FiiO 2025 Buyer's Guide

FiiO is a high end audio company out of China that was established in 2007, with the goal of creating innovative HiFi audio products with cutting edge technology and user friendly interfaces. We carry all sorts of products from FiiO, from End Game desktop units to… portable cassette players? Lets dive into their products and find which one might be right for you!

Headphones

FiiO FT1: $149

The FT1 became a fan favorite in the community as soon as it hit the shelves. This closed-back headphone features a newly developed second-generation 60mm large dynamic driver, specifically designed for this model. The fit strikes a perfect balance—comfortable and non-fatiguing—with a lightweight design and sturdy build quality.

If I had to describe the FT1’s soundstage in one word, it would be—massive. Powerful lows combined with clear upper mids create a versatile headphone that’s fun across all music genres. For me, the low end is a clear standout. Hip-hop 808s sound deep, rich, and powerful, while the kick drum delivers a satisfying slam. Even heavy guitar tones and grand pianos come through full and warm. At $150, these headphones are one of the easiest recommendations I can make.

FiiO FT1 Pro: $199

The FT1 Pro is an open-back headphone featuring a custom-developed 95x86mm planar driver that delivers an immersive soundstage with ultra-clear treble detail. It does a fantastic job filling out the entire frequency range while keeping the upper regions crystal clear and forward.

With this set, I find myself hearing vocals in songs where they’re usually buried for stylistic effect. If, like me, you’re a massive fan of shoegaze music—or if you listen to a lot of Phoebe Bridgers and want her gorgeous vocals front and center—this is a set I’d highly recommend. Another standout feature is the clarity in electric guitars, especially lighter tones with chorus effects. If you love treble and upper-mid detail, the FT1 Pro might be the perfect headphone for you—especially at the $200 price point!

DAC/Amp’s 

Fiio K11: $139.99

The K11 is a fantastic budget DAC/Amp designed for those looking to upgrade their desk setup for working from home or gaming. Its simple, sleek design complements any setup, while the compact build makes it a convenient addition to any desk. The K11 offers multiple inputs and outputs, including USB Type-C, coaxial, and optical digital inputs, along with RCA line-out and both 6.35mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs.

Its driver-free USB DAC mode ensures seamless compatibility with a variety of devices, including gaming consoles like the PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Whether you're seeking immersive sound for competitive gaming, an engaging story-driven experience, or just want to elevate your music listening while working from home, the K11 is a solid choice that delivers high-quality audio without breaking the bank.

FiiO K11 R2R: $159.99

The K11 R2R is not un-similar to the K11 in its sleek, simplistic design, but they are 2 different units for 2 different types of people. The FiiO K11 R2R is a desktop DAC/Amp that utilizes a 24-bit resistor-to-resistor DAC architecture, striving to deliver a smooth, organic, and natural sound signature. 

The K11 R2R features three gain levels, each with its own volume curve, making it easy to get the best sound whether you're using sensitive earphones or power-hungry over-ear headphones. If you are looking for a budget friendly true reference DAC/Amp to add to your setup, the K11 R2R might be right up your alley. 

Fiio BTR17: $209

Portable DAC/Amp dongles have exploded in popularity within the audiophile community, and FiiO’s BTR17 stands out as a strong contender—especially for the price. What sets it apart is its impressive EQ capabilities, offering customization that many other portable DAC/Amps lack. This ultra-lightweight, highly portable device delivers high-fidelity sound with premium DAC chips, ensuring an elevated listening experience wherever you go. 

Whether you're commuting, working, or just relaxing, the BTR17 brings serious audio performance to your pocket without compromise.

FiiO K7: $209 (BT Version- $259)

The K7 is a versatile desktop unit and an excellent choice for beginner audiophiles looking to upgrade their audio experience. It strikes the perfect balance between essential features and an intuitive, user-friendly interface while delivering impressive sound quality. The dual THX AAA 788+ amplifiers provide clean, powerful audio with minimal distortion, making it a great fit for everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding over-ear headphones.

With 112 levels of smooth volume adjustment and ADC curve reconstruction, you get precise control without any channel imbalance or unwanted noise—just pure, accurate sound. At just over $200, the K7 sits in the sweet spot of budget-friendly excellence, making it an easy recommendation for newcomers to high-fidelity audio or experienced listeners who want a simple yet powerful setup for their work desk.

FiiO K9 Pro ESS: $899

Okay, the budget options are great, but what if you’re ready to invest in a premium desktop unit? FiiO’s K9 Pro ESS is exactly what you’re looking for. This studio-grade DAC/amp is built for audiophiles who crave both precision and power. Equipped with ESS Sabre DACs, it delivers incredibly crisp, detailed sound with impressive dynamic range. Its robust amplification easily drives even the most demanding headphones, making it a perfect choice for an immersive listening experience.

Whether you're mixing music in the studio or just enjoying premium sound, the K9 Pro ESS will elevate your audio setup to the next level. This unit is the perfect blend of quality, performance, and longevity for serious audiophiles.

FiiO K17: $949

The K17, the successor to the K9, strikes a perfect balance between high-end sound quality and effortless control. It features a 3.9-inch touchscreen display, making UI navigation smooth and intuitive. Designed for audiophiles who demand clean power, low noise, and versatile connectivity, this desktop unit is built to handle a wide range of high-end gear with ease.

Whether you're fine-tuning your setup or simply looking for a powerhouse DAC/Amp, the K17 delivers the performance and flexibility needed for an exceptional listening experience.

Digital – and not Digital – Audio Players

Fiio CP13: $94

Still hanging onto those cassette tapes tucked away in the attic? FiiO gets it. The CP13 is a portable, modern take on a classic format, built with a robust design to bring cassette tapes back to life. It features an oversized copper flywheel for stable, accurate playback and delivers up to 13 hours of listening time per charge. 

With modern bands still releasing cassettes as collector’s items, why just own one when you could actually experience it in true hi-fi audio? Now that’s a real flex. 

FiiO M23: $679

The M23 delivers everything you need in a digital audio player at a competitive price. What really stands out is its incredibly fast and responsive software—something many DAPs struggle with. A lot of audio brands these days focus purely on sound, but FiiO has nailed a smooth, modern interface that feels as quick and intuitive as a smartphone. It also features a unique volume control slider, adding to its premium feel. With a relaxed, natural, and neutral sound signature, the M23 is an excellent daily driver for high-end portable audio.

Fiio M17: $1,799

The M17 delivers a premium audio experience that rivals high-end desktop setups, yet remains portable. Its sound is crystal clear with a massive, immersive feel, making every track come to life. Built with desktop-caliber internals, it offers top-tier performance while maintaining a sleek, intuitive interface. The 5.99-inch HD display, powered by Android 10, feels like a hybrid between a phone and a tablet, allowing seamless navigation and full access to third-party apps. If you're after uncompromising audio on the go, the M17 is your  ultimate “endgame”  solution.