The FiiO ESTICK was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the ESTICK is $19.90 and you can buy it from here.
FiiO ESTICK
The FiiO ESTICK is a mini power bank specially designed to be used with the KA17, FiiO’s flagship portable USB DAC dongle. It perfectly pairs with it to transforms it into a battery powered USB DAC dongle that will not consume power from the host device.
For people not familiar with the FiiO KA17 let’s remember that it features two USB type-C ports. One is the typical port used to connect to other devices such as phones, while the orange port on the side is designed for use with an external power supply. When an external power supply is connected to this port, the KA17 can achieve higher power output without consuming the battery of the host device. The FiiO ESTICK is designed to attach to this port and provide power the KA17.
The FiiO ESTICK is not just an ordinary power bank, it is specifically designed for audio applications as the circuit is equipped with low ESR tantalum capacitors to ensure stable power flow with low ripple. The device is equipped with a 1100mAh capacity battery that can provide about 4-5 hours of playing time in desktop mode and from the balanced output. You can slightly extended the battery duration by leaving the desktop mode switched to off in case that you don’t need it.
Design and operation
The ESTICK is a compact sized power bank that measures 64×23.5x13mm so it matches the FiiO KA17 in depth and height without adding much width or weight as it weighs about 31g. After attaching it to the side of the KA17 you end having a combined device that roughly measures 51x64x13mm and weighs a total of 65g or 78g with the leather case.
Operation is pretty simple, the ESTICK has a power on/off button and four battery status indicator LEDs. You can leave the ESTICK plugged into the FiiO KA17 and use the button to power it on or off.
Charging the ESTICK
The ESTICK is equipped with a male USB type-C plug only as there was not enough space to accommodate an additional USC type-C port for charging the device. So in order to charge, the ESTICK must be removed from the KA17 and plugged into a USB charger. The package includes a USB type-C female to USB-A male adapter.
Some of you might complain about having to follow this procedure but please remember that FiiO had to design a device combining minimum size and weight with the largest possible battery. Adding a separate USB charging port would have resulted in either a bulkier chassis or smaller capacity battery.
The optional carrying case
After attaching the ESTICK to the FiiO KA17 you will notice that it wobbles a little if you gently move it with your fingers and there is always the risk of accidentally bending or even breaking the USB plug. The best way to avoid such accidents and protect both devices is to either use the magnetic bundling kit (FiiO MAGCLIP) or even better the custom case that is made to fit them both.
This high quality case is made from genuine leather and sold separately for $15. The fit is tight and the best way to pull the devices out of the case is to use the USB cable of the KA17 as a lever in order to push it outside. This case is essential and i think that it should have been included as a standard with a slight increase in the asking price.
In the end
The FiiO ESTICK is so simple and so ingeniously thought at the same time. A tiny and very affordable power bank that attaches to the side of the FiiO KA17 and transforms it into a battery powered device without adding much bulk or weight. A must have for every FiiO KA17 owner.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Power bank specifically designed for the FiiO KA17
+ Transforms the FiiO KA17 into a battery powered device
+ Good battery duration for the size
+ Clean and noise free power
+ Compact sized and lightweight
+ Battery status indicator LEDs and power button
+ Doesn't add much bulk or weight
+ Excellent build quality
- Can't be charged while plugged into the FiiO KA17
- The leather case is essential but not included in the package
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