Fiio KA17

FiiO KA17: 2x ES9069Q DACs and XMOS XU316 USB interface

The FiiO KA17 portable DAC headphone amplifier features two ESS Technology ES9069Q DAC chips based on a 32bit Hyperstream IV architecture, enabling it to achieve a dynamic range of 130dB and a THD+N of -120dB for pure, detailed sound reproduction. Rarely used on devices of this minimum size, FiiO has nevertheless chosen to integrate an XMOS XU316 USB interface. This well-thought-out set of chips enables the KA17 to support high-resolution PCM 32bit, 768kHz, DSD512 and MQA streams.

FiiO KA17: an amplifier stage based on THX AAA 78+ technology

Already used in the M11 Pro and M11 Plus, THX AAA 78+ technology is also present in the KA17. Here, it is coupled with the use of 8 AOPs working in parallel in a 4-channel symmetrical configuration for high output power and detailed sound reproduction quality. Indeed, its output power reaches up to 2x 650mW on its balanced 4.4mm jack output and up to 2x 270mW on its 3.5mm jack output.

Desktop mode brings robust power

The KA17 is equipped with an innovative Desktop Mode and features an external dedicated Type-C power port. When there is sufficient USB power, or the independent power port is connected to a power adapter, the Desktop Mode will be enabled, and it will automatically adjust the DAC, amp power, and headphone amplifier to a high-performance state, fully unleashing the potential and output power of the device.

As a flagship model, the KA17 is FIIO‘s first USB dongle to incorporate the THX headphone amp circuit. It adopts a brand-new THX AAA 78+ headphone amplifier architecture with a configuration of 4 channels fully balanced + 8 channels parallel-connected op-amps. This architecture significantly increases the output power. In Desktop Mode, the KA17’s balanced output power can reach up to 650mW + 650mW, approaching that of a desktop amplifier, with stronger dynamics and better control, and more complete sound reproduction.

Top configurations, worth being a flagship

The KA17 adopts two newly released ESS dual-channel flagship DACs, ES9069Q, based on the fourth-generation 32-bit HyperStream architecture. It achieves higher performance and lower power consumption while further reducing digital noise inside the DAC, achieving a remarkable 130dB dynamic range and -120dB THD+N. The performance is outstanding, and the sound background is purer.

The KA17 also features the professional-grade XMOS 16-core chip, XU316, rarely used in USB dongles. It offers lower latency, more stable transmission, better compatibility, and supports up to 768kHz/32bit, native DSD512 decoding, and MQA full decoding. Paired with dual audio crystal oscillators, it can accurately adapt to various sources and sampling rates.

Comprehensive experience, flagship style

The KA17 employs a 0.91-inch dot matrix display that can indicate different functions intuitively. Also, coupling with the physical buttons easily allows you to customize various settings such as screen orientation, filters and display sleep timer.

In addition, the KA17 is one of the few USB dongles that supports PEQ adjustment. It supports ten customizable frequency bands, allowing users to fine-tune EQ bands, gain level, and bandwidth through FIIO’s independently developed adjustment algorithm and interface, greatly enhancing playability.

The compact body houses a multistage HiFi audio architecture comparable to that of a player, with separate digital and analog boards to prevent crosstalk, a 3-stage 10-rail power supply design, and comes standard with a body-matching leatherette case. It also features built-in temperature detection and output DC detection, with 60 and 120 levels of volume adjustment, supporting SPDIF output…