FIIO QX13 Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier Carbon Fiber Black

With its QX13, FiiO offers us a relatively affordable portable DAC headphone amplifier based on quality components. Indeed, the QX13 is armed with an 8-channel ES9027PRO DAC chip, a USB XMOS-316 interface and no less than 6 AOPs. This chipset enables it to support high-definition sampling rates up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512, while offering up to 2x 900mW of output power under a 32-ohm load in desktop mode. In terms of inputs/outputs, the essentials are there, with a USB-C input and two headphone outputs: a 3.5mm jack/SPDIF headphone output and a balanced 4.4mm jack headphone output. The QX13 also boasts a robust carbon fiber body to limit external interference and regulate heat, and an attractive, scratch-resistant color display.

FiiO QX13: an audiophile architecture

The digital and analog parts are separated and isolated to limit interference and better manage heat dissipation. Each component is carefully selected to work in concert with its peers in the signal processing chain. The balanced architecture offers fine, clean signal processing for the most pleasing rendering at the QX13 output stage.

FiiO QX13: desktop mode for boosted power

In desktop mode, the QX13 benefits from a considerable gain in power, enabling it to drive a wide range of headphones and IEMs. In fact, it can deliver up to 2x 900mW of power at 32 ohms. This makes it possible to drive headphones with impedances ranging from 16 to 350 ohms.

FiiO QX13: a 1.99-inch color screen

The QX13 features a 1.99-inch tempered glass color screen for easy viewing and configuration. Several UI interfaces are also available for complete customization.