As lossless and hi-res audio gain popularity, more individuals are exploring the use of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to enhance their streaming services and audio equipment. For those interested, Fiio’s new BTR13 serves as a great entry point into the world of DACs. Priced at just $64, it is one of the most affordable DACs on the market, making it accessible to a wider audience. The BTR13 is set to hit retail outlets in September.
Available in black or blue, the BTR13 features a standard 3.5mm unbalanced jack and a 4.4mm balanced connection, catering to a wide range of setups. Its .96-inch color screen displays audio format, sampling rate, and EQ mode. The device includes a physical switch for switching between phone, Bluetooth, and PC modes, along with dedicated buttons for volume, power, and play/pause functions.
When connected to a computer via the provided USB-C cable, the BTR13 draws power from the PC or Mac. When used with a phone or as a Bluetooth receiver, the DAC can run on its internal battery for up to 8 hours. While Fiio does not include a lightning-to-USB-C cable for older iPhones, the BTR13 is compatible with third-party OTG-compliant lightning adapters.
The BTR13 supports PCM audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, utilizing dual CS43131 DAC chips for analog conversion. It lacks support for higher resolutions like 192kHz, DSD, or MQA. However, the device can connect to popular game consoles such as the PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch, thanks to its UAC 1.0 mode.
In Bluetooth receiver mode, the BTR13 works with various Bluetooth codecs including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC. This, paired with a built-in belt clip, allows users to enjoy their favorite wired headphones without a physical connection to their devices.
Users can further enhance their sound experience by utilizing Fiio’s mobile app or web portal to access a 10-band parametric equalizer (PEQ) or preset sound effects and headphone curves provided by Fiio.
