Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

DACs

FiiO K13 R2R DAC: A Balanced Headphone Amp and Hi-Res Desktop Audio Hub With Enough Power for Planar Headphones

$319 hi-res desktop DAC/AMP with balanced/single-ended outputs, Bluetooth 5.4, USB, optical, coax, and I²S connectivity.

FiiO K13 R2R DAC Black Angle

One of the most compelling new products we got to try at CanJam London 2025 was FiiO’s upcoming K13 R2R. Positioned just below the K15 in the brand’s lineup, this desktop DAC and balanced headphone amp could easily be FiiO’s most interesting release of the year. With a resistor ladder (R-2R) DAC architecture, 2.3 watts of output, and a 10-band parametric EQ, the K13R2R promises organic, hi-res sound and precise tonal control—without the need for extra software or hardware.

After a short listening session with the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled, eCoustics Headphone Contributor James Fiorucci (UK) was impressed. “The K13R2R added a natural warmth and smoothness that stood out immediately. It’s not a ‘wow’ sound—it’s a ‘settle in and listen for hours’ sound. If you’re sensitive to treble fatigue or just want a DAC/amp that disappears into the music, this could be the sleeper hit of FiiO’s 2025 lineup,” he noted.

Packing the latest discrete resistor ladder decoding, an ultra-low noise architecture, and desktop-class driving power, the K13 R2R manages to squeeze flagship-level sound into a unit small enough not to dominate your desk. And yes, there’s a window on top so you can gawp at the chipset like it’s a museum exhibit—because nothing says “hi-fi cred” like showing off your electronics.

This isn’t just a toy for your laptop or tablet; the K13 R2R delivers hi-res sound anywhere you stick it—desk, bedside table, or slotted neatly into a more elaborate hi-fi system. Pair it with the FiiO DM13 CD player and SP5 speakers, and suddenly you’ve got a full desktop hi-fi rig that doesn’t require a PhD to operate.

fiio-k13-r2r-dac-silver-front

FiiO K13 R2R: Discrete Resistor Ladder DAC for Natural, Hi-Res Sound

At the heart of the K13 R2R is a fully discrete resistor ladder DAC—a carefully engineered array of precision resistors designed for true multibit conversion. The R2R architecture delivers a sound that’s more natural and organic than most Delta-Sigma designs.

FiiO pairs the resistor network with its proprietary error correction algorithm, ensuring tight matching, linearity, and ultra-low distortion. The result is a presentation that balances technical accuracy with warmth and natural flow, making it just as comfortable for detailed, analytical listening as it is for long, immersive musical sessions.

To fully unlock the discrete R2R ladder, the K13 R2R pairs it with an FPGA + DSP system that manages digital signal processing, clocking, and oversampling. The unit handles up to PCM 1536 kHz and DSD1024, covering all current hi-res formats.

Measured performance is equally strong: THD+N reaches as low as 0.00037%, dynamic range is 124 dB, and the noise floor sits at –124 dB. These figures reflect a system capable of delivering accurate, clean, and natural sound across the audible spectrum.

Low-noise LDO regulators and dual-independent power supplies provide strong isolation and stable performance. Premium film capacitors and precision resistors maintain consistency throughout the R2R ladder, while the all-aluminium chassis with precision CNC machining ensures both durability and effective heat dissipation.

FiiO K13 R2R: Future-Proof DAC with USB, Optical, Coaxial, and I²S Inputs

With the K13 R2R, FiiO has built more than a DAC—it’s a full digital audio platform. It features an XMOS XU316 USB receiver and supports USB, optical, coaxial, and I²S inputs, making it compatible with PCs, streamers, CD transports, and other digital sources. An OLED display with an intuitive UI allows effortless control of input selection, gain, filters, and output modes. Bluetooth 5.4 is also supported for those who may wish to stream from their smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

One limitation to note: the K13 R2R has no analog line-level inputs, so connecting a phono stage directly is not possible—you’ll need a preamp or another digital conversion step.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

The K13 R2R offers a full suite of digital filters that let users shape the sound to their liking, from smoother roll-offs for relaxed listening to sharper filters for more precise accuracy. Through the FiiO Control app, listeners can also access parametric EQ, creating and saving custom sound profiles tailored to their setup.

FiiO K13 R2R: High-Power Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp with Balanced and Single-Ended Outputs

The K13 R2R packs 2.4 watts of output, giving it the muscle to drive everything from sensitive IEMs to stubborn full-size planar headphones. Selectable gain levels let you dial in the right amount of juice—quiet enough for delicate monitors, plenty of headroom for 600-ohm beasts—so you don’t have to wrestle with hiss or underwhelming dynamics.

fiio-k13-r2r-dac-silver-back

Connectivity options cover all bases:

  • Balanced XLR and 4.4mm headphone outputs
  • Single-ended 6.35mm headphone jack
  • Balanced and single-ended line outputs for active monitors like the SP5 or an external amplifier

All of this makes the K13 R2R the control hub of any desktop or home setup—from a minimalist headphone rig to a full audiophile system. And yes, it manages all of this without looking like it tried too hard.

FiiO K13 R2R – Key Specifications

  • Main Control Chip (MCU): ESP32-S3
  • USB Chip: XMOS XU316
  • DAC: Fully differential 24-bit R2R resistor ladder
  • Volume Control: NJW1195AV
  • R2R & LPF Op-Amps: OPA1642 ×4
  • LO Buffer Op-Amps: LTA8092 ×2
  • Headphone Amplifier: OPA1642 ×2 + TPA6120A ×2
  • Digital Inputs:
    • USB: 384kHz/32-bit, DSD256
    • Coaxial: 192kHz/24-bit, DSD64
    • Optical: 96kHz/24-bit
    • USB Connector: Dual Type-C
    • Bluetooth: 5.4
  • Display: Custom LCD
  • Power Input: AC 100–240V 50/60Hz; DC 12V/2.5A
  • Dimensions & Weight: 210 × 188 × 42 mm (including feet); 980 g
  • Headphone Output Power:
  • Single-Ended:
    • 32Ω: ≥1220 mW + 1220 mW (high gain)
    • 300Ω: ≥150 mW + 150 mW (high gain)
  • Balanced:
    • 32Ω: ≥2400 mW + 2400 mW (high gain)
    • 300Ω: ≥600 mW + 600 mW (high gain)
  • Performance:
    • Frequency Response: 20 Hz–80 kHz, Attenuation <2.9 dB
    • SNR: ≥116 dB (A-weighted)
    • Noise Floor: SE <9 µV, BAL <18 µV (A-weighted)
    • Output Impedance: SE <0.7 Ω, BAL <1 Ω (32Ω load)
    • THD+N: ~0.0173% (1 kHz, –6 dB @ 32Ω)
  • Colors: Black, Silver
fiio-k13-r2r-dac-silver-angle

The Bottom Line

Set to arrive at authorized retailers in September 2025 for £279 / $319 / €319, the FiiO K13 R2R is a desktop DAC and headphone amp built for serious hi-res listening. Its discrete R2R ladder paired with an FPGA + DSP systemhandles PCM 1536 kHz and DSD1024, while low-noise, dual independent power supplies keep the output clean and stable.

The headphone amplifier delivers selectable gain with balanced XLR/4.4mm and single-ended 6.35mm outputs, alongside balanced and single-ended line outputs for active monitors or external amps. Connectivity covers USB, optical, coaxial, and I²S, though there are no analog line-level inputs, so phono stages aren’t supported.

In our initial listening session, the K13 R2R impressed with natural warmth, smoothness, and effortless control, making it a versatile hub for desktops, minimalist headphone setups, or full hi-res systems. At $319, it offers a carefully considered mix of features that most users would actually want—high-resolution playback, flexible outputs, and robust headphone amplification without unnecessary extras.

For more information: fiio.com/k13r2r

Where to buy: $319 at Apos Audio

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Anton

    September 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm

    The headphone amplifier doesn’t really interest me, but under $350 for that level of DAC seems like a bargain.

    • Ian White

      September 10, 2025 at 10:39 am

      There is a cheaper version of this one for under $150 that is also an R2R DAC. We plan on reviewing them once FiiO gets them to us.

      IW

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Clearaudio Mini Toolkit

New Products

Clearaudio’s Mini Toolkit provides precision tools for perfect turntable setup, cartridge alignment, and vinyl care for the best possible sound.

KEF Coda W Wireless Speakers Titanium Lifestyle KEF Coda W Wireless Speakers Titanium Lifestyle

New Products

KEF’s Coda W delivers compact, high-quality wireless sound with Uni-Q drivers, built-in amps, MM phono preamp, and aptX Lossless Bluetooth — sleek design, but...

Michell Audio Gyro and Revolv Turntables Michell Audio Gyro and Revolv Turntables

New Products

Michell Audio launches Revolv and Gyro turntables, modernizing classic designs with premium materials, upgraded chassis, and high-end performance. You'll still need a tonearm.

Quad Platina Integrated Amplifier Angle Left Silver Quad Platina Integrated Amplifier Angle Left Silver

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

Quad Platina Integrated Amplifier debuts at $5,495, offering Class A/B power, modern DAC, and full connectivity for audiophile systems.

MartinLogan Grotto 12 and 15 Subwoofers MartinLogan Grotto 12 and 15 Subwoofers

New Products

MartinLogan Grotto 12 ($2,299) & 15 ($2,799) subwoofers deliver 2kW peak power, triple hybrid woofers and precise DSP.

AudioQuest Lone Ranger Speaker Cables AudioQuest Lone Ranger Speaker Cables

Audio Cables

AudioQuest’s Lone Ranger ZERO-Tech speaker cable ($2,990 for 8 ft pair) blends Folk Hero design with advanced noise-dissipation and PSC+ conductors.

Gift Ideas?

Hi-Fi Audio Gifts Under 500 in 2025

Gift Guides

Affordable audio for a lot less than you'd think from trusted brands that will payback dividends all year with sonic enjoyment.

You May Also Like

Articles

Looking for a powerful, budget-friendly headphone amp? Discover the best desktop headphone amplifiers under $300 in 2025, including top picks from Schiit, FiiO, Topping,...

Dongle DACs

FiiO Snowsky TINY Dongle DACs arrive in two variations to unlock big sound from lossless and hi-res audio on your smartphone.

Dongle DACs

Portable, balanced, and surprisingly competent: iFi GO blu Air DAC/amp proves good things come in tiny, $129 packages.

New Products

Can the $100 FiiO FW3 TWS Earbuds dominate the entry-level category? Based on their recent track record, these might be ones to consider below...

New Products

Is everyone on board with wireless IEMs? We are starting to wonder if consumers are looking for alternatives to sticking dirty tubes down their...

Ask an Expert

A new wave of Bluetooth USB-C adapters extend the life of laptops, iPads and phones by enabling higher audio quality to wireless headphones.

DAPs

FiiO M27 DAP combines flagship DACs, FPGA architecture, 5W balanced output, and hi-res audio. Full specs and pricing set for September.

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

Check out the Marantz M1 streaming amplifier, Quad's retro Integrated Amp, Ruark's stereo console and Schiit's sold out headphone amp.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers