Disclaimer:
Hello readers, today we have in our hands the brand-new portable radio FIIO RR11. An old-school concept product remade for today. It is essentially a classic FM radio with some modern features added. In a time where everything revolves around the internet, this product breaks every rule. Since I was very curious, FiiO decided to send me this unit to review.
The review, as always, will be completely unbiased, uninfluenced, and free of affiliate links.
I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.
My opinions are obviously subjective.
Tech Specs:
- Color: Titanium Gold/Black/Red/silver
- Size: about 83.2mm x 39.4mm x 13mm
- Weight: about 46g
- Radio chip: Si4831
- FM: FM1: 87~108 MHz; FM2: 76~90 MHz; FM3: 64~87 MHz
- Adapted impedance: 8 ~ 100Ω
- Battery: 300mAh lithium battery
- Power supply: support DC5V/> 1A
- Charging time: about 2H
Radio mode
- Output amplitude: L + R> 4mV + 4mV
- THD+N: <0.3%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 45dB(A)
- weighted)
- Noise limit sensitivity: 15dBuV(S/N = 30dB)
- Endurance: 8.5 hours (40mV output, 32Q load)
AMP mode
- Output power 1:L + R 30mW +30mW(16Q, THD+N<1%)
- Output power 2:L + R 40mW +40mW(32Q,THD+N<1%)
- Output impedance:<1Q
- THD+N: <0.04% (1kHz/-24dB@320)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 100dB (A-weighted)
- Bottom noise:<10uV (A weight)
- Endurance: 17.5 hours (40mV output, 32Q load)
Packaging:
The packaging of the FiiO RR11 is quite simple but well-finished; the style is the classic one of the brand and the equipment is more than correct.
Inside, we find:
- FiiO JF11 Earbuds
- Earbuds Sponge
- 1 Cable Type C to Type C
- 1 Cable Type C to USB
- User Manual
I would like to point out that FiiO also sent me the SK-RR11 accessories, namely a case with a strap for the FiiO RR11.
Build Quality/First Impressions:
The body of the FiiO RR11 radio is undoubtedly well made; the use of a CNC-machined metal material elevates the perception of solidity and quality. On the front we are very analog, like the radios of several years ago but unlike the old ones, we have some LEDs to indicate the charge of the radio, the intensity of the signal and if you are listening to a stereo station. Above we find the volume knob that also functions as an on/off switch, obviously in aluminum, and the 3.5mm output. On the side we have the PVR tuning scroll wheel that allows an old-school manual adjustment, an FM/AMP switch (because it can also work as a dongle) and a MEGA BASS function that allows for fuller bass and a more immersive sound. On the other side we simply have a switch that allows us to choose between the different FM bands. In the lower part we simply have the Type C input for charging and data in AMP mode. Overall, an old-school portable FM radio with some modern features.
Special Features:
The main special features are the dongle functionality and the MEGA BASS sound effects. The dongle functionality is certainly very interesting and allows you to transform the FiiO RR11 into a dongle. A BT functionality for this purpose would have been interesting too but maybe in a future model it will be implemented. Instead, the MEGA BASS sound effect is really cool; it intensifies the bass and the 3D effect of the sound very effectively. Considering the basic quality of the FM bands here in Italy, it really works miracles.
Sound Quality:
I am convinced that a lot depends on the FM quality present in your country; in fact, in Italy at least, the quality of the radio stations is not the best; the signal and infrastructure are not very fresh and are being replaced by DAB. At least as far as I am concerned, indoors the signal is never at its maximum potential but outdoors the signal is very stable and free of obvious hiss or background noise. In Dongle/AMP mode, the audio quality expresses its maximum potential and you can see how the FiiO RR11 also has a particularly powerful output. At this point one also notices that the included earbuds particularly limit the MEGA BASS. The earbuds are very dispersive; in fact, by putting on in-ear headphones, you can enjoy truly thick, magical bass. It has a very analog sound even in AMP use.
Roseselsa Distant Mountain + FiiO RR11
This pairing is the pinnacle of old school style and surprisingly they also go together quite well. It’s not just about aesthetics but also the audio quality undergoes a significant upgrade. It’s not to denigrate the included Fiio JF11 but with the Roseselsa Distan Mountain you really feel the potential of the MAGIC BASS. The sound is infinitely richer and fuller much more dense and satisfying so I highly recommend trying other models of IEMs or Earbuds at least. This pairing however is extremely vintage and well sounding.
Considerations after a week of use:
Honestly, I am fascinated by this product. I have already used portable FM radios in the past and I still use them every now and then. In particular, I have one that I am particularly fond of, the Grundig City Boy 5 Tucano (1988), a very old model that was probably sold as an attachment to some newspaper from 30 years ago. A visually very beautiful, functional, and simple model with a dangerous volume that goes from 0 to 1000% in half a millimeter. It has no volume limits and gives it all the current that comes directly from the two AAA batteries inside. The FiiO RR11 is essentially the modern version, with special features but also chips that stabilize and process the signal that otherwise would be flat. In everyday use these radios never disappoint; you don’t need internet but just a lot of adaptation to what passes on the radio.
Fast Comparison:
Looking at the past of Fosi Audio and the present of other brands, the comparisons become interesting.
True vintage, no doubt. The Grundig City Boy 5 was probably sold as a gadget with some magazine in 1988. Nowadays its line still seems very current, in a certain sense even more modern than the FiiO RR11. Nowadays it still works perfectly; the audio quality is good but not processed by chips or anything else. It simply takes the signal as it is so flat and maybe a bit mono, with no stereo effect. But for a product from 1988, it sounds really good. You just have to be careful with the volume or you can say goodbye to ears and headphones.
Conclusions:
I personally have come to the conclusion that nowadays it is a decidedly particular product, at least for the Italian market that I know well. But outside I am sure that there are many people who still listen to the radio with small portable FM radios. I personally will use it above all when I want to disconnect from the use of the web and maybe I want to enjoy a relaxing day in the garden. The quality, provided there is a good signal, is excellent; the dongle functionality is not bad but it has a very slight background hiss. Let’s say that on the dongle/amp side there is absolutely better, but using headphones with a higher impedance, the problem disappears. The battery guarantees several hours of use and recharges very quickly. For the asking price, you have a good portable radio and a decent dongle.
9/10
Pros:
- Vintage Dream
- Analog sound
- Very Powerful output
- MEGA BASS Sound Effects
- Good Stereo Sound
- Dongle/AMP Functionality
Cons:
- No BT
- Stock Earbuds do not allow for maximum quality
