FiiO KA17, the new DAC/Amp dongle from FiiO

The FiiO KA17 is the new portable DAC/amplifier from the new KA range from the Asian firm.

It features the flagship ES9069Q x 2 dual-channel DAC to play your favorite music in full definition. It is capable of achieving power figures of 650mW + 650mW to power most IEMs on the market and some of the most demanding headphones, thanks to the THX AAA 78+ amplifier.

In addition to the standard 3.5mm output, the KA17 supports SPDIF output, so you can connect to a high-end external DAC and obtain more flexibility of use and better sound quality.

Discover the new KA17 and immerse yourself fully in the details of your music.

Take advantage of desktop mode

FiiO's desktop mode has been continually refined with the release of new products. However, this quality has been perfected to the maximum in this KA17.

The FiiO KA17 features a special desktop mode, which is activated using the dedicated D.Mode switch. Activate tabletop mode and the KA17 will automatically adjust the DAC, amplifier power supply and amplifier power output to unleash its full potential with higher output power.

Parallel output and power increase

With a sufficient USB power input and desktop mode enabled, the FiiO KA17's four THX headphone amplifiers work together in parallel for higher total output current and power. The result is an output power of up to 270mW + 270mW for mono output, and up to 650mW + 650mW for balanced output.

Excellent Performance: Dual ES9069Q DAC

The FiiO KA17 employs two of Flaghsip's new ESS9069Q DACs, powered by fourth-generation 32-bit HyperStream technology. These chips offer even higher performance, lower power consumption and less digital noise than previous generations for an absolutely pristine and pure audio background.

DNR: 130dB

THD+N: -120dB

High precision ten level PEQ

The XMOS XU316 chip allowed FiiO engineers to develop a highly precise tunable PEQ, with 10 customizable frequency bands.

FiiO's self-developed PEQ algorithm and interface allow you to precisely adjust the frequency, gain and bandwidth of each PEQ band, allowing you to fine-tune the sound exactly to your liking.

Outstanding performance: 16-core XMOS XU316

Responsible for USB duties on the KA17 is the 16-core XMOS XU316, unusual for audio dongles.

This chip offers lower latency, more stable signal transmission and greater compatibility than typical USB control chips. And when combined with dual crystal oscillators, the KA17 is more than capable of handling multiple digital audio sources with varying sample rates.

New THX AAA78+ headphone amplifier

The THX AAA 78 headphone amplifier has proven itself in the M11 Pro and M11 Plus mid-range players. Now the new and improved THX AA 78+ is featured in this KA17.

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

Multistage HiFi Audio Circuit

FiiO engineers have been able to adapt the audio circuit designs of mid- and high-range digital audio players to the compact KA17.

This USB dongle can reproduce the detail and dynamics in your music as well as a serious digital audio player.

Separate analog and digital section

The digital and analog parts of the audio circuitry are located on completely separate boards on the KA17, each board fitted with a shielding cover for complete isolation. This ensures that the digital and analog parts of the audio circuit do not interfere with each other.

Compact size on the outside, great design on the inside

Inside the FiiO KA17 is a three-stage three main rail power supply design. The three main stages of the power supply consist of a first filtering + surge protection stage, a second DC-DC boost conversion stage, and a third LDO voltage stabilization stage. This power filtering is applied to each of the three main power supply rails, one for each of the digital signal, digital-to-analog conversion, and analog signal portions of the audio circuit.

Additionally, the power circuit is divided into ten smaller lanes. The KA17's power supply features many of the same principles as those found in desktop headphone amplifiers, ensuring a solid foundation for the KA17's excellent sound.

Intuitive dot matrix display control

The FiiO KA17 employs a 0.91-inch dot matrix display that can indicate different functions intuitively.

Additionally, docking with physical buttons allows you to easily customize various settings such as screen orientation, filters, and screen off timer.

Independent Type-C power supply

The FiiO KA17 features two USB Type-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. When an external power source is connected to this port, the KA17 can achieve higher power output and better performance without draining the battery of your phone or other connected device.

Multiple protection systems

Integrated into the KA17 are DC output and temperature monitoring systems that ensure that both the unit and the connected headphones are not damaged under abnormal conditions.

You can also set a maximum volume level to prevent accidental hearing damage to your ears due to excessively loud audio.

As many uses as you want

The FiiO KA17 has multiple uses and applications.

Driver-free mode: UAC1.0 mode available. Plug and play.

2 volume adjustment curves: high and low gain volume curves, ensuring a better experience with headphones of various impedances.

2 sets of volume adjustment steps: 60 and 120 steps volume adjustment available, for finer or faster tuning.

Compatible with FiiO Control Android App: Adjustable PEQ and other functions

SPDIF Output: The 3.5mm headphone jack also supports SPDIF output, allowing you to connect to high-end external DACs for even more flexibility and higher sound quality.

Leather case included

At the moment, the FiiO KA17 is available in a black finish along with a leather case of the same color that protects the device with style.

What is in the box?

1 x KA17

1 x Short Dual Type C to OTG Data Cable

2 x Dustproof USB connector protector

1 x leather case

1 x USB Type A-C Adapter

1 x quick start guide

Specifications:

Name/Model: KA17

DAC: ES9069Q x 2

USB decoding: XMOS XU316 x 1

Color: Black

Volume control: physical buttons

Weight: 33.5g

Dimensions: 64 × 27.7 × 12.7mm

Full MQA decoding supported

Channel balance: <0.2 dB

Gain level: L/H I

0.91 inch OLED screen

Firmware update: Support update via USB

Maximum supported sample rate: PCM: Supported up to 768kHz/32bit

Recommended impedance: PO: 8~150Ω / BAL: 8~300Ω

DSD: Supported up to SD512 (Native), DOP256

SPDIF: Supported up to 96kHz/24bit

Headphone output: Standard 3.5mm port (PO/shared coaxial output)

BAL output: Standard 4.4mm port

USB Type-C USB2.0 (power supply/data transfer)

USB Type-C POWER IN (orange, power)

Power supply: DC 5V ≥ 1A

Specifications headphone output 3.5mm UAC decoding, desktop mode: high gain

Output power:

L+R≥320mW+320mW (16Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥270mW+270mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥30mW +30mW (300Ω, THD+N<1%)

THD+N and noise: <0.0004% (1 kHz/-8 dB at 32 Ω)

Frequent response:

20Hz ~ 50kHz: damping <0.5dB

20Hz~20KHz: damping <0.1dB

Output impedance: <1.5Ω

Crosstalk: ≥114dB

Output amplitude: 4.5Vrms

SNR: ≥126dB (A-weighted)

Noise floor: <2.2 uV (A-weighted)

Specifications headphone output 4.4mm UAC decoding, desktop mode: high gain

Output power:

L+R≥460mW+460mW (16Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥650mW+650mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥90mW+90mW (300Ω, THD+N<1%)

THD+N and noise: <0.0015% (1 kHz/-15 dB at 32 Ω)

Frequent response:

20Hz ~ 50kHz: damping <0.5dB

20Hz~20KHz: damping <0.1dB

Output impedance: <1Ω

Crosstalk: ≥75dB

Output amplitude: 3Vrms

SNR: ≥123dB (A-weighted)

Noise floor: <2.1 uV (A-weighted)

Specifications headphone output 3.5mm UAC decoding, desktop-free mode: high gain

Output power:

L+R≥110mW+110mW (16Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥140mW+140mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥20mW +20mW (300Ω, THD+N<1%)

THD+N and noise: <0.0015% (1 kHz/-10 dB at 32 Ω)

Frequent response:

20Hz ~ 50kHz: damping <0.5dB

20Hz~20KHz: damping <0.1dB

Output impedance: <1Ω

Crosstalk: ≥80dB

Output amplitude: 2Vrms

SNR: ≥120dB (A-weighted)

Noise floor: <2.0 uV (A-weighted)

Specifications headphone output 4.4mm UAC decoding, desktop-free mode: high gain

Output power:

L+R≥150mW+150mW (16Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥300mW+300mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%)

L+R≥30mW+30mW (300Ω, THD+N<1%)

THD+N and noise: <0.005% (1 kHz/-15 dB at 32 Ω)

Frequent response:

20Hz ~ 50kHz: damping <0.5dB

20Hz~20KHz: damping <0.1dB

Output impedance: <1.5Ω

Crosstalk: ≥110dB

Output amplitude: 3Vrms

SNR: ≥120dB (A-weighted)

Noise floor: <2.2 uV (A-weighted)