FiiO K11 Desktop USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Standard K11 DAC

Per channel, balanced / 32Ω / THD+N <1%

Low / Medium / High

Single-ended / balanced outputs

A Model-Specific Conversion Architecture

This is the standard CS43198 version of K11. Two SGM8262-2 amplifier chips handle headphone amplification, while separate USB and S/PDIF decoding hardware supports the digital inputs. Choose it for its particular conversion architecture and output specification; the K11 R2R is a separate model with a different DAC design.

Choose the Correct Headphone Connection

The 6.35 mm socket provides a single-ended headphone connection, while 4.4 mm provides balanced output for a headphone cable wired for that purpose. Choose the output that matches your cable; a passive plug adapter does not make a single-ended headphone connection balanced.

Keep Source and Output Roles Clear

USB-C, optical and coaxial connections accept digital source audio. RCA output can feed an appropriate powered speaker or external amplifier. A line output needs a receiving amplifier; it is not a speaker-power output for passive speakers. Choose the source and output path around the equipment you actually use.

Formats Matched to Each Input

USB playback supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256. The optical input supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz, while coaxial input reaches 24-bit/192 kHz. Those are input-specific ceilings: the source, application, driver and connection must support the format you want to use.

Set Gain Around Your Headphones

The listed gain settings are Low / Medium / High. The control arrangement is Encoder knob for volume and menu selection. Start with a low level before connecting or changing headphones, then increase it to suit the recording and headphone sensitivity.

Which version is this?

This listing is the standard K11 with a CS43198 DAC. It is not the K11 R2R; compare the conversion design and output specifications before choosing.

Which headphones should I match it with?

FiiO lists 8–150 ohms for the single-ended output and 8–350 ohms for the balanced output. Sensitivity and the cable connection also matter; impedance alone does not predict listening volume.

How do the headphone outputs differ?

The 6.35 mm socket provides a single-ended headphone connection, while 4.4 mm provides balanced output for a headphone cable wired for that purpose. Choose the output that matches your cable; a passive plug adapter does not make a single-ended headphone connection balanced.

Which way do the source and line connections work?

USB-C, optical and coaxial connections accept digital source audio. RCA output can feed an appropriate powered speaker or external amplifier. A line output needs a receiving amplifier; it is not a speaker-power output for passive speakers. Choose the source and output path around the equipment you actually use.

What formats does it support?

USB playback supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256. The optical input supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz, while coaxial input reaches 24-bit/192 kHz. Those are input-specific ceilings: the source, application, driver and connection must support the format you want to use.

Does it need a separate power supply?

This is an externally powered desktop unit with no battery. DC 12 V / 2 A is the listed supply requirement.

Can I use it with passive speakers?

The line output can feed an appropriate external amplifier or powered speakers. Passive speakers need a speaker amplifier; the line output is not a speaker-power connection.