Disclaimer:
Good morning, readers! Today FiiO sent me the FiiO KA17, a portable dongle with an almost desktop configuration. I currently believe it to be one of the most powerful and complex dongles in my possession.
The review will be more complex than usual and possibly longer. To make comparisons, I don’t have any recent desktop Dac/Amp so I deduce that any comparison would be superfluous but I will try to do my best.
The review, as always, will be completely unbiased and uninfluenced.
I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.
My opinions are obviously subjective.
Tech Specs:
More information:
- https://fiio.com/KA17_parameters
- https://fiio.com/KA17
- https://www.esstech.com/essnews/ess-technology-introduces-2-channel-audiophile-digital-to-analog-converters/
Packaging:
The packaging of the FiiO KA17 is simple but refined. Just opened, we have the KA17 and its imitation leather case, a very welcome accessory, in my opinion, given the price of the dongle.
Under the first layer, we then find the type C cable and the USB A adapter (thank goodness).
The set of accessories is, in my opinion, correct for the price; if we want to be picky, I would have liked a slightly more robust type C cable. The cable for the additional power supply is missing but personally, I have so many cables at home that it is the least of my problems.
Build quality/First impressions:
The FiiO KA17, being a flagship dongle, also boasts excellent build quality. The product is solid, not too heavy, and not too large considering the double PCB it contains; in fact, FiiO has kept the analogue part separate from the digital one to avoid background noise and possible disturbances. The Oled display is excellent, I think it is the same model that I have already seen on the EPZ TP50.
Honestly, I hope to see more and more displays on dongles, as they allow you to manage various settings without having to use apps. In my opinion, the screen is much faster than using the app. Returning to the build quality, it seems excellent in every respect, metal shell (the dissipation seems good even with the case), volume buttons, desktop mode, and a button to access the menu. On one side, we have the red type C input for additional power. Another very small constructive criticism is that I would have used two metal audio outputs like those seen on the Fosi SK02.
App & Firmware:
I waited a while to test the FiiO KA17 and after a quick check with the factory firmware, I immediately updated following the instructions that we can find on the official FiiO website. Currently, the most recent firmware is 0.99 but I believe some other updates will arrive in the short term. In any case, the main improvement is the possibility of using the PEQ app, one of the most complete I’ve seen so far. However, when the FiiO KA17 switches from EQ ON to EQ OFF and vice versa, playback is interrupted. This happens because the interfaces are somewhat separate. When the equalizer is active, the dongle is limited to 24 bits at 192 kHz, and when you enter and exit these modes, the device it is connected to recognizes it as a new connection.
For example, Tidal will request access in exclusive mode again. The FiiO application can also record both interfaces but you will only need the interface that you can record with the EQ ON. I can’t tell you if in the future they will be able to make this functionality more fluid, currently, it is absolutely usable, just leave the EQ on and if by chance you don’t want it, there is the EQ bypass, which allows you not to turn off the PEQ but still hear the sound without any change. Having said that, once you have created your presets or modifications, the app is not strictly necessary as you can easily access everything via the display.
For the functions of the menu, I leave you a small reel, which is certainly more practical and useful.
- Gain Selection: High or low gain selection
- Filter selection: 8 digital filters
- Volume steps: you can choose between 60 and 120 volume steps
- S/PDIF: you can enable this function
- ADV-L/R: To adjust channel balance
- Dimmer: Display brightness
- EQ: 7 preset EQ + 3 Custom profiles
- Max Volume: You can limit the volume
- Rotate Display: Display orientation can be adjusted
- OFF Display: display auto off after inactivity
- U-audio: USB mode selection
- Language selection
- Version: Firmware check
- Recovery: Factory Reset
Firmware Download: FiiO Forum
MQA disappeared from the menu in the latest update and is now automatically activated when playing an MQA file, as long as EQ is deactivated. On my POCO M4 PRO, I noticed some micro-interruptions in playback when I switched from one interface to another (the problem could easily be attributable to the smartphone), however, once I entered MQA mode, if by chance you have a mixed playlist, I noticed that it was not able to exit that mode, playing no sound in the case of FLAC.
Power:
The FiiO KA17 has certainly raised the bar on the market; even if it doesn’t have to be a race to see who has the most powerful output, this dongle makes me smile so much. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of space for desktop dac/amps and seeing such a small dongle be able to deliver such power is truly fantastic. FiiO did an excellent job with two ES9069Q chips and two OPA1662 Op amps, accompanied by a balanced THX AAA 78+. A real madness that could be seen on a desktop DAC/AMP but hardly on a dongle. To make the 3.5mm output a little difficult, I asked for the help of the 75 Ohm impedance adapter but I can tell you that even when approaching 100 Ohms in total, the FiiO KA17 does not seem to be affected.
Honestly, I had no doubts since even the slightly less powerful Fosi SK02 had no problems.
Below are some of the tests I carried out.
The tests were carried out in high gain and desktop mode, using supplementary and non-supplementary power.
Test of the SE 3.5mm with 270+270 mW at 32 ohm:
- Kefine Delci: Another pairing that particularly stands out. The Delci are truly great IEMs and together with the FiiO KA17, they are truly a spectacle.
- HIFIMAN Sundara:You need to squeeze the volume a little more until you reach 40/60. Openback planars really need a lot of power. It doesn’t make much sense to stick with an SE cable if you can use it balanced.
- EPZ Q1 Pro: Obviously, no problem. I feel like she added a bit of bass.
Testing the BAL 4.4mm with 650+650 mW at 32 ohm:
- Hidizs MP145: The sound signature goes with any IEM. The MP145 has enough power. The bass is full and powerful, and the details and soundstage seem better than usual. Really good synergy. 25/60 of the volume needed.
- Letshuoer S15: is pretty similar to the MP145 in terms of needed power. 20/60 of volume due to his brightness
- Kefine Klanar: Similar result and same volume of MP145 needed. No efforts at all.
- EPZ x Tipsy Star One: 64 ohm Star One on balanced only needs the volume at 20/60. At 30/60, we are already well above the volumes considered safe for long listening sessions.
- EPZ Q5: Obviously, no problem; it would work fine even on a 3.5mm output so on a balanced 4.4mm, it needs very little volume on the FiiO to play correctly. The synergy of this pairing stands out particularly.
- HIFIMAN Sundara: On a balanced cable brings literally life; the power of the FiiO Ka17 unleashed the dynamics. With the volume at 30 out of 60, we already have excellent sound pressure and good volume. Hifiman headphones and especially planar openback ones, also need a lot of current due to the very high dispersion they have outside.
- HIFIMAN Sundara Closeback: Also, having the closeback model allows me to make an objective assessment and say that openbacks really have a lot of dispersion. Compared to the same volume, we have a much higher volume.
Power management:
After a month of using it, I realized that the second power supply is not extremely necessary to activate desktop mode. If the device you connect it to has the capacity to supply at least 5V and 1A, there will be no need for the other power supply. Nowadays, I believe that both the latest Mediatek and Snapdragon can easily handle it. If you don’t want any drain on your phone’s battery, then you’ll have to use external power. On my Poco M4 Pro, I don’t seem to notice any lack of power, but it is also true that the KA17’s power supply is very efficient; there is no interruption or background noise when connecting the external power supply. FiiO did a great job of isolating interference.
On my smartphone, despite the dual power supply on the FiiO KA17, the volume is lower than on the PC. I deduce the limitation is not due to the lower current but mostly due to the phone’s software. I am in Europe and unfortunately, we have limitations to prevent hearing damage.
The only background noise is heard when you leave it connected to external power but the data cable is disconnected.
In the meantime, I bought two type C testers. In the future, I will update the review to tell you how much current it requires.
Sound Signature:
The sound signature of the FiiO KA17 somewhat follows what I heard on the FiiO KA11. It certainly follows the FiiO sound style, very technical, excellent neutral tendency, only slightly warm. I think it is the dongle that is closest to the iBasso DC04PRO, or at least I think they are very close. Since PEQ is available, you can still adjust the sound to your liking, making the versatility of the FiiO KA17 absolute. You can make it as cold or extremely hot as you like.
I love the sound of it as FiiO produced it. Being warm/neutral, it pairs well with any IEM without significantly changing its sound. The soundstage is well developed; FiiO definitely worked very well; the details are all present; being a little warm, it seems to lose something on the micro and macro details but in my opinion, it is just a perception. The bass control is absolute, and with all the power available, even the planars express their best.
The combination of DAC, OP AMP, and THX amplification is truly remarkable, and I must say that this dongle is truly absurd. I would have liked to bring you some comparisons with some Cayin, but unfortunately, I don’t own any.
Fast Comparison:
vs Fosi SK02
The Fosi SK02 is probably the dongle/dac/amp that comes closest to the power of the Fiio KA17. Their similarity ends there. They are two completely different products. The Fosi is very bulky; it is more suitable for desktop use, its sound signature is brighter than many dongles on the market; but it also has its own type of IEM, which it pairs excellently with. There are two totally different prices that are difficult to compare but if you are looking for power and not mobility, this is a monster.
Even though it is an outdated model, it is still one of my favorites. Its extremely refined sound has made it one of the best CS43131s. Obviously, it doesn’t keep up in terms of power but to this day, it remains one of my favorite dongles. The FiiO KA17, in my opinion, with all its features, takes it off the throne. The iBasso DC04PRO was the first CS dongle to have a soundstage at the level of other dongles (even better), a tone that was not too warm but balanced with a multitude of details.
vs EPZ TP50
The EPZ TP50 seems to share the same display as the KA17; graphically, I don’t notice any substantial difference, but some graphic animations on the KA17 have changed. The TP50 is a very technical and analytical dongle, from what my ears hear. It doesn’t look out of place next to this monster. Even the TP50, despite the specifications being more modest, seems to me to have a lot of power; in fact, I never know whether to trust the declared specifications. Unfortunately, the PEQ is missing, I don’t know if EPZ intends to add some presets in the future but the customizable part would probably be missing. To be honest, the price difference is very little and the FiiO has much more present support.
Who do I recommend this DAC to?
The choice of a similar product can happen for various reasons. FiiO decided to make a similar product to see the market reaction. If sales go well (and I think they will), we will probably see a sequel. Many who enter this hobby at the beginning may buy a DAC for around 60 USD with a double Cirrus Logic chip; today, their level has improved considerably and the choice makes sense. But if by chance the hobby takes you, know that after the first dongle, the second or perhaps third will probably also arrive.
The search for something better and better is constant; too many products come out and as it is always technology, it evolves every week. The FiiO KA17 is a dongle that will take away the desire for future upgrades for a while. A similar product has raised the bar so much that for a while I feel fully satisfied. On Amazon.it, it currently costs less than 160 USD, which is an absolutely interesting price. It costs more on AliExpress or in stores. It costs less than two good dongles so as far as I’m concerned, it’s worth it!
The final rating takes into account the cost, accessories, and particularities of the product.
9.1/10
Pros:
- Excellent Build Quality
- Aluminum frame + Glass
- Unique Flag-ship configuration
- App available
- Firmware upgrade
- PEQ + personalization
- Neutral – Technical (slightly warm)
- Power Monster
- Menu & Volume buttons
- OLED display with many functions
- Independent volume (adjustable steps)
- Runs quite cold also on heavy load in the Leather case
- Price is good considering the specs
Cons:
- PEQ isn’t really smooth to use
- Inserting the second power supply often causes some buttons to be pressed
- The app can be improved
- MQA mode need to be improved
- The equalizer ensures that there are 2 interfaces; switching from one to the other causes playback to stop
