FIIO TT13 Turntable Review – Spin Me Up Before You Go Go
The $249.99 FIIO TT13 Turntable is a blend of what is old is now new, and asserts itself in the the budget mid-tier market with a sleek and exciting energy that sounds more CD than analog.
In this Article
INTRO
Meet the entry level belt driven FIIO TT13 fully automatic turntable, with plenty of connection options, remote control, and bluetooth streaming option, priced at $239. As some generations grow weary of streaming services, and new artists release their albums on Vinyl, newer businesses with the resources such as FIIO decided it was time to bring modern amenities merged with legacy turntables to fruition and include features the mobile generation desires.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Guangzhou FIIO Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. or otherwise known simply as FIIO and divisions Jade Audio and SNOWSKY, has invested proper money in anechoic chambers, a research center and plenty of commercial grade electronic test instruments. They are not a small operation, employing some 300 plus employees and a core research and development team with over 30 years of experience in the field.
FIIO has a program group named “Music Renaissance” that aims to bring forth devices we find nostalgic and re-introduce it to those who have forgotten or those who are discovering for the first time the connection between physical medium, music and the user experience.
DESIGN CONCEPT
The vinyl turntable features a fully automatic tonearm, aluminum alloy panel, HiFi circuitry, and other technologies not previously used in other brands’ turntables, redefining the vinyl experience and marking a brand-new beginning. TT stands for turntable, 1 for their first gen and a second number indicating a product tier level. The TT13 falls in their mid-tier lineup.
What sets the FIIO TT13 apart is they are using a higher output level 800mV as compared to 300mV* from others (*not sure the reference or what brand has a 300mV signal output level). The higher signal voltage improves the signal to noise ratio, as unwanted outside noise can interject into the signal and be amplified. The all aluminum panel acts as a good blocker to noise. My legacy Technics SL-1500MK2 is built from aluminum as well.
The TT13 is equipped with Audio-Technica’s AT-3600LA cartridge. Being a rather popular cartridge hopefully ensures long availability. Upon unpacking the first thing that must be done is to attach the belt pre-wrapped around the platter to the motor. There are removable pull tabs to assist with this rather simple procedure. There is no adjustments available on the tone arm balance, and no option to change the cartridge. Tailored to the simple plug and go crowd.
SOUND
Tested with Denon AVR-3806 and Adcom GFP-500 preamps, Parasound HCA-1000 and Adcom GFA-555 with Custom DIYSG Dayton Designer 12 SEOS-12 and Kef Reference 103.2 speakers.
Once I finally got the FIIO TT13 connected up to my Denon AVR-3806 feeding a Parasound HCA-1000 into a pair of DIY SEOS12 Designer 12 speakers, I was treated to a modern sound with a detailed and bright top end. Compared to my vintage Technics SL-1500MK2 with Shure 3X stylus and 500S cartridge, it provides closer to CD like full range frequency coverage. While the Technics offers a warmer softer presentation with velvety full bass, the FIIO offers in stark contrast a tilt towards the upper end and a polite bass delivery.
The FIIO TT13 invites the listener into a more expansive and layered stage, but imaging is kind of vague and hard to pin down. The SL1500MK2 on the other hand offers a more intimate setting with less depth and width, yet I had no trouble finding the center point anchor.
Comparing against an Audio Technica LP60 at my buddies house connected to an Adcom GTP-500 preamp, Adcom GFA-555 Nelson Pass designed amp and a pair of Kef Reference 103.2 we had similar revelations. The FIIO is a brighter more modern sounding turntable, but looses some of the warmth and analog appeal of turntables. Bass sounds leaner, and not as engaging.
This just might be a Eastern vs Western preference in tuning or perhaps a FIIO house sound due to my experience now with several of their products. Siblance was also slightly more prominent with the TT13, and probably a result of the brighter signature.
Bluetooth connection is optional when purchasing, so if you want to use that feature make sure to order the correct version. My test unit came equipped so I was excited to test this function. Unfortunately, two DACs did not connect in APTx or APTXHD, and instead registered as SBC on my SMSL DO400. I tried also on the SMSL DO100 and it did not indicate AptX, AAC, and just displayed BT. There are no settings on these to select the type of bluetooth mode.
I had always thought that standalone DACs try to negotiate the highest level of bitrate transmission first based on the source, and work their way down in order of high to low quality transmission. I found no way to select something else, and it clearly sounds compressed and not resolving in bluetooth over analog. Unless you are willing to sacrifice even more quality loss with the lowest bluetooth transmission codec, I suggest skipping the bluetooth option since there is no way to adjust it from the source side (TT13).
What might not be abundantly clear about the connections of the FIIO TT13 turntable is that the ground connection does not indicate plugging it into a phono preamp. The TT13 is already at line level. I found one review on Amazon that noted the manual is not straightforward enough on the connection, and those unaware of the difference may end up returning it thinking it is broken.
While not Armageddon, the balance knob was non-functional. At no point did it change the level. I appreciated the center detent, but I have to wonder if it was disconnected. I might explore to see what is really going there. Strangely, it does feel as if it pulls to the left ever so slightly, so I am a little disappointed that I cannot see if the balance would correct it.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
These range from minor annoyance, to oops.
- Spot to place the 45 disc adapter would be nice
- Bluetooth pairing defaults to SBC, not sure how to unlock higher quality codecs
- Balance knob non-functional both analog and bluetooth
- Lid has to be almost vertical or it eventually closes due to its own weight. The hinge system feels robust.
- Remote Left/Right control moves the tonearm in that direction vs a standard track/up down concept but it still makes sense. Perhaps I am the weirdo that suffers from muscle memory.
- With some records it did not return to the beginning. Not sure how it monitors position to determine it has reached the end of a record.
- No tone arm locking mechanism for transport.
- Manual is appreciated, I think more instructions needed for first time users.
NIFTY FEATURES
- 7/12” switch works spot on for automatic
- Tapping the power button after on, cycles between 6 color choices for backlight
- FIIO logo changes to Magenta when repeat is turned on
END OF RECORD
The FIIO seems like a direct competitor to the Audio Technica AT-LP60 in terms of parts and functional features. If this was my first turntable I would find the performance appreciated, and the clarity well done. While not all the features were 100% functional, some 0% useful, I would love to see stronger competition to the Audio Technica because competition drives innovation.
If your hearing is on the way south, the brighter signature of the FIIO TT13 might be music to your ears, but if you have access to tone controls and EQ, there is always to possibility to eek out some stronger low end.
With the FIIO TT13 being sleek and modern we were rooting for it, but three of us preferred the meatier warmth that the Technics and Audio Technica provided. The FIIO TT13 is for those that want simple plug and play without having to worry about mechanical adjustments.
Disclaimer: FIIO graciously provided the TT13 for review free of charge and without influence even when I mentioned some opportunities for improvement.
Available from AMAZON and comes in several colors.
SPECIFICATIONS
PACKAGE CONTENTS
- Double Boxed for Shipping
- TT13
- Cast Alluminum Turntable Platter
- Felt Platter Mat
- Country Specific Power Cord
- RCA audio cable with grounding wire (Not for phono input)
- Infared Remote Control
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
- 7 inch record large hole adapter
DISCLAIMER
Our generic standard disclaimer.
