Fiio’s BTR13 is a funds DAC that permits you to simply improve your telephone audio

I’ve all the time maintained that Fiio is at its greatest when making funds merchandise; the Chinese language audio model has an ideal monitor report on this space, and it manages to ship value-focused DACs and headsets at a constant foundation. The BTR13 continues that pattern, with the DAC slotting simply into Fiio’s present catalog. I totally loved utilizing the BTR5, BTR7, and BTR15, and the BTR13 brings a brand new design and upgraded internals, alongside thrilling extras.

As all the time, worth is a key promoting level with the DAC, and the BTR13 is obtainable for simply $69 on Amazon. Fiio sells the product in blue and black coloration variants, and what’s new this time is an built-in clip; Fiio bundled equipment previously that allow you to hook the DAC to your belt or a bag, however with the BTR13 it is baked into the design.

Which means the BTR13 is thicker than its predecessors, however it’s nonetheless inherently pocketable, and at simply 28.6g, you will not even discover you are carrying it with you — that has been the case in my utilization. One other differentiator is that you simply get a three-mode change, permitting you to modify between PC, telephone, and Bluetooth modes.

Speaking about buttons, the BTR13 additionally comes with a quantity rocker, multifunction button, and the usual energy button. All of those are situated on the precise, they usually have respectable tactility despite the diminutive measurement. Connectivity is by way of Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C, and you’ll simply use the BTR13 along with your telephone, Home windows machine, or every other gadget that makes use of a USB-C port.

As is the case with the remainder of its DACs, Fiio went with a 3.5mm jack and balanced 4.4mm port on the BTR13. Conveniently, you get a 0.96-inch LCD panel on the entrance, and it exhibits quantity, battery stage, and no matter mode is in use together with codec info when you begin music playback. Due to the built-in mic, you need to use it whereas making calls.

There’s an built-in menu system, and whilst you’ll want Fiio Management to benefit from the DAC, it is not obligatory — you’ll be able to alter many of the settings from the unit itself, and that is an enormous plus level. You possibly can simply alter the acquire, select EQ modes, change to a devoted automobile mode, and alter the language by way of the menu, and it’s a good inclusion.

The BTR13 has a plastic chassis, and whereas it makes the DAC lighter, it does not fairly have the identical heft because the BTR15. That stated, there aren’t any points with the construct high quality, and I did not discover any issues within the two months I used the DAC. Coming to the internals, you get twin CS43131 DAC chipsets, and it is ready to go as much as 120mW at 16Ω, 100mW at 32Ω, and 10mW at 300Ω over the three.5mm jack.

When going the balanced route, you get 130mW at 16Ω, 220mW at 32Ω, and 55mW at 300Ω, making the BTR13 an ideal alternative to make use of with any IEMs. I examined it with the brand new FT1 headset and the FD15 dynamic drivers and the hybrid FH11, and it did not have any points driving the IEMs.

The DAC options Qualcomm’s QCC5125 Bluetooth modem, and it contains the total suite of AptX codecs, together with AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless, and AptX HD along with LDAC and the usual AAC and SBC. Battery life is respectable as properly, and you will get simply over seven hours by way of the built-in 460mAh unit in telephone mode. There isn’t any quick charging, so it takes simply over 90 minutes to cost the BTR13, and you will want a 10W (5V/2A) charger.

A notable addition is 10-band PEQ adjustment, and in case you’re utilizing the BTR13 with a Home windows machine, you need to use the function by way of the online — no want to put in a driver. That’s extremely nifty in its personal proper, and the granular management provides the DAC a definite edge over different fashions on this collection.

Coming to the sound, the BTR13 delivers a attribute impartial signature with a touch of heat. The general tonality is easy, with an easygoing low-end with good particulars, partaking mid-range, and clear treble. There is no harshness to the combination, and whereas the BTR15 does a greater job with technicalities, the BTR13 is fairly nice in its personal proper.