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
