The FiiO KA17 arrives with high expectations of “high-end USB DAC and headphone amplifier” which brings “desktop level performance in a pocketable device.” As a follow up to the well regarded KA11 release, which is the budget dongle. So… does the flagship KA17 live up to the hype? Or is it just another dongle in a crowded market? Let’s delve into its features, sound quality, and overall value proposition of what you get at the cost of $150.
Disclaimer:
For this review, I received the FiiO KA17 directly from FiiO for a review. I must note that while I am grateful for this opportunity and their support, I have to assure you that my opinions are based solely on my own critical listening and experience with the product! And I always strive to remain objective and unbiased in all my reviews, regardless of any collaboration or partnership!
Introduction
The KA17 immediately impressed me with its design. The aluminum alloy chassis feels sturdy and premium, while the glass front panel, which acts as a screen, adds a very nice touch. and I will add that there are absolutely no creaks or loose parts and its shows how well it is built!
The FiiO KA17 doesn’t just has its place as the top in their USB DAC/amp lineup. It really gives a shift in how audiophiles should experience high fidelity sound! And FiiO recognizes the growing demand for mobile audiophile solutions… and traditional options like Bluetooth which offer convenience, but USB dongles provided a compact solution with greater potential for audio prowess and overall sound quality…
I feel that FiiO really leveraged their expertise in DAC and headphone amp technology to develop the KA17 as a true flagship dongle! This wasn’t just about chasing market trends… It was about responding to a growing user base transitioning from basic sound quality expectations to a desire for audio that rivals dedicated portable players.
But FiiO doesn’t stop at pushing boundaries… FiiO offers here a flagship performance at a price point that resonates with audiophiles on a budget. This strategic placement, spanning a range of $30-$150 (making the KA11 the most budget but not a slouch at all!), ensures their commitment to catering to diverse needs and usage requirements.
Technical Specifications
- Colors: Black/blue
- USB chip: XMOS XU316
- DAC: ES9069Q*2
- Op amp: OPA1662*2
- Headphone amp: Fully balanced THX AAA 78+
- Max supported formats: Asynchronous 768kHz/32bit, DSD512, MQA full decoding
- USB DAC driver-free mode: Supported
- Display: 0.91-inch dot matrix display
- Headphone outputs: Single-ended 3.5mm+balanced 4.4mm
- Dimensions: About 64.0×27.7×12.7mm
- Weight: about 33.5g
- Output power 1: L+R≥270mW+270mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%/single-ended/desktop mode)
- Output power 2: L+R≥650mW+650mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%/balanced/desktop mode)
- Output power 3: L+R≥140mW+140mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%/ single-ended/non-desktop mode)
- Output power 4: L+R≥300mW+300mW(32Ω/THD+N＜1%/ balanced/non-desktop mode)
- Output power 5: L+R≥30mW+30mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%/ single-ended/desktop mode)
- Output power 6: L+R≥90mW+90mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%/ balanced/desktop mode)
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥126dB (A-weighted)
- Noise floor: PO＜2μV(A-weighted); BAL＜2.2μV(A-weighted)
- THD+N: ＜0.0004% (1kHz/32kΩ)
Unboxing and Ergonomics
The KA17 arrives in a large cardboard box and presents itself as a flagship product right from the start! The device is nicely displayed in a plastic foil, and accompanied by a matching leather case for added protection. Inside the box I also found a USB Type C to USB C cable, a USB C to large USB A adapter, and two silicone plugs for the USB C ports to prevent dust buildup. Although lacking a screen protector… The included leatherette case serves its purpose well. The device itself brings a solid metal construction with a small black and white display on the front and is providing essential information and setting adjustments. With physical volume buttons, a functional button for settings management, and a desktop mode switch. And of course it features both a balanced 4.4mm output and a basic 3.5mm SE output.
First of its kind
First ever dongle with an independent power supply.
Forget limitations! The KA17 boasts the first-ever independent power supply port in a DAC. This revolutionary feature unlocks its full potential: unleashing the full power of the dongle, boosting power supply voltage, and enabling powerful parallel headphone amp output. This translates to exceptional power, effortlessly driving even demanding headphones while opening up a whole new world of sonic exploration through “power swapping” for different dynamic responses. While connected to the external power supply, the primary Type C isn’t consuming power but just transferring data.
Powering Performance: Advanced XMOS XU316 Controller
The KA17 leverages the powerful XMOS 16-core XU316 controller, known for its superior processing capabilities and low latency. This advanced chip, chosen and further optimized by FiiO, ensures smoother data handling and exceptional digital audio performance.
Fine-Tune Your Audio Experience: Specialized 10-band Parametric EQ
You can control your sound with the KA17’s versatile 10-band parametric EQ. Unlike basic EQs, it offers deep customization options, allowing you to adjust values precisely to your preferences. Forget complex terminology; the user-friendly graphical interface makes adjusting these parameters intuitive and straightforward. What you see is what you get, ensuring your desired sonic adjustments translate directly to your music.
But the power doesn’t stop there. Built on the foundation of the XMOS processor, this high-fidelity EQ supports high-resolution adjustments at up to 192kHz sampling rates. This means your meticulously crafted EQ settings remain accurate and detailed, preserving the essence of your music without compromise.
Unbound Audio Fidelity: Redefining Portable Performance
The KA17 transcends traditional designs, drawing inspiration from high-end music players. Its meticulous architecture preserves every audio detail, from the DAC to the final output. Dual DACs and a four-channel, fully differential amp work in harmony to deliver exceptional dynamics and channel separation.
But it’s the power that truly sets it apart. Over ten independent power supplies, with a dedicated three-level system for the analog section, ensure pristine power delivery for clean, transparent sound. This combination of innovative design and pure power unlocks a level of audio fidelity rarely seen in a portable device.
Unleashing Flagship Sound: Dual ES9069Q DACs
Experience the power of ESS’s latest flagship: the KA17 boasts not one but two ES9069Q DAC chips. This exclusive arrangement, utilizing ESS’s renowned 4th-gen Hyperstream technology, delivers incredible detail and resolution while crafting a spacious, natural soundstage. Forget harsh “digital sound” – the KA17 emphasizes musicality, immersing you in rich, natural audio.
Heat Management:
The KA17’s complex architecture and high output power might raise concerns about heat. Rest assured, the device is designed to stay comfortably warm, not worryingly hot, thanks to several innovative steps:
- Optimized Power Efficiency: Over ten dedicated power supplies, meticulously implemented, maximize efficiency while minimizing heat generation.
- Intelligent Power Management: In desktop mode, the KA17 leverages its stable USB power supply for efficient operation, unlike some dongles that struggle with power draw.
- Aluminum Advantage: The full aluminum body acts as a natural heat sink, efficiently dispersing warmth.
- Internal Safeguards: High-precision temperature sensors and automatic power adjustments ensure the KA17 operates safely, even under demanding conditions.
Smart Power, Seamless Experience:
The KA17 boasts intelligent power management for unmatched flexibility and peace of mind:
- iOS Compatibility: Connected to power-limited iOS devices? No worries! The KA17 adjusts its audio power supply (voltage), ensuring smooth listening without exceeding device limitations.
- Desktop Mode Unleashed: Connect an external power supply to the dedicated port and activate “Desktop Mode” for maximum audio power.
- Computer Flexibility: Even without an external power supply, you can use “Desktop Mode” when connected to a powerful computer via the main USB port.
Under the Hood: Flagship Tech on a Budget
The KA17 boasts impressive specs for its price. Dual ES9069Q DAC chips and THX AAA-78+ amplification are usually found in flagship devices, not portable dongles. This translates to support for high-resolution formats like 768kHz PCM and DSD512, catering to even the most demanding audiophiles. MQA decoding capability is another premium touch, making it capable of more streaming services.
Power to Spare: From Pocket to Desk
One of the KA17’s major selling points is its versatility. In “standard” mode, it comfortably drives most IEMs and portable headphones. But the true power lies in the “desktop mode.” Enabling this unlocks a whopping 650mW into 32 ohms, enough to power even demanding audiophile cans. However, be warned: desktop mode requires an additional USB-C cable for power, adding a slight inconvenience.
App Integration: Convenience with a Caveat
The FiiO Control app offers convenient control over EQ adjustments. Firmware updates are handled through the app, ensuring your KA17 stays up-to-date. However, there is a minor snag: gain, volume, L/R balance, and more settings and features aren’t accessible through the app, requiring manual adjustment on the device itself.
Screen control features:
- Volume Control: Choose from 60 or 120 precise steps with a customizable maximum volume to prevent accidental blasts.
- Display Rotation: Flip the screen 180° for convenient viewing in any orientation.
- MQA Decoding: Enable or disable MQA support for enhanced high-resolution streaming.
- S/PDIF Output: Activate the S/PDIF output for compatibility with various audio systems.
- Digital Filters: Select from 8 filters to fine-tune the sound according to your preferences.
- Brightness Control: Adjust the screen brightness through 5 levels for optimal viewing in any environment.
- Gain Selection: Choose between high or low gain to match the impedance of your headphones.
- Multilingual Interface: Switch between Chinese and English for user-friendly navigation.
- Balance Adjustment: Fine-tune the balance between the left and right channels for a perfectly centered soundscape.
- Auto-Off Timer: Set the display to automatically turn off after a period of inactivity.
- USB Mode Selection: Choose between USB 1.0 and 2.0 for compatibility with different devices.
- Default Settings Restore: Easily reset all settings to factory defaults if needed.
- EQ Customization: Explore 7 preset EQ options (Jazz, Pop, Dance, Rock, R/B, Classic, Hip-Hop) or create and save 3 custom profiles for personalized sound tailoring.
- Software Version Check: Stay updated by viewing the current software version and checking for potential updates.
Sound Performance: Smooth, Energetic, and Refined
The FiiO KA17 offers an impressive sound quality!, especially for its $150 price tag. Its core sound is smooth and energetic with a touch of warmth, giving you a natural and balanced mix of punchy bass, detailed mids, and airy highs.
I have found the bass to be tight and controlled, with no muddiness at all, despite the fact that this dongle is on the warmer side… The KA17 delivers kicks and rumbles that are powerful but don’t overpower the other frequencies.
I also think that the mids are clear and detailed and they do bring vocals and instruments to life! The vocals always sound natural and engaging to me, with all the little details and emotions coming forward, and have their own place in the mix, and are never mixing with the rest of the music. Instruments like guitars, violins, and flutes are well defined, with each note shining through beautifully, I its very noticable that each instrument is greatly seperated.
The highs are sparkling and airy without ever getting harsh or tiring. The KA17 handles the treble smoothly, creating a spacious and open soundstage. Cymbals have a natural shimmer, and higher-pitched instruments like flutes and trumpets keep their delicacy without sounding harsh. as to my experience with it, I have found the soundstage to be very spacious, and it always makes me feel totally inside the music.
The imaging is also great! letting me pinpoint exactly where each instrument and vocal is in the mix. All in all, I can easily say that the FiiO KA17 delivers sound quality that’s way above its price. Its smooth, energetic sound, powerful dynamics, accurate presentation, and high-level technical performance make it a great pick for audiophiles of all kinds. Whether you’re into classical, jazz, electronic, or acoustic music, the KA17 will faithfully reproduce your favorite tracks with precision and detail.
Quick comparisons
FiiO KA17 vs. Truthear Shio:
The FiiO KA17 and Truthear Shio are both solid USB dongle options, but they also are bringing different things to the table… to my ears the KA17 has a more natural sound with just a tiny touch of warmth… And giving overall a well balanced sound. On the other hand, the Truthear Shio offers a warm and a richer sound with soft tones that make everything feel deep and musical. So… While the KA17 is more about accuracy and balance, the Shio leans into warmth.
so what I can say? both of those dongles have high quality components inside, but I feel that the KA17 stands out with a higher power output (the Shio tops out at 150mW), more functions, and better sound quality overall, I would choose the KA17 over the Shio in most cases…
Head-to-Head: KA17 vs. iBasso DC04PRO:
Now to one of my favorite dongle DAC… the iBasso DC04PRO. To me both the FiiO KA17 and the iBasso DC04PRO are portable USB DAC/amps are absolutely amazing, but they do offer slightly different sound profiles… The KA17 brings superior power output which is reaching an absolutely amazing 650mW compared to the DC04PRO’s 280mW… This makes the KA17 able to effortlessly drive even demanding high impedance headphones, while the DC04PRO may struggle with power hungry models… However, I do feel that the DC04PRO offers a more compact and lightweight design which makes it even more pocket friendly. I always have the feeling that something in the DC04PRO makes me always come back to it… But when looking at it objectively the KA17 is still the superior one with more features, better quality overall, and much higher versatility.
FiiO KA17 vs. Tanchjim Space:
And another favorite of mine is the Tanchjim Space, which absolutely amazes me with its tiny size and transparent sound signature. But still… the KA17 screams supreme!!! with desktop amount of power (650mW) for demanding headphones and brings a wider set of features like EQ and MQA support, but comes at a higher price and larger size… I love that the Tanchjim Space prioritizes a more neutral and reference sound signature, portability and is more budget friendly. But it definitely sacrifices power (230mW) and features…
conclusions
The FiiO KA17 lives up to its flagship placement by offering cutting edge technology, excellent sound quality, impressive power output in a still pretty compact and portable form factor, and not less important, a very fair price for what it offers! While I do see the lack of app control for gain and some more features I would love to have quick access to rather than start scrolling in the settings on the device itself is a minor inconvenience… But the desktop mode, MQA decoding, and thoughtful design features still sets it apart from the competition! If I take into consideration its exceptional value for money, the KA17 becomes a very good choice for audiophiles seeking flagship level performance without the flagship price tag! And users wanting desktop level performance from a portable DAC/AMP with the flexibility for home listening with more power hungry requirements.
Pros
- Great sounding.
- versatile with plenty of options.
- Powerful desktop-mode performance.
- Does have MQA.
- Wide format support.
- EQ available on the app.
- Excellent build quality.
- User friendly with informative screen.
- Protective case included.
Cons
- Desktop mode requires an extra USB-C cable which is not included.
- Limited settings accessibility through the App.
- A bit larger than other dongles.
- It can get warmer than expected.
