[Ichos]

I've got an M17 right now. I love the sound and the power (I have HD600s and LCD-2 Classics they drive very well in DC mode). However, I find that I don't really travel with it, I'm using it on my desk most of the time. I feel a desktop unit would be easier to use on my desktop (geez, who would have guessed) with access to dials, controls, etc. I would buy a K9 Pro ESS, sell the M17, and use the residuals for some new cans or something.

My question is, since they have basically the same hardware, do they sound the same? That is, if I enjoy the sound of the M17, is that what I'll get with the K9Pro ESS? I read there was some difference with the K9Pro and the M17, but I assume that's because of the different DAC chip manufacturers.

Thanks!

You may find the answer in my review.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fiio-k9-pro-ess.25882/review/28610/

Kindly press the like button if you found it helpful.

 

[TerekKincaid]

You may find the answer in my review.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fiio-k9-pro-ess.25882/review/28610/

Kindly press the like button if you found it helpful.

That's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for, thanks! And it confirmed my suspicions that it would be at least as good if not better.

I'll get the K9 and A-B them, but I'm sure I'll be selling off the M17 and using the difference for some new "toys"

 

[TerekKincaid]

I think it should be the same sound-wise if you buy the ESS version of K9 pro

In your case, I would keep the M17. The K9 pro needs two cables more (power + USB) and also takes much more space on the desk.

My desk is large enough (and cluttered with enough cables) that it won't make a difference. Right now with the M17 I have a USB cable, power, and power cable for the stand (which is required, it overheats when I forget to switch it on). So, I'll be decluttering, technically

Two reasons for the change. One, changing sources, etc on the M17 is a bit "fiddly". I have to turn on the screen, swipe around, tab small buttons, etc. Having hardware buttons to make my adjustments is simpler. But the main reason is the difference in cost. Even with the loss I'll take on the M17 selling it used, I'll still be up $400-500, which can go towards something new.

But, if portability is even part of anyone's needs, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the M17, it's a fantastic DAP!

 

[FiiO]

Yes, I do know that you can look it up on the app, just wonder is there any other way to know which sample rate is playing without using any Fiio Ecosystem... because even using Foobar if you did not setup properly, Fiio DAC will show green LED but actually is in PCM mode, not DSD mode...

Dear friend,

You are using the K9Pro with the computer or the player?
If you are using in Windows computer, you could check the output sampling rate from the FiiO Control panel as well:

Best regards

 

[godlikegamer]

Dear friend,

You are using the K9Pro with the computer or the player?
If you are using in Windows computer, you could check the output sampling rate from the FiiO Control panel as well:


Best regards

Yes, I do know you can check via this control panel or by looking at the LED light, just wonder is there any other way without using any of the Fiio ecosystem (software/hardware)?

 

[FiiO]

Yes, I do know you can check via this control panel or by looking at the LED light, just wonder is there any other way without using any of the Fiio ecosystem (software/hardware)?

Dear friend,

Sorry maybe you check whether there are other third party app support this feature for help?

Best regards

 

[dlelikov]

Good afternoon! My Fiio K9 Pro ESS is 3 months old. The following breakdown appeared yesterday. After pressing the sleep button, the device goes either to sleep or to deep sleep, as always. But when I press and wake up the device again, the RGB ring starts flashing red quickly and the device is not detected by any device when connected via USB. Only turning off and on the power button at the back helps. What is the problem?

 

[MonsieurNiceGuy]

Random but I was wondering if my K9 Pro AKM would be able to power a pair of Genelec 8040's. I'm looking to update my speaker setup from the 8010s that I'm using through the K9 Pro to the 8040s but they are 90watt Speakers so wasn't sure if the K9 would be able to power that level of speakers.

 

[dsrk]

Random but I was wondering if my K9 Pro AKM would be able to power a pair of Genelec 8040's. I'm looking to update my speaker setup from the 8010s that I'm using through the K9 Pro to the 8040s but they are 90watt Speakers so wasn't sure if the K9 would be able to power that level of speakers.

They are active speakers so K9 Pro as a pre amp should have no problem.

How it pairs with the speakers is a different story.

 

[FiiO]

Good afternoon! My Fiio K9 Pro ESS is 3 months old. The following breakdown appeared yesterday. After pressing the sleep button, the device goes either to sleep or to deep sleep, as always. But when I press and wake up the device again, the RGB ring starts flashing red quickly and the device is not detected by any device when connected via USB. Only turning off and on the power button at the back helps. What is the problem?

Dear friend,

Does this issue happen everytime? Are there any devices connecting to the K9Pro ess? If the issue remains, please contact us(support@fiio.com) again with the receipt attached. Thanks in advanced!

Best regards

 

[dlelikov]

Dear friend,

Does this issue happen everytime? Are there any devices connecting to the K9Pro ess? If the issue remains, please contact us(support@fiio.com) again with the receipt attached. Thanks in advanced!

Best regards

Yes, this happens every time after a long press on the sleep button with any device or no connected devices at all. Sent to support@fiio.com video, receipt, and barcodes from the box.

 

[TerekKincaid]

Just curious if anyone has compared the K9Pro ESS to an iFi xDSD Gryphon? The base abilities look the same (output power, etc), but does having dual amps and dual DAC chips in the K9Pro ESS make it a lot cleaner sounding? Wider soundstage?

 

[FiiO]

Yes, this happens every time after a long press on the sleep button with any device or no connected devices at all. Sent to support@fiio.com video, receipt, and barcodes from the box.

Dear friend,

I am afraid that it may be a hardware issue with the K9Pro. We will reply you via email.
We apologize for any inconvenience in the meantime!

Best regards

 

[MonsieurNiceGuy]

If its anything like how the 8010a's I currently have pair up then it'll sound great. Just got to make sure I use the dipsticks in the back to match the location in my room like I did with the small ones.

They are active speakers so K9 Pro as a pre amp should have no problem.

How it pairs with the speakers is a different story.

 

[viskanic]

Hello everyone,

Ten months ago I bought the FiiO K9 Pro (AKM version). I've used it with an optical input as a headphone amp with a single ended (6.35 mm) cable and as a pre-amp to my speakers via RCA. I was very happy with the device, until a few months ago I bought a new balanced (4.4 mm) cable for my headphones.

Unfortunately the device doesn't work properly when the balanced cable is plugged into the device. To be precise, the device works at very low volume while the balanced cable is plugged in, but as soon as the volume is increased to a certain point, the device stops playing and the LED ring starts pulsating red. The same problem occurs on different gain (L/M/H) settings, just at a different point.

I kindly ask for your assistance in this matter.

I'm looking forward to your reply.

Cheers