FiiO KA17 has excellent sound quality, powerful driving ability and rich functional configuration. Whether it is classical, jazz, rock or pop music, it can easily show the charm of the music itself. Especially in D.MODE mode, the overall sound expression has reached a new level.
- $150 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries
Design: Large-Size Version of FiiO KA13
Since FiiO KA17 has higher specifications, the body size is also increased accordingly, and the weight is about 33.5g, which looks like a large-size version of FiiO KA13. The surface of the all-aluminum alloy body of KA17 is frosted and feels comfortable. Both mini headphone amplifiers use the same “X” texture design, which maintains visual consistency. There are volume buttons and function button on the side of KA17, which can be customized by short and long presses.
The top of FiiO KA17 is equipped with 3.5mm single-end and 4.4mm balanced output ports. The 3.5mm single-end is compatible with SPDIF output, which is convenient for KA17 to connect to other desktop headphone amplifiers or expand other usage scenarios. The 4.4 balanced port is the first choice of many audiophiles, which can bring better sound performance. This is especially obvious when listening to large-scale orchestral and multi-layered music.
FiiO KA17 is equipped with a 0.91-inch display. When the screen is always on, it will display the current playback volume, audio encoding, sampling rate and USB mode. The screen can be turned on by pressing the function button, and after long pressing to enter the menu, the volume button can be used to switch various settings. There are many options that can be set on the screen, such as gain selection, filter switching, screen rotation, screen off time, language switching and EQ.
Plus, there is also a USB-C port (POWER IN) dedicated to independent power supply. FiiO KA17 has two USB ports, one for data connection and power supply, and the other for independent power supply port with D.MODE function. When connecting a mobile phone (especially iOS devices), the system will automatically switch to independent power supply without consuming the power of the phone. And when KA17 switches to independent power supply, it can adjust the audio power supply to the strongest state.
Hardware Configuration & Audio Architecture
FiiO KA17 uses an XMOS XU316 USB host chip and dual DAC design – with two ESS ES9069Q conversion chips. Supports decoding capabilities up to 768kHz/32bit PCM/DSD512 and MQA full decoding. The KA17 has high resolution capabilities, richer sound details and a wider dynamic range of music. It can easily handle transient and dynamic changes in music.
FiiO KA17 draws on the audio architecture of FiiO players, and can output up to 650mW+650mW of balanced power in D.MODE (Desktop Mode), which is enough to easily drive most headphones and some high-impedance headphones. In single-end output mode, KA17 provides 270mW+270mW of power, ensuring strong output and delicate performance of sound quality.
Sound Description & D.MODE (Desktop Mode)
When listening to classical music, FiiO KA17 showed excellent dynamic processing capabilities, from subtle string details to strong brass instruments, it can show very accurate restoration. At the same time, KA17 also gives the music excellent separation, and the sound lines are clearly discernible. In the sound source of large-scale bands or orchestras, KA17 can also easily present a solid and high-quality grand soundstage. The instruments and vocals are clearly positioned, and the sense of space is full and three-dimensional.
Testing of FiiO KA17 & FiiO FX15: They have outstanding advantages in high-frequency and detail restoration. The music resolution is very high, showing the texture, details and airiness of the high-frequency part of the headphones. When I listened to “Hotel California”, this combination showed excellent dynamic response and detail resolution. The guitar and drums in the song are particularly expressive and the hearing is rich.
Next to the function button is a D.MODE button – D.MODE (Desktop Mode) is the highlight of FiiO KA17. After turning on desktop mode, the sound quality is significantly improved. The tri-frequency of the headphones have better expressiveness and the soundstage is wider. Especially the detail resolution of the music has obvious changes and clear layers.
Conclusion & Specs
As a flagship portable DAC headphone amplifier, FiiO KA17 has excellent sound quality, powerful driving capability and rich functional configuration. KA17 is very suitable for audiophiles who pursue high-quality music experience, especially those who listen to music on their mobile phones.
FiiO KA17 specs and features:
- Dual DAC design & 768kHz/32bit support
- 3.5mm single-end & 4.4mm balanced output
- 0.91-inch display & independent power supply port
- Desktop Mode & App support
- $150 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries