FiiO DP11: Desktop CD Transport for $169.99

The FiiO DP11 was launched in mainland China today (September 16). The new FiiO desktop CD player costs less than US$200 and features AES, coaxial, and optical digital outputs. Its main highlights include a custom disc-reading mechanism, measures to reduce noise during playback, and CD-ripping functionality. A built-in DAC also allows connection to active speakers and amplifiers.

The DP11 impresses with its features and sub-US$200 price

Developed solely for CD playback, the DP11 is a desktop CD player with a wide range of features priced below US$200. It has no headphone output, but includes a built-in DAC for convenience, allowing the device to connect to active speakers and amplifiers.

FiiO improved the DP11’s disc-reading system and considerably reduced the device’s noise, enabling quiet operation. The CD player can also connect to an external DAC through its AES, optical, and coaxial outputs.

To further improve the DP11’s performance, the manufacturer equipped it with two power inputs: one that uses its internal power supply and another that allows connection to an external linear power supply. Full details of this new FiiO release are provided below.

The DP11’s custom disc-reading mechanism

FiiO equipped the DP11 with a disc-reading mechanism designed specifically for desktop devices. The manufacturer optimized the servo-control software to improve CD-reading accuracy and capability. According to the company, future updates may further enhance the capabilities of its desktop CD player.

Design measures for quiet DP11 operation

To provide the best possible experience, FiiO implemented a high-quality support structure for the DP11’s disc-reading mechanism. This design enables smooth tray opening and closing while producing very little noise during disc reading.

A wide range of outputs for connecting the DP11

To provide greater flexibility when connecting the DP11 to other audio equipment, FiiO included coaxial, optical, and AES outputs. This allows the CD player to connect to DACs even when some of their digital inputs are already occupied.

In addition to its digital outputs, the DP11 has an analog RCA output for connection to active speakers or amplifiers. This functionality is enabled by a built-in Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC.

The diagram below illustrates the available connection options for the FiiO DP11.

USB digital interface functionality

The DP11 features a USB mode to expand its connection options with computers, tablets, and smartphones. This function allows digital audio signals to be routed to the coaxial, optical, and AES outputs. Alternatively, the RCA output can transmit analog signals to an active speaker or an amplifier.

Note that the side USB port must be used to update the DP11’s firmware. The rear USB port is used exclusively for ripping CDs.

How to extract music from CDs with the FiiO DP11

CDs can be ripped using the USB-C port on the rear of the FiiO DP11. This requires a USB-C flash drive with a capacity of 32 GB or less, formatted as FAT32. Tracks are extracted in WAV format and saved directly to the flash drive as the CD is read.

Isolated digital outputs and femtosecond crystal oscillators

To improve digital signal transmission quality, the DP11 features transformer-isolated coaxial and AES outputs. Two femtosecond crystal oscillators are also used to reduce jitter [1].

[1] Jitter is the unwanted variation in the timing at which the DAC reads an audio sample. Ideally, digital audio samples should be read and converted at perfectly regular intervals.

Two power options for the DP11

When powered through its North American–standard power connection, the DP11 uses its internal switching power supply. However, the quality of the power delivered to the CD player can be improved by using the 12 V/2 A DC (direct current) input, which uses a barrel connector. FiiO offers a linear power supply called the Darkside Pro, which was launched in early 2026.

Separate power supply circuits for each DP11 section

To provide a quieter background, greater perceived detail, and better separation of sounds, each section of the DP11 has an independent power supply circuit. FiiO separated the power supplies for the CD servo mechanism, digital circuits, and analog circuits. These three sections also occupy physically separate areas on the DP11’s printed circuit board (PCB).

Infrared remote control for greater convenience

An infrared remote control is included with the FiiO DP11. This allows the CD player to be operated while seated on a sofa or in an armchair.

Metal chassis available in silver and black

The FiiO DP11 features an all-metal construction. It is available with either a silver or black chassis. The photograph below shows the DP11 in black.

Buttons and connections

The image below shows the FiiO DP11’s physical buttons and connections.

FiiO DP11: Specifications

General parameters

• CD ripping (music extraction): Supported
• Colors: Black/silver
• DAC chip: Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Dimensions: 213 × 230 × 67 mm
• Disc-reading mechanism: Custom
• Display: 3.71-inch LCD
• Main microcontroller (MCU): GigaDevice GD32F305RET6
• Operating modes: CD playback, USB DAC
• Optical pickup: Custom
• Remote control support: Compatible only with the included remote control
• SACD support: Not supported
• Volume control: None
• Weight: 1,802 g (1.8 kg)

Buttons and connections

• Analog line outputs: RCA connectors.
• Digital outputs: Coaxial (RCA), optical (standard TOSLINK), and AES (three-pin XLR).
• Physical buttons: Power on/off, open/close tray, stop playback, mode selection, playback order selection, play/pause, previous track, and next track.
• USB ports: One USB port for CD ripping and one USB port for firmware updates

Power supply

• AC: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
• DC: 12 V / ≥ 2 A

General audio parameters

• Maximum sampling rate at the AES output: Up to 192 kHz / 24 bits
• Maximum sampling rate at the coaxial output: Up to 192 kHz / 24 bits
• Maximum sampling rate at the optical output: Up to 96 kHz / 24 bits
• Maximum sampling rate in USB DAC mode: Up to 384 kHz / 32 bits; native DSD256

RCA single-ended (SE) line output (LO) parameters

• Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) – UAC: < 0.00068% (1 kHz / 0 dB, with a 10 kΩ load)
• Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) – CD: < 0.0014% (1 kHz / 0 dB, with a 10 kΩ load)
• Noise floor: < 8.1 µV (A-weighted)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 109 dB (A-weighted)
• Channel separation: ≥ 104 dB
• Dynamic range: ≥ 109 dB (A-weighted)
• Line output level: 2.2 Vrms (1 kHz, with a 10 kΩ load)
• Frequency response – UAC: 20 Hz–90 kHz; attenuation < 1.7 dB
• Frequency response – UAC: 20 Hz–20 kHz; attenuation < 0.1 dB
• Frequency response – CD: 20 Hz–20 kHz; attenuation < 1.3 dB

What is included in the FiiO DP11 box?

The FiiO DP11 package includes the following items.

1. FiiO DP11.
2. Infrared remote control.
3. USB-C to USB-C data cable.
4. Quick start guide.
5. Power cable.
6. Warranty and service card.

Release, pricing, and availability

The FiiO DP11 is now available in black and silver for 999 yuan (approximately US$148.85). The DP11 will launch internationally between late September and early October at a retail price of US$169.99.