FiiO BTR13

The FiiO BTR13 is a portable USB DAC/amp with Bluetooth connectivity and internal battery. This model comes as the successor to the BTR3K which was FiiO's entry level and most compact sized device of this category.

The BTR13 features two CS43131 DAC chips in a fully balanced configuration. FiiO has also added a 0.96” color display for easy configuration without the need to reach for the FiiO control application. The screen also displays useful information like sampling rate, volume level, Bluetooth codec and EQ profile.

The Bluetooth solution is the Qualcomm QCC5125 chip that supports LDAC together with AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codes. The BTR13 supports simultaneous connection to two devices. Bluetooth reception is strong and stable without audible noise while the audio performance is only hampered by the inherent limitations of the LDAC codec and not the device itself.

The BTR13 is equipped with an independent power supply system that is specifically designed for the built-in headphone amplifier of the CS43131. A solution that successfully boosts the power output up to 220mW/32Ω from the balanced output.

A USB DAC mode is also supported but decoding is limited to 96kHz/16bit PCM because the unit doesn't have a dedicated USB receiver. A patented car mode allows the device to conveniently turn on and off with your car.

You can read more about the FiiO BTR13 here.



Non Audio stuff

Measuring 63.2x30x18.8mm and weighing 28.6g, the BTR13 is slightly larger and heavier than the BTR3K as it has the LCD screen and the balanced 4.4mm jack that occupy more space. These extra features are very handy but I can see a lot of people missing the ultra small footprint of the BTR3K.

A strange decision for FiiO is the choice of the materials that are used for making the BTR13. Gone are the smoothly finished aluminum alloy body of the BTR3K that was wrapped with 2.5D glass. The BTR13 is now made from high quality, hard plastic that might be scratch resistant and sturdy enough but it isn't as robust and elegant looking as aluminum. Another thing of note is that the attaching clip is now permanently embedded at the back side of the device and can't be removed for people who don't want to use it.

Operation and connectivity

The FiiO BTR13 has a USB type-C input port, that is used for charging and USB DAC connection, along with two headphone outputs, 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced. At the right side of the device there are four physical buttons. The power button that is also used to activate and exit the menu or return to previous setup. A multifunction button that is used to play/pause music, answer/reject calls and for other actions. An elongated double sided button for volume control, track selection and switch sub-menus. Some of these actions are user configurable through the FiiO control application.

The fourth is the connection mode switch that toggles between three positions. PC, Bluetooth and Phone. The middle one speaks for itself. The PC mode allows for USB DAC connection while simultaneously charging the device. The Phone position is for DAC function without charging, so the BTR13 will not deplete your phone's battery. The charge on/off function can also be enabled or disabled from the menu.

The BTR13 has a built-in microphone for making calls and the 3.5mm jack supports CTA standard for in-line controls.



The FiiO control application and global PEQ

The BTR13 is compatible with the FiiO control application which is necessary to perform some configuration options that are not available through the internal menu and for adjusting the PEQ that has global effect. You can share your PEQ profiles with other users while the application allows for easy OTA updates of the firmware. For some strange reason the FiiO control application does not allow low pass filter change. Maybe FiiO will implement this feature in a future firmware update.

The BTR13 is also compatible with the newly launched FiiO web application for PC which allows for easier configuration of the PEQ for people who don't use Android. As I don't use EQ, I cannot offer further insight about its implementation and overall functionality.

https://fiiocontrol.fiio.com/



Accessories

The package includes a short USB type-C to C cable and a lanyard. A screen protective film is pre-installed in the factory.

Power output and battery duration

The maximum power output of the FiiO BTR13 is 220mW/32Ω from its balanced jack, plenty for driving earphones and some sensitive headphones but still a little lower from similar sized USB DAC dongles. Noise floor is barely audible even with very sensitive earphones so the user can enjoy a black background that helps with detail retrieval.

The battery of the BTR13 lasted about 7 hours in Bluetooth mode with the LDAC codec and using its balanced output. Nothing spectacular but still a very satisfying duration considering its compact size.



Audio stuff

The FiiO BTR13 was updated to the latest firmware.

The sonic performance of the FiiO BTR13 is excellent for the asking price, without any serious negatives worth mentioning except some limitations that have to do with the overall transparency, the resolution and the technicalities. This is something expected for the category though and the BTR13 performs unexpectedly well for such an affordable device.

The sound signature is neutral with a touch of warmth that makes the BTR13 pretty forgiving and a good match for various earphones. The bass, which is quite dynamic and extended, is sufficiently tight and controlled with decent layering and definition. The mid-range has good presence and clarity while it is not lacking in harmonic variety. The treble extends well, it is energetic and defined enough without sounding bright or harsh. The timbre is pretty natural, the sound is tonally accurate and not that clinical or sterile. The soundstage has good width and spaciousness but it is rather flat with reasonable imaging.



Conclusion

The audio performance of the FiiO BTR13 is more than satisfying for the category and at least on par with similarly priced USB DAC dongles. Some of them might be a little more powerful but they lack an internal battery and Bluetooth connectivity. The FiiO BTR13 is much improved over its predecessor and the only thing I wish is that it had retained the aluminum alloy housing of the BTR3K. For $69.99, this little swiss army knife gets more than happily recommended.

The review sample was kindly provided free in example for an honest review. The price of the FiiO BTR13 is $69 and you can buy it from the following non affiliate llink .

​

>>I am brazilian and I speak portuguese, so forgive my english, I’ll use translation tools to help<<


INTRO:

FIIO BTR13
2x CS43131
$65

Check more here : https://www.fiio.com/btr13

Before I start this review, let me thank FIIO for sending me the BTR13 in for review.
Rest assured, all of my reviews are 100% my own personal opinion.

Unboxing
What you get inside the box :

• BTR13
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• Lanyard
• C to C Cable

Build Quality

The BTR13 looks like it was made from plastic and glass combined.
To be honest, I’m so used to holding the BTR7. That unit made from metal and glass, holding the BTR13 felt like the build is a bit underwhelming, I’m also not confident with the scratch resistant of the plastic.
On top of that, there is no case / some kind of protection included.

On top of the device you can find 3.5mm and 4.4mm port

On the right side of the device you can find a power button, select button, volume button and mode switch toggle.

There is PC - BT - Phone mode
PC mode: To use it as USB DAC - AMP, powered completely by the computer
BT mode: Normal BT Receiver mode
PHONE mode: To use it as dongle, powered by internal BTR13 Battery

On the front of the BTR13 has 0.96” IPS Display, on the display itself you can see a lot of information which is very useful.

On the back side of the device, there is a clip built in.

On the bottom part of the device, there is type c port.

Sadly FIIO stated that the BTR13 does not support fast charging and it only supports UAC 1.0, so USB connection is limited to 16 bit/96khz only.

You can also select things on the menu by holding the power button.
The BTR13 has these options on the device :

• CHGPR
• GAIN
• EQ
• CARMODE
• DIMMER
• OFF-DIS
• PAIR2D
• LANGUAG
• RESET
• VER

For extra menu, you can use FIIO Control APP to access things such as :
Battery - Bluetooth Signal

On my particular unit, with LDAC codec, I can get around 7 - 7.5h on both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced.
The signal of the BTR13 itself is pretty stable, I’m not experiencing any stuttering at all on my times using the device.

Output Power
3.5mm : 100mw @32ohm, 10mw @300ohm
4.4mm : 220mw @32ohm, 55mw @300ohm

Sound
Paired with Kiwi Ears KE4, NF Audio NE4, NA2+, RA15

Tonality in general : Neutral - Warm - Smooth

Bass : I found the bass to be just right, not exactly highlighted / boosted, not lacking, and has good depth, good punch.
Though the bass if compared to let's say BTR7, it does feel a bit lacking in dynamics, a bit of the deepest extension and the raw punch power.
Though it does not mean the BTR13 is bad, it just that the BTR7 is literally on a different price bracket.

Midrange : it has good note weight.
The presentation of BTR13 is definitely a bit more on the musical side rather than analytical.
Which is good, considering the BTR13 is a budget device and probably gonna be paired with budget IEM in the first place.
The BTR13 can help compensate to make your IEM sounds more natural and organic

Treble : Smooth, the extension and details are great for a budget device.
It is pretty much in the same class, let's say with your sub 100$ USD dongle, tho, the BTR13 is more convenient because it is a bluetooth receiver.


Technicalities
Good for around $65 USD

Stage : decent size, decent layering, definitely larger stage and better layering on the 4.4mm port.

Imaging : Good, it doesn’t have any problem with rendering holographic imaging if your IEM / Headphones can render it. Tho don’t expect the BTR13 to magically make your cans sound holographic.

Separation and Positioning : Good
Definitely better on the 4.4mm balanced.
I can easily pinpoint and separate stuff, tho on the 4.4mm port, sound is rendered with more space so It's a bit superior compared to the 3.5mm

Comparison

FIIO BTR15
$109 USD
The BTR15 has superior output power and amp section.
A bit different on tonality, mostly BTR15 has more air on the treble.
BTR15 has better overall dynamics, technicalities and somehow the difference in 3.5mm - 4.4mm on BTR15 is more minimal.
Build of the BTR15 is also superior, because it's made out of metal and glass.

FIIO BTR7
$199 USD

The BTR7 sounds more refined and definitely has more dynamics and detail retrieval compared to the BTR13 which is expected because it is on a completely different price bracket.

BTR7 is also more “aggressive” compared directly to the BTR13.
The BTR7 makes the overall sound more lively at least with my paired IEM above compared to the BTR13.


Conclusion

Is the BTR13 any good? Would I recommend it?

The answer is YES.
It is good, and basically on the same level of your last year release of sub $100 USD wired dongle with the convenience of bluetooth.

Though keep your expectations in check, the BTR13 will NOT be a giant killer.
Though for its price, the BTR13 is a really good option for EDC items.

It offers a musical, warm, smooth tuning that’s easy to listen to, noise and hiss free listening experience and convenience of a bluetooth receiver and a PEQ if you need that feature.

One thing I would point out is, just be careful if you do intend to use the BTR13 as your EDC device, because the body is made from plastic, and there is no case included to protect it from scratch.


Thanks for reaching this far !

Just in case youre Indonesian or understand Bahasa Indonesia, you can watch the review here


-littlenezt.

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MatAudiophiles
When music flows in your veins, choose a good guide!

FiiO BTR13​

FiiO BTR13

INSTAGRAM: LINK

Prelude:
FiiO is constantly working on modernizing its current products and so after a few years we have a successor to the very popular and interesting Bluetooth receiver model which was the FiiO BTR3K. Unfortunately I do not have it in my collection so I will not comment on how the previous model sounded, but I will gladly compare the BTR13 with other popular audio receivers with similar or higher performance. The new FiiO model which is the BTR13 has not only a completely redesigned appearance and housing, but also new completely different components inside. The first difference is the use of a dual system from Cirrus Logic based on two independent CS43131 chips. This is of course a fully balanced unit. Importantly, the 2.5mm socket has been modernized and replaced with a 4.4mm standard. A much higher power of 220mW per channel in the case of a balanced connection has also been achieved. These are significant changes while maintaining an extremely compact housing and classic form. The whole thing was also priced very reasonably at 65 USD.

Unboxing and ergonomics:
FiiO BTR13 is packed in a very colorful cardboard box, inside we will find: The device itself, user manual, USB C-C cable, factory-applied protective glass on the screen and an optional lanyard. I did miss at least a basic case, but in this price range I do not consider it a must-have item. FiiO BTR13, like the device itself, presents a really compact form, I mean that the device itself is small and very light. We have a classic oval shape of an elongated rectangle, on the back we will find a permanently mounted clip. The main material from which FiiO BTR13 is made is high-quality plastic. On the front we have a small color display, with a very legible font. This is a new version of the LCD display offered by FiiO and I think it is a very good move. We have 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone jacks at our disposal. The USB C socket has also been taken care of, as well as the volume, on/off, function and mode switch buttons. Importantly, the FiiO BTR13 has three completely independent operating modes. The first is the phone mode, which offers wired operation in USB DAC mode, with power supply from the built-in battery. The next mode is the one considered by many to be the most important, i.e. Bluetooth. We also have the PC mode, during which the device is powered directly from the source device, bypassing the built-in battery. The battery in the FiiO BTR13 lasts for about 8 hours of operation, which is also a very good result. At this price, there is nothing to complain about, because the whole thing is really good.


Sound:
For my tests, I used music from Tidal and OllO Audio SR5X, Thinksound OV21, Letshouer s15, FirAudio E12electron, iBasso AM05 headphones.

USB:
You will probably ask, if the device is so good, then how does it compare to other more expensive models, does FiiO want to bury other models in the depths of unprofitability? Well, I will answer that question. There are savings, and in an area that many of us may have high expectations. A significant limitation is the fact that the FiiO BTR13 only supports 16bit/96kHz sound via wire. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, because the sound quality is very good and does not require any drivers. However, if someone expects something more in wired mode, then here they will encounter some limitations compared to the BTR15 or BTR7. As for the wired sound, it is quite similar to that offered by Bluetooth, but with a slightly lower resolution. We still have a clean sound and free of artifacts. This is a balanced tuning with an even and coherent presentation. I will write more about it in a moment, because in my opinion the signature is no different from that of Bluetooth, so I do not want to duplicate paragraphs.



Bluetooth:
When it comes to range and overall connection stability, the FiiO BTR13 is definitely at the forefront of this type of device. So let’s take a closer look at the sound.

Bass: Low tones are present and we will certainly not lack them, but the bass does not overwhelm with its structure. It is also not as extensive as in more expensive models. However, considering the price of 65 USD, it is well realized and presents a clean and sufficiently extensive level. I like the cymbal hits in the drums, or listening to electronic music on the BTR13. Low tones tend not to impose themselves on the listener, which makes them more balanced and calmer. Importantly, the technical layer is at a good level, so despite the low price, they did not forget that this is equipment dedicated to purists. This will not be bass for people who like a strong hit in the lower range, but the device does not sound flat or excessively thin.

Mid-tones: Vocals are engaging and lively, it is not too digital or overly clinical. Instead, our ears are met with beautiful, smooth vocals, with a lot of information, the sound is detailed and properly embedded in time and space. It is amazing how easily the FiiO BTR13 captures details and places them in the musical space. Although the vocals are slightly recessed in my opinion, they do not seem to be detached from the rest. Thanks to this procedure, we have a larger sound stage, which is expanded both in depth and width. People looking for a clean and musical sound will certainly be satisfied.

High tones: Perhaps this is due to the Cirrus Logic bone, but here we have a completely softened and smoothed top. The FiiO BTR13 is a device that plays airy and smoothly, and despite the previously mentioned smoothing, it maintains a clean and musical character. This is important in equipment dedicated to people with lower expectations who decide to buy cheaper equipment. Because it makes the sound easier and more pleasant to listen to. The FiiO BTR13 does not lose the details and information contained in the music either. It’s a rather clean and smooth presentation offering safe and universal tuning. I would describe the sound as pleasant and very universal. I think this approach is right, as it provides more comfort during long listening sessions.


Carr Mode:
One of the interesting things about the FiiO BTR13 is the dedicated mode of automatic start-up and end-of-work with the start of the car. I admit that I tested it on my own example and the function really works, making the FiiO BTR13 a good travel companion.

Comparisons:

FiiO BTR13 (65USD) VS FiiO BTR7 (199USD)

FiiO BTR13 is a cheaper product, with a much smaller housing. It offers less power and lower resolution compared to BTR7. BTR7 sounds fuller, offering more engaging and fuller sound. You can hear that these are devices dedicated to different recipients. In terms of signal purity, FiiO BTR13 is better than BTR7, but technically BTR7 offers a much higher level. To sum up, if you care about the technical layer and more power, BTR7 will be a good choice, and if you are looking for a cleaner signal and a more balanced signature, BTR13 may be an interesting, and certainly cheaper alternative.

FiiO BTR13 (65USD) VS Oriolus 1795S (140USD)

FiiO BTR13 is a much more balanced and less bass-heavy proposition than Oriolus. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a more dynamic, aggressive sound with more bass impact, the Oriolus 1795s will definitely show more energy in the lower range. In terms of use, the Oriolus 1795s is much larger than the FiiO BTR13 and although it offers inductive charging and NFC, it is less handy and less compact than the FiiO BTR13 due to its greater weight.

FiiO BTR13 (65USD) VS Qudelix 5k (99USD)

The Qudelix 5k is almost a legend. Honestly, there is no reason to be surprised, even in 2024 it is one of the best-sounding devices for up to 200USD on the market. However, it does not offer such a warm and musical sound as the FiiO BTR13, and the lack of a 4.4mm socket in place of a 2.5mm socket makes it less practical than the FiiO BTR13. However, in terms of sound, the Qudelix 5k is a more resolved sound and focused more on the technical layer, which in terms of tuning is closer to the BTR7 than the BTR13. The FiiO BTR13 will satisfy lovers of sound focused on balance and a natural warm signature.

FiiO BTR13 (65USD) VS Radsone es100mk2 (99USD)

The ES100mk2 is a legendary Bluetooth receiver, offering a much warmer sound than the FiiO BTR13. At the same time, it does not create such a large and realistic sound stage as the BTR13. However, if we are looking for a sound even warmer than the one offered by the FiiO BTR13, this will be a solid alternative. Here, similarly to Oriolus or Qudelix, the presence of a 2.5mm socket instead of a 4.4mm one is a significant limitation.


Summary:
Having had the opportunity to own the BTR7 from FiiO, which accompanies me every day, I did not have excessively high expectations regarding the basic model of the Bluetooth receiver, which is the FiiO BTR13. However, the sound offered by the BTR13 is completely different from what we can hear in other products, both FiiO and other manufacturers. Here we have, above all, a solid sound stage, a large amount of information and details, and at the same time the sound is balanced and clear. Thanks to the natural and warm presentation, the FiiO BTR13 sounds in a way that is not tiring and allows you to relax with your favorite music. Although we have significant limitations in the case of wired connection, the FiiO BTR13 still offers great wired sound. It should be remembered that the FiiO BTR13 is not a rival to the BTR15 or BTR7, it is an addition to the FiiO product line dedicated to people who are looking for a simple device that does not require additional knowledge. Thanks to the different operating modes, we have a complete and functional device. The FiiO BTR13 offers enough fashion for many headphones and does not generate unnecessary noise or artifacts. All this makes the FiiO BTR13 not only a small and functional device that looks quite good, but above all it plays very well. Of course, for the presented price level. When it comes to disadvantages, I would definitely like the device to support 24-bit sound via wire. However, generally speaking, the value for money offered by the FiiO BTR13 is much higher than my expectations and currently it is probably the cheapest Bluetooth receiver on the market. In terms of sound, it can easily compete with much more expensive products. That is why I recommend the FiiO BTR13 to all those who are looking for an inexpensive and multifunctional device that will successfully last 8 hours on battery and will sound mature and engaging. It is worth mentioning that the sound equalizer offered by FiiO provides a good level and in this case it also works via wire.

General/Build/Packaging
This year, Fiio is all about revamping/refreshing the current product line ranging from DAP, DAC/Amp, IEMs, Headphones and some other accessories. The BTR13 is the latest in their product line to be refreshed and I have the opportunity to test it out today. The packaging is rather standard and nothing to write home about. What i like about the unit is that the clip is built on the chassis of the unit itself, compared to previous gen where it is removable and plastic, prone to breaking and losing in my opinion.
Built quality is good and sports a screen on the front which shows the bit rate, bluetooth codec, battery level as well as current EQ mode, it also has a built in microphone for taking calls.
On the side of the chassis, there are volume buttons, up and down, power button, as well as mode switch to toggle between PC, Phone, BT.



Specifications (Specifications from BTR13’s Product Page)



IEMs/Headphones/Equipments used for this review

• Fiio FT1 4.4
• Spirit Torino Twin Pulse Berrylium IEM 4.4
• Fiio FT3 32Ohm 4.4
• Macbook Air M2 -> Fiio BTR13-> Tidal
• Macbook Air M2 -> Fiio BTR13 -> foobar 2k (tracks ranging from 16-44 to 24-192)

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far



Features
Battery Life

• Normally i take the battery life claim from the manufacturer with a pinch of salt, but the BTR13 does surprised me and the battery life is actually very good
• On bluetooth mode, the claimed battery life is 8 hours and i am getting roughly 8 hours+ with my iPhone 15 on average listening volume level, 15/60, iPhone is using only AAC hence if you are using it with Android device with Aptx or LDAC, the battery life might varies

Mode Switch

• Allows you to toggle between PC mode, BT, and Phone mode
• PC mode will charge the device when you connect the BTR13 via USB to use as USB DAC, whereas Phone mode does not charge the device, it will run on the device’s battery, hence a “cleaner” sound

Bluetooth
BTR13 supports various common bluetooth codecs including the LDAC, the range is also quite good and i did not encounter any drop out within 10 metre between my phone and the BTR13

• LDAC
• APTX-HD
• APTX-LL
• APTX
• AAC
• SBC

Fiio’s App Support

• Allows the user to customise the PEQ, enable or disable certain bluetooth codecs
• Customise the volume button’s behaviour
• Possibly update the firmware when there’s a new firmware release

Sound Impression (Bluetooth AAC)
The sound profile of BTR13 is slightly colored and transparent, dead silent background, zero noise. I’m not saying it will make a bad sounding/ badly tuned IEM turn good, it simply makes what is already good a step further and eeking out every bit of hidden potential your IEM/headphone have.
Soundstage is largely dependent on the transducers and mastering of the songs, but the BTR13 does render the soundstage quite well and let you have a good perception on the stage size in terms of depth, width and height.
Imaging is good with good separation and layering, instruments can be pinpointed easily and they sound like they each have a space of their own and not mushed together.


Pairings
FT1

• FT1 with BTR13 does sound quite good in my opinion. The bass is well controlled without much elevation, it has more punch now and better extension, it is tight and the texture is good as well, all these without messing with the mids and highs, this is evident when listening to Gojira’s Amazonia, the double paddle especially has more punch
• The mids are slightly forward and doesn’t sound that recessed
• The treble here is clean without harshness and sibilance
• Soundstage and imaging remains more or less similar

Spirit Torino Twin Pulse IEM with Default Nozzle

• The Twin Pulse is neutral with slight warmth on its own, based on my listening impression pairing it with BTR13, bass is slightly elevated, but the rendered texture is also improved
• Not much changes on the mids
• The overall characteristics of Twin Pulse IEM became a little bit more dynamic with this pairing
• Soundstage and imaging to my ears, they are more or less similar, not much changes

Fiio FT3

• Bass has a bit more punch and slightly better sub-bass extension
• Not much changes on the detail retrieval, treble seems to sound a tiny bit smoother
• Soundstage has very good width and depth to it and seems to image better as well

Comparison (7Hz Artemis)

• Uses different DAC chip (ESS 9039) and has higher power output compared to BTR13, also priced higher
• Different sound signature compared to BTR13, transparent and uncolored with various DAC filter to choose from
• In terms of size, Artemis39 is bigger and thicker, and lacking a display
• Battery life is slightly lower but it does have a separate data and power type c port
• Having used both and swapping around for A/B test, both are good in their own way, not to mention the sound signature is also different as well, in terms of pricing, Artemis39 is priced higher featuring a better build quality but at the same time, also lacking certain feature such as app support
• Ultimately, it depends on your use case as well as preference and budget of course

Final Thoughts
Having tested and used the BTR13 for a week plus daily driving it,BTR13 definitely has what it takes to make the statement in the fast moving market with various competition. BTR13 is a very versatile product and I find the use case is very suitable for portable users and also those who are always on the go but doesn’t want to lug along their DAP or having a dongle dangling out from the phone.It can also be used for meeting as it does have a built in microphone.
The power output is definitely sufficient for most IEMs out there and also headphones that aren’t overly power hungry (Tested with the headphones which I owned,FT1, FT3, Aune AR5000) In terms of sound, it is slightly colored and the note weights aren’t thin,I personally enjoyed it and find it rather easy to pair with most transducers. All in all, the BTR13 is a complete package with convenience as well as good sound quality and costing only 64$ which is a huge win. Recommended!
*A big thanks to Fiio for sending this over for the purpose of this review. I thank them for their support as always

Head over to their official Store if you are interested in getting one:
Fiio BTR13 Official Store Link - Non Affiliated
Fiio BTR13 Product Page

Disclaimer: FiiO provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Introduction​

FiiO BTR13 ($64) is the newest entry to the ever-popular BTR series of Bluetooth headphone amps from FiiO. For positioning, this is the direct replacement of the BTR3K, updating it to match their more recent releases like BTR15 and BTR7.

When I checked my purchase history, I realized that I indeed have owned almost all of FiiO’s BTR lineup (to my surprise). Most of them have been sold/given away, but none of them failed when I was using it.

• BTR1 (owned, sold)
• BTR1K (skipped)
• BTR3 (owned, sold)
• BTR3K (skipped)
• BTR5 (owned, sold)
• BTR5 2021 (skipped)
• BTR7 (owned, sold)
• BTR15 (currently using)
• BTR13 (this one)

I guess I’m in a good position to evaluate this newest entry in the BTR family.

So, how does the BTR13 fare? Let’s find out!

Packaging & Build​

For an entry-level product, the packaging is pretty simple. Inside the pretty small and thin box, there are the BTR13 unit, a USB C-to-C cable, a lanyard, warranty card, and a user manual. Perfectly serviceable for the price and its intended usage.

The BTR13 unit itself is made of plastic and a front glass, contributing to the extremely light weight of just 28.6 grams. There is a 0.96-inch IPS LCD color screen in front for operating the unit without any apps, which is very convenient. However, the choice of using LCD here made it a bit hard to operate outside under natural sunlight. I personally prefer the OLED monochrome screen of the BTR15, but it’s just a small nitpick. The built-in clip made a return from BTR1 and BTR3 days, which I really appreciated. One of the most favourite things to do with this clip is to improvise a lanyard using the earphone cable (not really recommended for expensive cables, do it at your own risk, or you can just use the included lanyard instead).




I also remember that the old BTR3 has a multicoloured silicone case that can accommodate the built-in clip. At the time of writing, there is no such case, which is a shame. I really like having some protection on the BTR13.

Specifications and I/O​

DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
USB/Bluetooth Decoding: QCC5125 (AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/LDAC)
Sampling Rate: up to 16-bit/96kHz PCM
Ports: USB Type C, 3.5mm single-ended (CTIA-compatible), 4.4mm balanced

Single-ended headphone output power (3.5mm):
L+R≥120mW+120mW (16Ω, THD+N＜1%)
L+R≥100mW+100mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%)
L+R≥10mW +10mW (300Ω, THD+N＜1%)

Balanced headphone output (4.4mm):
L+R≥130mW+130mW (16Ω, THD+N＜1%)
L+R≥220mW+220mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%)
L+R≥55mW+55mW (300Ω, THD+N＜1%)

Click to expand...

Looking at the numbers, the BTR13 is quite unremarkable. Based on FiiO’s own publication materials, the BTR13 is using the built-in headphone amplifier module inside the CS43131, which explains the pretty standard specifications matching most entry-level dongles with dual CS43131. Also, with the QCC5125 handling both Bluetooth and USB input, the PCM sampling rate is limited to 16-bit/96kHz, which should be enough for most cases, unless you are using extreme upsampling or very hi-res files. For the usage scenarios that BTR13 is intended for, I don’t see any issues personally.

Sound Impression​

Gears used: 64 Audio U18S, 64 Audio U4S, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2, Tangzu Fudu, Moondrop DUSK, FiiO FT1, Hifiman Deva Pro, Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro 250ohm (balanced mod)
Music Sources: Youtube Music, Tidal, local lossless files

Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary.

I personally listen mostly to pop, jazz, some rock, and very limited metal.

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As stated above, since BTR13 is using the built-in headphone amp in CS43131, the sound signature is pretty standard Cirrus Logic fare: slightly warm with some upper mids emphasis. FiiO did a great job supplying power and clock to the two chips, maintaining a relatively clean output with decent dynamics even on harder loads like a planar headphone or higher impedance headphones.



The sound is relatively consistent between Bluetooth and USB, owing to the fact that the same QCC5125 handled both inputs. I struggle to find any difference between LDAC Bluetooth and USB input with BTR13.

Ultimately, BTR13 is aimed towards IEM usage, and it performs very well with most IEMs in my collection, even the TOTL ones.

Usage Impressions as Everyday Carry​

I have to say, I am extremely pleased with the BTR13 for my daily usage. Usually I use my Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for my daily commute and non-music listening. For a week, I have been using BTR13 and I have to say that I missed this Bluetooth dongle experience.

First of all, having a continuous 8-hour battery life is quite rare in the TWS world, as most have to have a short recharge in the carrying case after around 4-5 hours. I also did not really miss out the ANC as most IEMs actually isolates pretty well. The sound quality is also much more enjoyable when I’m using my better IEMs. Also, I kinda miss that whenever I need to take off one side, I can just let it dangle to the side. Whereas with TWS, I need to hastily pocket it or stash it somewhere and risk mistakenly activating the touch controls.

I tried running the BTR13 fully from full battery to completely flat using Tangzu Fudu on high gain balanced on Bluetooth. It took about 8.5 hours for the battery to completely run out. I guess I could be getting longer battery life with lower volume settings and running low gain single-ended. It does have a charging limit function, so you can also opt to stop charging at 80% if you intend to use it primarily as dongle to preserve the lifetime of the battery.

Speaking about controls, having the screen on the unit itself is very convenient. Other than editing custom EQ profiles, everything can be adjusted directly on the screen. After loading the DSP EQ profile for my DUSK, I can just abandon its DSP cable and use the BTR13 full time. The only downside is the poor visibility of the dim LCD screen in the broad daylight, but I don’t think I have to see the screen very often anyway.

Charging is relatively fast. For full charge, it usually takes about 1.5 hours, but for a quick top up, it usually gets to about 50% in about 30 minutes. To extend the usage time, sometimes I used the Phone Mode, where it uses USB input for audio, but still self-powered with its internal battery. That prevents the BTR13 from drawing power from the phone, so it also helps with the phone battery life as well.



One small issue I faced is when I tried to adjust the EQ while I am on the USB mode. It seems like the app is having some difficulty detecting the BTR13 while in USB mode and might cause the Bluetooth pairing records to be cleared. I just avoid doing that and do my EQ settings while on Bluetooth instead. Hopefully future updates will fix this situation. There is also an experimental web interface for the PEQ here, but it seems that it needs more work. That said, I am very happy to see that FiiO keeps trying to improve its existing line of devices with better user experience.

Overall, there is no complaint about the BTR13 usage normally, and it performs excellently for what it is needed for.

Select Comparison​

FiiO BTR15 ($109):
Sound quality-wise, BTR15 is a clear winner. With a better and separate amp section, BTR15 has more refined driver control and overall better technicalities. Resolution and layering are better with BTR15, but not far when on Bluetooth and IEMs. The difference is only widened when trying on a more demanding load, like lower sensitivity IEMs and headphones, that’s when the BTR15’s higher power would start to distance itself from BTR13. However, in daily usage with most of my IEMs (and even light headphones), BTR13 is perfectly sufficient.

TimeEar BTE-8 (about $50):
This is a lesser known brand that’s not really widely available in the global market, but TimeEar has been making some pretty decent Bluetooth dongles recently. I have their newest BTE-8, which has a pretty similar configuration as the BTR13. I think performance-wise, they are both on similar level as well as similar features (app-based EQ, supported BT codecs, etc.). However, FiiO’s more mature app ecosystem (available officially in Play Store/App Store), better UI (LCD screen on the unit, better-looking app), and smaller footprint put BTR13 ahead. BTE-8 has a metal chassis with slightly more powerful output, but in my daily usage, BTR13 is more convenient.

Moondrop Dawn Pro ($50):
For comparison of just performance as a USB C dongle, I would say that Dawn Pro has a very close sound signature to the BTR13. Not a surprise since the Dawn Pro is also using the internal CS43131 headphone amplifier. However, the power is higher with BTR13 at least on paper. In practice, both have plenty of headroom for IEMs, but with heavier loads like headphones, the BTR13 starts to pull away from Dawn Pro. BTR13, even as pure dongle, is an overall better package in function and performance.

Conclusion​

If you are looking for a no-frills, everyday carry Bluetooth dongle that is convenient, sounds good, and has long battery life, BTR13 is an easy recommendation. With FiiO’s app support and great track record of maintaining their devices with firmware and software updates over the months, I think it’s an excellent product for the target market they’re aiming for.

EDIT (2024/9/19):
FiiO just released a firmware update 12.4 which allowed multipoint Bluetooth connection (called 'Pair2D' in the settings). This is a hugely useful feature for myself as I have 2 different phones for work. I have changed my star rating from 4.0 to 4.5. Good job FiiO!