FiiO K9 AKM DAC and amplifier review - value to the sky

The new version of the FiiO K9 DAC not only utilizes the popular AK4499EX but also adds all the features of the pro model at a surprisingly low price.
Official site: fiio.com/k9akm
0:00 - Introduction
2:22 - Unboxing and accessories
4:22 - Design and controls
7:59 - Companion app
9:58 - Sound
18:16 - Pairings and comparisons
Tracks mentioned in the review
Amber Rubarth - Strive
Juno Reactor - Shine
Amaseffer - Midian
Danny Elfman - Blue Strings
Anathema - Everwake
Scorpions - Yellow Butterfly

[@cosmoshfa88savant66]

good seeing you in front of the camera Bud...

[@PortaFi]

Thanks, friend!

[@ColinActon-yl6nw]

Hi, could you do an updated video on your IMR Acoustic collection? I love their IEM's and it would be good to get an updated video covering your thoughts on all of them you now have. Thanks.

[@PortaFi]

Hello, my collection didn't change since my last videos about IMR. Due to war in my country, my money-spending priorities did change, and I can't buy new releases by Bob.

[@mrigankadeyMD]

greetings, just watched your headphone reviews of fiio jt1 and meze 99 neo. I would really like to know your opinion on sound differences between the two ? does the meze sound better or worth it at higher price ? I know its not in the same price segment, but those are the only 2 headphones available in stock in my region for good closed back option. hoping to hear from you 🙏

[@PortaFi]

Hello. Meze 99 got their cult status with a reason, they offer a really good sound, if you like bass accent with clean other frequencies. So, it's better than JT1 in general, if we don't take subjective tastes into account

[@mrigankadeyMD]

@@PortaFi thank you for the feedback finally i can make a decision 😌

[@Enigma1990ad]

Great video as always. I currently have the FiiO K7 which I use with my Sennheiser HD660S2. Do you think the FiiO K9 AKM is a worthwhile upgrade to use with the 660S2?

[@PortaFi]

Unfortunately, I didn't test HD660, so I can't say for sure. In general, K9 AKM is a noticeable upgrade over K7, but at the same time, it's not drastic

[@rinderkappajoe]

Hello and thanks for the review! Does the EQ work in USB mode or only in Bluetooth mode as it was the case with models before?

[@PortaFi]

It's only for Bluetooth, as it's handled by Qualcomm BT chip. Implement proper parametric EQ for USB/coaxial signal should be a pretty expensive task…

[@rinderkappajoe]

Thanks a lot for the reply! I am still dreaming for it to happen one day 😁 ✨

[@PortaFi]

@@rinderkappajoe based on what I've read, it will be in FiiO's new K19. Maybe they'll later reuse this technology in a more affordable segment too

[@rinderkappajoe]

Yes I've seen that one aswell. Fantastic but absolutely out of price range and pretty much overkill for my small home office setup and only IEMs :-D I had the same idea as you and hope that they will use the PEQ feature in more affordable releases anytime soon. But now that K9 AKM is out it will probably take another year or so 🥲

[@AbalMarius]

Thanks for review. I agree with all your notes. I have heard both 9 akm with pro ess and feel that basically the gap is small , more on different tuning coming from different dacs. Still for purely technical point 9 pro ess is better but don' t know if it is worth the price difference that is not small. For musical enjoyment and a more relaxed ( romantic) mood akm version is better. K19 should be more analytical than k9pro so this one akm is perhaps the best desktop amp dac for music listening from fiio. I liked it a lot also. Perhaps best sound for your buck from fiio not going to r9 or m17 or k19 teritories

[@PortaFi]

Well, I must admit that it's a really complex situation with top K devices, too many choices :) And don't forget about K7 Pro, which also kick butts in terms of value. I suspect that FiiO will either discontinue K9 Pro or update it, as currently, K9 Pro is cannibalised with both "regular" K9 models. This K9 AKM is a banger in terms value. As for R9, I should get mine tomorrow, so video will be out in near future :) I suspect it's done for those who want "absolutely" best, while R7 will be present for those who want the "bang for the buck", as it's a killer for $700. IMO $1500 is a bit too much for R9, but maybe I'll change my mind after tests :) As for K19, if everything will go smooth, I'll get it too, but I think it's a next step in terms of SQ from FiiO, so price increase is justified. But I can also change my mind after tests :)

[@sudipchatterjee]

It is indeed a fantastic product! But here in India, it has been on "coming soon" status for the last four months or so. ☹️ Thanks for the review!

[@PortaFi]

So sad! Looks like all new products are a bit limited in stock now

[@yourchildrensghost9736]

No headphone amp is worth 500 dollars, I don't care what anyone says.

[@PortaFi]

Thanks for sharing

[@yourchildrensghost9736]

@@PortaFi I Love you Pavlov, but audiophile shit can get ridiculous very fast.

[@PortaFi]

@@yourchildrensghost9736 sure, it can. That's why I always try to highlight typical audiophiliac "legends"

[@yourchildrensghost9736]

@@PortaFi I appreciate what you do Pavlov, and in 2 languages is Incredible. I understand you have to review multiple products in different price ranges.

[@PortaFi]

thank you for this conversation. just a small correction, I'm Pavlo (it's a Ukrainian name), as Pavlov - it's a surname, like that Pavlov that tortured dogs for the sake of science :)