Your current DAC can't do what this one does! FiiO K19 review

[@marlowe1537]

FiiO just released a new firmware for the K19. The first listed item in the changelog: "Added the 'Knob Control' option of setting the cursor to move either forward or backward when turning the menu knob." So there ya go! A couple of other useful (to me anyway) items allow you more control over the RGB lighting and gives you the option of waking the screen by turning the volume knob. (My Q7 with essentially the same screen doesn't have this last option and it's slightly annoying--though I don't think I'm up to date on the firmware. Mea culpa.) I don't have the K19 yet. I'm retired in the US and hoping to get it in about a month when I receive my next Social Security payment, LOL.

[@PassionforSound]

That's fantastic news! Thanks for posting.

[@TheMatrixxProjekt]

It’s cool that we finally have another product on the market that has some of the features that the RME ADI-2 was able to bring to the table.

[@PassionforSound]

Very true

[@OzSteve]

FIIO are coming out with some cool gear, I just received the SR11 streamer. Not to bad for the price. They have K11 R2R that could be good too. Great review as always 👍

[@ACCOLINAE]

Upside down makes sense, when you wand to install form the top in a rack, so it's no bug but a feature for some of us. It's not a device killer. Screw wholes: Put a screw in it if you have a problem with it. Gain levels? How about DAC in a high-end System, could be a feature, not because of the system, but because of the different source material. I have a use for it to manage the extremely different sources' quality, from old to newest...let's wait. Fiio, is always good for a surprise. Let's hope, for good ones.

[@helldotsin]

My use case is for audio production. I make intense soundscapes with spatial audio. My RME burned out in 6 months and I've gone back to Creative Sound Blaster 32bit cards. I need a dedicated dac, not an audio interface, for the things I am up to. Interfaces I find have a lot of noise to record through, and recording into a DAW is a pain for me. I just need a great reference DAC for my headphones and monitors. The K19 may be overkill, but I am making soundscapes intended to be listened to on high-end gear. The quality rains down to 24 and 16bit.

[@StCreed]

All those options are nice to have I think. Yeah, it's easier for some people to get limited options. Personally I prefer to have options and I'm happy to test them all out.

[@MechFrankaTLieu]

actually the knob turning counter clockwise to go down the menu is pretty standard for menu driven coupled with control wheel kind of UI , picture a pointer arrow on that knob, so when you turn counterclockwise its pointing to the menu with the choice going down as it goes , its pretty standard for many such kind of control

[@PassionforSound]

I've not found any other devices that do this over 15+ years of reviewing gear. If you have an arrow on a wheel at say 3 o'clock and you turn it counter clockwise, the arrow will now point to 2 o'clock. That's up...

[@robertpatterson2194]

Don't think I have heard him so nit-picky. I have been buying Fiio gear for years, I also work with Japanese engineers, so sometimes things are not exactly "English". I think Fiio engineers are much closer to the customer at Fiio. This means that Fiio does not have a big bureaucracy that filters products.

[@PassionforSound]

I rarely find a device with such quirky design choices (or oversights) at this price or from a brand of this level. What's strange is that FiiO normally make amazingly good interface choices. I don't know what happened here.

[@stephendixon8575]

Well that’s interesting to hear as, if their engineers are open to listening to their customers it struck me that pretty much all of these quirks are things that could be resolved in a firmware update. Anyone know if they’ve released a newer firmware since this review was posted? This unit had caught my eye also. But after hearing the issues, call me nit-picking too but I think some of them might drive me nuts or at least diminish the user experience. Must say the older I get (and I’m still pretty tech savvy - so don’t mind getting stuck in where needed) the more joy I get out of using products that feel very intuitive and well thought through.

[@BluesMan90]

I purchased it because I was looking for a dac/amp with a neutral/clinical sound with many technicalities and instead comparing it with the topping nx4 and the mojo 2 I find it with an organic sound 😅

[@dragonsbreath8653]

The FiiO K19 is gorgeous. Pay attention to the ESS and Dynamic Adjustment filters, they have a noticeable effect on the sound, and I can hear it very well. I left a big and detailed comment above. You can find and read about the ESS and Dynamic Adjustment filters, as well as the useful GND / LIFT switch.

[@BluesMan90]

@@dragonsbreath8653 thanks!

[@dentboxhero1717]

There's no helping that every time I see the K19 I am reminded of an old tv cable box.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. That's so true!

[@pwhittak88]

I would like to hear your take on the Topping DX9 desktop all in one. The common mans TT2.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know that I'll get the chance to try that one. We'll see...

[@pwhittak88]

@@PassionforSound would be great. It's lacking quality coverage on KZbin from a trusted source like yourself.

[@davidmillar2594]

Great overview of a super interesting device. I will definitely get this if they release an R2R version like with the K11. I really wish it had an analog input though . . .

[@PassionforSound]

I agree that an analog input would be a great addition

[@henryt9731]

So the jack of all trades, the master of all trades. The only thing missing is streaming. Fiio should work on that

[@PassionforSound]

I think they already did. Check out the R9 (I haven't had a chance to review that one)

[@ALEX-WTF-ds4pe]

@@PassionforSound R9 крутой смартфон без функции звонка и отвратительным звуком

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Psramrtric eq is a requirement for the autoeq project. Really interesting results this shoukd tske it to the high quality audio level. For iem headphones autoeq is not an option but a necessity.

[@rayfriedman6107]

Have ZERO interest in amassing a pile of mid-fi/Chi-fi equipment to add more clutter than music/enjoyment to my life. The idea of purchasing a stand alone DAC, Amplifier and headphone amp for anything other than a PRIMARY listening set up (ie: the kind of setups you see at Hi-Fi shows), is the last thing I want to see on my desk, in my bedroom or reading nook. Very pleased with my desk setup (a Jotunheim headphone amp, with powered JBL monitors). I'd buy another one to place next my Eames lounge Chair and Ottoman in a HEARTBEAT if Shiit would produce one with built in Streamer (not holding my breath). So far, the only thing that comes close is this K19 and the Fiio R9. I'll wait another six months to see if something more interesting (or better priced) shows up. The concept of a reasonably priced Streaming Headphone amp (shouldn't be that difficult to conceive of or produce). Obviously waiting for HANDS ON reviews of WiiM's newest streamer. It has a headphone jack, the question is, how good will it sound?

[@user-cy9og3cy4q]

Cool! Thank you for a great review.😊

[@andymill8552]

The Fiio looks very similar to the Topping DX9 and about the same price too! I normally don't ask this, but is there any chance you will review/compare the DX9?

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately there's no talk of a DX9 coming my way at this stage. Sorry.

[@dragonsbreath8653]

Topping DX9 is inferior to FiiO K19 in terms of sound settings. FiiO K19 offers a wide range of settings for users, allowing you to adapt the sound to their preferences. The FiiO K19 is really more than just a sound booster. Topping DX9 can't offer that. The Topping DX9 also lacks the extremely important GND/LIFT switch that is required for high-end devices. I wrote a big comment about FiiO K19 above, you can read it.

[@ronenbuium7699]

Hi, I will be happy to know if the iBasso D16 TAIPAN DAC/AMP worth buying! (Compered to a much cheeper products). Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't heard it. Sorry.

[@parp2323]

Great review! Quality of life is so important

[@rickoneill4343]

Maybe the knob is backwards because in their country they read right to left?

[@cota5697]

Is it possible you received a left-handed version of K19?

[@PassionforSound]

Doesn't matter which hand you use. Still turns the "wrong" way 🙂

[@dtdcampbell]

Would be interesting to use the DSP for gaming.

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I listen to games through FiiO K19 + HiFiMan Arya Organic. In games, DSP works great, but it's best if you choose the right headphones, and you need to choose headphones with your own ears. I don't often use DSP PEQ in games, I change filters more often, and in games I choose the Slow filter, and for music I choose the Apodizing filter. I still don't understand why no one talks about filters and how they sound, but filters have a significant impact on the sound. If you haven't heard how games sound through FiiO K19, then you can watch the video through my nickname.

[@WalterMota-xd4yl]

Thanks very much for your review. Can you use it on regular speakers? How does the DAC in this unit compare in bass and overall to the Bifrost 2/64? Can the PEQ improve it to the point where it can match or surpass the B 2/64? Thank you!

[@PassionforSound]

You can run the DAC to a power amp, integrated amp or set of active speakers, but it won't directly power passive speakers. I still think the BF2 is a better overall DAC because it produces more soundstage depth and layering. That's an area that EQ can't help with.

[@WalterMota-xd4yl]

@@PassionforSound thank you for your reply. I'm especially concerned with impactful bass and hope the Bifrost 2/64 is competent in that regard.

[@PassionforSound]

@WalterMota-xd4yl I definitely feel that it is

[@ValterSuriZis]

Hi, is the Eversolo DAC z8 as good as the reviews say, and yours too? Is it worth the money? Thanks for the help

[@PassionforSound]

It's definitely a lovely DAC. I slightly prefer the sound of the Topping D70 Pro though.

[@onchuner]

i think clock and counter the way they did makes sense

[@ronenbuium7699]

Hi, It's very important to know if there's a difference and why between a DAC /Amp Combo and a DAP or DAC / Amp Stack and a DAP (Sound wise)? Thanks 🙏

[@PassionforSound]

A dedicated, mains powered DAC/amp like this will always beat an equivalent DAP because of the compromises needed to shrink the componentry down and make it both portable and able to run on a battery power supply

[@ronenbuium7699]

@@PassionforSound For example, about the iBasso D16 Taipan, I'm quoting a reviewer: "It is essentially a miniaturized desktop DAC, packed with high-quality components" "To me, it is on par with my long time fave Hugo 2, but offers a smaller footprint". So maybe in some cases, they do have equal sound quality (Assuming that he is a honnest reviewer). Thanks again

[@PassionforSound]

The Hugo 2 is an interesting one because it's still a fairly compact, battery powered portable device.

[@bb1televator]

Can the DSP on it do crossfeed?

[@PassionforSound]

No, but that would have been great

[@SweAussie]

Great video production and great audio as well, clearly stepped up your game. However, the nit-picking is way over the top. I had to pause the video since it was that annoying.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the production. Sorry you didn't like the content. If I don't mention those things then people complain that I am being too kind and only deliver positive reviews. The K19 is sonically wonderful, but the interface and design is clumsy and annoying in many ways. I can't overlook that.

[@dragonsbreath8653]

​@@PassionforSound I wrote to FiiO with a request to implement software management for Windows in order to be able to manage all the settings in FiiO K19. I have a FiiO K19 behind a 32" widescreen monitor, and it's not convenient for me to reach for it every time to change the filters, and I'm constantly changing the filters. Because filters significantly affect the sound. FiiO told me that while there is no mass demand for this, they will not do it in the near future. I would like to be able to change filters in the app and create my own profiles for games, movies, and music. For example, for games, I set the Apodizing filter for me, then in Dynamic Adjustment for DRCDRE THR -40 dB, DRCDRE Attack I set 20 ms, in DRCDRE Depth +5 dB and I hear a clear and accurate sound. For music, I choose the Slow filter, and in Dynamic Adjustment for DRCDRE THR -50 dB, DRCDRE Attack I set 51 ms, in DRCDRE Depth -3 dB and the sound becomes musical instead of clear and accurate, overtones are heard clearly and have a long attenuation. Also add Music FiiO. It will be great if everyone starts asking FiiO en masse to implement full control of FiiO K19 via Windows and via the phone.

[@kentbergstrom3020]

An interesting product, but a bit over engineered, but FIIO gets a big plus by me for implementing a PEQ option, it was about time.

[@JTB--]

I tried there K19. It was pretty good and had some punch and slam... but the optical connection kept cutting out with gaming/movie. Returned it

[@PassionforSound]

Interesting. That's definitely not good. Hopefully just a one off fault and not a broader issue

[@dragonsbreath8653]

This problem is not FiiO K19, so you don't need to mislead people. Please don't write this nonsense. This is a computer sound card issue. Not all motherboards with optical output can work correctly at 24/192000 Hz or other formats. I have a FiiO K9 Pro and a FiiO K19 and three computers that have optical output. On MSI, I could choose 24/96000 Hz as much as possible for optics, if higher, for example, 24/192000 Hz, then when checking the sound, I hear wheezing, and if I set 24/96000 or 24/44100, then the sound is clear. On a Gigabyte at 24/48000 Hz, it's already wheezing. Also, a lot depends on the optical cable. The optical cable will not provide you with clear sound and has a limitation. Why don't you use USB, which has a higher frequency range?

[@dragonsbreath8653]

If you hear sharpness, it is easily removed. I doubt that you had a FiiO K19, because the FiiO K19 has a lot of options in the sound settings. Also, you don't write which headphones you listened to FiiO K19 with, because FiiO K19 doesn't produce a sharp sound. FiiO K19 produces a balanced, even sound, and it does not color the sound of headphones, so the sound amplifier should work. This is how your headphones sound, and not because the FiiO K19 produces a sharp sound. Choose the right headphones for FiiO K19 and enjoy the sound. For example, HiFiMan Arya Organic combines perfectly with FiiO K19. FiiO K19 delivers smooth, crisp and clear sound, while HiFiMan Arya Organic has a lively, organic and emotional sound with incredibly high sound resolution and silky midrange. 1) ESS filters that significantly affect the sound The sound is noticeably affected by filters that you didn't mention, and I can hear very clearly how changing filters affects the sound. Description of FiiO K19 filters: Fast - The sound is detailed, with amplified high frequencies. Slow - The sound is soft, detailed and with enhanced low frequencies. Apodizing - The sound is balanced, natural and detailed. Mini - The sound is soft and less saturated. Mini Slow - The sound is soft, less saturated, but with enhanced low frequencies. Hybrid Fast - The sound is brighter, with increased detail, and the lower frequencies are slightly enhanced. Brick Wall - The sound is detailed, with amplified high frequencies. 2) Dynamic range also affects the sound, you can make the sound soft, create the effect of musical sound, or you can achieve accurate sound, for example, for shooters Dynamic Adjustment in DSP PEQ is something fantastic. Description of Dynamic Adjustment: DRCDRE THR - Sets the threshold value of the signal, when it is reached, dynamic control is activated DRCDRE Attack - Determines the speed of the system's response to exceeding the signal threshold DRCDRE Release - Determines the time it takes for the system to return to normal after the signal drops below the threshold DRCDRE Ratio - Adjusts the degree of dynamic change applied to the signal DRCDRE Depth - Determines the depth of dynamic change, i.e. how much the sound level will change If you set DRCDRE Depth from - 1dB to - 15dB and DRCDRE Attack from 80 to 99 ms, then the sounds sound soft, slow and less detailed, the sound is impressive, and the afterglow is heard longer. If I set DRCDRE Attack to 20 ms and DRCDRE Depth from + 1 to +15 dB, then the sound is clear, dynamic, very detailed, I can hardly hear the afterglow, it quickly disappears. All this works if the signal exceeds the specified threshold in DRCDRE THR. For example, take a microphone and if the microphone hears speech, the LED lights up. Now add a filter to the microphone from 40 to 80 dB. Calm speech is 30-35 dB. We set a threshold of 40 dB and say, the LED does not light up, but slightly raising the voice, the LED lights up and quickly goes out. We need the LED to turn off more slowly and smoothly, and not instantly, and also not to shine brightly, then in DRCDRE Attack we increase the time, and in DRCDRE Depth we reduce the depth(brightness for light). Again we speak in a higher voice, the volume is higher than the threshold and the LED lights up, but it goes out slowly and does not glow so brightly. 3) DSP equalizer. Customize the sound to your heart's content. What other sharpness do you write about? You can easily remove this sharpness in the equalizer.

[@JTB--]

@@dragonsbreath8653 I have the optical hooked up to a top model gaming ready LG OLED"TV" for Gaming and Movies not a computer using Optical. Worked fine using USB to the iMac. The Optical works perfectly fine with the Topping DX9 and the Geshelli J3 Pro DAC. It had a stuttering and cutting out occasionally thing happening with the K19 using optical. There's probably a setting that can fix it because I had a similar problem a few years ago with an SMSL DAC and there was as a setting that fixed the drop outs type stuff. K19 was a solid All in One, but I can't be bothered with a product that's not working right out of the box like with the optical connection when Gaming and watching movies when I have other gear that works flawlessly with optical

[@JTB--]

@@dragonsbreath8653 Who said anything about sharpness? I was going to keep the K19 if the Optical connection wasn't having problems. I have a Schiit Lokius for EQ/Tone Control

[@NeilLavitt]

With the stickers, can’t you just leave the stand screws in place?

[@PassionforSound]

The stick out. ☹️ The screws are a countersunk design to suit the stand design, but the casing has no inset for the counter sinking to sit inside.

[@NeilLavitt]

@@PassionforSound, oh dear! 😩

[@PassionforSound]

@NeilLavitt yeah. It's not a big deal, but could have been handled better

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I removed the stickers carefully and stuck these stickers inside the FiiO K19 box and screwed the legs on. No need to put holes in the stickers. I keep the FiiO K19 box itself, so that in the future I can sell the FiiO K19 as I received it. When I sold my FiiO K9 Pro ESS, I sold it exactly as I received it. All the boxes were saved, and the buyer was pleased, as he received the goods from me in such a form as if he had bought them in a store.

[@NeilLavitt]

@@dragonsbreath8653 sound like a good solution and approach.

[@sTuP1]

Sounds like they need a remote control with buttons

[@alimatook8962]

Hi .. i need your help , do you think that there is a portable dac/amp which can supply power exactly like a desk dac/amp for my beyerdynamic dt1990 pro(250ohm) ??

[@PassionforSound]

Portables are always a compromise due to the need to reduce the size of the circuits and their power requirements. Power itself can be sufficient for the DT1990 - they're not hard to drive, but you need to spend more on a portable to match the quality of a lower priced desktop.

[@alimatook8962]

@@PassionforSound can you advice me of the best portable amp which supply the maximum performance for the beyerdynamic dt1990 please .. i need your help with that

[@PassionforSound]

What's your budget and are you needing a DAC and amp? (I.e. what's your music source before the amp?)

[@alimatook8962]

@@PassionforSound i use tidal and qobuz and i have beyerdynamic dt1990 250ohm .. i have audio jd r2r (desk amp) but i need a portable dac/amp which can run my headset the same level as my audio jd .

[@PassionforSound]

I'd suggest checking out the EarMen Angel if it's selling at the lower price still (it was more expensive and then reduced to within your budget). Another excellent option is the Topping G5.

[@cota5697]

The knob designer could be left-handed?

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Some have placed the volume knobs dead-center on the faceplate. Left-handed? Right-handed? Issue solved. 😉👍

[@PassionforSound]

It doesn't change the fact that it turns the wrong way when going up/down the menu compared to every other device ever made. 🙂

[@garymalone547]

Enhances dynamic range huh?

[@PassionforSound]

That's correct

[@StCreed]

12:20 "Moderate listening levels at 75-80 dB" That's on the limit for safe listening and about 20 dB louder than I find comfortable (55-60 dB is what I mostly set it at in a big room, lower for headphones). I've seen other reviewers go to those levels as well and to me, it's amazing how loud that is - about 8 hours a day and you get hearing damage! And given how important ears are for reviewers, I don't know why reviewers do this.

[@PassionforSound]

Simply put, because I don't listen at 80dB constantly - that would be the peaks in the music - and I definitely don't have it that loud for even 4 hours a day, let alone 8.

[@fatdoi003]

seems apart from the 9039pro and DSP chips..... the R9 is better for everyday users..

[@PassionforSound]

I would go that way if choosing for myself.

[@ALEX-WTF-ds4pe]

очень глупый совет, R9 имеет совершенно другой звук, ни в какое сравнение с к19, даже k9 pro ess лучше чем R9

[@fatdoi003]

@@ALEX-WTF-ds4pe dude, i'm just voicing my opinion not giving advice.... and i won't hold too much expectation on these all in one units....

[@aRc11-11]

Just can't listen to any THX amp. The leading edge is a bleeding edge.

[@neilsnyder7915]

THX is my favorite amp of any I have tried and that includes some $20K amp. I’ve owned Chord, Enleum, Riviera, Zahl, and others and nothing comes close to the crisp attack I so love.

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Yeah, I appreciate transient purity and love it, in fact, when done well, but not at the sacrifice of natural timbre and/or long-term listening without fatigue.

[@PassionforSound]

The THX amps don't all have that attack like they used to. I don't like it much either. The K19 amp is a little crisp, but nothing like some THX amps. Neil, which THX amp has you so enamoured?

[@aRc11-11]

@@neilsnyder7915 ..sure.. you've owned them all.

[@rickoneill4343]

I mean it seems like a great unit to me. Your constivr critisizm sounds like a firmware update could fix most of this.

[@PassionforSound]

That's possibly true and, as I said in the video, the performance and features are exceptional overall.

[@peterwilson381]

WOW your picky 😞

[@willielast]

oof...be careful about the negativity. You may find yourself getting sued for seven figures 😜(ya I know that wasnt FiiO, btw)

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Ah yes, the litigation trend is catching on. A fashion trend! I won't mention names, of course, like Tekton and dCS, but hey, you know whom I mean. 😉😉😉

[@marlowe1537]

Major design quirks? Or petty (as you admit) nit picking? I'd go with the latter. (Well, some of these quibbles, such as the nonintuitive menu knob, are merely petty, Others, like the display can be oriented in numerous ways, some of which are invaluable while some are rather useless, and the K19 has too many gain modes (?!?) seem downright silly.) It baffles me that you spend more time on these matters than the sound quality/features of the K19 which you briefly mention you love. Many of these very subjective flaws (like the menu knob) are shared with the FiiO Q7, which I own, and are pretty small potatoes in operation. (Surprising, you do not mention what I see as a bigger, though not deal breaking, flaw: the screen, which appears to be the same one that is on the Q7. It's simply too small for a full size unit like the K19; the tiny volume display is hard to read even when the Q7 is sitting at my elbow.) I'm probably going to get the K19 soon to use with my TV setup; it seems particularly aimed at audio/video use. I'm retired and spend a lot of time watching streaming TV and Blu-rays and like the idea of using HDMI to connect to my TV. (The entire unit should be a solid upgrade over my current Gustard H16 amp and Topping D90 MQA DAC, the original AKM 4499 version, connected to the TV via optical. My primary headphones are the Hifiman HEK Stealth. However, my primary music setup will continue to be the Aune S17 Pro/Denafrips Ares 12th-1 connected to my PC.) Price is subjective of course. The K19 is not the bargain that punches above its weight that many more inexpensive FiiO products are, but the price does not seem all that out of line with competing all-in-ones (like the similarly priced Topping DX9 with fewer features) when considering its design, specs and features.

[@PassionforSound]

I can only share in my reviews what stands out to me during the time I spend with products and despite sounding wonderful, the initial glow of the K19 soon left when making adjustments was more fiddly than it should have been. As I said in the video, individually, most of those were tiny issues, but as they add together it could be more significant for some people.

[@marlowe1537]

@@PassionforSound New firmware just addressed at least one of your issues: you now have the option to set the menu knob to turn in either direction. See my more complete post above.

[@ALEX-WTF-ds4pe]

DX9 на голову хуже по звуку, вы между звуком и внешним видом с управлением выберете второе? глупец

[@clan_biblioteke]

Hi, is the Eversolo DAC z8 as good as the reviews say, and yours too? Is it worth the money? Thanks for the help