FiiO QX13

The Inaugural DAC/Headphone in FiiO’s Premium QX range

The FiiO QX13 represents FIIO’s all-new QX series, which is positioned as a higher-end tier than the KA series in the USB DAC category. The QX series prioritizes audio quality while delivering premium performance and versatile adaptability.

What makes the QX13 particularly impressive is how FiiO has managed to pack almost desktop-grade performance (with 900mW in ‘Desktop mode’) in a portable form factor. With its new ESS SABRE PRO ES9027PRO DAC, powerful amplification stage featuring high-end TI op-amps, and comprehensive connectivity options, the QX13 delivers an audio experience that rivals dedicated desktop setups while maintaining the convenience of portability.

Unboxing and Build Quality

The FiiO QX13 arrives in a typical FiiO package that immediately sets high expectations:

The back of the box provides detailed specifications and features:

Opening the box reveals the QX13 manual nestled ontop of the device:

Removing this reveals the QX13 and the magnetic carrying case:

The package includes a magnetic ring and a usb-c cable:

The complete package includes:

• The QX13 unit
• USB cables (Type-C)
• Magnetic carry case
• Magnetic USB-C adapter for Android smartphones
• User manual and warranty card

The included USB cable is high-quality and well-built:

I like how they included a magnetic ring adapter for Android smartphones:

All-new Magnetic Ecosystem

The QX13 comes standard with a magnetic leather case, compatible with the Estick power bank for lightweight portability with powerhouse performance. This innovative magnetic ecosystem allows you to relive a portable desktop experience.

The protective case is particularly well-designed with a magnetic attachment system - here it is attached to my iPhone:

You can opt for the bundled magnetic leather case (sold separately) to combine both the QX13 and Estick power bank - enabling charging configurations that power the Estick while creating your personalized mini desktop stack, ensuring uninterrupted musical enjoyment.

QX13 Build quality

The dimensions of approximately 64.2x30.7x13mm make it compact and lightweight, yet it delivers impressive power for its size. The QX13 weighs about 33.7g for the carbon fiber version and about 39.2g for the aluminium alloy version. Here is a comparison with some other dongles (and my ’tiny’ Hiby R1 DAP):

The QX13 is made with up to 21 layers of stacked carbon fiber for a lightweight yet durable build. This premium construction not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides structural integrity:

The extra large 1.99-inch display (170*320 LCD), coupled with multiple sets of UI themes, makes it higher-end and delicate.

Here is the ’normal’ theme1 homescreen:

And here is when I switched to theme2:

The screen and button layout provide easy access to controls, with interactions and features surpassing comparable products:

So, you get 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs on one end:

The side of the device features that D-mode switch which when connected to a second USB-c gives the QX13 exceptional output power:

Another side view showing the USB power-only port:

The bottom of the device houses the USB-C ‘data’ port for connectivity:

Features and Connectivity

The QX13 is packed with features that position it as a versatile audio solution for audiophiles on the go:

Desktop-grade DAC: ESS ES9027PRO

The QX13 applies the flagship ESS SABRE PRO ES9027PRO. The chip features a fully differential audio architecture design with 8 channels set up in parallel, and is paired with a pair of ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators for precise output matching on each audio channel. Audio signals are accurately restored thanks to this pair of chips’ optimized power efficiency and effectiveness in reducing clock jitter.

6 High-end TI Op-amps for Powerful and Stable Output

The QX13 uses four wafer-level precision-integrated INA1620 chips, with a specially designed internal layout to significantly reduce crosstalk – for no interference between channels even under extreme conditions. Additionally, two low-noise, low-distortion OPA1692 chips are employed to ensure excellent dynamics under various load conditions.

The QX13 features the XMOS 16-core XU316 for USB decoding, along with dual ultra-low phase noise, low temperature drift femtosecond crystal oscillators for precise timing and minimal jitter.

PEQ capabilties

I like that you can switch different PEQ profiles directly on the screen:

FiiO Control App

You get lots of configuration options within the FiiO Control app:

There is a special screen just for audio options:

And switch filters should you want to A/B test the differences:

And of course, you can do fine-grained editing of the PEQ filters:

Power Output

The QX13 offers impressive power output capabilities, with up to 900mW+900mW robust power output in desktop mode:

3.5mm Single-Ended Output (Desktop mode, High Gain)

• 440mW + 440mW @ 16Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 310mW + 310mW @ 32Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 40mW + 40mW @ 300Ω (THD+N＜1%)

4.4mm Balanced Output (Desktop mode, High Gain)

• 480mW + 480mW @ 16Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 900mW + 900mW @ 32Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 125mW + 125mW @ 300Ω (THD+N＜1%)

3.5mm Single-Ended Output (Non-desktop mode, High Gain)

• 370mW + 370mW @ 16Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 250mW + 250mW @ 32Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 30mW + 30mW @ 300Ω (THD+N＜1%)

4.4mm Balanced Output (Non-desktop mode, High Gain)

• 470mW + 470mW @ 16Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 605mW + 605mW @ 32Ω (THD+N＜1%)
• 70mW + 70mW @ 300Ω (THD+N＜1%)

This level of power output means the QX13 can comfortably drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to more demanding over-ear models, including many planar magnetic designs.

I have even more specifications later in the review, but I thought it was useful to include this clearly.

Subjective Listening Experience

In my listening tests, the QX13 demonstrated an extremely neutral tuning allowing my headphones to shine through with excellent tonal balance, with a clean, detailed presentation that never became fatiguing. The bass response was tight and controlled, with good extension and impact when called for. The midrange was natural and well-defined, with vocals and instruments presented with appropriate body and texture. The treble was extended and detailed without becoming harsh or sibilant.

The soundstage presentation was impressive for a portable device, with good width and depth that allowed for easy placement of instruments and voices within the sonic landscape. Imaging was precise, making it easy to locate individual elements within complex mixes.

When compared to the KA17, the QX13 offers a noticeable step-up in overall refinement and authority, particularly when driving more demanding headphones. The additional power on tap provides better control and dynamics, especially in the low end.

Comparing the FiiO QX13 vs. FiiO FA17

The QX13 can also be compared to FiiO’s FA17, another high-end portable audio solution:

As you can see from the size comparison, the QX13 is slightly larger than the FA17, but offers a more comprehensive feature set with its larger display and additional functionality.

The QX13 represents a significant step up from the KA series in several key areas:

1. DAC Configuration: The QX13 uses the flagship ESS SABRE PRO ES9027PRO DAC.
2. Power Output: The QX13 offers robust power, particularly in balanced mode (up to 900mW+900mW @ 32Ω in desktop mode).
3. Display: The QX13 features a 1.99-inch (170*320) LCD display.
4. USB Decoding: The QX13 uses the XMOS 16-core XU316 for premium USB decoding.
5. Op-amps: The QX13 employs 6 high-end TI op-amps (four INA1620 chips and two OPA1692 chips).
6. Magnetic Ecosystem: The QX13 features an all-new magnetic ecosystem with the Estick power bank compatibility.

While the KA17 remains an excellent portable DAC/Amp, the QX13 offers a more comprehensive feature set that bridges the gap between portable DAC/Amps and dedicated digital audio players.

Specifications and Measurements

General Specifications

Audio Parameters (3.5mm out, USB decoding, desktop mode, high gain)

Audio Parameters (4.4mm out, USB decoding, desktop mode, high gain)

For more specifications please check out FiiO Website: here

Measurements

Note: These are FiiO’s own published AP measurements.

SINAD Measurements

The QX13 achieves impressive SINAD (Signal-to-Noise and Distortion) values. Of course, SINAD doesn’t tell you much as to how it sounds, but I do believe it is a good indicator of competent engineering and with scores over a score of 90 will be transparent. So, it is nice to see the 3.5mm output get a sinad score of 107:

The balanced SINAD was not quiet as good, but it is providing much more output power and still getting a score of 102 is excellent:

These values represent excellent performance and place the QX13 among the top-performing portable DAC/Amps on the market. For comparison, the KA17 achieved similar SINAD values, showing that FiiO has maintained their high standards of performance in the QX13 yet providing more output power.

Frequency Response

The QX13 exhibits a ruler-flat frequency response, ensuring accurate reproduction of the source material without coloration:

Rating

I’ve given the QX13 a pragmatic rating of 5. It represents the current pinnacle of what FiiO has achieved in portable DAC/Amp design. The combination of exceptional audio performance, comprehensive feature set, and versatile connectivity options makes it an outstanding choice for audiophiles who need a portable solution that doesn’t compromise on quality or capabilities.

The measurement rating of 5 reflects the excellent technical performance, with SINAD values of 107dB for single-ended and 105dB for balanced outputs placing it among the top performers in its category.

Conclusion

The FiiO QX13 represents a significant evolution in FiiO’s portable DAC/Amp lineup. By combining the audio performance of a high-end desktop system with the convenience of a portable form factor, FiiO has created a device that truly delivers the best of both worlds.

The QX13 builds upon the foundation established by the excellent KA17, adding more power, a larger display, expanded connectivity options, and internal features to create a more versatile and capable device. While it commands a premium price, the performance and feature set justify the investment for those seeking a no-compromise portable audio solution.

Whether used as a USB DAC with a computer, a wireless streaming endpoint, or a standalone digital audio player, the QX13 delivers exceptional performance across all use cases. It’s a worthy flagship for FiiO’s new QX series and sets a high bar for portable audio devices.