The FiiO BR13 is a compact Hi-Res Bluetooth receiver designed to add wireless connectivity to any traditional amplifier or DAC, while maintaining the full quality of lossless and high-resolution audio. It succeeds FiiO's well-regarded BTA30 series and is positioned as an accessible yet genuinely capable device for music listeners who want to break free from wired sources without compromising their existing hi-fi system.
Audio Architecture
At the heart of the BR13 is a professional hi-fi audio architecture combining the Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip with an ESS ES9018K2M DAC and TPA1882 op-amp. Supporting components include five low-noise LDOs for precise voltage regulation, a 100MHz crystal oscillator, a HiFi-level mute circuit and a dedicated OVP power management chip. This architecture ensures stable, high-quality audio transmission and an exceptionally quiet noise floor of less than 5uV (A-weighted).
Bluetooth Codec Support
The BR13 supports six Bluetooth codecs including the highest-quality lossless options currently available: LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, aptX LL (low latency), and SBC. Using Bluetooth 5.2 with an external antenna, the BR13 maintains a stable connection at distances up to 30 metres. A dedicated low-latency mode allows you to switch to aptX LL priority for gaming or video streaming with reduced delay. The unit can also connect to two Bluetooth sources simultaneously, enabling seamless switching between devices such as a phone and a laptop.
Inputs and Outputs
The BR13 offers three input modes: Bluetooth receiver, USB DAC (supporting 96kHz/24bit input via UAC1.0 for plug-and-play compatibility with computers, PS5 and Nintendo Switch), and SPDIF (optical up to 96kHz/24bit and coaxial up to 192kHz/24bit). On the output side, the rear panel provides a pair of gold-plated RCA analogue outputs at 2Vrms, plus optical and coaxial digital outputs both capable of 96kHz/24bit. SPDIF Bypass mode allows simultaneous optical and coaxial inputs, removing the need to swap cables when connecting a TV or set-top box.
Upsampling and EQ
A proprietary digital upsampling function can convert lower-resolution signals up to 96kHz/24bit across all input modes, bringing the listening experience closer to master-quality audio. Seven EQ presets cover common listening styles, and two parametric EQ modes each provide 10 fully customisable bands with adjustable frequency, level and Q bandwidth values for precise sound shaping.
Design and Control
The BR13 is housed in a compact aluminium alloy body with an angled front panel carrying a custom high-contrast LCD screen displaying codec, EQ setting and volume information. Independent 60-step volume control is adjustable via front-panel buttons or the companion app. OTA firmware updates are supported, allowing future feature additions without needing to replace the unit.