Keep the one you like to use the most. Since you already have both in front of you, asking other for comparison is kinda moot as everyone will have different taste and usage which likely won't completely match up with yours. For example, I like to use KA17 for my full sized planar more while KA5 is the better for my earbuds. I don't need any specific bottom function (as I am more of the set-and-forget type) or EQ so those don't play into my consideration. Obviously neither KA17 or KA5 is perfect for every situation and setup, so just keep what you think is going to get the most use / have the biggest impact for you. Instead of worrying what you are 'missing', think of which will gain you the most enjoyment.Can someone describe how the KA5 compares soundwise to the KA17?
I think the KA17 has more „hiss“ in the upper tones and I don't know if it's because the KA17 has a better chip and therefore better "resolution" or if it has different characteristics and I don't know if I like it yet. My girlfriend said that she likes the KA5 more because some Instruments are too much in the foreground when she uses the KA17, the KA5 is more balanced and has less of the "Hiss" that I noticed too.
The KA5 has features that I like e.g. the "NOS" filter, App control, you can use the volume slider on the iPhone/PC and it's more efficient and I don't need much Power but I want an Equalizer because my Sundara has too little base for me. FIIO doesn't even describes the filters the KA17 has.
I don't even know if and what FIIO will fix or change and this is my biggest worry. If FIIO doesn't change anything then the KA17 is in my opinion the worse device.
So I must make a tough decision because on Friday I will send one of them back so my right of withdrawal doesn't run out.
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