Overview

The FiiO SR11 is a compact streaming music receiver, also called a network streamer, that adds Roon Ready and AirPlay streaming to a DAC or amplifier you already own. It has no DAC or analog outputs of its own: it receives music over Wi-Fi or Ethernet and passes it out digitally over coaxial, optical or USB to your decoder. It's for listeners who already have a DAC they like and want a small, dedicated streamer to feed it.

An X2000 multi-core processor runs three working modes: Roon Ready, AirPlay, or MIX, which keeps both available at once. A Gigabit Ethernet port and a dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi module keep the connection stable, and over USB in Roon mode it sends up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD256 (DoP) to a DAC that can accept it, with coaxial and optical carrying up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD64.

A front LCD shows the sample rate, volume, working mode and output, and an encoder knob and the included infrared remote handle control. The V630 firmware adds Bluetooth reception, DLNA, local playback through the FiiO Control app, FiiO LINK and over-the-air updates. It runs from a 5V/2A supply and measures about 157 x 133 x 32.3mm.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Use Ethernet and Roon if you want the highest resolution, since AirPlay output is converted to 44.1kHz/16-bit no matter what you play; MIX mode is handy in a household where some people use Roon and others an iPhone. For MQA playback, leave the SR11 at full volume and control the level on your DAC or amp. FiiO notes that only the infrared remote included in the box works with it. If your DAC has a USB input, that's the route to the SR11's highest sample rates.

More Info

Why the FiiO SR11 Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• The DAC Owner: Wants to add streaming to a DAC they already like.
• The Roon and AirPlay Household: Wants both protocols from one small box.
• The Compact System Builder: Wants network streaming without a full-size chassis.

How It Compares

Compared with the FiiO S15, a full-size all-in-one streamer with its own AK4191 and AK4499EX DACs, balanced XLR and RCA preamp outputs, HDMI ARC and a 7.84-inch Android touchscreen, the SR11 is a compact digital-only streamer. It suits a system that already has a DAC, while the S15 suits one that needs the streaming, decoding and preamp all in one box.