FiiO has unveiled its latest innovation, the QX13, a flagship pocket-sized DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and headphone amplifier designed to deliver studio-grade sound for your phone, laptop, or gaming console. As high-resolution music streaming becomes mainstream across platforms, the QX13 positions itself as a game-changer, blending 18 years of FiiO’s audio expertise with cutting-edge technology to bring hi-fi performance to a compact, portable device.
Uncompromising Audio Quality in a Compact Form
The QX13 is engineered to breathe new life into wired headphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs), offering compatibility with a wide range of audio sources via its USB-C input. It fully decodes MQA music and supports high-resolution file formats like DSD512 and 768Hz/32-bit tracks, ensuring audiophiles can experience their music as intended by the artist. With both 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs, the QX13 is versatile enough to pair with virtually any headphone, including FiiO’s own FT7 or FX17 IEMs.
At the heart of the QX13 lies the flagship ESS SABRE PRO ES9027PRO DAC, typically found in full-sized hi-fi systems. FiiO’s innovative micro-design integrates this chip with a fully differential audio architecture, utilizing eight parallel channels for exceptional clarity. Paired with dual ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators, the QX13 minimizes clock jitter and optimizes power efficiency, delivering precise, distortion-free audio.
Power and Precision
The QX13 doesn’t just stop at pristine sound quality. It incorporates four wafer-level precision-integrated INA1620 chips with a specialized layout to eliminate crosstalk, ensuring clean separation between audio channels. Two low-noise, low-distortion OPA1692 chips further enhance dynamics, maintaining performance under varying load conditions. For users seeking extra power, the QX13’s Desktop Mode intelligently draws additional power from USB-powered devices like laptops, unlocking even greater output stability.
The FiiO Control app (available for iOS and Android) adds further customization, offering 10-band parametric EQ (PEQ) adjustments and seamless firmware updates for a tailored listening experience.
Premium Design and Portability
Crafted with 21 layers of carbon fiber, the QX13 boasts a lightweight yet durable build, making it both stylish and resilient. Its extra-large 1.99-inch hardened IPS display provides clear, vibrant visuals for easy navigation. For added convenience, FiiO offers an optional magnetic leather case that pairs with a custom “estick” power pack, combining portability with powerhouse performance in Desktop Mode.
Availability and Pricing
The FiiO QX13 is available now, priced at £219 in the UK, $219 in the US, and €239 in Europe. It will make its European debut at CanJam London on Saturday, July 19, 2025, where audiophiles can experience its capabilities firsthand.
With the QX13, FiiO has redefined what’s possible in portable audio, delivering desktop-grade performance in a pocket-sized package. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener looking to elevate your music, the QX13 promises to supercharge your headphones and transform your listening experience.
