- Fiio wants you to know that Hi-Res Audio is about to go ‘Really Mainstream’
- … and QX13 is priced to reflect that
- Made of 21 layers of carbon fiber to a light yet durable building
Do you know what my favorite kind of sound gadget is? One that makes people go ‘what is to?’ Ideal with the follow -up question, ‘And what do the numbers mean?’
This is such a piece of kit. It’s almost like the handheld super-computer ziggy in Quantum Leap – Because while no one really understands everything about it, everyone agrees that it’s a good thing. And with Spotify HiFi launch rumors that gather speed (recent reports suggest that it may land by the end of 2025, and is called ‘Spotify Music Pro’) when hi-res goes in mainstream, you will not be abandoned unable to take advantage …
What you are looking at is FIIO QX13, a pocket DAC and headphone amplifier for your phone, laptop or gaming console-a port to the world of hi-res sound on the go. And while it is a flagship product and one that marks 18 years of age with Fiio’s sound expertise, it is not very expensive either.
New in the world of headphones DACs? It’s fine: Every product you own that accepts and plays a digital music signal (your phone, wireless earplugs, laptop, bluetooth speakers and so on) has its own built-in DAC.
The thing is that many of them are cheap and to add an independent dedicated (read: better) opportunity to the sound path can levels what you hear very. In addition, the added amplification can help give OOMPH and volume to difficult to run headphones that are wired up to your phone or a portable player.
How does this particular DAC work? Add any audio source with USB-C, then you have it. You just breathed new life in your wired headphones.
QX13 can fully decode MQA music and are compatible with file formats such as DSD512 and 768Hz / 32-bit tracks. A 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm headphone jack also ensures broad compatibility with all headphones.
DAC is right
And that’s quite a look, no? The QX13 is made with 21 layers of carbon fiber for a light, yet durable building to show its “extra large” 1.99-inch hardened IPS color screen.
QX13 also introduces the flagship ESS SABER PRO ES9027PRO chip, recommended for use in full-size Hi-Fi systems. However, FIIO has achieved a “Micro DAC/AMP design” created to make the most of your headphones and IEMs. The chip has 8 channels set in parallel and is paired with two ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators for precise output matching on each audio channel.
Of course, Fiio would point you to his own IEMs to pair them with – possibly FIIO FH19 (which is actually very good) and FIIO notes that QX13 arrives with a (optional) magnetic leather box, compatible with the custom Fiio Power ‘Estick’ Pack to light portability with power guidance in stitching. Select the magnetic leather box to combine both devices into one device.
QX13 is now available, priced $ 219 / £ 219 (around AU $ 450), and if it sounds a little rich for your blood, note that rival IFIS flagship DAC, IFI IDSD Valkyrie, comes in on a cool $ 1,699 / £ 1,699 / AU $ 2,999 (approx.) So there is also the opportunity …
