FiiO Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier KA17

FiiO KA17 Balanced Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier. Enjoy superhigh resolution audio in your studio or on the go with the black FiiO KA17, a portable DAC and headphone amplifier in a USB dongle format. The unit features two ESS ES9069Q DACs and four THX headphone amplifiers for audiophile-quality sound reproduction. Capable of up to 32-bit / 768 kHz PCM and DSD512, the KA17 can connect to a computer, gaming device, or other peripheral for an elevated sonic experience. What's more, the unit features Desktop mode, which automatically adjusts the DAC, amplifier power supply, and amplifier power output to fully unleash its potential with greater power output. The KA17 includes a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and a 3.5mm unbalanced headphone output that doubles as a digital S/PDIF output for converting signals from the USB-C input to S/PDIF. The OLED display is crystal clear in any lighting environment. Multifunctional buttons and convenient Android app support make it simple to control and customize your listening experience. And with a sleek, durable aluminum alloy body, the KA17 can survive long listening sessions while on the move. The KA17 includes a USB-C cable, an adapter, and a leatherette case. When there is sufficient USB power, or the independent power port is connected to a power adapter like your phone charger, Desktop Mode kicks things up a notch, fully unleashing the output power of the device, with performance that rivals many comparably-priced desktop units.

Desktop Mode: Taking It to the Next Level

The FIIO KA17 features a special desktop mode, activated using the dedicated D.Mode switch. Enable the desktop mode, and the KA17 will automatically adjust the DAC, amplifier power supply, and the amplifier power output to fully unleash their potentials with greater power output.

Parallel Output: Big Boost in Power

With sufficient USB-power-supply input and desktop mode enabled, the KA17’s four THX headphone amps work together in parallel for greater current and overall power output. The result is up to 270+270mW power output for single-ended out, and up to 650+650mW power output for balanced out.

Dual Flagship DACs

The KA17 employs two of the latest ESS ES9069Q flagship DACs, powered by 4th-generation 32-bit HyperStream technology. These chips feature even higher performance, lower power consumption, and less digital noise than previous generations for an absolutely pristine and pure audio background.

Highly Precise PEQ

The XMOS XU316 chip allowed FIIO engineers to develop a highly precise and adjustable PEQ, with 10 customizable frequency bands. FIIO’s self-developed PEQ algorithm, APP page, and website allow you to fine-tune the frequency, gain, and bandwidth of each PEQ band, letting you dial in the sound exactly how you want it.

Outstanding Performance

Handling USB duties on the KA17, the 16-core XMOS XU316 is rarely found in audio dongles. This chip features lower latency, more stable signal transmission, and better compatibility than is typical for a USB control chip. And when paired with the dual crystal oscillators, the KA17 is more than capable of handling various digital audio sources with various sampling rates.

THX AAA 78+ Headphone Amp Design

Inside the KA17 are THX AAA 78+ headphone amplifiers, with 8 opamps working in parallel in a 4-channel fully balanced configuration, allowing for not only greater power output, but also more detailed and realistic sound.

Independent Type-C Power Supply

The KA17 features two USB-C ports. One is the typical port used to connect to other devices such as phones, tablets, and computers. The orange port on the side is designed for use with an external power supply, allowing the KA17 to achieve a higher power output and better performance without consuming the battery of your phone or other connected device.