Overview

The FiiO QX13 is a portable DAC/headphone amplifier released in 2025. It employs the ESS SABRE PRO ES9027PRO, features up to 21-layer carbon fiber construction, a 1.99-inch IPS display, and a 10-band PEQ [1]. In desktop mode, it delivers up to 900mW+900mW (32Ω) via 4.4mm balanced output and supports native 768kHz/32bit PCM and DSD512, as well as full MQA decoding [1][2].

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

At this time, comprehensive third-party measurements (e.g., SINAD, system THD+N) are limited or unavailable. Manufacturer specs include 900mW+900mW (32Ω, 4.4mm balanced, desktop mode) output and support for PCM 768kHz/32bit, DSD512, and full MQA decoding [1][2]. These indicate potential for transparency, but without independent data confirming audibility, we assign a provisional score [1][2]. We will revise when credible third-party measurements become available.

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

With ES9027PRO, XMOS XU316 (dual femtosecond clocks), and TI INA1620×4 + OPA1692×2 amplification, the implementation is advanced for a portable device [1][2]. The 21-layer carbon fiber chassis (rigidity/EMI attention), desktop mode high output, and 10-band PEQ further underscore a forward-looking design [1].

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{1.0}\]

Current market price: 219 USD (global) / 1399–1499 CNY (China) [2][3][4]. We found no cheaper product offering the same user-facing functions (1.99-inch display, 10-band PEQ, desktop mode, 4.4mm balanced output with high power) with equal-or-better core performance at a lower market price [1][2][3][4][5]. Therefore, with no cheaper equivalent-or-better option identified, CP is set to 1.0.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

FiiO is an established portable audio brand with global presence and standard warranty support [1]. However, as a new model with complex features (display, PEQ, desktop mode), long-term field data is still accumulating. We rate slightly above average overall.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

Investment is focused on verifiable capabilities (output power, PCM/DSD support, PEQ, power design, EMI attention) rather than unscientific claims [1][2]. Desktop mode and PEQ, in particular, rationally expand usability and optimization within the audible range.

Advice

Best suited for users who need high output and value the display, PEQ, and desktop mode. The light yet rigid chassis and high power enable near desktop-grade drive on the go [1][2]. If you do not need a display/PEQ and prefer ultra-compact dongles, cheaper options exist. Independent measurements will further solidify purchase confidence once available.

References

1. FiiO — QX13 Product Page, https://www.fiio.com/qx13 (accessed: 2025-08-09)
2. FiiO — News: QX13 Announcement Details, https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/1067238.html (accessed: 2025-08-09)
3. TechRadar — Pricing/Overview, https://www.techradar.com/audio/hi-fi/fiios-portable-hi-res-dac-and-amp-is-priced-to-make-you-an-audiophile-right-before-hi-res-goes-truly-mainstream (accessed: 2025-08-09)
4. Darko.Audio — Coverage, https://darko.audio/2025/07/fiios-qx13-is-a-e210-dongle-dac-with-desktop-performance/ (accessed: 2025-08-09)
5. Yahoo Tech — Feature/availability, https://tech.yahoo.com/audio/articles/fiios-latest-portable-dac-headphone-130358450.html (accessed: 2025-08-09)

(2025.8.9)