FiiO BTR13 Bluetooth Dongle DAC Review
The new FiiO BTR13 is a versatile Bluetooth headphone DAC & amplifier designed for audiophiles who demand high-quality sound on the go. With support for advanced Bluetooth codecs, dual CS43131 DACs, and multiple connectivity options, this device enhances your audio experience across various platforms including smartphones, computers, and even cars.
With its ultra-lightweight body of only 28.6g, the BTR13 is a perfect blend of easy portability and high performance. Relying on the built-in amplifier’s independent power supply system to maximize performance, the BTR13 has its balanced output power soared to 220mW+220mW, increased by a staggering 282% compared to the previous BTR3K, which is the top of the power output of similar products with the same chip.
With the three-position toggle switch, conveniently switch between the PC/BT/PHONE modes for the BTR13 to work as a computer sound card, Bluetooth decoder, and audio dongle, respectively. This eliminates the tedious task of switching between different devices and meets your needs for multiple scenarios in one tiny device.
Three modes for three use cases
The most interesting thing about FiiO BTR13 is its versatility. It has a three-position switch that allows you to toggle between three different settings depending on how what device you’re using it with.
When connected to your computer (Mac or PC) via an included USB-C to USB-C cable, the FiiO BTR13 has a “PC” setting that turns it into a USB DAC/amp. In this setting, the FiiO BTR13 is powered from your computer.
When connected to your smartphone (iPhone or Android) via the included USB-C to USB-C cable, the FiiO BTR13 has a “Phone” setting that turns it into a USB DAC (but not an amplifier). It also depends on its built-in battery for power.
There’s built-in Bluetooth, too
Finally, there’s a Bluetooth (or “BT”) mode that turns the FiiO BTR13 into a headphone amp and Bluetooth decoder; this gives you more flexibility to listen to wired headphones without having to be directly tethered to your smartphone or laptop. In this mode, the BTR13 relies on its built-in battery.
The BTR13 has a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip that allows it to stream higher-resolution audio files, including aptX HD and LDAC (the highest-quality files that Bluetooth supports).
When in Bluetooth mode, the BTR13 supports the following Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC. However, it is limited to the highest-quality codec that your device supports. If you have an iPhone, which doesn’t support aptX HD and LDAC, it tops out AAC files.
Further details
The FiiO BTR13 is a portable DAC/amp that will work with most wired headphones. It features dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 fully-balanced DACs and features both 3.5mm (unbalanced) and 4.4mm (balanced) headphone jacks.
In addition to the toggle switch for the different modes, there are buttons for playback, volume controls, and power on the BTR13, as well. There’s a full-color 0.96-inch screen that shows the audio format and the sampling rate of the music you’re listening to, too.
On the back of the BTR13, there’s an integrated clip for gripping your jacket or strap. That way, you won’t have to feel the BTR13 — which weighs 28.6 grams — dangling awkwardly at your side.
The BTR13 supports 10-band PEQ tuning in all operating modes.
With FiiO’s self-developed tuning algorithms and APP, or the web-based interface, you can independently adjust the tuning style more in line with your personal preferences, use FiiO’s preset sound effects and headphone curves online, as well as importing well-known headphone curves shared by audiophiles with just one tap, truly allowing you to experience PEQ easily.
FiiO App
Key Features
- Multiple Use Cases: Functions as a computer sound card, Bluetooth decoder, and USB DAC/sound dongle for phones.
- Advanced Bluetooth Support: Supports high-resolution Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC, and more.
- Dual CS43131 DACs: Fully balanced audio with a powerful output of up to 220mW, ensuring high-quality and pure sound.
- Global PEQ Support: Customize the sound with FiiO’s PEQ adjustment algorithm through the app or web, with preset options for various headphone brands.
- Versatile Outputs: Equipped with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone jacks for compatibility with various headphones.
- Color IPS Display: Features a 0.96-inch color IPS display that provides detailed device status information and easy operation.
- Patented Car Mode: Automatically turns on and off with your car, enhancing your in-car audio experience.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighs only 28.6g and comes with a back clip for easy carrying.
- In-Line Controls Support: Supports CTIA standard in-line controls, allowing you to manage playback and volume directly from your headphones.
Unboxing
Specs
- Bluetooth Chip: Qualcomm QCC5125 (CPU+DSP dual-core architecture)
- DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
- Bluetooth Version: 5.1
- Bluetooth Codecs Supported: AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC
- USB DAC: Driver-free PCM 96kHz
- Display: 0.96-inch 80×160 color IPS
- Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm single-ended + 4.4mm balanced
- In-Line Controls: Supports CTIA standard; play/pause/volume controls supported
- Dimensions: 63.2 x 30 x 18.8mm (including back clip)
- Weight: 28.6g
- Charging Time: ≤2 hours
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Output Power (SE): 100mW @ 32Ω
- Output Power (BAL): 220mW @ 32Ω
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz (-3dB)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥128dB (A-weighted)
- Noise Floor: <1uV (SE, A-weighted); <1V (BAL, A-weighted)
- Output Impedance: <0.6Ω (32Ω load)
- THD+N: <0.0018% (7kHz/-4dB @ 32Ω)
Price and availability
The FiiO BTR13 costs just $69, making it easily one of the more affordable portable DAC/amps.
Sound
The FiiO BTR13 has a neutral, transparent, uncolored sound signature with no emphasis on any range. It utilizes a neutral tonality and feels technically proficient. The BTR13 sounds immensely clear without inclination toward the warm or analytical sound.
The FiiO BTR13 reflects the headphone/IEM as-is, without introducing any manipulations to the sound. There’s plenty of power and the background is dead silent. No hissing, no hum, nothing. The resolution and the clarity are both really good.
It sounds very crisp and detailed. The micro detail performance is very impressive as well as resolution and transparency. The presentation and delivery are rather intimate than relaxed. The dynamism is very good with good attack and speed overall. Especially lows are well-controlled with good decay and recovery.
The bass is impactful and deep, but also snappy. It recuperates fast and the quantity is satisfactory. The mid-bass is quantitatively adequate and very controlled. The midrange is extremely clean with great detail retrieval that highlights every little nuance in a guitar passage or a vocal performance.
Tonality feels right, without any coloration to the human voices. The guitar timbre is excellent and the BTR13 does an excellent job of conveying the note weight and micro-vibrations of the guitar to your ear. Upper-midrange is controlled yet extended. Hi-hats do not feel splashy, they rather have a dedicated place as they should and the extension feels natural.
The treble follows the successful upper midrange. It is extended, airy, and spacious without any control issues. The treble is resolving, clear, and open. I love it.
Soundstage-wise, we get a proper 3-dimensionality with good depth and good width as well as discernible layers of instruments. There is an adequate amount of air between the instruments, making it easy to follow each on stage.
The FiiO BTR13 handles congestion very well too, thanks to its good technical capability. All things combined, the imaging is excellent. BTR13 portrays a spacious, airy headroom that is accurate and coherent. Furthermore, BTR has great dynamism for the price.
Sum-Up
If you are seeking a neutral, transparent, and uncolored sound signature, which is rare in this class, FiiO BTR13 is the right dongle DAC for you. In this price range, you can’t find any other fully packed dongle DAC including Bluetooth and cross-platform PEQ support.
It’s also one of the few DACs you can use in your auto (automatically turning on and off with your car). The FiiO BTR13 is the Swiss knife every audiophile should have in their pockets.