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?

No measureable difference, scientifically proven. You claim it does influence sound perception, without any proof other than your words. I'll trust science, you do you.

Here you go

Respectfully, the scientifical stance is that cables don't matter, you may tell us that you feel otherwise, but that is not a scientifical dispute, just your opinion (to which you are entitled to of course).

The bottom line is, replacing your FH9 stock cable would be a waste of resources. Cables don't make a difference, save your money. Audio Science Review has tons of threads up on that exact topic.

I've got another FH9 cable ready as a replacement, which matches the JD7 shell perfectly

Received my JD7's today (4 months late lol), they are amazing! Thanks, and also big thanks to @o0genesis0o for the detailed review.

No MQA is a plus, don't need that snake oil around. Measurements are looking solid as well, if clipping measurements will be good as well this will be competitive.

I see you've got both the FH9 and JD7? Would you mind sharing some details on how both compare, im thinking of getting the JD7 to complement the FH9

Based on the most recent FiiO Control updates, the upcoming K9 (non-pro) will likely feature parametric EQ. Pricing will be interesting!

I presume it would be similar to Android, so you'd have a slider within FiiO Control which lets you adjust the volume. That basic implementation is noticeably worse than a fully fledged remote with controls, no doubt. Edit: Now that i think about it, you might even want to double check whether...