FiiO K9 DAC and amplifier review - did they cut anything?

After a successful release of K9 Pro, FiiO decided to release a more affordable version. What did they change and did it impact sound quality?
Official site: www.fiio.com/k9
0:00 - Introduction
2:56 - Unboxing and accessories
4:18 - Design and controls
9:33 - Companion app
11:22 - Sound
21:40 - Pairings and comparisons
Tracks mentioned in the review
Casey Abrams - Cougartown
Bijelo dugme - Ovaj ples dami biraju
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane
Ephel Duath - Praha (Ancient Gold)
Hoff Ensamble - Justice
Miles Davis - Blue in Green
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@MyouKyuubi]

You're one of the quickest reviewers of audio equipment on youtube, very good stuff, keep it up! :)

[@PortaFi]

thank you! actually in this case I wasn't in a hurry, I've spent about 3 weeks with K9. it's just other reviewers having schedules busier with something :)

[@ruthlesslykind1]

Thank you for doing this review!!!

[@peterscrace3530]

Excellent review as usual Cleg 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/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.

[@PortaFi]

thank you for sharing, I agree with your sonic observations too! spot on

[@kryptotransit]

In terms of power, how much better is the k9 vs k7,

[@PortaFi]

@@kryptotransit www.fiio.com/k9_comparison

[@llysender]

Thank you for the review, seems like its still abit bassy after burn in. Only got to hear out of the box at my local store where it was quite dark tilled bass. Just curous how long is needed for the break in? Good to know that I can recomend this over the Fiio Q7 as this is cheaper.

[@PortaFi]

I'm on the side that says "semiconductors doesn't need burn-in" :) So if you didn't like K9 signature out of the box, it won't change. But if you'll spend some time with it, your perception can adjust to its sound :)

[@cimen9793]

which one giving bigger soundstage and better imaging K9 AKM(using AK4191EQ+ AK4499EX) or K9 PRO ESS(9038pro chip using) ? My headphone is hifiman edition xs.

[@PortaFi]

for me ESS, but difference isn't huge. and moreover, stage is a subjective thing, and it can be not true for you

[@williamcodywinter]

Please also review Hifiman ef600 DAC and amp

[@PortaFi]

I will try to get it for review, but local distributor isn't really active now

[@iceangel5432]

which ones sound stage bigger akm version pr ess version?

[@PortaFi]

For me ESS, but stage is subjective

[@kuncoroherlambang2658]

Cat it be pair with active speaker for outpu??

[@PortaFi]

sure, it has line out for that

[@frederf69]

pity no remote, but good review, thank you

[@paultierney6595]

why would you want a remote, be a waste of time

[@PortaFi]

well, to use it in a speakers setup, for example. it's pretty good as a DAC too or as a part of setup with some active speakers I can't say that absence of remote is a critical thing to me, but having it would've been great

[@thnksmmrs6307]

Is there any recommended way to shut down the FiiO K9 Pro DAC after use? Because the design of this station is to start up after power on At present, after turning down the volume, press and hold the shutdown button on the front of the machine, and then turn off the main power. But when you want to turn it on, turn on the plug and power it on Is there a recommended way to operate, thank you

[@PortaFi]

I don't think there is one "correct" way of doing that. I just use front button to put it to sleep, and don't use rear switch. But if you want to be more sure, then turn power off from the front button, and then toggle rear switch. And turning on should be in opposite order (but no other option will work here anyway) Turning volume down isn't a necessary step here. It can be a good idea when you use different headphones with a different sensitivity, but if you use just one pair, it won't make sense, as volume level will be set to normal, as you left it

[@VirusForPrez]

Hi ! i'm First

[@PortaFi]

Almost! Amo was few seconds earlier :)

[@frederf69]

@@PortaFi 🤣🤣

[@bobikzdoch8457]

Nxnxkf😊

[@amokinkla3777]

Slava Ukraini ❤

[@PortaFi]

Героям слава!