First off, let me say now that I am not an audiophile. I am a fan of audiophiles though and I learn a lot from you guys. I'm more of a budget-audio-enthusiast and I'd like to keep it that way. Some parts of this review will be to re-affirm some of the observations with this product and probably add some recommendations for the benefit of our budget-conscious members like myself. So let's begin, shall we?
Update --> I purchased the latest version (2017) since I sold the first one some time ago. I am now pairing it with my smartphone (Lenovo K4 Note). See where it says (Update) below for some updates on the latest release version.
PACKAGING (Update)
The latest packaging of the A3 (2017) has the following items:
REASON FOR BUYING
I always wondered if my headphones, the JVC HA-RX700, would benefit from a portable amp so I decided to dig some reviews and possibly find a good match. The most popular budget choice is the Fiio E6 so that was my first choice. Fortunately, there is a local store that lets me audition those first so I got to listen before deciding. First, it turned out that my headphones did benefit from the amp. There is some change in the sound quality, most notably in terms of clarity and bass but not necessarily in the sound stage. Not that I'm not content with how my headphones sound. They already sound great but I'm looking for that extra energy, especially in the treble and bass department. The E6 did that to some extent but EQ1 (red) is a little bit overbearing and the bass response is not that clean and muddied the mid-range a little bit. EQ2 (blue) sounded much cleaner but this time it lacked the bass energy I was looking for. I did not really pay too much attention to EQ3 (purple) and EQoff so I can't comment much on those. To cut the story short, the E6 is great for its price but I'm looking for more. So I stepped up the game, auditioned the E11K and the rest, as they say, is history. That history is actually written below.
BUILD AND DESIGN
The build is superb. It has this feeling of indestructibility to it. The brand new unit's switches are tight and sturdy. The volume meter is smooth but not loose. I'm sure that it will last for years unless you intentionally or accidentally damage it. It feels like it can really take a considerable beating.
Design wise, it looks gorgeous. The brushed aluminum makes it look like a premiere gear. I know that some may prefer the line-in and out ports to be at the front of the unit, together with the volume meter but this design works for me. I have it strapped to my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 l9152), which has the headphone-out port at the top-end so I had the bottom-end of the amp facing that area then I plug in the interconnect and headphones from there quite easily. I just reach underneath my phone for the volume meter to adjust it ever so slightly then it's good to go. The power indicator being at the bottom-end also helps with my set-up. Again, it depends on where your headphone-out is. I'm pretty sure you'll find your way through it.
SOUND
It added just the right bass energy I was looking for. It's not overwhelming but it's not lacking at all. It's really powerful and clean and it did not bleed out at all to any of the other frequency ranges.
It added a significant amount of treble energy. The highs (e.g. cymbal crashes and hits) are clearer and more prominent. Mid-range is also noticeably clearer.
Sound stage is about the same but more centered and balanced. It gives this concert hall effect, especially with songs that involved some orchestrated arrangements (e.g. Queen's Who Wants To Live Forever). Stereo imaging is unaffected though this is somewhat expected.
Overall, the sound is fuller and richer with a lot more energy. More importantly, I would say it's mostly neutral. My headphones' sound signature is maintained, with just the added prominence where I need them to be (bass and treble). So to my JVC HA-RX700 friends who are still wondering if those headphones sound "good" with an amp, they don't. They sound "great"! And they go perfect with the E11K.
CONS (Update)
1. Channel imbalance until level 2 in the volume dial - I did not really find this disturbing and this has been explained by Fiio quite clearly - http://fiio.me/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=40050. (Update) It's still there, but less noticeable on the latest version (2017).
2. Slight static when music is paused - At first, I was disturbed by this but this turned out to be normal for low impedance and highly sensitive headphones. I tested this behavior against the store's test unit and the result is the same. What helps though is:
a) If you're using a portable source which is not very powerful (like a smartphone), set the source volume to max then control the volume from the amp. This worked for me and static is no longer there after pausing as long as I stay within acceptable (not too loud) listening levels but results may vary as you switch to a more powerful source. I believe the logic is that the signal from the source must be as strong as possible to avoid static/distortion. Again, please test what works best with your set up.
b) Switch to Low Gain. Your low impedance or highly sensitive headphones will likely handle the low gain volume setting more easily. In analogy, it's biting the right amount of food and it can chew it just easily. This is the safest bet. A quick notice though: High gain for me sounded more forward and open and bass is just a little more prominent. I listened to it enough to spot the difference. Low gain sounds "tighter" (not in a bad way) and a bit (a very tiny bit) more detailed but I like the high gain sound better. Again, it's a matter of preference. Just adjust that volume ever so slightly to avoid hearing damage.
(Update) When music is paused, it's silent (version 2017). This is a significant improvement from the earlier releases. There is still EMI when stacked with a phone but pausing music, I can not detect any noise, even with more sensitive IEMs like the KZ ZS3.
3. Phone interference - And yes, it's not perfectly shielded and you will hear the "tut tut tut" if a call or a text message is coming in or if the phone is picking up a strong signal but I think this is normal. It doesn't happen often and I believe it won't be a problem if you're not using a phone as a source so don't sweat it. Overall, it's still decently shielded in my opinion.
BATTERY LIFE
It takes about 4 hours to full charge. Keep a close watch if you're nearing the 4-hour mark. Upon full charge, unplug the unit as it heats up a little if not done so. I believe the unit has a built-in protection for overcharging but just to be on the safe side, unplug it at once when fully charged.
The published usability at full charge is more than 16 hours and I can attest to that. I believe rechargeable batteries improve after several charging cycles so I'm counting on it. If not, I'm pretty much content with about 16 hours of usage until next charge.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Fiio's published product page says, "great layering and medium and high frequency extension" and "with great control of low frequencies and smooth drive". I couldn't agree more. I'd highly recommend this product for its purpose.
For the budget enthusiast, if you can push your budget a little bit higher, go for the E11K instead of the E6. If you can audition both, you'll hear the difference, I promise. Don't get me wrong, E6 is decent but E11K is more than decent. It's on a league of its own. I even read reviews that it can compete with its higher priced big brothers but I'm not qualified to comment on that. I did not have the chance to try those. Just know that with the Kilimanjaro 2, your getting best value and sound at a reasonable price.
(Update) I believe overall that version 2017 is a better value in terms of accessories set and the improved noise floor. I can't imagine it to improve anymore but it actually did. Great job, Fiio! This remains to be your best value amp a few years after its release.
Update --> I purchased the latest version (2017) since I sold the first one some time ago. I am now pairing it with my smartphone (Lenovo K4 Note). See where it says (Update) below for some updates on the latest release version.
PACKAGING (Update)
The latest packaging of the A3 (2017) has the following items:
- 2 Hi-Res stickers, on the packaging and the unit itself.
- 1 Ultra-short interconnect, as with the Fiio A5 (replacing the usual 3-inch ic)
- 2 Rubber pads (replacing the rubber feet)
- I'm stacking this with my phone so it's temporarily attached to my clear phone case with a reusable adhesive (sturdy but easy to remove Elmer's Tak 'N Stik). This does not damage the unit's surface at all.
REASON FOR BUYING
I always wondered if my headphones, the JVC HA-RX700, would benefit from a portable amp so I decided to dig some reviews and possibly find a good match. The most popular budget choice is the Fiio E6 so that was my first choice. Fortunately, there is a local store that lets me audition those first so I got to listen before deciding. First, it turned out that my headphones did benefit from the amp. There is some change in the sound quality, most notably in terms of clarity and bass but not necessarily in the sound stage. Not that I'm not content with how my headphones sound. They already sound great but I'm looking for that extra energy, especially in the treble and bass department. The E6 did that to some extent but EQ1 (red) is a little bit overbearing and the bass response is not that clean and muddied the mid-range a little bit. EQ2 (blue) sounded much cleaner but this time it lacked the bass energy I was looking for. I did not really pay too much attention to EQ3 (purple) and EQoff so I can't comment much on those. To cut the story short, the E6 is great for its price but I'm looking for more. So I stepped up the game, auditioned the E11K and the rest, as they say, is history. That history is actually written below.
BUILD AND DESIGN
The build is superb. It has this feeling of indestructibility to it. The brand new unit's switches are tight and sturdy. The volume meter is smooth but not loose. I'm sure that it will last for years unless you intentionally or accidentally damage it. It feels like it can really take a considerable beating.
Design wise, it looks gorgeous. The brushed aluminum makes it look like a premiere gear. I know that some may prefer the line-in and out ports to be at the front of the unit, together with the volume meter but this design works for me. I have it strapped to my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 l9152), which has the headphone-out port at the top-end so I had the bottom-end of the amp facing that area then I plug in the interconnect and headphones from there quite easily. I just reach underneath my phone for the volume meter to adjust it ever so slightly then it's good to go. The power indicator being at the bottom-end also helps with my set-up. Again, it depends on where your headphone-out is. I'm pretty sure you'll find your way through it.
SOUND
It added just the right bass energy I was looking for. It's not overwhelming but it's not lacking at all. It's really powerful and clean and it did not bleed out at all to any of the other frequency ranges.
It added a significant amount of treble energy. The highs (e.g. cymbal crashes and hits) are clearer and more prominent. Mid-range is also noticeably clearer.
Sound stage is about the same but more centered and balanced. It gives this concert hall effect, especially with songs that involved some orchestrated arrangements (e.g. Queen's Who Wants To Live Forever). Stereo imaging is unaffected though this is somewhat expected.
Overall, the sound is fuller and richer with a lot more energy. More importantly, I would say it's mostly neutral. My headphones' sound signature is maintained, with just the added prominence where I need them to be (bass and treble). So to my JVC HA-RX700 friends who are still wondering if those headphones sound "good" with an amp, they don't. They sound "great"! And they go perfect with the E11K.
CONS (Update)
1. Channel imbalance until level 2 in the volume dial - I did not really find this disturbing and this has been explained by Fiio quite clearly - http://fiio.me/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=40050. (Update) It's still there, but less noticeable on the latest version (2017).
2. Slight static when music is paused - At first, I was disturbed by this but this turned out to be normal for low impedance and highly sensitive headphones. I tested this behavior against the store's test unit and the result is the same. What helps though is:
a) If you're using a portable source which is not very powerful (like a smartphone), set the source volume to max then control the volume from the amp. This worked for me and static is no longer there after pausing as long as I stay within acceptable (not too loud) listening levels but results may vary as you switch to a more powerful source. I believe the logic is that the signal from the source must be as strong as possible to avoid static/distortion. Again, please test what works best with your set up.
b) Switch to Low Gain. Your low impedance or highly sensitive headphones will likely handle the low gain volume setting more easily. In analogy, it's biting the right amount of food and it can chew it just easily. This is the safest bet. A quick notice though: High gain for me sounded more forward and open and bass is just a little more prominent. I listened to it enough to spot the difference. Low gain sounds "tighter" (not in a bad way) and a bit (a very tiny bit) more detailed but I like the high gain sound better. Again, it's a matter of preference. Just adjust that volume ever so slightly to avoid hearing damage.
(Update) When music is paused, it's silent (version 2017). This is a significant improvement from the earlier releases. There is still EMI when stacked with a phone but pausing music, I can not detect any noise, even with more sensitive IEMs like the KZ ZS3.
3. Phone interference - And yes, it's not perfectly shielded and you will hear the "tut tut tut" if a call or a text message is coming in or if the phone is picking up a strong signal but I think this is normal. It doesn't happen often and I believe it won't be a problem if you're not using a phone as a source so don't sweat it. Overall, it's still decently shielded in my opinion.
BATTERY LIFE
It takes about 4 hours to full charge. Keep a close watch if you're nearing the 4-hour mark. Upon full charge, unplug the unit as it heats up a little if not done so. I believe the unit has a built-in protection for overcharging but just to be on the safe side, unplug it at once when fully charged.
The published usability at full charge is more than 16 hours and I can attest to that. I believe rechargeable batteries improve after several charging cycles so I'm counting on it. If not, I'm pretty much content with about 16 hours of usage until next charge.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Fiio's published product page says, "great layering and medium and high frequency extension" and "with great control of low frequencies and smooth drive". I couldn't agree more. I'd highly recommend this product for its purpose.
For the budget enthusiast, if you can push your budget a little bit higher, go for the E11K instead of the E6. If you can audition both, you'll hear the difference, I promise. Don't get me wrong, E6 is decent but E11K is more than decent. It's on a league of its own. I even read reviews that it can compete with its higher priced big brothers but I'm not qualified to comment on that. I did not have the chance to try those. Just know that with the Kilimanjaro 2, your getting best value and sound at a reasonable price.
(Update) I believe overall that version 2017 is a better value in terms of accessories set and the improved noise floor. I can't imagine it to improve anymore but it actually did. Great job, Fiio! This remains to be your best value amp a few years after its release.
The latest cans are a little picky with power and connected to HO of iPhone even a nearly full steam didn't deliver. It turned out to be a noticeably different and darn sight better experience with this amplifier, which with High Gain a Bass Boost Off, gave me a nearly flat sounding image, with more 3D experience. Gone was the (slightly) V-shaped frequency response.
I'm still making tests with the Senns IEM, but one thing it is quite clear: Bass Boost off most of times