R2R DACs just got supremely affordable! FiiO K11 R2R review

[@mitchellsigler3057]

Hi, I have the r2r, it's great. I had the K7 for a short time-too bright at times, and the treble would also be too much at times. But, it really is awesome. I have heard a few times(including yourself) that adding an external amp is a benefit. If it does, I am all for getting an amp. I have the Arya Stealth. I think they sound good, but, I want to add an amp if it will be worth the money. If so, which amps in the 125-150 range do u recommend. The other possible great choice is return the R2R, and get a better dac/amp with a budget of $250.. Atom2 amp only $129, Atom 1 is $99. Schitt has a closeout, etc etc. Lots and lots of great deals now(even with inflation...) I want the sound of the R2R to be all it can be=so an amp would be something I would go for. I joined your patreon last week but haven't used it yet. Thank you for All your videos.

[@tihammd]

i just baught my arya stealth too same question wondering my mind as well

[@PassionforSound]

I'd probably either hang onto the R2R and get something like a Schiit Magni or maybe swap to something like the xDuoo XA-02.

[@bkinsman]

I have the K11 R2R paired with a Schiit Vali 3, it’s a match made in heaven

[@vaneast411]

@@bkinsman sounds great!

[@ChicagoRob2]

I know what you mean. I have the Vali 2++ and it is amazing.

[@GeirRssaak]

@@bkinsman Ha-ha! I wish you a merry Christmas!

[@ramondelgado6778]

I have two of these units and LOVE them!!! I was curious when the K11 R2R came out being an affordable R2R DAC, so I purchased one to compare to my SMSL SU-1 and Schiit Modi 3E. I loved the smooth, warm, yet detailed contrast. Everything just sounded better. Your description of the sound characteristics was spot on. I guess that R2R sound is what my ears like. Also, any chance you can provide a link for those sweet headphone hooks on your wall in the background of the video???? Thank you!!!!!

[@gino3286]

Hi sorry to bother you I have the SMSL SU-1 Is the soundstage from K11 more 3D than with the su-1 ? thanks a lot gino

[@ramondelgado6778]

@@gino3286 The SMSL SU-1 is more detailed and lively sounding. The K11 R2R is warmer, smoother, better imaging/instrument separation, better/warmer/detailed vocals, better bass. It's just more smooth yet detailed overall. I moved my first K11 R2R to my living room system, from the bedroom (back to the SU-1), and then I noticed an immediate difference. My bedroom set up sounded thin and bright, in comparison. I had to order another K11 R2R and now my bedroom set up is happy again.

[@gino3286]

@@ramondelgado6778 hi thank you very much for your kind and valuable advice I think i will buy one soon For me soundstage is everything I have some testing tracks with a great 3d effect captured that are my favourite evaluation tool Kind regards gino

[@ramondelgado6778]

@@gino3286 My stereo imaging and instrument separation has NEVER been better. I can give no better recommendation and then that I bought a 2nd one. Good luck!

[@gino3286]

@@ramondelgado6778 Thank you very much again I will try the headphone out also with a power amp i use that has attenuators in case the output from the headphone out will be too high I am curious Maybe it will sound great also as preamp Kind regards gino

[@mrt6349]

Just got the laiv harmony dac today, tomorrow the music will flow better that my Bluesound n130

[@PassionforSound]

Nice. Enjoy!

[@GeirRssaak]

@@mrt6349 no, you will never be happy, because you are infected by the dangerous hifi virus!!!! Wish you a merry Christmas!

[@kennethoransky4881]

I wanted to thank you for giving me the idea to turn on over sampling in my JRiver Media Center software. I had been using DSD64 OS before but simply switching to PCM 176k sounded even better. It eliminated the shoutiness I had been hearing at the listening levels I use.

[@PassionforSound]

That's great news! I'm glad I could help.

[@Firebottleman]

Did you try out the Meze 105 AER on the K11 R2R? I am very curious to see what you think of that combo in OS/NOS. Thanks for another great review. Happy holidays

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know if I tried the 105s (I use lots of different headphones and only take note if I hear something specifically unique). That said, the 105s will match the K11 R2R's sound beautifully I think.

[@Panslapper]

Try the iFi zen blue v2 into the Fiio R2R with iFi power X power supply in both units and using the Alternative driver AV2P in your Windows 10/11 laptop giving you APTX HD and LDAC! It sounds excellent and as good as some wired configurations. Happy Christmas!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the tip! Merry Christmas!

[@JeroenNietDoen]

I've the Meze 109 Pro and I've been looking at the Fiio K11 R2R. The only issue is that for PC use it needs the Fiio driver. And while that's fine, I happen to use Pioneer Rekordbox for my music collection and that is not compatible with the Fiio driver. I found out a few weeks ago when I purchased a K9 AKM 2nd hand. It was also too big a footprint so for those 2 reasons I sold it again but I'm very reluctant to purchase another Fiio product due to the driver.

[@PassionforSound]

I never installed the driver and the K11 worked fine. I think the driver may only be necessary for ASIO and high sample rate playback so if you're just playing 44.1-192kHz files, it's not necessary.

[@JeroenNietDoen]

@ good to know! I do hope Fiio wil continue to make R2R versions of their products. The Fiio K7 will be replaced next year by the K15, let’s hope they make a R2R version of that. Just a bit beefier amp.

[@tarragon7042]

Thanks for the detailed comparison. Do you have any plans on checking out Cambridge Audio's Dacmagic 100? The wolfson chip in that dac might be a good competitor to this product.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't currently have a contact to access Cambridge gear, but would love to.

[@thomasb.1825]

Hello Lachlan. Thank you for this excellent review and the smart move as for the comparison’s pick. Different from other reviewers bringing a plus more than a repetition. Which even though wouldn’t be cause your presentation style will always rank a step higher. So as your review of the FiiO k11 r2r popped up on my phone I had to stop all activities to watch it right away so I could make my final decision to purchase it😊. Now most of your remarks relate to the use of this dac with a headphone. (Which I’m not a big fan of lol). So my question is does it apply when using it as a DAC for a 2 Chanel speaker amp ? And which one of the 3 input type will work best from a computer (MacBook air) USB -c, Optical or Coaxial ? I mean to be more precise does this affect the sound at all, knowing that the usb-c to usb-c is definitely the easiest way to go it seems.

[@PassionforSound]

Hey Thomas, the DAC in the K11 is excellent when used with an external amp. I didn't specify in the video, but my test with the EF600 was to show what the K11 is like with ANY external setup - headphones or speakers so adding a nice amp and speakers (or active speakers) will be rewarding. As for inputs, I didn't find any significant variance across the inputs, but would likely use USB because it lets the DAC handle the timing and it will probably do that better than the MacBook

[@Masimo_Yovanni]

Hello, great review, much appreciated. I own this device, but I'm having trouble connecting it to my Astell & Kern CA1000. My goal is to use the DAC of the K11 R2R with the amplifier section of the CA1000. I attempted to connect them using RCA cables (RCA line-out from the K11 R2R to RCA in on the CA1000), but it doesn't work as expected. The CA1000 switches to analogue out mode, and I can't exit this mode or navigate the screen. I want to use Amazon Music through the CA1000, but this issue is preventing me. If you have experience with the Astell & Kern CA1000, could you please guide me on how to set this up, please?

[@PassionforSound]

I'm sorry, but I haven't tried the CA1000 (or even heard of it before) so I can't help on that one. Maybe see if there is a thread for owners on Head-Fi or a similar forum.

[@GeirRssaak]

@@Masimo_Yovanni perhaps you should buy a decent Chinese product?!

[@ahmadfaizadnan]

Watching this video using the K11 R2R as the source :)

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

This is a fine review but a bit incomplete. No mention of the source, presumably the USB - C input was used. Info on how the K11 R2R performed with a fine tube headphone amp would have been of interest. It's clear that further improvement in the K11 R2r DAC's fidelity can be achieved with accessories and compatible ancillary equipment. Such as FiiO recent offering of their SR-11 streamer. Its Roon Ready allowing the use of HQ Player. So a natural match to the K11 R2R. iFi's LAN iPurifier PRO is an example of ancillary equipment designed to improve fidelity. In addition, connecting the SR11 Steamer's USB-C out to either a USB Disruptor or the Core Power USBe Perfect and then into the K11 R2R DAC's USB-C input is likely to further increase fidelity. Reportedly, FiiO is preparing to offer a better power supply @ $130. It would be highly interesting to see reviewers 'raise their game' by reporting on performance when the potential of accessories and ancillary equipment to increase fidelity in all areas is explored.

[@trekkis]

Good reviewers like iiwi are already reviewed with much better power supply. I do not see any sense of sr11.

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

@@trekkis My mistake, I meant for the K11R2R DAC.

[@PassionforSound]

I've found over the years that there are so many possible permutations of setups with every device that you can't hope to cover them all so these days, I tend to either bypass them or address them by exception. For example, I don't test inexpensive devices with aftermarket power supplies because the supplies cost more than the devices. And I don't try to describe every possible amp pairing with a DAC like this, but instead focus on describing the sound so that others can draw their own conclusions about which way they might like to take it with their choice of amp.

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

@PassionforSound Ah that makes sense.

[@trekkis]

In case of power supplies, there is no need to test many permutations, but any silent power (above some quality threshold) is required for gear to show real quality. So (only) in case when included power supply is noise (can be easily check), simply some better (quiet) is required - not any particular, but any good quality. Difference is simple - is there significant noise or not. And these times there is no need for any Expensive - modern active switching supply is better (quieter) than linear ones. This also can be easily confirmed by oscilloscope. And in case of ifi it's relatively cheap - about 100$ - less than fiio. :) in some context, fiio has sense only as a full package, in box is only half of device. Huge part of any real hifi component is always power supply. Near half. They are heavy and big, also expensive partially due big usually toroidial os similar linear internal power supply. Fiio is cheap, because require to upgrade this part by user. The same is regarding op amps. Unfortunately, there is no possibility to upgrade these on fiio.

[@Hare_deLune]

Very tempting! But, I just have to ask... Does the Geshelli J2 stomp all over it? 😁

[@PassionforSound]

That will depend on which J2 you get. If you get a J2S with the AK4499 and upgrade the op-amps, it will comfortably win, but an AK4493 might be a little closer. I'd have to compare directly...

[@Hare_deLune]

@@PassionforSound Thanks!

[@andyong558]

Hi Lachlan, I remembered one of your video about speakers and headphones, you mentioned that op-amp based amplifier will flatten the soundstage. Can you share more about this and maybe a video solely on this? Also, which budget combo delivers great soundstage you would recommend? Thanks 👍

[@PassionforSound]

I've actually just finished a BIG video explaining a lot about this. It doesn't cover specific op-amps, but does explain the many factors that can lead to reduced spatial clarity (including loss of soundstage depth). All op-amps are different so we need to be careful to not generalise, but the discrete options like the Sparkos, Bursons and Staccatos have the potential to deliver better staging than many of the integrated chip based designs.

[@andyong558]

@@PassionforSound So is it right to say that a R2R DAC with Discrete Amplifier will deliver the best staging?

[@PassionforSound]

Not necessarily, but R2R will often be better than many of the Delta Sigma chip-based DACs I've tried. Discrete amps are also often better than the integrated chip based designs. In audio though, I am always reluctant to declare anything as definite because things change often with new designs and technologies (e.g. the AK4499 / AK4191 DAC chips made a big change to what I expect from Delta Sigma chips).

[@andyong558]

@@PassionforSound 😃 great, thank you

[@trekkis]

Very unfair from fiio side is that Nos mode do not work in case of spdif inputs. It's working only with usb input, menu is simply fooling buyer. Any "heard" differences in case when spdif is in use - are placebo. I do not understand why any reviewer does not inform about this problem. Second problem is some hi res (not working 192khz signal) limitations in case of optic connection - not present on case of coax connection. Also, power supply from the box is very bad (noisy), this is one from reasons why price is so low. It needs to be changed to something better - like ifi power x. The increase in quality is significant. Also difference between delta Sigmas is then bigger. A huge pros is that power supply is possible to easy upgrade. Missed opportunity is also lack of trs connections, as internals are balanced. Despite all of cons - with right ps, sound is excellent for the price - one of best possible choice in this price range. But fiio as a seller should be more clear and fair about limitations.

[@gwine9087]

From all of the many reviews I have seen, you seem to be a minority of one.

[@jimdog]

Any chance you can link to where it talks about NOS not working for S/PDIF inputs? I have an Fiio K11 R2R and would love to learn more about this.

[@trekkis]

Main problem is that there is no any link - no one is informing about this, anywhere, which is hard to understand. But this is very easy to verify - how output signal looks can be very easy check by oscilloscope. There is no need for any expensive, even each basic one $30 type would be enough (with bnc - rca cable). So anyone can check, no any special skill or costly gear is required. Also, type of used os filter can be checked this way. Unfortunately fiio used fast filter. Which is not good choice, slow or possibility to choose would be better. Also how bad power supply form box is, can be also verified by oscilloscope - this ps is literally the worst I've ever seen - worse even than the cheapest phone chargers $3 type. It is bad from fiio side how low quality ps was used, but it's good that cost was reduced on external component, not on internal ones. Firstly, i assumed theat only my device has error, but I asked others owners and they unfortunately confirmed the same. Issue can be check even without any additional gear - it can be observed that when os / Nos mode is switched, in case of usb there is short pause in music. This is real change. In case of spdif there is no any pause - music is continuous. This is fake change - nothing in fact is changed. Still only os mode is working with fast filter. You can check on your device - please let me know if it's behaving differently. In theory is possible that there are other (corrected) revisions on market. I have one from first devices available on world maket.

[@PassionforSound]

If this is the case, that's disappointing to hear.

[@luminiferous1960]

​@@trekkis I think you may be confusing NOS and filterless NOS. Non-oversampling (NOS) by itself just technically means that the digital signal is not upsampled, and is processed at its original sampling rate. NOS mode may or may not use a low pass filter. Some implementations of NOS, perhaps most famously by Audio Note, do not have a low pass filter, and this is technically called filterless NOS, but many play fast and loose with the terminology and write or say NOS when they mean filterless NOS. I had a Pro-Ject DAC Box S FL which operated in filterless NOS mode as explicitly stated in its user manual. Without the low pass filter, one can see on an o-scope the digital steps in the analog output for a digitized sinusoid input. If a low pass filter is used whether or not the digital signal is upsampled, the sinusoid will appear smooth rather than stepped because the high frequencies needed to reconstruct the steps have been rejected by the low pass filter. Fiio does not claim to have eliminated the low pass filter in NOS mode. Fiio only claims to not upsample the signal so that it is processed at its input bit rate in NOS mode. The OS mode in the K11 R2R upsamples the digital signal to 384 kHz sampling rate regardless of the input sample rate and uses a low pass filter.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Lachlan, if you have a moment for a question…Do you think the K11 would be able to power Hifiman 400SE? Thanks for your time.

[@PassionforSound]

Easily, Steve. It's got plenty of power. 🙂

[@phillipmorris9847]

have you tried the fosi dac yet ?

[@PassionforSound]

Sure have: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4bZZqyVidh0j8Usi=CK-rontQLpZrcI70

[@phillipmorris9847]

@@PassionforSound thank you

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

I thought it was odd to compare it to the HiFiman 600. Huge price difference. How about to the HiFiman 499, which I Have? It’s closer in price and has a Phillips R2R chip rather than the proprietary HiFiman R2R chip.

[@PassionforSound]

I can only compare with what I have here

[@luminiferous1960]

I have had the Fiio K11 R2R DAC/headphone amp for more than 4 months, and I like the sound very much, but only in NOS mode through the balanced output. In oversampling mode, it sounds similar to inexpensive delta-sigma chip DACs, which is to say very electronic and unnaturally sharp and edgy, with a fairly shallow soundstage. In NOS mode, the sound is more natural, rounded and fuller. However, through the unbalanced single-ended output, even in NOS mode, the sound lacks soundstage depth and dynamic impact. In NOS mode through the balanced output, the sound retains its natural, rounded and full character while also having decent dynamic impact and good soundstage depth. The sound of the K11 R2R benefitted from being powered by a battery pack which revealed a bit more low level detail and microdynamics in all modes compared to using the power supply that comes with the device. However, the improvement was not huge, but it was noticeable. In the end, however, I preferred plugging the Fiio K11 R2R output into an external tube headphone amplifier to get a richer midrange, a sweeter treble, a more holographic soundstage that was wider and deeper, and more extended note decays. The tube headphone amp that I use with the Fiio K11 R2R is the Cayin HA-1A (original version) in Triode mode - an oldie, but definitely a goodie tube headphone amp.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@luminiferous1960]

@@PassionforSound You're welcome. Thank you for your very thorough review.

[@trekkis]

But there is no Nos mode in case of spdif. Also, there is no need to use batteries - active power supplies are better quality than batteries.

[@luminiferous1960]

@@trekkis There is nothing in the Fiio K11 R2R user manual about there being no NOS mode when using one of the spdif inputs nor about NOS mode being available for USB input only. Furthermore, when using the coaxial spdif input on my K11 R2R, the selection for NOS is not grayed out in the menu and I am able to select that mode. Unlike the switching power supply that comes with the Fiio, a battery supply has no switching noise. A high quality regulated linear mode power supply may be better than a battery, but even that is debatable. At work I had a diode laser driver that could be switched between using a linear power supply connected to the AC power line, or using an internal battery. When using this diode laser driver to drive the seed laser for a coherent lidar transmitter laser, in linear power supply mode we saw in the spectrum analyzer many spurious lines and an elevated noise floor in the received signal when using the linear power supply, and all of the spurious lines and elevated noise floor disappeared when we switched to using the battery.

[@trekkis]

And lack of this info is very big problem from fiio side. Fake available option is Unacceptable manufacturer behavior. It would be acceptable when fiio would inform about this openly. But it didn't. Battery still have some noise (of course also depends from unit) as well as linear ps. Good active switch ps do not have literally any (not possible to detect, measure any). So it is from math point of view - infinite better than battery and linear. Active technology is similar to anc in headphones. Nothing is debatable - everything is clearly visible on oscilloscope. You can of course later do also spectrum Analysis, and this will clearly double confirm effect for you. In case of sound, there is even Several dozen db nf difference in peak (close to 10 in average) between different ps. But as first step spectrum is not needed, basic oscilloscope will be enough and very clear.

[@gino3286]

Hi thank you sincerely for this great review I read often abut R2R dacs but their prices kept me away from them I am always looking for a great quality vs price ration And this seems a champion indeed Sonic wise i am a soundstage lover and this unit fwiu delivers a great 3d image Kind regards gino

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Gino, yes, this one is excellent value. There are a few recent products that represent great deals/great value. This, the SMSL RAW-MDA1, and the xDuoo XA-02 that I've just reviewed too. That video is currently available for Early Bird channel members and will go public on KZbin in very early January.

[@gino3286]

@@PassionforSound Thanks a lot again I think that this one could be just perfect for me I am not much in the high end I am sure the quality of those units are exceptional but i am not sure to be able to appreciate it completely Kind regards gino

[@yoloseabassswaggins9336]

Any chance you can say how this compares to the cayin ru6?

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately, I don't have an RU6 here to compare, but I recall it being more lush and maybe more spacious sounding too.

[@MML66]

Honestly, I'm interested in it becoming a more widespread and affordable dongle, it would be great

[@PassionforSound]

What do you mean?

[@MML66]

@PassionforSound I mean the R2R chipset in the dongle because the only dongle I know of is expensive even though it is only 3.5 and if these dongles start to become more affordable it will become a great thing like what FIIO did in the K11R2R and I changed the concept of the price I hope the same thing happens for the dongle

[@PassionforSound]

@MML66 Yes, that would be interesting. So far, I think the RU6 and RU7 are the only R2R dongles, but they're chunky and expensive as you say.

[@7fink7]

headphones AMP SOFT OR HARDWARE?

[@patlezinc]

Hi! I have a little question plz. I just bought the He1000Unveiled and I am wondering if I could have an even better sound from them. I have a Violectric v380 mkii and its internal DAC seems to be very good. I have tried other not too expensive DAC and I struggle to ear differences (Smsl do200 pro, Tradutto). When I read review like the Gustard R26 or Laiv Harmony, I hardly imagine that it could be so much better than the Violectric DAC. Reviews are often done with speakers and I am not sure headphones reacts the same. The He1000 is really 3d by nature and the DAC I tried did not change that. Do you think an external DAC could transforme a lot the picture? Like depth for instance? Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

Hi! You'd be amazed at what's possible with a better DAC, a good headphone amp (like yours) and the HE1000s. I would definitely recommend upgrading to something like a Schiit Bifrost 2, Geshelli J3 Pro (with upgraded op-amps) or Gustard A26/R26. You'll be impressed, I think.

[@patlezinc]

@ thanks a lot for the reply. I was thinking about the Cyan 2 in fact. As good as your list?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't heard the Cyan 2. Sorry.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Violectric makes great products. Dont expect getting blown away when moving upwards. If only we could home test all of these great devices...

[@patlezinc]

@ on the Headfi forum one guy said the DAC in the Violectric is « average/good ». I find it to be very good so I am curious to listen to something « excellent » according to him. I have tested 4 dacs under 1000€ and could not hear any difference 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Sporting1210]

totaly agree. I paired it with my old Aune X7 (which i got out of retirement in the basement) , which is just awesome. Also tried my old Magni, and while still an upgrade, not as good as the x7. I found the k11 alone a bit harsh in the highs (which surprised me since I though it would be more layed back) and a wee bit meatless in the upper mid. Also instrument seperation is just meh, specially when u listen to music that has a lot going on like classical with big orchestras or operas. For EDM its really fun. so imo the amp section holds the dac in the K11 back, but it is still a bargain for the price. The only reeeal downside of the unit is, that it has no on/off switch, which leaves you with 3 options: 1. leave it allways on (and it will still run even if the PC is off ) 2. get a dedicated powersuply witha switch (around 25€ on Aliexpress-the thing is great) 3. unplug and replug it every time (which is fine, but a bit ... annoying) so i would say it is a great entry as stand alone and a nice addition if paired with an amp specially when one doesnt want to spend more then 200-300 € for the audio at ones workstation. oh, the gain from the added amp depends highly on the used headphones (no surprise there really) used it with my HD50x, DT1990 and Arya Organic and with the 58x it barely made a difference. But overall a nice product with good value.

[@trekkis]

There is auto on off option. Or smart (remote) plug cost is about $8.

[@Sporting1210]

@@trekkis there is an auto on/off?how ? where?^^

[@trekkis]

Idle option in menu.

[@Sporting1210]

@@trekkis aight, curious how it works, but i guess people who read manuals havea clear advantage over people who be like "pffff...who needs a manual". Thx a bunch, sir. You are my todays hero o/

[@trekkis]

I do not read any manual, but I'm checking options in menu, using each one like monkey :D but this option unfortunately do not work too well. May be depended from source device. So still, smart plug may be required. Or simply, such devices can never be turned off - there is no necessity to turn off.

[@josephangelodelosreyes4206]

How far is it from modi multibit and bifrost?

[@PassionforSound]

Great question!! It would probably get pretty close and maybe even match the Modi MB - I haven't directly compared, but there might be a video in that... As for the Bifrost 2, it's still significantly better (as it should be).

[@josephangelodelosreyes4206]

Thanks. Yeah maybe doing pros and cons on similarly priced multi bit and r2r (like hifiman’s EFs) would be a great follow up where K11 stands.

[@peytonsnead3114]

mmb2 is almost twice the price

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. That's why I didn't originally compare it, but I am curious now...

[@shadowofpain8144]

Save your money up and buy what you really want settle and you eventually still buy what you wanted in the first place. Saved for three years for Weiss 501 settled for hifi rose still bought the Weiss and sold the rose. Grain of salt all videos use your own ears. As it is you who has to listen to it and for far longer than you might think. Life happens and you might not be able to update as often as you would like. The best thing about saving a long time was the price of the item I want sometimes comes down to lessen the wait. The better deal gave head start on next update. Prices are high on good gear just hold your nose lol. But you could have it for a lifetime. Forty years ago 700.00 got you there today it's 7,000.00 Wait you find the 7,000 floor model or something barely used for 2,500 or 3,000 or so. Still big numbers to be sure but the system you can build for 10 to 15k Bide your time it's worth every cent another plus to saving and waiting is that knowing what you want how it all fits together makes fewer costly mistakes. Read the forums there is always a gotcha these videos never bring up helps you decide if you can live with it before you buy. You will be surprised how fast three years goes by while you save. It's not for everyone less than one percent will but it's a one percent I like being in.

[@charcoalgriller]

First comment! Struggling to find a DAC right now - already have the Schiit Valhalla 2.

[@ChicagoRob2]

Just bought a ChiFi R2R DAC for $118. Sounds better than my Schiit Modi Multibit. You can also roll opamps with it.

[@PassionforSound]

Lots of great choices around at the moment!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Discrete class A output stages? 😮

[@PassionforSound]

I don't think the K11 has discrete, class A outputs

[@Razeri]

I have k11 r2r and k7 guys it is a trap k11 r2r better only at smothness of sound, but k7 better at tonal balance, tone quality, at fast compositions, clarity and resolution dont buy k11 choose k7

[@MML66]

How to point to something specific and make it look like a link

[@MML66]

There is a difference in price, but it is also worth it. Do not forget the huge power difference in favor of the K7. There is also a K7 BT version. The K11 is a cheaper version and may suit beginners or someone who has a specific space and needs something thin.

[@Razeri]

@@MML66 130 usd vs 170 for k7 bt 100% k7

[@danilaros]

@@Razerithat is not true. I have both and for my ears the K11 R2R with Hifiman Ananda Stealth is so much better. So the lesson is that what is good for you maybe be worse to someone, especially in audio, is subjective.

[@Razeri]

@@danilaros it is true for tonal balance it is specific but k11 and k7 just different lvl of sound quality

[@vaneast411]

affordable audio solutions are incredibly exciting for young music lovers to explore in today’s market! thanks for sharing so many great options for people to begin to explore in digital audio!

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure!

[@madcrabber1113]

Cannot listen with headphones.

[@GeirRssaak]

Ha-ha! You should get some basic education!!!!

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM ☕️🍩☃️🦘 Interesting things for 2025 😁

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely!