[TommyGeenexus]

Comparing the specs of the 2 units, it's clear to see that the BTR7 has the edge. The noise floor is better, the AMP is better, and the output power is better when it comes to Headphones in the 32ohm range.

Like all things, it's about pairing the right amplification/DAC with the headphones being used and for my situation using the Meze 109 Pro, the BTR7 is better suited (at least to my ears anyway which is all i'm stating here)

The BTR7 has a much higher noise floor, and generally measures worse than the KA5 (comparing the audio science review of the BTR7 with the official FiiO measurements of the KA5).
Also it clips at 215mW with a 32 Ohm load (FiiO spec is 320mW THD+N < 1%, higher than the 265mW of the KA5, but there are no measurements of when the KA5 actually clips).
Looking at KA3 measurements, it clips at around 200mW with a 32Ohm load, and it's safe to assume that the KA5 does at least match (and probably exceed) that so the real undistorted output power (32 Ohm) is roughly the same, but the BTR7 beats it with a 300 Ohm load.

 

[lucanato]

Could any of you compare or have compared fiio btr 7 Vs ibasso dc04pro?

 

[abitdeef]

I was listening using BAL 4.4mm on both with default filter settings on both. Listened to the same playlist on both that I always use to A/B devices. Same Headphones on both as well.

To my ears, and IMHO, The BTR7 is miles ahead in sound quality and fidelity compared to the KA5, but that is always a subjective matter where one persons taste is different to another's.

EDIT:

Comparing the specs of the 2 units, it's clear to see that the BTR7 has the edge. The noise floor is better, the AMP is better, and the output power is better when it comes to Headphones in the 32ohm range.

Like all things, it's about pairing the right amplification/DAC with the headphones being used and for my situation using the Meze 109 Pro, the BTR7 is better suited (at least to my ears anyway which is all i'm stating here)

Yes the btr7 has more power but lower noise floor? Those thresholds are way below human hearing anyways, especially on full size cans. What you're probably noticing is more juice. I didn't like the tone of btr7 or the menu's. But with my stuff including my classics 99 I preferred the ka5. Also ka5 doesn't really sound warm to me, but btr7 sounded more digital and the timbre wasn't as natural.

But no doubt, btr7 can put out more current. They're definitely not 'miles apart' on my gear lol. I think you use that term alot But have fun with btr7, I went with ifi go blu for BT, it's a bit more analog sounding.

 

[White Hat Bob]

Yes the btr7 has more power but lower noise floor? Those thresholds are way below human hearing anyways, especially on full size cans. What you're probably noticing is more juice. I didn't like the tone of btr7 or the menu's. But with my stuff including my classics 99 I preferred the ka5. Also ka5 doesn't really sound warm to me, but btr7 sounded more digital and the timbre wasn't as natural.

But know doubt, btr7 can put out more current.

Yeah, "less digital" rather than "warm" is a better way to describe the KA5's sound vs BTR7.

 

[abitdeef]

Yeah, "less digital" rather than "warm" is a better way to describe the KA5's sound vs BTR7.

well I am comparing it 3 warmer sources so to me it sounds pretty 'sharp'. I guess it's all relative. BTR7 was pretty prickly on my iems.

 

[991 Carrera 4S]

Why does FiiO KA5 not support 768kHz here?



Source: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/quick-look-fiio-ka5-portable-dac-amplifier/

 

[superuser1]

Any comparisons between the KA5 and the DC04Pro?

 

[jjxaker]

Why does FiiO KA5 not support 768kHz here?



Source: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/quick-look-fiio-ka5-portable-dac-amplifier/

So everywhere, with any dac, including stationary solutions. there may be a limitation of the operating system. don't pay attention, nobody needs these marketing 768k.
But the CS43198 dac does not support this frequency in 768k.
I have observed the frequency of 768k only under linux and android, even before KA5.

 

[Dust by Monday]

Can I ask what’s the deal with the 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports being misaligned with each other. I feel like they should either be centered vertically or at least aligned to the bottom.

 

[abitdeef]

Lol

 

[FiiO Kang]

So what's the benefit of using H mode?

H mode is the voltage change mode. The voltage varies with the input level. Especially small volume input, can achieve the effect of energy saving.

 

[FiiO Kang]

Better implementation and processing, MQA support can be implemented, better drivers. in the world of audio XMOS controller, this is considered the most top-end solution, today there are already 3 generations of this controller. this is something like a powerful processor for a PC. He's a rarity for dongles...

XMOS's USB handling is really good, and it also has better compatibility. But its power consumption is too high, so it has limitations on dongles.

 

[FiiO Kang]

I definitely think the amp and output path are the most important when determining sound. Dacs are already way powerful.

Yes, but the KA5 AMP is also excellent

 

[abitdeef]

Yes, but the KA5 AMP is also excellent

I agree

 

[FiiO]

Can I ask what’s the deal with the 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports being misaligned with each other. I feel like they should either be centered vertically or at least aligned to the bottom.

Dear friend,

Due to the structure of the headphone ports, it is hard to deal with the misalign between 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports or it may cost too much.

Best regards