FiiO’s New QX13 USB DAC Packs Desktop-Class Power Into a Tiny, Pocketable Form

The €210 dongle DAC promises audiophile-level sound with parametric EQ, a vivid display, and even a “desktop mode."

Big Performance, Tiny Footprint

FiiO, a brand synonymous with high-value portable audio, is redefining what we expect from a USB DAC/amp with its latest release: the QX13. Priced from just €210, the QX13 is a compact, feature-packed dongle that promises desktop-class performance in a unit that weighs less than 40 grams and fits in the palm of your hand.

At first glance, it’s a sleek, minimalist slab—measuring 6.4cm x 1.3cm x 3cm—with a surprising twist: an onboard 2-inch color display protected by Corning’s 3rd-gen glass, physical control buttons, and a dual USB-C port layout that unlocks advanced modes.

Smart Internals, Serious Output

The QX13 is powered by a fully differential ESS 9027SPRO DAC chip with native DSD512 decoding, and a robust XMOS USB-C input for clean, jitter-free digital input via UAC 2.0. Its signal path is further enhanced by a bank of six Texas Instruments op-amps, delivering a whopping 570mW of power (balanced) and 250mW (single-ended) into 32 Ohms — more than enough for most audiophile headphones.

FiiO also includes a parametric EQ, configurable via FiiO's Android app or web UI, letting users tailor the sound to their preference — a rarity at this price point and size.

Multiple Modes & Hidden Talents

What truly sets the QX13 apart are its two USB-C ports and versatile output configuration:

• Standard mode: Use it with your phone or laptop and enjoy high-res playback on the go.

• Desktop mode: Connect external power to the second USB-C port and the QX13 unleashes even more output — 900mW (balanced) and 310mW (SE) — giving it the drive of a desktop amplifier, in dongle form.

  
  

But FiiO didn’t stop there. In a clever twist, the 3.5mm jack can be switched to S/PDIF output in the system menu — turning the QX13 into a USB-to-S/PDIF converter for integration with home audio systems.

Fully Featured Interface

The device’s color screen shows real-time information like input format, volume level, and USB power status — the latter especially useful since the QX13 can analyze and display the capabilities of its connected USB host. The physical buttons allow for play/pause, volume adjustments (in 60 or 120 steps), digital filter selection, and gain settings — giving it an intuitive and complete control experience rarely seen on portable DACs.

Two Premium Versions

FiiO is offering two versions of the QX13:

• Titanium gold with a full metal shell (€210)

• Carbon fiber black edition (€231), slightly lighter, for those wanting a modern edge

  
  

Both versions come with a protective carry case, and are available now via AliExpress, following a soft launch announced directly on FiiO’s Instagram — no traditional press release.

Why It Matters

The FiiO QX13 is one of the most technically impressive and flexible dongle DACs we’ve seen under €250 — combining serious desktop-grade amplification, advanced DSP, and multi-mode outputs in a body barely larger than a USB stick. Whether you're using it with a laptop, smartphone, or as a digital bridge to your home audio setup, the QX13 punches far above its weight.