The FiiO KA17 review sample was kindly provided free of charge. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the FiiO KA17 is $149 and you can buy it from FiiO.eu.
FiiO KA17 Review
FiiO’s latest flagship product, the KA17, is a portable USB DAC dongle that surpasses the previous leader, the FiiO KA5. Building upon the design pattern introduced with the KA13, the KA17 incorporates the OLED screen from the KA5 while also integrating the desktop mode switch from the KA13. Additionally, it features an extra USB type-C power supply port, similar to the FiiO Q7 and M17. For those unfamiliar with FiiO’s USB DAC dongles, their lineup now includes the following models in ascending order of budget to premium: FiiO KA1 (now replaced by the FiiO KA11), FiiO KA2, FiiO KA3 (being phased out), FiiO KA13, FiiO KA5, and FiiO KA17.
Technical highlights
The KA17 utilizes a pair of the latest ESS ES9069Q flagship DAC chips, driven by fourth-generation 32-bit HyperStream technology. These chips offer superior performance, reduced power consumption, and decreased digital noise compared to earlier models, resulting in a flawless and unadulterated audio experience.
The THX AAA 78 headphone amp has been widely employed by FiiO in devices such as the M11 Pro and M11 Plus players. The newer and improved THX AA 78+ amplifier is now showcased in the KA17. It houses THX AA 78+ headphone amplifiers, with 8 op-amps functioning in parallel, in a 4-channel fully balanced configuration, allowing for enhanced power output.
The KA17 boasts a highly intricate audio circuit, surpassing the complexity of typical USB DAC dongles. It incorporates dual crystal oscillator clocks, LPF voltage amplification, BUF current expansion, and headphone amps that operate simultaneously. Notably, the digital and analog components of the audio circuit are housed on distinct circuit boards, each with a shielding cover to ensure complete isolation.
The KA17 comes equipped with a 16-core XMOS XU316 USB receiver, a feature not commonly seen in audio dongles. This chip offers improved latency, enhanced signal stability, and superior compatibility compared to standard USB control chips. The device is capable of asynchronous decoding up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD512, and full MQA support. Additionally, it supports USB DAC driver free operation and can function as a USB to SPDIF bridge.
The desktop mode
FiiO has been enhancing its desktop mode across different products like the M17, Q7, M15S, Q15, and KA13, and now with the introduction of the KA17. The KA17 boasts a unique desktop mode that can be activated through a dedicated switch. By enabling this mode, the DAC, amplifier power supply, and power output are automatically adjusted to maximize performance and deliver increased power output.
Power consumption
The FiiO KA17, unlike the FiiO KA13, offers a separate type-C port that allows you to connect an external USB charger or power bank. This feature ensures that the KA17 remains powered while preventing the host device battery from draining. Consequently, you can confidently enable the desktop mode without concerns about battery life. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that connecting external power is not a prerequisite for activating the desktop mode. As long as you have an ample USB host power supply, you can activate the desktop mode effortlessly. While PCs, laptops, and most Android devices can provide the necessary power, iPhones are unable to do so.
Power consumption from the balanced output with the Focal Clear Mg is 0.18A/0.94W in idle state and 0.20A/1.01W while playing music. With the desktop mode engaged these numbers rise to 0.24A/1.22W and 0.28A/1.44W respectively. (Screen display off)
For the sake of comparison the FiiO KA5 draws 0.12A/0.62W, the iFi Go bar 0.14A/0.71W, the FiiO KA13 0.15A/0.77W and the iBasso DC04PRO – Power saving mode ON: 0.09A, 0.5W – Power saving mode OFF: 0.14A 0.73W, under the same working conditions.
The FiiO KA17 appears to be significantly less efficient compared to the other options, even when the desktop mode is disabled. If you prioritize efficiency and host battery life, this may not be the most suitable selection for you.
Power output and associated gear
The FiiO KA17 boasts an impressive maximum power output of 300mWPC/32Ω from its balanced output in normal working mode, and a staggering 650mWPC/32Ω in desktop mode. This makes it the undisputed powerhouse among USB DAC dongles of its size, outperforming its competitors such as the KA13 (540mW), Cayin RU-7 (400mW), and iFi Go bar (440mW).
The KA17 is capable of driving most full-sized headphones, such as the FiiO FT3 and FT5, as well as the 300Ω Sennheiser HD660S2. To gauge its real-life performance, it only requires around 30 out of 60 steps to achieve a loud volume with spare headroom for the Focal Clear Mg (with desktop mode off). When using the desktop mode (from the balanced output), the volume can be set at 25 out of 60. Additionally, the KA17 remains completely silent regardless of whether it is connected to a noisy PC or an Android phone, making it an excellent choice for use with sensitive earphones like the FiiO FX15.
The KA17 heats up considerably in desktop mode, challenging its compact chassis to effectively manage heat and maintain cool temperatures. Therefore, FiiO has integrated an innovative thermal protection circuit.
The FiiO KA17 was updated to the latest v0.99 firmware.
Audio paranoia
Enabling the desktop mode on the KA17 without a separate power supply has its drawbacks. Apart from the increased power consumption, the performance and audio quality do not match up to when the KA17 is connected to an external power adapter. The additional current provided by the power adapter helps the KA17 achieve its maximum performance and deliver better sound quality. However, this is where things become subjective and audio enthusiasts may have differing opinions. Personally, I have tested the FiiO KA17 with both a phone charger and the iFi iPower2 (5V) power adapter, and surprisingly, the sound quality was superior with the latter. It offered a blacker background, more refined textures, and greater dynamics. Of course, take this information with a grain of salt, but I’m certain that many of you will be tempted to experiment with different power sources.
User interface
The FiiO KA17 features a compact 0.91″ dot matrix display and three dedicated buttons, allowing you to conveniently adjust the volume and navigate through menus without relying on your phone or any application. However, it does not support functions such as play, pause, and track skipping. The screen provides essential information like sampling rate, gain, and volume, while also serving as a menu navigation tool. This device offers extensive customization options, including two volume adjustment steps, high and low gain settings, various digital filters, EQ profiles, UAC mode, screen rotation and timer settings, channel balance adjustment, and more.
The 10 band Parametric EQ
Utilize the FiiO control application to easily adjust the 10 band PEQ. Save up to three unique user configurations, which will be permanently stored in the device memory. Choose between your custom settings or one of the 7 pre-set EQ profiles directly from the device menu.
Important note: The EQ can only be configured through the FiiO control application.
Design and appearance
The KA17 showcases the latest design trend introduced in the FiiO KA13, featuring a dot matrix display instead of the transparent glass window. With measurements of 64×27.7×12.7mm and a weight of 33.5g, the KA17 is slightly larger and heavier compared to the FiiO KA5 and KA13, yet remains portable. Constructed from durable aluminum alloy, this device offers a premium look and feel, especially in the elegant blue variant. The impeccable finish and craftsmanship further enhance its overall appeal.
Accessories
The package comprises of a compact USB type-C cable, a USB A to C adapter, and an elegant leatherette case. Regrettably, an iOS cable is not provided as part of the standard package.
Listening impressions
(This section includes comparisons with the FiiO KA5 and KA13)
The KA17 offers a sound profile that closely resembles FiiO’s signature house sound found in their audio gear with THX amplification. It maintains a neutral and transparent sound, with a touch of treble brightness and a hint of low-end warmth. This combination creates a well-balanced sound signature that is both musical and engaging, while still delivering excellent fidelity.
One key distinction of the KA17 is its weightier and fuller sound compared to the KA5 and KA13. This allows it to blend musicality with top-notch technicalities. Additionally, the timbre of the KA17 is slightly more natural, resulting in a harmonious and less sterile sound. There is no noticeable artificiality or metallic tinge, despite the presence of some treble energy.
The THX amplifier on the KA17 pleasantly surprises with its weighty and visceral low-end, offering a fuller and less lean textured bass compared to the KA13 or KA5 models. Simultaneously, it delivers fast, tight, well-defined, and controlled bass response. Moreover, it exhibits punchiness and impactfulness with remarkable dynamic contrast, particularly when used with an external power adapter.
The mid-range delivers a neutral, crystal clear, and transparent sound quality, showcasing excellent articulation and surprisingly colorful harmonies in both instrumental and vocal tones. Despite being a THX – ESS design, it may lack liquidity and organic characteristics, yet the overall timbre remains more natural and realistic than anticipated.
More listening impressions
The KA17 boasts impressive speed and energy, along with an airy and luminous sound profile. It features a well-controlled brightness that effectively illuminates the mix and aids in detail retrieval, striking a balance between analytical and brilliant. This represents the most natural and well-executed treble among all FiiO DAC dongles, including those powered by batteries. The KA17 stands out as the most sophisticated and mature sounding FiiO dongle, offering exceptional resolution and refinement that surpass the KA13 and KA5 in these aspects.
The KA17 delivers an exceptional soundstage that is expansive and immersive, without any artificial widening. The audio is remarkably open and spacious, with impressive layering. The imaging and separation are of the highest quality, and the presentation has a holographic quality with abundant ambient details. Overall, the performance is incredibly satisfying and surpasses expectations for a portable DAC. This is particularly true when utilizing the desktop mode, which further expands the soundstage and improves separation.
How it fairs against the competition
There is a wide range of USB DAC dongles available in the market for around $149, each with its own distinct advantages. Some are smaller and lighter, while others consume less power or boast fancy designs. Most importantly, they all have their own unique sound signatures. It’s worth noting that not everyone may appreciate the sound profile of the FiiO KA17, but fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to choose from. These options vary from highly technical sounding to more analog and organic, ensuring that there is a USB DAC to suit everyone’s preferences. However, when considering the combination of sound quality, functionality, power output, and compact size, it’s difficult to find anything else at this price point that matches the FiiO KA17. Ultimately, the decision lies with you whether you require a versatile device like the FiiO KA17 or something with more specific and distinctive characteristics.
In the end
The FiiO KA17 is undoubtedly the ultimate USB portable DAC/amp in FiiO’s lineup. It not only surpasses its predecessors in terms of maturity and sophistication in sound, but also boasts a plethora of features, including the innovative desktop mode that elevates it to a desktop-grade device.
When it comes to a portable USB DAC/amp, the FiiO KA17 truly has it all and more. It is the epitome of a top-tier DAC, leaving little reason to consider any other option unless you specifically desire a different sound signature or a more compact and efficient device. The FiiO KA17 encompasses everything you could possibly need, and at a price that is incredibly difficult to match. In fact, it outshines all competitors in terms of value for money. To put it simply, the FiiO KA17 offers the most exceptional price to performance ratio currently available in the market, and I have no doubt that it will be in high demand.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Stellar sound quality and technicalities + Surpasses all previous FiiO portable DACs + Silent and EMI free + Desktop mode with great power output + Type-C power supply input + Display and hardware buttons + Independent volume adjustment + User configurable PEQ + Customizable functios + USB to SPDIF bridge + Excellent build quality + Leatherette case included + Impressive value for money - Bulkier than average - Can't control playback - Desktop mode gets warm - Less efficient than the competition - iOS cable is not included - The PEQ is only customizable through FiiO control app
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