FiiO K9 Review - Budget Friendly HiFi

Get the K9: bit.ly/FiiOK9
Get the K9 PRO: bit.ly/K9PRO
Video Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Build Quality
01:48 - Controls
02:30 - Tech inside K9
04:37 - Sound Performance
08:33 - Power Output
10:55 - Soundstage & Depth
12:12 - Resolution & Detail Retrieval
14:16 - Transients & Dynamics
15:44 - Bass
16:36 - Midrange
17:36 - Treble
18:21 - My Conclusion
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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
🎧 Meze Elite: bit.ly/3RPojys
🎧 Erzetich Phobos V2021: bit.ly/3HMWBhf
🎧 Sennheiser HD800S: amzn.to/3T5FX2J
🎧 Sendy Peacock: bit.ly/3EyZxQf
🎧 Apos Caspian: bit.ly/3nab1QO
Wireless headphones I’m using:
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 4: amzn.to/3CodrCc
🎧 Sony WH1000XM5: amzn.to/3RUfQKu
🎧 Apple AirPods Max: amzn.to/3rGHQqr
IEMs I’m using:
👂 7Hz Timeless: bit.ly/3q7RNgm
👂 Meze Rai Penta: bit.ly/3j2EhVa
👂 FiiO FH9: bit.ly/3zSWka5
👂 FiiO FH7S: bit.ly/3fYOgi9
👂 FiiO FD7: bit.ly/3nEqw4h
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:
💪 Chord Electronics Ultima 5: amzn.to/3CLWVxi
💪 Burson Timekeeper 3X GT: amzn.to/3Ext5hm
💪 Benchmark AHB2: amzn.to/37jcR9M
💪 Topping LA90: bit.ly/3SPThbj
Best DACs I tried so far (in no particular order):
🥇 Gustard R26 Discrete: bit.ly/3TemlZP
🥇 Gustard X26 PRO: bit.ly/2ORB7Ko
🥇 Chord Electronics DAVE: amzn.to/3Tbs2aY
🥇 Denafrips Terminator Plus: bit.ly/3rLr35m
🥇 Rockna Wavelight: bit.ly/3hD33xl
🥇 Audiobyte HydraVox: bit.ly/2VXJjZM
🥇 Musician Aquarius: bit.ly/2U9qwwT
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X2: bit.ly/3Eryerb
🥇 Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3: bit.ly/34oBFyG
🥇 SMSL VMV D2: bit.ly/3q9lIF7
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Gustard X18: bit.ly/3CMcJ2W
🥈 Gold Note DS-10 Plus: bit.ly/3f7pYie
🥈 Topping D90SE: bit.ly/3gC5FcO
🥈 Musician Pegasus: bit.ly/2OvCOgn
🥈 Matrix Mini-i Pro 3: bit.ly/3t97FkN
🥈 SMSL SU-10: bit.ly/3Eq9jEm
🥈 SMSL VMV D1SE: bit.ly/3nbaTjT
🥈 SMSL M500 MKIII: bit.ly/3yvztl8
🥈 Soncoz SGD1: bit.ly/36IUQ5r
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Gustard X16: bit.ly/3SQr6ZL
🥉 Topping D30 PRO: bit.ly/3taPWcE
🥉 Topping E50: bit.ly/3q9e6CE
🥉 Topping D10S: bit.ly/3r1hWNh
🥉 SMSL DO200 MKII: bit.ly/3elkZO4
🥉 SMSL SU-9N: bit.ly/32U7qj3
🥉 Soncoz LA-QXD1: bit.ly/3gf8ONt
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Burson Conductor 3X GT: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 FiiO K9 PRO: bit.ly/3ejKRd3
🎶 Topping DX7 PRO+: bit.ly/3rH6siH
🎶 xDuoo XA-10: bit.ly/39UsS7K
Best Headphone amps:
💣Trafomatic Primavera: bit.ly/3Co8wAZ
💣Trafomatic Head2: bit.ly/3VdNrC1
💣Enleum AMP-23R: bit.ly/3CV2QQN
💣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 Discrete: bit.ly/2YBwCnZ
💣Singxer SA-1: bit.ly/3eI6aCC
Best USB Dongles & Bluetooth DAC/Amps & Portable DAC/Amps:
📱 Chord Mojo2: amzn.to/3fWXYkM
📱 FiiO BTR7: bit.ly/3fJUhij
📱 Shanling UA5: bit.ly/3yuksQR
📱 xDuoo Poke II: bit.ly/3CIewWO
📱 Topping G5: bit.ly/3Evjs2p
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M17: bit.ly/34pgo84
🎵 FiiO M11 Plus: bit.ly/3Ew0l8K
🎵 Shanling M9: bit.ly/3r4swDh
🎵 Shanling M7: bit.ly/3I9rldH
🎵 Shanling M6 Ultra: bit.ly/3RXGsKQ
🎵 Hiby RS6: bit.ly/3t9mUKw
🎵 Hiby RS5 MKII: bit.ly/3KSqiyE
🎵 Hiby RS2: bit.ly/3EgakPb
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 #k9 #review

[@kirbykrause7866]

I have the Pro Ess on 3 systems, they are so amazing in EVERYWAY. One is a headphone system , my HD800 and Aria Stealth V3, and this unit brings out the sound and detail like nothing else. FIIO wanted to show the world they can make top level stuff, this weighs 8 pounds, huge power supply. Anyway, I am soooo hooked.

[@dscotthampton6789]

Thanks very much. I've been sitting back on the K9 Pro. Couldn't care less about MQA. K7 looks very nice, but I need balanced outputs. Ordering K9 today.

[@nativeenglish2u]

Are you happy with the K9 pro?

[@dex4sure361]

K9 has also built in linear power supply. If you buy Fiio's own PL50 linear power supply for K7 it already raises the cost not that far from K9, so I think K9 is worth the extra, K9 Pro on the other hand is hard to justify unless you're rocking 1000 dollar plus headphones that are very hard to drive.

[@kix-s]

만세 나이스😊😊 형님의 오디오 장비소개는 항상 신나 😊❤

[@olegyamleq7796]

great review, thanks

[@nativeenglish2u]

I'm delighted with the K9 pro ESS. I have it paired with the Arya SE and it sounds amazing. It sounds much fuller than my EF400 and has better imaging. Overall this is my endgame system 👍🏻

[@renaramadan4626]

*for now :>

[@nativeenglish2u]

@@renaramadan4626 😂

[@shaggings]

​@renaramadan4626 if it's a hobby, there will come a point where you want something better, or new, a change. A audiophile or a hobbyist saying im done is like a car guy saying their project is finished...it's not, it never is. You might be happy for some time, but at some point something new appears and then you want to change something.

[@TheMaurob1979]

got it today after i sold the k5 pro ess.. and damn thats a loot of difference.. the sundara sound less harsh.. guitars are much more alive.. sound is more spacius.. the resolution especially is really 5 steps up.

[@TheWorldTeacher]

K9 it is, then! 🎉

[@asan1050]

Soundnews! Thanks Much !.......+

[@Kaiser42]

I'm sold on it. Thanks

[@nativeenglish2u]

Me too👍🏻

[@fzakwan]

Hi there, great content! Since you've mentioned THX amp inside this model makes the soundstage/layering sounds small, any other recommendations for same price point ($500+-)? I usually play games that have rich soundscape.

[@madcrabber1113]

How does it sound as a dac only to a separate preamp or integrated amp to speakers? Ditto for when you do the K7 please.

[@amormagister]

I would use it mostly as a DAC for computer and active speakers, and less for headphones. Is it worth it?

[@kNGXXX]

Finally, someone who gives a clear, understandable description of how a device sounds. I thought about buying this AMP/DAC, but after watching this video, realised it was not for me. Thank you, subscribed!

[@TheWorldTeacher]

What did you get instead?

[@kNGXXX]

@@TheWorldTeacher Chord Mojo 2

[@nitinmeria]

You have also reviewed the Fiio Q7, could you please share you opinion on how Q7 and K9 compare to each other? I listen to music at home and also in my office. I was thinking of Q7 so that I can carry it and iems daily to work and home!

[@user-vf7rq5gh1m]

Hello! I've already ordered one. But now i found a question. I own an Austrian audio hi-x65 headphones with 25om impedance. The question is can i use this headphones with k9? Cuz i found there's in some sources that k9 has minimum 32om impedance with headphones. At the same time i found that almost amps have output impedance around

[@peterscrace3530]

Excellent review for what really is a great amp/dac, I upgraded from the FiiO K7 to the FiiO K9 with zero regrets. The K7 is the warmer and smoother sounding of the two whereas the K9 is the cleaner sounding one, really depends on what flavour you prefer but both are outstanding in terms of value for money.

[@voltmainbigbrain1002]

Hi, i just got the Fiio K9 and when i turn the volume knob on like 90% of its max (on high gain) it shows red light and stops working, do you have the same issue. I listen music pretty loud and its a huge disappointment for me atm and im worried that over time k9 just die because of this.

[@peterscrace3530]

@@voltmainbigbrain1002 I don't have that issue with mine, perhaps you have a faulty unit?

[@voltmainbigbrain1002]

@@peterscrace3530 not sure if its a faulty unit. Might be lack of power actually. Tomorrow i will unplug everything from power strip and check if its a power fault. Do you often listen at high volumes (approx. A little bit above 3 o clock). Thanks for the reply

[@peterscrace3530]

@@voltmainbigbrain1002 mostly with IEM's with medium gain setting. I have used high gain setting with my Beyerdynamic DT1770 Pros at 3/4 volume with no issues.

[@voltmainbigbrain1002]

Update: It was a power issue, works like a charm with another plug

[@CraciunAlexandruGh]

Great review, as always. Maybe you could do the K7. There is a lot of hype over it considering the power, balanced connector and price.

[@Soundnews]

K7 Review will probably happen in a month or so. You are right regarding its price to performance ratio, it's way too cheap considering the sound I'm getting from it.

[@ruffandruff]

@@Soundnews Looking for the same from you mate - K7 review. It would be great if you could include your analysis on its performance using the PL50 as well.

[@Soundnews]

@@ruffandruff I hear you loud and clear, it will be coming soon. A few units are still waiting for their turn and after that I will be all over the K7 with and without the PL50.

[@ruffandruff]

@@Soundnews Thank you very much!!

[@frederf69]

@@Soundnews don't say that; they'll put the price up 😭

[@thiagotrevisandesouza6895]

I'm waiting your review aboute Hifiman Goldenwave Serenade.😮

[@gidpo...guideto...]

Moondrooop venus will it be good to play on them?

[@Experiencia_Gaming]

que es mejor??? ; k9 pro ess, versus d90se + gustard h20?

[@WD877]

Hello! thanks for the video) what do you think, should I switch to K9 from K7 bt (+ separately bought a linear power supply for it)? I will use Fiio FT5 headphones. Will I get enough improvement in sound that I can confidently say that the money I spent was worth the upgrade from the K7 BT? Thank you)

[@dragonsbreath8653]

You should not switch from FIIO K9 to FIIO K7, switching from FIIO K9 to FIIO K7 you will hear that the sound will be worse. I have had experience listening to FIIO K7, FIIO K9, FIIO K9 PRO ESS and EarMen ST-Amp. I used the THX Onyx portable amplifier for a long time and decided to buy myself a desktop amplifier and went to the store to listen to FIIO K7, FIIO K9, FIIO K9 PRO ESS and EarMen ST-Amp. I listened to all of them through a Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm headphone (32/80 Ohms are much inferior in sound to 250 Ohms) FIIO K7 - the sound was not impressive, I haven’t heard FIIO K7 sound better than THX Onyx, I would say they sound worse, at the level of the Realtek ALC1200 chipset. There are no pronounced notes, weak bass and none of that velvety bass, no frequency balance, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm headphones reveal poorly. Imagine that you sat at a monitor with a resolution of 2560x1440 for a long time, and then you were transferred to a monitor with a resolution of 640*480, you will experience discomfort and will not want to sit at such a monitor. It's the same with sound. FIIO K9 - the sound is noticeably different from THX Onyx and from FIIO K7, but also did not impress me. The sound is powerful, detailed, smooth, but cold (I don’t like it, it’s boring to listen to music), there is no melody, weak bass. There is enough power with reserve to open the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm headphones FIIO K9 PRO ESS - great sound, really liked it, was impressed. It sounds much better than FIIO K9 for the reason that the sound is neutral, very detailed and at the same time melodic, the bass is strong and velvety. There is enough power to power the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm headphones. EarMen ST-Amp - great sound, I really liked it too. It sounds better than FIIO K9, the sound is warmer than FIIO K9 PRO, but in detail it is inferior to FIIO K9 PRO. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohms are capable of opening up at maximum volume. At first it was difficult to choose the EarMen ST-Amp or FIIO K9 PRO ESS. Both sound great. I experienced great pleasure listening to music through them. But after an hour of torment in choosing, rushing between them every 10-20 minutes, EarMen ST-Amp shamefully merged. It started clicking when rewinding or flipping through a track. We changed the cable, took out another EarMen ST-Amp, thinking that the display case was simply broken, but it turned out that the EarMen ST-Amp is capricious to the player and it worked fine in foobar. As a result, the blow fell on FIIO K9 PRO ESS.

[@WD877]

​@@dragonsbreath8653Thank you for the answer :) but I refused to buy the K9 and, on the advice of many people, bought the SMSL DO400, which is already on its way to me :)

[@martyn_g]

@@dragonsbreath8653thorough reply, fella, but he asked if he should switch from K7 to K9, not the other way around.

[@Flavius7]

Best price for this level of technology and build quality. You can barely tell the difference between this and the K9 Pro, which is amazing. Tested both and other then raw power is hard to differentiate them.

[@peterscrace3530]

They sound very very similar, K9 way better value than the K9 Pro.

[@sorcerermax5111]

How does this compare to Xduoo XA-10 in sound and dynamics?

[@danjones7561]

I had the Xduoo. I prefer the Fiio, it sounds clearer. I also prefer the volume knob a lot better. However the Xduoo looked way cooler and was smaller.

[@sorcerermax5111]

@@danjones7561 Are the vocals and treble clearer sounding on XA-10 if not enhanced like on some Topping products or is XA-10 very dark sounding? ? I am planning to use it with my desktop for watching movies. Yet to buy it

[@frederf69]

390£ that's more like it ✌😎👍

[@gokhanayvazoglu6295]

New version akm chip k9 have better soundstage than pro and old version k9 looks like.

[@Rubiks_LIVE]

I used to own the K9 Pro ESS. after just a few months, it stopped working. it would turn on, but that's it. it was dead. definitely skipping this one.

[@danjones7561]

This one was released slightly before the pro version.

[@Askaret]

I'm using my K9 Pro ESS over 9 months now. No issues so far, super happy with it. Was your unit not under guaranty ?

[@Rubiks_LIVE]

@Askaret the unit was great! Especially, the DAC portion. I own a lot of gear and I've never had anything die on me. This was a first. Initially, FiiO had me send it in for repair, so I did. Ultimately, they just decided to refund it. I used it for maybe 7-9 months.

[@Rubiks_LIVE]

This was also maybe 1 year ago

[@peterscrace3530]

@@danjones7561 actually no the K9 Pro was released well before the K9

[@madffx1986]

A 499$ msrp is budget friendly?

[@radicalturkey]

The k9 pro is a rip off. The smsl do400, loxjie d40pro and smsl m500mk3 are all better and half the price.

[@martyn_g]

How?

[@cimen9793]

fiio k9 pro mu yoksa akm versiyon düz k9 mu sizce? birde max 600 dolar bütçem var ne önerirsiniz?

[@masterazlan6999]

Na.. I'll stick to my old endgame system for IEM which is Q5S TC + mt604 class A tubes amp... easily eat dis 4 breakfast.. . Peace!

[@frederf69]

wow! what does it have for dinner? 🤣🤣

[@masterazlan6999]

U

[@peterscrace3530]

I have a class A tube amp, you would be very suprised just how clean this K9 sounds by comparison.

[@masterazlan6999]

Bro, IEM endgame system Must be portable K9 is not move around thing ha3 uve got laugh today thx..

[@masterazlan6999]

Different is u mentions Topaz.. etc.