Is This The New Best Dongle DAC? FiiO QX13 DAC/Amp Review

FiiO's entries for portable DAC/Amplifier combos have been nothing but the best. Their latest model, the QX13, has a strong reputation to uphold. Starting at $199, the QX13 comes in two color variations that deliver the same impressive power in a small device. Will it live up to the standards that FiiO has set with their previous models? In this review, we'll explore all the details that come with this portable dongle DAC. 

Let's start with the look and feel of this device. The FiiO QX13 is small but mighty, so don't let its size fool you. FiiO offers two variations of the QX13: black carbon fiber and titanium aluminum alloy. Each version comes with a small case to help protect the device, and that case has cleverly integrated a magnet on the back so it can stick to your phone and not hang off the side awkwardly. 

The QX13 is built with a LED display screen, but it isn't touch enabled. Instead, you get three buttons on the bottom that act as your controls. The glass display screen and buttons are certainly a sleek aesthetic, though users should be warned that this design is prone to fingerprints. Luckily, the screen protector film and a microfiber cloth will keep the QX13 looking pristine for longer. 

Using the QX13 is easy and simple. Its plug-and-play design leaves no room for error, apart from having sufficient power on your phone or computer to power up the device. During my listening, my low-battery phone wasn't enough to power the QX13 and the device told me so: I soon after switched to the computer. The QX13 does not have Bluetooth functionality, but the magnetic case cleans up the wires quite well for a more compact and organized listening setup. For phones and laptops that charge via USB-C, you won't have to sacrifice charging or listening during use. 

The QX13 has two USB-C ports: one for audio input, and the other for charging. The buttons on the bottom of the device are straightforward and simple, and the switch on the side allows you to toggle between desktop mode. 

FiiO makes sure you're taken care of in the feature department, and this can be a one-stop shop for all your listening needs. By holding down the center button, you can access the settings menu and choose how you want to customize and tailor your sound. You can choose between high and low gain, a few different PEQ settings, channel balance, volume max level, and even aesthetic themes. 

• Color: Black (carbon fiber)/Titanium (aluminum alloy)
• Weight: About 33.7g (carbon fiber)/About 39.2g (aluminum alloy)
• Dimensions: About 64.2x30.7x13mm
• USB chip: XMOS XU316
• DAC: ES9027SPRO
• Op-amp: OPA1692*2
• Headphone amplifier: TI INA1620*4
• Sampling rate support: Asynchronous 768kHz/32bit, DSD512 (Native), MQA full decoding USB DAC driver-free mode: Supported
• Display: 1.99 inch IPS, Corning third-gen high-strength glass
• Headphone output: Single-ended 3.5mm + balanced 4.4mm
  • Output power1: L+R≥310mW+310mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%/SE/desktop mode)
  • Output power 2: L+R≥900mW+900mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%/BAL/desktop mode)
  • Output power 3: L+R≥250mW+250mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%/SE/non-desktop mode)
  • Output power 4: L+R≥605mW+605mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%/BAL/non-desktop mode)
  • Output power 5: L+R≥40mW+40mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%/SE/desktop mode)
  • Output power 6: L+R≥125mW+125mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%/BAL/desktop mode)
• SNR: ≥124dB (A-weighted)
• Noise floor: PO＜2μV (A-weighted); BAL＜3.4μV( A-weighted)
• THD+N: ＜0.0004% (1kHz/-2dB@32Ω)

Listening with the FiiO QX13 was a lot of fun. Pairing it with different headphones and IEMs showed off its versatility across different setups, and the power it could provide. During my testing, I used the following:

• FiiO FT7
• Campfire Audio Bonneville
• Sennheiser HD 650

The QX13 was an excellent match for all of these models. The sound it provided helped accentuate the signature of the headphones themselves, and it didn't change all the things I already liked about the models I used. The Bonneville's punchy and colorful bass got extra warmth and body. The Sennheiser HD 650's pinpoint treble accuracy got a little sharper and honed in on its precision. This little amp was powerful enough to drive those power-hungry headphones, and it was a great pairing to the new FiiO FT7 as well. The synergy between the two devices made listening very entertaining.

The FiiO QX13 is a powerhouse of a DAC in a very small body. With direct wired connection, customizable features, and excellent sound reproduction, the QX13 proves to be a fantastic choice for people looking for their next dongle DAC. The lack of Bluetooth should not deter people; this direct connection ensures pristine sound wherever you go. The magnetic case is a clever addition and the color variations allow you to pick the style that is best for you. 

If you're looking for an upgrade, the QX13 is a fantastic budget option if you want something at a reasonable price point that is well-worth the value. 

The FiiO QX13 is available today at Audio46.