leliamonfire
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- Joined
- Feb 13, 2025
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Hello (I am new to this forum, FYI).
So about a month ago, I got the FIIO K11 R2R as a standalone desktop DAC. I previously used a Focusrite Solo 2nd gen as a DAC, as that is all I had (besides the audio jack on my laptop). I really enjoy the Focusrite interface and still use it for music every now and then, but I use the K11 90% of the time.
I purchased the K11 R2R under the pretense that an R2R DAC is somehow better than a delta sigma DAC. After reading some threads, watching a few videos, and ironically some information from my computer engineering classes, I am now a bit lost.
There is definitely a difference in how the K11 'sounds' vs. the Focusrite. Of course I cannot quantify my opinions, but the K11 sounds a bit warmer than the Solo. I also cannot comment on the clarity or sound quality from either since I honestly cannot hear a significant enough difference in detail.
I just wanted to ask if I am missing out on 'more' of something, like if I am missing out on something a nicer quality DS DAC can provide that the K11 R2R doesn't. This is somewhat of an introspective question since I enjoy listening with the K11 a lot. I have a CD player running into the DAC via coaxial that sounds great; I play lots of FLAC and a bit of DSD through USB. I have it outputting to a Luxman R-115 and some Energy XL-150 bookshelf speakers via RCA that sound fantastic. I listen through my Kiwi Ears Quintet IEMs that sound amazing.
I am asking because the JDS Labs Atom DAC 2 exists for less than the K11 R2R, and I could theoretically output that into my Luxman as a headphone amp. Or a similar setup with another DS DAC. I also understand that at this price point a lot of DACs will probably 'sound' the same, in that there probably won't be a differnce in sound quality between a $140 vs $160 DAC.
So about a month ago, I got the FIIO K11 R2R as a standalone desktop DAC. I previously used a Focusrite Solo 2nd gen as a DAC, as that is all I had (besides the audio jack on my laptop). I really enjoy the Focusrite interface and still use it for music every now and then, but I use the K11 90% of the time.
I purchased the K11 R2R under the pretense that an R2R DAC is somehow better than a delta sigma DAC. After reading some threads, watching a few videos, and ironically some information from my computer engineering classes, I am now a bit lost.
There is definitely a difference in how the K11 'sounds' vs. the Focusrite. Of course I cannot quantify my opinions, but the K11 sounds a bit warmer than the Solo. I also cannot comment on the clarity or sound quality from either since I honestly cannot hear a significant enough difference in detail.
I just wanted to ask if I am missing out on 'more' of something, like if I am missing out on something a nicer quality DS DAC can provide that the K11 R2R doesn't. This is somewhat of an introspective question since I enjoy listening with the K11 a lot. I have a CD player running into the DAC via coaxial that sounds great; I play lots of FLAC and a bit of DSD through USB. I have it outputting to a Luxman R-115 and some Energy XL-150 bookshelf speakers via RCA that sound fantastic. I listen through my Kiwi Ears Quintet IEMs that sound amazing.
I am asking because the JDS Labs Atom DAC 2 exists for less than the K11 R2R, and I could theoretically output that into my Luxman as a headphone amp. Or a similar setup with another DS DAC. I also understand that at this price point a lot of DACs will probably 'sound' the same, in that there probably won't be a differnce in sound quality between a $140 vs $160 DAC.