FiiO K11 Desktop DAC & Headphone Amplifier - Black - Optical + Coax + USB-C inputs - 6.3mm + 4.4mm Balanced + RCA outputs - LCD display - RGB logo

I bought this unit because the Realtek CODEC in my gaming PC, while adequate for gaming, was lacking in sharpness and clarity that made it less optimal in terms of music playback. Playing music through my iPad or iPhone always sounded better than playing it through my PC. I decided to splurge a bit and invest in one of these units, and I'm glad I did. The first thing that hit me were those higher frequency instruments such as cymbals, tambourines and hi-hats - I immediately heard instruments in songs I never really thought had them! You could hear them, of course, through the Mobo CODEC, albeit not as pronounced or as clear, and perhaps a...view more I bought this unit because the Realtek CODEC in my gaming PC, while adequate for gaming, was lacking in sharpness and clarity that made it less optimal in terms of music playback. Playing music through my iPad or iPhone always sounded better than playing it through my PC. I decided to splurge a bit and invest in one of these units, and I'm glad I did. The first thing that hit me were those higher frequency instruments such as cymbals, tambourines and hi-hats - I immediately heard instruments in songs I never really thought had them! You could hear them, of course, through the Mobo CODEC, albeit not as pronounced or as clear, and perhaps a bit 'distorted' for lack of a better word. Bass is certainly good enough for my tastes as well. There's no need to go full audiophile and spend thousands on so-called high-end audio DACs when you can get a great sounding unit for a fraction of a price, and with good build quality thrown in for good measure. Fiio is a Chinese brand, and whilst Chinese products may have a past reputation for being poorly engineered and poorly made, this is no longer the case - indeed, I would say they now surpass even the Japanese brands like Sony in terms of quality. A highly recommended little unit.

I connected the FiiO K9 to an last-century Sony CD Player via Toslink Optical digital cable. I wanted to see if a modern DAC would improve the sound. Via headphones I think the sound warmed up a bit, I guess that could be the amp doing it's bit. Via the RCS-outputs to an 1980's amp and speakers, I couldn't perceive any obvious improvement. I also connected the FiiO to a PC via USB and out to headphones, I thought the sound was improved, warmer and with a stronger base. I experimented with the on board filters, but I think off (the last filter option?) might suit me best. I also connected the FiiO optically to an chromecast-audio via a...view more I connected the FiiO K9 to an last-century Sony CD Player via Toslink Optical digital cable. I wanted to see if a modern DAC would improve the sound. Via headphones I think the sound warmed up a bit, I guess that could be the amp doing it's bit. Via the RCS-outputs to an 1980's amp and speakers, I couldn't perceive any obvious improvement. I also connected the FiiO to a PC via USB and out to headphones, I thought the sound was improved, warmer and with a stronger base. I experimented with the on board filters, but I think off (the last filter option?) might suit me best. I also connected the FiiO optically to an chromecast-audio via a Toslink to Miniplug Digital Audio Cable, again I think there was a discernible improvement via headphones, but perhaps not so via stereo speakers (maybe my old stereo is not up to the job). An incredible versatile device and nice with a good pair of headphones. The UI is easy enough to come to grips with. The filters are only explained in techno-buzz, but this page https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/869685.html explains similar filters for the K13 in plain english.