FiiO TT13
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FIIO TT13 Turntable
RRP: €289.99
Introduction
My very first memory of vinyl dates back to around 1981 when I was just four years old. It was on a tabletop 3-in-1 system (turntable, cassette, and radio), and I can vividly recall where it was positioned in the living room of the house I lived in at the time. I’m quite certain of my age because we moved to another house later that year. I was fascinated by that system and would often ask my Mum to put on various records, watching the vinyl spin on the platter and hearing music fill the room. I have no doubt that my love for music and technology began in those moments!
Fast forward to 1994, and I purchased a pair of Technics SL1210 MKII turntables after falling head over heels for electronic music in the early 90s. From then on, I began building a record collection, which quickly grew to over 5,000 records… and counting, albeit more slowly in recent years! The 1210s became my ticket to sharing my music passion, whether it was at parties, pirate radio stations, or venues… and indeed countless hours of spinning records in my bedroom. The SL1210s, built like tanks, travelled to many a party in the ‘90s and remain functional to this day, an enduring testament to Japanese engineering of the time.
Now, as 30 years have passed, and it’s 2024… well, 2025 now as I type - but I received the FIIO TT13 in late 2024, three decades after buying my trusty 1210s (one of which is still my go-to for playing records, though I retired my DJ shoes long ago!). Reading through the features of the TT13, I couldn't help but marvel at how much technology has evolved since 1994. Back then, a turntable was purely an analogue affair—no frills, just vinyl, cables, and amplifiers. The idea of wireless streaming, let alone aptX HD, would have been pure science fiction when my 1210s rolled off the Technics production line.
Bluetooth of course wasn’t even a thing in 1994… it didn’t officially exist until five years later. Fast forward to today, and here I am with the TT13, a turntable that still spins the same physical vinyl records but can also stream music wirelessly in high resolution. It’s incredible how this timeless format has embraced the future while staying true to its analogue roots. I actually received the BTR17 from FIIO around the same time, and it has been wonderful to play vinyl while sitting at the other side of the room, and whatever set of IEMs I happen to feel inclined to listen to… I know, one could argue why not just hook up my DAP?! – I like and indeed still love the experience of vinyl, as I do CD – the focus of flicking through my collection and choosing an album – I find I listen in a more dedicated way from start to finish, where with digital I can be more inclined to change my mind a few tracks in occasionally - and of course to get those few clicks and pops...
Anyway, I would like to thank FIIO for sending me the TT13 for review and as always, there is no input from them as to the content that follows.
Unboxing
The TT13 is relatively heavy at almost 4kg and naturally because of its physical size, comes in a rather large box. Unlike a DAP or IEMs, I don’t think there is a whole lot to say really on the unboxing – it is what is, the turntable is packed well, and a quick and easy affair to extract from the box...
Parts List
The TT13 is very easy to set up, and I was up and running in just a few short minutes. However, I must note a mistake I made during setup… and one to be cautious of. The supplied RCA cable includes a ground wire, and out of habit, I connected this along with the RCA cable to the phono input on my amplifier (Audiolab 6000A). What I was forgetting at the time is that the TT13 has a built-in phono stage, which means the signal is already amplified. When I innocently switched on the amplifier and, with great excitement, hit the start button on the TT13, the needle landed, and I was greeted with an almighty blast of noise! The pre-amplified signal from the TT13 was being processed again by the amp’s phono stage, causing distortion. I quickly powered everything off, reconnected the TT13 to the AUX input instead of the phono input, and everything worked perfectly after that… a nervous moment though wondering whether I might have blown a speaker, thankfully not. This step may not be applicable for those of you choosing to connect to active wireless speakers and not directly into an amplifier.
It would be interesting to know if you can choose to bypass the built-in phono stage, and use an external such as within my 6000A - the RCA out from the TT13 does also have a ground terminal, which is what led to my error above - in seeing one, I defaulted to inputting to the phono stage.
In the photo below, the inputs to the far right are where my 1210 is currently connected, along with the grounding terminal. The TT13 in a nearby AUX input.
Another step worth mentioning because it’s not detailed in the quick start guide is attaching the rubber belt to the turntable’s drive pulley mechanism. This step is crucial, as the belt connects the motor to the platter, enabling it to spin. To do this, you simply loop the belt around the inner rim of the platter and stretch it over the small pulley on the motor. It’s a straightforward process, but an important one to note as this might be some users first experience of a turntable, let alone a belt-driven turntable as is the case for me (the Technics use a direct-drive motor instead of belts). It would be useful actually if FIIO had a sticker postioned at this point to note the step.
Features
The FIIO TT13 is a wonderful mix of old and new, designed to make vinyl playback effortless and with the addition of modern conveniences. Take the fully automatic tonearm for example - with a press of a button, the tonearm lifts, moves to the record’s start, and begins playing – simple! Press the stop button, and it returns to its resting position. The tonearm feels of good quality, in keeping with the rest of the unit – I’ve experienced very flimsy tonearms while working in consumer electronics, and thankfully not the case here. I think the best way to get across how the tonearm works, is by way of a short video as per below - unfortunately the sound might be blocked depending on your location, as the music copyright kicked in!
The TT13 has a built-in phono preamp, eliminating the need for a separate preamp – and indeed potentially facing the mishap that occurred for me on setup! You can plug directly into active speakers or an amp, providing flexibility and simplicity of use… or indeed leverage the Bluetooth and stream directly to active speakers.
As already noted, the build quality of the TT13 is excellent. Its all-aluminium alloy build is designed to a premium finish, not just for aesthetics but also for practical benefits like shielding against interference. The nearly 4kg chassis and shock-absorbing feet ensure excellent stability and vibration resistance, which translates to consistent, high-quality playback. It feels chunky and robust, even coming from my significantly heavier 1210s, which for context weighs in at a hefty 12.5 kg… over three times the weight of the FIIO TT13… the Technics however were designed like tanks, and a very different use-case.
There are seven lighting colours to choose from and adjustable brightness, allowing you to match the lighting to your mood or turn it off completely. On the Bluetooth version (I believe there is an option for both), you can adjust the lights with the included remote control. I must say I like the dim blue lighting effect when listening to music with only say a lamp on otherwise in the room, it makes for a very relaxing experience, especially with a well-chosen ambient album!
There is support for a variety of Bluetooth codecs to include aptX HD and I found it very easy to pair directly with a device such as FIIO’s own BTR17 that I mentioned in the introduction, a wonderful dongle and the subject of an upcoming review.
The TT13 naturally supports both 7” and 12” records, and dual-speed switch for 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback. The supplied cartridge (Audio-Technica AT3600LA) is easy to maintain and also easy to replace, a quick Google yielded numerous stockists online, and at an average price of around $25.
It should probably go without saying as clear from the pictures, but I will note none-the-less that the TT13 comes supplied with a dustcover, ensuring it does exactly what the name suggests – and I can assure you dust does indeed collect on the lid, as I have experienced over the years with the Technics. In addition, it keeps somewhat delicate parts such as the tonearm, stylus etc out of harms way... especially if you have young children!
Finally, there is a remote control which I must admit I've not actually used yet! It however allows some basic functions such as power on/off, start and stop, lighting adjustment etc.
Listening Impressions
I’ve had the TT13 for just over a month now, and had the pleasure of many listening sessions during that time – some of which even while sat at my desk working from home, choosing a suitable relaxed album to help me trundle through some boring admin work… anything more mentally taxing means I can’t listen to any music unfortunately, as my brain struggles to do both!
An immediate observation and this is perhaps due to the built-in phono stage – I had to increase the volume on my amplifier significantly versus the 1210s – there was plenty of headroom on the amp to allow me do this, but worth pointing out – and indeed for anyone with the technical knowledge reading, it would be interesting to hear your perspective here as to why this might be.
Playing through the Audiolab 6000a, and on into my Wharfedale Linton Heritage, the sound is very refined, articlate, and engaging – I’m not going to delve into various elements of FR as that is really down to other elements in the chain, but as a vinyl source and the first step in this audio chain, the TT13 certainly did what it is supposed to do.
Going back to the aforementioned BTR17 dongle, I have loved the ability here to stream vinyl from across the room and listen to whatever IEM took my fancy while sat at my desk! I know feature like this has existed for quite a while, but I think the simplicity of setup, and the fact I’m coming from over 3 decades of simply playing vinyl on old (but legendary) turntables just provided an extra layer of excitement and indeed wonder into the mix! Yes I need to get up and turn the record to the other side, but still, a minor inconvenience and not really one FIIO can solve!
In an A/B of the 1210s, there is an audible difference – not limited to the volume I mentioned previously. This may come down to preferences, and I must admit it is hard to fully articulate, but the 1210s sound more ‘analogue’ compared to the TT13, there is a deeper, richer, more full-bodied sound where in comparison the TT13 sound possibly a bit more like a CD – you’ve of course still got the ‘crackles and pops’ where they exist on the record, but the overall playback just sounds I guess more pristine.
Conclusion
The FIIO TT13 is a wonderful turntable that perfectly bridges the gap between analogue nostalgia and digital modern convenience. For someone like me who grew up in the golden age of vinyl (maybe the later stages
) and has relied on legendary direct-drive models like the Technics SL1210 MKII, the TT13 offers a refreshing perspective on how technology has evolved in those 30 odd years… I would love to be able to show my 19-year old self back in the mid-90s a feature like the streaming capability – although I’m not sure he would have cared too much, and just got back to mixing records!
While it doesn’t have the sheer heft/built like a tank or analogue richness of a 1210, the TT13 delivers clean, articulate playback and a polished design that feels robust yet accessible. The customizable lighting adds a modern aesthetic touch, and the convenience of wireless streaming, something I couldn’t have dreamed of back in 1994 is a joy to experience.
Whether you're playing your cherished record collection or diving into vinyl for the first time, the TT13 brings something special to the table in my experience, and for what I consider a very reasonable asking price. A fine achievement from FIIO that has reminded me why I still love vinyl, even 30 years on… and indeed eager to see where FIIO take this next – as noted, I’m not expecting them to figure out the flipping of the records
RRP: €289.99
Introduction
My very first memory of vinyl dates back to around 1981 when I was just four years old. It was on a tabletop 3-in-1 system (turntable, cassette, and radio), and I can vividly recall where it was positioned in the living room of the house I lived in at the time. I’m quite certain of my age because we moved to another house later that year. I was fascinated by that system and would often ask my Mum to put on various records, watching the vinyl spin on the platter and hearing music fill the room. I have no doubt that my love for music and technology began in those moments!
Fast forward to 1994, and I purchased a pair of Technics SL1210 MKII turntables after falling head over heels for electronic music in the early 90s. From then on, I began building a record collection, which quickly grew to over 5,000 records… and counting, albeit more slowly in recent years! The 1210s became my ticket to sharing my music passion, whether it was at parties, pirate radio stations, or venues… and indeed countless hours of spinning records in my bedroom. The SL1210s, built like tanks, travelled to many a party in the ‘90s and remain functional to this day, an enduring testament to Japanese engineering of the time.
Now, as 30 years have passed, and it’s 2024… well, 2025 now as I type - but I received the FIIO TT13 in late 2024, three decades after buying my trusty 1210s (one of which is still my go-to for playing records, though I retired my DJ shoes long ago!). Reading through the features of the TT13, I couldn't help but marvel at how much technology has evolved since 1994. Back then, a turntable was purely an analogue affair—no frills, just vinyl, cables, and amplifiers. The idea of wireless streaming, let alone aptX HD, would have been pure science fiction when my 1210s rolled off the Technics production line.
Bluetooth of course wasn’t even a thing in 1994… it didn’t officially exist until five years later. Fast forward to today, and here I am with the TT13, a turntable that still spins the same physical vinyl records but can also stream music wirelessly in high resolution. It’s incredible how this timeless format has embraced the future while staying true to its analogue roots. I actually received the BTR17 from FIIO around the same time, and it has been wonderful to play vinyl while sitting at the other side of the room, and whatever set of IEMs I happen to feel inclined to listen to… I know, one could argue why not just hook up my DAP?! – I like and indeed still love the experience of vinyl, as I do CD – the focus of flicking through my collection and choosing an album – I find I listen in a more dedicated way from start to finish, where with digital I can be more inclined to change my mind a few tracks in occasionally - and of course to get those few clicks and pops...
Anyway, I would like to thank FIIO for sending me the TT13 for review and as always, there is no input from them as to the content that follows.
About Me…
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).
My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.
While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.
I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears—rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly "bad" IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit—things that can detract from the overall experience.
I worked in the consumer electronics industry for a large part of my career and have been passionate about music and technology for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would ask my mum to put records on the turntable (Abba, Supertramp, and Planxty if anyone is curious).
My music preferences are very varied—anything from classical to techno, indie rock to jazz, and everything in between. In my early teens, I was a big fan of bands like The Cure and The Smiths (still am all these years later). I was bitten by the dance music bug in the early 90s, becoming passionate about genres like techno, house, trance, and IDM. I amassed a huge collection of records and CDs, DJing at various parties and occasional pirate radio station slots. Although it remained a hobby, I still own thousands of records, and my trusty Technics 1210 turntables are still going strong 30 years later—a testament to Japanese engineering!
I am not a professional reviewer, just an enthusiast who loves music and the devices we use to listen to it. Over the last few years, I have become obsessed with IEMs and related gear. I've bought and sold many, and kept a select few—ranging from the $20 Moondrop Chu to kilobuck sets like the Aroma Jewel, Oriolus' infamous 'Traillii,' UM Mentor, and various beloved single DDs. Through this exploration, I like to share my thoughts with the Head-Fi community, hoping they might be useful to others. However, remember that this is a highly subjective hobby, and your mileage may vary.
While I've been fortunate to own and try a variety of the TOTL sets on the market, I honestly enjoy lower-priced sets as much - especially as the gap continues to close, many much cheaper sets now offering significant value and further driving diminishing returns.
I’ll admit I do suffer from happy ears—rarely do I find an IEM that I genuinely dislike. At this stage, there are very few truly "bad" IEMs; it all comes down to individual preferences. Since I listen to such a wide variety of genres, I almost always find synergy with some part of my library. Where I tend to deduct marks is in areas like value for money, poor accessories, or an uncomfortable fit—things that can detract from the overall experience.
Unboxing
The TT13 is relatively heavy at almost 4kg and naturally because of its physical size, comes in a rather large box. Unlike a DAP or IEMs, I don’t think there is a whole lot to say really on the unboxing – it is what is, the turntable is packed well, and a quick and easy affair to extract from the box...
Parts List
- Cast aluminium turntable
- Platter mat*1, Power cord
- RCA audio cable (including ground wire)
- Custom infrared remote control
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
- 7-inch large hole 45 RPM record adapter
- Power input: AC 100-240V~50/60Hz; DC 12V/≥1A
- Headphone amplifier: JRC5532*2
- Line output: L+R≥800mV+800mV (1kHz/0dB signal disc)
- Bluetooth transmission support: SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX HD
- Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT3600LA
- Tonearm material: Brass + surface-sprayed paint
- Counterweight material: Surface anodized aluminium alloy; the white model undergoes electrophoresis
- Speed: Supports 33-1/3RPM and 45RPM
- Wow and flutter: ≤0.15% WRMS (33-1/3RPM)@3kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥75dB (A-weighted)
- Dimensions: About 450*350*114mm
- Weight: About 3850g
The TT13 is very easy to set up, and I was up and running in just a few short minutes. However, I must note a mistake I made during setup… and one to be cautious of. The supplied RCA cable includes a ground wire, and out of habit, I connected this along with the RCA cable to the phono input on my amplifier (Audiolab 6000A). What I was forgetting at the time is that the TT13 has a built-in phono stage, which means the signal is already amplified. When I innocently switched on the amplifier and, with great excitement, hit the start button on the TT13, the needle landed, and I was greeted with an almighty blast of noise! The pre-amplified signal from the TT13 was being processed again by the amp’s phono stage, causing distortion. I quickly powered everything off, reconnected the TT13 to the AUX input instead of the phono input, and everything worked perfectly after that… a nervous moment though wondering whether I might have blown a speaker, thankfully not. This step may not be applicable for those of you choosing to connect to active wireless speakers and not directly into an amplifier.
It would be interesting to know if you can choose to bypass the built-in phono stage, and use an external such as within my 6000A - the RCA out from the TT13 does also have a ground terminal, which is what led to my error above - in seeing one, I defaulted to inputting to the phono stage.
In the photo below, the inputs to the far right are where my 1210 is currently connected, along with the grounding terminal. The TT13 in a nearby AUX input.
Another step worth mentioning because it’s not detailed in the quick start guide is attaching the rubber belt to the turntable’s drive pulley mechanism. This step is crucial, as the belt connects the motor to the platter, enabling it to spin. To do this, you simply loop the belt around the inner rim of the platter and stretch it over the small pulley on the motor. It’s a straightforward process, but an important one to note as this might be some users first experience of a turntable, let alone a belt-driven turntable as is the case for me (the Technics use a direct-drive motor instead of belts). It would be useful actually if FIIO had a sticker postioned at this point to note the step.
Features
The FIIO TT13 is a wonderful mix of old and new, designed to make vinyl playback effortless and with the addition of modern conveniences. Take the fully automatic tonearm for example - with a press of a button, the tonearm lifts, moves to the record’s start, and begins playing – simple! Press the stop button, and it returns to its resting position. The tonearm feels of good quality, in keeping with the rest of the unit – I’ve experienced very flimsy tonearms while working in consumer electronics, and thankfully not the case here. I think the best way to get across how the tonearm works, is by way of a short video as per below - unfortunately the sound might be blocked depending on your location, as the music copyright kicked in!
The TT13 has a built-in phono preamp, eliminating the need for a separate preamp – and indeed potentially facing the mishap that occurred for me on setup! You can plug directly into active speakers or an amp, providing flexibility and simplicity of use… or indeed leverage the Bluetooth and stream directly to active speakers.
As already noted, the build quality of the TT13 is excellent. Its all-aluminium alloy build is designed to a premium finish, not just for aesthetics but also for practical benefits like shielding against interference. The nearly 4kg chassis and shock-absorbing feet ensure excellent stability and vibration resistance, which translates to consistent, high-quality playback. It feels chunky and robust, even coming from my significantly heavier 1210s, which for context weighs in at a hefty 12.5 kg… over three times the weight of the FIIO TT13… the Technics however were designed like tanks, and a very different use-case.
There are seven lighting colours to choose from and adjustable brightness, allowing you to match the lighting to your mood or turn it off completely. On the Bluetooth version (I believe there is an option for both), you can adjust the lights with the included remote control. I must say I like the dim blue lighting effect when listening to music with only say a lamp on otherwise in the room, it makes for a very relaxing experience, especially with a well-chosen ambient album!
There is support for a variety of Bluetooth codecs to include aptX HD and I found it very easy to pair directly with a device such as FIIO’s own BTR17 that I mentioned in the introduction, a wonderful dongle and the subject of an upcoming review.
The TT13 naturally supports both 7” and 12” records, and dual-speed switch for 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback. The supplied cartridge (Audio-Technica AT3600LA) is easy to maintain and also easy to replace, a quick Google yielded numerous stockists online, and at an average price of around $25.
It should probably go without saying as clear from the pictures, but I will note none-the-less that the TT13 comes supplied with a dustcover, ensuring it does exactly what the name suggests – and I can assure you dust does indeed collect on the lid, as I have experienced over the years with the Technics. In addition, it keeps somewhat delicate parts such as the tonearm, stylus etc out of harms way... especially if you have young children!
Finally, there is a remote control which I must admit I've not actually used yet! It however allows some basic functions such as power on/off, start and stop, lighting adjustment etc.
Listening Impressions
I’ve had the TT13 for just over a month now, and had the pleasure of many listening sessions during that time – some of which even while sat at my desk working from home, choosing a suitable relaxed album to help me trundle through some boring admin work… anything more mentally taxing means I can’t listen to any music unfortunately, as my brain struggles to do both!
An immediate observation and this is perhaps due to the built-in phono stage – I had to increase the volume on my amplifier significantly versus the 1210s – there was plenty of headroom on the amp to allow me do this, but worth pointing out – and indeed for anyone with the technical knowledge reading, it would be interesting to hear your perspective here as to why this might be.
Playing through the Audiolab 6000a, and on into my Wharfedale Linton Heritage, the sound is very refined, articlate, and engaging – I’m not going to delve into various elements of FR as that is really down to other elements in the chain, but as a vinyl source and the first step in this audio chain, the TT13 certainly did what it is supposed to do.
Going back to the aforementioned BTR17 dongle, I have loved the ability here to stream vinyl from across the room and listen to whatever IEM took my fancy while sat at my desk! I know feature like this has existed for quite a while, but I think the simplicity of setup, and the fact I’m coming from over 3 decades of simply playing vinyl on old (but legendary) turntables just provided an extra layer of excitement and indeed wonder into the mix! Yes I need to get up and turn the record to the other side, but still, a minor inconvenience and not really one FIIO can solve!
In an A/B of the 1210s, there is an audible difference – not limited to the volume I mentioned previously. This may come down to preferences, and I must admit it is hard to fully articulate, but the 1210s sound more ‘analogue’ compared to the TT13, there is a deeper, richer, more full-bodied sound where in comparison the TT13 sound possibly a bit more like a CD – you’ve of course still got the ‘crackles and pops’ where they exist on the record, but the overall playback just sounds I guess more pristine.
Conclusion
The FIIO TT13 is a wonderful turntable that perfectly bridges the gap between analogue nostalgia and digital modern convenience. For someone like me who grew up in the golden age of vinyl (maybe the later stages
) and has relied on legendary direct-drive models like the Technics SL1210 MKII, the TT13 offers a refreshing perspective on how technology has evolved in those 30 odd years… I would love to be able to show my 19-year old self back in the mid-90s a feature like the streaming capability – although I’m not sure he would have cared too much, and just got back to mixing records!While it doesn’t have the sheer heft/built like a tank or analogue richness of a 1210, the TT13 delivers clean, articulate playback and a polished design that feels robust yet accessible. The customizable lighting adds a modern aesthetic touch, and the convenience of wireless streaming, something I couldn’t have dreamed of back in 1994 is a joy to experience.
Whether you're playing your cherished record collection or diving into vinyl for the first time, the TT13 brings something special to the table in my experience, and for what I consider a very reasonable asking price. A fine achievement from FIIO that has reminded me why I still love vinyl, even 30 years on… and indeed eager to see where FIIO take this next – as noted, I’m not expecting them to figure out the flipping of the records
A fully automatic turntable for ‘digital’ generation
The FiiO TT13 is FiiO’s first entry into the vinyl market, bringing a fully automatic belt-drive turntable that blends classic analog playback with the convenience of a remote control, 2 different colours and optionally bluetooth support. This is the first turntable I was happy to let my kids use, and they loved it as did my wife who decided to actually put on some vinyl for the first time in 20 years:
Priced very pragmatically at $239 it is super convenient, so much so it made me feel it was not for a typical ’turntable audiophiles’:
But it is still a budget turntable and there are a few things that I think could have improved even at this budget price which I will highlight in this review.
Note: I would like to thank FiiO for providing the TT13 for the purposes of this review - if you are interested in more information about the TT13 check it the details: here
So lets get into what you receive with the TT13 and how you set it up and see is it the right turntable for you.
Unboxing Experience and Setup experience
The FiiO TT13 arrives nice box:
With some minimal information on the back:
Opening the box you get the platter is in the white box:
Removing all the accessories and bits needed to assemble the TT13:
There is also a simple 45 converter should you need one for your old ‘singles’:
The dusk cover is covered with a protective film:
The Platter itself has a nice weight and feel of quality:
You can see the “white tab” sticking out from underneath the platter and the belt pre-installed to make assembly relatively easy.
Note: So, I immediately dived into the manual next to make sure I had everything needed, but I was surprised that there wasn’t a proper setup guide. I did provide some feedback to FiiO about this so they may have provided some extra information about how to assemble everything.
Now that everything is out - lets get it setup:
Assembling the turntable
First the cartridge and stylus are well protected but the protection needs to be removed - there is a removalbe sticker indicating what to do:
The cartridge is a good ( but entry level) Audio Technica AT3600LA typically found in similar priced Audio Technica turnables (and many other sub $500 turntables). Because this is a very common cartridge it is possible to easily upgrade the stylus and many companies provide those upgrades, so I think it was an excellent choice especially at this price:
And the tonearm and weight also has a sticker indicating what to do:
The material used in the TT13 is very high quality and I have no complaints about the build quality:
The trickiest part of assembling the TT13 (and it’s not that difficult) is putting the platter in place and then pulling that “white tab”, I mentioned easier, with belt around the motor.
Here is the belt correctly in place around the motor:
Finally putting the matt on the platter we are almost ready:
Build Quality and Features
The overall build quality is very impressive, with a sturdy aluminum plinth and tonearm that make it feel premium and durable. The aluminum plinth, platter, and tonearm will according to FiiO enhance the stability and anti-vibration performance compared to more plastic designs, and it certainly feels far more premium than my Audio Technica turntable or even my previous Dual turntable which cost about 3 times the price.Connections on the back
FiiO have a nice neat solution for grounding the turntable as the supplied RCA cable with an extra black lead:
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So finally here is a little video of it playing:
Final Setup (for now)
So once it was set up and working I decided to figure out where to put it, initially I had it on show:
But I decided to put it in the cabinet after a few days - making use of the nice lights:
My cat was also very interested in it and watched the turntable going around for a few minutes:
Features
Balance tuning dial
There is the external balance adjustment dial on the back (on the left of the photo above) that allows users to tweak left and right channel output for a balanced sound.Alternative Power Supply
The dual power supply provide some nice upgrade for possibilities of interference from the power supply. I used the provided power, but I may upgrade in the next few months.Built in Preamp
The built-in phono stage outputs at a line level of up to 800mV, making it compatible with most active speakers and amplifiers.Note: Another minor issue with the TT13 is the lack of support for an external preamp. I imagine this is a feature that FiiO will save for their next turntable but while subjectively I thought the sound of the built-in preamp was excellent I would have like the upgrade option of an external preamp.
Buttons and Fully Automatic playback
The front panel features six large buttons that allow easy control over power, playback, speed, and pairing functions. The fully automatic operation includes start, stop, and repeat functions, making it simple to play and re-play records without handling the tonearm.Remote Control
The inclusion of a remote control is a nice touch at this price, adding to the convenience of operating the turntable from a distance, the brightness button can be used to turn off the lights if required:
I liked the simplicity of the remote e.g. pressing the power off while the turntable was playing it will immediately return the tonearm before actually switching off the TT13.
Fully Automatic Operation
The fully automatic mechanism simplifies playback, allowing the tonearm to automatically cue, lift, and return at the press of a button. It also supports a loop playback function, ideal for parties or when listening to long playlists.Bluetooth support
One of the TT13’s nice convenient features is its aptX HD Bluetooth support, which allows streaming to compatible wireless speakers and headphones in high-definition quality. This feature supports aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, and SBC formats, ensuring a wide range of compatible devices.Pairing was a little tricky - you need to make sure there is only one bluetooth waiting to be paired and then press the pairing button on the front for a few seconds and wait for the lights on the TT13 to start flashing and then bring your bluetooth speaker near the TT13, I used a Soundcore Motion X600, and it worked very well once paired.
Bluetooth Audio Quality
The Bluetooth streaming capabilties on the TT13 is impressive, particularly with aptX HD-compatible devices. Although analog purists will prefer wired setups, having the option of aptX HD codec ensures that wireless audio remains high-quality, with minimal latency and good fidelity.Sound impressions
The FiiO TT13 performs well across the audio spectrum, maintaining the warmth and richness that vinyl enthusiasts crave. The turntable’s built-in MM phono stage does a good job of minimizing noise and preserves the analog character of records.Bass
The TT13’s bass response is full and rounded, with the aluminum platter providing good isolation and reducing unwanted vibrations. Tracks with deep bass lines, such as “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, sound rich and solid without overbearing the mix.Midrange
The midrange is natural and engaging, allowing vocals and instruments to come through with clarity and texture. Vocals in tracks like “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel are clear and warm, delivering a vintage tone that vinyl listeners appreciate.Treble
The treble is smooth and free from harshness, while the Audio-Technica AT3600L MM cartridge is a entry level, it still delivered a nice detailed treble, though this would be one area where I think upgrading the stylus would get more detail from the recordings.Soundstage and Imaging
The TT13’s soundstage is spacious for a turntable at this price point, with accurate imaging that positions instruments naturally across the sound field. I used the TT13 with my Denon AVR and some Kef LS50 Meta, the TT13 delivers excellent clarity. I especially loved reconnecting with my original vinyl recording of “Fleetwood Macs” “Rumours”.Comparisons
I decided to replace my Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT with the TT13 and it easily outperforms not only with the additional features like adjustable tracking weight, anti-skating, remote control and LED lighting customization. The TT13 also boasts a more robust build with its aluminum plinth and tonearm, offering better durability and improved isolation from external vibrations.Here are some comparisons photos - you can see that the TT13 is much wider:
Specifications
The specifications provided by FiiO:- Drive System: Belt-driven, fully automatic
- Bluetooth Codecs Supported: aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, SBC
- Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet (MM)
- Speed Options: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM with electronic control
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- Output Level (Line Level): 800mV@1kHz 0dB
- Construction: Aluminum alloy plinth, tonearm, and platter
- LED Lighting: Seven customizable lighting effects
- Remote Control: Infrared, supports playback and speed control
- Dust Cover: Included, removable
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 70dB
- Channel Separation: 30dB
- Output Impedance: < 0.5 ohms
Rating
The FiiO TT13 earns a 5-star pragmatic rating for its super convenient features like its Remote control, Bluetooth streaming and automatic operation. Its build quality, versatile features, and stylish design make it a compelling choice especially for beginners but also for those like myself who mainly use streaming technologies like Roon, Plex and services like Qobuz but do occasionally crave that nostalgic sound of vinyl.I would also recommend it for families where it makes a great way for the next generation to get into vinyl without needing to buy one of those horrible cheap fake retro turntables but have all the convenience that will encourage the next generation rather than put them off vinyl.
Conclusion
The FiiO TT13 Fully Automatic Bluetooth Turntable is a standout in the entry-to-mid-range turntable market, offering a unique combination of analog warmth and digital convenience. With its remote control, aptX HD Bluetooth streaming, automatic controls, and solid aluminum construction, the TT13 is ideal for anyone looking to get back into enjoying their vinyl collection again in a modern setting. Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector or a newcomer to analog sound, the TT13’s ease of use, impressive sound quality, and eye-catching design make it an excellent choice for any audio setup.
stuck limo
Is the cartridge upgradeable or just the stylus? @FiiO @FiiO Willson And will it work with all Audio Technica products or just certain ones?
ngoshawk
@jeromeoflaherty : According to FiiO to adjust the tracking force and anti-skate the unit would have to be opened up a bit. In my Headfonics review, I clocked the tracking force to 3.90g, which is within the tolerances of 3.5g+/-0.5g specs for the AT3600LA (sent to me by FiiO, but generally the same cartridge as other AT3600's including the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT (AT3600C) you compared, as did I). That cartridge is a workhorse and the most popular in the world.
@stuck limo: you can replace the stylus with other AT ones such as the AT91 (I thought about it, but did not, it purportedly has better clarity but can be too bright) and you can replace the cartridge, but that would require opening the unit up a bit to ensure proper tracking ans anti-skate forces. For the price (and segment) the AT3600LA is an excellent entry-level cartridge promoting a rich, warm, smooth signature.
Cheers.
@stuck limo: you can replace the stylus with other AT ones such as the AT91 (I thought about it, but did not, it purportedly has better clarity but can be too bright) and you can replace the cartridge, but that would require opening the unit up a bit to ensure proper tracking ans anti-skate forces. For the price (and segment) the AT3600LA is an excellent entry-level cartridge promoting a rich, warm, smooth signature.
Cheers.
It's a brand new design with a brand new concept, it works very well, it's very friendly to Turntable player users who are about to get started, and it's highly recommended for those who want to try a Turntable player!