I’ve all the time maintained that Fiio is at its greatest when making finances merchandise; the Chinese language audio model has an ideal observe file 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 current 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 out there for simply $69 on Amazon. Fiio sells the product in blue and black shade 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.
Meaning 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 just 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 best, they usually have first rate tactility despite the diminutive measurement. Connectivity is through Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C, and you’ll simply use the BTR13 together with your telephone, Home windows machine, or some other machine 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 reveals quantity, battery degree, and no matter mode is in use together with codec data when you begin music playback. Due to the built-in mic, you should use it whereas making calls.
There’s an built-in menu system, and whilst you’ll want Fiio Management to profit from the DAC, it is not necessary — you possibly can modify a lot of the settings from the unit itself, and that is a giant plus level. You may simply modify the achieve, select EQ modes, change to a devoted automotive mode, and alter the language through 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 mentioned, 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 consists of 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 first rate as nicely, and you may get simply over seven hours through the built-in 460mAh unit in telephone mode. There is not any quick charging, so it takes simply over 90 minutes to cost the BTR13, and you may want a 10W (5V/2A) charger.
A notable addition is 10-band PEQ adjustment, and when you’re utilizing the BTR13 with a Home windows machine, you should use the characteristic through the net — 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 sequence.
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’s no harshness to the combination, and whereas the BTR15 does a greater job with technicalities, the BTR13 is fairly nice in its personal proper.
The tuning lends itself nicely to numerous genres, and the truth that you get intensive customizability in relation to adjusting the tonal stability is a good sufficient differentiator. That is one of many most important the reason why the BTR13 is so good, and if you would like a finances DAC that nails the connectivity and sound signature, this can be a terrific alternative.
The BTR13 is lighter, and continues to be simply as versatile. You get an ideal sound, terrific connectivity, and total worth.
