FiiO K19 Review - Reference Grade DAC/Amp Combo

K19 Official Page: fiio.com/K19
Get the K19 (Affiliated link): bit.ly/FiiOK19
Get the K19 (Non-affiliated link): apos.audio/products/fiio-k19-...
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:31 - Looks & Build
03:22 - Controls & I/O
04:20 - Under its Hood
06:46 - Sound Performance
11:07 - K19 with a Linear Power Supply
12:26 - Headphone Amp Performance
14:22 - Resolution & Transparency
16:17 - Dynamics & Transients
17:31 - Soundstage & Imaging
18:21 - No talk about FR?
18:40 - K19 VS K9 AKM
20:02 - Wrapping Up
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[@-ANJ.]

You need to do more comparison imo. These are the most useful parts of any review, and you often omit them unless being compared to model in the same line. Without comparisons, there is no point of reference in regard to sound quality for the price. Pretty much everything sounds good, but how good? There’s no way to know without comparisons at various price points.

[@nicktan4530]

They all sounds the same.

[@Soundnews]

Thanks for this invaluable feedback! I will take your comment seriously and will start doing more comparisons in the future.

[@Soundoverload]

@@Soundnews Sandu your reviews are the best. You go in depth with the important things and I always feel more than enough informed to know wether to consider buying a product or to skip. And the written reviews are gold as well. Keep it up

[@EvLTimE]

What will you get from upgrading k9 pro ess -> k19 in terms of sound when amp section is not an issue for headphones? Does new ESS 39 chip bring something that ESS 38 didn't?

[@worms141414]

Thank you for your review, However, for me there was a lack of comparison in terms of sound on headphones with Aune s9c, Fiio R9 connected via USB. I would like to know which has better stage, spatiality, depth? How does this set compare with others in typical gaming applications

[@yogiwp_]

Does the PEQ accepts Equalizer APO config format or something similar? Wondering if it's usable for room correction, if so this could be an alternative to miniDSP stuff.

[@solrq8349]

Hi Sandu hope you are having a great day I decided to buy a Susvara but want to spent 3k$ maximum for an amp i have R2R denafrips Ares 2 dac + sennheiser hdv820 as preamp would you recommend the Soncoz sgp1 or Enleum Hpa-23rm or any amp of your choosing i value sound stage a lot coming from HD800S. Edit: also have interesting question does the enleum 23Rm runs susvara same in staging and bass region as a single ahb2 if it does am sold

[@marlowe1537]

How would sound quality of the K19 compare with the slightly more expensive FiiO R9 DAC/amp/streamer, especially since you recommend using a streamer with the K19 instead of USB for a PC (just SQ, I assume the Swiss Army knife R9 would win on features). The K19 has the very newest flagship ESS DAC while the R9 has the last gen flagship, and both have similar THX 788+ amps, though the K19 has slightly more power.

[@gabrieljung6763]

Amazing review as always Sandu! Thank you so much for the enjoyable review!

[@Soundnews]

My pleasure

[@natep8583]

Thank you for this review Sandu! This unit is looking pretty awesome! I'm curious about what you think about this one vs. the Topping DX9, and which one you would prefer using?

[@Alinho295]

I own the Fiio K9 Pro ESS along with Dan Clark Noire. With a cup of coffee, I can enjoy the video. EDIT: However, I feel that the review is lacking in trying out headphones that may not necessarily be for "hardcore" audiophiles, such as the Arya Organic, Meze 109 Pro, Ananda Nano, Sundara, and others. These headphones are more affordable, costing only a fraction of the price of the Susvara.

[@TheOneInYellow]

I'll be doing something similar, but with my FiiO M17 with external DC battery (and my T+A Solitaire T headphones in balanced mode)!

[@mariodrv]

I would suggest you try out a better amp to see where he is coming from. The reason he is trying it with the Susvara is that it can oly get better with other, less resovling, less powerhungry headphones, they are a reference for a reason. Owned the Aeon 1&2 as well as the Ether 2 and must admit that I truly heard these headphones for the first time with a Violectric V281. You will need at least a Schiit Asgaard to make them sing, getting better up the food chain. Sadly most of these Chifi products just run a marketing scam by measurement numbers, and empyloy hacks like Amir from A"S"R to paddle that crap. Edit: And I definitely consider the Aeon line as "hardcore audiophile" headphones, they sound wonderful out of the right system. Heck even my HD599 is amazing out of my kilobuck tube amps.

[@TheOneInYellow]

@@mariodrv That is a very strong statement regarding equipment from China, as not everything is guarantee to be good or bad based of country of origin. However, better amps can be found from multiple sources, with various topologies and consistent output not limited to current delivery. In the case of FiiO, they use THX 788+ amplifier modules, which other brands, such as Benchmark and the mighty HP4, successful employed into very high power output and watts (and not just peak, then ramp down). I consider FiiO to be one of the better brands that truly offer excellent products and value, similar to Schiit Audio and Burson Audio, and their amplifiers plus DAC implementations are very strong objectively and in terms of cost. Subjectively is very different, and I can understand if people have a preference for voicing of a product due to their tastes and needs. My personal next goal is to obtain the DCA E3, as I consider it a landmark headphone, and likely the best headphone ever created, when taking into account its voicing and RRP. Yes, Stealth and Expanse are objectively stronger, but for enjoyment of music E3 seems to nail soul and neutrality with natural voicing. Only two extremes I think are stronger, but they are systems and are at opposite ends of audio excellence: Sennheiser HE-1 (Orpheus) for sheer lushness and soul, Warwick Audio Aperio for absolutely neutrality. However, what Dan Clark has created via Stealth, Expanse, and E3, built from his experience in his (Mr Speakers) Mad Dog, and later Ether series, is nothing short of technological marvel within the headphone space. Those three headphones can, arguably, go to town on any non-system headphones on the market now, for any genre, but I tip my hat towards the E3 as the best all-rounder headphone at present. If I had the cash, I'd get either Flux Lab Acoustics Mentor monoblock amplifiers x2, Burson Audio Voyager, or Schiit Audio Mjolnir 3. I would continue to use my FiiO M17 as my source (that has dual ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC's), and it is transportable between home and office. For me, my FiiO M17 digital desktop player with external DC battery (Sharge Shargeek Storm2, selectable at 12v output) means I am not limited for amplifier power; true Class A 3W per channel, no drop down to Class AB, or issues with the internal battery of the player! Research of one's needs and wants is imperative to get the right, or the best, product, and cross checking multiple reviews and user opinions is one way to achieve this, alongside your own gut opinion and, if possible, demo's or good return policies! Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy your DCA Ether cans, they are terrific, and maybe one day you'll get to try the E3!

[@Alinho295]

I have found that the Fiio K9 Pro ESS works well for me when used with a 4.4 balanced connection. While it may not be the perfect match for the Susvara, it satisfies my needs. Unfortunately, your suggested alternative (Violectric) is three times more expensive than what I can afford at the moment.

[@mariodrv]

​@@Alinho295 There is the new V222, starting at 1200€, almost as good as the old V281 for less then half the price (I owned both). Schiit Asgaard and Jotunheim are 280 and 400 respectively and my personal favorites the Lyr+ at 600 and Nitsch Pietus Maximus at 500 (Aeons love tubes and tubelike sound) - all built to sound amazing, no marketing department and sold directly from factory. Nothing can beat their design and parts used at that price.

[@rodrigomartinraskolnikov1666]

Excellent analysis! A question: do you think that for the 1300 dollars that the fiio K19 costs it is the best option for that price... And on the other hand, do you think it gets all the juice out of headphones like the Susvara? Thank you so much for any hints! Best regards

[@yeghigmikaelian]

very nice review thank you , any chance to comment about adding a digital bridge like u90 instead of a streamer does it have the same effect as direct connection to the PC? appreciate it!

[@derzemel]

2 pairs of RCA Line Outs? Why? Why not a Line Out and a Line In? What if users want to connect another device to it, like a turntable, an listen with headphones? Are they at least variable outs to use the k19 as a preamp or to connect to powered speakers? or are they just full 100% volume line outs? If they are variable, can you select the output and does it remember the volume for each output? Using powered/active speakers and leaving headphones connected would be a very good use case of an all-in-one device like the K19

[@Zoltan31]

Sandu, since you have had both in your possession and have extensively tested both products. Which would you prefer over the other, Topping DX9 or this FiiO K19? Thanks

[@Soundnews]

Hi Zoltan, I prefer the DX9 since it was a more natural tonality to my ears. The tone and timbre is much closer to my reference setup and it does more justice to vocals and musical instruments. K19 lacks the body and the meat on the bone...it doesn't speak to my soul somehow.

[@Zoltan31]

@@Soundnews Wow, thank you for the very quick reply Sandu! I appreciate the input and all the details. It seems like the DX9 suits my needs more than FiiO. Thanks!

[@ultrasone8450]

Hey can u do a review of questyle cma 18 portable ? k19 is an overkill for IEM like Fatfreq scarlet mini ?

[@atulnsingh]

Hi Sandu, love your reviews! I wanted "your personal recommendation" for a STEREO DAC (will never use headphones). I am torn between Topping DX9, Pegasus II, Eversolo Z8 and Aune S9C Pro. I can spent ~800-1200USD. I currently use Topping E50 DAC (has the same ESS 9068 chip which is in S9C) thus the new DAC should provide a "significant upgrade" over my current E50. I have Roksan Caspian Amplifier powering Polk 700 floorstanders and I use Apple TV4K is my streamer

[@Soundnews]

Hi mate. What type of sound are you searching for? A good starting point will be the Gustard R26 - this is still among the very best units I have tried below ~$3K. Go watch my video or even better, check my written review for it. All DACs mentioned by you are below R26, performance and enjoyment wise.

[@SungjinYang]

So K19 can run Susvara smoothly? Is it better than Prelude in handling Susvara?

[@topandrun126]

You mentioned it as usb output which I'm hoping for. But I understand there are no usb output on this device. Can you please confirm that thank you.

[@gokhanayvazoglu6295]

K11, k9 pro ess or k9 akm version which one has bigger and clear soundstage and imaging in your opinion?

[@dragonsbreath8653]

FiiO K9 PRO ESS. I listened to everything you listed and also listened to FiiO K7, FiiO K9 ESS, Creative Sound X3, HiFiMAN EF400, EarMen ST-Amp and my ears fell in love with FiiO K9 PRO ESS. It is the FiiO K9 PRO ESS that sounds great and the best. FiiO K9 PRO ESS has excellent sound at all frequencies. The sound is neutral, crystal clear, the bass is fast, elastic and bright, the mids are juicy and lively, and the high frequencies very reliably convey the smallest sounds in detail, and what is important, they do not hurt the ears, they are very comfortable. Listening to FiiO K9 PRO ESS is incredibly cool. I would like to note that a good amplifier is 50% of a good sound; you still need to choose the right headphones. You can take a good amplifier, but if you don’t get the headphone right, you will be unhappy with the sound. you need to choose with your ears, which is what I did. I spent almost 9 hours in the audio store, listening to a bunch of headphones and amplifiers and listening very carefully. I listen to games through the FiiO K9 PRO ESS and this is an incredible experience and this sound for 4 months continues to give me vivid emotions from the sounds, which I did not get from the FiiO K7, THX Onyx, from the built-in sound card in the computer. FiiO K9 PRO ESS has such a cool sound and has such a great effect on the auditory nerves that when playing the game, it feels like I myself am actually in the game and empathizing with the main character. Beautiful graphics please the eyes, and beautiful sound gives emotions. I have a pair of headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm for music, movies and KZbin, and Beyerdynamic MMX150 for games. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm are not very good for gaming, they lack mid and high frequencies in games, but Beyerdynamic MMX150 has raised mid and high frequencies, which provides great sound, cool and fast bass, lively and clear speech, excellent detail sounds.

[@RESURRECT2]

What does mean MQA global full decoding? I mean GLOBAL Is it x16?

[@jw6160]

K19 or the Burson 3XGT/3GT?

[@mtnmankeith9069]

Is there a crossfeed feature?

[@bourjuva]

bro hello can u give me advice for pc gaming iem and dac/amp both i have single shot so give me top tier choice pls

[@anuragsaha145]

Can this outperform combos like smsl su10 + aune s17pro?

[@Rob-Davidson]

May 23 / 2024, and the FiiO Control App still doesn't have K19 listed.

[@ethr95awd]

My fiio k9 pro died

[@radiofreealbemuth]

Bummer. Did you return it?

[@ajitsank]

Can we use just as a DAC for source to be a WIIM pro+

[@Soundnews]

Of course you can.

[@madcrabber1113]

I am confused when you say Fiio recommends using it horizontally but showing it vertically? I prefer horizontally personally but do not want to buy it if Fiio recommends it vertically.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

How is it as a preamp? Does peq allow for shelf filters and can peq be applied to preamp or only headphones? I'm kind of skeptical with recent fiio products...they keep releasing unfinished products...

[@braddoran5003]

Did you try bluetooth from your PC? What was that like?

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Lol a grand on a dac amp gje feed it bluetooth audiophiles always full of shit soundblaster g6 with wired everything and 24bit files no one needs mo Re and bluetooth is garbage

[@trubadyr99]

I am interested in a comparison with the resent Topping DX9 15th Anniversary DAC & Amplifier. Has anyone gave both “anniversary DAC/amps” a listen?

[@randallkubiszewski6908]

I want to know this too before I make my purchase

[@dragonsbreath8653]

Perhaps this will help you. I myself have a FiiO K9 PRO ESS and am faced with a difficult choice: FiiO K19 or Topping DX9. On this channel Tiến Dũng Audio Sài Gòn you can listen to Topping DX9 and FiiO K9 PRO, and on this channel NHẠC SỐ HÀ NỘI models SMSL. Perhaps they will have a FiiO K19, and then you can hear what it sounds like. Download their videos, cut out only those frames where the amplifiers sound through the speakers, glue all the amplifiers into one video, run the video in minimized form and listen. Let your ears make the choice. I really like the way the Topping DX9 sounds - the Topping DX9 is the most balanced and organic sounding of all the Toppings. Comparing Topping DX9 with FiiO K9 PRO, it’s difficult for me to decide which is better. Yesterday I liked the sound of Topping DX9, and today FiiO K9 PRO. Apparently, hearing changes depending on your mood, and this affects your choice. If the FiiO K9 PRO sounds so good, then the FiiO K19 will probably sound even better than the Topping DX9. I’ll add that FiiO K9 PRO ESS, like FiiO K19, has 7 filters that can change the character of the sound. When changing the filters in the FiiO K9 PRO ESS, I can clearly hear through the HiFiMAN Arya Organic headphones how the character of the sound changes. FiiO K9 PRO ESS can sound soft, neutral and aggressive. FiiO K19, in addition to 7 filters, also has an equalizer, which is a big plus for FiiO K19. Only blind listening will help you make the right choice

[@JTB--]

If you can only keep one between the FiiO K19 or Topping DX9... which would you choose strictly on Sound performance? No contest when it comes to looks as the sexy DX9 with the see through glass top wins easily over the FiiO K19 Cheese Grater FIOS Router/Modem look. Personally I prefer the AK4499EQ DAC chip in the DX9 over the ESS DAC chips in the K19

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I chose FiiO K19, and I posted a video where the viewer can hear for themselves how FiiO K19 sounds with HiFiMan Arya Organic in games. Click on my nickname and see for yourself. Just listen to how the games sound. FiiO K19 is better than Topping DX9. The Topping DX9 doesn't have a DSP PEQ, and the DSP PEQ is a funky thing, and the DSP PEQ is cleaner and performs better than the Aqua Equalizer APO. The FiiO K19 has a balanced and neutral sound, while the Topping DX9 does not have a neutral sound, and it has more emphasis on the upper frequencies, and this is tedious for a long listening period. Who cares, but personally I chose FiiO K19.

[@JTB--]

@@dragonsbreath8653 Nice. It's all subjective. I like the EQ on the K19. If I was PC gamer I'd have considered the K19 more.

[@dragonsbreath8653]

​@@JTB-- I not only play games, but also listen to movies and music. I spend a lot of time at the computer, at least 10 hours. I have a remote job, and while I work 10 hours, I listen to music. The Topping DX9 has bright and tedious high frequencies and rich sound, I can't listen for more than 2-3 hours - my ears get tired of the bright and sharp sound. FiiO K19 is boring from the first minute, but after 3-6 hours it starts to sound natural, balanced, there are no sharp high frequencies, and very comfortable. I can listen to FiiO K19 for many hours, and after 12-14 hours, my ears don't get tired of the sound of FiiO K19. If you need a rich and vibrant sound, then Topping DX9. FiiO K19 is definitely suitable for those who want a comfortable and natural sound, who want to listen for a long time and who spend a lot of time at the computer.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

​@@dragonsbreath8653I guarantee my jt1s sound better in game and my epos h6pro openbacks with soundblaster g6 7.1 and suround at 35% and res sey at 24bit stereo sound in game in 2024 lol 😂😂😂

[@dragonsbreath8653]

@@audie-cashstack-uk4881 🤣

[@trubadyr99]

Dragă Sandu, te rugăm să ne faci o favoare și să împărtășești preferința ta între cei doi: FiiO K19 vs Topping DX9. De asemenea: puteți, vă rog, să recomandați un combo DAC/AMP sau un stack DAC și class A or AB AMP în intervalul de preț de 2 până la 3 K USD? * Dear Sandu, please do us a favor and share your preference between the two: FiiO K19 vs Topping DX9. Also: can you, please, recommend a DAC/AMP combo or a stack DAC and class A or AB AMP in the 2 to 3 K US dollar price range?

[@Axiosz]

Aune S17 pro or Fiio K19?

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Different units. This one has a dac. I guess this will be a lot more expensive too.

[@Soundnews]

Hi mate. K19 is so much more than a headphone amplifier, but you if need strictly Just a headphone amp and nothing more, then S17 is better.

[@Axiosz]

@@Soundnews Thank you!

[@tam8197]

£1250 ??? is it twice as good as the k9 variations ? night and day ? i very much doubt it, incremental improvements at best. Welcome to the HIFI hype train, where the latest thing is literally the latest thing... for twice the price 😂

[@leeasy7112]

Had the chance to demo KA19 in an audio shop, I could instantly tell the difference between this and my old K9 Pro after literally 20s of listening. But is it 3 time better? I’d say no, I listened to Fleetwood Mac’s “dreams” on KA19, I’d say it’s 10% more enjoyable than the K9 Pro.

[@tam8197]

@@leeasy7112 fair play, it's in the ear of the beholder afterall... but i've seen a few reviews that say the sound isn't reason for this device, it's the connections to multi system where it shines. the sound is supposed (again, the ear) be very similar. sometimes the signature of a "thing" just suits you more.

[@leeasy7112]

@@tam8197 If u want multiple connections just buy a preamp. Since FiiO has stoped over the $1K territory, I won’t recommend chi-fi anymore at over 1K price range.

[@MarshallZPie]

Yeah, audiophiles get pretty ridiculous. An ifi zen dac or Fiio k11 is pretty much all you need, I really don't get these people spending a ridiculous amount on better amp/dacs, any decent amp/dac sounds transparent, they pretty much do the same thing, besides input/outputs, power and the inclusion of EQs. Also the filters some of them have built in aren't good, at least I don't think there is a single good filter. Just EQ.

[@Rob-Davidson]

I'd say 31 band and 8 watts is pretty substantial

[@tiaumn]

How do you think the K19 compares to the topping dx9?

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I compared Topping DX9 and FiiO K19 and my choice is FiiO K19. Now I have two amplifiers: FiiO K9 Pro ESS and FiiO K19. Topping DX9 has a bright, rich sound with good bass, the high frequencies are not smoothed out, which makes the sound sharper. Topping DX9 strives to sound natural. FiiO K19 has the same sound character as FiiO K9 PRO ESS, but has taken a significant step forward. The FiiO K19 has a balanced, clear, transparent, more spacious sound, and what is very important, the sound is very comfortable and does not hurt the ear at all. Low frequencies are strong, deeper and more detailed without being too loud and with a warm tone. Playing with the FiiO K9 Pro ESS's Equalizer APO, the bass still wasn't as detailed or punchy, there wasn't the big, punchy sound, and there wasn't the comfort and clarity in the highs like the FiiO K19. The built-in equalizer DSP PEQ is significantly different compared to Equalizer APO on Windows. If you turn on Equalizer APO for FiiO K19 on Windows, then after DSP PEQ you hear a foggy sound, clarity and transparency disappear, but with DSP PEQ the sound is clear, transparent and clean, and there is no fog. The FiiO K19 sounded linear and boring to me out of the box, but after 2-3 hours it started sounding really cool, and the more I listen to it, the more energetic, bigger and more beautiful it sounds. I have no desire to use DSP PEQ. I listen to FiiO K19 through HiFiMAN Arya Organic.

[@tiaumn]

@@dragonsbreath8653 thank you very muchh, im going with the k19

[@dragonsbreath8653]

@@tiaumn I also recommend a balanced cable from OPENHEART with 16 cores with a 4.4 mm jack for headphones with a balanced jack. Today I received a balanced cable with a 4.4 mm connector from the OPENHEART brand. I connected them to HiFiMAN Arya Organic instead of the original ones and was stunned by the sound quality. The sound has become even better, clearer, airier, more powerful, and the bass has become brighter. With the original HiFiMAN 6.35mm cable, the sound is not as clear and the bass is a bit muffled. FiiO K19 + HiFiMAN Arya Organic + 16-core OPENHEART cable - this is simply divine sound, this is my Hi-End sound.

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I got a FiiO K19 and uploaded a video. Now anyone can hear how FiiO K19 sounds. Click on my nickname and you can hear how FiiO K19 sounds in games.

[@Flavius7]

Looks nice, sounds correct, transparent and neutral...but FIIO, really...time to change the THX...is just plane boring! Or at least use it for a separate class of amplifiers and also offer some warm, smooth, engaging line of products. Go for the sound your ex-flagship DAP went, the Fiio M15. That is still putting a big smile on my face. Go that way and people will appreciate. Good review, Sandu!👍

[@silentportraits]

Weird. You review the FiiO K19 and basically all you do is compare it with other DACs, amps, etc. This player is better for, this player is better for that. You connect everything to external equipment and start your comparisons again. No, I want a review of the device itself with its pros and cons. I have really learned nothing about the K19, is this a good device solely for controlling HI FI headphones (in my case the FOCAL CELESTEE). I really can't get these headphones going, but the K19 is suitable? A comparison with the FiiO R9 would be fairer. Sorry, I'm nowhere closer to purchasing a serious headphone DAC/AMP.

[@emptyman999]

Mit 8 Watt... da schliesse ich ihn an die Steckdose in meinem AutoDiesel und mache daraus ein Hybridmotor... völliger Blödsinn und Marketing! Und zwei Ess pro ist genauso wie einem Prosche noch einen zweiten Motor vorne einzubauen! 😂

[@MrHara1984]

Mit was soll ich meine Tungsten befeuern? Mit Liebe und Luft?

[@HungryEatNow]

FiiO always fills the gap but never your heart…

[@fioreinforma-pilates-bisceglie]

awful design

[@albaradu2943]