Most enjoyable portable audio device EVER! FiiO KA15 review

[@noturnleftunstoned72]

We've all discussed the matter and decided to name you the hardest working man in audio review. Congrats!

[@christopherbollman5019]

Agreed. One of the absolute best channels w real opinions.

[@Chuckster0]

1000%

[@theonlyegg]

What?? Lachlan will shill any snake oil product from any company that will chuck money or product at him.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks folks!! And yes, I am a pure shill. It's why I regularly point out the significant flaws in products and even specifically recommend buying alternatives to the products that the companies send to me for review. It's a wonder I haven't won some kind of award for my salesmanship!

[@MrStingraybernard]

Another excellent review as always

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@kenstaroz1536]

It’s a quirky little gem. I love mine!

[@crismarbuenavista6170]

I have KA15 and I love them. Can't wait to get my hands on Snowsky Echo Mini from Fiio as it has the same aesthetics.

[@liamporter1137]

Great review.

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

[@markphilpot8734]

I have an RU6 which I absolutely love. Unlikely that I could ever find a dongle DAC I could live with that does what it does. From a personal perspective, the NOS at 44.1k has made me hear into whatever music I listen to. That is what makes it the one. Each must find what pleases their ears. This one is it for me.❤

[@seanb3303]

It’s definitely doing something different. I had looked into it but it was eviscerated over at SBAF

[@markphilpot8734]

@,we all have choices to make. That’s what makes this hobby fun. Find what works for your ears and mindset. There is something that will work for you. It’s worth finding.

[@seanb3303]

@@markphilpot8734 yeah i’m a mojo 2 guy 😉

[@PassionforSound]

I really liked the RU6 when I spent time with it. Sometimes it's less about the objective rights and wrongs and more about the pleasure it delivers. I found the RU6 to be bunches of fun and super engaging. I feel the same about the Mojo 2. :)

[@AronAddams7]

Kudos to Fiios design team. The retro nano and echo mini also have the same vibe.

[@PassionforSound]

They're on fire at the moment. The K17 is a treat too

[@AronAddams7]

@PassionforSound heard a lot of good things about it.

[@fatdoi003]

currently my mobile setup is an old android phone -> Cayin RU6 r2r dac -> Oriolus BA300S tube amp...... quite magical

[@martinfox2244]

Sounds good. Oriolis is "sold out". Alternatives?

[@PassionforSound]

The RU6 is a great dongle!

[@fatdoi003]

@@martinfox2244 take a look at Shenzhen audio, think they're selling it

[@fatdoi003]

@ checkout Shenzhen Audio, they are selling it

[@JohnClarkW]

I love the KA17, and the KA11, so I am sure the KA15 is a good pick. Fiio has some great DAC/Amps

[@SuperTonydd]

I'm waiting on the fiio jm21 that has the same internals as this. The reason I've stopped using dongles as portables is that the connection between phone and dongle disconnects while in use as a portable system. Every dongle I've tried eventually happens with.

[@PassionforSound]

That's a good point. If you're active while using them, the USB connections can be under a bit of strain.

[@erickjauwerissa401]

the moment you talk about balanced feature and make the balance only goes to the right and sound are on the right, perfect!. but mind ask if you already test the inline mic support on Android and PC? since thats the only feature in need to know because i have other CS DAC but it didnt support mic.

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry, but I don't have any IEMs with microphones because I don't use them. Maybe ask on Head-Fi or a similar forum.

[@erickjauwerissa401]

@PassionforSound ah noted, thank you for the reply, i kinda want to have possibility of better DAC thats support inline mic so it improve my sound when i am playing an multiplayer game, so that feature really helpful to have since higher end DAC more to remove those feature.

[@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo]

Cool moment when talking about balance control, hearing your voice shift.

[@PassionforSound]

I like doing little tricks like that when I can 🙂

[@AmordeDios-f7r]

having hard time deciding between m15c and m15i, but you make me harder deciding dongle. Though I started to look at the price range of 150$, Actually now I am finding about AK HC4, m15i, t71, and jm21.. Have you ever heard of "m15c"? Your recommendation picks are quite great and a similar taste with me. Is it worth buying m15i over m15c? - more than double the price

[@Icecold_Art]

I love my 70$ shanling UA3 on Dual AKM 4493SEQ dacs, it has fantastic smooth organic sound. Is small, good looking and well built. No display or eq though. For that I use Fiio BTr17

[@VidyabhushanTiwari]

UA3 is awesome

[@ProNinjaHax]

Definitely living in a simulation because I've been looking for a portable DAC and one of my fav channels makes a video about it lol I have a good setup at home, and working on my car audio. Bluetooth compresses my music, and I've been looking for a DAC solution and this seems to be it. I would connect my phone to it, then use a 4.4 to 3.5 aux adapter to plug it into the AUX port in my car.

[@PassionforSound]

Don't you love it when that happens!? I hope the KA15 does the trick for you in the car.

[@tpro7224]

I feel like the 4.4mm deserves more discussion. There's alot of contradicting info out there. Thanks for an informative, objective review! I really like my Onix Alpha, slightly higher price.

[@PassionforSound]

What type of contradicting info? I don't get a chance to check forums or other reviews so I am not aware of what you're referring to.

[@tpro7224]

@PassionforSound sorry not from you... the guys that graph frequency response typically say it's volume increase only, but with increased power in 4.4mm does it power the drivers more effectively... could it make notes feel weightier, sound fuller?

[@PassionforSound]

Ah, I understand. Balanced vs unbalanced is a complex topic. In the case of the KA15, I suspect what's going on is that the circuit is designed for a balanced output. What they then do for the unbalanced output is to throw away half of the balanced output and connect it to the 3.5mm socket. The result is a poorer resolution signal. It's true that a louder output (balanced is twice the voltage of unbalanced) can sound better, but even if you match the volume levels, some devices just have inferior unbalanced outputs. IMPORTANT: this doesn't mean that unbalanced is ALWAYS inferior. It's only a problem when a device is optimised too much towards the balanced and the unbalanced output is a throw-in. I've got a video planned that will explain all of this soonish.

[@tpro7224]

@PassionforSound that's great! I think many viewers would appreciate a short education on the topic. Most of us, I think understand the cable and the plug don't improve sound, and headphone and IEM impedance plays a role, but even the six or so portable DAC's and dongle DAC's I have all sound 'better' to me out of 4.4mm -- not only louder. It could be my 'perception' but I wouldn't mind learning more to better understand. Thanks for your reply!

[@Corwin74]

Please review the Fiio JM21 next. It's basically the same DAC and SGM op amps as the KA15, but outputs 700 mW into 32 ohms and it's a fully featured DAP running Android 13. Best thing is that it's only about $100 (US) more than the KA15 ($200 US). Just got mine a few days ago and so far it sounds really really good! It even has enough juice to drive my Arya Stealth full sized headphones!

[@wahid-lg1kk]

It doesn't sound as good as the dongle. Bass not so good, treble a bit thin, can be congested in the midrange. Anything with android built in is going to be not as good. Also, you get what you pay for. Always.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't currently have any plans for the JM21 and FiiO have already sent me heaps of gear to get through: FT1, FT1 Pro, S15, DM15, TT13 and K17!!!

[@wahid-lg1kk]

@PassionforSound k17 is nice if a bit clinical, ft1 is nice, ft1 pro flawed but good for the price, in my mind

[@michaelschwader7944]

Hey. Just a bit off topic, but have you heard of Burson Audio's new Playmate 3? It's been out for a little bit now, and I haven't seen any reviews or anything about it.

[@PassionforSound]

I have one here and the review is coming soon! I'm swamped with new gear at the moment and can't get to everything as fast as I would like to because I want to share it all yesterday!! 🤣

[@michaelschwader7944]

@@PassionforSound Funny story. Burson was having a sale on it. If you bought the Standard package, you got a free upgrade to the Deluxe. After posting here, I decided to pull the trigger. I already have the Playmate 2, and I have the 5A Super Charger and the V7 Vivids (duals) and the V7 Classics (singles), so I'm planning on selling the 2 along with the 3A and Vivids from the 3 with it. I'll definitely make $200-$300 more than I spent on it. So, the only thing that I'm debating now is whether I should also sell the 5A and put it all towards a Fusion Core. Would it really make a night and day difference?

[@PassionforSound]

@michaelschwader7944 Nice!! I can let you know in the review if it improves significantly with the Fusion Core. It's a big investment in power relative to the cost of the main device, but if you might upgrade your Playmate to a Conductor one day, it could be worthwhile.

[@michaelschwader7944]

@PassionforSound Thanks! I just received it. I tried it with all Vivids, but it feels lacking. I popped in the Classics, and the Classic/Vivid combo seems to be perfect. I don't know why. Maybe it's me, but the only thing that feels right is that combo. Go figure. Anyways, I eagerly await to hear your thoughts on it.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you found your ideal combo!

[@m_c_8656]

nice!

[@paulf.5261]

Hi, over a year ago i bought myself the Hidizs S9Pro Dac/Amp to use on my Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 because the output volume and sound quality, compared to my old ipad Air was terrible (to me) Unfortunately I never got to use it as intended, as when I connect it, all I got was a light....never any sound??? I tried to figure it out, but I couldn't, so it's just sat in its box since then. 😔 I will say though, it worked perfectly on a old LG H930 mobile (🤔) so I know the Dac worked, just not on my Tab A8 🤷‍♂️ Enlightened solution welcomed! 😁🙏

[@PassionforSound]

I don't use Apple devices, but I believe some of them need an adapter (referred to as the camera adapter kit, I think). That should solve the problem on your iPad.

[@paulf.5261]

@PassionforSound FYI. It's a Galaxy Tab A8 I have the issue with! My old ipad Air just sounded louder and better than the A8 which I bought the S9Pro dac for 🤷‍♂️

[@PassionforSound]

@paulf.5261 oh, that's a bit strange then! I'm not sure what could be causing that problem.

[@paulf.5261]

@@PassionforSoundYou and me both....I really thought it was defective until I tried it on my old LG phone. Then I was just confused. Didn’t get any help from the maker....🤷‍♂️

[@PassionforSound]

@paulf.5261 that's a sadly common tale...

[@awwwshucks443]

It would be really nice to see a frequency sweep chart instead of subjective impressions of sound quality.

[@PassionforSound]

A frequency sweep of any device like this will show you a flat line from 20Hz to 20kHz. It's really not helpful.

[@awwwshucks443]

@PassionforSound then there would be literally no actual sound quality difference. Measuring the amplitude across the audible spectrum will tell you if they produce frequency accurately for both power, frequency, and harmonics. If the two outputs look the same, then the difference is literally in your head.

[@PassionforSound]

@awwwshucks443 no, you're missing the importance of timing. I've done a whole video explaining the science of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmTKmIijZtCdq7Msi=7cBLhX71Dso_id4T

[@seanb3303]

@@PassionforSoundhe doesn’t want to see a frequency response line. That was troll bait from a ASR member 😉

[@PassionforSound]

I figured as much, but I'll give everyone a chance to be open minded before I give up 🙂

[@jaybrodnax]

Seems amazing for the price

[@PassionforSound]

I think so!

[@Burn_In_Oled_On_Purpose]

Have you considered the fiio snowsky retro nano dac amp since it has user removable user replaceable battery?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't looked at that one and, so far, FiiO haven't suggested sending one out for review.

[@Tssukiii]

@@PassionforSoundI would also add my interest in that one The battery being replaceable is such a great thing for long term ownership & the environment I hope it gets recognition, so more dongles, DAPs etc. adapt this essential feature

[@tecno4u31]

Hi! It seems that my ears and brain quite like the sound of the Hifiman R9. Can you tell me which headphones are better or a similar but more technical option?

[@PassionforSound]

I think the HiFiMan Isvarna could be just what you're after. They're a little bit different, but share similarities while being much more technically capable. I can't think of any others that are like the R9s.

[@PEM-zt5rd]

Lachlan if you can, compare the M15 to the Qudelix5K then have them both go against the Mojo2... Im betting the 5K would surprise you even as the cheapest option... Mojo2 does some things better but 5K holds its own... you will enjoy that 3way as well... the dongles that is :)

[@PassionforSound]

I've spent some time with the 5K and it was a really impressive device, without doubt. I also think it performs above its price, but it won't catch the Questyle M15 or M18i and none of them will catch the Mojo 2.

[@PEM-zt5rd]

@PassionforSound thanks for sharing your experience and opinion with them 👍

[@bernardoandrade88]

​@@PassionforSoundI wish you could place ibasso DC elite against questyle m18i and mojo 2

[@PassionforSound]

@bernardoandrade88 I'd love to, but have no easy access to iBasso review units.

[@goldenrock099]

Hello. I have a 40ohm headphone. Can I drive it with iBasso dc01? And I may also prefer Jade Audio JA11 and Neoteck NTK106. Which dac/amp would you reccomend for driving 40ohm headphone?

[@PassionforSound]

The impedance isn't actually the specification that matters. What you need to be looking at is sensitivity. Anything above about 90dB/mW sensitivity is fine for a dongle.

[@goldenrock099]

@ In the amp specifications it said maximum power output(125mw-32ohm load) and SNR>110dB. Which specification should i look that you mentioned

[@PassionforSound]

The sensitivity of the headphone is what you need. Don't worry about the amp until you know the headphone's sensitivity. 🙂

[@goldenrock099]

@@PassionforSound it is 106 dB/mW

[@PassionforSound]

@goldenrock099 great! That's super easy to drive then. You can get to dangerous levels with just 2mW! I.e. the dc01 will have enough power for sure.

[@8bitchiptune420]

It has a screen OMG

[@PassionforSound]

Crazy, isn't it!?

[@OzSteve]

Have you tried the Eversolo H2? If not I can send you mine to test/review?

[@PassionforSound]

Wow! I didn't know they made one. I love everything I've tried from EverSolo so far. Thank you for the offer of a lend, but I am swamped with more gear than I can store at the moment and the schedule is full to the end of May already!!.

[@OzSteve]

@PassionforSound I have room to store gear 🤣🤣🤣

[@PassionforSound]

@OzSteve 🤣

[@OzSteve]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@herrlindner]

WHY isn't there a DAP in this format? 😩

[@PassionforSound]

I think it's just a little too small for that 🙂

[@Rocky-sn6fl]

Is there a way to block YT channels like this with promoting stuff for money and posting affiliated links? Thanx!

[@theonlyegg]

The skip/volume thing is the exact kind of silly software bullshit that FiiO refuses to correct or address. They make nice hardware but the soft side of their products BLOWS.

[@jakobgooijer]

Unfortunately no 2.5 mm

[@PassionforSound]

2.5mm seems to be a dead connector these days. It's a shame for those of us with nice IEMs and/or IEM cables with 2.5mm connectors because the adapters are all bulky.

[@jakobgooijer]

​@@PassionforSound I own a Final B3 with a very nice silver cable with 2.5 mm connector 😢

[@xyanide1986]

Dang the 3.5mm output review on this is a major disappointment.

[@awwwshucks443]

Is it? Without any measured data to corroborate, it's like saying some hyper pure gold plated cables make your speakers sound better.

[@xyanide1986]

@awwwshucks443 Yeah, a guy told me on the internet the 3.5mm output sounds worse than the 4.4 balanced.

[@PassionforSound]

Sadly, it's not uncommon because they build these devices to optimise the balanced output. With the limited space available, I suspect they're just discarding half the balanced signal and sending the remainder to the unbalanced output.

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Cute but still... pure form over substance

[@PassionforSound]

I couldn't disagree more having spent time with it.

[@IHearEverythingDude]

@PassionforSound how screen improved sq? Please tell

[@PassionforSound]

It allows additional flexibility like onboard EQ selection, easy filter selection and it sounds great regardless of the screen so why take issue with it if it hasn't reduced performance?

[@IHearEverythingDude]

@PassionforSound so it doesnt affect sq, its just interface cramped in small device

[@PassionforSound]

I would say that changing the EQ and operation mode (Class H and Class AB) significantly effects sound quality and would be impossibly complex without the screen.

[@afvr1984]

Got This baby while on sale for $89, not regrets at all.. I use it more than the DEW4X. and its a totally upgrade from the moondrop dawn pro. Beware tho: you have to change the language from Chinese to English, and if you don't read Chinese, well you can imagine the rest....

[@PassionforSound]

Oh wow!! Luckily mine came in English mode (I think). Thanks for sharing your experiences!