Apos Audio FiiO DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) FiiO Warmer Desktop R2R Tube Buffer and DAC

FiiO

FiiO Warmer Desktop R2R Tube Buffer and DAC

Name: FiiO Warmer Desktop R2R Tube Buffer and DAC
Brand: FiiO
SKU: APS-1159-1
Price: 349.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (22 reviews)

$349.99 USD

Color:

Black Silver

Variant

R2R desktop DAC with JJ tube buffer

The WARMER R2R leans into tone. It’s a desktop R2R DAC with a tube buffer that adds body, color, and a relaxed kind of fullness that digital sometimes forgets. The fully-differential 24-bit resistor-array DAC sets the baseline with steady, unforced detail. Four JJ Electronic E88CC tubes bring a soft glow to the mids. Dual mechanical VU meters add a warm pulse to the room. With multiple digital and analog inputs, it works just as easily on a desk as it does in a living room system. When you want music to feel easy and inviting, this is a good way to get there.

Extensive connectivity

USB, optical, and coaxial inputs let you move between sources quickly. RCA and XLR outputs cover powered speakers, integrated amplifiers, and headphone amplifiers. Both outputs can run at the same time, which is handy if you enjoy switching between speakers and headphones during the day.

Fully-differential 24-bit R2R DAC

FIIO’s four-way fully-differential R2R design uses 192 thin-film resistors with 0.1% accuracy and low drift. It delivers the grounded, weighted presentation R2R fans look for. Instruments sit where they should. Details feel natural rather than etched. It’s a DAC that trades flash for ease.

Tube warmth with JJ Electronic E88CC valves

The tube buffer uses four JJ Electronic E88CC tubes fed by a ±28V high-voltage supply. JJ tubes are steady performers with a long service life, and here they bring a rounded, organic character to the signal. Edges soften. Vocals pick up a little more texture. If you like your music with a touch of warmth, the tubes handle that work gracefully.

LED-lit mechanical VU meters

The dual VU meters add a subtle sense of motion to your desk. They’re true mechanical meters powered by a dedicated IC, not a digital animation, so they move with a tactile kind of honesty. The warm backlight settles into the background and sets the tone for late evening listening.

Low-noise linear power supply

A 46W toroidal transformer provides clean, stable power with low ripple and low magnetic leakage. That means less noise, better channel separation, and more consistent performance from both the DAC and tube stages. The measured results back it up—≥114dB SNR and a ≤7uV noise floor.

Vintage-leaning design with solid thermals

The chassis follows FIIO’s squared, minimal desktop aesthetic, paired with a grille-pattern top plate that vents heat efficiently. The tubes stay comfortable, the internals stay stable, and you can settle into long listening without worrying about thermals.

NOS and OS modes

Two decoding modes let you shape the character of the sound. NOS mode keeps the original sample rate intact for a relaxed, effortless presentation. OS mode upsamples to 384kHz for a slightly more defined edge. It’s an easy way to fine-tune the feel of the music.

UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 compatibility

A simple lever switches between UAC1.0 and UAC2.0, which keeps the WARMER R2R friendly with consoles, computers, and mobile devices. No drivers needed. Just plug in the source you want and start playing.

Product highlights

Fully-differential 24-bit R2R resistor-array DAC
Four JJ Electronic E88CC tubes in the buffer stage
USB, optical, and coaxial digital inputs
RCA and XLR line outputs with simultaneous output capability
LED-backlit mechanical dual VU meters
46W low-noise toroidal linear power supply
NOS and OS decoding modes
UAC1.0/2.0 support for wide device compatibility
Vintage-inspired chassis with effective heat dissipation
Supports PCM up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD256
Color options: black or silver

Specs

Color: Black or silver
Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.4 x 2.6in (223.5 x 213 x 66.8mm, incl. feet)
Weight: 6.3lbs (2.87kg)
Display: Mechanical pointer VU meters
DAC: Fully-differential true 24-bit R2R resistor array
Tube stage: JJ Electronic E88CC x4
Power supply: 46W toroidal audio linear transformer
USB decoding: PCM 384kHz/32bit, DSD256
Coaxial decoding: PCM 192kHz/24bit
Optical decoding: PCM 96kHz/24bit
RCA output: ≥1.8Vrms L+R (1kHz @ 10kΩ)
XLR output: ≥3.8Vrms L+R (1kHz @ 10kΩ)
Frequency response: 20Hz–45kHz, attenuation <2.4dB
SNR: ≥114dB (A-weighted)
Noise floor: ≤7uV (A-weighted)
THD+N: ≤0.053% (1kHz / -7dB @ 10kΩ)

What's included

WARMER R2R
AC power cable
USB cable
Spare fuse tube
Quick start guide
Warranty card

FiiO Warmer Desktop R2R Tube Buffer and DAC

$349.99 USD

Apos Community Forum

Overall rating: 4.7391305 / 5 from 23 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [value, sound, service, dac, brainer, tubes, piece, gear].

Review highlights

Reviews

Great DAC

"What a great value, R2R and tubes, balanced, OS/NOS, what’s not to love. I have had a lot of DACs, built my own DACs and this one is a great option. Is it as good as my Pontus 15th, no, but it is oh so close. I’ve had Laiv uDAC and Enyo 15th and I’d take this over those. No regrets, just buy it."

— Alexander P. (5/5)

Worth the Wait!

"Love that R2R sound! Listening to it through the K17. Another stellar value from FiiO. They seem to be on a roll lately! Can’t wait for their upcoming new releases."

— Andre P. (5/5)

Awesome sound!

"Awesome sounds, nice to look at, and just a great piece to add to your system."

— Andrew D. (5/5)

FiiO Warmer Desktop R2R

"Very happy with my new FiiO Warmer Desktop R2R"

— Mike S. (5/5)

Confused

"I have 2 other DACs it's pretty straightforward as to how they work in the signal chain. This the instructions don't make it clear and since I mostly use headphones I cannot see how not having a phone jack on it I get this warm tube signal. All the reviews on this are excellent value. 35 years ago I used to mix match change hifi equipment. There's something im not understanding so I have not attempted to hook it up for fear of frying something. I think the instructions need to be much more clear on this or maybe I am in the beginning stages of dementia."

— Patrick D. (3/5)

Great DAC and excellent value.

"Very happy with purchase. The Warmer is very well built and so far works well. It is still in the break in period and has not disappointed. Many subtle differences but, very easy listening without any fatigue. Since I grew up with many components that had VU meters, they bring me back to those years and visually add to the appeal and nostalgia."

— Jack L. (5/5)

Nice unit

"I really like this unit. IT is compact and very functional. The sound improvement versus a lower-grade DAC was noticeable. This unit is a bit pricy, but in my opinion, paying for a high-quality DAC is worth it if you are chasing true analog sound. I grew up in the 70's with vinyl playing on my Dual 1229 into my Dynaco amp through my Martin speakers, as well as the memory of an old man who grew up listening to music all day."

— Lee S. (4/5)

"Prompt delivery, and product arrived in great shape."

— Arnold (5/5)

"Absolutely amazing deck for 350 you cannot go wrong. This thing is warm clear accurate…. I have the Theo K 13. It’s a little quieter than that thanks Theo I would buy again for sure."

— Brian (5/5)

"Love it all"

— Ryan (5/5)

Q&A

IS THERE A BREAK IN PERIOD "HOURS" ? THANKS EMMETT 😊: Hello. The four E88CC tubes have a break in period of 50-75 hours to reach full potential. This is typical of all vacuum tubes.

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