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

[570315]

Good friends, I am already testing the KA17 and comparing it with the R9 I think it is obvious that with differences in price and components the R9 should be better and in fact it is. Now for whom each product is directed, well, if you want the maximum in sound quality, details, sound stage, dynamics, the R9 is the best option. Now, if what you want is a DAC + AMP of decent quality to use with your smartphone, the KA17 is a great option, but don't expect great dynamics in headphones like the HD600, for example. I have taken the KA17 so I can take it anywhere. along with my Laptop because the sound from the headphone output of a Laptop is very disappointing. But for desktop use always forever the R9, I'm in love with it. I am already anxious for the M27 to come out because it is on the shopping list, before it was from Ibasso but since I have the R9 I don't want anything other than FIIO products

Even in desktop mode?

 

[jorgeju115]

Hello friend, of course the test was done with the desktop mode activated, in my case with the HD 600 the KA17 when you activate the desktop mode improves somewhat but it is not crazy. As I already said, they are products of different prices and logically there are many differences in the sound both at the DAC and AMP levels. My recommendation is that if you want the best sound quality, opt for the R9, the K19, or the Coming Soon M27
@MidnightSun

 

[570315]

Hello friend, of course the test was done with the desktop mode activated, in my case with the HD 600 the KA17 when you activate the desktop mode improves somewhat but it is not crazy. As I already said, they are products of different prices and logically there are many differences in the sound both at the DAC and AMP levels. My recommendation is that if you want the best sound quality, opt for the R9, the K19, or the Coming Soon M27
@MidnightSun

Interesting, thanks. I thought it would be able to drive it sufficiently.

 

[jorgeju115]

Interesting, thanks. I thought it would be able to drive it sufficiently.

Apparently the sound sounds good but like everything depends on the needs of each person, for many people the KA17 is enough and for others it will be very short, in fact if you only use the KA17 it will seem enough, but of course when you have a flagship like me with the R9 well of course you say oysters what a difference but as I said it depends on each person and their demands and then it depends on what each person can afford. I would recommend the KA17 for use with In-Ear and headphones
with dynamic controllers that do not need much amplification. It is a great option if
The budget is not enough for a high-end product.

 

[Hellknight[FA]]

A small but fine ovservation:

The KA17 seems to have some kind of "Auto DirectUSB on/off.

After I finish UAPP (in USB Direct Mode) I can still hear sound from youtube and other sorces.

With my HIP DAC 3 or DC06 pro I have to reconnect the Amp.



I must say that this implementation of an USB DAC on a Samsung Smartphone is by far the best I saw.


Well done FIIO!

 

[Osikiri]

Doesn’t KA17 feel kind of ‘weak’ or ‘recessed’ in terms of bass punch? In songs with strong beat like electronic music?

Firmware version 2.02 and of course EQ turned off. I’m comparing with Aune Yuki. (Or can be generally compared to many average dongle DACs.) I’m using headphones including HD 660S2, DT 900 Pro X, N5005, IE 600.

Many reviews say about both KA17 and Yuki are ‘balanced’ and ‘neutral’ so I’m confused if my ears are weird or my setup is something problematic. Any thoughts?

 

[ChristianM]

I'm thinking about buying KA17 or Hiby R3 II but don't know which one.
R3 II is small and portable, just connect the IEM and listen to music.
with dongles, you connect to a big phone using cable and stick it with something so it doesn't dangle around.
But I asked Porta Fi on youtube and he said KA17 sound better. I couldn't find any comparison between them.

 

[kaushama]

@FiiO I could see the MagSafe clip on Aliexpress. When would the battery be available?

 

[jorgeju115]

IE 600

Hello mate, using those headphones it is normal that you notice a lack of bass, not a lack per se, but rather a kick at the lower end and that is due to lack of power. Do you also notice a lack of bass in the IE600?

 

[Osikiri]

Hello mate, using those headphones it is normal that you notice a lack of bass, not a lack per se, but rather a kick at the lower end and that is due to lack of power. Do you also notice a lack of bass in the IE600?

It’s noticed in generally all headphones and IEMs I have when I connect them to KA17… Maybe I should say the bass punch of KA17 is ‘dry’ and ‘with significant less reverb’ rather than ‘weak’…? Maybe it’s just KA17’s own timbre (ES9069 & THX AAA) but I’m quite surprised by the difference compared to my previous experienced dongle DACs.

 

[OskTheHeadphoneMan]

What a f4cking and amazing battle!

 

[Ben86]

What a f4cking and amazing battle!

And who is the winner?

 

[MariusAB]

What a f4cking and amazing battle!

What is on the center? Two other both long time enemies. Very interesting what differences you hear.

 

[OskTheHeadphoneMan]

What is on the center? Two other both long time enemies. Very interesting what differences you hear.

The Luxury&Precision W4.

When I finish the tests I'll comment some impressions.

 

[xxxstarmanxxx]

It’s noticed in generally all headphones and IEMs I have when I connect them to KA17… Maybe I should say the bass punch of KA17 is ‘dry’ and ‘with significant less reverb’ rather than ‘weak’…? Maybe it’s just KA17’s own timbre (ES9069 & THX AAA) but I’m quite surprised by the difference compared to my previous experienced dongle DACs.

I agree. It's not actually a lack of bass as I have compared sound with various iem's.

It's just not as warm a sound as some older dacs on the market.

My chord mojo sounds rich and heavy on the bass compared to the ka17 but there are high details I can hear in well listened to tracks that I use for benchmarking that suprise me using the ka17 as I don't think my ears had picked them up on the mojo.

I do agree the ka17 sounds quite dry in that respect and maybe why I hear some other things.

It's still an absolute gift of a dac when you consider I had that mojo velcro'd to the back of my phone for yonks and appreciate the smaller footprint greatly