[spruce]

Just pulled the trigger on a new KA17 from Amazon. Thanks to @o0genesis0o and @spruce for your recent thoughts on its sonics vs the m15

Default mode by itself would most likely seem an upgrade over the V60. Ill find out soon enough!

Brief listening impressions can be tricky (especially with new gear, not broken in) but my first thoughts about the KA17 is that it’s a hell of a bargain. I’m assuming the technology around these dongles is just getting perfected at this point a good bit beyond what’s been achieved in the past. The 120 step volume is crazy impressive to me as well.

 

[sofastreamer]

Thanks. I'm using portably on the go mainly with my iPhone. Attempting to contact Fiio now as I'm still having issues. In my case, it also seems battery drainage is extensive and lack of Apple MFi certification is problematic. Unlike the M12i/15i now available for example. Disappointing because I think I prefer the KA17 to the M15 at least when listening with my Audeze Sine DX from some initial listening impressions. Background seemed darker and highs had more bite but very brief impressions.

not fiios fault. its the iphone that has restricted output current. you will read it in almost every portable dac/amp thread that the iphone isnt the best choice for external audio gear. it became better since the usb mandatory, but still..

 

[iMak]

Only IEMs, and mostly the Monarch MkIII nowadays

I can't afford those, lol. Enjoy

 

[MidnightSun]

I can't afford those, lol. Enjoy

But legit question/implication you had. Others probably have hands-on experience with this but I heard in reviews that it's plenty powerful to drive high impedance headphones well too, not just IEMs.

 

[Andystereo]

HD660S2 with KA17, Desktop mode, i take "battery" from my Android Phone, no extra Usb. Low Gain. No problem. A lot of power and not a bad control. Of course, battery drain is important...!

 

[iMak]

To update or not to update to the latest firmware when I receive my KA17?

 

[MariusAB]

HD660S2 with KA17, Desktop mode, i take "battery" from my Android Phone, no extra Usb. Low Gain. No problem. A lot of power and not a bad control. Of course, battery drain is important...!

Overall how do you feel ka17 is plenty power for 660s2 and how is this combination compared to desktop devices ?

 

[MidnightSun]

To update or not to update to the latest firmware when I receive my KA17?

Mine came with v0.99, the latest one. You think yours won't?

 

[OceanOfLight]

Mine came with v0.99, the latest one. You think yours won't?

My unit came with v0.99 too.

Anyway, I suggest updating it; the firmware solved many bugs from what I read.

 

[spruce]

not fiios fault. its the iphone that has restricted output current. you will read it in almost every portable dac/amp thread that the iphone isnt the best choice for external audio gear. it became better since the usb mandatory, but still..

Definitely not Fiios fault, but a heads up to some iPhone users who may not want to also purchase a power bank for mobile use.

 

[KaiFi]

Apple wants you to use their AirPods and that's it. I have an iPhone, I'm not dissing Apple, but Apple is very much dedicated to the "walled garden".

 

[iMak]

Mine came with v0.99, the latest one. You think yours won't?

Reading this reply from Fiio, I thought it might come with the old firmware.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fii...e-is-officially-released.971370/post-18027587

 

[FiiO]

Reading this reply from Fiio, I thought it might come with the old firmware.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fii...e-is-officially-released.971370/post-18027587

Dear friend,

If you get the KA17 from our distributor in Germany, you may get the one with older firmware. You could update it when you receive.

Best regards

 

[iMak]

Dear friend,

If you get the KA17 from our distributor in Germany, you may get the one with older firmware. You could update it when you receive.

Best regards

Thank you FiiO, I ordered mine from your official store on AliExpress.

 

[sofastreamer]

HD660S2 with KA17, Desktop mode, i take "battery" from my Android Phone, no extra Usb. Low Gain. No problem. A lot of power and not a bad control. Of course, battery drain is important...!

the hd660s2 has 150ohms of impedance. if you use it balanced the K17 in low gain offers around 180mw into the 150ohms. pretty much the same power as many of the newer dongles. just sayin