V2 is what it should've been from the start. Now it is usable at last, hopefully this is only the beginning of better FiiO software.

I agree, would be nice to see those things addressed. Hi/Low Shelf + Peaking Filter type selection if using PEQ @FiiO

Riku reached out to me, so i'll be trying the saber 3. They seem like a good fit. Budget is theoretically uncapped, from what i've gathered sourcing buds from outside of europe might be more of an issue. TGX buds look good but they all have that large mx500 shell.

I'm looking for an earbud (warmer tuning) with a smallish shell, do you guys have any recommendations for me? I'm a bit lost in the world of earbuds..

There will be no noticeable difference, do not waste money on a cable if it is only for "improved sound".

The BTR7 has a much higher noise floor, and generally measures worse than the KA5 (comparing the audio science review of the BTR7 with the official FiiO measurements of the KA5). Also it clips at 215mW with a 32 Ohm load (FiiO spec is 320mW THD+N < 1%, higher than the 265mW of the KA5, but there...

MQA is dead, rightfully so. It would make little sense to adopt it in upcoming products. Can make better use of budget tbh

In order to update the firmware you need access to a windows operating system, with the FiiO KA5 driver installed and the FiiO update tool, there is no other way rn. The app is just an alternative to FiiO Control, much leaner and with notification controls. Edit: Maybe virtualization will work...

Thanks, if you encounter any bugs or have suggestions feel free to open an issue on GitHub.

I've updated my Android dongle control control application to support the KA5. You can find it on GitHub. Might be interesting to you if you plan on building your own software around the KA5.

One of the most important attribute of a good dongle is good EMI shielding, which historically FiiO has done very well. I agree.

Most dongles sound the same, there is no real audible difference. I've compared this to the Moondrop Dawn, E1DA 9038 and they all sound the same.

You can adjust the volume on the KA5 without it affecting the source device volume level.

Received my KA5 today, amazing small device. Low noise floor, and pretty easy to control on-device. Volume control is decoupled, output power is lower than on my E1DA 9038 (still unmatched), but it is more flexible with dual outputs. Overall, definitly recommended!

Thanks, finally some more measurements (seem to be in line with what FiiO has released). I'd be very much interested in clipping measurements (THD+N vs Power), is that something you can measure with your setup?