FIIO K11 Review - Garbage?

Is the FIIO K11 fatally flawed? We review this DAC/Amp combo and let you know what is wrong and right about it.

[@ShynRaku]

Okay so, im really glad i stumbled upon your review, I was liking the K11 and i didnt even know it has filters, imma try to see if the store demo have which filter turned on thank you very much

[@pandemonium274]

"Set my Dad back $1,200.00" Classic;......

[@trenchcoatkendo]

thank you for your golden ears and thoroughness, bought this as a first DAC/amp as I have a set of focal clears coming in the mail that came with a custom 4.4mm cable so i just needed a stopgap with a balanced output as i decide which step further to take later. Could only imagine how crushed I'd be by the filter 3 default coloring the experience

[@scientificaudiophile]

Glad to help!

[@benkrake3678]

Just bought this DAC today as a display stock because it was the only one they had in silver. I tested it out with a pair of Hifiman Sundara’s and it sounded pretty damn good to me. I didn’t notice any sibilance or issues with the gain settings on high, still sounded clean with no distortion, unlike my SMSL C200, which is absolutely useless on high gain. I bought the K11 because the SMSL C200’s USB input stopped working for some reason, and was just useless with my phone as a music source, and Bluetooth sounded less clean than USB when it did work. Really annoyed though because now I have to go back to the shop that I got it from, because they forgot to put the crucial part back in the box, which is the cord that goes from the transformer brick to the power point. I know it was a simple mistake, but if you’re gonna sell display stock, then make sure that you check to make sure everything that was supposed to be in the box is in there!

[@scientificaudiophile]

I didn't notice any issues with gain settings either. Filter #3 - Rebecca Pidgeon's "Spanish Harlem" was where I heard sibilance. Removing the filter (using #7) removed the sibilance (probably 99% of it).

[@TheWorldTeacher]

​@@scientificaudiophileI am ordering a K7 today.

[@kto-to6129]

Fiio K7 have different vs K11 if i have Dt770Pro 80 Ohm and they can connect only to unbalanced output? Or maybe something else good fit for this headphones? (It is desirable that the high frequencies are not too high)

[@sighheinrich]

This is one of the best ratings yet, if I'm not wrong? Very good review. I like how you incorporate other reviewers judgement and ask if you or they are wrong!

[@scientificaudiophile]

Other reviewers confuse me. Not all of them. I like a few.

[@JohnLeaf]

Man wich cam you used for recording? The details are so great

[@scientificaudiophile]

I use the Sony - Alpha ZV-E10

[@soggydoggy2k6]

@@scientificaudiophile came to make the same comment, video quality is insane! Bravo to Sony then

[@ggvz2219]

I just received mine and I noticed that I can hear a hissing noise( electrical noise) whenever I’m on filter 6 which is louder than the sound being played .I don’t know if I should just return it or if there is a way to fix it someone please tell me if they have had the issue and how to resolve it/ what to do with it

[@Amiyah28413]

Thank you for the review - im looking for dac/amp for DT1770 250ohms. What would you recommend?

[@scientificaudiophile]

What price range and features?

[@Allaces305]

Long live that Bisch. Talking about filters what filter do you recommend for the rne'adi-2 fs? I'm currently using SD Sharp but would like your opinion

[@scientificaudiophile]

I've got my Line Out set to SD Sharp as well.

[@dreadlock17]

"Stars, panthers, or thumbs ups" Damn shots fired 😂

[@ArturoDeCasso]

¡Muchas gracias por este review! Esa información de los filtros es importante conocerla 🤔 estoy pensando en adquirir este DAC/AMP 🤔 Tengo el FiiO Q3 MQA y quiero usar al 100% mis ARTTI 10

[@Eric_In_SF]

This is one of those things where once you hear it you can’t hear it. My current app was pretty bright and splashy, and I was contemplating the warmer sound of the k11. Once I got it, I wasn’t really happy with it but mostly because it didn’t seem to sparkle much. I played with the filters a little bit and then settled back in at number three. Then I watch your video and listen to the song you recommended and I’m like holy shit now I can’t unhear this sizzle. Turn the filter off and it definitely smooth things out. I’m surprised other reviewers don’t chat about the filters because I could hear the subtleties between them and I am by far no golden ear

[@barrymckockiner8737]

Just tested this, no siblance in any filter. You got a bad unit?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Possibly. Did you test with Rebecca Pidgeon’s Spanish Harlem?

[@amanieux]

do we need to spend more than $10 on a apple dongle dac if we only use iems that requires very little power ? if not what is your dac recommendation for iems exclusively under $150 ? thanks

[@scientificaudiophile]

absolutely not. Dongle is all you need with efficient iems.

[@portugasanwa]

Fiio KA11, 29 dolars of pure gold

[@woyttas]

Love your reviewing style. Instant sub. The filter thing is just FiiO being FiiO. I'm on my third device from this company as the value for money is definitely there, as is the sound quality. BUT, and it's a BIG BUT, their firmware QC is amongst the worst. I've had issues with KA3 (gave it away), BTR7(returned) and now K7(having fun with customer support). K7 exhibits sound fading for split second randomly, which triggers me a lot, especially when gaming. Not a single reviewer mentioned this flaw. Bunch of collab shills in this hobby. Hope you're not one.

[@scientificaudiophile]

We’ll find out, as I’ve got the K9 (not a K7) in a box. Reviewing a couple other products first, but I’ll listen to my Bish and we’ll see if she goes down randomly on me.

[@vladiknegrotha7041]

nice review was thinking of getting a apm\dac here and im new in that world i just got the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X 48ohms and everyone told me it will sound 10 times better with an amp but no can direct me to something decent and if they do there's no where to get them from in my country.. what would u suggest for a begginer thats actualy good and dont wanna spend over 300$ for something

[@scientificaudiophile]

I couldn't recommend the Atom DAC/Amp combo more highly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5_EhGmwmNtqmJY

[@skyclutcher9794]

is k11 okay for an long time use with dt900 pro x(48ohm)?, or what would you recommend in about under 200$?

[@scientificaudiophile]

K11 is fine, but if you can spend a little more, I highly recommend the JDS Labs Atom 2 bundle for $272

[@sami300war]

I recently got myself the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones but dont have a DAC/AMP to run them, so i have just been using them directly from my desktop PC. I have noticed that it is a bit soft and cant get the volume just right. Would these be a good choice for them or is there other DAC/AMP that is around the same budget? Most people i have talked to who have this headset recommended Massdrop O2 + SDAC DAC/AMP but that is out of stock (For months).

[@scientificaudiophile]

In all honesty, the K11 is a very good product. Highly recommended. Just play around with the filters. I recommend #6 - no filters.

[@onen8207]

Hey! I'm new to the audiophile universe and I recently ordered a Beyerdynamic DT 990 250 Ohm for me and my father in law. I've seen/read all kind of reviews, but they're all so different. I've checked out FiiO k5, K11. Creative Sound blaster G6 GC7, X5. Topping DX3 Pro+, but I'm clueless. Which Desktop DAC/AMP would you recommend for under $200+/-?

[@scientificaudiophile]

K11

[@onen8207]

@@scientificaudiophile Thanks, just bought it. Sounds pretty good!

[@jonathanb244]

You scared me when I saw the word "Garbage". I had just ordered a K11 twenty minutes prior to power my Senn HD6xxs'. Nice review... thanks!

[@scientificaudiophile]

It’s a very nice DAC/amp. Enjoy it.

[@lorenz7550]

You scared the shit out of me at the beginning 😂 But seems like it‘s not a bad dac/amp for the price, so I ordered it. Really excited to test this with my sundara

[@scientificaudiophile]

It’s really a great DAC/amp for the price.

[@lorenz7550]

@@scientificaudiophile Can definitely confirm that. Had my Audient iD4 before that and I nearly had to turn up all the way to get the sundara sounding loud enough. With the K11 at mid gain, I'm at 29 and it's loud enough. Also the sundara sounds definitely better with the K11, I feel like it's more natural and softer. So very satisfied for now and for the price.

[@lorenz7550]

@@scientificaudiophile Btw. did you face the same problem as me? I found out that after you stopped a video or spotify and waited for some longer time and pressing play again, then it has around 2 seconds delay. If you faced the problem, did you find a solution for it? Otherwise I would send it back because like this it's not very enjoyable. Well, one or two hours later, it would be smart to upgrade the firmware... Could fix some issues...

[@scientificaudiophile]

@@lorenz7550 That was not an issue with the K11 I had - started up instantly (on Windows 10 Pro)

[@lorenz7550]

@@scientificaudiophile Then it could be something on Windows 11, but seems like I fixed it now (just with a firmware upgrade xD)

[@DarthGoss]

SA delivers everytime, another gem here...always leave with sore cheeks from laughing the entire time

[@carlb86]

I hate when unsupervised parents get ahold of handbrake or audacity on computer systems. Sometimes I miss the great DAC wars. It really allowed us to buy products based on what matters, subjective placebo.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Parents are the worst!

[@RedFightingMood]

Now that is a review I was writing about previously... Keep it up and remember about alcoholics + abstinents that completely don't understand the wine scoring scheme! 🤗!

[@twelp]

I tried this device with all the filter settings. Also used the Rebecca Pidgeon’s Spanish Harlem- great tip btw. As I could not find in Qobuz, I used the Spotify version. I did not hear any siblance. Words like "special", "rose" or "stars" sound natural to me. Currently testing the K11 and the Toppings DX3Pro+. In general I prefer the sound of the DX3. The only lowlight is its case & display.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Thanks for sharing!

[@StefaNaja]

how much different is it ? like moon and sun? or moon and starlink satelite ?

[@Justin-bm7zn]

Hey man. I'm currently testing the k7 bluetooth version and the dx3pro+. Not sure if you have the k7 too but did you end up picking a winner?

[@AsAgral]

How cloud NOS filter outperform Fast/Sharp roll-off Linear Phase filter?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Incorrect implementation

[@sloboat55]

Your head has rounded curves. My vocabulary is fine. Keep up the magnanimous work.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Nice review. Consensus is that these filters, ubiquitous in budget Chinese DACS, make little or no difference to the sound. The Scientific Audiophile has taken that consensus, ripped it up, fed the fragments into a shredder, taken the shredder to a steelworks, dropped it into the molten metal and irradiated the remains. Good job. PS I hate sssssssibilance with a passssssssion. PS PS Brave fellow, taking on the Verum One. Its a great headphone and its production, effectively by one man, is remarkable. Unfortunately it's maker has proven himself to have deeply problematic views and attitudes, often towards his customers. That's a real shame and I look forward to hearing your take. I just sold my pair a couple of months ago to fund PX8s for holiday purposes, and miss them. already.

[@scientificaudiophile]

I’m definitely hoping that he qc’d these twice before sending them.

[@mohammadmg2015]

I wanna buy a dac .. to 100$ what is your suggestion? I was thinking about k3 (I have dt990 edition 32 ohm and 700 pro x)

[@scientificaudiophile]

With a $100 budget, I’d get the FOSI SK02.

[@theoldschools]

i'M Looking for DAC AMP (using more on DAC) with neutral to warm sound (not analiticall, dry) for streamer RPi4. Anyone tested on Linux/Volumio/piCorePlayer. K11 vs DX3 Pro+ on sound , build quality?

[@scientificaudiophile]

DX3 is better than K11. Build quality actually goes to K11.

[@theoldschools]

@@scientificaudiophile Thanks.

[@SteveRyder]

RME can now be controlled by an app on computer. Super simple now!!

[@rabo99]

Can I use this as a pre amp to my NAD power amp?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Yes

[@bernardmueller5676]

I bought a D40 Pro and there somtimes were short pauses, for about a second, in varying places. My Cambridge Audio has no issues with the same music. Sigh.

[@nenadcavoski7271]

Can you suggest DAC/amp under 200$ or 300$? Thanks in advance👍

[@scientificaudiophile]

Yes I can. I like the FIIO K11 at $129. Right now I just started testing the $199 FX-Audio DX07. I should have that review done by mid-April, but it looks promising. A bit of an issue on hi-gain with low impedance headphones, but otherwise good. It hasn’t been released yet.

[@scottlowell493]

I have a verum-1. It did a lot of good things, especially for the money. At the end of the day, planar just weren't my bag.

[@scientificaudiophile]

It hasn’t arrived yet, but I’m very curious about it.

[@scottlowell493]

@@scientificaudiophile they do outperform many of the lower cost hifi man.

[@d0nj03]

Oof, you really shouldn't judge the planar category based on the Verum 1, it's an outlier with a veiled detail-hating signature and the high-resistance single-ground-wire (high crosstalk!) stock cable coupled with the very low-impedance drivers scrunch up the soundstage like you're listening to music in a hallway. At the very least these should be tested with a proper 4-wire cable with separate returns for the L and R at least up to the amp plug, or with a "balanced" cable if you have the setup for it.

[@danb.9891]

Hans Beekhuyzen has a reference System....😂 🥰

[@monkeytrix]

Pure adult entertainment. This is meant as a compliment. Sibillance is it’s default! Golden ears & decent Merlot rule!

[@monkeytrix]

For clarificatuon- the audiophile mindset is an entry requirement; but WOW this guy raises the bar on dry ( or should I say wet) humour: buy this channel✌️

[@scientificaudiophile]

There is nothing humorous about my channel. I don't know what you would consider humor in any of my videos. But as they say, everyone's different.

[@monkeytrix]

@@scientificaudiophileTrue- t’s all about the sound. But we also have laughter & that’s very palatable to my ears.

[@carlb86]

Laughter lacks enough sibilance.

[@Jaysotp]

would this be okay for DT990 Pro 250OHM

[@scientificaudiophile]

Absolutely, especially if you have 4.4 mm cable.

[@Jaysotp]

@@scientificaudiophile i don’t but will it be fine without a 4.4?

[@scientificaudiophile]

You'll be fine unless you want more power. Try it out and if you want more power just go to the 4.4 .

[@Jaysotp]

@@scientificaudiophile okay thanks bro

[@catalin0504]

I am not sure if this helped me decide to get the K11 or not to get it for my 6XXs

[@scientificaudiophile]

I’d still get it.

[@catalin0504]

@@scientificaudiophile Just ordered it. Thank you so much!

[@fabianoberlim9636]

The DX3+ Pro has filters settings also

[@scientificaudiophile]

True, but I couldn't hear a difference in Toppings filters.

[@fabianoberlim9636]

@@scientificaudiophile Me neither I also have Fiio BTR7. The filter does nothing I thought filters was just snake oil Maybe if the samples are dense, there’s less space to hear it. Have no ideia

[@scientificaudiophile]

@@fabianoberlim9636 True - the filters shouldn't make a difference, that's why I thinking the implementation of the filters in the K11 is a problem.

[@fabianoberlim9636]

@@scientificaudiophile That’s a good point. At least it has 1 good option

[@Fetchdafish]

Now this is a classy review. I'm sold.

[@WolfDieterHaselsteiner]

You are defeating sibilance (4.000 - 8.000 Hz) with a filter in a range of ~ 20.000 Hz? Btw: it's not 6.5mm. It's 6.3mm.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Right you are about 6.3, not 6.5. But not defeating sibilance with a filter, defeating it by not using a filter.

[@WolfDieterHaselsteiner]

@@scientificaudiophile All these six filters work in this frequency range. I just ordered the FiiO for a personal check :-)

[@minimustang2197]

No issues with my demo unit in store…

[@BoRerunn]

Looks cool, tho

[@scientificaudiophile]

It's not a bad unit, especially for the price. Just remove the filters and you've got a good deal for $129.

[@Blyyyth]

The review starts at 5:10 min in.

[@user-qn9zb4tk7i]

Are you saying that the rest of these maniacs ARE NOT listening to the products they review? I don't know how to feel about that...

[@scientificaudiophile]

Ummmm...

[@daveb6345]

Wow! An honest review instead of paid youtubers saying something is good, when in fact is garbage...

[@daveb6345]

Can I ask what is a reasonable entry level unit for someone new to the scene :)

[@Justmakesomenoiz]

Trying so hard that it gets kinda ridiculous.

[@scientificaudiophile]

FIIO is trying hard, but its not ridiculous yet.

[@hellyeah_tv]

you can't use any DAC's as reference point. it's hi-fi stuff. grab usb powerd sound card and don't be an *$%&! they are totally neutral and certefied for music making (and cheap). only few usb-interfaces who have lamps or made to mimic special sound of exact model of audio engineer console got coloration. focusrite, motu, steinberg, universal, etc - any of this will help.

[@arijitgayen644]

I don't know whats wrong with fiio. They suddenly started to make highly sibilant and bright as f*** source devices only. We definitely know whats wrong with orher reviewers though 😂😂

[@slam10ks]

Best reviewer I have seen on youtube. wow.

[@slam10ks]

Now I do not know if it is just me but I could swear this video had sibilance.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Clearly this comment was paid by the Scientific Audiophile.

[@loie3107]

Like a shoe shine guy wearing dirty sneakers, it's a little hard to take you seriously when the audio of your unboxing portion sounds like this. A couple minutes later you're bashing the sibilance... while your mic has been picking up a buzzing noise the whole time. "It was obvious, and annoying."

[@scientificaudiophile]

So you heard it too!

[@fredmethot6116]

honestly, this was pretty annoying to listen to. Fun fact, the term annoying is interchangeable with unbearable.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Agreed. With those filters, the K11 was pretty annoying to listen to.

[@nekomancer350]

The Alcoholic Audiophile

[@scientificaudiophile]

Aren’t all audiophiles alcoholics? I thought that was common knowledge.

[@gabrielbenitez28]

This guy is hilariois 😂

[@MrCmdCool]

Shame on You! For messing with my ears on the first seconds... ....

[@user-gz1nv6nw3q]

Should I really the trust the review, of a man with such shitty mic quality?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Yes

[@sergiysergiy]

actually screw you for that "piii" at the start of the video, you damaged my ears

[@ron5493]

Love your writing, performing and attitude. It is amusing that when I understand the humor, you are spot on and everyone else are douche bags, but when I don't understand the humor, you are the douche bag, no offense intended, lol. Maybe there are not enough smart people to fill in your audience?! Best regards, I appreciate that you are working against all odds.

[@scientificaudiophile]

As I said in the video, many of my viewers have an education one grade below the viewers @pimimpa has.

[@NeoCyrus777]

Bro, are you quite literally deaf to those high frequency beeps you put in this video? I have my headphone volume at 8% and they blew out my ears, and no I'm not a teenager.

[@MrLeSa95]

Ok so you're saying $1200 device is much better than $120 device? 🤯 gee who would've thought.

[@scientificaudiophile]

No, I'm saying the $199 Topping DX3+ Pro is slightly better than a $129 FIIO, but I would take a $55 MOONDROP DAWN PRO over the FIIO, if the filters weren't defeatable.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

And soundblaster g6 just owns everyone for £100 best amp dac pound for pound on th e planet

[@macs0544]

​@@scientificaudiophilewould you recommend the dawn pro over the k11 for easy to drive headphones?

[@roa5359]

Not very 'scientific'. Perhaps you should change your name.

[@scientificaudiophile]

It’s all about the science at Scientific Audiophile.

[@Sharur1]

non-oversampling is literally wrong though??? Is this a joke video?????

[@audioAI]

Why wrong? Its the untouched digital data which sounds right on mnost cases.

[@scientificaudiophile]

@AudioAI is correct. "non-oversampling" is no sampling. It's option #6 in FIIO's menu.

[@jamess7589]

Bish on top of a big DAC. Good job that didn’t get spellchecked.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Get a g6 simpley unbeatable and drives truck sized headphones with ease

[@craigmartin8432]

Surprisingly crap sound quality in your video for an audiophile. Also, try looking at the camera.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Only an audiophile could have heard the crap sound quality. Impressive!

[@itk2493]

Dude, look at the camera lens not the teleprompter.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Good advice

[@chunvuipang2892]

Bla bla bla bla...

[@user-gz1nv6nw3q]

Scientific Audiophile, please forgive my previous comment. The devil made me write it. I'm using HD660s with this dac/amp, and just learned that it was set on Filter 3 by default. Although I couldn't hear any sibilance before, it sounds more accurate now. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. It's a nice video.

[@user-gz1nv6nw3q]

Either my equipment isn't HiFi enough, or you truly do you have golden ears. You beautiful angel champion.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Or I could have gotten a flawed unit

[@RobViguurs]

Which filter do you recommend? Have it paired with HD 490 Pro 130 Ohm headset, need to get the perfect settings

[@scientificaudiophile]

@@RobViguurs#6 (which is no filter)

[@RobViguurs]

@@scientificaudiophile number 6 no filter? Good to know!! Does gain level indicate what ohm headset you use? I currently have it on medium. Though 130ohm isnt that much. So maybe I can set low gain? If that makes sounds better. Though I have to up the volume then