Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
Video Discussion
Today’s review will cover FiiO’s K11 R2R. We’ll discuss build, features, power output, sound profile, and more. By the time you’re finished reading this article, you’ll know if it’s right for you.
If it isn’t, I’ll point you in the direction of something that is.
Deal?
Cool.
Let’s dive in!
All specs, box contents, and pricing toward the end!
What Is It?
If you’re new to the world of audiophile products, the K11 R2R is a combo Headphone Amplifier + Digital-to-Analog Converter. This means both the Amplifier and DAC are contained in the unit, saving you the hassle of having to purchase them separately.
Additionally, the K11 is a preamp, meaning you can connect it to active speakers like the FiiO SP3,Presonus Eris e3.5, etc.
R2R
It also happens to be an R2R DAC; a first in FiiO’s entry-level lineup.
R2R (Resistor-to-Resistor) DACs use a ladder network of precisely matched resistors to convert digital signals into analog.
Instead of relying on delta-sigma modulation like most modern DACs, R2R designs decode the signal more directly, allegedly preserving its natural dynamics and microdetails. This approach is often praised for its smooth, organic sound but requires extremely precise resistor matching, making high-quality implementations expensive.
We’ll also tough on pricing later, but the fact that FiiO provides this technology while keeping the overall cost down is impressive. Whether or not it actually makes a difference in “sound” is up for debate, and we’ll cover that with a comparison to the original K11 as well.
For now, let’s delve into build.
Build Quality
Pound for pound, the K11 R2R is an exact replica of the K11, only it says “R2R” on the top.
The same RGB-illuminated logo makes a return and contains 6 LED strips that change color according to sample rate.
You can also adjust the brightness, color, and light patterns using the multi-function knob/encoder on the front of the unit.
This aluminum-alloy body is very robust and comes in a compact, sleek package, easily fitting in most spaces and resembling a JDS ATOM in appearance.
The K11 takes a more streamlined approach compared to the widely popular K5 Pro and K7 models, featuring a smaller, lighter design with a sleek, modern look.
The underside contains a built-in Octagon rubber pad, preventing the unit from sliding around.
I’ve owned the original K11 for a couple of years now and I can tell you that for the most part, the pad is excellent at keeping the DAC in place.
Front Panel
Here we have a 6.35mm (1/4″), and 4.4mm headphone jacks in addition to the LCD screen which displays sample rate, volume, gain, or output mode.
The volume potentiometer on the far right acts as a volume knob + multi-function knob.
Getting Started
First, ensure the supplied power adapter is plugged in.
Depending on your setup, connect the K11 using either the USB-C to USB-A cable for a PC/laptop or an optical cable for consoles.
Note: FiiO does not include an optical cable in the package.
The K11 is compatible with PS3 and PS4 (per my tests) and also works with PS5 and Switch according to FiiO.
For PS3/PS4, simply run an optical cable from the console to the K11’s optical input—no USB connection needed. Just be sure to set the unit to PO (Pre-Out) mode for optical use.
Basic Operation
Powering On/Off – Press and hold the volume knob.
Entering the Menu – Press and hold the knob again to access settings.
Navigating Options – Use the volume dial to scroll through modes. Press once to select, then adjust as needed.
RGB Lighting & Customization
The K11 includes adjustable LED lighting with modes 0-8:
After extensive back and forth between the supposedly “better” R2R version and the original K11, I can tell you without a doubt there is no difference.
A couple of times I thought maybe the original sounded a tad more sterile/neutral, but I think that’s a placebo or some sort of volume discrepancy.
I found it interesting that though both advertise identical power output numbers, the R2R is slightly quieter at the same volume level (35) with a K702.
Otherwise, you can expect a good Signal-to-Noise Ratio (115dB), low output impedance, and a clear backdrop for your music. Remember, the SINAD standard is 90dB, so anything above that is fine.
Be cautious of reviewers who use excessive jargon when describing alleged “sound” differences between DACs and Amps, including the K11 vs. K11 R2R comparison.
This is a major red flag because it implies that the DAC itself is shaping the sound, rather than the source file and headphones being the real determining factors.
In reality, a DAC/Amp’s job is simple: convert and amplify the signal while staying as transparent as possible. It doesn’t magically “open up the Soundstage” or “enhance the Timbre“—claims like these are pure nonsense.
If you come across someone saying otherwise, they’re likely peddling snake oil or just trying to make a quick buck.
To be clear, I’m not saying the technology behind different DACs isn’t valid—it absolutely is. And I applaud FiiO for their diligence. The way a DAC processes and converts digital signals does matter in terms of accuracy and functionality.
However, when it comes to perceived sound differences, that’s a different story. In a blind test with VOLUME-MATCHED signals, no one would be able to consistently tell one well-designed DAC from another. The idea that a DAC alone will drastically change your listening experience is pure placebo.
As a producer and engineer with trained ears, I can tell you that the real determining factors of sound quality come from the source file (i.e. the producer/engineer making the music) and the headphones, not the DAC or amp.
To add to that, I’ve spent plenty of time with other R2R DACs like the HiFiMAN EF600 and EF400, and the same logic applies.
While the tech behind R2R conversion is interesting and different from standard delta-sigma DACs, the idea that it will magically transform your sound is pure nonsense.
In a blind test, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart from a well-implemented delta-sigma DAC. The differences people claim to hear are almost always placebo or expectation bias—not actual improvements in sound.
Final Verdict
FiiO’s K11 R2R is a slightly more expensive version of the original, but objectively, it’s essentially the same DAC.
If you disregard the “R2R” label and understand that it won’t magically improve your listening experience, it becomes much easier to justify opting for the cheaper version.
To be clear, I love the K11—it’s an excellent DAC at a great price and one of my main recommendations. However, there’s no reason to spend roughly $30 more. Prices can change, but currently, the original is priced at $139.99, while the R2R is $169.99.
In my opinion, just go for the original and don’t look back.
Power Requirements: AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
Ground Lift: No
DC Input Power: 12 VDC at 2A
AC/DC Power Adapter: 12 VDC at 2 A (Included)
Current Consumption: 2 A (Typical)
Physical Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.2 x 1.27″ / 14.7 x 13.3 x 3.23 cm (with Feet)
Weight: 14.4 oz / 407.0 g
Packaging Info: Package Weight: 2.105 lb, Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 10.2 x 8.3 x 2.4″
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this FiiO K11 R2R Review and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
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Stu is determined to help you make sound decisions, and strives to deliver the best and most in depth content on the internet! In his spare time, he likes to fish, paint, play guitar, pray, rap, make beats, take photos, record videos, graphic design, and more. His sense of humour, coupled with a knack for excellence and strict attention to detail are what allow him to stand out in an crowded industry.
