FiiO has carved a niche in the audiophile market by offering high-quality audio products at incredibly affordable prices. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting your audio journey, FiiO has something to offer, from in-ear monitors, to portable and desktop DAC & headphone amps, to add-ons and desktop accessories. I had the chance to try out some of FiiO's standout products from their lineup and this is my experience with them. These reviews are pretty brief, so if you’re keen to see a more in-depth review for any of them, let us know in the comments below!
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JH5 In-Ear Monitors
FiiO has delivered a hidden gem with the JH5 that defies expectations at its price point. This in-ear monitor (IEM) offers a surprisingly mature sound signature, balancing detail with a pleasing musicality. You can expect a wide and well-defined soundstage where instruments are separated with clarity. The bass is impactful without overwhelming the mix, while vocals come through clear and natural. High frequencies are detailed and airy, avoiding the harshness that you might experience with budget IEMs.
Beyond the impressive audio performance, the JH5 is designed for comfort. The ergonomic shells offer a secure and comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, and the build quality feels premium. The detachable cable allows ample opportunities for future upgrades. With its comfortable design, mature sound tuning, and excellent build quality, the FiiO JH5 is an awesome pair of in-ear monitors for those who don’t want to spend a fortune. At less than $160 (at the time this article was written), the JH5 offers incredible value.
Overall, the FiiO JH5 is a great pair of IEMs for audio lovers seeking fantastic sound quality at an awesome price. Its comfortable fit, great tuning, and excellent build quality make it a solid choice.
JD1 In-Ear Monitors
For those looking for budget-friendly in-ear monitors that cost less than a meal out, we have the FiiO x Jade Audio JD1. This IEM has a warm sound signature and packs a satisfying punch in the bass department. Bass lovers will appreciate the low-end rumble that adds weight and excitement to music. That being said, it can sometimes bleed into the midrange frequencies, resulting in a slight muddiness. The bass could be more refined for those who prefer a more analytical sound, but at this price point, it’s easy to look past.
Even though the JD1 is super affordable, it doesn’t look cheap. It has solid build quality, with ergonomic ear shells and polished zinc-alloy faceplates that look shiny and metallic. The shape provides a good seal for some decent passive noise cancellation. The detachable cable offers additional value, allowing for future upgrades and customisation. An integrated HD microphone and intuitive in-line controls round out the package, ensuring seamless call management and music playback control.
Audiophiles seeking the absolute pinnacle of clarity and definition might find the JD1 lacking in nuance. All-in-all though, it offers pleasant sound. And for less than $30, it’s a steal!
KA13 Portable + Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp
To truly appreciate the full potential of your headphones and your favourite music, a DAC and Headphone Amplifier is a must-have. I’ve got awesome news - FiiO offers a fantastic lineup that caters to all budgets. I had my first experience with the FiiO KA13 DAC, a compact yet potent device that delivers desktop-quality audio in a portable form factor. Its sleek, compact design makes it easy to slip into your pocket, or simply hang from your phone as you listen.
If you’ve never used a DAC and Headphone Amplifier before, you’ll be surprised to discover how much depth and detail you’ve been missing. The KA13 reveals new layers and nuances, adding a richness and texture that may have previously been absent. Its wide and spacious soundstage, with sharp, accurate vocal rendering, creates an immersive and pleasing listening experience. The best part? It offers wicked value, making it an excellent starting point for any audiophile!
To unlock its full power, use it in desktop mode, which bumps its power output up to 550mW, allowing it to drive both low and high-impedance headphones with excellent dynamics and detail. If you’re using it on the go, keep in mind that it can drain your phone battery if you’re listening to music all day, so be sure to pack a power bank!
Q11 Portable + Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier
If you prefer a device that is battery-powered and has a higher power output, check out the Q11. This powerful DAC and Headphone Amplifier offers excellent sound quality and is great for both desktop and portable use. Its 2600mAh battery (which offers up to 13 hours of playback) makes it ten times heavier than the KA13 and much bigger, but this means it’s not eating into your phone battery. All while still being portable enough for on-the-go listening too!
The Q11 delivers an impressive power output of 650mW. It provides a balanced, neutral sound that's both natural and engaging. The bass response is impactful and full-bodied, without getting muddy or overwhelming the midrange. The soundstage is wide and spacious, allowing instruments to be clearly separated and positioned within the mix. The difference between high gain vs. low gain is very noticeable. In low gain, the sound is more relaxed and controlled, while in high gain, it's brighter, more dynamic, and vocals become more pronounced.
Only marginally pricier than the KA13, the Q11 is another great entry-level option! With a larger, chunkier form factor, this may be a preferred choice for those who’ll primarily use it as a desktop amp (although it’s still perfectly portable). With a balanced power output of 650mW and low/high gain, it’s great for listening to both low and high-impedance headphones.
K11 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier
If you’re looking for power - the FiiO K11 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier is where you’ll find it. Its number one selling point is its driving power, delivering a whopping 1400mW power output. As the name suggests, the K11 is made for desktop use and needs to be connected to a power source. The build is solid, sturdy, and made to last, while still looking sleek and low-profile, to fit in with any setup.
Sound is clean and detailed, and quite neutral, really letting the headphones do all the talking. It has a very good sound stage that is wide and spacious, along with a balanced frequency response. Options to choose between low, medium, and high gain, and six DAC filters gives you the flexibility to tailor the sound to your preferences. The volume knob is a multifunction button that can be used to control a number of things. Pressing, long-pressing, and rotating will allow you to choose source output, adjust the gain, DAC filters, RGB settings and more.
All in all, the K11 is a very competitive and cost-effective desktop amp. It’s the perfect starting point for a desktop listening system. Its powerful performance, versatile features, and solid build quality make it a great choice for budding and seasoned audiophiles looking for a powerful and affordable desktop solution.
FiiO has proven time and again that great audio doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Their lineup offers a great selection of products, each designed to provide exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank. Beyond in-ear monitors and amps, there are also things like the KB1K Multimedia Keypad & Music Remote and other accessories, perfect for building out your audio setup. FiiO has really showcased their commitment to delivering exceptional sound at a good price and I’m impressed. If you're keen to give their products a go and see more of their products, check out FiiO’s brand store here!
