Fiio k11 vs Fiios K11 R2r vs SMSL RAW-HA 1 Dac and Headphone performance

[gpunique]

Hi everyone. I'm looking into one of these 3 DACs and need one with a headphone amp. The K11 and the SMSL use basically the same DAC chip. The K11 uses CS43198 but the SMSL's CS43131 chip uses that same DAC but has an integrated headphone amp. In order to have a heaphone amp built in, the K11 uses dual SGM8262 amplifier op-amps in a balanced configuration. Is the K11's use better since it has dedicated chips to run the headphone amp?

Then to further the discussion, is the K11 R2R internal DAC superior to either of those both in DAC and in usage of headphone adapter?

If I bought a Fiio, I plan to pair it with the Fosi Audio ZA3. Thanks in advance!



Links to each product:

Desktop Decoding Headphone Power Amplifier K11

benefits from continuous exploration and progress We have a new understanding of the entry desk. K11 will be thin fuselage, rich interface, strong thrust "Screen" strength, become your desktop HiFi high color value listening partner

www.fiio.com

Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier-K11 R2R

Guangzhou FiiO Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.

www.fiio.com

SMSL RAW-HA 1 Headphone Amplifier

SMSL RAW-HA1 Headphone Amplifier delivers high-fidelity sound with an Infineon digital amplifier chip, Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, MQA support, Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, and precise volume control via the JRC NJW1194 chip.

apos.audio

Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Home Theater Power Amplifier

Discover the Fosi Audio ZA3 Amplifier, a versatile home audio solution offering dual-mode operation, balanced connectivity, and audiophile-grade components for an unmatched listening experience. Explore features and specifications today.

apos.audio

 

[Schlippwhip68]

My personal opinion on this would be if I were planning on buying the ZA3 then I would lean towards the R2R. The K11 Delta Sigma (if that’s a consideration) may be a little too analytical/lean by comparison for the ZA3 which already has quite an analytical nature. The R2R would add some weight to the sound alongside a touch of warmth which I think would suit the ZA3. I am pretty sure the SMSL will sound much the same as my AO-300 from SMSL and if that is the case then the only real setting in the EQ that will match the R2R in NOS will be SDB. I know as I have the R2R here, the AO-300 and just sold the K11 Delta Sigma.
The SMSL will sound a little fuller than the ZA3, a touch warmer, easier on the ear. It’s not a typical or cheap class d sound at all. One obvious advantage with the SMSL is the inputs are quite generous and you have a sub out which like the AO-300 maybe fixed at 100hrz, with this in mind I would focus on which input/output you will use most and get the appropriate hardware accordingly. It’s nice to have extras but I personally would rather have a dedicated tool for better performance/usage ratio. That said, the AO-300 is giving me tough time finding any weakness at the moment in regards to inputs/ouputs and actual sound quality for the price.
In my opinion the R2R is lovely little dac that is worth keeping for just about anything. I had it running through my Denon PMA900HNE tonight and it sounds so very sweet indeed.
In conclusion I don’t think I would lose much sleep over those choices. The tough part for me is not buying the R2R regardless of whichever set I would go for there.
The SMSL also has a decent inbuilt power supply so no extra lumps lying around. If it were my choice, I would be inclined to go for the SMSL and buy the R2R regardless for the cleaner set up but again the R2R and the ZA3 just maybe quite a balanced synergy, I’m speaking here with the R2R being used predominantly as a dac. The headphone side is not a big thing for me but it does have a decent level of output power and sounds quite good, maybe better than the SMSL, if you check the new ASR review of the HA1 you will find the results there for the headphone performance.

 

[BDWoody]

The K11 Delta Sigma (if that’s a consideration) may be a little too analytical/lean by comparison for the ZA3 which already has quite an analytical nature. The R2R would add some weight to the sound alongside a touch of warmth

 

[BDWoody]

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Then to further the discussion, is the K11 R2R internal DAC superior to either of those both in DAC and in usage of headphone adapter?

Not exactly what you are looking for, but have a look at this post, and the thread it is in:

Post in thread 'Blind testing two DACs - Proper Process' https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...ng-two-dacs-proper-process.57890/post-2118881

Don't spend much time worrying about sound quality or what chip is used. The difference people hear are almost always going to be based on listening comparisons that do nothing to control for us being human. Once we isolate the ears, and can't peek to know what's playing, all these differences seem to consistently disappear.

 

[Schlippwhip68]

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Not exactly what you are looking for, but have a look at this post, and the thread it is in:

Post in thread 'Blind testing two DACs - Proper Process' https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...ng-two-dacs-proper-process.57890/post-2118881

Don't spend much time worrying about sound quality or what chip is used. The difference people hear are almost always going to be based on listening comparisons that do nothing to control for us being human. Once we isolate the ears, and can't peek to know what's playing, all these differences seem to consistently disappear.

No one here at my address agrees, sorry. We find it very easy to differentiate between dacs, cables, amps, speakers etc. I am not asking anyone to trust me with their money. They can take my advice or leave at no cost and I would not expect anything less than anyone to get a second opinion or jump in and just buy the hardware and find out for themselves.

 

[BDWoody]

No one here at my address agrees, sorry. We find it very easy to differentiate between dacs, cables, amps,

Uh huh.

or jump in and just buy the hardware and find out for themselves.

Or, learn why these anecdotal comparisons in audio land are almost universally unhelpful, and how they can avoid the nonsense by understanding a few basics. We aren't going to turn into SBAF or Head-Fi, so maybe stop with the storytime stuff. How about trying a comparison with some basic controls instead.