FiiO K9 PRO ESS Review - The King of All-In-Ones

My written review can be found here: soundnews.net/sources/dacs/fi...
Get the K9 PRO ESS: bit.ly/3vWQjsS
Get the K5 PRO ESS: bit.ly/3q45WLd
Video Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Build Quality
01:32 - Controls & I/O
02:08 - Tech Inside K9 PRO
03:27 - Sound Performance
06:44 - Noise Floor
08:11 - Power Output
10:31 - Detail Retrieval & Transparency
13:32 - Transient Response
16:01 - Soundstage & Depth
17:54 - Bass
18:58 - Midrange
19:55 - Treble
20:46 - My Conclusions
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
📱 www. Soundnews.net/
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Desktop headphones I’m using:
🎧 Hifiman Susvara: bit.ly/3a39pm2
🎧 Hifiman HE1000SE: bit.ly/3gwkXRW
🎧 Hifiman Arya Stealth: bit.ly/3HORBss
🎧 Audeze LCD-5: bit.ly/3nb5KbD
🎧 Audeze LCD-4: bit.ly/35LFYAK
🎧 Kennerton Rognir: bit.ly/3zD1IxT
🎧 Erzetich Phobos V2021: bit.ly/3HMWBhf
🎧 Apos Caspian: bit.ly/3nab1QO
Portable headphones I’m using:
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 3: amzn.to/2SrzzWf
🎧 Sony WH1000XM4: amzn.to/3xkU0ph
IEMs I’m using:
👂 7Hz Timeless: bit.ly/3q7RNgm
👂 Meze Rai Penta: bit.ly/3j2EhVa
👂 FiiO FH9: bit.ly/3zSWka5
👂 FiiO FH7: bit.ly/3iwZeqm
Loudspeakers I’m using:
🔊 KEF Reference 3: amzn.to/3qZKbMm
🔊 Natural Sound NS17: bit.ly/2TuUXx3
🔊 Sound Of Eden Crescendo UNO: bit.ly/3f5jO1X
Integrated/Power Amps I’m using:
💪 Benchmark AHB2: amzn.to/37jcR9M
💪 KECES S300: bit.ly/2XL8sHT
💪 Kinki Studio EX-M7: bit.ly/3gEoVVJ
💪 Burson Timekeeper 3i: bit.ly/3K514hs
Best DACs I have tried:
🥇 Rockna Wavelight: bit.ly/3hD33xl
🥇 Audiobyte HydraVox: bit.ly/2VXJjZM
🥇 Musician Aquarius: bit.ly/2U9qwwT
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X: bit.ly/2xU6hbC
🥇 Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3: bit.ly/34oBFyG
🥇 Gold Note DS-10 Plus: bit.ly/3f7pYie
🥇 Gustard X26 PRO: bit.ly/2ORB7Ko
🥇 SMSL VMV D2: bit.ly/3q9lIF7
🥇 Topping D90SE: bit.ly/3gC5FcO
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Musician Pegasus: bit.ly/2OvCOgn
🥈 Matrix Mini-i Pro 3: bit.ly/3t97FkN
🥈 Topping D30 PRO: bit.ly/3taPWcE
🥈 Gustard X16: bit.ly/3JU3pLN
🥈 SMSL VMV D1SE: bit.ly/3nbaTjT
🥈 SMSL M500 MKII: bit.ly/3F4qLe5
🥈 SMSL SU-9N: bit.ly/32U7qj3
🥈 Soncoz SGD1: bit.ly/36IUQ5r
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Soncoz LA-QXD1: bit.ly/3gf8ONt
🥉 Topping E50: bit.ly/3q9e6CE
🥉 Topping D10S: bit.ly/3r1hWNh
🥉 SMSL SU-6: bit.ly/3FdRghk
🥉 SMSL M200: bit.ly/3cCtFsw
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Flux Lab Acoustics FCN-10: bit.ly/2Y74daK
🎶 Burson Audio Conductor 3: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 Audio-GD D.28 Full: bit.ly/359E6S5
🎶 xDuoo XA-10: bit.ly/39UsS7K
Best Headphone amps:
💣Ferrum OOR + Hypsos: bit.ly/3tbjNSn
💣Burson Soloist 3X GT: bit.ly/3q7nrus
💣Flux Lab Acoustics Volot: bit.ly/3fJegep
💣Benchmark HPA4: bit.ly/2xb6hn5
💣Sparkos Labs Aries: bit.ly/2xcOps1
💣SMSL SP400: bit.ly/3sAUEO2
💣Topping A90: bit.ly/2YBwCnZ
💣Singxer SA-1: bit.ly/3eI6aCC
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M17: bit.ly/34pgo84
🎵 Shanling M9: bit.ly/3r4swDh
🎵 Hiby RS6: bit.ly/3t9mUKw
My Video/Photo Gear:
📷 / 🎥 (1): amzn.to/2ToU9de
📷 / 🎥 (2): amzn.to/2VHeNnf
🔍 (1) amzn.to/3eTCsZp
🔍 (2) amzn.to/2UTAG4R
🔍 (3) amzn.to/2yPR6A5
🔭 amzn.to/2zAuGn1
💡 amzn.to/2VEDC3l
☂️ amzn.to/2VETyT6
🎤 (1) amzn.to/3yeeS2h
🎤 (2) amzn.to/3aLjYXv
These are my honest opinions in different categories. Some of them are affiliated links that help me manage this KZbin channel at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#FiiO #K9PRO #ESS

[@Flavius7]

Fiio gets a lot of things right in build and sound quality. And the K9Pro is the living proof. Good looking, clear detailed sound. But they have big problems with software (Daps&Fiio Music App), that's a thing to fix in the future. Good one, bro!👍

[@giorgosapo4508]

Love your reviews!!! Extremely detailed and pleasant to watch!

[@kirbykrause7866]

This unit is super super great unit. Off the charts on sound, real sleeper for now.

[@gavinhou3261]

I've been expecting this review for weeks. Thanks.

[@Soundnews]

My pleasure

[@yavormoskov]

@@Soundnews Hi. Do you think the Fiio K9 Pro is better sounding compared to the new Topping DX7 Pro+? Thank you.

[@Soundnews]

@@yavormoskov Short answer: Yes! K9 PRO has a better DAC and amp section, but it's also more expensive.

[@VeryIntenz]

Darn, your reviews are so good it keeps me coming back while I'm trying to decide on the K9 Pro ESS and Burson Conductor 3XP Thanks for making my choices clear yet still hellishly difficult at the same time xD

[@Soundnews]

Thank you for these wonderful words, makes me feel better inside. If you don't use super hard to drive headphones (read: Susvaras or Abysses), then I would get the Aune S9C instead (I have a video for that one as well).

[@agunglhs3452]

Thankss for the detail review 🔥🔥

[@Mistio.]

Nice Review! I am curious how this sounds now.

[@zqa20]

Thanks to your reviews I've ended up buying the k9 pro ess and arya stealth. Thank you for this. Hopefully I've made a good choice

[@Soundnews]

My pleasure, as always. Keep rocking

[@Blue-bf8lv]

hey, gunna get the same combo in the future, how are they?

[@zqa20]

@@Blue-bf8lv awesome

[@Blue-bf8lv]

@@zqa20 great to hear! 👍🏼

[@user-pn7di5lp9v]

How do you like the bass in a set like this? I listen to the Fiio K9 Pro ESS along with the Kennerton Thror Novel and from the bottom of the midrange I hear a hum instead of normal bass. Or are you using a separate discrete amp?

[@SuperAudionut]

Very curious how K9Pro ESS compares to Topping D90/P90 stack for acting as Pre-Amp/Dac for my office stereo. Using XLR connections from D90 to P90 to Orchard Audio monoblocks then to ProAc Response 2S speakers.

[@seyley2901]

Thanks for this review...

[@ClintAvila]

So for all intents and purposes I'm hearing that on paper the ESS version has improved distortion specs. But as far as sound quality the AKM version is audibly indistinguishable. FiiO tuned them to sound identical. I have to say that I'm truly loving my K9 Pro. It's been a wonderful addition to my setup. A nice complement to my Xduoo TA-30. They each provide a different kind of magic and sound to complement my collection of headphones. I'm truly happy with what I'm hearing without breaking the bank. Endgame for me? For now definitely. But as we all know.. It's only a matter of time before that itch happens to dive deeper into the rabbit hole. LOL

[@CrackaSlapYa]

All I can say is endgame for the year anyway lol. Loving mine.

[@mustain8103]

나이쓰 ♥^^ 이 오디오 또한 멋진 시스템 😊😊 오늘도 감사합니다 아주 행복해요 형님 덕분에..... 😊

[@quitegenius]

Fiio products are the best bang for the buck period. If this was made by an American or British company, this would be $2K+. I had the AKM version in my house for some time and it was going head to head against my $3k system. The DAC in there is world class. The THX amp was a bit sterile for my taste (I prefer tube amps). Highly resolving, transparent and surprisingly good soundstage for this price. Get these while they are available.

[@luckyjinxer]

Well, yeah, because unlike China, we don't use essentially slave labor for manufacturing.

[@kappkappa]

Salut Sandu! Castile Audeze LCD-XC sunt compatibile cu Fiio K9 PRO ESS? Multunesc!

[@reallyoldcob]

very interested in direct comparison between K9 Pro ESS and Mojo 2 - specifically with a Sundara

[@kato2395]

How is this dac+amp combo compared to the WA7 Fireflies 3rd Gen?

[@nicktan4530]

Hi I think the medium size sound stage is mainly because it simple showcase the depth and accuracy of sound stage of the recordings. It does not adds or narrows the sound stage.

[@terrynguyen236]

How’s the preamp section??! Haha sorry I know that’s not your focus. Looking for an AIO with analog input (turntable), and this looks promising. But I’d mainly be using as a dac and preamp (rarely use headphones). Thanks for the great review.

[@f.evangelista]

How is the soundstage as just a dac vs the matrix element X? They both use es9038 pro chip

[@M1cRaa]

Any thoughts about Fiio k9 pro and Topping a90/d90se??

[@BillyKueekSG]

Sandu, I believe you are aware that your review on Gustard R26 is making waves and into comments of many online reviewers by now. I mentioned your review twice. May I know if you have Ladder Schumann coming up? I am deciding between the two

[@grzejnik777]

@Soundnews How does it compare to chord mojo 2 ?

[@jwickerszh]

Nice, this or Audio-gd D28 ? Price are similar ...

[@ericburgos]

Sandu, are there any other all-in-ones like these that you can recommend? Edit: I am looking for something that sugarcoats the music, though, lol.

[@apoorvasharma7]

Is this better sonically than the Gustard x16 h16 stack?

[@andress3872]

Hi Sandu! if possible and you haven't recorded the video for Gustard X18, please try to compare the dac, gustard x18. Thanks!!

[@Soundnews]

Check my latest video

[@iceangel5432]

do you reccoment for soundstage bigger and better imaging k9 pro ess or k9 pro akm?

[@IgorKlimovdj]

You would recommend this amplifier for LCD-X?

[@alexlandgren6596]

Watching this while also reading your review on this unit. Im F*ing sold haha. I actually bought an Aune S6 pro after hearing ur thoughts of it. But do you think the Fiio K9 pro ESS is a worthy upgrade?

[@alexlandgren6596]

I may also add that i currently own the hifiman arya stealth as my daily driver

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Sounds like it has done everything right! ❤️

[@carlmarshall333]

How does this sound compared to a Singxer SA-1 paired with the VMV D1SE? Trying to decide between this and the SA-1 + D1SE. I currently use Focal Clear OG and Hifiman Sundara.

[@ourada46]

I'm also interested by this comparison.

[@user-pn7di5lp9v]

And I would also listen to the Singxer SA-1 along with the Fiio K9 Pro ESS. The K9 doesn't bring out the bass on my Kennerton Thror Novel. Now I'm looking for an amplifier for it.

[@KirkLazurus]

This vs the Burson Conductor 3? purely sound quality wise.

[@user-bt6zg4ih9p]

moondrop venus will it be good to play on it?

[@geigster]

how is this in comparison to something like a bifrost 2/jotunheim or a d90/a90 stack?

[@gavinhou3261]

this is also what I'm wondering. d90se+a90 stack is now almost twice the price of the k9 pro. not sure if it's still worth the extra money compared to k9 pro.

[@quitegenius]

I'd say about the same. I had the AKM version of Fiio K9 pro and also had the bifrost 2. I'd say I wouldn't switch to one from other - both are good and there is no noticeable gain going from one to other (I was using Fiio as DAC to compare). On the amp side, I'm talking from memory, but this one sounded very much like A90 to my ears (I didn't have both at the same time). I haven't tried Jotunheim but I think it is probably a superior amp to THX amps. THX amps tend to sound a bit sterile to my ears. However, for the price, the Fiio K9 pro is hard to beat whether going separates or combo.

[@waldowsxxghostxx8577]

Is this review based on the headphone amp or also a standalone dac

[@testing3896]

K9 ESS or Mytek Liberty II - what do you prefer?

[@ivkill2339]

Please advise the DAC headphone amplifier Audeze lcd-x

[@KYoung2]

I'm looking for a DAC/AMP for my Sony IER-Z1R, is the Fiio k9 pro overkill? or should i go buy IDSD signature?

[@peterscrace3530]

Have you considered the FiiO K7?

[@mhortop1]

The M17 is basically a portable version of this unit. Very impressive especially for the price!

[@teapea8184]

Tbh for me this is as portable as M17. M17 is just too large, even my M11 is a bit chonky for going out, but I can deal with that.

[@Soundnews]

You are right, M17 and K9 PRO are sounding very alike. What's a little unusual is that M17 (portable) can offer up to 3Watts if it's being used in DC mode. It's more powerful than K9 PRO, that was probably made on purpose considering their different price points.

[@teapea8184]

@@Soundnews It's not like you need a lot more than the K9 Pro. If you do, you usually go way higher in price. While M17 type of because we can product. Nobody really asked for it, it's quite unpractical for a portable.

[@mhortop1]

@@teapea8184 it is for sure, I find it more ‘transportable’ rather than portable. You can carry it in your backpack which works but for strictly portable use I just use my Hiby R8 which is still a brick but a slightly smaller one!

[@CrackaSlapYa]

@@Soundnews an attempt to push SUSvaras, no doubt.

[@redjr16]

Great review. I got the K9 Pro (AKM version) as a gift last Christmas. It's earned top billing in my primary system - for good reason. I love the sound. And, the connectivity is without equal. Paired with my Schiit pre allows me to listen in multiple different configurations. FiiO absolutely killed it with the aggressive design too. I much prefer straight, distinct lines and edges. My only complaint is the lettering on the front. That's not distinct enough. ;) I understand they now include a stick-on label that offers better visibility and contrast with the lettering. Anyone know a way of getting one of those from FiiO.

[@user-pn7di5lp9v]

Please share some specifics about your set-up. Which amplifier do you use and with which headphones?

[@redjr16]

@@user-pn7di5lp9v At the present time it's just being used as a DAC exclusively. When I do use phones I grab my Sennheiser 579s. I'm running a Shitt Freya S pre (pass through mode) directly to my speakers. A year ago I switched over to actives - the Elac Navis AB-51 bookshelf speakers. Each has 300w of power. The Navis are really quite incredible speakers and have several different hook-up scenarios. Hope this helps.

[@user-pn7di5lp9v]

@@redjr16 thanks

[@abhilashgeesala372]

Will using PL50 help? If yes how? I saw your R7 video which improved a lot with PL50. Does this apply to K9 Pro ESS as well?

[@Soundnews]

Do you realize that PL50 has a DC output and K9 has an AC input?

[@HectorGonzalezC]

Is there any audible differences between Fiio K9 Pro AKM vs ESS version?

[@Soundnews]

Can't tell, since I never tried the AKM version

[@MyouKyuubi]

Zeos did a comparison on that i believe. Basically the ESS sounds like the source of the audio is slightly outside your head, and in front of your face, like right in front of your eyes, and the AKM sounds like the source of audio is literally your brain. That's about it for AUDIBLE differences, i believe.

[@dieg0posada]

Nice!

[@FedericoNapoleoniphoto]

What do you prefer the fiio k9 pro or the audio dg D28.38?

[@Soundnews]

Hard question...but K9 PRO is better sounding to me.

[@ployth9000]

can anyone chime in that has a creative x7 vs fiio k9 pro I just upgraded and about to start using k9 pro is it worth the added increase sound wise and can I hook up the fiio k9 pro ess to hear my ps5 and switch gameplay

[@iScorpio1971]

I'm looking into getting a great Amp/DAC. I've been eyen the Topping DX7 Pro and wondering how does it compare to Fiio'S K9 and which one would you pick. Thanks! Great comprehensive reviews!

[@ployth9000]

I am coming from creative x7 it has been good but it finally stopped working so it went out on warranty to k9 pro ess I wanna see if I hear a difference

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Wish you could get stuff from yulong as well. They have a 700 and 1200 dollar stuff. And a 4000 dollar stack of dac Amp and power supply I think..

[@Soundnews]

My next 2-3 months are booked :) will see about that in the future

[@prabinpaudel5572]

@@Soundnews wow that's good news. Take care. ☺

[@Elm8n]

wonder how the Sony ta-zh1es compares to this

[@georgelin6472]

Gustard x26 or k9 in terms of DAC

[@dimitry1888]

Превосходный звук. Ровный, естественный, глубокий и детальный. Все мои наушники раскрылись и зазвучали на новом уровне. И планары Kennerton Wodan, и 300-омные Sennheiser hd 820.

[@user-sx6og9zc4s]

обворожительный комментарий, а слушаете наверно мистера кредо?!))

[@user-pn7di5lp9v]

Интересно, как это у вас получилось этим ЦАП-оусем раскрыть планары. Планарам нужно усиление по току, которое обычно мы получаем в усилителях класса А. Высокие частоты - да, он раскрывает на 5 с плюсом. Но начиная с нижней середины уже сплошная невнятица. Гул вместо баса.

[@dimitry1888]

@@user-pn7di5lp9v Сравнивал звук полноразмерных планаров Kennerton Wodan и Den Clark AEON2 Noir при подключении к комбайну Fiio K9 Pro и при подключению к усилителю Singxer SA-1 ( к слову, усилителю класса А, если это для Вас важно). Разнице в звуке нет.

[@user-pn7di5lp9v]

@@dimitry1888 это действительно для меня важно. Я подумывал купить именно этот усилок... Спасибо за ваш ответ. Как я сегодня заметил, звук у наушников ещё меняется. Они ещё не прогрелись. Возможно в этом причина... Слушали на высоком Гейне?

[@dimitry1888]

@@user-pn7di5lp9v Да, на высоком

[@fahryst]

I wish you could have compared it with the AKM version but I guess it's too late for that. Maybe sharpness in the treble you mentioned isn't the case with the AKM ones.

[@ronnieyuen4309]

I am using the AKM version. The highs are definitely a little warmer and rolled off for easier listening if you're not doing clinical work.

[@fahryst]

@@ronnieyuen4309 that's what I heard but you know all of us hear different etc. I would like to hear opinion of someone who heard both and compare. Thanks anyway

[@kyron42]

Why should the ESS sabre dacs working in current-mode be better than working in a different mode.

[@Soundnews]

You have homework to do, mate

[@kyron42]

@@Soundnews why don't you do the homework for everyone 😀

[@CsTruth]

Do you think this dac/amp works well with HD 800s?

[@MyouKyuubi]

I haven't heard any complaints, so it can't be bad.

[@MyouKyuubi]

It should be noted that the k9 pro ESS is, slightly more powerful, but has a higher noise floor than the AKM version... Also, the ESS doesn't go below 20hz in either single-ended or balanced output, whereas the AKM goes all the way down to 5hz on balanced out, so for those of you out there, like me, that can hear down to 18 hz, the AKM version gives you more bang for your buck, overall. :P be sure to use headphones with wide frequency response if you want to get the most out of it. ;3 The ESS has significantly less distortion, but anything after 0.000x is kinda redundant anyways, so it doesn't matter, difference between the AKM and ESS version in terms of distortion is that the AKM is at 0.0004 and the ESS is at 0.0003. xD I'm lucky that i was one of the few that managed to buy the AKM version, those sold out like hotcakes.

[@CrackaSlapYa]

I'd like to think I can hear down to 5 lmfao. But since I got the ESS version Ill stick with I can't hear below 20hz and that 0.1w extra will matter ;)

[@MyouKyuubi]

@@CrackaSlapYa Lul! :D

[@one-rv2bx]

Bummer, dude. Parted with your cash too early before the ESS released, spewing!

[@MyouKyuubi]

@@one-rv2bx I can't hear you over the sound of my lower noise floor, and sub-sub bass.

[@jasonweaver3629]

Great review, wondering if it would be worth replacing my Topping DX7 Pro with this?

[@Soundnews]

K9 PRO would be a big upgrade

[@yavormoskov]

@@Soundnews Hi, Sandu. I have a Topping D50s/A50s/P50 stack and my headphones are Hifiman Edition XS. Do you think Fiio K9 Pro Ess would be a big upgrade? Thank you.

[@davestevens4193]

Any of the AGD R2R all in one's should run rings around this.

[@JTB--]

Nice AIO. It's good sound wise... but it doesn't have enough power for some harder to drive headphones,. So be aware

[@kkam7044]

Would there be a big difference between the ESS and regular versions?

[@nicktan4530]

Nope.

[@russellpace6738]

The regular version was a limited availability due to the fire at AKM I belive . The ESS version has a different encoder chip

[@FiiOOfficial]

Although there are some differences in the objective audio parameters of the two versions- the K9 Pro ESS is slightly better in indicators due to the use of 2 DAC chips. But the main difference in sound quality lies in different tuning styles between AKM and ESS. According to the feedback from most audiophiles after listening to both of them, AKM is more musical, while ESS is of higher quality. There is no better or worse between them. Since everyone's listening experience is not exactly the same, it is recommended to try and compare them before buying to choose your favorite and appropriate one.

[@nicktan4530]

@@FiiOOfficial But how to compare when there are no place to compare and try. We have to buy and sell while not everybody have huge pockets.

[@FiiOOfficial]

@@nicktan4530 And at that time you could read some reviews and consider again. 😁

[@MW-ii5nb]

Does this have super capacitor like m17?

[@Soundnews]

It doesn't need to, as internal space wasn't a concern anymore.

[@MW-ii5nb]

@@Soundnews maybe this is why the m17 is warmer then the k9 pro?

[@TheTastefulThickness]

For these kind of prices i can't do 2 amps of power with the a90/a90d out there

[@zeeyaullah]

How does it pairs with Hifiman Sundara?

[@MyouKyuubi]

I have the AKM version of the K9 Pro, and, it's lovely... DMS (Audiophile youtuber) approves of using the Sundara with the k9 pro.

[@anuragsaha145]

Does the M17 have a better soundstage than this?

[@Soundnews]

Pretty similar to me

[@craigholbrook3238]

best buy for the money? Im using hifiman arya and lcd-x

[@Soundnews]

I consider it so...

[@MyouKyuubi]

@Marius Sandu the k9 pro, both the AKM and ESS versions, tame the top-end a bit... So it depends how bright the headphone is, what i know is that it works very well with the Hifiman Sundara.

[@EntrepreneursonBikes]

Mine doesn't even turn on :(

[@Hari-kx2er]

Is it an upgrade from Xduoo XA10? From this review, I definitely seem to think that XA10 has a wider sound stage than K9 Pro ESS.

[@MILKWynn]

But the price is double while solid vs tube hyrbid. May not be a fair comparison. But im curious too since he has tested the Ta10r already

[@Hari-kx2er]

@@MILKWynn I said about XA10, not TA10R. XA10 is a dual AK4493 Class A solid state Dac/Amp

[@apoorvasharma7]

Yes this will be an decent upgrade at least when measurements come into play. In actual listening, I don’t know if any differences will be “that” obvious, but the digital volume control on the k9 alone is a reason to upgrade over the xa10’s shoddy volume control.

[@Hari-kx2er]

@@apoorvasharma7 I don’t really care about measurements at all. I care about sonic differences if any and not inaudible number games of measurements. In practice, the volume control in XA10 works perfectly fine and it is a very precise 100 step volume control. However, thank you for your reply👍

[@apoorvasharma7]

@@Hari-kx2er I presume you did not like the mention of measurements, however, I hope you would read further with an open mind. I cared to comment because the measurements of Xduoo lie within the audible realm. XA10's USB jitter performance is poor for the money in context of the present competition. The measured noise floor rises up quite a bit when volume is taken to a max, especially for rear RCA output. The DAC filters do not cut off around 22-24khz like they should for a good transient response ( direct mutiples for 44.1 and 48 hhz and it is important once the price starts to creep up beyond 200 USD). The line out RCA noise levels mean that if in the future you want to upgrade to a standalone amplifier and use xduoo as a pure dac, that new amp's performance will be (slightly) hindered by the high noise floor, and it would be a useless addition over the inbuilt amp. I dislike topping and SMSL as they care only about measurements, but they sound soulless. The whole point of measurements is to set a baseline that expensive equipment should sound good AND measure excellently. So yes, you will find improvements with an objectively better amp/dac, however audio is a subjective hobby and we tend to make our own choices as to what we like/dislike.

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

This vs Aquila Daart II

[@abhilashgeesala372]

After the firmware upgrade, sound of K9 pro ESS has improved further. It became a lot more musical and has more 3D feel now. Also, using coaxial and optical inputs brings a lot more emotion and dark background to the music. It starts to sound like an R2R dac with lot of emotion to music.

[@anst9017]

Completely did not get what you are talking about soundstage. The device has crosstalk -120db for balanced output. It is impossible to hear narrow soundstage with such crosstalk.

[@adriankasa4339]

But it only supports DSD256 Decoding and that's the only major drawback which is holding me from buying this.

[@Soundnews]

How many DSD256 recordings do you own, honestly? I have maybe 5 or 6 albums. 99.99% of my music is still regular 16-bit PCM material.

[@kyron42]

Why not measure the transient response so you can demonstrate how much better it is than designs that have a switch mode power supply.

[@Soundnews]

You cannot measure transient response. A sinewave is not acting like music, it doesn't have an amplitude

[@kyron42]

@@Soundnews a tone burst is a good test for transient response.

[@kyron42]

@@Soundnews I'm pretty sure every sine wave has amplitude otherwise it's DC.

[@kyron42]

A lot of reviewers think THX789 topology sounds very boring and maybe a bit harsh.

[@Soundnews]

What others are saying I don't really know, but I know what my ears are telling me after trying all THX-AAA equipped amplifiers.

[@kyron42]

How can a dac amp affect soundstage unless there is some crosstalk. Why not measure the crosstalk otherwise you're just relying on your imagination.