Chinese brand FiiO has launched its latest high-performance portable DAC and headphone amplifier, the QX13, which features carbon-fibre construction – the same material used in Formula 1 cars.

Priced at US$219 (A$330), the QX13 aims to deliver desktop-class audio from a dongle-sized device that weighs just 33.7g.

Its ultra-light carbon-fibre shell is paired with a 1.99-inch colour IPS display and dual USB-C ports for data and power.

Inside, the QX13 runs an ESS Sabre ES9027PRO DAC chip, an audiophile-grade component usually found in full-sized hi-fi gear.

The amplifier supports PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512, and full MQA decoding, ensuring support for all major high-resolution formats.

Power output is equally impressive with up to 900mW from the 4.4mm balanced output in Desktop Mode, which is enough to drive demanding planar magnetic headphones.

A 3.5mm jack supports both single-ended headphones and S/PDIF digital out, offering added flexibility.

Designed for users on the go, the QX13 features four INA1620 op-amps to reduce crosstalk and preserve channel integrity, plus two OPA1692 chips to maintain clean, distortion-free sound even under load.

The QX13 can be controlled via the FiiO Control app on iOS and Android, offering firmware updates, gain control, and a 10-band parametric EQ.

Available now in two finishes, carbon fibre and a titanium-gold variant, the QX13 also ships with an optional magnetic leather case that integrates with FiiO’s ‘estick’ power pack for an all-in-one portable hi-fi setup.

The QX13 makes its European debut at CanJam London on July 19.