On headphonic told that ka5 have a little cold highs Vs dc04pro and that single ended output is worst than 4.4 , on the dc04pro instead both are good. I need dynamics and stage for classical music listenings, I think I'll go with dc04pro

I am waiting for the DC04 Pro to arrive so I will add a comparison at a later time.
But I don't think that the KA5 highs are cold, my experience is the opposite, at least with the NOS filter.

I have both the KA5 and DC04pro. I, too, have experienced some cellular interference from time to time on the KA5, but have experienced none on the DC04pro. With respect to sound quality, they are close and I will need to compare further to know which one is preferable.

Thaks for the review. How is the power consumption compared to ka3? Switching between class AB and class H - does this mean switching off the opamps (class AB) and directly driving from CS chips (class H) I am just guessing here. I believe ibasso dc04 pro has this feature. Waiting for comparison with ibasso.

Thank you for reading.
I haven't measured the power consumption but with the KA5 my phone runs a little longer than with the KA3.
FiiO has provided

Power consumption:
110mA( Standby)
113mA(PO 40mV)
113mA(BAL 40mV)

The class AB and H must be something different than switching off the amplifier as in the DC04 Pro.
In the KA5 the power output stays the same so I guess that the amplifiers are still working in both options.
I will ask FiiO.

Hi thank you for the review. Been reading quite a bit from you these days.

Would appreciate your insight on a purchase reasoning: what would you consider the best option, if at all justifiable, for a first DAC, between IFI Go Link, FiiO KA3 or this KA5 (i'm ok going for the most expensive).

For context, mainly Spotify (max qual.), but considering Tidal.
Output is a Samsung S10e (3,5mm jack, Exynos/Cirrus CS47L93) using Wavelet equalized for my IEM's Shure SE425. I consider having reasonable sound quality at the moment. Used to run an older LG G4 with Viper4Android, which had superior quality (except for the "electric noise").

Essentialy my trouble deciding comes from not being able to tell if, eg. the Go Link may not bring any considerable difference to this setup, or on the other hand becoming "overDACed" with a KA5 given the Shure SE425 i use. Battery drain is somewhat relevant too.

Thank you.

Hi , thank you for reading.
The first question is: do have balanced cable?

I do not, yet. Using original cable RMCE-UNI (with mic, i know...) for convenience. But open to replace it in the future.

If you are going to replace then it makes sense to spend extra for a balanced DAC.
So, iFi Go link is for warner, organic and slightly thicker sound signature.
KA5 is neutral - natural with realistic timbre and good technicalities.
KA3 for giving more life, light and speed to your earphones.
There is no way to get overDACed at this price point.
The KA3 will drain your battery faster.
If you don't plan to go balanced then consider the iFi Go link, iBasso DC03 Pro and FiiO KA1.

Petros, thank you very much. You made it quite clear. After a bit more digging and reading decided to go for a DC03, mainly over battery, dedicated app and fear of usb not fitting the phone with case. Moving towards balanced will happen in the future, probably with a new IEM or headphone for a different listening context. Again, thank you.

For iem, balanced is not always better than single ended right?

@vandung2510 The single ended output is very good sounding so if you are ok with the power then there is no need to worry.
Just enjoy

Great review. I wonder how well this will pair with my Sundara, not to mention I'm using Chord Mojo already with it. Just need a more portable solution with a balanced output.

@Rei7 Thank you.
Well, coming from the Mojo you will find the KA5 as a little underwhelming for powering the Sundara but I would say adequate for portable use as long as you understand its limits.
You have to use the balanced output of course.

How do you compare it with dc04 pro ... I have KA3 and i just brought letshuoer s12 pro ... The pair is fatiguing and sound is sharp .. i have to use is on low sound.... I did EQ but problem still remains . KA5 does looks good with tones of features over dc04 but all i want is sound ... So which one will be better with s12 pro .... KA5 or dc04 pro... I also thought about xduo link 2 bal MAX but havent got any review of it ..