25 years after its invention, Bluetooth is continuing to evolve to win back the hearts of music lovers. At least that’s the promise made by the FiiO BR13, an affordable Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified model compatible with the HD LDAC, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs. It allows wireless playback up to 24-bit/96kHz, can perform upscaling of low-resolution files, and even has a new ESS DAC to connect sources via USB, optical or coaxial. Sold for only €69, does the FiiO BR13 receiver and DAC meet all the requirements of a modern hi-fi installation? Can it outperform the bestselling Real Cable iPlug-BTR HD?
FiiO BR13: packaging & accessories
The FiiO BR13 Bluetooth receiver comes in a small cardboard box that will easily fit inside a letterbox. It comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and the USB DAC mode. A quick start guide is also included.
FiiO BR13: presentation
Design
Measuring less than 10cm in width and depth and just 2.6cm in thickness, the FiiO BR13 Bluetooth receiver can easily be installed next to the living room hi-fi system or the computer. It stands out thanks to its excellent build quality, for a price of just €69. Its chassis is made from a single piece of polymer plastic, eliminating all traces of assembly. The textured finish looks just like metal, giving this little box a premium feel. The front panel has a lacquered finish and features a small LCD screen that can display the output level, the source and the activated DSP.
Several controls are situated on either side of the FiiO BR13’s screen. The interface on the right lets you adjust the output volume, select the source and activate one of the 9 presets (7 preprogrammed DSPs and 2 customizable presets). The multifunction button on the left allows you to turn the device on or put it into standby mode. An excellent feature, compared to its biggest competitor, the Real Cable iPlug-BTR HD, which has no switch at all. Finally, this on/off button can also be used to start and pause playback.
Bluetooth 5.1
At its core, the FiiO BR13 features a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth controller. The latter uses Bluetooth 5.1 technology, which offers a number of advantages, starting with an open-field range of over 30 meters. Indoors, this range is naturally reduced by walls, furniture and other obstacles. However, it is still sufficient to move from room to room without interruptions or latency. Bluetooth 5.1’s high data rate allows the FiiO BR13 to use the entire bandwidth emitted by the aptX HD, LDAC and aptX Adaptive high definition codecs. Wireless reception is possible up to 24-bit/96kHz, allowing the FiiO BR13 to boast the Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. As a result, it ensures excellent sound quality with compatible sources.
At the output of its Qualcomm Bluetooth controller, the FiiO BR13 receiver entrusts signal conversion to an ESS9018K2M DAC. Usually found on high-end electronics, such as the Denon DNP-2000 network player and Cayin Jazz 80 EL34, this chip allows signals to be processed with precision and an undeniable sense of detail. In addition, a crystal oscillator ensures correct digital data addressing to limit jitter. For low-resolution sources, such as Bluetooth SBC or AAC, the FiiO BR13 can oversample to 24-bit/96kHz to optimize DAC operation and improve audio precision. Finally, a TPA1882 operational amplifier increases the gain of the analog output.
Hi-Res DAC mode
The FiiO BR13’s ESS9018K2M DAC can also be used to enjoy all the digital sources in your living room hi-fi system. Thanks to its USB-C port, it is possible to connect a computer, smartphone or tablet to play Hi-Res files up to 32-bit/96kHz. You can also connect a streamer, television or CD player via the optical and coaxial inputs. The latter are also 24-bit/192kHz compatible. Note that these digital inputs benefit from the FiiO BR13’s oversampling system. Lastly, the variable level RCA, optical and coaxial outputs let you easily pair the FiiO BR13 with any stereo amp, active speaker or DAC.
FiiO BR13: configuration
Once it is powered by USB, the FiiO BR13 is instantly detected by and paired to the source. The output level can be adjusted directly via the source or using the device’s control interface. The latter also lets you activate one of the seven DSPs to adjust the sound reproduction to suit the music genre you’re listening to: jazz, pop, rock, classic, dance, R&B and hip-hop. For greater control, it is possible to use the FiiO mobile app. It lets you adjust the curve of each DSP mode and configure two entirely customizable equalizers. The FiiO app also provides access to balance settings, allows you to select the preferred Bluetooth codec and activate the uspcaling system.
For this review, we paired the FiiO BR13 with an iPhone (AAC codec) and a FiiO M11 Plus II DAP (aptX HD and LDAC Bluetooth). The USB DAC mode was tested with a Mac. At the output stage, the FiiO BR13 was connected to NAD, Pioneer and Marantz amplifiers.
FiiO BR13: listening impressions
Paired with an iPhone via AAC Bluetooth and without an active DSP, the FiiO BR13 provided a pleasant sound, with a natural and rather well-balanced reproduction without having to use the equalization. By activating the upscaling system, we enjoyed greater precision and space. However, switching to LDAC Bluetooth with a FiiO DAP revealed the FiiO BR13’s full potential. The sound was instantly more precise and the details were finer. The soundstage became broader and deeper to fill the space more effectively. The spatialization was coherent and natural. The FiiO BR13 receiver had a nice sense of openness and transparency, contributing to a better perception of musical details.
With Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, the Bluetooth FiiO BR13 receiver preserved track dynamics surprisingly well. Unlike SBC or AAC codecs, which tend to compress the dynamic range, Bluetooth aptX HD and LDAC eliminate this effect. The reproduction therefore became more natural. Percussion instruments were expressed clearly, the electric guitar was energetic and the vocals were properly embodied at the center of the stage.
In USB DAC mode, the FiiO BR13 receiver can uncover even greater details. On the album Brother in Arms by the Dire Straits, the FiiO BR13 provided lively, clear percussion without excessive brightness. The guitar attacks were crisp and clear. The music was delivered with energy and liveliness, without ever becoming aggressive. Without claiming to provide the same sense of space as a high-end model with dual DACs, the FiiO BR13 offers a very nice fullness that allows the various arrangements to be properly materialized.
FiiO BR13 vs Real Cable iPlug-BTR HD
A real bestseller, the Real Cable iPlug-BTR HD Bluetooth receiver is the FiiO BR13’s direct rival. Also available for €69, the Real Cable model supports aptX HD and aptX Low Latency, as well as SBC and AAC. It provides a very satisfactory sound quality with HD Bluetooth compatible sources.
However, since the release of the Real Cable iPlug-BTR HD in 2019, the Bluetooth standard has evolved and only the FiiO BR13 benefits from these latest advances. This is reflected in a greater range (30m for the FiiO receiver and 20m for the Real Cable receiver), ensuring greater stability and to stop the transmission from cutting out when moving from one room to another with the smartphone in your pocket. What’s more, the integration of Bluetooth LDAC enables the FiiO BR13 to deliver even greater resolution, thanks to a higher data rate enabling 24-bit/96kHz reception. But the true strength of this FiiO receiver is its more precise conversion stage. The latter provides a more transparent, accurate and spacious sound than the Real Cable iPlug-BTR HD. There’s more space between each note, ensuring better detail perception and a more natural sound message.
The FiiO BR13 also wins the battle in terms of functionality. Where the Real Cable acts solely as a Bluetooth receiver, the FiiO BR13 also offers a USB DAC and Audio DAC mode for Hi-Res playback. This makes it more versatile and complete without being more expensive. Finally, customization is made easy on the FiiO BR13 thanks to the various DSPs, the front-panel control interface with LCD screen and the mobile app for creating your own equalization.
FiiO BR13 vs Advance Paris WTX-700 Evo
The Advance Paris WTX-700 Evo Bluetooth receiver has an ultra-compact format to fit directly onto the back of an amplifier or pair of connected speakers. aptX HD compatible, it can receive music up to 24-bit/48kHz, and features a high-performance Texas Instruments TI PCM 5102 DAC. However, it’s twice as expensive as the FiiO BR13, and more limited. The FiiO has the edge thanks to its DAC Audio mode, its numerous DSPs and its mobile app for greater customization.
FiiO BR13: who is it for?
The FiiO BR13 Bluetooth receiver offers a complete, affordable solution for listening to wireless music on an unconnected hi-fi system. It’s a good alternative to the usual network player to enjoy streaming without using the internet. This is a major advantage for a room with unstable WiFi, or simply for a second home without an internet router. The FiiO BR13 receiver offers excellent sound quality, provided you use a Bluetooth aptX HD or LDAC-compatible source to harness its full potential. Finally, the DAC feature completes the picture for enjoying Hi-Res music stored on your computer, connecting the TV to the living room hi-fi system or enhancing the sound of a CD player, for example.
FiiO BR13: conclusion
With the FiiO BR13 receiver, the Asian manufacturer demonstrates that Bluetooth is now capable of offering highly satisfactory sound quality. For less than €70, the FiiO BR13 reproduces wireless music with naturalness and a dynamic range that is rare for Bluetooth, provided you use a aptX HD, aptX Adaptive or LDAC connection. Its compact design, high-quality construction with the ESS DAC and multiple features, such as upscaling of low-resolution files and control via mobile app, make it ideal for any hi-fi installation. Offered at an affordable price, the FiiO BR13 combines performance, versatility and accessibility, positioning itself as a top choice for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth without losing out on quality. A great Christmas gift idea!
We liked:
- The compact format and LCD screen
- The customizable equalizers
- The sound quality in aptX HD and LDAC Bluetooth
- The USB DAC mode
We would have liked:
- Nothing else at this price
