Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The FiiO K11 is a slim desktop DAC and headphone amplifier that rethinks what an entry-level amp can be: more connections, more power and a smaller footprint. A Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC and a carefully designed audio circuit deliver up to 1,400mW per channel from the 4.4mm balanced output, with three gain levels and volume curves, USB-C, optical and coaxial inputs, and 4.4mm, 6.35mm, RCA and coaxial outputs. A clear display, sample-rate lighting and a driver-free USB mode for consoles complete it. It won a VGP 2024 Summer award and Headfonics’ Best Desktop DAC/Amp 2023.

A new take on the entry-level amp

After the success of its K5 Pro, K7, K9 and K9 Pro amplifiers, FiiO took a fresh look at entry-level desktop needs. The K11 offers more inputs and outputs than typical amps at this level, more power and a slimmer build: it is 25% smaller, 42% lower and 15% lighter than the K5 Pro ESS.

Inputs and outputs for a real system

Connect a computer, phone, console or CD transport by USB-C, optical or coaxial, and take the sound from the 4.4mm balanced or 6.35mm headphone outputs, the RCA line output or a coaxial digital output. Used with a phone as a USB DAC, the K11 runs from its own power supply, so it doesn’t drain the phone’s battery. The coaxial input and output share one socket, and the coaxial output works in USB mode.

1,400mW with three gains and three volume curves

Into 32Ω the balanced output delivers 1,400mW per channel (520mW single-ended), enough to unlock many hi-fi earphones and headphones. Each of the three gain levels has its own volume curve, so both sensitive earphones and harder-to-drive over-ears get a usable volume range.

Purpose-built circuit and power

Inside the slim case, a specially designed audio circuit is fed by more than 16 low-noise LDO regulators and an external 12V switching supply, for pure, stable power and consistent sound. A GD32 controller runs the system, and FiiO’s measurements show a 123dB signal-to-noise ratio and line-out distortion of just 0.00035%.

Display, lighting and one knob

The custom high-contrast VA display stays on without burn-in and shows the sample rate, volume, gain and output mode at a glance. The RGB FiiO logo shows the sample rate too, lit evenly by six LED strips and reflective film, and you can choose its colour (following the music or a fixed red, blue, cyan, purple, yellow, white or green, or cycling), set it to pulse or stay on, and pick from five brightness levels or off. The multi-function knob powers the K11 on and off, sets the volume and runs the menus; double-press it to switch between headphone (PO) and line (LO) output, and each mode remembers its own volume.

Driver-free for computers and consoles

As a USB DAC, the K11 needs no driver on Windows 10 and later, and works plug-and-play with games consoles such as the PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Installing FiiO’s driver on Windows unlocks the highest sample rates.

The slim aluminium alloy body fits neatly on any desk, and a silicone anti-slip pad keeps it firmly in place.

Good to know

• Prefer the sound of an R2R DAC? The K11 R2R shares the same compact design.
• Add streaming with the FiiO SR11.
• In the box: K11, 12V power adapter (with AC cable), USB-A to USB-C cable, 6.35mm adapter, quick start guide and warranty card. Black or silver.