[FiiO KA17] Mini desktop-class amp, flagship dongle is officially released!

[MariusAB]

The KA17 sounds good, boasting an impressive set of features and excellent driving power. It seamlessly transitions between roles as a desktop DAC and a portable companion, setting itself apart from conventional desktop DAC/AMP configurations. While the K9 might offer slightly better sound quality (I can’t debate on that since I don’t own one), it comes at twice the price of the KA17 and functions solely as a desktop DAC. Additionally, the KA17 occupies way less desk space compared to a desktop DAC/AMP, making it ideal for those with limited desk space and especially for those who want to experiment with multiple DACs. Furthermore, for individuals primarily interested in IEMs, recently released dongle DACs offer sound quality that is surprisingly close to a proper desktop DAC/AMP setup.

Consider this: not everyone owns a DAP, and FiiO’s more budget-friendly one is priced at $700. Spending that much on a portable music player could already be a stretch for many. A more budget-friendly approach would be to pair your existing smartphone and PC with a quality dongle DAC—such as the KA17 or the Bluetooth-capable BTR15—yielding two functional listening setups at a fraction of the cost.

Regarding the battery matter, FiiO is already contemplating a seamlessly integrated battery solution for the KA17, which would make it an even more versatile device.

Ultimately, if you already own a high-tier DAP and a high-tier desktop DAC/AMP, it’s understandable that a sub-$200 portable DAC may not capture your interest.

If you don’t see any value in this product, it may simply not align with your specific needs, and that's perfectly fine.

Thanks for presenting alternative view points. This i wanted to hear as it broadens my understanding about such specific hifi products and their place in usual people life. This way i could try to understand why some people give priority to such device as k17. Yes in my scenario it is a little out of place. Still i would like to trys it because my last no name dongle was bought when sabre 9018 was freshly released dac so it was many years ago and as i understand their quality now days is much much improoved. Still for understanding it's place in fiio device list and for comparing i possibly try to get it. As it's one of best dongles at the price. Better perhaps much pricier options like ibasso elite or such as ru7 ( this one i doubt). For me it's very hard to understand how fiio products sound compared between separate product lines. For example to what their dap model this k17 could be compared only in sound department, not functionality) and how much worse or similar it is to such desktop devices as k9. To answer for myself i think to get it. And perhaps i will be surprised in a good way. Seeing so many people happy with it ( with some rare individuals that not so much )

 

[Fantomax]

I consider the KA17 exceptional for the huge advantage of not draining my smartphone's battery when I'm in office (obviously if connected to a power bank). Then the output power as a real DAC/AMP and quality of the sound, absolutely noticeable, unlike that rip-off of the Cayin RU6... I had the RU6 and that EMI noise was unbearable, furthermore it could not drive my Beyerdynamic DT990 SE... even the HiBy FC4 is much better and far more powerful compared to the RU6. I'm still so angry when I think about the money lost on that rubbish...

 

[jsmiller58]

I consider the KA17 exceptional for the huge advantage of not draining my smartphone's battery when I'm in office (obviously if connected to a power bank). Then the output power as a real DAC/AMP and quality of the sound, absolutely noticeable, unlike that rip-off of the Cayin RU6... I had the RU6 and that EMI noise was unbearable, furthermore it could not drive my Beyerdynamic DT990 SE... even the HiBy FC4 is much better and far more powerful compared to the RU6. I'm still so angry when I think about the money lost on that rubbish...

The KA17 is definitely a great device, especially if you need the power and are looking for a very clean and uncolored sound from your DAC / Amp. I prefer a warmer sound with more bass, but that is just me, and realistically if I pair the KA17 with a warmer IEM or headphone that's a good combination for me.

This isn't a Cayin forum, but I will slightly disagree with your assessment of the RU6. Definitely it suffers from EMI noise from the source. I have found that interference is largely due to cellular signal. If I am playing tracks stored on the phone, or if I am streaming over Wi-Fi I don't experience much interference generated noise. But definitely I can understand how this flaw in the RU6 could bother some, but it's overall sound signature for me is great and with my use model I am very happy with it. But to each their own!

 

[spruce]

Sometimes my iPhone 13 Pro recognizes the FiiO when I plug it in and sometimes it does not. Any ideas how to fix this?

 

[bru87tr]

Sometimes my iPhone 13 Pro recognizes the FiiO when I plug it in and sometimes it does not. Any ideas how to fix this?

I had problems with the KA13 doing this. I found if the battery was 50% or lower that’s when it would happen.

 

[spruce]

Thanks, but it’s the FiiO KA17 and has no battery. I’m thinking I’ll need to return it because I want to use it with my phone mostly. Although I really enjoy its sound and performance, I would say it seems to lean pretty strongly on the side of coloring the sound of my headphones— at least from initial impressions. For example, you can clearly hear the sonic characteristics of the dac which is not necessarily a bad thing depending on your preferences and tastes.

 

[JamesFiiO]

Has anyone a good MagSafe or similar solution for the KA17? THX

Torben

yes, should be available after 2 months.

 

[Atek2019]

yes, should be available after 2 months.

this is creative.... suitable for most of the usb dongles i think

 

[JamesFiiO]

this is creative.... suitable for most of the usb dongles i think

yes, even compatible with KA17+Battery , this small battery call e-stick , and this magesafe kits is call Magclip.

both are designed for KA17.

 

[FiiO]

Sometimes my iPhone 13 Pro recognizes the FiiO when I plug it in and sometimes it does not. Any ideas how to fix this?

Dear friend,

Hi, please check whether the volume is high or the desktop mode is enabled?

Best regards

 

[Fantomax]

Thanks, but it’s the FiiO KA17 and has no battery. I’m thinking I’ll need to return it because I want to use it with my phone mostly. Although I really enjoy its sound and performance, I would say it seems to lean pretty strongly on the side of coloring the sound of my headphones— at least from initial impressions. For example, you can clearly hear the sonic characteristics of the dac which is not necessarily a bad thing depending on your preferences and tastes.

In the meantime, you can even order a power bank like this, which is also including a USB-C port for recharging when in use, to always have your KA17 powered.
I hope that also FiiO will consider this feature and build a power bank with 5.000mAh.

 

[sofastreamer]

Thanks, but it’s the FiiO KA17 and has no battery. I’m thinking I’ll need to return it because I want to use it with my phone mostly. Although I really enjoy its sound and performance, I would say it seems to lean pretty strongly on the side of coloring the sound of my headphones— at least from initial impressions. For example, you can clearly hear the sonic characteristics of the dac which is not necessarily a bad thing depending on your preferences and tastes.

he might have meant the battery of the cra.. uhm iphone

 

[kaushama]

yes, even compatible with KA17+Battery , this small battery call e-stick , and this magesafe kits is call Magclip.

both are designed for KA17.

That is a nice concept. In the meantime, I am using these two small gadgets. They are functional and cheap

 

[bru87tr]

Thanks, but it’s the FiiO KA17 and has no battery. I’m thinking I’ll need to return it because I want to use it with my phone mostly. Although I really enjoy its sound and performance, I would say it seems to lean pretty strongly on the side of coloring the sound of my headphones— at least from initial impressions. For example, you can clearly hear the sonic characteristics of the dac which is not necessarily a bad thing depending on your preferences and tastes.

No, the battery in your phone.

 

[Larethio]

Im upgrading from my V60s internal DAC to a delta sigma dongle.

How does the KA17 compare to the Questyle M15i? The latter i was about to pull the trigger on until I heard this dongle.

Im using 60 ohm Hifiman Re2000 Silvers if that helps. Im sure neither of these dongles would have an issue driving them.

Sonic doffetences would be subtle compared to testing different iem's but would the M15i be more of an "upgrade" in the detail/transparent side of things?