ultimateimp – FiiO has officially launched the QX11, a new flagship dongle DAC and amplifier for mobile audio users.
The QX11 arrives after several delays and effectively closes one of the longer waits in FiiO’s 2026 product lineup.
FiiO’s January schedule suggested the dongle could slip into summer. A later roadmap then targeted a May launch.
However, the QX11 eventually arrived in late August. The device now replaces the KA17 at the top of FiiO’s mobile dongle range.
The launch also suggests FiiO could gradually transition from its established KA series. The newer QX branding may eventually become the company’s primary mobile dongle lineup.
FiiO founder and CEO James Chung described the QX11 as an incremental update over the KA17. The company highlights microphone compatibility and reduced power consumption as key improvements.
The QX11 also introduces a dedicated gaming mode as one of its most notable additions. FiiO positions the device as both a HiFi DAC/amp and gaming sound card.
Users can switch between the two modes depending on their requirements. This approach allows the QX11 to support music listening and gaming through one compact device.
The device features a built-in microphone for voice communication. It also supports 3.5mm inline controls for compatible headphones and earphones.
FiiO has equipped the QX11 with AI environmental noise cancellation for voice chats. The technology is designed to reduce unwanted environmental sounds during gaming communication.
The company has also developed separate sound presets for different gaming genres. These include first-person shooters, action games, MOBA titles, and rhythm games.
The gaming features expand the QX11 beyond the typical functions of a portable DAC and amplifier. They also make the device more versatile for users who frequently switch between music and gaming.
Dual ES9069Q DACs Support 768kHz PCM and DSD512
The QX11 uses two flagship ES9069Q DAC chips to handle high-resolution audio processing. The system supports PCM playback at up to 768kHz and 32-bit resolution.
It also supports native DSD512 playback for compatible high-resolution audio files. Four Texas Instruments operational amplifiers work in parallel behind the dual-DAC configuration.
FiiO rates the QX11 for up to 800mW + 800mW output in desktop mode. That represents a significant increase over the KA17’s 650mW + 650mW output.
Both devices use a dual-DAC arrangement, making the higher QX11 output particularly notable. The additional power could help the device drive more demanding headphones.
FiiO houses the audio hardware inside a combination aluminium alloy and forged carbon fiber chassis. This construction gives the QX11 a premium design while maintaining its portable format.
The QX11 also features two USB-C ports with 45W Power Delivery passthrough. This allows a connected phone or laptop to receive power while the QX11 remains active.
Users can therefore continue listening without interrupting playback when their connected device requires additional power. This feature could prove useful during longer gaming sessions or extended listening periods.
Another notable feature is Auto EQ, which provides automatic headphone-specific sound correction. Users can access the function through a browser interface or FiiO’s dedicated application.
Auto EQ applies correction curves designed for specific headphone models. This gives users another method for adjusting the QX11’s sound to their preferred headphones.
The combination of dual ES9069Q DACs, four parallel operational amplifiers, and 800mW output gives the QX11 considerable hardware capability.
Its gaming functions also distinguish it from traditional portable DACs. The built-in microphone, AI noise cancellation, and dedicated gaming presets provide additional functionality.
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Meanwhile, support for high-resolution PCM and native DSD512 keeps the device focused on audiophile listening. The dual USB-C configuration further improves its practicality for mobile users.
