## Fiio SR11 Review: A Budget-Friendly Network Streamer with Roon Compatibility
Fiio has continually dazzled audiophiles with its collection of premium audio products in recent years. From comprehensive devices like the Fiio R7 to groundbreaking items like the SP3 active speakers and even the KB3 HiFi mechanical keyboard, Fiio has demonstrated its capability to explore new domains while delivering remarkable outcomes. Their newest offering, the **Fiio SR11**, is a budget-conscious network streamer designed to provide an effortless audio experience, particularly for **Roon** users.
### Overview of the Fiio SR11
The **Fiio SR11** is engineered as a network streamer that easily integrates into existing audio systems. With a price tag of **$109**, the SR11 amounts to significant value for its cost, especially for those utilizing Roon or AirPlay. However, it does have some constraints, including the absence of a built-in DAC, necessitating the pairing with an external DAC for peak performance. In this review, we connected the SR11 with Fiio’s **K11 R2R DAC**, a well-respected DAC in its category.
### Design and Build Quality
Fiio is recognized for upholding consistency in its design aesthetics, and the SR11 is no different. It shares the same chassis as the **K11 DAC**, boasting a compact and squat profile with an LED panel on the front. The **aluminum chassis** imparts a high-end feel to the SR11, which is remarkable for a device in this price category. The illuminated Fiio logo on top adds a touch of style, although it can be turned off if a more subtle appearance is preferred.
One of the prominent aspects of the SR11 is its **build quality**. Even though it is an economical product, the SR11 feels solid and well-made, ensuring a long-lasting addition to any audio setup. The front features a control knob that allows for volume adjustment and settings navigation. While the knob can be somewhat tricky due to the short and long-press functions, users familiar with Fiio’s DACs will quickly adapt.
### Connectivity Options
The SR11 provides a broad array of connectivity options, including **USB-A, USB-C, optical, and coaxial outputs**, allowing it to connect seamlessly to a variety of audio systems. Furthermore, the SR11 includes **Ethernet** for a more reliable network connection, which is especially beneficial when streaming high-resolution audio.
However, the SR11 does not feature **Bluetooth** connectivity, necessitating a connection to your network via either Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Setting up the SR11 might prove to be a bit cumbersome, particularly for users accustomed to the ease of Bluetooth pairing. Nevertheless, once established, the SR11 integrates effectively with your audio system.
### Roon Integration: A Key Differentiator
A standout characteristic of the SR11 is its **Roon integration**. Roon is a well-regarded music management and streaming platform that provides a rich, metadata-driven experience for audiophiles. The SR11 appears as a **Roon endpoint**, enabling users to stream music from their Roon library directly to their audio system.
For those invested in Roon, the SR11 represents an excellent choice, particularly at its price point. There are few affordable network streamers with native Roon support, giving the SR11 a notable advantage in the market. If you are deeply engaged in the Roon ecosystem, the SR11 is a fantastic way to link your stereo or other audio equipment to your network.
### AirPlay Support
Alongside Roon, the SR11 also accommodates **AirPlay**, making it a handy option for **iPhone** users. However, it is important to highlight that the SR11 only supports **AirPlay 1**, not **AirPlay 2**, meaning features like multi-room audio are not available. Despite this limitation, the SR11 works flawlessly with Apple devices, allowing music streaming from apps like **Spotify**, **Tidal**, and **Apple Music**.
### Missing Features: Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and DLNA
While the SR11 shines in several areas, it comes with some noteworthy absences. The lack of **Chromecast integration** is a considerable shortcoming for Android users, as it restricts the device’s compatibility with Android phones. Additionally, the SR11 does not support **Spotify Connect** or **Tidal Connect**, popular features for directly streaming music from these services without depending on AirPlay or Roon.
Another absent feature is **DLNA** (Digital Living Network Alliance), which is presently only available in test versions. This omission further restricts the SR11’s adaptability, especially for users relying on DLNA to stream music from their home network.
### Sound Quality
Regarding sound quality
