The FiiO KA15 (Jade Audio) 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 FiiO KA15 is $109 and you can buy it from here.
FiiO KA15
The KA15 represents FiiO’s newest USB DAC/amp dongle and serves as the successor to the highly regarded FiiO KA5. This device features a completely redesigned exterior and enhanced internal architecture. Marketed under the Jade Audio label, which is FiiO’s sister company known for creating budget-friendly earphones and audio equipment that maintain high standards of sound quality and craftsmanship, it is still commonly referred to as the FiiO KA15.
Technical highlights
The KA15 is equipped with dual CS43198 DAC chips for audio decoding, similar to the FiiO KA5. However, it features an enhancement in headphone amplification, upgrading from dual SGM8361 op-amps to dual SGM8362. This device supports sampling rates of up to 768kHz/32bit PCM and DSD256. Additionally, the KA15 is compatible with Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, and macOS.
Power monitoring feature
The device incorporates an energy-efficient processor that provides real-time monitoring of voltage and current for adaptive power management. It detects the playback status of the device and automatically modifies the total power usage, enabling reduced power draw from the host device. Voltage and current readings are conveniently shown on the home screen.
Users have the option to configure a sleep timer to halt music playback, allowing the FiiO KA15 to transition into an ultra-low power standby mode. When audio playback is paused, the KA15 utilizes 80% less power compared to the KA5, and it achieves a remarkable 93% reduction in power consumption while in standby mode.
Design and user interface
The FiiO KA15 stands out as the first USB DAC dongle to feature a 0.96” IPS true color LCD screen, which displays a retro tape cassette animation during playback alongside real-time status updates. The screen, along with three buttons, allows users to access the settings menu and make various adjustments independently, without requiring the FiiO control application. The button design and color scheme are reminiscent of the iconic Sony Walkman.
You have the ability to modify various settings, including channel balance, low pass filter, amplifier class, button mode, volume mode, screen brightness, timeout duration, sleep timer, and display theme. All of these functionalities can also be managed through the FiiO control application. The amplifier offers both class AB and H operating modes, along with dual volume control options, featuring a 60-step quick adjustment and a 120-step fine adjustment.
Connectivity and build quality
The FiiO KA15 is a sleek and portable USB DAC dongle, measuring 52x25x11mm and weighing just 21g, making it easy to carry without adding significant bulk to your phone.
This device features a USB type-C input along with two headphone outputs: a 3.5mm jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. Additionally, it supports USB to SPDIF bridge output via the 3.5mm jack, which is compatible with the CTIA standard for in-line controls.
Constructed from a high-quality aluminum alloy, the full metal chassis is CNC milled, anodized, and polished to meet stringent standards. The KA15 has an innovative design that is both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, available in midnight black and sky blue. It also includes a convenient lanyard hole, although a lanyard is not provided in the package.
Easy firmware updates
The FiiO KA15 features an innovative and user-friendly firmware update system. To update, simply connect the device to your Windows PC and access FiiO’s control web interface through a browser. The application will automatically recognize the device and install any available firmware updates, requiring no further action from the user.
Lossless parametric EQ
The FiiO KA15 features an audiophile-grade DSP that enables a customizable ten-band, lossless parametric equalizer. Users can modify the frequency response through the FiiO control application or, even more conveniently, via FiiO’s newly introduced web interface. This allows for the adjustment, export, import, saving, and sharing of EQ curves. Users have the option to utilize pre-existing EQ curves tailored for different headphones and earphones or create their own. Additionally, the device can store three EQ profiles in its memory, which can be easily accessed from the internal menu without needing to connect to the application.
Power output and efficiency
The FiiO KA15 delivers a maximum power output of 170mWx2/32Ω through its balanced output in non-desktop mode, while in desktop mode, it can reach 560mWx2/32Ω. Activating desktop mode via the designated switch increases the power output but strangely enough the device doesn’t consume more current. In desktop mode, the KA15 is 207% more powerful than the KA5; however, in non-desktop mode, the KA5 surpasses the KA15 in power.
Power consumption is measured at 95mA in standby mode and 140mA during playback, applicable to both desktop and non-desktop modes. This indicates that the FiiO KA15 demonstrates reasonable efficiency in desktop mode, offering a favorable power output to consumption ratio. However, it falls short in efficiency when compared to its competitors because power consumption doesn’t drop in non-desktop mode. For instance, the iBasso DC07PRO requires 100mA to deliver 430mW per channel at 32Ω. It seems that the non-desktop mode is more like a low gain setting and not really more efficient than the desktop mode. Power consumption is the same in class AB and class H.
The KA15’s versatility allows it to effectively drive a range of headphones, such as the FiiO FT5 and the HIFIMAN Arya Organic, in desktop mode. Additionally, its remarkably low noise floor makes it particularly suitable for use with earphones like the FiiO FD15.
Accessories
The package contains a short USB Type-C to C cable along with a leatherette protective case. A USB Type-C to Lightning cable is not included.
Listening impressions
The FiiO KA15 delivers an exceptional audio experience, seamlessly blending musicality with outstanding technical capabilities within its category. It offers remarkable clarity and transparency, showcasing high fidelity and a neutral tuning that avoids any harshness, brightness, or artificiality. The device exhibits tonal precision and a rather natural timbre, providing a rich harmonic diversity that contributes to a realistic and lifelike sound, free from excessive digital artifacts.
You have the option to select the class AB working mode for a slightly smoother and more laid-back sound, or opt for class H to enhance technical performance, definition, and clarity. While the differences between the two modes are subtle, they are noticeable and merit experimentation to find the best fit for your earphones and musical tastes. The pairing of the class AB mode with the NOS filter provides the most natural and analog-like timbre, minimizing artificiality, which makes it particularly well-suited for classical music listening.
The bass response is quick, firm, and well-controled, showcasing remarkable clarity and texture detail for its class. It delivers a punchy and impactful performance, particularly in desktop mode. The KA15 avoids a dry or sterile sound profile, instead offering a hint of enjoyable warmth while maintaining technical precision, making it ideal for both casual and analytical listening experiences.
The mid-range performance is captivating and enjoyable, avoiding any harshness while delivering outstanding clarity and articulation for the category. The KA15 presents a vibrant and balanced sound, demonstrating plenty of resolution and refinement. Its treble is lively, extending gracefully and providing excellent detail without veering into an overly analytical or unforgiving territory. The soundstage is expansive and open, featuring adequate depth layering and precise imaging.
Vs the FiiO KA5
The FiiO KA15 has a more attractive design and features a color screen that showcases the appealing Walkman theme, while its menu interface is polished and user-friendly. Additionally, it includes a desktop mode, enhancing its power output significantly compared to the FiiO KA5.
In terms of sound quality, the most prominent differences between the two devices are that the FiiO KA5 presents a drier and brighter audio profile than the KA15. While the KA5 may offer slightly more detail and clarity, it tends to be less forgiving, exhibiting a sharper and somewhat more digital character.
Conversely, the KA15 is adept at handling more challenging loads and delivers a punchier sound with improved dynamics. Its overall sound signature is warmer and smoother, making it more musically engaging than the KA5. Ultimately, the FiiO KA15 excels over the KA5 in both audio performance and visual appeal, establishing itself as a significant upgrade from the previous model.
Vs the FiiO KA17
The FiiO KA17 stands out as a superior device compared to the KA15, excelling in technical performance, overall clarity, and fidelity. It offers enhanced resolution and refinement, along with greater power and improved dynamics, particularly in bass response, while also providing better textural detail and separation. In contrast, the KA15 delivers a slightly more musical and enjoyable listening experience, characterized by reduced digital harshness and a more natural sound quality.
Aesthetically, the FiiO KA15 is more attractive, less cumbersome, and easier to manage. However, the KA17 features an independent power supply that is compatible with the FiiO ESTICK power bank, allowing it to function as a battery-powered USB DAC dongle without significantly increasing its size or weight.
In the end
The FiiO KA15 is a budget-friendly USB DAC dongle that merges innovative design with outstanding audio quality. It offers significant amplification power while maintaining efficiency and includes various features such as power monitoring, a fully customizable parametric equalizer, and straightforward firmware updates. The FiiO KA15 is truly distinctive and pioneering, allowing it to stand out in a saturated market and setting a new standard that other manufacturers will need to consider to remain competitive.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Excellent sonic performance
+ Unique retro appearance
+ Color display
+ Powerful desktop mode
+ Low power consumption in desktop mode
+ Automatic power monitoring
+ Plenty of customization options
+ Onboard configuration menu
+ Android app and web interface
+ Fully featured parametric EQ
+ Very well made and affordable
+ Excellent price to performance ratio
+ Leatherette protective case
- USB type-C to Lighting cable is not included
- The device has a lanyard hole but a lanyard is missing
- Not as efficient as advertised
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