When music flows in your veins, choose a good guide!
Fiio KA11:
INSTAGRAM LINK:
Prelude:
Recently, it has been a completely new game for Fiio, starting from a great stationary combo in the form of the k11 or the flagship ka17 dongle, ending with the cheapest and most basic model in terms of dongles, i.e. the KA11. The cheapest offer from fiio is addressed to users who focus primarily on minimalism and simplicity. The cost of KA11 is USD 29.99 and I consider this price to be ridiculously low compared to what the device itself offers us. So it’s time to take a closer look at it.
Unboxing and ergonomics:
Fiio KA11 is the cheapest product from the dongle series of mobile DAC/AMPs in the fiio portfolio and this is reflected in the packaging. The emphasis here was on content, not form. We receive a nice cardboard packaging with an instruction manual and the device itself. In my opinion, at this price you don’t need anything else, maybe apart from a large USB adapter, but it’s not a must-have. The DAC itself is relatively small and very slim. Despite its small size, fiio fits an independent DAC from the CL and an additionally powerful independent amplifier. Although the cable is not detachable, it is made of strong braided material and really inspires my confidence. Additionally, there is a diode indicating the device’s operation and full access to the Fiio Controll application. From the application level, we can fine-tune the device’s filter, diode parameters and other aspects of operation. What is important and worthy of great praise is that the settings we choose will be saved in the device’s memory and will be valid on a Windows computer or any other device. The DAC/AMP itself generates enough power to drive most in-ear headphones, as much as 200mW per channel at 32Ohm, and it does not heat up excessively, maintaining great operating smoothness. At the same time, it looks like a slightly longer USB C to 3.5mm jack adapter, so it is a really compact device.
Sound:
Bass: The low tones are natural, clean and transparent, which translates into excellent quality, unheard of in this price range. We have a musical, natural and transparent tuning here, which translates into a very good final effect, and the bass generally followed the character of the headphones very well. HifiMan svanar sounded true to its nature, just like softears volume. I like that the ka11 is not very bassy, but rather focuses on balance and a pleasant natural sound.
Midrange: Vocals and instruments sound clean, smooth and natural in the KA11 with some of the bright tuning typical of the Cirrus bones. However, I did not feel any digital character or excessive analysis here. It seems that Fiio wanted to reach a more classic audience with the KA11 model who simply wants to listen to music. Nevertheless, the stage impressed me with its depth and good width. And most importantly, the signal purity has always remained impeccable. The sound resolution of the KA11 is really high, which is important despite the low price. The KA11 provides a lot of pleasure and joy from listening.
High tones: The high tones are neither unpleasant nor dominant. Their consistent and smooth character perfectly suits the KA11 tuning. Fiio decided on a calm and safe tuning model, which I personally think is a very good move, and the whole thing results in a calm and relaxing sound. Another good aspect is the nice separation of instruments and quite good positioning for this price range.
Comparisons:
Fiio KA11 (USD 29.99) VS xDuoo link v2 (USD 49)
xDuoo link 2v sounds drier, more analysis, but also less entertainment and fun. Fiio KA11 also has a slightly better quality cable and more power. I like both devices very much, but the Fiio KA11 is a bit more universal tuning, less technical.
Fiio KA11 (29.99USD) VS whizzer DA1 (59USD)
DA1 has physical volume buttons, which is a big plus because the volume can be adjusted from the device. However, Fiio KA11 is better made, has a much better cable, and has a more refined sound with much more power.
Fiio KA11 (29.99USD) VS fiio ka17 (149USD)
Of course, I treat this comparison as a curiosity and I decided to make it more because of the curiosity of many people and the number of questions I receive, rather than because of the real competitiveness of both products. Is KA17 better? Yes, it is much, much and several times much better, but it is a product dedicated to a different audience and a different target group. If you are looking for a device that will provide you with the basic functionality of the 3.5mm jack output and good sound quality, then the KA11 will be great. However, if you are looking for sound at the level of stationary audio devices, definitely head towards the KA17. I don’t think I need to explain to anyone that it’s impossible to compare these two devices fairly, and both are leaders in their price class.
Summary:
I have just finished the review of KA17, the flagship dongle from fiio, and I consider it a leader in its price category. KA11 is the cheapest, but not the worst, representative of the Fiio portfolio. It sounds great, provides excellent comfort of use and above-average sound quality. Its tuning is accessible and natural. The price of USD 29.99 is obscenely good compared to what KA11 offers us. I think that many people, like me, will share my opinion that the KA11 is an excellent USB dongle with a beautiful design and very good tuning. It stands out from the competition with its amount of power, great clean signal and, above all, well-thought-out and tuned sound. All this allows me to rate the work Fiio put into KA11 very highly. I hope future updates will bring even more improvements. Finally, I would like to add that a great advantage is also a great application that allows you to control the parameters of your device, you can use it to set the volume, digital filters or the backlight of the signal diode, and these are really useful issues.
Fiio KA11
Fiio KA11:
INSTAGRAM LINK:
Prelude:
Recently, it has been a completely new game for Fiio, starting from a great stationary combo in the form of the k11 or the flagship ka17 dongle, ending with the cheapest and most basic model in terms of dongles, i.e. the KA11. The cheapest offer from fiio is addressed to users who focus primarily on minimalism and simplicity. The cost of KA11 is USD 29.99 and I consider this price to be ridiculously low compared to what the device itself offers us. So it’s time to take a closer look at it.
Unboxing and ergonomics:
Fiio KA11 is the cheapest product from the dongle series of mobile DAC/AMPs in the fiio portfolio and this is reflected in the packaging. The emphasis here was on content, not form. We receive a nice cardboard packaging with an instruction manual and the device itself. In my opinion, at this price you don’t need anything else, maybe apart from a large USB adapter, but it’s not a must-have. The DAC itself is relatively small and very slim. Despite its small size, fiio fits an independent DAC from the CL and an additionally powerful independent amplifier. Although the cable is not detachable, it is made of strong braided material and really inspires my confidence. Additionally, there is a diode indicating the device’s operation and full access to the Fiio Controll application. From the application level, we can fine-tune the device’s filter, diode parameters and other aspects of operation. What is important and worthy of great praise is that the settings we choose will be saved in the device’s memory and will be valid on a Windows computer or any other device. The DAC/AMP itself generates enough power to drive most in-ear headphones, as much as 200mW per channel at 32Ohm, and it does not heat up excessively, maintaining great operating smoothness. At the same time, it looks like a slightly longer USB C to 3.5mm jack adapter, so it is a really compact device.
Sound:
Bass: The low tones are natural, clean and transparent, which translates into excellent quality, unheard of in this price range. We have a musical, natural and transparent tuning here, which translates into a very good final effect, and the bass generally followed the character of the headphones very well. HifiMan svanar sounded true to its nature, just like softears volume. I like that the ka11 is not very bassy, but rather focuses on balance and a pleasant natural sound.
Midrange: Vocals and instruments sound clean, smooth and natural in the KA11 with some of the bright tuning typical of the Cirrus bones. However, I did not feel any digital character or excessive analysis here. It seems that Fiio wanted to reach a more classic audience with the KA11 model who simply wants to listen to music. Nevertheless, the stage impressed me with its depth and good width. And most importantly, the signal purity has always remained impeccable. The sound resolution of the KA11 is really high, which is important despite the low price. The KA11 provides a lot of pleasure and joy from listening.
High tones: The high tones are neither unpleasant nor dominant. Their consistent and smooth character perfectly suits the KA11 tuning. Fiio decided on a calm and safe tuning model, which I personally think is a very good move, and the whole thing results in a calm and relaxing sound. Another good aspect is the nice separation of instruments and quite good positioning for this price range.
Comparisons:
Fiio KA11 (USD 29.99) VS xDuoo link v2 (USD 49)
xDuoo link 2v sounds drier, more analysis, but also less entertainment and fun. Fiio KA11 also has a slightly better quality cable and more power. I like both devices very much, but the Fiio KA11 is a bit more universal tuning, less technical.
Fiio KA11 (29.99USD) VS whizzer DA1 (59USD)
DA1 has physical volume buttons, which is a big plus because the volume can be adjusted from the device. However, Fiio KA11 is better made, has a much better cable, and has a more refined sound with much more power.
Fiio KA11 (29.99USD) VS fiio ka17 (149USD)
Of course, I treat this comparison as a curiosity and I decided to make it more because of the curiosity of many people and the number of questions I receive, rather than because of the real competitiveness of both products. Is KA17 better? Yes, it is much, much and several times much better, but it is a product dedicated to a different audience and a different target group. If you are looking for a device that will provide you with the basic functionality of the 3.5mm jack output and good sound quality, then the KA11 will be great. However, if you are looking for sound at the level of stationary audio devices, definitely head towards the KA17. I don’t think I need to explain to anyone that it’s impossible to compare these two devices fairly, and both are leaders in their price class.
Summary:
I have just finished the review of KA17, the flagship dongle from fiio, and I consider it a leader in its price category. KA11 is the cheapest, but not the worst, representative of the Fiio portfolio. It sounds great, provides excellent comfort of use and above-average sound quality. Its tuning is accessible and natural. The price of USD 29.99 is obscenely good compared to what KA11 offers us. I think that many people, like me, will share my opinion that the KA11 is an excellent USB dongle with a beautiful design and very good tuning. It stands out from the competition with its amount of power, great clean signal and, above all, well-thought-out and tuned sound. All this allows me to rate the work Fiio put into KA11 very highly. I hope future updates will bring even more improvements. Finally, I would like to add that a great advantage is also a great application that allows you to control the parameters of your device, you can use it to set the volume, digital filters or the backlight of the signal diode, and these are really useful issues.
Suggest to update your review.