FiiO JadeAudio KA1

[@KobiGamez]

First DAC I ever got as work gave me an Amazon voucher. I'm pairing it with some DT770s at 80ohms. It is definitely a massive improvement. I know some people have said these aren't that powerful, but they are definitely more powerful than my default laptop output. So while they may pale in comparison to more expensive DACs in output, they're definitely more powerful than most pre built DACs. When people say this DAC is 'weak', you have to remember they are probably comparing it to other external DACs. I think the key point is, is it more powerful than your phone or laptop DAC? The answer is usually yes. First thing I noticed was the clarity and soundstage, seems as if I have increased width and a smoother sound. It's not a massive difference, but it certainly has freshened up the headphones. I'd definitely recommend especially if you like me have never used an external DAC and or Amp and just want to try it out

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's a massive improvement over stock phone or laptop sound cards. It has more than enough power for almost any IEM you can throw at it.

[@aatishr9908]

Is it par with lg v30, v40 ? If we connect these to some other android phone and use some mid basic iem?

[@jonathansmith4737]

LOL first time viewer and I was getting alot of "DrankPods" vibes from this video.

[@jsnjsshshsu8248]

Yeah true

[@Giga1023]

yeah he sounds just like dankpods XD

[@antonchigurh4125]

Picked up one of these in the sale. Just awaiting delivery. Now looking for a pair of IEMs but paralysis by analysis! Too many to choose from!

[@teimo.]

what did you end up with?

[@antonchigurh4125]

@@teimo. Duno Titan S. Not too impressed. Not enough bass for me. I think I will upgrade to the Kato at some point in the future.

[@teimo.]

@@antonchigurh4125 I've recently ordered blon bl07, just want to dip my feet in so wasn't looking to spend a whole lot. does the ka1 make a huge difference against the dac that is in your phone?

[@antonchigurh4125]

@@teimo. I haven't directly compared with my phone but a noticeable difference with my laptop when using the KA1 dac than compared to without.

[@teimo.]

@@antonchigurh4125 alright, thanks a lot

[@pmartel11]

I just ordered one through Amazon and will be here tomorrow. I have a Motoola G6 play phone which is amazing sounding with my MEE M6 earbuds so will post my findings. Only thing is I had to by a USB C- micro USB adapter for my phone

[@uNNoia]

I will get this KA1 for computer use only. For music, movies, series and games. I hope to be satisfied along with the FiiO JH3.

[@uNNoia]

@@philipcooper8297 I have never heard about it and I am really surprised. I always just used the connected DAC and never worried about it actually working, the colors even changed blue or yellow depending on the KHz. My FiiO KA1 died last week, it doesn't play music anymore and doesn't light up the LED. Sometimes even lights the LED, but not played anything. I ordered a Shanling UA1 plus and will use with my DUNU Titan S exclusively on PC, I will take a deeper look at what app you said. Thank you.

[@jaw3410]

just got one of these. Only thing I have to compare it too are a couple of the small bluetooth amps (Ear Studio and Bluesound) as well as the Monolith usb dac. In my opinion it beats all three with sound. The 2 bluetooth amps are not great....because, well....bluetooth. The Monolith is a direct connection, but it's got a very metallic, tinny sound that I don't like. The KA1 has a really smooth sound...only drawback is the lack of outright power. It's enough, but you definitely will be playing it at or near max volume. With my in-ears it's a really really nice, warm, smooth sound. Same with my B&O H6 headphones. I tried it with my Hifiman Sundaras, but you can forget about that....just not enough power...and sounds really thin.

[@jaw3410]

does the Fiio app work with the KA1?

[@PrinceFluffy]

Just orderd one to replace my MQA Zorloo Ztella which has issues on the headphone connector 🤦‍♂️

[@Evokenau]

Got one of these during the Ali express sale. Was disappointed at first as all I tried it on was a pair of Sundara, which sounded pretty bad. Got the Focal Clears about 2 weeks ago and got it out again, and it does a great job driving them. Sounds far better than the price. Connecting via Galaxy S21 and Quobuz.

[@josephm2021]

Equalizer have no effects on 24Bit 96KHz FLAC files in this dongle. Since EQ adjustment for high sampling rate songs would sometimes cause system delay, so Fiio have set the Equalizer to be invalid for songs that with higher sampling rate than 48 kHz.

[@greatmind3823]

I have a pioneer head unit dmh 160bt with aftermarket amplifiers and speakers. I have equalizers , but no dsp . Will this connect to head unit and make a difference in signal?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

No.

[@PeanutBradford-pp7yw]

I just got mine today need to set it up

[@Demonic_Reacts]

Getting mine on Friday, Pairing it with my philips fidelio x2hr 😄

[@洪益萬]

can u review the jcally jm10？ i am search for its opinion

[@realgrilledsushi]

Thank you for the review.

[@riichobamin7612]

I have a One Odio Pro 5 and I want to use that with my phone (One Plus 9 Pro). So between this Fiio KA1 and Xduoo Link V2, which one will you recommend me ?

[@deanstechcorner2556]

I was thinking of getting dt770 80 ohms, do you think that this will power them better than the apple dongle? (Using hi res lossless on apple music)

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, I think it will.

[@fraserlock-macardy9633]

Thanks for making this video, It's helped a lot with my decision. I've gone for the KA1 which is about £41 quid in the UK. Like you i prefer smaller tech in my pocket. Wishing you well. Fraser.

[@luism8612]

Bucks vs quid

[@fraserlock-macardy9633]

@@luism8612 I’ve got more names for currencies than I’ve got currency myself. 🏦

[@HailMaryFullOfGrace25698]

how big of a difference would u say this makes compared to a laptop built in dac for tidal MQA

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Massive difference compared to a laptop soundcard.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Just ordered it!

[@nsivaraj777]

Nice review and a quick one too👍. Could u answer one question? Which one of these would u pick based on just the pure audio output alone through usb c connection Btr 5 2021, Qudelix 5k and Fiio ka3? And one reason y "except it is my audio preference"😉

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

That's a hard question because I haven't heard BTR5 or Qudelix! However, I do have the BTR3 so to answer your question, I would choose BTR5 because I like FiiO's house sound and Bluetooth amps are awesome.

[@nsivaraj777]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Atleast u replied for my comment. Thanks

[@naofumi2558]

It seems good, but I am quite skeptical about the design, especially the longevity of that dangling cable.

[@eddieyakin5528]

How do you think this would do compared to the lightning to 3.5 dongle that apple makes? I hear the small dac in that is good quality. My headphones are 150 Ohm, do you think they could benefit from this? Or should I just try to save a bit more money to get something like a BTR5? It seems to me the biggest advantage would be the MQA support since I use tidal. Thanks in advance

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's definitely worth it for the MQA support if you use Tidal. I think the extra power of the KA1 would benefit your 150 Ohm headphones - the difference in output power is quite significant. However, if you're happy with the sound you're getting now, I doubt another dongle would make that much difference.

[@Dkdid9183]

Did you ever order these KA1? Just got my Sennheiser HD660s and I’m currently using the USB C to 3.5 from apple. I’m not all that impressed from the audio quality, just ordered these to try out the high res audio.

[@aadi2134]

is it better than hiby fc3??

[@ender4903]

Can it be used to connect to an amplifier with an 3.5mm to RCA cable?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes

[@swanyeehtetmyet6592]

i got fiio fh3 and which one to choose ka seires. im will be using with iphone and pc thanks im newbie

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Just get the KA1 unless you're planning to buy a balanced cable later.

[@seppmeister2394]

Was thinking of getting the DT 770 Pro (250 Ohm). Will this DAC be enough?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's enough for my DT990 Pro but it depends how loud you go and the quality of the recordings.

[@nickwestedt2344]

So if i get this device and have tidal with mqa addon, can I use any for example a sony rbt10 and still hear mqa through it?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Looks like MQA is dead mate. A Google search will tell you more.

[@datdudeinred]

Would love your take on rode nth100. People are getting crazy after hearing it. its pretty neutral so you might love them too.

[@bestbyte1]

nice review.. does the necessary lightning iphone cable come included with this? you mentioned that the cable was permanently connected so how do you connect to an iphone?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You have to buy the lightning version which costs about $10 more than the USB-C one.

[@bestbyte1]

@@PrimeAudioReviews hey man thanks for the very speedy reply

[@bestbyte1]

@@PrimeAudioReviews i just got a ridiculously good deal on 64audio u18s... will this do them justice? I like it’s size for daily use

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@bestbyte1 yes it will sound great. But if you got a balanced cable I would recommend you get something else.

[@bestbyte1]

@@PrimeAudioReviews any recommendations?

[@ephraimlandicho8926]

Would it work well with technics eah a800? It is wireless headphone but it has the 3.5 cord. Thanks

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

If it has 3.5mm jack then yes.

[@jejakmaknawi]

Hi, Can you receive phone calls with this DAC if we plugged this into a phone? Do we use splitter or TRRS jack? If it can be plug in with microphone for phone call, will it improve the speech? Thank you so much.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You can use it to hear calls but still need to use the phones built in microphone to talk

[@Nateywan]

Hi new sub here, I have a question, Do you think this Amp could drive the Sennheiser HD6XX? Or what other budget option would you recommend? Thank you

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

TempoTec Sonata HD V is a better option IMO.

[@juliangst]

Does the KA1 have 2V with no load? I want to use it as a DAC for my Topping NX7 but my BTR5 doesn't have the standart 2V out of the single ended

[@afico6172]

You have to trick the impedance using an adapter .. like old LG v30

[@aartwallow]

Thanks, nice video

[@arondyte318]

Does this have the same power draw issue on the iPhone as the Fiio KA3? As the KA3 tends to have issues when paired with the iPhone as it draws too much power than what the iPhone allows at higher volumes

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I think they fixed the power draw issue with the latest firmware? Anyway, I haven't noticed any negatives using KA1 with iPhone.

[@carlad2640]

Uses half the power consumption, puts out half the power.

[@chaitanyagupta1335]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Im using CCA12. Would they pair well with KA1?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@chaitanyagupta1335 Yes, it would be perfect with KA1.

[@ufukgulecoglu2254]

Does it make significantly better an 32 ohm IEM ( oriolus finschni) with iphone?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Compared to Apple dongle you mean?

[@ufukgulecoglu2254]

@@PrimeAudioReviews yes

[@WillieVercetti]

Would it work well with the phillips sp9500?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

The phillips sp9500 is not hard to drive so it should work good with this.

[@WillieVercetti]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Thank you so much for answering

[@linkinaball]

I recently bought Fiio FD5 headphones which are really great. I use them on my iPod classic. But i want to use the with my iPhone, since i have Apple Music which comes with hi-res files. I actually am thinking about a iBasso player. But those are quite expensive. Is the KA2 a good middle ground for what i want?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, absolutely. If you don't want to spend for a separate DAP the KA2 should do the job just fine.

[@linkinaball]

@@PrimeAudioReviews The question then becomes this. KA2 or KA3? :D Also, thanks for the quick reply.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@linkinaball I haven't heard the KA2 yet but it has dual CS43131 dacs which I really like (found in Link2 Bal and TC44C).

[@D22_T]

If I’m only listening to Apple Music should I get an audio interface or dac ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Get a Dac. Audio interface is for recording/streaming microphones or guitars

[@D22_T]

@@PrimeAudioReviews ok, thanks for replying 🙏

[@doodlebug4947]

I am getting the Moondrop Kato, and was considering getting this to power them. Would this be a major improvement over just my Galaxy Smartphone?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It will be an improvement but I wouldn't call it major, since the KATO is pretty easy to drive. It will have a cleaner sound and better soundstage.

[@doodlebug4947]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks for the reply 😁

[@romansams0701]

would these work with grado sr60x?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Probably not. You need to aim a bit higher for headphones.

[@siddhuy315]

Is it okay to pair with tin hifi t3 plus sir? I'm new to this audio stuff.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it is ideal for the t3 plus

[@WillieVercetti]

Does it work well with the app Quboz?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it sure does.

[@pmartel11]

Okay, so I have it. I have it running off my Mac mini M1 to a set of Personus Eris 4.5 powered speakers and it is SMOOTH and detailed . I'd really like this to work with my Moto G6 Play phone, so if some kind soul has any ideas as to how to do this hugelyappreciated, I DO have an OTG cable for the phone

[@philipcooper8297]

You're going to need the smartphone app, plug the device in, go into the settings and chose USB Audio 1.0 (still more than alright for 96kHz/24bit). The KA1 is set to USB Audio 2.0 by default, which does require a driver to work (no problem on a Windows, MAC, Linux machine). After you switch your KA1 to USB Audio 1.0 it will play on any device, incl. for instance the PS5. Not very loud on higher impedance headphones, but it does work.

[@pmartel11]

@@philipcooper8297 I upgraded my phone to a Sumsung a53, solved everything, works like a charm and love it

[@Spike42069]

Is the fiio ka13 a better option?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes absolutely, if you can afford it.

[@ankitkabeer2500]

Bro how does it compare to tempo tech sonata HD pro? I’m getting sonata HD pro 10usd less than Fiio ka1. But my priority is which one is better. I have tin t2 plus. I have galaxy s22 and iPad Pro type c. Will be using with Apple Music and local flac files.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I think the sonata HD pro. Both devices sound great but sonata has the volume controls and detachable cable.

[@ankitkabeer2500]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks. Is Sonata hd Pro significantly better? And how is the build quality. It looks like ka1 has better build from the looks of it. I don't have either right now

[@Josephine-r7b]

I just bought this from amazon for 50 dollars, I hope this works with my android 😮 I plan to use this with the CVJ Night Elf, KZ ZSN Pro 2 & chu 2 Update: I had trouble getting the LED Indicator to change

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Check your audio player software and quality of your music files/streaming app.

[@Josephine-r7b]

​@@PrimeAudioReviews main issue is that I used tidal & deezers payed subscription settings-still didn't work despite some of the songs saying max or hogh fidelity

[@guntherfurlong]

Is this DAC only useful (great audio quality) with a quality headphones with high quality audio from TIDAL? Or can it do justice to a Sony WH 1000 XM3 and highest quality audio files on Spotify?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You mean using xm3 wired right? I haven't tried it but I have respect for Sony headphones. It should be a noticeable upgrade compared to straight out your phone or computer. Spotify premium files are pretty good and sound better with a good dac.

[@guntherfurlong]

@Prime Audio Reviews Apologies. Should have clarified my question. Yes, using the xm3 wired. I should have also asked whether this DAC is suitable for a phone via the type c..

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes. In fact, dongle DACs work better in most cases with Android phones.

[@guntherfurlong]

@@PrimeAudioReviews TQ for your answers. 🙏🙏🙏

[@chaitanyagupta1335]

@@PrimeAudioReviews should I stick with apple dongle or is it worth the upgrade considering it costs more than that

[@mdshadabakhtar9891]

can it be able to drive moondrop aria SE?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, absolutely.

[@Salfordshire]

Did you pair this with the Moondrop Aria SE in the end? I’ve just bought the regular Aria and I’m wondering if they’ll go well together. Thanks in advance.

[@hugoalbuquerque6678]

Do you think this is enough for a 7hz timeless?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it can easily drive Timeless.

[@s18018]

Could this power a 250 ohm headphone ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, unless it has very low sensitivity.

[@NH3LifeIsTooShort]

Hello, i want to buy a dac. Im considering fiio ka1 or ka3. Wich one will be better for android phone? For me important are sound quality and power consumption. Maybe you can advice other dacs? Thanks in advance for answers.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I'd recommend the KA1. It will be perfect for your Android phone and has low power consumption.

[@b3taw0lfvfx46]

is it worth it , if i only listen to spotify on my iPhone and PC?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, definitely.

[@Thoughtflux]

Would love to see you review and compare it to the xduo link2bal.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Link2 Bal is smoother and more resolving. The extra power output is useful for more demanding headphones and those playback controlsssss :D

[@riichobamin7612]

@@PrimeAudioReviews I have One Odio Pro 50 and One Plus 9 Pro. Will you recommend me these or Xduoo Link V2 ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@riichobamin7612 xDuoo Link V2

[@gerardoguerrero2715]

Can it drive dt 770 pro 80ohms?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it can easily drive 80ohms.

[@UrielGCoria]

Hi, someone to tell me if it works on the Nintendo Switch?

[@VisionEdits.]

I don’t think it would work

[@johnclaassen9861]

Did you try it with the Switch? I'm also looking at getting one but the only one that is confirmed working is creative labs dac that is big and chuncky😢

[@ChicagoRob2]

I’ve read that this DAC starts every song with a 2-second fade-in. Is this true? If so, that is a total no-go for me.

[@kylewendlpaat7269]

Fiio KA1 or Hidizs S3 Pro?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

The KA1 is better value IMO.

[@bismaddharan6996]

Nice review, but I was wondering how would it fare for playing music in a car, my car has a nice harman system but I have had very little luck with usb c to 3.5mm adapters. None of them can match my older s10 plus with built in jack.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Hard to say without having a car with a Harman system.

[@neko911]

Its work on note 20 ultra?!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It should definitely work on the Note 20 Ultra.

[@latinochico]

Can I use the ka1 with my android phone output and my car stereo with the 3.5mm input would it work and make a difference ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yeah it should work but really you should get Shanling UP4

[@raymondtan892]

Does it improve the sound in a Windows 10 PC?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it's better than the onboard sound.

[@kristiandawe85]

Will it work with Sennheiser 280 pro they are 64ohms

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It might but I'd want something with a bit more output power like the KA2.

[@kristiandawe85]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks for the quick reply I was just about to order the ka1 from Amazon, but I'll get the ka2 instead

[@kristiandawe85]

The ka2 have a 4.4mm output for balanced, but the Sennheiser 280 pro have a single ended 3.5 trs connector, I'm probably confused but how will this work

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@kristiandawe1985 you're right sorry I forgot about that. Check out the Moondrop Dawn Pro it sounds awesome.

[@kristiandawe85]

Alright I'll definitely check that out

[@Big-g4x]

WOW👍👍👍

[@santoshkhamitkar2714]

My Redmi note 7 Pro...not recognise FiiO DAC...be careful....

[@chinmaydesai3082]

Thanks for the review! Does the source device (Pixel 4a) need to be "compatible" with this DAC (KA1)? I've read that the phone's output is quite low, so will that be a problem?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It shouldn't make a difference. The KA1 will work fine with your P4.

[@beehype46and2]

Comment for da algorithm Streak count: 133

[@testtros115]

Can't decode 360° audio in tidal.

[@moviemanstuff]

Will it power my DT 880 ( 250 ohm) ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You would need to max it out most likely. I'd suggest something with a bit more power like KA3 or Truthear SHIO etc.