RANKING

Rank 43 out of 52 Summarized in this category Rankings based on: • Pros-to-cons ratio • Number of reviews • Category average

FiiO

F13

Name: F13
Brand: FiiO

around $100

All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.

132 Pros

63%
11 reviews (2h 10m)

76 Cons

Discover the FiiO F13, a headphone that makes a bold statement with its stunning design and comprehensive premium package. Featuring beautiful, glossy wood earcups and a clear upgrade in build quality, the F13 is crafted for both style and comfort. The experience begins with a luxurious set of accessories, including a custom-molded protective case,...

Summary of pros and cons from human reviewers, put together by AI

61%

64 vs 41

Sound Quality

63%

10 vs 6

Comfort

86%

18 vs 3

Build Quality

88%

15 vs 2

Value for Money

51%

19 vs 18

Design

Reviewer verdict

Across 11 YouTube reviews, the FiiO F13 earns a Summa score of 3.5/5, ranking #43 among Wired Earbuds. Reviewers most often praise its sound quality, design, build quality, while the most common criticisms concern sound quality, design.

The F13 is repeatedly praised for its strong, fun sound signature, with 64 mentions highlighting refined treble, tight textured bass, clear mids and an impressively wide, airy soundstage for a closed-back design. Reviewers frequently note it is easy to drive from phones and dongles, offers multiple pad options (leather for treble-forward, suede for bass-forward), and includes useful amplification and format support that help it punch above its price class. Build and design elements such as solid metal construction, premium accessories, and a stylish finish were also commonly noted as positives across multiple reviews. Overall, praise is broad and consistent around sound quality, drivability, and perceived value relative to cost.

Criticisms, appearing in 41 sound-related mentions and across other categories, center on harsh, sibilant treble and tuning inconsistencies between pad choices that can produce either painfully bright or overly V-shaped bass-heavy results. Reviewers also report imaging and instrument separation can become congested at high volumes, midrange dips and notches that affect vocal naturalness, and mechanical or design shortcomings like limited pad compatibility and some uncomfortable fit details. Additional recurring negatives include confusing app/packaging or connectivity/version information and a perception by some that the price is higher than comparable models without delivering consistent improvements.

Analysis based on 11 YouTube reviews (2h 10m of video) with 132 pros and 76 cons extracted.

Pros (132)

Sound Quality (64)

Sounds great even when played off a phone, delivering about 85% of potential. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 6:35
60mm dynamic driver with 32 ohm impedance and good sensitivity, easy to drive with low power devices ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 4:50
Drivable with low power dongles and various DAPs and desktop devices at moderate volume levels ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 6:06
Leather pads provide a less bassy, more treble-forward but still V-shaped sound signature ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 7:20
Suede pads provide a bassier, more engaging, fun V-shaped sound signature ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 7:16
Good mid-range clarity and detail ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 10:30
Good bass separation avoiding muddiness or bloat ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 10:50
Bass dynamics and slam are very good, bass is tight, controlled, and extends well ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 11:05
Bass reproduction is exceptional for the price point, very fast, dynamic, visceral with good extension and separation ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 12:50
Gives up to 550 milliwatts of power ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 0:11
Balanced 4.4mm output provides up to 550mW, 3.5mm output provides up to 170mW ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 2:02
Volume rocker and desktop mode button for extra amplification ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 2:15
Supports PCM up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD256 ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 3:05
Sound signature is lean, bright, with very present bass and a V-shaped tonality ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 3:23
Neutral and natural sounding, good for classical music with neutral headphones/IEMs ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 3:36
Powerful enough to drive hard-to-push headphones like the Moon Drop Joker at moderate volume ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 4:06
Soundstage is quite wide, airy, and transparent with very good resolving capability ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 4:36
Much more powerful and better sound quality than Apple dongle ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 5:06
Sehr gutes Grundrauschen, rauschfrei ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 6:38
Hohe Leistung mit 2,4 W balanced und 1,2 W unbalanced, ausreichend für viele Kopfhörer ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 6:50
Klang ist typisch R2R, etwas wärmer, smooth und relaxed, nicht langweilig ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 8:08
Non-oversampling Modus klingt besser als oversampling ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 9:54
FiiO is working with manufacturers to get the best tape heads and has implemented an oversized copper flywheel to improve wow and flutter, resulting in better audio stability. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 3:28
The FiiO cassette player has quantifiably improved wow and flutter compared to other players, providing a better listening experience. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 3:44
The audio quality of the FiiO player is exceptional compared to other modern cassette players like the W Rewind. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 9:57
The FiiO player sounds crisper and has less wow and flutter than the W Rewind, providing a better audio experience. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 11:50
Very good sub-bass extension, better than FT1 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 3:35
Tight and compact mid-bass with fairly tight and clean dynamics ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 4:05
Good layering and does not feel dry or restricted ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 4:30
Improved bass clarity, definition, and resolution compared to FT1 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 4:45
Improved mid-range with better back and foreground separation and imaging ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 5:00
Stage has opened up with fantastic Z-axis depth ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 5:25
Vocals have more body and poise, with good male and female vocal presentation ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 5:50
Very good accuracy for a closed-back headphone ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 6:25
Neutral tonality and timber with better precision, clarity, resolution, and definition ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 7:00
Good cohesion from stage presentation, layering, separation, and gradual decay ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 7:35
Upper mids are well done without sharpness or aggression ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 8:30
Very open and lively treble with good sparkle, energy, and transparency ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 9:10
Accurate instrument placement with a fairly big soundstage ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 9:40
60mm dynamic driver with potential to open up more after burn-in ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 10:30
Different gain modes have tailored volume curves showing attention to detail. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 1:42
Sound from the K13 R2R is nice, smooth, spacious, and nicely detailed. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 5:20
Compared to the cheaper K11 R2R, the K13 produces more separation of sounds and more resolution, with identical tonality but better space and detail. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 5:42
Using rear outputs, the K13 sounds smoother and more refined than the K11, with better separation and resolution. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 6:46
The K13 R2R is richer and fuller sounding, less likely to cause fatigue, and has a warmer sound that suits brighter headphones. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 8:15
When used with a high quality headphone amp via XLR outputs, the K13 offers a more natural sound stage with better depth compared to competitors. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 9:09
Potentially more upper treble energy and airiness that some may associate with extra detail. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 10:20
The sound stage is impressively wide and spacious for a closed back design, almost rivaling the TH900 in width. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 5:23
The imaging clarity is good, with each instrument having a defined position and outline, making it easy to perceive where everything sits in the mix. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 5:46
Instrument separation is solid for its price point, making it easier to follow individual instruments in the music. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 5:54
The volume goes up to 50, allowing for a nice sound level. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 5:14
The music playback is well balanced in highs, mids, and lows. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 5:10
Low total harmonic distortion especially from 200 Hz to 4 kHz, resulting in clean vocals and instruments. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 5:12
Tuning closely follows the Harmon 2018 target curve, providing pleasant sound with slightly boosted bass, clean mids, and energetic treble. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 5:53
With a proper desktop amp, delivers full potential with better bass, mid clarity, smoother highs, and better instrument separation. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 7:04
Better bass texture and musicality compared to more expensive Fostex X00 headphones. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 8:09
Mids are present and clear, unlike the recessed mids on the Fostex X00. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 8:26
Bass is textured, musical, and slams with clarity between bass notes. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 11:38
Treble sparkles and is detailed and smooth, not dull or painfully sibilant like many budget closed-back headphones. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 10:34
Treble is refined and addictive for a closed-back headphone at this price range. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 13:10
Excellent treble that is more tamed than the Fostex, with better bass and actual mid-range presence. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 13:51
Fun, punchy, and surprisingly refined with proper resolution for genres like rap, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 15:31
Does not demand full attention like ultra-analytical headphones; enjoyable and forgiving with source chain imperfections. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 15:45
Meticulously designed electronics for smoother and more stable sound ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 2:58

Design (19)

Look incredible, sleek, stylish, high-end design. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 0:37
Upgraded package over the FT1 with a customized protective case that fits the headphones shape well ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 2:01
Includes storage bag and cleaning cloth ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 3:28
Wood ear cups with a glossy purple finish that looks nice and has a throwback style ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 3:40
Overall a solid package with stunning ear cup design and premium accessories ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 13:35
Very portable and powerful headphone amplifier ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 0:09
LED indicator shows sample rate and format (light blue for below 48kHz, yellow for above 48kHz, green for DSD) ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 1:29
Mehr Leistung und bessere Bedienung mit zwei Drehreglern und Fernbedienung im Vergleich zum K11 R2R ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 0:15
Display mit konfigurierbarer Beleuchtung und Möglichkeit, Lautstärke zu regeln und Display auszuschalten ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 2:09
Fernbedienung ermöglicht Lautstärke, IQs, Outputs, Inputs und Beleuchtung zu steuern ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 3:34
Schnelleres Ausschalten als Vorgänger, kein langes Drücken nötig ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 15:27
The FiiO player is more practical for daily use due to its size and protective options, making it easy to carry around. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 6:20
The FiiO player has a nice retro design with a bold volume knob and oval-shaped buttons, reminiscent of classic cassette decks. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 5:08
Looks and feels a lot more premium than the FT1 with a polished purpleish wooden cup design. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 0:55
The device has a menu system for playback options like repeat and random. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 3:10
The device is a good choice for those who like CDs and retro/vintage style machines. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 5:48
Simple push button controls with stop, fast forward, rewind, and play ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 1:10
Plays all types of cassette tapes ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 1:44
Available in a fetching blue finish ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 3:40

Build Quality (18)

Super light but solid build quality with premium ear pads. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 1:09
Adjustment system feels premium and better than some higher-end headphones. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 2:04
Upgraded Furakawa copper modular cable with 3.5, 4.4, XLR, and 6.35 adapters included, looks and feels premium ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 2:34
Clear step up in build quality and comfort compared to FT1 ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 3:34
Uses high-quality internal components: dual CS43131 DAC chips and dual 8262 op-amps ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 2:45
Gute Verarbeitung mit gutem Kunststoff, gutem Grip und Belüftung, Gerät wird nicht heiß ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 0:55
FiiO is producing a beautiful and reliable cassette player in 2025 that plays tapes well without damaging them. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 12:12
Less amount of metal used compared to FT1 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 1:30
The K13 R2R looks great on paper with a 24-bit R2 resistor ladder design using 192 resistors. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 0:54
Accepts both mains power input and DC input from a linear power supply, offering flexibility. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 3:59
Improved quality control with a different yolk attachment system to hopefully last longer. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 1:09
The air pad mounting system is well designed with a snap on mechanism and easy alignment. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 1:31
The cable is solid, made of Fukawa mono crystal and copper mixed with silverplated OFC, and looks quite good in thickness. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 1:50
The device is well made and not cheap plastic. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 5:42
The device has strong electronic shock protection; it doesn't skip even when shaken. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 4:16
FiiO f13 has nice solid metal construction and doesn't feel cheap ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 1:06
Uses oversized copper flywheel and high voltage motor to reduce wow and flutter effect ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 3:08
Cassette head carefully selected with high quality control ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 3:19

Value for Money (15)

Design, build quality, and accessories offer great value for the price ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 13:25
Affordable retail price of 65 US Dollars ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 0:20
Comes with useful accessories including USB-C to USB-A adapter, USB-C to Lightning cable, and USB-C to USB-C cable ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 0:53
Good price-to-performance value, comparable to devices costing over $200 ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 7:50
Overall a very capable and good value little dongle ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 7:28
Viele Features wie IQ, mehr Ports (XL out, zwei Cout, Koax, Optical, USB in), Bluetooth Antenne ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 0:24
Alles in einem Gerät mit guter Ausstattung und Komfort für 320 € ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 12:13
Gutes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis mit vielen Features und Leistung ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 15:57
It can function as a DAC and preamp or just a DAC, with non-oversampling mode and a 10B parametric equalizer controllable from the FIO app. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 1:18
The K13 R2R performs at the level expected for its price and offers features like headphone stage, equalizer controls, and Bluetooth. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 10:29
Comes with an extra set of leather pads by default. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 2:01
The device supports recording disc songs into WAV format via USB. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 4:04
Customer service was very nice and helpful. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 9:00
Comes with two high quality, premium cables (3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced) included. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 2:54
Competes with headphones five to eight times its price range at $229. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 15:56

Comfort (10)

Top tier comfort, even usable while running on a treadmill. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 1:38
Two pad options included (leather and suede) with suede pads being more comfortable ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 3:00
Ear cups tilt and swivel, adjustable headband with decent padding and good weight distribution ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 3:55
Clamp force is just right, more firm than PAR 2 but not too tight, comfortable for long wear ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 4:20
Suede pads increase comfort further ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 4:43
Very small, pocketable, and lightweight (about 16 grams) ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 1:15
Pads are slightly more comfortable than the FT1 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 1:25
More padding and softer material on the top headband for better comfort. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 1:49
Larger pad opening makes it easier to fit larger ears, improving comfort. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 2:49
Comfortable on the head even with a large head size due to less clamping force. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 3:10

Connectivity (5)

Has both balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm headphone outputs ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 1:53
It can output 2.4 W into 32 ohm headphones and has all normal digital inputs including USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth with LDAC. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 1:07
The device has multiple headphone jack options for different sizes. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 3:48
The device has a desktop mode to connect to PC. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 4:34
Has 3.5mm output, USB-C charging port, and volume dial ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 1:20

Battery Life (1)

Comes with rechargeable battery pack providing about 12 to 13 hours of playback ▶ We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Ov @ 2:08

Cons (76)

Sound Quality (41)

Significant difference in bass presentation between leather and suede pads, which may confuse users ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 3:16
Treble issues present with both pads, including harshness and sibilance on some recordings ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 7:35
Difficult to connect with the sound signature due to treble energy and presentation ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 7:47
Leather pads have too much treble energy, making the sound less refined and sometimes harsh ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 8:28
Ear gain dip around 4k affects vocal and instrument naturalness, combined with treble issues reduces overall listening enjoyment ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 9:50
Some bass bleed into lower mids is noticeable ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 10:35
Driver is not super fast ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 11:15
Suede pads reduce treble harshness but increase bass too much, making the sound unbalanced ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 12:16
Sound can be a bit sizzling at the top end due to brightness ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 4:47
Soundstage is not the widest, just okay ▶ Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | @ 4:36
Klang ist nicht so klar und detailliert wie bei manchen Konkurrenten (z.B. Topping A50) ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 8:58
Oversampling-Modus klingt dumpfer und weniger klar ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 10:03
The FiiO player uses the tunn mechanism and basic tape heads, which are outdated and limit audio quality improvements. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 12:00
Not a bassy headphone and not warm, unlike FT1 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 3:20
Neutral tonality can feel slightly less organic than FT1 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 6:45
Cohesion does not come from tonality or timber but from stage presentation ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 7:25
Upper mids might be slightly uncomfortable for some listeners ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 8:40
Soundstage is big but not the biggest under $500 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 10:10
Sample rates max out at DSD 256 and 384 kHz PCM, which is not top of the pile but sufficient for most users. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 1:29
No audible difference heard between using mains power input and linear power supply in tests, so investing in a linear power supply may not be worthwhile. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 4:21
Compared to the topping DX5 Mark II, the K13 sounds thicker in mids and less resolving in treble, with slightly less separation and imaging. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 7:51
The DX5 Mark II is technically the better device with crisper and more refined sound, though the K13 offers a different sound signature. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 8:08
The K13 is not a giant killer and is far behind high-end DACs like the Mimia DAC in performance. ▶ The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review @ 10:39
Coupling issues affect the intended frequency response and sound performance. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 3:18
Sound signature is harsh, strident, sibilant, and fatiguing especially in the treble with leather pads. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 5:05
Suede pads produce an unhinged, enormous bass that is too much and very V-shaped. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 5:31
Sound is disjointed with crashy cymbal hits incoherent with tonal focus, resulting in unnatural and harsh timbre. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 10:40
Overall sound quality is considerably worse than the FT1 with either set of pads. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 10:10
The frequency response has a pronounced V-shaped curve with higher bass and treble gains, but vocals occasionally sound muffled or veiled. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 2:18
There is a noticeable dip around 900 to 1200 Hz in the mid-range, causing vocals to sound hollow and instruments to lose thickness, resulting in a dry and thin presentation. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 3:13
A narrow notch at 4000 Hz intended to reduce sibilance does not work effectively; sibilance remains prominent and piercing due to a large peak between 6 and 8 kHz. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 3:44
Out of the box with leather pads, the sound is painfully bright and treble is like being stabbed with needles, making it unbearable to listen to. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 4:24
Even with suede pads, while less unbearable, the sound is still not good and remains aggressive and bright. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 5:02
The sound lacks coherence and unity between bass, mids, and treble, making the listening experience chaotic. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 6:14
Bass is flat and lacks impact unless the track emphasizes kick or sub-bass; midrange is dry, thin, and sharp with vocals sounding paper thin. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 6:33
Treble is painfully bright, sharp, piercing, and aggressive with sibilance in almost every voice line, causing discomfort especially in string passages. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 7:25
Symbols and high frequencies are harsh and aggressive, described as glass shattering sharpness and metal sheets being hurled at the listener. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 8:03
The reviewer cannot recommend the FiiO f13 due to its tuning and sound quality issues. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 8:56
Treble can feel a little shouty or sibilant at high volumes, but this is fixable with EQ. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 5:26
At very high volumes, can get shouty in the upper mids and treble. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 8:52
Instrument separation and imaging can get congested at loud volumes compared to high-end gear. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 13:28

Design (18)

The device does not display song titles, only song numbers. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 7:00
The top part of the device is not clear in some versions, limiting visibility of the disc spinning. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 6:18
Pad mounting system limits pad swapping options ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 9:00
Display ist grob aufgelöst, zeigt nicht alle Informationen klar an ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 3:03
Drehregler sind etwas zu sensibel und reagieren manchmal ungenau ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 2:43
Benutzerdefinierte IQs können nicht umbenannt werden, unübersichtlich in der Bedienung ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 5:27
Lineout EQ ist gekoppelt mit Kopfhörerausgang, keine separate Einstellung möglich ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 11:36
Kein Trigger-Ausgang vorhanden ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 11:24
App und Display bieten wenig Komfort bei der Bedienung der Menüs ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 3:44
Fingertapser auf schwarzem Gehäuse sehr sichtbar ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 1:46
The FiiO player does not support recording or making mixtapes, which is a downside for users who enjoy creating tapes. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 7:01
Not as nude or natural looking as FT1, with lacquered back plate ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 0:55
Round cups without any shape, unlike slightly oval FT1 ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 1:15
Mechanical design leaves a lot to be desired; headband and yolk structure don't provide enough inward angle for good coupling. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 3:01
Pad design does not help with coupling problems and limits pad compatibility due to unique mounting system. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 3:44
Not compatible with pads from FT1 due to different baffle shape and mounting system. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 5:54
Mechanical design likely won't accommodate a wide range of head sizes well, especially smaller heads. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 11:56
The cable color is a brownish tone that does not match well with the silverplated cable, feeling off in overall color match. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 2:05

Connectivity (6)

The website is confusing about which version (Bluetooth or standard) is being sold. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 7:45
App ist problematisch mit Verbindungsproblemen, langsam und umständlich zu bedienen ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 4:45
The FiiO cassette player lacks audio input and Bluetooth headphone connectivity, limiting its functionality compared to competitors. ▶ You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review @ 4:11
The reviewer received the standard version instead of the Bluetooth version, causing confusion. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 0:38
The box and instructions are confusing, especially regarding Bluetooth features. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 0:45
The quick start guide is mostly in Chinese and the English translation is confusing. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 1:47

Comfort (6)

The device is a bit heavy. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 5:40
Cable is a little thick ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 2:50
Cable is similar to other FiiO headphones and does not make a big difference ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 1:45
The ear pads feel too stiff and the headband pressure distribution is uncomfortable, focusing mostly on the top of the head and causing a poor seal. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 0:42
The ear pads slightly lift off the face, making the fit less secure compared to the TH900 which has softer ear pads and better comfort. ▶ Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 @ 1:09
Ear pads can get really hot during use. ▶ These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review @ 1:50

Build Quality (3)

Gehäuse nur aus Kunststoff statt hochwertigem Aluminium ▶ der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R @ 0:58
Lack of finish on the cups ▶ Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headph @ 0:50
There was confusion and delay due to hardware/software issues with the silver version. ▶ Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio @ 0:14

Value for Money (2)

Price is almost double the FT1 at $299, which may affect value perception ▶ FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? @ 0:12
Price is significantly higher ($330) than FT1 (~$150) but does not deliver better sound or comfort. ▶ Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review @ 0:27

Review sources

FIIO FT13. IS IT REALLY BETTER? by Gizaudio — 19 pros, 11 cons
Fiio FT13 Mid burn-in Update : Easily One of the best Headphones under $500 @FiiOOfficial by Eargasmic — 16 pros, 9 cons
der große Bruder des K11 R2R | FiiO K13 R2R by Damir Franc — 12 pros, 11 cons
These DESTROYED My $800 Headphones – FiiO FT1 Review 18 pros, 4 cons
Small and Powerful Portable Dongle DAC Earphone Amplifier | Review by ian fann — 18 pros, 2 cons
Review of Fiio DM13 #fiio 10 pros, 8 cons
Maybe the first NEGATIVE review? Honest Review of FiiO FT13 5 pros, 13 cons
Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review by The Headphone Show — 7 pros, 10 cons
The next evolution of R2R is here! FiiO K13 R2R review by Passion for Sound — 11 pros, 5 cons
You should consider Cassettes again - FiiO CP13 review by Adin Walls — 7 pros, 3 cons
We Are Rewind and FiiO CP13 Cassette Players Unboxing and Overview | Richer Sounds by Richer Sounds — 9 pros, 0 cons

Frequently asked questions

Is the FiiO F13 worth buying?

Based on 11 independent YouTube reviews, the FiiO F13 scores 3.5/5 with 132 positive and 76 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #43 in the Wired Earbuds category.

What do reviewers like most about the FiiO F13?

The most praised aspects are sound quality, design, build quality — Sound Quality (64 mentions), Design (19 mentions), Build Quality (18 mentions).

What are the most common complaints about the FiiO F13?

Reviewers most frequently criticize sound quality, design — Sound Quality (41 mentions), Design (18 mentions).

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