Introduction
FiiO's QX line started with the QX13, a clip-on DAC/amp that tried to bring desktop sound to a phone. The QX11 is the more affordable sibling, and on paper it doesn't feel like a step down. FiiO says it builds on the KA17 dongle and pushes it further on sound, efficiency and day-to-day use.
The core is two ES9069Q chips from ESS's fourth-generation HyperStream line, fed by an SPV5068 USB controller. After them sit two TI OPA1692 op-amps for voltage gain and four TI OPA1622s in parallel for the headphone output. Digital and analogue boards are physically separate under a shielding cover, with a four-stage power supply and several low-noise LDOs keeping the rails clean.
The clever part is the second USB-C port, marked in orange. Connect a charger or FiiO's E-STICK power bank and the QX11 switches to Desktop Mode, lifting balanced output from 360 mW to 800 mW per channel at 32 Ω. Connect a PD charger and it can top up the phone it's plugged into at up to 45 W.
Key Features & Benefits
- A silent background for sensitive IEMs: SNR reaches 126 dB from the 4.4 mm output in Desktop Mode, with THD+N under 0.00043%.
- Real power for full-size headphones: 800 mW + 800 mW at 32 Ω balanced in Desktop Mode, rated for headphones from 8 to 350 Ω.
- Listen and charge at once: the dedicated power port passes up to 45 W USB PD through to your phone, tablet or player.
- HiFi or Gaming, one switch: Gaming mode adds FPS, ACT, MOBA and MUG presets that pull footsteps and spatial cues forward.
- Voice chat built in: an on-board mic with AI noise reduction, plus support for headset mics with inline controls on the 3.5 mm jack.
- Tuning you can actually use: 10 EQ presets on the device, a 10-band PEQ up to 384 kHz in the FIIO Control app and AUTO EQ matched to your headphones.
- Readable at a glance: a 1.14-inch colour screen shows format, sample rate, volume, gain and EQ, in landscape or portrait.
Real-World Reactions
Early reviews focus on how quiet it is and how much it does for the money.
"It sounds fantastic, and it has absolutely no hiss or buzz."
Sean, Mobile Audiophile
"At € 159,-, it's a tidy package from FiiO for headphones that are expected to do more than one thing in a day."
Michael Holzinger, hifi.blog
Our take: if you swap between music on the commute and gaming at a desk, the QX11 covers both without a second box.
Gallery
Both finishes, at the desk and up close. Click any shot to open it full size.
Who It's For
- Phone and laptop listeners who want enough power for full-size headphones without a desktop amp.
- Gamers on PC, console or phone who want a DAC, positional presets and a mic in one dongle.
- IEM users who are tired of hiss and want fine EQ control.
Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone who wants wireless listening. The QX11 is wired USB only; look at the FiiO BTR17.
- Anyone who wants maximum power without a second cable. The FiiO QX13 or a desktop amp like the FiiO K7 suit that better.
Quick Specs
- DAC: 2 × ESS ES9069Q
- USB controller: SPV5068
- Amplification: 2 × TI OPA1692 + 4 × TI OPA1622
- Outputs: 4.4 mm balanced, 3.5 mm single-ended (with inline mic support), 3.5 mm coaxial S/PDIF (shared)
- Power: up to 800 mW + 800 mW at 32 Ω balanced (Desktop Mode); 360 mW + 360 mW standard
- Decoding: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, native DSD512; coaxial up to 384 kHz / 24-bit
- Ports: USB-C (data), USB-C POWER IN with up to 45 W PD pass-through
- Display: 1.14-inch colour LCD, 135 × 240
- Size / weight: about 64 × 28.8 × 13 mm, 36 g
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Desktop-level 800 mW per channel from a 36 g body
- Very quiet background with sensitive IEMs
- Pass-through charging keeps your phone going
- Gaming presets and a built-in noise-reducing mic
⚠️ Cons:
- Full power needs a second cable and an external power source
- No Bluetooth
Where to Buy
The FiiO QX11 is in the Soundium catalogue at €159, in Dark Green or Vintage Gold. Pre-order now and use code EARLY5 to save 5%; first units are expected in November 2026.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- 3-year warranty
- Support from people who actually know the gear
Pre-order the FiiO QX11: €159 · FiiO at Soundium · Talk to our team
Final Thoughts
The QX11 doesn't try to replace a desktop stack. It gives you a very clean dongle for the commute and, with one extra cable, a genuinely powerful amp for the desk, plus a gaming toolkit most DACs at this price skip.
Still Unsure?
Tell us which headphones or IEMs you use, and we'll tell you honestly whether the QX11, the QX13 or a desktop amp suits them best. Reach out to our team.
