#donglemadness

Join me as I analyze the marvels offered by FiiO latest flagship portable DAC Amp, KA17
Sections:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Price & where to buy
01:34 Configuration, Build & Features
07:54 Desktop Mode & USB Power
12:08 Sound & Performance
18:44 Rated & Compared
24:54 Timbre & Tonality
25:28 FW Update Tutorial
Get FiiO KA17 from Red Ape Audio (Malaysia)
shopee.com.my/FiiO-KA17-DAC-a...
FW Update For FiiO KA17:
fiio-firmware.oss-us-west-1.a...
Shot On:
- Sony Alpha A6700 (Native 4K50P XAVC HS 4.2.2)
- Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM (36mm APSC)
- Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G (Stills)
- RØDE Wireless Pro
- Monitoring Headphone: Sony MDR7506
#donglemadness Dongle Ranking List:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
My Tidal Version Playlist:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/ba3...
My Gaming Channel:
/ @feveredpitchdelirium
My Twitch Channel:
/ fpdelirium

[@donglemadness]

Battery Endurance Update: I repeated the endurance test of KA17 attached to Xiaomi Mi 9T (4000 mAH) driving 32 Ohm Tanchjim ZERO on 4.4mm BAL, High Gain - DESKTOP MODE OFF, running USB Exclusive mode on HIBY and with Airplane Mode switched on, the results remained almost the same, 7 hours of runtime (6 hours if with Desktop Mode On)

[@mvasiliev]

hi! can test Shanling H2 please?

[@donglemadness]

@@mvasiliev I would love to, but no promise when I can get one. Thanks

[@mokisan]

Hello, high gain means desktop mode. Asked fiio about it You should try it in norms low gain mode

[@donglemadness]

@@mokisan To be specific, on FiiO devices, they offer Hi and Low which is selectable on the menu, the Desktop Mode toggle enable Super High Gain which is separate. For example, on Q15, if you enable Desktop Mode, then you will get Ultra High Gain which is the highest

[@AbhimanyusinghJyotirmay-rv3bf]

When u compare the dongle with rest of the competition, it helps us a lot. Nobody does this. Also anything comes to screen remains for longer time to see. Many thanks for that.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. I really appreciate this

[@dheny3007]

this is that I love from andy's channel, this is how i'm helped to figure it out to another dongle and i think this channel most complete explain about dongle

[@AQUPAS]

Very nice review Andy! The main selling point for me on this KA17 is the fact that it uses an XMOS XU316 USB receiver making input lag/latency dissappear, which for me personally is a must for doing a lot of gaming at high frame rates, audio lag can be a total pain! This device has zero input lag. I also own a FiiO M11 Plus LTD DAP, which unfortunately fails as a DAC for its insane input lag/latency, I believe that FiiO's R7 has the same input lag issue when connected via USB. I am loving the KA17! A definite recommendation.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!

[@JG-pj3bg]

I'm glad you mentioned that charging from a normal wall outlet could introduce noise while listening, most people would have blame FiiO instead of themselves for the sound issues

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. This is a real issue when using wall adapters, they tend to be very volatile

[@nailedit05]

Thanks for the review Andy, was waiting for this review.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure

[@robcrooks8663]

The best and most detailed review of the KA17. Keep up the great work!!

[@donglemadness]

Thank You, much appreciated! that made my day 😁

[@jackcolo1601]

Great review as always. I am a big fan of you in Thailand. 😊

[@donglemadness]

ขอบคุณ! ขอขอบคุณการสนับสนุนของคุณ

[@FATfreq]

a long wait is over finaly with a great review of fiio ka17 and hope to see ka11 as well .. he he 😁.. though need no promise from you its just an expectation ... ❤❤❤

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!

[@nusu5331]

thank you for the review! Have the same thoughts about eqs btw.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure. LOL, we are no EQ gang hahaha

[@nusu5331]

btw i read that the iphone doesnt provide enough power for desktop mode on the Fiio. maybe thats interesting for specially Americans, as most of them use iphones @@donglemadness

[@JLee-xl4dt]

This is an awesome review! Especially the comparison part! Very helpful! I know you may not like this suggestion, but I truly think, even though you may not use eq and/or the app of the dongle, since your viewers may use them, I would love to see you review them as well, because the price we customer paying includes the cost of the eq and the app too, right? Either way, this is a great review, looking forward to more from you!!! 👍👍♥♥

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. It is kind of difficult for me to talk about a feature I personally don't use and have zero knowledge about, so I focus only on the things that I do know, but yes I take this into consideration

[@Gojgarea]

I am listening to music on my KA17 and absolutely love how I am able to hear every little detail, though I would get tired listening so much but is such a pleasure to do so. Definitely recommend it, there might be a lot of very good dongles but for me is endgame. Just stay with what suits you best! 🥂

[@donglemadness]

Precisely, Endgame is what your ears like the most, for your pleasure. KA17 surely is among the best of the best, Admittedly, there are others too, but they serve for variance of taste and preferences

[@gee3883]

Yo Mr my KA17 arrived today, Wow its incredible .thanks ever so much again n greetings from London

[@donglemadness]

Thank you! Enjoy your music!

[@TheRaviiii]

Been waiting for your review of ka17 as no one provides information by comparing different parameters about the product and where it stands in competition to other models. Again Thank U Very Much "ANDY" for sharing your in depth knowledge.

[@donglemadness]

Thank You. Really this made my day. Enjoy your music there!

[@dheny3007]

finaly this is what i'm waiting for thank you mr andy😃

[@donglemadness]

You're welcome 😊

[@dani70s]

thanks for making this video sir. appreciate it a lot. kudos.

[@donglemadness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WillA-wf4uu]

Nice my wishlist..Andy are coming to sg canjam on April

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. If I have the funds, I might go. But otherwise no plan

[@azifaliaslam673]

really detailed review, cheers from Indonesia👍👍

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. Cheers

[@yamato1420]

Been waiting for this review, thanks. Have one on back-order. Would've been interested in the power efficiency with desktop mode 'off'.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. Come back later after I test the Desktop Mode off battery endurance

[@tedz-kk3vf]

I can only imagine at this point as I have aged how nice it would be not to need/prefer eq and channel imbalance capability with my music. In fact, this ability with the KA17 is the only reason I will consider a purchase of this portable dac/amp. It’s a blessing, not a given, that your hearing will not change with age if you love to listen to music and have the money to pursue this hobby. Now, back to finish your review…😉

[@donglemadness]

Totally can understand your situation, and products like this KA17 or Qudelix 5K and a few more will surely provide the means to tune things up to suit the needs. And thanks for being here, I hope my insights would be helpful

[@gee3883]

Very helpful, thanks dude.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure. Cheers

[@zengerz]

cool review and dongle. That extra usb c port is interesting, I would only try a linear power supply (class a) or something on par. had great results years ago with that, but if the power is already clean the benefit will be none or minimal. My silent htpc I built for music also uses a linear psu for clean power/signal. Dont know what the quility of usb is for music these days, apart from having dongles, since I immedialty switched to i2s instead of usb 7 or 8 years ago for my main setup and sold the usb linear power supplies, amber regen etc feeding the dac.

[@donglemadness]

You are right, many devices now natively offer clean USB 3.0 power, even some mobile phones like Sony Xperia series or Samsung Galaxy S series, with true PD 3.0 (above 900 mA), so using the auxiliary is practically redundant if the main USB was already efficient and clean, but it does help with conserving energy on the host, drawing power from the Aux USB instead of the main connection

[@user-km3nx2dw8x]

The good review and more details Thanks.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure 🙏 Thank you!

[@kevinleete8549]

Hi Andy, great review. I have the Creative SX Fi Amp, bought after reading your excellent review ;) I'd be much obliged if you could tell me where it would sit on your timbre signature scale for comparison?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. SX Fi on the Timbre chart would be in the same section as FiiO KA13/KA5/DAWN Pro/AP10 etc :D

[@gistapolo4918]

Good review thanks

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure 😁

[@gabrielrojas2635]

Greetings, Mr. Thank you for a such a good and detailed review I have a small question, based on your experience, and even with the hint of coloration, can the FiiO KA17 can be used for monitoring on the go? Thanks in advance.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks, yes objectively I would say KA17 is transparent enough for monitoring. But honestly, I would not use it personally when I have more transparent uncolored choices like FiiO BTR15 or EPZ TP50, I prefer the dynamics to be as uncolored/un-enhanced as possible when I am in "monitoring" mode, when using my Sony MDR7506 or Sennheiser HD600. To me KA17 is more for Audiophile listening for indulgence rather than monitoring accuracy

[@S1RBR4N]

Thanks for you work at reviewing dongles for us Andy, very much appreciate it. Now I want to ask which dongle could do a good synergy with Hifiman he400se, I like neutral warm but still detailed sound

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure. To match the natively bright, slightly metallic sound of HE400SE, I absolutely recommend strong organic analog dongles like HIBY FC6 (which you can run 3.5mm SE), Colorfly CDA-M1P, EPZ TP30, Lotoo PAW S2 or Aune Yuki (you need to run on 4.4mm BAL on them). They are organic smooth and rich with sound texture, yet analytical at the same time

[@justsumdude471]

would you recommend the fiio ka17 or the ifi hip dac 3, for driving over ears like ath msr7b and monoprice m1570 through 4.4mm balanced? great video btw

[@donglemadness]

Yes I would, KA17 offer the sort of dynamic grace and power to bring the articulation of fast transients the headphones will appreciate immensely, just make sure you run them on 4.4mm BAL

[@justsumdude471]

@@donglemadness thank you!!!

[@watashi1793]

Following your suggestion, I bought the BTR15, and (thanks again!) I love how it sounds. After this review thought, I'm contemplating to buy the KA17 too. In your opinion they are different enough, so that they could complement each other in my setup? So that I could use the BTR15 when I'm in the mood of a more analog, laid-back type of presentation, and the KA17 to get instead a more energetic, hi-fi type of sound?

[@donglemadness]

Yes to me the differences are evident, no mistaking the extra energy KA17 offer with heightened sense of dynamic vibrancy, as opposed to the smooth transparent nature of BTR15 - entirely enjoyable in their own ways

[@showmak]

Hi Andy, thank you for your review. I have Hifiman HE400se, which amp/dac do you recommend for desktop setup, KA17 or K11?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks, assuming you run your HE400SE on 4.4mm BAL, KA17 without a doubt. I can't recommend KA11 as it has failed on me and not working anymore, plus it will heat up easily when subjected to heavy loads

[@MerioILVerio]

Great review as always. I wonder how does this KA17 compare to the BTR15 in term of timbre and tonality? I'm now looking to pick one of these up as my main USB DAC to use at my PC and I would like your advice. (I use mainly IEMs) Thanks.

[@donglemadness]

Timbre and tonality, aside from the differences I already mentioned between the two of them in this video, BTR15 is closer to analog/organic timbre and les colored with the tonality

[@BrandonAdams1010]

What would be a significant upgrade from Moondrop Dawn Pro? I have the dongle fever. Maybe I don't need an upgrade. I am not driving any hard to drive headphones or anything, but I would be interested if it upgraded audio, build quality, and better accompanying software.

[@donglemadness]

Moving from Moondrop DAWN Pro? let's just clarify that DAWN Pro is already great as it is. So when you look to get something "better". at this level you need to factor in the Rule of Diminishing Returns, just like many other things in life. Like making a choice to upgrade from Audi R8 to either Mclaren or Lambo, all three cars are already exotic but the small differences could spell huge variance in price for marginal performance and comfort differences - all of them can easily tread over 200 Kmh. Now going back to your question, the direct upgrade to DAWN Pro would be iBasso DC-Elite, Colorfly CDA-M2 or Aune YUKI - I consider them as having similar transparent sound with open airy neutral timbre. But if you want something different, then you can consider looking at iBasso DC06Pro, FiiO KA17 or Shanling UA4 for a more modern sound with strong dynamic expressions. Or if you are like me, a purist of analog sound, then there's HIBY FC6. Cayin RU7 and Colorfly CDA-M1P (I just mention a few)

[@carloscruzada9731]

Hello, good video, I am new to this audiophile and I just bought this ka17, I would like to know which model of Fiio brand in-ear headphones is compatible to get the most out of it.

[@donglemadness]

You can get at least FiiO JT1 for budget options, or get Aune AR5000 if you want to spend up to $300

[@carloscruzada9731]

If I had to choose between aune ar5000 or fiio fh7s which one?

[@TFWandyzilla]

At the end, rating and comparison, it would be a good idea to add the prices too. A dongle that scored 88 and costs 50usd might be better than a 150usd dongle that scored 90 (this is just an example, not related to any dongles in your list)

[@donglemadness]

Thanks for the suggestion, it makes sense

[@mastakilla9783]

thanksfor this review! which headphones and iem's would you recommend for Rap a d Hip Hop Music

[@donglemadness]

I would recommend SIVGA Nightingale headphone, for IEMs something like Simgot EM6L or AFUL P5 for your genre of music, also KZ Castor Bass version

[@mastakilla9783]

@@donglemadness thanks and wich dac amps? i was looking for fiio ka17. thats how i found your channel btw

[@amanieux]

snr at full 4v output is useless, the metric we need to look at is 50mV snr which is closer to the voltage we are using on iems (usually between 80 and 90 db which is closer to our hearing threshold)

[@amanieux]

i undestand it's main feature is a lot of power for a dongle which is required for full size cans but is there a big difference in sound quality with yuki ( for iems exclusively) ? thanks

[@donglemadness]

The fact is, anything I rated 80/100 and above all has been tested with driving 300 Ohm headphones and two type of magnetic planar headphones, so KA17 is not unique with this power, you can expect Yuki to be equally great with power too

[@anatol1204]

I had bad experience with the EQ of UTWS5.The app was always forgotten my settings

[@V_MAHESHWAR]

Hi andy, I hope you're doing great! Small clarification needed . Currently I've Fiio BTR15 using with simgot EA500. Should I upgrade to Fiio KA17? I'm actually happy with btr15. But I've a plans in future to upgrade. But, I will keep btr15 even I purchase new one dac.

[@donglemadness]

As a big fan and user of BTR15, and you also use EA500, you are not missing anything really. BTR15 offers more transparent and open sound, but if you want different tuning, spice things a bit and have more energy, sharper imaging, yes KA17 offers something different, but not necessarily better

[@V_MAHESHWAR]

@@donglemadness thanks a ton andy! I'll keep using BTR15. Will wait for another DAC in the future to use along with my Btr15.

[@Stylianos.]

Good day Andy , thank you for another awesome review , One question soundstage wise , how does it compare to.Dc04 Pro ? Is DC04 Pro still dominant in that category?

[@donglemadness]

Good day to you too, Soundstage width is still DC04Pro, Cayin RU7, L&P W4 and BTR15 dominance

[@Stylianos.]

@@donglemadness thank you for the fast reply bro

[@Size10Soles]

So the dc04 pro is $77 and its better?

[@leonboy9388]

This sure looks great. Btw is there a portable amp or dac that can take in both aux and usb c inputs to 3.5 outputs? Or am I wrong in thinking that’s a thing?

[@donglemadness]

That would be rare, AUX is basically Audio In capability and I have never seen any dongles that offer that, they are like 100% USC digital input device. But you may still get that from portable amps (just analog amplifiers of course). Perhaps the closest you can get on this, have a look at Venture Electronics Prime DAC or the older Megatron, perhaps it has what you looking for

[@Nordi1_0745]

Hello Andy! As KA17 and TP50 and as KA17 has all those features for a dongle, which of the two would you really prefer as for to drive over ear headphones such as HD600 and K701? Do you think all those KA17 features can beat the TP50? Thanks for all!

[@donglemadness]

TP50 for me all the way

[@Nordi1_0745]

@@donglemadness And do you think with TP50 I gonna loose something of the analog magic of M12i or M1P or even FC6? That is my biggest concern. Thanks for all

[@mashrurahmed6744]

Hi Andy, Excellent review as always, I recently bought Fosi DS1 after watching your review, I was wondering if the KA17 will be a direct upgrade from it or if I should just stay with the DS1. I mainly use it with my computer, Any kind of feedback is highly appreciated, Thanks.

[@donglemadness]

In a way yes KA17 is a direct upgrade to DS1 especially considering the wealth of features KA17 offers. But to be realistic, DS1 was already a great dongle sound wise and you need to set your expectations moderately

[@amirzafrii]

Great video! Looking forward for this as I already am using Qudelix 5k. Out of the topic, what cables do you use for your IEMs?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!. My MP145 and A5000 uses NICEHCK MixPP 6N OFC

[@mr_pulsa]

Thanks for the review, in your opinion, is it a upgrade version of ibasso dc03pro?

[@donglemadness]

In a way yes, both favors highly dynamic transient energy. The main difference being KA17 has more outright power and also edges closer towards analog timbre while DC03Pro favors the more modern vibrant energy temperament. Both equally well executed with these that they sound energetic but never offensive

[@mr_pulsa]

@@donglemadness thanks for your honest answer, appreciate it 🙏

[@javischs]

Hey Andy, thanks for the review, you consistently put out the best info on dongle dacs! I'm kinda new to the hobby and I'm currently using Moonriver 2 Ti - is the KA17 worth the switch? They're priced about the same where I live

[@donglemadness]

Thank you!. Honestly I haven't tried the Ti version of Moonriver 2 so it will be hard for me to compare it with KA17 directly. But knowing that MR2 OG was already an amazing dongle, I would imagine that Ti version would be superior and on that account, I will say that at this level, usually the differences between top performing dongles are marginal, technically they are already comparable, the differences tend to be focused on how they handle timbre, dynamics and features. On features alone, KA17 is one of the very best, no doubt about it. So you need to determine if you feel anything you find lacking in your current setup? are you happy with what you hear? do you need extra features? then you will find your answers

[@javischs]

@@donglemadness Thank you for the detailed reply! Will def take that into consideration

[@eko-sujarwo]

Hi Andy. There is a new iem under $15 with delicious neutral fr: cca polaris. Hope to watch your review for it.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks for the heads up. I will check it out

[@Nordi1_0745]

Like the video before check the Andy;s review! I guess not only me!

[@donglemadness]

😂

[@cyberroller7806]

super precise impeccable review, with compartive tables too, you are very competent as reviewer! compared to ka17, how does Btr7 sounds?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!. Unfortunately I haven't tried BTR7 so I really have no idea how they would compare. Perhaps soon I can get a BTR7 to play with. Cheers

[@ahmadfaizmohd8586]

Very good reviews bro

[@donglemadness]

Thank you!

[@TFWandyzilla]

Very good looking second camera!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks, the 2nd Camera is my Sony Xperia 1 iV doing close up footage

[@Daniel19766]

Very interested in the BT but torn by the trade off in sound quality with something like Aune Yuki. Where does this one score against the highest performers in your comparison chart?

[@donglemadness]

BT? which BT is this that you are referring to?

[@Daniel19766]

oh sorry- I posted this comment to the wrong video! I was wondering about BTR15 sound vs. Yuki, FC6, etc.

[@Daniel19766]

maybe I will even expand the question. What is the best BT dongle available in your opinion and how does it compare to the best of the wired dongles?

[@Rezzzn0r]

Thank you for a review, Andy. How would you compare FC6 and other best in class dongles to Fiio Q15 in terms of pure sound quality?

[@donglemadness]

You can check my review on Q15. I mentioned there that Q15 is comparable to CEntrance DACport HD and FC6 in terms of rich analog sound tuning that exhibit excellent analytical resolution and prowess. Q15 is like a more open sounding FC6 or DACport HD. I would even say that Colorfly CDA-M1P also exhibit similar tuning to Q15

[@Rezzzn0r]

@@donglemadness thank you!

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

Best DAC with the fc6

[@roycyt9788]

Hi Andy. First of all thanks for the great and detailed review. My question is, I'm planning to get an Ie600 and I'm a technical lover. Considering the spec is that it's not a high ohm and quite sensitive, perhaps ka17 would be an overkill to use? And if so, which dongle would be fit for purpose (cost wise, and say Bluetooth of BTR15 is a nice feature) to bring the most out of Ie600? Thanks so much beforehand and keep up the superb contents

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. KA17 is very well tuned for both highly sensitive and demanding partners, so it is not overkill. You goanna get top notched technicalities in addition to best in class dynamic transient handling from KA17. I have used KA17 with something way more sensitive than iE600 so no worries there

[@roycyt9788]

Alright, Thanks a lot for the answer! Look forward to get the KA17 now :)

[@roycyt9788]

Oh, 1 more thing I'm still wondering Sir. If I'm getting a KA17, and I want to buy cheap phone like redmi13C as streamer for Tidal Max files. Is it correct that sound quality wouldnt be compromised? I want to separate my main phone from my "music" phone/player. And getting a cheap phone + ka17 Would still be cheaper than getting a mid-fi DAP.

[@rinderkappajoe]

Great video, thanks a lot! :) How does it compare to BTR7? or even Desktop K7? Especially in regards to stage. I think about replacing K7 with KA17 because I can not use EQ on my work laptop and therefore KA17 would be really nice but I don´t want to loose on staging. Thanks for taking the time to answer so many comments here, it is very usefull and a valueable contribution to the community!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. I have no experience with K7 or BTR7. But I can share with you comparison vs K9, BTR15 and Q15. The dynamic handling and quality of KA17 is on par with K9 ESS, with K9 being slightly better on sound richness and texture (but very closely matched), soundstage basically similar for anything under 300 Ohm and K9 will offer better headroom and headstage once you push beyond 300 Ohm or under 100 dB of sensitivity (planars). Versus BTR15, KA17 is not as wide or open sounding as the BTR15, BTR15 is also more neutral and transparent, while KA17 as noted in this video offers enhanced/mildly colored dynamics, making it appearing more vibrant and energetic. Q15 on the other hand is outright superior with both dynamics and natural tonal balance, Q15 is also richer sounding with the body of sound with improved maturity, but I would say without comparing, KA17 is very close to what Q15 offers

[@rinderkappajoe]

Thank you so much for that detailed answer!! I am a bit surprised though that you did not test BTR7. I only plan to use it with IEMs so maybe difference in stage performance will not be that noticeable. Maybe I just need to order both BTR15 and KA17 and keep the one I like best 🤔

[@FATfreq]

Andy is power bank is clean power source for KA17's extra power supply ? if yes then which power bank to chose or what to look in a power bank..

[@donglemadness]

Any power bank will do, battery power is always cleaner than wall power because they operate in closed loop. But you may want the ones offering PD3.0 or Qualcomm Quickcharge. The benefit of Power Bank is that you prevent KA17 from draining your phone battery, otherwise Power Banks have no effect on sound quality

[@DistinctiveMusic]

I just received my KA17. Got a little confused about the S/PDIF option that I needed. It isn’t covered in the manual, but exists in the menu, nevertheless (great). Opposed to the KA5, the KA17 balanced output becomes muted when using the S/PDIF on the 3.5mm output (?) Also, one needs to depart the menu for the KA17 mod. setting to activate when sourced via my iPad.

[@donglemadness]

Perhaps you should check with FiiO support on this, they can help since I personally don't use SPDIF output

[@DistinctiveMusic]

@@donglemadness Sure, but this was also to inform your followers 🙏 This does not pose a big problem after troubleshooting it.

[@DistinctiveMusic]

When driven in Desktop mode, the power pulled from my battery bank is miniscule and thus the battery bank will last for eons without recharge. You can feel the extra boost in this mode. The extra cabling entanglement makes it more messy, though.

[@Alex-dj7nc]

Thanks

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure 🙏

[@gaba665]

Excellent review bro!!!... I was waiting for it. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 does it sound anyting like the KA3? I think both have the same or a similar ESS Sabre DAC, right?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!. KA3 was built on ES9038Q2M and tuned differently, slightly warmer and musical. KA17 is outright superior with technicalities vs KA3

[@wilsonescudero3298]

Entre el KA 17 y el Epz tp50 cual recomiendas Andy

[@donglemadness]

I personally prefer TP50

[@wilsonescudero3298]

@@donglemadness Gracias Andy, el TP50 con singot EW200 o EA500 irian bien? o me recomiendas otro que esté por ese precio.

[@Gilliboy82]

Is this KA17 comparable to the Q15 or is it a huge difference in sound quality? I have now a Chord mojo 2 hooked up to my hifi system but want to try something else. Since KA17 has desktop mode do you recommend to give it a try? Or is Q15 still the way to go?

[@donglemadness]

Let's recap what I have mentioned on Q15 vs KA17 from 23:29 onwards, I did mention that Q15 presents better overall balance of being musical and analytical than both KA17 or BTR15, it has richer dense sound and truer to analog timbre - so it is clear from my perspective Q15 is superior. But if you ask someone else, they might say differently - because if technicalities is paramount to that person, then I would say KA17 is comparable to Q15 in that aspect. You can't go wrong with any one of them really, you just need to understand what's your priorities are

[@rammysingh098]

Great info ! Hw abouy your reviews on FIIO KA13. Major difference between if compared to KA 17 ?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks!. If you watch the comparison table in this video, you would see that KA17 is clearly better with Dynamics, Sound Richness and Technicalities versus KA13. While the difference may not be day and night, comparing them side by side will exhibit audible differences. But I must also note that KA13 is more neutral and does not appear to be dynamically enhanced like KA17

[@tjiptohendrawan7406]

Hi Andy, compared to iBasso DC04Pro, which one have wider soundstage ? Thx

[@donglemadness]

DC04Pro has wider staging

[@Manxxz.]

what name the iem cable that connects a5000 and mp145? Is there a significant difference in sound quality compared to og cable mp145 n a5000?

[@donglemadness]

They are NICEHCK MixPP 6N OFC cable. Suitable to tone the sound of A5000 and MP145 to be less bright and more dense with organic sound, less metallic

[@Manxxz.]

​​@@donglemadness thanks my sifu ...

[@lllcinematography]

Purely based on detail separation and soundstage and more holographic presentation, which is better? The FiiO KA17 or the EPZ TP50? Or something else within the same budget based on those criteria. I prefer a more modern sound also. I got the Hidisz MP145 based on your recommendation and I'll be pairing it with it. Once I made my choice, its crazy the options out there. Thanks for the help.

[@donglemadness]

It seems that for your preference you will like KA17 more, while I personally like EPZ TP50 more. KA17 has stronger emphasis on being technical and holographic and modern sounding

[@lllcinematography]

@@donglemadness sweet thanks senpai! Thanks a lot for the fast reply. I hope your channel grows. Deserves much more followers. Is there like a physical meetup for Malaysians who are audio crazy that you go for? No one I know is as obsessed as me lol. Would be good to meet others. When I talk about sound most people I know just roll their eyes.

[@watashi1793]

Could you please tell me which filter you mainly used with the KA17 for the review? :)

[@donglemadness]

For my SIVGA Nightingale and Sennheiser HD600, I always use Fast filter, for Etymotic ER2XR, Kinera Idun Golden, Hidizs MP145 and Final Audio A5000, I use Slow filter

[@pyrojinn]

I have been meaning to ask, which cable did you use on your MP145 and A5000? They look competent and blue.

[@donglemadness]

Both of them uses NICEHCK MixPP 6N OFC. Amazing cables

[@bourjuva]

hey yo cayin ru7 or this one for pc gaming? also i have 1k budget for iem what would u recommend for game and overall

[@donglemadness]

For gaming, KA17 is more suitable. 1K USD for IEM? get I/O Volare AND Tanchjim Origin for $1000 USD, then your IEMs collection would be complete

[@bourjuva]

@@donglemadness unfortunatly we dont have either both iem in my country i have those options ie900. Kinera Imperial Verdandi . Thieaudio Hype 10 . what would you do in this situation thanks.

[@necipfazilaskar]

I have Creative SoundBlasterX G6 and I recently bought Fiio BTR15 Bluetooth reciever. It has also has usb DAC function. Why would I buy Fiio KA17? I am interested in to buy but still unsure. BTW I am musician in/from Turkey. Thanks...

[@donglemadness]

Only you can decide that, it is for your usage after all. Are you satisfied with what you have now? are you looking for something else? with tons of options out there there's so many to choose from, KA17 is one of the best for sure, but BTR15 is no less stellar

[@necipfazilaskar]

@@donglemadness I am quite satisfied all I have but my curiosity not :) BTW I have Creative X1 usb mini dac too. I am very pleased from BTR15 and what it can capable of. Because of that this little monster is very enticing me. But it is like an ocean as you said there is so many to choose. I think that is enough for me now.. Thank you for your opinion..

[@amanieux]

about dac filter it only affects region above 20khz so you may want to advise user to first check their earing above 20khz on a free online tone generator (for example i cannot hear anything above 17khz at normal listening volume because i am over 50 yo so i hear no difference with these filters)

[@donglemadness]

Thanks for this

[@bamskie2024]

Good and comprehensive review as always. However, I'm wondering how big or small is the difference from KA13, any thoughts? Thank you!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. If you look again at the comparison table, and if you just wondering on the sound aspects, you can see the score are better by a point on some of them for KA17. How audible are those? they are marginal truthfully because KA13 and KA5 are already great devices on their own right. So I can only say, always remember the rule of diminishing returns we talk about differences among items which are already operating at high levels

[@bamskie2024]

@@donglemadness thank you very much! i'll take note on this.

[@franciscomaytorena5938]

Hi, I’m a new in the hi-res world and I’m looking for a dac, what is your opinion which dac is better?? Ka17 or hip dac 3??

[@donglemadness]

Absolutely KA17, more resolving and more dynamic sounding that Hip DAC 3

[@amanieux]

you gave k17 lower score than yuki, does this mean you prefer the sound from yuki over ka17 ? thanks

[@donglemadness]

Yes

[@ahmedfouad6088]

Hi...can i use KA 11 WITH HIFIMAN 1000 SE ON MY PHONE ? OR SOUND WILL BE BETTER TO BUY K17 WITH MY PHONE ?

[@donglemadness]

Yes you can, just make sure to run your HE1000SE on BAL side with desktop mode on, definitely better sounding than directly from your phone

[@lior3385]

hey andy! what you think will good for grado 325x?

[@donglemadness]

For SR325x, I would be more keen to pair it with something like EPZ TP50 or Aune Yuki, you will get slightly wider and more open impressions of soundstage, so does iBasso DC04Pro and Cayin RU7, I personally think SR325X can sound a bit too energetic/dynamic with something like KA17 (Or Shanling UA4/iBasso DC06 Pro)

[@robertbesana6818]

Hi Andy, when using IEM do you still activate Desktop mode and high gain? what would be the best set up? thanks

[@donglemadness]

I use Desktop mode like 99% of the time because my IEMs are the type that scales great with power. MP145 and Nightingale especially are planars that love power. But of course when running highly sensitive hybrids, no need for Desktop mode

[@robertbesana6818]

@@donglemadness thank you so much for the quick reply. got this 👌

[@robertbesana6818]

@@donglemadness Hi Andy, I am really enjoying my KA17, and I believe you when you say it is one of the best in its class, however i got curious with Q15. Putting aside other functionality advantage of Q15 over KA17, in terms of sound, will there be very noticeable difference between the two? I know that KA17 leans towards analytical and I love it. I am interested how Q15 balanced analog and digital sound..am I missing that much with KA17 when compared to Q15? or is it just marginal? thanks

[@kazumasatou6124]

Hi andy, would like to ask if its worth selling my questyle m15 and getting these instead? I already have the fc6 and want a more analytical dongle

[@donglemadness]

If you already have M15 and FC6 then you already have the best of dongles for being analytical. KA17 presents another option in the same territory and the key factor to consider if you need something different with sound tuning, KA17 is a bit more colored/enhanced sounding compared to the truthfully neutral M15, FC6 on the other hand is the most analog sounding of them all and offer the richest sound texture. As with many others, at this stage it is all about getting different sound presentation and even that, those differences can be quite marginal once you are accustomed to playing with the best stuffs, all three of them are top dogs for #donglemadness. Also, you may want to get KA17 if you need more features, definitely more features than what M15 offers

[@kazumasatou6124]

@@donglemadness thanks! So its a good third dongle?

[@donglemadness]

@@kazumasatou6124 Yes of course

[@kazumasatou6124]

@@donglemadness thanks!

[@FrantaPo-bc5mu]

I suppose you would still prefer the Yuki with your planar iems, right?

[@donglemadness]

Absolutely

[@FrantaPo-bc5mu]

@@donglemadness And Yuki or Q15 for planar iems??

[@donglemadness]

@@FrantaPo-bc5mu If you force me to choose between Yuki and BTR15 purely for synergy for my planars, then I will be taking Yuki

[@agusrindarjo8991]

I need suggest info upgrade dac from alo international dac Thank you Andy ❤

[@donglemadness]

What's your budget. If no issues with budget then my automatic recommendation for the very best is HIBY FC6

[@agusrindarjo8991]

Thanks Andy 😍 Nice

[@Manxxz.]

how does the ea500lm sound when paired with the ka17?

[@donglemadness]

With EA500LM, very resolving and also a bit more energetic overall, things gets crisper rather than smoother

[@galmigcon]

Alamak, spend money again 😂...great work Andy! Keep it up!

[@donglemadness]

Hahaha. Terima kaseyyy

[@jigsomyoca5377]

Does the firmware update address the heating issues which ive read?

[@donglemadness]

Hopefully someone can share their experience on this, I haven't updated ny KA17 yet

[@user-ie9ox9vs9l]

Sorry to write it again boss.And so many suggestions confused me😅. I am asking between FD11 vs Ouranos. But I am curious to know why you suggest so many of them😅.I mean I am already confused. Or you think all of these are better or same to FD11 if we don't consider ouranos.because it's much more expensive than FD11. One suggestion?

[@donglemadness]

Just get Ouranos

[@user-ie9ox9vs9l]

​@@donglemadnessThanks.I don't just appreciate, also pray for you.

[@user-ie9ox9vs9l]

​@@donglemadnessyou are my boss for forever.Blessings

[@Fear_BFG]

new video from andy? i click and watch

[@donglemadness]

😁

[@topandrun126]

The SPDIF 3.5 output is optical or coaxial? Thanks

[@donglemadness]

It emits light so it is optical

[@topandrun126]

@donglemadness thank you so much that's help

[@mvasiliev]

hi! can test Shanling H2 please? thanks

[@donglemadness]

Looking forward to test and review it, but no promise when I can get one. I work with what I have now. Thanks!

[@TheRaviiii]

which is better Fiio ka17, colorfly cda m2, Aune yuki and last Fiio btr15 which one i should buy?

[@donglemadness]

Better? only you can decide that. I cannot decide for your taste and preferences as what is the best according to my taste and sonic sensitivity could be vastly different from yours. KA17, M2, Aune Yuki and BTR15 all amazing portable devices which operate at the highest level possible in this form factor. You need to understand your own priorities for what you consider as suited to your needs, is timbre signature important to you, do you prefer Hi-Fi crisp tuning? or do you like Classic/Analog sound? What are you driving? will you be using 4.4mm BAL? just some considerations to ponder on before making your choices. So my advise is that, when you read/watch reviews, try to grasp what are the strengths the device will offer and determine if those are the qualities you seek? at least when it comes to me, I will do my best to describe what those device will offer and what to expect

[@TheRaviiii]

@@donglemadness Thank u, and again as usual GREAT WORK.I think i got it what i should buy, i will be buying two dacs fiio btr15 and colorfly cda m1p

[@user-sw2hy8or9j]

Hi, Andy! I would like to hear your opinion on the choice between KA17 and Yuki. I prefer a neutral, detailed sound. With a good stage in width and depth. The timbre signature is also important to me. But analog sound is not in the first place. I would have preferred more detail, but I don't like the artificially rich, fat sound. I like a very detailed, light and open sound. Which sounds from everywhere. like air) Without going into the nuances, what will sound better to me in general? Currently, I am choosing between KA17 and Yuki. If there are other options for my description of the sound - I will listen with pleasure. As a result, I want to get pretty high quality sound, so I'm looking at prices from $100 or higher.

[@donglemadness]

Yuki is one of them, transparent, neutral, uncolored, airy and natural/analog sounding. KA17 as noted here appeared enhanced despite being largely uncolored, it lacked transparency a little bit for being dynamically enhanced. You can also look at L&P W4, Questyle M15, Cayin RU7, Colorfly CDA-M2 or iBasso DC Elite, they all are transparent, uncolored and neutral (as tested with my gears (Etymotic ER series, Sennheiser HD600, Kinera Idun Golden)). But Yuki offers the most air out of those competition and has similar transient speed that you can expect to hear from an Electrostatic amp (close enough). You can also consider FiiO BTR15, the one which I use the most now alongside HIBY FC6/Questyle M12i. BTR15 offers the sort of airy transients and decays that I really love, it may not be as naturally/realistically rich as FC6/M12i/Q15 which offer better realistic/organic tonal accuracy, but on the account that I keep on going back to it is a sign that BTR15 is really special

[@user-sw2hy8or9j]

@@donglemadness Thank you for the detailed answer! I would like to clarify, Fiio BTR15 will sound better than, for example, Simgot DEW4X or Fiio KA5 or Tanchjim Space? Will the sound be no less detailed and timbrally correct? Sound detail is very important to me, in addition to air space.

[@mcaik77]

Hi Andy I bought KA 13 cuz you rated it 4.5 star, is this worth the upgrade?

[@donglemadness]

Yes, it is an upgrade, KA17 is designed to be FiiO flagship dongle so the quality it offers is an improvement over KA13

[@mcaik77]

@@donglemadness ok thanks, this month bought tangzu wu zetian, kind of broke. KA 17 might need to use duit raya to buy 🤣

[@donglemadness]

@@mcaik77 Take it easy

[@MrBenvenuti]

Wonder if it is worth upgrading from a KA 5

[@donglemadness]

I think yes, KA17 offers overall refinement over what KA5 has started

[@MrBenvenuti]

Trying to decide if it’s worth the update price

[@lain6889]

How does this compare to the EPZ TP50?

[@donglemadness]

Have you watched my TP50 review? for overall score you can see TP50 vs KA17 on the comparison section. The main difference between KA17 and TP50, KA17 offers dynamic modern sound tuning, a bit of coloration and TP50 on the other hand is more analog sounding and transparent. Anything I rated 87 and above, technically they are all equally matched

[@lain6889]

@@donglemadness yes, you scored the ka17 lower in tone/timbre. Is that just preference or is it technically worse sounding in that aspect?

[@mokisan]

Whats the battery life you get if not using desktop mode? Because that 6-ish hour you get using desktop mode right?

[@donglemadness]

Good question, I will fire it up again with Desktop Mode turned off. I always had it switched on because I like it that way, will get back to you on this

[@mokisan]

@@donglemadness thank you! Hope to hear whats the number for that in your mi9t without desktop mode

[@donglemadness]

@@mokisan Already updated a pinned comment on this. The results are there

[@mokisan]

@@donglemadness hello, thanks! I have replied you there. High gain = desktop mode, you should try it in low gain mode

[@bds01u1]

how this is compare vs Shanling UA4 because it have same chip DAC but the different amp, also its more cheap

[@donglemadness]

I explained this exact subject in the comparison section of this video, you may want to watch it and perhaps it will give you the answer you looking for

[@bds01u1]

@@donglemadness Ok thanks, how about vs iBasso DC04 Pro, which one you prefer, and why?

[@lastnamearya]

Can it drive Hifiman Sundara easily on desktop mode?

[@donglemadness]

Yes I already mentioned that on the Sound & Performance section, power. Both Sundara, HD600 and even the harder to drive Fostex T40RP MK3, all needed only 70/120 volume for proper loudness and then the sound is full and wholesome, even when desktop mode is off, but stronger dynamics when desktop mode is on

[@lordlopes2424]

This sure a king dongle,what Fiio did here is crazy,hope the KA15 can live up to the competition,cause it will be hard.

[@datdudeinred]

I wish hiby will come out with updated fc6 with 4.4mm as I & many others don't have those interchangeable cables for iems. & it's far easier to just standardize 4.4 in audiophile market. Sony is king just accept that everyone. 😉

[@donglemadness]

I understand your point, I have tons of cables and 90% of them terminated with 4.4mm BAL, but I keep two 4.4 to 3.5mm adapters to use my FC6, DACPort HD and M12i, small hassle to enjoy the very best dongles. I would rather the trend for anything other than 3.5mm would have never started in the first place, makes life much easier for the consumers

[@Malik08902]

Hi, better than cayin ru7 or close?

[@donglemadness]

Have a look at the video Rating & Comparison, that should give you some ideas. Aside from that, different sound tuning

[@Malik08902]

Thanks !!!!

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

Can this bring Sundara to 100% hard to get this done with mobile dac

[@donglemadness]

It depends on what you consider as 100%. This sort of thing can go for eternity, and some would even say nothing in this world can give 100% to anything. This is no longer about power to make them shine, it is more of synergy factor to cultivate the nuances that suits the listener. So, to answer your question, from my perspective KA17 has the juice to bring up close to 90% of what Sundara can do as compared to my Burson Audio Playmate 2 (with V7 flagship Opamps). For it to even touch 90% is already amazing IMO

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

@@donglemadness thats pretty good. but yeah Sound Signature is more important is it good for Female Vocals?

[@donglemadness]

@@Daniel-lq5qq Yes it does

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

@@donglemadness great Just got the ea1000 seems to have great vocals and technicality

[@roykuzuma5940]

What about Fiio ka11 & ka15

[@donglemadness]

I wasn't even aware there's a KA15. KA11 is with me and still testing

[@roykuzuma5940]

It's not relase yet hehe​@@donglemadness

[@radicalturkey]

I bought this and I urge people not to buy it. It's HUGE, very inefficient, has no app support, has no good hardware controls like play/pause, and skip track. Only 90mw more than ka13 at 65% more power draw. It overheats. Unless you want it as a desktop and portable all in one avoid. Buy the much more rounded ka13.