FiiO K11： Could This Be YOUR FIRST R2R DAC？ It’s ONLY $159!
United States of Analog | March 6, 2025
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
The video is a review of the FiiO K11 R2R DAC, priced at $159. The host Bob is presenting this as an affordable entry point into R2R (resistor-to-resistor) DAC technology, which he describes as his first experience with this type of digital-to-analog converter. The device also functions as a headphone amplifier and preamp.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- FiiO K11 R2R DAC [00:00:37, 00:01:50]: $159, supports up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD-256, functions as DAC/headphone amp/preamp, features RGB lighting, Apple/Weem-inspired design
- Jeschelle Labs Daisy [00:02:08]: Clear/transparent model, described as host’s favorite chip DAC and what got him into DACs
- Marantz CD player [00:05:05]: Host’s 10-year-old unit that he uses with external DACs
- AKM4499 and 4493 chips [00:06:16]: Examples of digital DAC chips
- Apos Audio [00:03:45]: Sponsor/provider of the review unit
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- R2R DACs were previously unaffordable to him, making the K11’s $159 price point significant
- He believes R2R DACs offer a “more pleasing listening experience” – warmer, more organic, less harsh than chip DACs [00:06:44]
- DACs have “really changed the audio game” for him, especially for modernizing older equipment [00:04:54]
- He emphasizes he’s not an audio engineer or tech person, just sharing what sounds good to him [00:02:36]
What are the host’s strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Disclaimer: He’s not an audio engineer and encourages viewers to do their own research rather than rely solely on his opinions [00:02:43]
- If his approach sounds like a “cop-out,” then “maybe this isn’t the channel for you” [00:03:19]
- Encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell [00:03:25]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Funny self-description [00:00:30]: “I’m not made of money. I’m made of about 90% water and 5% nacho cheese”
- Traffic complaints [00:01:08]: “I only get flipped off like every other day and cut off in traffic and called horrible things, which I’m not”
- Self-awareness about transparency [00:02:16]: Comparing himself to his clear DAC – “Yeah, it’s so much like me, totally transparent”
- ChatGPT reference [00:07:31]: Calls it “DAC GPT” and asks it to explain R2R DACs “in one or two sentences that won’t make me sound like an idiot”
- Interruption by son [00:07:22]: His son Evan calls during filming, leading to an impromptu on-camera conversation
3-paragraph summary:
The video opens with host Bob from United States of Analog introducing the FiiO K11 R2R DAC as an affordable entry point into R2R technology at just $159. He explains this represents his first foray into R2R DACs, which he previously considered unaffordable. The device also functions as a headphone amplifier and preamp, supporting high-resolution audio up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD-256, with RGB lighting and an Apple/Weem-inspired design aesthetic.
Bob provides his layman’s understanding of R2R DACs, explaining that unlike chip-based digital DACs (like his favorite Jeschelle Labs Daisy), R2R DACs use a series of resistors in a “ladder” configuration to convert digital audio. He believes this approach offers a more pleasing, warmer, and more organic listening experience compared to traditional chip DACs, though he’s careful to note he’s not an audio engineer and encourages viewers to do their own research.
Throughout this opening portion, Bob’s personality shines through with self-deprecating humor about being made of “90% water and 5% nacho cheese” and complaints about traffic. The segment is punctuated by an amusing interruption from his son Evan, a University of Texas senior, who calls during filming and ends up briefly on camera discussing packages and praising the channel’s “personality and consistency.” Bob emphasizes that Apos Audio provided the review unit and that he’s approaching 25,000 subscribers.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- FiiO K11 R2R DAC/headphone amp [00:10:27]
- FiiO’s digital/chip version DAC (about $30 cheaper than the K11) [00:12:50]
- R2R DACs in general vs delta-sigma DACs [00:09:57]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- Gives himself a “B to B minus” grade on his R2R DAC explanation [00:10:28]
- The K11 is primarily a desktop unit due to lack of remote control and form factor [00:11:24]
- For an extra $30 over the chip version, the R2R version is “the way to go” [00:13:07]
- Likes the Apple-like form factor [00:12:18]
- Appreciates the simple filter options (oversampling on/off vs many complex digital filters) [00:12:28]
- The single knob control system is easy to learn within 5 minutes despite online complaints [00:15:03]
- Display is “small but clear” [00:15:10]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- The unit has an “Apple vibe” form factor that he likes [00:12:18]
- Despite online complaints, the single-knob control system is intuitive and learnable within 5 minutes [00:15:03]
- Prefers the R2R version over the cheaper chip version for the extra $30 [00:13:00]
- Views it as a nice desktop “mini all-in-one” system for streaming, CD, and headphones [00:11:06]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- FiiO makes a digital chip version that’s about $30 cheaper than the K11 [00:12:58]
- Host believes the extra $30 for the R2R version is worth it, especially for comparison purposes [00:13:07]
- Notes that R2R DACs are “normally more expensive” [00:10:36]
- Previously couldn’t afford R2R DACs and none were being sent for review [00:10:53]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Suggests getting rubber feet from a hardware store for better stability instead of using the included rubber bottom pad [00:14:25]
- Recommends having this as a comparison DAC if you already own a chip DAC [00:13:07]
- Notes the unit works well as a desktop listening station combining streaming, CD player, and headphones [00:11:12]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “Nobody likes to be pushed around” [00:14:28]
- “this hobby is all about, fun” [00:13:14]
- About the RGB lighting: “It’s totally senseless and useless in a way. It’s just for show, but… I don’t hate it. I like a little bling every once in a while.” [00:14:35]
- Comparing weight: “about the same weight as a can, maybe an eight-ounce can of French-style green beans” [00:13:54]
Summary
This portion of the video features an interruption from the host’s son Evan, a University of Texas senior, who calls during the recording and engages in some playful banter about the host’s inconsistent upload schedule. After the call ends, the host uses AI (referred to as “DAC GPT”) to help explain R2R DAC technology, giving himself a B-minus grade on his previous explanation compared to the AI’s more technical description involving delta-sigma modulation and PCM processing.
The host explains his motivation for acquiring the FiiO K11 was due to frequent viewer requests to try R2R DACs, which were previously out of his budget. He positions the K11 as an affordable entry point into R2R technology at $159, noting it’s $30 more than FiiO’s chip-based version but worth the premium for the different sound signature. He emphasizes that R2R DACs are known for their “organic and warm” sound character, which many audiophiles prefer.
The review covers the K11’s physical characteristics and usability, describing it as a compact desktop unit with Apple-like aesthetics. Despite lacking a remote control, he finds the single-knob interface intuitive and dismisses online complaints about its complexity. He provides detailed dimensions, suggests modifications like adding proper rubber feet, and appreciates features like the customizable RGB lighting and simple filter options, positioning it as an ideal “mini all-in-one” solution for desktop listening setups.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
- FiiO K11 R2R DAC – Main product being reviewed at $159 [00:18:49]
- WeMini – Used for testing, described as “price appropriate” [00:19:04]
- VRM1 headphones – Host’s preferred pairing, described as inexpensive planars [00:19:36]
- Sivga Robin SV021 – New headphones to review, real wood and leather [00:19:22]
- Grado headphones – From “yesteryear” [00:19:33]
- Sennheiser HD650s – For testing [00:19:36]
- Sennheiser HD40s – Considered for portable use [00:20:22]
- AKM 4499 DACs – Host’s existing DACs that he loves [00:18:36]
- Tidal – Streaming service used for testing [00:20:46]
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
Positive overall assessment [00:17:48]: Host is “pretty impressed” with build quality, look, feel, and RGB lighting. Sound quality verdict [00:18:00-00:18:28]: Lives up to R2R reputation with “pretty good warmish sound,” “pleasing sound,” and “more analog sound.” Value assessment [00:18:57]: Calls it “a hell of a value” at $159. Listening experience [00:21:47]: “Able to listen…for long periods of time without fatigue” – described as “the highest praise.”
Final Recommendations
Consider/Buy recommendation: Host recommends it for those seeking analog presentation in a DAC, noting it adds “flexibility” to his DAC arsenal [00:18:32]. Price value endorsement [00:18:49-00:18:57]: Emphasizes the $159 price point as exceptional value for an R2R DAC.
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice
Sound character caveat [00:18:15-00:18:22]: Notes this isn’t for those wanting “super high detail” – it’s more about analog presentation. Realistic expectations [00:21:25]: “It’s not going to sound like vinyl. It’s not going to sound like a tube amp.” Headphone pairing [00:19:41]: Best results achieved with VRM1 headphones. Portable use considerations [00:20:22]: Suggests smaller Sennheiser headphones for travel.
How the Video Wrapped Up
Self-deprecating conclusion [00:21:55]: Host calls it a “scatterbrain presentation” but the “most fun video I’ve ever done” [00:22:03]. YouTube algorithm reference [00:22:15]: Jokes about YouTube’s video suggestions. Channel sign-off [00:22:26]: Standard “United States of Analog” closing with Superman reference [00:22:31].
Memorable Closing Quotes
Highest praise quote [00:21:47]: “And that is the highest praise that I can give the FIYO K11” – regarding fatigue-free listening.
Value statement [00:18:44-00:18:49]: “And I can walk around to beat my chest and say, Yes, I now own an R2R DAC. And I did it for $159.”
Fun factor [00:22:03-00:22:07]: “This may not be the best video I’ve ever done, but it’s the most fun video I’ve ever done.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host completes his detailed walkthrough of the FiiO K11’s features, highlighting its dual headphone outputs, various gain settings, multiple input options, and extensive customization capabilities. Despite admitting fatigue from three hours of filming, he emphasizes the unit’s flexibility and build quality, noting this is his first FiiO product and expressing genuine surprise at his positive impression.
The host’s sound quality assessment centers on the K11’s success as an R2R DAC, delivering the promised “warmish, analog sound” rather than clinical digital detail. He tested extensively with The Cars’ greatest hits on Tidal, pairing the DAC primarily with VRM1 planar headphones, which he considers an ideal match. His praise focuses particularly on the fatigue-free listening experience, which he describes as the highest compliment he can give the device.
The video concludes with strong value endorsement, positioning the $159 K11 as exceptional entry point into R2R technology. The host frames it as adding useful flexibility to his existing DAC collection rather than replacing his beloved AKM 4499 units. His closing remarks are notably enthusiastic and self-aware, acknowledging the scattered nature of his presentation while emphasizing that this was his most enjoyable video to create, suggesting genuine enthusiasm for the product overcame his usual structured approach.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
