Disclaimer
The FiiO JA11 was provided to me by FiiO for the purpose of this review. I would like to thank FiiO for providing the sample. However, FiiO did not have any influence over the content of this review, nor did they have any input regarding the timing or publication of the review. All opinions expressed in this review are based solely on my personal experience with the product. I also extend my gratitude to you, the reader, for taking the time to read this review.
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the FiiO JA11, which is another product from FiiO with Jade Audio. It is a budget-friendly dongle priced at $14.99 USD, although you can find it for as low as $9.89 USD during sales. This little device promises a lot for its price point, including a robust build and impressive sound performance, and the most interesting is the PEQ setting that you get for such a price. As a fan of portable audio solutions, I was eager to see how the JA11 stacks up against other dongles, especially given its ultra-affordable price. Here’s my detailed review based on my experience with the FiiO JA11.
Unwrapping
Unwrapping the FiiO JA11 was a straightforward experience, fitting for its budget-friendly nature. The JA11 comes in a small green bag, with the dongle itself inside. Alongside the dongle, you’ll find some basic paperwork, including a warranty card and a quick-start guide. There are no additional accessories provided, so you’ll need to source your own USB-A to USB-C adapters if you plan to use it with a PC or laptop, or Lightning adapters for Apple devices. The minimalist packaging keeps things simple and focuses on the essentials.
Technical Specifications
Specs:
- USB connector: Type-C (non-detachable)
- Single-ended out: 3.5mm
- Color: Silver/Black
- Weight: About 5g
- Output power: L+R≥30mW+30mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%, USB IN)
- Distortion: <0.004% (0dB,32Ω); <0.003% (0dB, 300Ω)
- Noise floor: 1.7uV “A”
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥115dB (32Ω, A-weighted)
- Output impedance: <0.5Ω
- Frequency response: 20Hz~20kHz, ±0.1dB damping; 20Hz~50kHz, ±0.2dB damping
- Max supported sampling rates: PCM: 384kHz/32bit; DSD: DOP 128
Build Quality and Materials:
The FiiO JA11 is crafted from a matte aluminum-magnesium alloy, providing a solid and durable build. It is available in either a shiny silver or black finish. Weighing only 5 grams, this dongle is ultra-light and compact, making it highly portable. The non-detachable cable is well-braided and made from oxygen-free palladium-plated copper, encased in a dual-layered silicone and yarn sheath. This ensures flexibility and toughness, enhancing its durability compared to thinner cables found on similar budget dongles.
Internal specs:
While the specific DAC chip used in the JA11 is not disclosed, it supports music files up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD 128. FiiO advertises a power output of 30 mW at 32 ohms with a THD+N of less than 1%. This means the JA11 can drive most IEMs with adequate volume, though it may struggle with more demanding headphones that have low sensitivity or high impedance… The dongle remains cool during use and avoids any loud “pop” sounds when connecting or disconnecting IEMs or headphones, ensuring a smooth user experience.
App Controls:
The JA11 pairs greatly with the FiiO Control App, currently available exclusively for Android devices. This app significantly enhances the dongle’s functionality by offering a 5-band parametric equalizer (PEQ) along with several pre-set EQ options (Voice, Bass, and Classical).
In this custom PEQ section, you can fine-tune the the sound with pretty advanced settings including Peak/Low-Shelf/High-Shelf filter types, gain adjustments from -12.0 to +12.0 in precise 0.1 increments, and Q settings from 0.25 to 8.00 with intervals of 0.01. That’s something I’m absolutely amazed by in such a budget dongle!
The app also allows toggling between UAC 1.0 and 2.0 modes and adjusting the volume with up to 60 steps, although this is managed solely through the app due to the dongle’s lack of physical buttons… Additionally, users can toggle the microphone on or off as needed.
Despite the inconvenience of adjusting settings solely via the app, especially given the dongle’s form factor and price, the JA11’s level of customization makes it exceptionally versatile, user-friendly, and offers outstanding value!
Sound performance
Tonality
The tonality of the JA11 is neutral to slightly warm and relatively uncolored. Now the end-to-end extension is good, with no roll-off at either extreme. Additionally the standout feature is its PEQ function via the FiiO Control App, which allows you to modify the sound profile as desired, making it extremely versatile.
Technical Performance
The JA11 punches above its weight in terms of technical performance for a sub-$20 USD dongle. It boasts above-average technicalities, providing a sense of space and depth. Imaging and instrument separation are great, allowing me to pinpoint the location of instruments and vocals with accuracy. The JA11’s detailing capabilities are more impressive on a macro level, revealing broader elements within tracks that might be missed with less capable equipment, though it might not delve into the very finest micro-details of more advanced dongles.
Practical Considerations
While in use, the JA11 stays cool to the touch, even after extended periods of use. It also does not produce any popping sound when connecting/disconnecting any form of IEM or headphone, which personally I find thoughtful and nice, increasing my enjoyment of the DAC. The JA11 claims to have a low output impedance while also not creating any noticeable hiss or electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it a good option for sensitive IEMs and headphones.
In conclusion, the FiiO JA11 provides a balanced sound experience, showcasing good performance for its price range. For its wide feature set and technical specifications, this DAC+Amp manages to outperform many others in its price bracket and even some more expensive options. Overall, I would highly recommend it as an entry or even enthusiast level DAC for any audiophile to enjoy!
Comparing it with the FiiO KA11
The KA11 is the JA11’s older and more expensive sibling from the FiiO brand, costing pretty much twice…
Tonally wise, the KA11 is warmer and sounds bassier with a thicker sound, providing a richer and more enveloping sound signature. It also, at the same time, excels in micro detail retrieval, offering a level of detail that the JA11 doesn’t quite reach but is not too far behind. It took me a lot of A-B testing to come up with this, and that tells a lot about the JA11.
However, the KA11 lacks the PEQ option that the JA11 offers through the FiiO Control App, making the JA11 more versatile in terms of sound customization. In terms of power output, the KA11 is significantly stronger, pushing out 200mW at 32ohms compared to the 30mW of the JA11, making it able to drive more demanding gear with ease.
Even though it has higher power, the KA11 still has drawbacks, including worse battery consumption and a tendency to run much hotter than the JA11… While the KA11 supports music files up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 256, slightly higher than the JA11, the trade offs in heat and battery consumption can make the JA11 a more practical everyday device.
Conclusions
The FiiO JA11 stands out as an absolutly amazing ultra-budget USB-C dongle!, giving its impressive features and sound quality at an affordable price point! priced around $15 USD and often can even be found for as low as $9.89 USD during sales, it brings excellent value.
Sound and Performance: The JA11 offers a neutral to slightly warm sound signature that lets headphones or IEMs retain their natural characteristics. Its PEQ function via the FiiO Control App allows to customize sound profiles, which is rarely found in such low price dongles! While it has excellent technical aspects, micro-detail retrieval leans towards macro-level details…
Build and Design: Constructed from matte aluminum-magnesium alloy with a non-detachable, well-braided cable. The JA11 is lightweight at 5 grams but durable and its construction lacks volume controls, requiring adjustments from the connected device or app.
Functionality: The FiiO Control App adds significant functionality! Including a 5-band PEQ, UAC mode and volume step adjustments. It also supports mic and inline controls making it very versatile for both music and calls.
So all in all, the JA11, with its solid build, customizable EQ options and low price, is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking improved audio performance from their headphones or IEMs via USB-C.
Pros:
- Tiny form factor.
- Great sound quality for something this cheap.
- Great build quality.
- PEQ with 5-band EQ and fine adjustments.
- 60 independent volume control levels (through the app).
Cons:
- No included type A to Type C adapter.
- Absolutely nothing else for the asking price!