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Hey guys, Panda here.
I wish to introduce the new FiiO E11K that will be replacing FiiO's legendary E11 Kilimanjaro.
I've had this unit for over 4 months now, and was only just today, granted permission to post images and videos of it. Without further ado, heres the new unit!
Notices:
The unit in the pictures is the pre-production unit FiiO had in works a few months ago AND IS NOT fully representive of the final product.
I am not a company represenative/affiliate of FiiO Electronics and have no monetary connection with them. I am a reviewer of technology products and put my own honest thoughts ahead of all else.













Video Unboxing:
Impressions:
-THIS IS AN EXTREMELY EARLY PRE-PRODUCTION UNIT- A new near-final unit will be arriving soon to me.
I think that the sound is better than the E11's. However do note that I last heard the E11 last year. It packs a sound similar to a mix between the E11 and E07K's in where it has the tighter and more 'neutral' sound of the E07K while still retaining the warm and fun coloration of the E11. The E07K itself isn't very neutral of course, but the E11K offers good middle ground between the 'more' cleaner sound of the E07K's with the bass and warmth of the E11.
The design is a bit weird in my opinion. I'm fine with the curved sides, but it does indeed look different from past units. I don't have a problem with changing up themes but the rest of FiiOs units have straight edges and are these beautiful polygonial shapes.
I think that the device is also a bit awkward in the usability section. The input and output situated on the bottom means that it will have to be strapped to the DAP near the bottom of the DAP so that it can connect to it easy. Or, it may have to be turned upside down if the DAP's output is on the top of the DAP unit. This, in conjunction with the mid situated analog potentiometer which is very flush with the metal will make it difficult for the user to change volume or interact with the E11K. Mainly because most DAP's are larger than the E11K.
The curved front and rear face of the E11K also makes it hard to stabilize to a unit. Because it is curved, the unit will wiggle more when you try to strap it to any flat or curved device. This can be rectified with the little rubber legs you guys often include with your units, but not everyone will, or can use those.
Conclusion: While the E11K boasts good sound and features that is legendary to its predecessor - the E11 Kilimanjaro -, it falls short on its usability attached to DAP's, and the physical build design that it uses. It is largely a somewhat clunky unit that has some kinks that need to be worked out. But despite these shortcommings, FiiO is still pushing out an agressive product thanks to its sound and relative issues with like products; most units like it have the same problems - so as not to fully discount the E11K's usability - and often times cost more. The E11K is situated in an agressive market, and this time, it features the stealth like build, and great sound at an even better price point
-THIS IS AN EXTREMELY EARLY PRE-PRODUCTION UNIT- A new near-final unit will be arriving soon to me.
This is all for now as it is
Leave your comments, thoughts, opinions etc below. My web page and Facebook page are in my signature below. Check it out, and or like my page if you wish! Thanks
I wish to introduce the new FiiO E11K that will be replacing FiiO's legendary E11 Kilimanjaro.
I've had this unit for over 4 months now, and was only just today, granted permission to post images and videos of it. Without further ado, heres the new unit!
Notices:
The unit in the pictures is the pre-production unit FiiO had in works a few months ago AND IS NOT fully representive of the final product.
I am not a company represenative/affiliate of FiiO Electronics and have no monetary connection with them. I am a reviewer of technology products and put my own honest thoughts ahead of all else.
Video Unboxing:
Impressions:
-THIS IS AN EXTREMELY EARLY PRE-PRODUCTION UNIT- A new near-final unit will be arriving soon to me.
I think that the sound is better than the E11's. However do note that I last heard the E11 last year. It packs a sound similar to a mix between the E11 and E07K's in where it has the tighter and more 'neutral' sound of the E07K while still retaining the warm and fun coloration of the E11. The E07K itself isn't very neutral of course, but the E11K offers good middle ground between the 'more' cleaner sound of the E07K's with the bass and warmth of the E11.
The design is a bit weird in my opinion. I'm fine with the curved sides, but it does indeed look different from past units. I don't have a problem with changing up themes but the rest of FiiOs units have straight edges and are these beautiful polygonial shapes.
I think that the device is also a bit awkward in the usability section. The input and output situated on the bottom means that it will have to be strapped to the DAP near the bottom of the DAP so that it can connect to it easy. Or, it may have to be turned upside down if the DAP's output is on the top of the DAP unit. This, in conjunction with the mid situated analog potentiometer which is very flush with the metal will make it difficult for the user to change volume or interact with the E11K. Mainly because most DAP's are larger than the E11K.
The curved front and rear face of the E11K also makes it hard to stabilize to a unit. Because it is curved, the unit will wiggle more when you try to strap it to any flat or curved device. This can be rectified with the little rubber legs you guys often include with your units, but not everyone will, or can use those.
Conclusion: While the E11K boasts good sound and features that is legendary to its predecessor - the E11 Kilimanjaro -, it falls short on its usability attached to DAP's, and the physical build design that it uses. It is largely a somewhat clunky unit that has some kinks that need to be worked out. But despite these shortcommings, FiiO is still pushing out an agressive product thanks to its sound and relative issues with like products; most units like it have the same problems - so as not to fully discount the E11K's usability - and often times cost more. The E11K is situated in an agressive market, and this time, it features the stealth like build, and great sound at an even better price point
-THIS IS AN EXTREMELY EARLY PRE-PRODUCTION UNIT- A new near-final unit will be arriving soon to me.
This is all for now as it is
Leave your comments, thoughts, opinions etc below. My web page and Facebook page are in my signature below. Check it out, and or like my page if you wish! Thanks