79/100
OUTSTANDINGmedium confidence
FiiO KA11 DAC/Amp
Expert Take
The FiiO KA11 is a compact USB-C/Lightning dongle DAC that punches far above its weight class. With desktop-class measurements, 245mW of power, and an aluminum-magnesium alloy build, it dramatically outperforms budget alternatives. Multiple reviewers note it gets warm during use, and lack of microphone support limits its versatility. For anyone seeking a portable audio upgrade under $50, this is a near-ideal solution.
Pros
- Delivers 245mW at 16Ω and 200mW into 32Ω loadshomestudiobasics.com
- Vanishingly low distortion and noise flooraudiosciencereview.com
- Lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy construction at only 8.5ghead-fi.org
- Supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256 playbackaudiophile-heaven.com
- Clean, detailed sound with good background separationaudiophile-heaven.com
Cons
- Runs warm during extended listening sessionsaudiophile-heaven.com
- No ADC means no microphone passthrough supporthead-fi.org
- DAC filter implementation is slower than optimalaudiosciencereview.com
Expert Quality
79
Deal Score
40
Price
$30.44
Current Price
$30.44$32.73-7%
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