FiiO SR11

Introduction to the FiiO SR11 Review

FiiO has some “streamer-like” products, the R7 and R9. Those are more stationary DAPs than streamers. Or are they? Where the line is exactly? The  Eversolo is also an Android-based network player. It has much better control software, so maybe this is the difference. So, that would make the reviewed FiiO SR11 not a streamer, because it’s basically an endpoint with no dedicated software. What is a streamer, what is a network player, and what is an end-point? Quo Vadis? Que pasa? Qusadilla? My head starts to spin, so let’s shift to something easier: what the SR11 actually is?

Tested FiiO SR11 is an AirPlay and Roon endpoint with digital outputs. It’s a so-called “bridge” between the streaming source (Apple product/Roon server) and your DAC. That is a very limited capability, isn’t it? Well, there is unofficial DLNA support. Why unofficial? Because it didn’t work well enough for FiiO to pass it as a feature. Which makes me happy. Why? Because they would rather admit it’s crap, rather than say it’s good and charge extra for it like iFi Audio with their Zen Stream. Secondly, it makes me happy, because for me DLNA/UPnP was always sketchy, and I never could get it to function properly. So FiiO also struggling with it makes me feel better about myself.

Like seriously, I never could get it to work. After a long wait, the reviewed FiiO SR11 is now officially Roon Ready certified. But, no Spotify Connect, nor Tidal Connect. Where does it put the SR11? It seems like a viable product for some users. Well, lucky me, I’m an Apple and Roon user. When requesting a sample I was still an Android user, oh how the tables have turned…

Packaging

Packaging is very typical for FiiO. A paper outer box with iridescent graphics and a closed-cell foam interior holds the device. Inside, you’ll find a quick start guide and an orange manual for Wi-Fi setup.

Besides that, you’ll find the streamer, the power supply – a simple 5V “charger” and the remote. By the way: isn’t it funny how we call them chargers even though those are just power supplies, and all the charging circuits are in the phone anyway? To close this paragraph in one sentence: you get what you need.

Design, Build Quality, and Setup

The device is based on the same chassis as the K11 DAC series. The outer part is made out of silver, or black aluminum, the bottom part is plastic. Considering the price, there is nothing to complain about. I would even say, that the silver version looks similar to the Mac Mini M4, even the size is pretty similar. Fit is really good. On the top, there is a backlighted logo “FiiO” which follows the gaming-like style FiiO has for its products. You can turn it off, which you’ll mark my words, when you try to sleep and the SR11 turns into a lighthouse. Ask me how I know. 

The Wi-Fi setup, well it’s slightly different than most. When you enter setup, it will create a hotspot. You connect to it and then enter the IP found in the manual through your web browser of choice, which takes you to a configuration site. There, you select a network and enter the password for it. Now it’s connected and ready to go. Perhaps a bit more steps than in competition, but nothing scary or complicated either.

Functionality

As mentioned before, there are two official ways to use the reviewed FiiO SR11: AirPlay or Roon. AirPlay is first gen. Doesn’t have the fancy functions of the AirPlay 2 like grouping, but it still might be enough as a secondary source of signal. For me, and I would expect the same for others, the main THING is Roon Ready. As you might already know, I love this program and to have an affordable end point is just amazing. I see two main options here. Either you’re not going down the rabbit hole of fancy streamers and the SR11 is your main source. Or, you use it as an additional zone/auxiliary audio system. Thanks to the coaxial and optical outputs, you can plug it straight into an old A/V receiver. With USB output, you can connect it to modern DACs. There is an unofficial DLNA-compatible firmware that you can get from FiiO’s support. Other unofficial features, that are in the works: a USB drive support and BT.  

Roon Ready

The newest firmware M239 introduced full Roon Ready certification, and the reviewed FiiO SR11 is now fully recognised as itself. Before that, the SR11 utilized M17’s certification and was seen as such by Roon. Still worked flawlessly though, I had zero issues. This is big. A reliable, rich in digital outputs, Roon Ready certified streamer that costs $99. This sole fact puts the SR11 on my recommended list. Guys, it’s $99. That’s the cost of a nice dinner with your significant other. Or a solo dinner and a couple of drinks to suppress your loneliness.  Not judging, I’ve been there. Through Roon Ready, reviewed FiiO SR11 supports files of up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD256 with the USB output. For coaxial and optical, the signal is limited to “only” 24bit/192kHz and DSD64 DoP. Still plenty if you ask me.

AirPlay

AirPlay 1 only supports the old-school Red Book format: 16bit/44,1kHz. Which is still solid. Works flawlessly with my iPhone 15 Pro and iPad Air M1. Fast to connect and stable. Nothing more to add, really.

DLNA

I have not tested it as it is not an official feature, and I despise DLNA. Just look at those four letters. It looks like something you can find on STD exam results. Sir, I am so sorry. You are DLNA positive. Yuck.

Where are Tidal and Spotify?

At this moment, it is unlikely that those functions will be added. According to FiiO’s representative, those companies started limiting access to their APIs, in turn blocking manufacturers from including features like Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect. It may change, but it’s not a promise.

The sound of the reviewed FiiO SR11

Well, as a network bridge, SR11’s influence over the sound will be very limited in most cases. Only in the more revealing systems, you’ll hear major differences. Overall, it doesn’t introduce any noticeable coloration.

Compared to my phone and PC, I noticed it sounded a bit more relaxed compared to those devices, possibly due to lower noise on the USB output. If you want to get the most quality out of this streamer, use a linear power supply to limit the output noise as much as possible. In most cases, you should hear a small improvement.

FiiO SR11 Review – Summary

FiiO SR11 is not a streamer for everyone. But if you are looking for a Roon Ready, or AirPlay 1 end-point that won’t break the bank, it’s where the gold is. What it does, it does very well. It connects fast and reliably. Delivers what is promised with zero hassle.

It’s built well and has ongoing support from the company. It’s small and can be easily hidden if need be. It has Wi-Fi, making it a very consumer-friendly option. A wide selection of digital outputs allows compatibility with not only modern DACs, but also with older equipment like various receivers. There is not much else to add.

Highly recommended.