DACs — FiiO QX13

The QX13 is a tiny digital-to-analogue converter from FiiO, built around the flagship-tier ESS Sabre Pro ES9027PRO conversion chip in a remarkably minimal chassis. The QX13 brings FiiO's more accomplished current engineering to an ultra-portable digital conversion format.

Key specs that matter

The ESS Sabre Pro ES9027PRO conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion - a well-regarded flagship-tier chip. DSD compatibility reaches DSD512, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Signal-to-noise ratio is an exceptional 124dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at a near-immeasurable 0.0004% at 22kHz. At a remarkably tiny 64.2 x 30.7 x 13mm and just 0.033kg, the QX13 maintains one of the most portable DAC chassis available in any commercial digital source.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, detailed conversion reflecting the exceptional 124dB signal-to-noise figure and near-immeasurable 0.0004% distortion figure, packed into this remarkably tiny, pocketable chassis.

Pairing

The tiny chassis suits mobile use directly connected to a smartphone or laptop for on-the-go high-resolution playback.

Alternatives

FiiO's own K11 R2R offers a more substantial desktop-oriented R2R alternative within the same broader digital source catalogue.