My FAVORITE Headphone DAC/AMP

[@ubacow7109]

I prefer AIO DACs instead of separates. Separates can be cool but if your going for a clean desk look an Aio DAC is the way to go cause it's just far less clutter.

[@henrychen8755]

Also not to mention they are alot easier to set up and manage

[@davidepollak3]

@@henrychen8755 and no cables everywhere

[@One-Two_swift-kickbox]

Got the ESS, love it. Has exceeded my expectations in the category that matters the most, the sound.

[@brucalizer]

Ooh that little bit where the video was playing through your MacBook was COOL, love that

[@camoturtle18]

Even though it’s just through Bluetooth, I love how there is an eq with this amp, I wish more companies would do this. And streaming services like Tidal.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

EQ capability is built into the Bluetooth chipset used, wonder if it works in LDAC as it dosent in some of the other Fiio units like the btr5

[@jo_naash]

Why add those features, when you can just use other software that can do it better? Like the Wavelet app on phones or Equalizer APO with Peace on PC

[@pdamasco]

I'm starting to think it is something to do with the MQA certification. A lot of MQA certified gear doesn't have any EQ.

[@neighborhood_k]

I assume you've already heard all the issues with Tidal and its "lossless" format right

[@pdamasco]

@@neighborhood_k Are you talking about MQA or their "hi-fi" which is just 16 bit 44.1? I can hear some of the weird artifacts from MQA when it's decoded via software on certain tracks but the hi-fi playback is generally pretty good in my experience.

[@MagierMax]

Damn audio equipment is getting value. Hearing you say you used to use a 10k+ amp and now prefer a 700$ one is pretty sweet!

[@ChrisStoneinator]

To be fair said amp was famously pretty awful sounding for its price.

[@ChunVuong]

Can you share your view bout the K9 AKM just released Dec 2023? Is it a better value than this K9 Pro AKM?

[@Nordraw]

This is one I have my eye on. I am using the FiiO K5 pro now and it really is great for that price. Nice review dude.

[@MrAyrit]

Favorite DAC/amp ends up being a Fiio. Didn’t see that coming.

[@DMS3TV]

Me either

[@korypuderbaugh4896]

@@DMS3TV Hey there, how would this do powering the Abyss 1266 PHI TC? Btw, awesome content, I've been following you for a year!

[@mikeg2491]

I got a package deal off headfi for a Grado gs1000x, the hemp, and this amp came with it. Honestly I wasn’t even wanting the amp but accepted it as a good deal and figured it would be another typical topping/thx-like boring chifi product. I was shocked at how syrupy, smooth it turned out to be that it ended up being the star of the whole combo.

[@mehmetsahin4130]

Hi! Have you ever tried new MacBooks headphone jacks ? Because they support high-impedance headphones up to 1000 ohm. Currently, I drive my HD600 with MacBook Pro directly. Instead of using MacBook headphone jack, If I use fiio k7, will I have considerably better sound from my HD 600? Or difference will be just negligible? Thank you!

[@1TheWolfKing1]

hello! may i bring a problem i have with the K9 PRO ESS? K9 PRO ESS distorted my Speakers (AirPulse A300) but Topping D90SE not. at topping i can select 4v and 5v, at 4v all works clean, at 5v i have distortion at my speakers with K9 PRO ESS i have the same distortion i had with 5v at topping d90se, cant select 4v or something to fix it at K9 PRO ESS im using bitperfect excluvise mode asio and wasapi.... the only way to hear normal audio is to put 50% volume at windows from and to player when i use bitperfect or use eq and change the gain to -4.0db that i dont like and trust the only workaround is to low the volume but this is not a fix... topping gives us options and works out of the box as it should! cant even enjoy the producy i buy to the fullest with this issue The K9 PRO ESS uses for sure 5V for output xlr and rca, fiio didnt ever consider that 5V is not compatible to all devices? hope they release a firmware to fix this issue and use topping aproach! FiiO K9 PRO ESS Single-ended line output performance parameters Line Level 2.5Vrms Balanced line output performance parameters Line Level 5Vrms Τopping D90SE RCA LINE OUT 2.1Vrms (Mode 4V) 2.6Vrms (Mode 5V) XLR LINE OUT 4.2VRMS (MODE 4V) 5.2VRMS (MODE 5V)

[@scutumillu19]

I got the Fiio k5 pro and i love it, i know it's absolutely in another league but i think it's worth the money. If i ever upgrade i will consider this!

[@kkam7044]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the K9 Pro. Just wondering that would the specific difference be between this and the Topping E50 & L50 stack? You mentioned in your review video of that combo that all good amps have reached a high point that they are all more of less the same

[@Shah456ful]

Was looking forward to this review as I was looking for an All in One. K9 pro looks to be the move but the Chord Mojo 2 is coming out on the 31st. Will wait on the release and see how they compare.

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

Would you use it for gaming with the HD800s? Or match it up with the JDS labs element III?

[@spgp273]

I'm happy so far with my K9 Pro ESS, haven't had it too long. I do think Topping E70/L70 is slightly better, but it's a stack and it gets tiring having to deal with several devices. So I think this Fiio is good for people who just want a single box solution.

[@O.Mohylevskyi]

My favorite DAC for now too. Great value product. Except the totally "invisible" text when any light source is not in front of it. Just keep monitoring head-fi to keep all firmware that fixed minor issues up to date. And I hope you got your free DAC stand from Fiio too.

[@guitarguyf16]

How do you get the free stand??

[@sundinfan9745]

I didn’t get one with mine either. I guess you need to ask Fiio for it. Shame it wasn’t in with the packaging

[@guitarguyf16]

@@sundinfan9745 Yeah, I agree. Oh well….

[@O.Mohylevskyi]

@@sundinfan9745there was the limited offer in January (to send the serial number of the device and the cash receipt from the store and to pay a few bucks for the delivery only). I got mine in January.

[@lambdastorm7787]

Fiio discontinued the original K9 PRO and now all K9 PROs come revised with ES9038 chip. You might want to test that version as well,.

[@sundinfan9745]

It’s not like they wanted to. The AKM chip factory burned to the ground. Many manufacturers had to scramble to find another DAC chip supplier that they could use. ESS 9038 is the next best thing to the AK4499 Chip that is no longer available due to the fire

[@yangarzon8994]

I have ot since november ,incredible value and sound get better and better. Not harsh clear, smooth and neutral like i like from AKM and that topology in this amp make the best of both world.

[@KartikoKurnianto]

Will you make video comparing this K9 Pro (with single AKM AK4499) vs the upcoming K9 Pro ESS (with dual ES9038Pro)?

[@fraustosound]

Mine is coming in tomorrow! Pairing it with some Audeze lcd-2's. Can't wait.

[@theprince6590]

Anyone can advice me what will be the best high end dap player for metal/ rock music ? And the best headphones to pair it with ?

[@xrhythmsx]

Can anyone please help ? I just got this product and When I plug my headphones into the back and put it into dac mode it does not work. Am I doing something wrong ? Do I not need to plug it into the back to get the full optimal effects of the dac ? I get no sound unless its in hp mode and plugged into the front.

[@fahryst]

And that's how limited 2000 units were sold. Really though, if its dac part is any better than other AKM 4499 based DACs like SMSL M400 or Loxjie D50, I might jump on it. In MSRP, it is cheaper than both and stacked more.

[@zamedoeswtever5267]

Its replacement got 2 ESS9038PROs, I mean it would sound better to most people (more clear sound, probably) Just not sure if that's available outside of China tho

[@fahryst]

@@zamedoeswtever5267 I've seen it in aliexpress at one vendor. Maybe it will be available after akm units sell out. Though I know it's stupid, but since akm units are limited it makes it more tempting. Still, I doubt two variations would have noticable sound differences and If that is the case I don't want to pay more. And If there is a difference I think most people will claim akm sounds better, true or not.

[@zamedoeswtever5267]

@@fahryst I don't think there's any official price difference, so that should be fine The preference to ESS maybe is just me then, so it doesn't really matter

[@fahryst]

@@zamedoeswtever5267 if I remember correctly, in the thread in head-fi they announced ess version will be 100 or 200 dolars more expensive. I will check later. The vendor I mentioned was selling ess versions for more too.

[@zamedoeswtever5267]

Oh ok, I saw a 500 rmb increase for the duo 9038Pro ones, I would think it's still a good deal cuz other components besides the DACs are harder to get as well

[@Jimmy-Chin]

How about this with the HD800s? Would you use this over a tube amp?

[@filysoussokho7233]

what would you choose for someone who don't want to spend every x year a new amp dac ? TOPPING E70 DAC+ L70 AMP VS Fiio K9 Pro Ess

[@CrackaSlapYa]

I have one of these and I'd like to add a Lokius EQ. But how would I wire the "stack" with the DAC/AMP combo that feed via USB from my PC? Would it go USB> K9pro > out thru balanced cables to Lokius > back into K9 Pro via Balanced> headphones? Would that work?

[@waldowsxxghostxx8577]

How would this sound as a dedicated dac for a home stereo amp class A/B would be be overly bright or true to the source?

[@adrianmorrish8494]

For a bit more cost how would this rate against the rme adi-2, as I’m very interested in this as well

[@ChrisStoneinator]

As someone who has bought and got great mileage out of FiiO portable products, I can't fathom having every option in the world for a desk DAC/Amp and going for Class D chi-fi with the sound signature of an extremely controversial more expensive DAC/Amp. Is it genuinely your favourite sound?

[@paulwillamson6557]

Hi, I enjoy your videos a lot, I was ready to buy the K9 for use with my Sundara, but Fiio have switched to using a pair of ESS DAC chips, It would be really cool if you could get hold of one of these to see if the change has affected the synergy you liked using it with the Sundara. In my opinion, the AKM 'Velvet' chips do sound very nice, and the ESS Sabre Chips I have, tend to be very clean, but with a little more treble glare. Anyhoo.. a comparison between the new version and the older one would be of great interest. Thanks

[@MacJames]

Thanks for the review! Love this DAC. Would it be able to power the Modhouse double sided Tungsten?

[@electrobob1]

K9proEss+Sundara2021 sounds goooood! Went to the shop to bench listen this k9 vs Ifi Zen Signature HFM. Took my Sundara with me. The Zen showed a soundstage waaaay too weird :vocals and base to the front and guitars very recessed to where they nearly dissapear... However, from memory, the Ifi xCan on neutral settings showed an identical sound presence as the K9proEss and is portable and much cheaper. K9+HFM Arya = identical sound but less mass+more comfort, Edition XS= lower gain on vocals, less base Grado Hemph= veiled, litle bass Ibasso SR2= veiled Sundara2021+xCan seems to be my endgame.

[@Justin-bm7zn]

Hey DMS. Do you still recommend this today especially now that there is the k9 akm for 499.99. Thanks for your content and passion for audio. Much appreciated.

[@Tonycaveman]

Hey DMS! Can you recommend a power cable to pair with these? The stock one is fine enough but a little short. What cable are you using here?

[@TheCrimzor]

Would you recommend the ESS over this version?

[@jafizzle95]

I bought this after this review. I had already been eyeing it and pining for it, and this was the push I needed. (yes I used the affiliate link ;D) Though a bit annoyed that Apos created a shipping label for it 3 days ago but still hasn't actually put it in the mail.

[@Polyfusia]

Whoever didn't mail that is A POS...

[@mikegoddard7354]

I got the Fiio Q5S AM3D which is the type C THX amp as a portable and it's phenomenal. Love it on the go and honestly I can say it performs better than most of my desktop stand alone units, I can not doubt this unit is outstanding XD

[@SPR159]

i`ve got the same Fiio Q5S and i agree. However i also have this K9 PRO with AKM DAC and you`ve got better soundstage on the K9 and also some clarity improvement. At least this is what i hear on my HD660s

[@kristaps2010]

Strangest abnormality I found with my fiio k9 pro ess is sound problem on TV each HD channel. There is no normal sound, it’s only noise kind of flickering. Normal channels run fine. I connected my TV via optical. Turned fiio off/onn, problem still persists. Any similar experience?

[@mat.b.]

Curious how this compares to other DAC/AMPs under $2k like the RME, or to dac/amp stacks in a similar combined cost

[@HectorGonzalezC]

Is there an audible difference between the AKM vs ESS chip version?

[@stevenj2380]

Oh, not for HE6 (se v2)? Looking for under $1k DAC/ Headphone amp. Just got that and want to connect some digital sources too and RCA in to vintage integrated amp.

[@codycast3069]

Nice review! How do you think this would work with Hifiman Arya SE or HE1000SE? I currently have an EF400 and I am looking for an upgrade to get a little more out of those cans. Thanks in advance.

[@nativeenglish2u]

Not sure if you went for the upgrade or not. I had the same system (Arya SE and EF400). The Fiio seems to add more body to the Arya's and a little more image definition in my opinion. For me the Fiio with the Arya's are my endgame system. 👍🏻

[@tamach3ck1]

@@nativeenglish2u Arya SE with k9 pro is a horrible combo.Its amp is just too cheap for a headphones like this.

[@nativeenglish2u]

​@@tamach3ck1Hi. Which amp would you recommend? I'm open to suggestions 😊

[@SnoopySenpai]

For almost 1000 bucks...What makes it better than the RME ADI-2 DAC fs (apart from bluetooth that could be added with a bluetooth receiver very easily)?

[@Cassus123456]

ok I've just read the K5 pro sounds extremely similar to the K9 pro, just has less features and less power. Would that be an alternative ? Maybe even better than the JDS atom? I just bought the sundara.. edit: mkay, watched some videos, read some articles. Seems the K5 is not it. The atom seems to have the much cleaner sound which according to DMS in his sundara vid should be important to run the sundara very well. Atom then for me. Or a very angry wife and water and bread for a month or two..

[@ipodguy123g]

@DMS3TV How do you feel about the newer Fiio K19?

[@BillyReichard]

You mentioned a recommendations list. Where can I find that? Thank you!

[@iScorpio1971]

Hi! Should do a comparison between Fiio's K9 and AudioQuest M15, since it has taken over... BTW Fiio just launched a newer K9 with AKM.

[@geereesh77]

Hey man, can you please review Topping NX7 and it's combo with Sundara? Your friend Joshua has already reviewed the NX7, would like to know your view as well. Thanks.

[@rohrek]

Hi, thanks for the review! You mentioned that this can power the Diana’s, do you mean the TC or the v2? And do you think it is sufficient for the TC or is it better to use a more powerful amp? Regards

[@ElvenSpellmaker]

I'm Xonar U3 optical out (with heavy bass EQ) to a Schiit Bifrost 2, and to a Topping A90, and am wondering if this is a better option to replace the DAC and Amp? Headphones, Diana V2

[@ConnorHammond]

4:18 what do you mean by "thicc cheap power cable meme on amazon btw"? Do you have a link or at least a name?

[@swiftshinobi8337]

Give a chance to matrix mini-i 3 pro? That's really good too!

[@ThisIsNotJP]

I’ve got the 1990 pro with velour pads & this dac/amp inbound

[@Lasvocesdelsuroficial]

i have magnius and modius. what you recomend for the Hifiman sundara and sennheiser 6xx?

[@Ventace1022]

You once recommended it as the best synergy for the Sundara for a combo under $1k, but considering the price jumped up to $849.99 with the discontinuation of AKM chips and the switch over to ESS chips, do you still recommend it? Do you think the chip makes any difference to the sound? Is there anything else you'd put in place for a high end synergy with the Sundara?

[@DMS3TV]

That’s a big price jump. Element 3 is a better value, but I do still love the K9 pro. That price is harder to stomach.

[@AlterEgon666]

Hello, the question is, how do they sound on this Audeze LCD-2 amplifier? Did the power cord improve the sound? Best regards from Poland 🇵🇱.

[@electrobob1]

My Sundara sounds bad on my Powernode N330 headphone output. Havind watched the "The problem with Amps…" from Abyss headphones, this vid and Zeos "K9pro ess vs AKM" he liked the ESS even more. Below you mentioned JDS Element3 as well for Sundara. I am not able to demo listen this at my local dealer (EU based) but I am leaning towards the IFI Zen One (BT)+ Zen Can signature HFM versus the K9proESS. I guess it comes town to tailored (IFI) or future modularity(going balanced, more headphone options) I'm very confused which route to go especially after seeing the Abyss vdo. My sundara already blew a Dragonfly Cobalt(demo version) and my xCan (BT/amp chip) which shys me away from the xDSD Gryphon. I'd better send an email to IFI for inquiry rather than my local dealer. thx for the review but I'm still confused LOL!!

[@jamielee-brown2691]

Great video! I noticed that DMS is reviewing the AKM version of this device (the dial seems silver / chrome to my eye). The response video posted by Joshua Valour seems to feature the ESS version. Does anyone have a view on the difference between the two? Is there much in it? Enough to justify a price difference?

[@marlowe1537]

I don't think DMS reads/responds to posts on older reviews. This is somewhat moot to the extent that the AKM version has been discontinued. I assume the primary reason for the $150 price hike on the ESS version is that it uses dual TOTL (and expensive) ESS chips while the AKM version used only one (there are a few other smaller changes as well). I haven't heard either version (though I am considering buying the ESS version) so I can't say if the price bump is justified by sound quality alone. Though by the law of diminishing returns, it is unlikely that the ESS version is 20% better than the AKM version, though it still seems to be a reasonable buy at $850.

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Here is a link to a review from someone who loved the original AKM version and then discusses the difference between it and the subsequent ESS version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2OUlZSLfMqtaJI&feature=share&si=EMSIkaIECMiOmarE6JChQQ. I don't think it is a matter of better or worse ... but of preference. Here is how Fiio addresses this question: "As for the K9 Pro AKM and K9 Pro ESS, which one is stronger and better? 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." (www.fiio.com/newsinfo/562016.html).

[@fvjr56789]

How does this compare to the matrix mini 3 dac/amp?

[@matthiasbroek8055]

Second this. Or compared to the monolith liquid gold plus.

[@thankyou991]

Hello DMS! Can you give me an advice ? Can I buy something around 150$ with compared "sound quality" ? For HarmonicDyne Zeus.

[@chrisbianchi8876]

Try the k5pro. I have one and love it with my hd600 and HD 560s

[@hastaaquimasno6159]

hello it would be very nice to get an answer from you. i own an audeze lcd x 2021 which amplifier with dac and without dac would you recommend to me it would also be interesting to use walcher battery operated amplifiers for the lcd x Thanks and all the best

[@marcinmarcin4811]

Hi! will it be good choice for Focal Clear? :)

[@pinomasterflash105zo]

What about rosetechnics rt5000? Is it better?

[@ExiledVessel]

I actually ordered these the other day and they should arrive on monday! I have used the Fiio k5 pro for a while but wanted a multi use upgrade as I listen to vinyl as well. Personally all in one units are best as I don't have a designated listening room with proper acoustics I just live in a two bedroom apartment and have one bedroom set up for my computers/vinyl/storage. I am happy to hear that you find them more neutral, I can't wait to play around with it.

[@chrisbianchi8876]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the difference between this and the k5pro. I have the k5pro and love it and I don't need Bluetooth are all the other connections on the k9 so I feel like I wouldn't be getting the most bang for my buck. I'd love to hear if it's that much better than the K5

[@ExiledVessel]

@@chrisbianchi8876 I listen to a lot of heavy metal, metalcore so my experience thus far is based on genre preference. Guitar tones are more clear and you definitely get a lot more clarity in mixes when it comes to separation from fast shredding and solos. Low end its a lot better and cleaner sound than the fiio k5 pro imo but it stands out in a few spots of certain tracks. I think if I had a pair of headphones that did bass very very well it would be more noticeable. Treble response are about the same with eqing the k5 pro but without eq the k9 is 10x better at handling treble from my experience. If you like brighter treble this could a con. Mids is where it stands out over the k5 pro pretty much anywhere vocals/ drums/ guitar tones would overlap it just handles it way better than k5 pro between detail, speed, separation. Personally it's exactly what I was hoping for, more neutral and so far I have not touch EQ settings. Now if only I could hook this up to my car's stereo system everytime I drive to and from work.

[@chrisbianchi8876]

@@ExiledVessel thanks for that, sounds like it's a really noticeable upgrade. My 560s can get a little bright so it sounds like it would be perfect with that.

[@iScorpio1971]

I'm looking for a Amp/DAC and have been interested in the Topping DX7 Pro. Would like to know how does it compare, if you have tried it. Thanks.

[@RainbowSun0529]

For me the sound of dx7pro is more analytical compared to k9pro. K9 kind of lean towards warm and more musical sound.

[@iScorpio1971]

@@RainbowSun0529 thanks. That's a plus for the Fiio in my book.

[@ericius59]

I've been sitting here since three days trying to hear the differences from the DX3 Pro. It is not possible for me. using the Focal Radiance.

[@poweredbyrice967]

Great review. Just like your other video, I recently purchased the Focal Radiance, and was looking at a new Dac/Amp combo. How do you like this unit with the Radiance?

[@HD-nv9ru]

Hey DMS what’s the best iem for gaming? Imaging, Soundstage and trebles. I don’t care about bass. Thanks

[@thebadburrito1394]

I'm not DMS, but probably something [in order of cost/tier] like the Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk, Dunu SA6/Thieaudio Oracle, Sennheiser IE600, Thieaudio Monarch 2.

[@masterxyr]

stellar as usual and I love the new thermoviews!! why the fiio when the shanling em5 is same price with more power and is also a player?

[@dungysphincter7974]

Great job as always! Wish you reviewed more stuff more often! But, I understand. I have about 6 favorite reviewers, and your one of them. I am certain you know the other 5 reviewers better than I. Your most likely friends with them all! But, anyways....TY!

[@NSoJa]

Any chance we might a comparison video - Fiio K9 VS K9 Pro?

[@giorgivashakidze4805]

maybe that's a stupid question. can I let Amplifier (Brooklyn Bridge) play for 20 hours? (This is about headphones burn in)

[@ivanvelez7668]

Hi there, I just got the circuit rhythm the other day. I like it a lot so far but when i use with just the headphones the volume is pretty even if the volume knob is all the way up. Ibought this so i can make beats on the go but in need of some sort of portable headphone amp to go with it. would you know of a portable headphone amp that i should check out?

[@adaboy4z]

Fii0 no EQ for usb this device and no EQ for Bluetooth on the BTR5 WTH...

[@muhammadhadi6391]

Hi bro! How does it sound specifically combo of this fiio k9 pro and hd800s? Thank you in advance!

[@wwessex]

Could you do a comparison of the K9 and k9 pro please ?

[@zoninable]

How about the Fiio k5 pro is it even something worth looking at? for some basic 990dt 250ohm headphones.

[@O.Mohylevskyi]

Great dac/amp for under 200$, but check Topping DX3 Pro Plus for the similar price but widely more functionality.

[@MyouKyuubi]

@@O.Mohylevskyi More functionality usually means less power.

[@O.Mohylevskyi]

@@MyouKyuubi no, fiio k5 pro 1500mW/32 ohm and topping 32ohm load: 1800mW x2 | 300ohm load: 250mW x2. And reviews says that there is no 1500mW actually for Fiio. But I owned the old akm4493 version and it was more then enough for the Bayerdynamic 250 ohm headphones for sure.

[@MyouKyuubi]

@@O.Mohylevskyi dope

[@NalinKhurb]

@@O.Mohylevskyi yeah I’m thinking to go for topping. Only concern is how it plays with IEMs with 20-30ohms impedance. Haven’t found much info about it

[@jamescook6890]

Wonder how this compares to the mighty Xduoo XA-10? That little Amp/dac can power my Argons at 11oclock on high gain no problem

[@Seconds84]

You’re saying this is better then the Matrix Mini i 3 Pro?

[@matthiasbroek8055]

Wondering the same.

[@leonl2259]

Can you do a video and compare FiiO K9 Pro and IFI Pro iDSD?

[@NightmareFactory830]

Question, could you use this as a speaker out on an audio interface but still be able to just swap to it and use it as the sound card? If so this is going to be bought immediately

[@SolSeal]

The problem with this type of devices is the limit number of inputs and outputs for surround. It’s difficult to have a aio setup. There’s no hdmi input if you want to use it with consoles. I wonder how much we lose if we use just a home theater with a usb dac integrated?

[@O.Mohylevskyi]

You can use spdif from your console or TV, some dac/amps have hdmi-in (topping dx7 pro), most of them are for stereo only (and a very fey have subwoofer out). You need to have AV-receiver for surround sound and such type of dac/amps for music only.

[@SolSeal]

@@O.Mohylevskyi is the av receiver that bad for music? It’s a hassle to have replug the headphones. Ruins the all in one setup. :)

[@O.Mohylevskyi]

@@SolSeal it depends on it's "price"/class. it's a pity but most of them uses cheap DACs and low quality headphone amps compared to any >400$ aio dac/amps.

[@vincesanity27]

what power cord is that? kindly link pls

[@aloak]

Does this have enough power to drive the AB1266 TC?

[@BigPoppa74]

Have you noticed when running it on dac or pre amp that the gain switch low, medium and high only work on low and medium. When in head phone mode then all three gains work.

[@chrisk3127]

try updating drivers/firmware

[@BigPoppa74]

@@chrisk3127Did that already

[@joolibreakingmore]

Great review! I was wondering if you've had an opportunity to try the new Fiio m17? If so how does it compare to a k9 soundwise? Cheers!

[@Nordraw]

Did you have any issue loading driver for Windows 11 if you are using Windows 11 that is .

[@christiantan5341]

review the k7 (even tho it might make me sad because i have one)

[@CainAbaddon]

I just bought this Fiio today. Then came home to see this video. It was thanks to your original quick head’s up on another video that caught my attention, so I went to audition one and… wow! Totally blew me away with how good it is. So thank you so much for the recommendation and now for this glowing review.

[@foldinghomealone]

@dms: is your model with ESS or AKM chipset?

[@DMS3TV]

AKM. They’re the same thing though honestly. Had both.

[@foldinghomealone]

@@DMS3TV Thanks for your answer. Sweet. Some prefer the AKM over the ESS. Do you know if it has low latency? In case I would also use it for my gaming PC

[@Zeddicus65]

K9 or ZEN Signature Set?

[@inigopatch420]

hi can u raccomend to me a dac for my speakers (more or less 400€) and i want to ask if a dac for headphones is different to a dac for speakers my monitros are elac debut b5.2 and my amp is a denon pma800NE

[@RC-qc2nz]

OK and what's better than the k5 pro? If you don't need balanced inputs

[@O.Mohylevskyi]

Topping DX3 Pro Plus (+bluetooth, remote control, more power 1800mW/32 ohm)

[@chris08091]

your videos never fail to amaze me, makes me feel like I'm watching a movie

[@SonicWarfareSF]

Are you still going to do a JDS Element III review?

[@dtdcampbell]

Any thoughts on using the Fii0 K9 for gaming?

[@ClintAvila]

I'm torn as to grab this "limited" version or wait for the review on the ESS dual chip version. It's going to cost $100 more than AKM version from what I read. 🤔

[@skengasaurus]

So i had an onkyo dp-x1a years ago (same thing as the pioneer xdp-300r). I actually believed for the first year of having it that balanced did indeed matter because it sounded so drastically different than the single-ended output on that player. Like worlds better. Then I found out that the balanced output used a dual dac, and single-ended didn't. Why the hell they did this, I do not know. Those were sabres btw. Anyway, I've heard a pretty similar difference in single vs dual configurations of different AK449x chips on friends' gear. I do generally lean towards AKM, and my current player uses dual AK4497's, but the perceivable difference of AKM vs newer ESS chips is so small for me that I consider it negligible (and something I'd probably adjust to within minutes even if I did notice a difference). My advice, absolutely wait for the dual-chip version.

[@ClintAvila]

@@skengasaurus thank you. I really appreciate the information. My mind wants to be impulsive but my gut says be patient. As far as the extra hundred bucks that is tiny if there is an improvement via dual chip vs single. This AKM version was designed to be dual originally. I currently use an Xduoo TA30. It's sounds awesome and is actually more powerful than the K9 pro. But I've always wanted a solid state for my collection. Based on DMS saying this is his new reference tells me that I should absolutely give it a spin. 😁

[@skengasaurus]

​@@ClintAvila No problem! And not to go walking back what I said or rant, but i'd feel a bit disingenuous if I didn't say that most engineers will tell you that the output stage is what matters. I mean tbh, I'd be inclined to believe that the only reason we think ESS chips sound "harsher" is because enough of us said they do and there's two sibilant characters in ESS, whereas AKM just has one fricative in the middle...and I'm dead serious too lol. Anyway, in my case, the onkyo/pioneer DAPs could've just done some really odd shit and had different circuit topologies in their balanced and single-ended stages, regardless of the single/dual chip aspect. In the case of the other gear i referenced, it could be that the gear with dual-chip DACs were designed by ppl who also put a lot of care into the output stage(s), and this is a correlation over causation instance. I still am keeping my bias with dual-chip DAC's here lol, just am playing devil's advocate with myself

[@BixxPlays]

how would this handle a balanced set of dt880?

[@fatdoi003]

wonder how will K9 pro compare with Shanling EM5

[@thomaszhang9182]

have you tried this dac amp with sensitive iems, like CA andromeda? i would like to know how the static/noise floor is

[@RainbowSun0529]

I have tied it with my Solaris 2020. At the single ended, there is some subtle hissing but it is easy to ignore once the music is playing. In the balance, however, the hissing was so loud that even music playback was unbearable for me. Hope that will help.