New Dac the FiiO K13 R2R: Early Impressions

[Jasonovich]

I am afraid all of those are probably above my pay grade but sounds an interesting proposition. At least I only have one system to listen to these days which is in my man cave and only use headphones.

That's why I am waiting to see if the K17 R2R has an improved R2R and Headphone amp in which case it would save a lot of space and mains leads/interconnects by replacing my four current units and the SSD I have in the Eversolo would transfer to a USB SSD caddy sitting behind. All theory at the moment!

I believe the K17 is already out but it isn't R2R, it uses AKM chipset, not unless they're bringing out an R2R version of the K17?
Now that would be interesting 🙂

 

[woodbar]

I believe the K17 is already out but it isn't R2R, it uses AKM chipset, not unless they're bringing out an R2R version of the K17?
Now that would be interesting 🙂

Yes, very interesting!

Apparently there will be an R2R version of the K17 due to be released in July I understand.

 

[woodbar]

@Jasonovich I meant to ask you before, I note from your diner set up you are using an LPS PL50 with your K11 R2R I assume? Did you detect any sonic differences with that?

 

[Jasonovich]

@Jasonovich I meant to ask you before, I note from your diner set up you are using an LPS PL50 with your K11 R2R I assume? Did you detect any sonic differences with that?

Good question.
Yes small incremental but noticeable improvements to the sound. The bass appears to have better body, vocals more solid. Some may argue it's placebo but my ears tell me otherwise.

I would advise any one using cheap 12v AC/DC generic power supply, switch to a decent linear one.
The FiiO PL50 power supply is puka, not sure if this is compatible with K13 R2R, worth checking their website.

 

[woodbar]

Good question.
Yes small incremental but noticeable improvements to the sound. The bass appears to have better body, vocals more solid. Some may argue it's placebo but my ears tell me otherwise.

I would advise any one using cheap 12v AC/DC generic power supply, switch to a decent linear one.
The FiiO PL50 power supply is pretty decent, not sure if this is compatible with K13 R2R, worth checking their website.

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Yes, quite possible, but don't quote that on ASR😡🤐

Fiio have produced another LPSU in a case which exactly mimics the K13 R2R with selectable 12 or 15V output - called "The Darkside" 🤦‍♀️ A bit obtuse!

I will not think about that until I am able to investigate the forthcoming K17 R2R though, as that has a built in LPSU and the K13 R2R at least has it's own SMPSU in a tin box internally!

 

[Stuart.W.D]

I've had the K13 R2R for a month or so and really pleased with it.

I tried a Topping DX5 II first but it had too many bugs, tried to destroy my headphones/ears, and did not perform any different to any of my other DACs, so that was returned.

The K13 does sound different in a very pleasing way, more analogue and rounded without the sparkly harshness of the usual delta/sigma chips! Allows "non-defensive listening" - a quote I saw somewhere the other day, very apt I thought.

I do use it just as a DAC feeding my Topping L70 headphone amp via XLR out as I find this gives a little more dynamically compared to the onboard amp.

Eagerly awaiting the K17 R2R to be released, might be interesting/tempted especially as it is rumoured to have a more advanced R2R array, though this is not confirmed yet. I would love it if I was able to use just the single unit to replace my Eversolo DMP-A6, Topping L70/E70 stack and the K13 of course!

It's good to hear that you're really satisfied with your K13 R2R Dac. Incredible value, isn't it?