- FiiO desires you to know that hi-res audio's about to go 'actually mainstream'
- …and the QX13 is priced to mirror that
- Comprised of 21 layers of carbon fiber for a light-weight but sturdy construct
what my favourite type of audio gadget is? One which makes individuals go 'What is that?' ideally with the follow-up query, 'And likewise, what do the numbers imply?'
That is one such piece of package. It's nearly like the hand-held super-computer Ziggy in Quantum Leap – as a result of whereas no one actually understands every part about it, everybody agrees it's a Good Factor. And with Spotify HiFi launch rumors gathering momentum (latest reviews counsel it would land in late 2025, and be referred to as 'Spotify Music Professional'), when hi-res goes mainstream, you don't wish to be left unable to take benefit…
What you're taking a look at is the FiiO QX13, a pocket DAC and headphone amp in your telephone, laptop computer, or video games console – a gateway to the world of hi-res audio on the go. And though it’s a flagship product and one which marks 18 years of FiiO’s audio experience, it isn't significantly expensive both.
New to the world of headphone DACs? That's fantastic: each product you personal that accepts and performs a digital music sign (your telephone, wi-fi earbuds, laptop computer, Bluetooth audio system, and so forth) has its personal built-in DAC.
The factor is, lots of them are cheap, and including a standalone devoted (learn: higher) choice to the audio path can degree up what you hear lots. Moreover, the added amplification can assist give oomph and quantity to hard-to-drive headphones wired as much as your telephone or a conveyable participant.
How does this specific DAC work? Add any audio supply with USB-C, and also you've bought it. You simply breathed new life into your wired headphones.
The QX13 can totally decode MQA music and is appropriate with file codecs reminiscent of DSD512 and 768Hz / 32-bit tracks. A 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone socket ensures broad compatibility with all headphones, too.
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DAC's proper
And it's fairly a looker, no? The QX13 is made with 21 layers of carbon fiber for a light-weight but sturdy construct to point out off its "additional massive" 1.99-inch hardened IPS colour show.
The QX13 additionally introduces the flagship Ess Sabre Professional ES9027PRO chip, really helpful to be used in full-size hi-fi methods. Nonetheless, FiiO has achieved a "micro DAC/AMP design" created to benefit from your headphones and IEMs. The chip options 8 channels arrange in parallel, and is paired with two ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators for exact output matching on every audio channel.
After all, FiiO would level you in the direction of its personal IEMs to pair them with – presumably the FiiO FH19 (that are superb certainly) and FiiO notes that the QX13 arrives with an (optionally available) magnetic leather-based case, appropriate with the customized FiiO energy 'estick' pack for light-weight portability with powerhouse efficiency in Desktop Mode. Select the magnetic leather-based case to mix each units in a single unit.
The QX13 is now obtainable, priced $219 / £219 (round AU$450), and if that sounds just a little wealthy in your blood, be aware that rival iFi's flagship DAC, the iFi iDSD Valkyrie, is available in at a cool $1,699 / £1,699 / AU$2,999 (approx). So, there's that possibility additionally…
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