How does a $160 R2R Ladder DAC Sound? Turns out, better than expected! Worth a listen for sure.

The K11 R2R is FiiO's first entry-level desktop DAC/Pre-Amp and Headphone amplifier featuring a full R2R DAC architecture. This R2R DAC out preforms similar Delta-Sigma DACS costing up to $200-$250. Good detail, deep bass, no Delta-Sigma digital glare.
FiiO K11 R2R DAC: amzn.to/3YmlMTy $159.99
Please understand that all of my reviews are completely subjective. They are my opinion and not to be taken as criticism or as negative. I can only share my feelings and personal conclusions.
/ @oldguyhifi
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn't affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Current audio equipment list:
• Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver: amzn.to/49Nq4Ft
• Cambridge MXN10: amzn.to/44sBhdL
• Cambridge EVO150: amzn.to/3UTJowI
• Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC with Unison USB
• Schiit Lokius EQ.: amzn.to/3Qhuu0x
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: amzn.to/3WberDp
• Elac Debut 2.0 F-62 Speakers: amzn.to/3Jy6eUc
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: amzn.to/3VyQzcu
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: amzn.to/4aMuZrt. Upgraded with the Audio
Technica AT540ML: amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Android Tablet, 10.1 Inch Android 12 Tablet, 6GB RAM 64GB ROM: amzn.to/3KswX50
• iFi AC iPurifier: amzn.to/3UWb4ko
• All line level cables are from World’s Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors: amzn.to/3JWCDE9
• My main streaming source is a small format PC: amzn.to/3yhCoAI
• I also use a remote-controlled line level switcher so I can run all my source components through the Schiit Lokius: amzn.to/3w8IZwL
My desktop gear:
• Nitsch modified Schiit Magni “Piety” headphone amp: nitschsound.co...
• Loxjie D30 DAC/Headphone Amp: No longer available new
• Ayima A07 amp: amzn.to/3V969LQ
• Sennheiser Mass-Drop HD6XX headphones: amzn.to/3wVNvz7
• Sony MDR-V6 Headphones: (current version) amzn.to/4aJMTdB
Email: [e-mail]
Tidal Playlists:
• The Fahrenheit Project by Ultimae Records (ambient electronic music): tidal.com/brow...
• Electronica for Audiophile: tidal.com/brow...
• My Classical playlist: tidal.com/brow...
• Baroque Weekend: tidal.com/brow...
• DJ Ed, a collection of music that is all over the place. tidal.com/brow...
Spotify:
• Classical Weekend: open.spotify.c...
• 80’s Patio Mix: open.spotify.c...
Qobuz playlist:
• "Audiophile Electronica": open.qobuz.com...
• "Vivaldi": open.qobuz.com...

[@OldGuyHifi]

The K11 R2R is FiiO's first entry-level desktop DAC/Pre-Amp and Headphone amplifier featuring a full R2R DAC architecture. This R2R DAC out preforms similar Delta-Sigma DACS costing up to $200-$250. Good detail, deep bass, no Delta-Sigma digital glare.

[@sean_heisler]

Nice review Ed, nailed it! I concur. Like I said, got one a few days ago and I find it to be terrific. It does indeed have excellent bass in general and bass punch. It has the R2R sound in spades, great resolution, spatial. I actually put it in my big rig and compared it to my Pontus as well and wow, it really holds its own. It only lacks in the last bit of resolution and overall refinement compared to the Pontus but I have to tell you if my Pontus died tomorrow I could actually live with this DAC as a replacement. It’s that good to my ears.

[@OldGuyHifi]

As you saw I have a Pontus II in and I may be getting a Laiv Harmony as well. Should be fun!

[@bengleason508]

4000 subscribers? 5k is quickly around the corner! Great job Ed!

[@richh650]

Very glad to see some hardware diversity in the lower prices regions of the DAC world. Thank you for the review.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for the view.

[@bdw5821]

Thanks for the follow up review. I'm really liking the sound of the K11 R2R DAC. So far I have only used it as a headphone DAC/amp connected via USB with Hifiman HE-400 and with Grado Labs SR325. It plays both headphones very well with the HE-400 being my preference. Plan to try the LO in my hifi system in the future. Love the R2R sound!

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am glad you are enjoying it. Thx

[@osliverpool]

Thanks for the update. I know exactly what you mean by the Sabre glare, and it's the reason I want a new DAC! This new FiiO one isn't with the main UK sellers yet (only a few online ones I've never heard of), but when it is I'll be tempted - it seems like the prefect low-cost way to hear what a ladder DAC is all about.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Alan, Thanks so much. I appreciate you returning and commenting.

[@sudipchatterjee]

Thanks much for the excellent review! After vacillating for long, this looks like a ladder DAC worth trying. I'll get one for sure! 🙌🙏

[@OldGuyHifi]

At the price it is a great unit. Thanks for returning to the channel. Let me know how it works out for you. Thx.

[@jonathanreich6360]

I got one in as a desk headphone amp/dac and went for the R2R because I cannot stand the delta sigma glare and I'm happy. I don't have a ton of experience with headphones or their amps but, like you, it just is a pleasant experience listening to headphones when I don't want to fire my main system up or I want to hear something from the computer on headphones. Good review.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's the way I use it too. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your use case.

[@myaudioquest]

I've had mine for a little over a week and gathered various information online to find the best sound. These are my settings and possible recommendations. Use as a DAC only and output to RCA with a fixed output. I wasn't impressed with the headphone outputs nor the USB digital input. Disable RGB display (eye candy, etc). I feel the FiiO sounds best in over-sampling mode, a bit clearer and cleaner in the treble with bass similar in NOS mode. . I am also using iFi iPower X 12V power supply instead of the stock unit. To me it beats out the Schiit Modius for it's musicality.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's great. I am glad you are enjoying it. Thx.

[@ChicagoRob2]

If it can beat the Modius, that’s saying a lot.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@ChicagoRob2 I have not made that comparison myself. But as the Modius is an ESS chip there is a good chance he is right. I am not a fan of of most ESS implementations. Although, Schiit's should be one of the better ones at that price. Maybe I should get one in. Thx.

[@ChicagoRob2]

@@OldGuyHifi The analog implementation in the Modius is very good. It has never sounded hard or forward to me.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@ChicagoRob2 They are good at what they do. My hot-rodded Bifrost has been my reference for years. Only a couple of DACs have come close. Thx.

[@abxaudiophiles]

Great rundown Ed!! Well done sir. ;)

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks so much.

[@focaltrip]

I've been using for about 2 weeks with Sienhesser HD620S, IE600s and Hifiman Edition XS. The IE600s sound awesome as do the XS but the HD620s loose some of the high end. For the money it's great.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am so glad you shared your experience. Thank you so much.

[@jazzandcocktails7]

Congratulations on 4K. This makes me wonder what FiiO could do for $500. Very happy with my R2R Audio-gd R28.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I think the K11 is the first volley in the low cost R2R invasion. BTW, I love Jazz and I love cocktails.

[@josephvanalstyne4049]

bought this dac after your made the first vid. r2r to me goes with tubes and tube pre amps. i am a cd guy. have old sony cd players one with burr brown chip that also does dsd. another with old philips tda chip. jury is still out for me with this dac. price is great though. been using schiit valhalla into a niles power amp(very quiet) with a bob carver c9 pass through. holography is stunning. also into kliph rp 600 m. speakers. r2r is made for tubes and horn speakers to my taste.great discussion and video!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Joseph, Thanks for sharing your system configuration. I had a Marantz CDA-94 DAC in the late 80's that had two TDA1541 Gold Crown R2R chips. Nostalgia tells me it was the best I ever heard. Maybe I just miss it. I do have an HK CD player with dual BB R2R chips and it sounds great. Some of this new stuff is too bright and thin for me. Thanks for watching.

[@fredcrook8228]

Hey, Ed! It looks from my end that you're over 4k subscribers. Nice work and keep it going!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. It was the extra "One" that did it!

[@ryanbmd7988]

Remarkable in such a small form factor and price, I hope these continue to be available in the next 6mo to a year, thank you Ed!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

They should be.

[@aurallychallenged]

Hi Ed. I'm new to your channel and enjoying your content especially the review of the K11 R2R, enough to make me want one to dip my toe into R2R DACs at an affordable price to pair with my Fosi V3 Monos. I can't find a K11 R2R anywhere, everywhere is pre-order so i guess I'll have to wait. You asked for some recommendations for your playlist and these are some of the tracks from my audition list. As I'm here in the UK there may be some of the tracks that you are unfamiliar with, here goes: Ali Farka Toure & Ry Cooder - Diaraby Massive Attack - Antistar Amon Tobi & Jim Dooley - Alden strikes GoGo Penguin - Bardo, Raven Fink - Blueberry Pancakes, Resurgam, Bloom innocent (acoustic), Not everything was better in the past Angus & Julia Stone - For you, Crash & burn, Death defying acts Ben Harper - Whipping boy, Welcome to the cruel world Trixie Whitley - Heartbeat Phaeleh - In the twilight, The cold in you Arooj Aftab - Last night Melody Gardot - March for Mingus Nenad Vasilic - Bass drops John Butler Trio - Betterman, Treat Yo Mamma (both from Live in Paris album) Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler - The eagle and the dove, for all our days & footnotes on the map Sons of Kemet - All will surely burn I hope somebody will enjoy at least one of these tracks on their gear. Keep up the great work

[@OldGuyHifi]

Let me know what you think of the DAC. Thank you for all the music suggestions, I am familiar with some of them. I really like Gogo Penguin a lot. Thanks for watching and sharing your music.

[@aurallychallenged]

@@OldGuyHifi I will let you know about my thoughts on the K11 R2R. I have just pre-ordered from the UK's official FiiO distributor Amp3 and I hope to get it in a couple of weeks. They admitted that they completely underestimated the demand. I am surprised at the take up of the K11 R2R as you are only one of 2 reviewers on KZbin to have done reviews. I hope you enjoy some of my music selections that you aren't familiar with. Best wishes.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@aurallychallenged A pleasant outcome of my review was that thru my Amazon links Amazon US sold out as well. I am looking forward to a deep dive into your suggestions. Thanks so much and keep me posted on your impressions of the K11. Thx.

[@Rob-Davidson]

The best delta sigma that I've heard so far is Geshelli J3 with 2590's. It sounds excellent. I plan on trying Cyan 2 R2R next. Just to see which one I prefer.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Rob, The AK4499EXEQ+AK4191EQ is not really a Delta-Sigma chip. It is a hybrid switched resistor-multibit current based DAC. It does have some Delta-Sigma circuit topologies but sounds nothing like a traditional Delta-Sigma DAC. I just ordered my J2S to add to the system. They are also sending me a Dayzee to review. Should be fun now that I have a Pontus and an M-DAC and may be getting a Laiv Harmony DAC. Thanks.

[@Rob-Davidson]

@OldGuyHifi nice! I didn't know that. I assumed that it was delta sigma. It sound so good. I want a Dayzee as well.

[@adsph]

Hi Ed. I know you are not easily impressed. For a product at this price point to catch your attention is very cool. Thanks for all the explanations. I keep learning from ya.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Chris, It is actually pretty good for its cost. I am supposed to be getting its bigger brother soon. That should be fun. Thank you my friend.

[@jim010109]

Keep up the great work.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Jim.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

I had a portable Sony walkman SACD player in the 90s which used a ladder dac, it was very expensive for what it was, but it sounded phenomenal, (dsd64 essentially, clean and pure), it's hard to explain the difference from a delta sigma, but you can get that sound on a Cayin ru6 dongle, tbh maybe it's not as good as the old Sony sacd player, but it's real good, for portable gear. I would love a small desktop that sounds as good as the Sony that doesn't break the bank, being retired, budget is a constraint. Ya echoing another comment, it's weird that unit you reviewed doesn't have a balanced output. That would be enough power for me, though.

[@OldGuyHifi]

For the price, I think we need to have reasonable expectations.

[@tikilord66]

Liking your channel just subscribed. Thinking about getting this to try out in my system though I am not a big headphone guy.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Actually neither am I. I did use it on my desktop setup to do a through eval. It spent most of its time in my main setup. At the price it is worth the gamble. Buy it from Amazon and you can return it if you don't like it. Thank you for watching.

[@donaldlampert331]

Just watched your talk with Kevin at Skylabs, in DesMoines…… you mentioned that you worked in Chicago at Stereo Studio… I lived in Chicago from 1971 - 1991. I don’t remember Stereo Studio….. where was that store located? Fun to hear your stories! Thanks

[@OldGuyHifi]

We had 5 stores, Niles, Palatine, Villa Park, Schaumburg, & Vernon Hills. I am glad you enjoyed it. I had a ton of fun doing it.

[@dazza1976]

You've hit 4k subs Ed. Congratulations and thanks for the review.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am so glad you enjoy my content. Thank you.

[@Santisuk-c1g]

Thanks Ed, I ordered once I had seen your youtube last week. I used iFi Zen Stream as streamer and streamed music from Roon, Tidal Connect, Apple Music, KZbin and also has connected with Audiolab 6000n. I like NOS mode with coaxial cable (limit to 24bit/192khz), USB cable also good when I need to play higher solution from roon but I found coaxial cable sounded better from iFi Zen stream.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I liked NOS mode best well. Thx for the update.

[@Brian_Romska]

I just had my j2 upgraded to a j2s so now I can play with op amps, otherwise I’d be tempted to see what this guy would sound like, but I don’t need to because you’ve already said it all, thanks Ed!

[@OldGuyHifi]

I just ordered my J2S yesterday. BTW, Geno is sending me a Dayzee to review!!

[@Brian_Romska]

Oh man, have fun with that, I assume you’ll be sequestered for 2 weeks to fully enjoy that monster, don’t forget to occasionally come out for a drink or something!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Brian_Romska Maybe a month! I am looking forward to that especially since I have a Pontus II, and an Audiolab M-DAC in house and maybe a Laiv Harmony soon. That should keep me busy.

[@Feliciano12v]

@@OldGuyHifi DAC shootout?

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Feliciano12v If you only knew what else I have and am getting. It will be interesting. Watch this space. Thank you my friend.

[@markusrayan]

I've had it for a few days now and I'm really impressed. Bought it mainly to test if the R2R sound is for me before shelling out big money on a Musician Pegasus 2 or Holo Cyan 2. And oh boy yes it is. Actually sold my previous Exposure 2010S2 DAC within hours of listening to the Fiio. It has excellent extended sub bass, something the Exposure sadly lacked even though the Exposure had better rhythm and timing. Fiio has a very nice organic tone to it, but yes it can sound rather congested and lacking refinement in the upper mids when things get busy. But overall I am very pleased given the price. I have a 12v linear power supply coming in a few weeks. Interesting to see if there's any more performance to be squeezed out of the Fiio.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Please let me know your thoughts in the linear power supply. Thanks so much Mark.

[@ppbetonm]

Hi... Which linear power supply did you choose to purchase?

[@markusrayan]

@@ppbetonm A32 AliExpress 4A unit. Cheap and quite good for the price. There's also one with an R-core transformer for not a lot more money. Might have gone with that one had I known it has better ripple performance. Hifi Zone KZbinr has reviews of both of these units. Overall a very good upgrade. Seemed to improve everything across the board. Better blackground, textures, imaging, dynamics. Of course it's not going to turn it into a Holo May, but a worthy upgrade for not a lot money.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@ppbetonm I did try an iFi power supply but it was not a linear one. I really didn't hear much difference. Let me know what you find out with yours. Thx.

[@markusrayan]

@@ppbetonm ​ A32 4A unit from Ali. Pretty decent for the price. Improvements all around, not massive but well worth the investment. There's also an R-core version with even lower ripple for not much more money. HiFi Zone has reviews for both of these.

[@jameswodom]

Thanks for a great, honest review (as always) Ed. I'm most interested in this as an upgrade to the output stage of my MXN-10 to the CX-A80, so I was especially intrigued by your comments on the listening session with your similar Cambridge gear. Just ordered the K11, so looking forward to giving it a try out. Looks like it will be a couple of weeks before it ships, but hopefully it's worth the wait!

[@OldGuyHifi]

James, Thanks so much for returning to the channel. The K11 sounded good when fed the signal from the MXN10. I often connect the analog outs from the MXN10 to input on the amp and take an optical out to the K11 and feed it into a spare input on the amp. That way I can switch back & forth to get a different sound signature depending on the song, my mood, the weather etc. Let me know what you think once it arrives. Thanks again fore the view. Oh, FYI, I have a CXA81 MkII arriving here tomorrow (Friday) for review. I am looking forward to that.

[@jameswodom]

@@OldGuyHifi Hi Ed. Finally received my K11 R2R this past weekend, so I thought I'd send you an update. Setup is MXN-10 (streaming from Qobuz) connected via coax to the K11, then RCA into a CXA-80 amp (have analog out of the MXN also connected for A-B comparison). Speakers are B&W 685 S2s and ASW-608 sub. In a nutshell, this thing is impressing me more every time I sit for a couple of hours of listening. The K11 just seems to be a perfect match to the rest of the gear. I love the sound of the R2R (like you, I get tired of the ESS glare, even from the MXN's very good analog output. Honestly, I thought the K11 would be a good test to see if I wanted to move up to a more expensive R2R DAC, but I'm feeling no urge at this point to make a change. The musicality and overall soundstage out of the K11 is great to my ear. Listening to Daryl Hall's "Laughing Down Crying" and Shelby Lynne's new release "Consequences of the Crown" tonight, intending to listen to a few tracks on each, but got so drawn into the music I just couldn't bring myself to get up. Both of these albums have a lot going on between the speakers and the presentation is just dead on. Placement of vocals and instruments is really good. The little bit of extra bass punch you mentioned is pleasing to me, too. A-B between the output of the MXN and the K11 is quite a contrast, with the K11 easily winning the contest. One unexpected discovery, too. I'm a Roon user, but I was streaming via StreamMagic tonight. It occurred to me to go back and compare a few tracks through Roon. In theory, there shouldn't have been any significant difference in sound (no DSP turned on), but I found the sound to be superior when using StreamMagic, streaming the FLAC files from Qobuz directly. I've made this comparison lots of times before with several ESS DACs, but never noticed any difference. The only thing I can attribute the difference to now is the K11! Anyway, the fun continues down here in Bloomington. Glad to see your subscriber numbers continuing to rise. Keep up the great work!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@jameswodom That an interesting comparison and not a surprising conclusion. I am basically just using my MXN10 as a digital transport feeding nay one of the 15 or so DACs I have in house. The K11 is a good one one for sure especially for the price. Thank you for the well wishes.

[@_UnknownEntity]

You didn't speak about the OS mode ... I was eagerly waiting to hear that part ... Could have made the video a bit longer too. I personally would love that. I quite enjoyed your videos and looking forward for more of them. 👍🏻

[@OldGuyHifi]

I did discuss it a bit in the first video. Sorry I should have said something more about it. Thanks for pointing that out. I typically try to review in the default settings. Truthfully I preferred NOS mode. Thank you. I appreciate your comment and your view.

[@michaeldina1103]

Nice review! I’ll have to consider it but I think I’d rather save up for the Geshelli J2s. I already have the AQ dragonfly red so I want to make sure it’s actually worth the upgrade. I hardly hear anything digitally harsh from the dragonfly as long as the digital EQ from the transport isn’t boosting a certain band in the midrange. Even then it only happens with some recordings/ vocals. I have been enjoying reading the comments on this video. Nice to see solid conversation from smart people who are passionate about value and music. Look forward to your comparison to the Denefrips and the Geshelli Dayzee. Truly the frontier of DAC technology in this price category.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Michael, The difference between the Dragon Fly (I have one too) and the J2S is the difference between an $8 bottle of wine and a $60 bottle. You will notice right away. I am getting my J2S on Friday and I couldn't be more pleased. Thanks for the great comment and your support. Let me know what you wind up doing.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Sounds like it’s a terrific device for headphones. I enjoyed the review.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. It is a nice little gizmo.

[@geardawg1358]

Thanks for the review, My Fio k11 R2R will be here this afternoon been eyeing them since it was first announced a few weeks ago. Its been just the last week or so that opinions/reviews of it started showing up. They are all mostly positive so hoping for the best! It is a real struggle wading through all the "influencer" shilling on the tube.. None of the bigger channels have come up with anything yet, guess maybe they think its to budget? Most of my enjoyable purchases have not been based on them anyway! Your vids seem devoid of much of the shillery that is "KZbin Audiophile" typical, keep it up please!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. I always try to be objective and honest. There is no point in shilling for the house in my mind. I am not a used car salesman. I just want to share my passion and a good deal every once in a while. Thanks so much.

[@geardawg1358]

@@OldGuyHifi Just thought I'd step back in for a minute to update. My K11 r2r is here, I agree your assessment! Fantastic little dac, could use a little more power but overall very pleased with it!

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

Just got the ifi iDSD finale, very happy. Pioneer elite CD transport To iFi iDSD Finale (Burr Brown) To Cambridge AXR 100 To Polk R700 Life is good

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. I believe you with that set up. Nice transport. Thx.

[@ahuesphoto]

K11 R2R seems like a great little DAC for a stereo home theater system

[@OldGuyHifi]

I agree. It will be a better DAC than what is built into most AVRs. Thanks for tuning in and commenting.

[@Kevin-sh1sx]

What input interface would you use for this, and is its output interface insufficient?

[@ahuesphoto]

@@Kevin-sh1sx I would use Coax for a Blu-ray / CD player, Optical for a Smart TV, and USB for a Computer / Laptop. FiiO K11's output should be fine; but if you want to improve the sound I would use a Preamplifier. My system consist of: a PC + Sony Blu-ray player as sources -> DAC -> Tube Preamp -> Amplifier -> Speakers + Sub

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Kevin-sh1sx If I understand your question, I used USB and Toslink. On USB I fed it signals from Audirvana which, is my reference PC based, bit perfect streaming software. On Toslink I used the Cambridge MXN10 as a digital transport. On the RCA outs all is well. On the balanced out it drove my 300Ω Sennheiser Drop 6XX headphones fine. I don't think it has the power to drive some more demanding types of headphones like planar magnetic or electrostatic styles. I hope that answers your questions. Thank you for watching.

[@jazzandcocktails7]

Thanks!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Wow. Thanks so much. I do appreciate it. I will make a toast in your honor with my first Manhattan.

[@DeMorcan]

Soundss interesting. I am thinking of a second system based around an SET and this sounds like it would fit that system. Love R2R DACs although I wonder if the FPGA before the resistors affects the R2R soundstage. Some hybrid DACs add clarity at a reductuon of that 3D soundstage. I have a fairly revealing system that does great for complex music. I just want to add a system where the vocals reach out and caress my heart as they nourish my soul.

[@OldGuyHifi]

If I understand the topology, the FPGA is for DSP and noise shaping. The unit can be flashed with new programing at some point and I think that is for the FPGA. It is tough to get any tech info out of them so I am guessing a bit. You might want to investigate the Geshelli J2S. I loved it so much I just bought one. I think it sounds every bit as good and maybe better than the R2R ladder DACs I have heard. I wish everyone's system could nourish their souls. "Where words fail, Music speaks." Hans Christian Anderson.

[@myaudioquest]

Curious OGH, you mentioned a hot-rodded Bifrost, what version and what did you do to it? Thanks in advance!

[@OldGuyHifi]

It started life as an OG AKM chip version of the Bifrost. Mike was still playing with the Analog Devices medical chips as DACs. I met Mike back in the Theta Digital days. I sent in and they modified it with the AD5547 D/A and Unision USB. Later the power supply was upgraded with larger ELNA caps and a small copper screen around the transformer to act as a Faraday cage. It makes me smile. Thanks for asking.

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

i guess it lacks in the power supply department where two separated independent supply parts for the left and right channel makes sense. maybe even extra supply buffers for the chips that apply the 24 bit on the resistors to reduce switching noise coupling. regarding the 0.1% tolerant resistors: this is absolutely fine, if you have an fpga that does a compensation. that means after production of the electronic, you need to calibrate the dac. this is not complicated. you can output a signal with a 20kHz 25% pwm with a single high bit and then switch to 20kHz 50% duty cycle pwm with the next lowest bit. you switch back and forth between these two signal at 100Hz. you put is through a steep 100Hz low pass filter. if you can hear a 100Hz signal, then there is some calibration necessary by adding or substracting some lower values until the 100Hz signal is gone. at the end, the fpga is always adding and substracting values to get the right value out. this needs to be done for every single piece after manufacturing.

[@OldGuyHifi]

For $160 USD I don't think it disappoints. Thanks for the great info and your view.

[@EnnTomi1]

hi i have the fiio k7 pro THX, would you consider this K11 R2R as an upgrade? purely from sound quality? thanks

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have not heard the K7 so, I am sorry I can't render an opinion. My guess is pretty good. It uses an AKM4492SEQ which is a very good DAC chip one of my favorites. I do have a K9 AKM on its way to me soon so watch the channel for a review. Thanks so much for tuning in. I wish I had better answer for you.

[@spaznetwork6982]

Here i was about to buy another Schiit product but was just put onto this product. I have to say im probably going to give this a shot over the Schiit Modi Multibit 2 that I was looking at.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I think for the mobbed it is good but, then it's the Schiit.

[@spaznetwork6982]

@@OldGuyHifi mobbed?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Money. Damn auto correct. Sorry.

[@gwine9087]

One point, the $80 SMSL SU-1 supports PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sure. There is no music file format or streaming service offers any resolution above 24bit 193kHz anyway. R2R DACs don't oversample in the same way Delta-Sigma DACs do. The only time I consider oversampling is on the Denafrips Pontus II I have in for review. The rest of the time I am happy with whatever the native file resolution is. I feel oversampling adds glare to the sound. Obviously it is up to each of us to choose what we prefer. Thanks so much for tuning and commenting.

[@gwine9087]

@@OldGuyHifi Thanks for the clarification.

[@rafacq]

Hello Ed. Hope you are doing well, sounds like you are based on all your wonderful reviews. I do have a question, and pardon my ignorance, what is R2R? Hip Hip Hooray! Congratulations on reaching 4K subscribers! Countdown to 5K begins... As always... Best regards!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much my friend. You are one of my OG guys. Here we go: An R2R ladder DAC, or Resistor-to-Resistor ladder DAC, is a type of DAC that uses a network of resistors to convert digital signals into analog voltages. It works like this: The resistor network consists of two types of resistors arranged in a ladder-like structure. Then binary weighting is applied. The network is designed such that each bit of the digital input (typically from 4 to 24 bits) controls a corresponding switch that connects to either R or 2R resistors in the ladder. The conversion process occurs when a digital code is applied, the switches are set according to the binary value of each bit. This configuration creates a voltage output that corresponds to the digital input code. The output voltage is a weighted sum of the voltages across the resistors connected to the active switches. The accuracy and linearity of an R2R ladder DAC depend on the precision of the resistors used in the ladder network. Higher precision resistors lead to better performance in terms of signal accuracy and distortion. R2R ladder DACs are used in higher end audio products where high fidelity and low noise are critical, such as in audiophile-grade audio equipment. Overall, R2R ladder DACs are known for their simplicity in design, which can lead to excellent performance characteristics when implemented with high-quality components Of course that is just off the top of my head. I am so full of BS. I got that from ChatGPT. I hope it helps you to understand the tech and why it is so prized. You know me. Be careful when you ask a question because you will get the whole answer. You should see my family roll their eyes when someone asks me a question it is hilarious. Thank you my friend.

[@nc3419]

I have the Topping D70s which seems to control glare well. Decent resolution, detail, bass, separation and not totally 2D sounding. If and when it gives up the ghost, I would consider a dac based on R2R architecture. Perhaps there will be models that get you 90% of the way there for a reasonable price, say under a grand. Really do not want to spend more than that on a dac myself. Besides, my amp and speakers would probably be a limiting factor as well for more expensive options. Really looking for more depth, separation while still sounding realistic enough at lower SPLs rather than concert like ones. Right now using a Keces E40 with both the D70s and a Aune x18 upgraded with a Sparkos and Aune lineR PS. They drive a Dali Opticon 1MK1 with a small sub and I also use a Triangle Plaisir Zeta from time to time. If I were to upgrade, a Closer OGY among a few others is on the list. Amp wise, there are a few as well but I have a Hegel which I find is overkill for my needs. So far, quite pleased with the results I am getting from a downsized system (we all get older) at low to moderate SPLs.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sounds like you have put together a very nice system. The Denafrips Enyo is a good unit at $699 USD. Maybe worth looking at. Thanks for the great comment and you view.

[@nc3419]

@@OldGuyHifi Thx. Will keep that one in mind along with Musician Draco, if not a few others.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@nc3419 Agreed. Thx.

[@nightslayer500]

Hey new to the channel here i had a quick question about this. Would you reccomend this more or something else as someone who uses beyerdynamics dt 990 pro 250ohm for open backs for someone whos primary using this on gaming / edm music production?

[@OldGuyHifi]

FiiO does target many of there products towards the gamer/desktop market. This sounded ok with my 300Ω Drop 6XXs but there might be a better choice. I use a Schiit Magni Piety as my daily driver and find it handles almost anything. There are a ton of good choices. I just got a FiiO K9 AKM DAC Headphone amp in so look for that review coming up. First impressions are positive. Thanks for tuning in.

[@Feliciano12v]

I'm enjoying my Ares II, but I want to try a J2S AKM. 🤔

[@stevezeidman7224]

I’ve had both. I replaced my Ares with a Ladder Schumann. I think you’ll find the J2 AKM with the opamp upgrade is really focused and detailed without any glare. Its soundstage width won’t match the Ares, but the bass extension and quickness plus the detail is fantastic. I think it punches pretty high.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I just ordered my J2S yesterday. I can't wait to listen to it compared to all the other DACs I have and am getting. Fun, Fun, Fun.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@stevezeidman7224 Steve, I just ordered my J2S the other day. You won't believe it but Geno is sending me a Dayzee to play with and review. They are the best. I have a Pontus II in for a while so, do I smell a shoot-out? Thank you my friend.

[@stevezeidman7224]

@@OldGuyHifi Wow I can’t wait to hear your comments!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@stevezeidman7224 Me too!

[@thinkIndependent2024]

Do you have a review coming for the Douk DAC Q11 ..... Congratulations on 4k

[@OldGuyHifi]

I don't. I have an acquaintance that knows them and is try to make an introduction for me. Maybe? Thx.

[@thinkIndependent2024]

​@@OldGuyHifiGot it !!!! 1st DAC ever with AKM & ESS and changeable OP-AMPS

[@jamesrobinson9176]

Hey Ed, just thought I'd tell everyone that my wiim pro+ has the room correction with oink noise and a chirp and I'm on samsung. The big news last week was that it would only do that on apple. Kinda neat figured I'd share

[@OldGuyHifi]

I heard there was an update coming. Thanks for letting me know.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

@@OldGuyHifi first try was a no go. Sounded objectively bad. Gonna do it again 🙂. Wish me luck. Gonna mess with the various parameters of the auto calibration. Might be fun.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@jamesrobinson9176 Good luck with it.

[@johnjolly9519]

I wonder how it compares to the Shiit Audio - Modi Multibit2? I bought the Aune X8 on sale for $250. I wanted to be able role the Opamp & increase performance as well tune it to my system.

[@OldGuyHifi]

The Modi is a much different sounding unit. Far more refined as you would expect from Schiit. Thanks for tuning in and commenting. Have fun rolling op-amps!

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Oh btw, the cayin ru6 dongle is $50 more, don't know if it has fgpa or not..same otherwise roughly

[@OldGuyHifi]

I don't know. I have no experience with that dongle.

[@VictorVega-uc7lh]

Buen dia! Voy empezando en esto del audio, podria conectarlo a mi amplificador sony str-dn 1080 y si es asi podria disfrutar de musica rock? De antemano gracias.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Victor, El dispositivo es un convertidor de digital a analógico y necesitaría una fuente, como un teléfono celular, una tableta, una PC/MAC, un reproductor de CD con salida digital o, mejor aún, un transmisor como una WiiM. Si puedes conectarte a uno de los dispositivos antes mencionados, entonces sí, reproducirá muy bien Rock & Rll. Gracias por esperar y comentar.

[@Moremusicnowplz]

Great video as always Ed and congrats on 4K. Being a novice to this space I was curious, how did you control the volume when hooking it up to your Cambridge Audio MXN10 & AXR100? Do you control volume on the DAC or AXR? Thank you for the help, I am learning a lot through your videos.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I set the K11 up as a stand alone DAC with no preamp functions. That way I just got a line out signal and controlled via the AXR100. I feed the MXN10 into the DAC using Toslink. I ran the DAC in both "oversampling" and "non-oversampling" settings and thought they both sounded good but settled on "non-os." I try to review the units in their factory default settings when possible as it some what levels the playing field. Great question. You can ask me anytime. Thx.

[@Moremusicnowplz]

@@OldGuyHifi Makes sense now, thank you for the quick turnaround on my question. Looking forward to your next video.

[@johnosam4681]

I hope someone could compare this to hifiman r2r dacs ef500 or ef600 planning to buy soon

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have reached out to them so fingers crossed. Thanks for tuning in and commenting.

[@hrvojekant9415]

Please I would appreciate Your view...comparation only in sound caracteristcs with SMSL SU-1 Thank You!

[@OldGuyHifi]

The SU-1 is very good fore the money. The K11 has a unique sound that has none of the Delta-Sigma short comings. I bought the K-11 intending to return it after the review but wound up keeping it. I have both but listen to the K11 more often. I hope that answers your question. Thank for watching.

[@MykeHawke-r9r]

R2Rrrrrr Matey!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Shiver me timbers! Break out the Rum!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thank you for your rapid review turn around. Ordered for my head phone listening/gaming. I will report back. Take care, my friend. p.s. I would have liked an input view. I may have missed it, but is it only SE input or is there Bal / USB inputs?

[@OldGuyHifi]

There is a USB input but there typically would be balanced inputs, maybe you meant balanced outputs. No there are not but, at this price and considering FiiO's target market... I did show the rear in the first video. I should have again, sorry. Let me know what you think of it. Be well my friend. Thanks so much for your support.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@OldGuyHifi I must have missed it in the first video. I don't remember seeing the inputs at all. I did mean balanced inputs to allow for another DAC to input balanced signal to this unit, but I have since seen the rear of the unit and you are right, no balanced inputs (XLR). No need to apologize to me, Sir. Missing the rear view of the unit was entirely my fault. Take care, Sir and congrats on growing your channel. Well deserved. You certainly spoil us with your wealth of knowledge and expertise. An absolute pleasure to watch your reviews.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Simon_Hawkshaw Simon, You are a good friend and I appreciate our relationship. Thank you so much.

[@theexpatgunner]

I’ve got the K11 and have it paired with Sennheiser HD660s to replace my Asus x670e Hero Motherboards onboard audio. I’ve been very happy with it over the past 2 months and am curious if the new K11 R2R would offer me much in terms of an upgrade or if I should just stick with the K11.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I haven't heard the standard K11 so I can't render an opinion. I do think it sounds better than most Delta-Sigma DACs at or around the same price.

[@cherokee59]

Just got my K11 R2R and so far I like it. I’m using it on my main system. I have a question on a different subject. I looking to upgrade my turntable. I have my eye on a Rega 3, a Thorens 401 or a vintage Dual. I have a revealing system and would like to smooth it out. Rotel pre amp, Emotive amp and Klipsch Towers. Any advice would be appreciated.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I would get a new unit rather than vintage. The Rega is a nice unit. Don't forget the cart and the phono pre. They can have a bigger impact on sound than the table. The Rega Planar 2 is a nice unit. I am a big fan of AT carts and recommend the the VM540ML. great cart nice price. For a phone pre I like the Project Tube Box S2 again very nice for the price and should help smooth things out. I hope I was able to help. Let me know what you decide. Thanks so much for tuning in.

[@cherokee59]

@@OldGuyHifi Thanks for the reply, I have a Mani 2 and Fluance Phono pre amp, so I'm covered there. I didn't say but I was leaning more Direct drive, But Rega does tops my list!

[@thatchinaboi1]

I am concerned about the bass which you state is emphasized. Is the FR of the DAC/Amp ruler flat as it is supposed to be? Even the worse DACS are generally very flat.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Peter, At his price you can't expect everything. FiiO is a gamer orientated company and a bit of a bass bump is pleasing. Honestly I am not a measurements guy and like stuff with a bit of character. Besides, there isn't a ruler flat speaker in the world to hear it on. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. I do appreciate it.

[@nagylevi3827]

Mine must be broken. Just got it six days ago and neither my Sennheiser Momentum 2 nor my Sundaras sound anything like acceptable with it. It's got crackling sounds when things get heavy, sibilant highs and it's just an overall harsh and unrefined listening experience. I don't know if I received a defective product or just a poor one. Maybe I am a bit unrealistic with my expectations but I compared it with a humble KA3 from the same manufacturer and even that sounds quite a lot better than this thing.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can exchange it or return it and get a refund.

[@bpalpha]

Great review. Didn't really understand the difference from R2R DACs vs DSD until now. I am probably going to get a DAC this holiday season, but I would really like it to have a HDMI input as well. 😐

[@OldGuyHifi]

The only HDMI on DACs is for I2S connection. I think you are thinking about a streamer like a WiiM pro+ which has an HDMI eARC input connection. Thanks so much for watching and I hope you get the Streamer/DAC of you dreams. Thx.

[@keithjohnson2863]

I’d like to know how this compares to the Cayin RU6, which is an R-2R dongle DAC. Which seems to currently retail for about $250 - $300. Prior to the Fiio K11, that was most inexpensive R-2R DAC I could find.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I can't say as I have never heard Cayin unit. I have a hunch that with a bigger form factor and a significantly larger power supply the FiiO would sound better. Thoughts? Thx.

[@keithjohnson2863]

@@OldGuyHifi I agree with you. I think the Fiio would sound better. I'm actually currently posting my RU6 for sale. I don't think it sounds significantly different from my other DAC options to make up for the battery drain it puts on my DAP.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Let me know how it turns out for you. Thx.

[@LyuboA]

why make a balanced dac without balanced output you just can't connect balanced amp to this thing which will be actually the perfect use for this dac

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is just a $160 DAC/Headphone amp targeted toward gamers. It is not intended for us audiophiles. Still real cool though. Thanks for the view and comment.

[@mjejce]

Wondering if you compared the sound of the MXN10’DAC to the FiiO. Did the MXN10 in combo with the FiiO sound appreciably better that the Cambridge on its own?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I did. Both DACs are good, however, the DAC in the MXN10 is an ESS DAC and I am not a fan of those chips. That said it is a slightly older chip the 9038Q which Cambridge has done a good job implementing. For me the analog section is where the rubber meets the road. The Cambridge is one of the better ESS units. The K11 sounds smoother but maybe not as detailed. I typically use the MXN10 as a digital transport and connect it to outboard DACs. I would give a slight edge to the K11 for sound. Great question and thank you for asking it. Thanks for watching too.

[@mjejce]

Thanks, Ed. I have an older Musical Fidelity V90 DAC that has a Burr Brown 1795 chip. Currently streaming from a WiiM Mini going into my Musical Fidelity via toslink and then into my Cambridge Audio AXA35. It sounds lovely, but I was thinking about maybe stepping up to the MXN10. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd hear the difference. Thanks for a great review. Love the channel and happy to see it growing!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@mjejce Michael, You didn't ask about the streamer part. All streamers are not created equal. The WiiM products don't have any internal clocks so their stream is jittery. The MXN10 has an amazing streamer module and an excellent clocking system. The Stream Magic system has been around for 12 years and is very well refined. I thought the streamer in the MXN10 was superior to the Eversolo DMP-A6 by a fair margin. Your Burr Brown DAC is very good and I do believe it would benefit form a better incoming stream. If you can get an MXN10 form somewhere that you could return it if you are not pleased. Are you in the US? If so Cambridge has an "open Box", "Re-furb" store that has MXN10s in black for about $330 USD. Just a thought. Thanks so much and keep me posted on what you decide to do.

[@mjejce]

@@OldGuyHifi Thanks, Ed! That's great advice. I am in the U.S. (I’m actually a Chicago native living in Brooklyn.) I'll go to Cambridge's refurb store and pick up that MXN10. I'll let you know how it all sounds!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@mjejce Brooklyn!! You poor lad! You are in a pizza $ hotdog waste land. I don't care what they say, Nathans ain't no Portello's. And a slice of pizza should weight at least half a pound! Keep me posted. Thx.

[@nanshingteo6304]

Would you suggest listening using this in NOS or OS mode?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I found NOS mode to be the best to my ear. Thank you for asking and for watching.

[@thatchinaboi1]

Does it have remote control?

[@OldGuyHifi]

No. It is really designed as a desk top unit targeted toward gamers which is FiiO's primary market. If you amp ahs a remote then all is well. Thank you for the good question and for watching.

[@garymalone547]

Delta sigma glare?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. Issue? I liked that Monsters of the Cosmos video.

[@CraciunAlexandruGh]

Interesting that you mention what DACs it's not better than, but you don't list any DACs it is better than.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I think I said it was better than DACs in it price range and up to maybe $250. That covers a lot of products. It is good to a point. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@miquifaye]

Your general characterization of Delta Sigma Dacs is not correct and unfair. A good Delta Sigma Dacs won’t sound much different from a R2R DAC .

[@OldGuyHifi]

Please remember I am infallible! Just kidding. All my reviews are subjective and my opinion. I hear a difference so, I need to share that. If you don't hear a difference that's great. I really want everyone to enjoy listening to their music and the hell with my opinion. Thanks f or watching and sharing your opinion.