- Once again, FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. is expanding its desktop audio range with the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier.
The combination of D/A converter and headphone amplifier has long been a proven and established device category in the field of personal audio devices, but also desktop audio solutions, and is now once again extended by the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier from FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. by a thoroughly exciting solution.
From the point of view of FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd., this is particularly interesting because it once again offers a solution in the desktop audio segment and the supplier, formerly known primarily as a specialist for personal audio devices, is thus taking a further step to significantly expand its field of activity.
FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier – Between FiiO K7 and FiiO K9 Pro
Now that FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. already offers numerous solutions in the field of desktop audio systems, especially in the form of the combination of D/A converter and headphone amplifier, it is particularly important to classify the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier correctly.
If FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. has its way, the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier ranks between the FiiO FiiO K7 Desktop DAC and Amplifier or FiiO K7 BT Desktop DAC and Amplifier systems and the FiiO K9 Pro Flagship Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier or FiiO K9 Pro ESS Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier solutions.
“The FiiO K7 has been very popular since its release. However, some audiophiles expect another model with more advanced performance and features, because the high-end FiiO K9 Pro model is naturally much more expensive. It is precisely for this target group that we have designed the new FiiO K9.”
FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd.
Impeccable features – converters from ESS Technology Inc. and amplifiers from THX Ltd.
The FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier uses two ES9068AS DACs from specialist ESS Technology Inc. to provide fully balanced signal processing from the outset.
The output stage is also based on special amplifier modules from THX Ltd, specifically THX AAA 788+ amplifiers, which have long been known for their accurate signal processing and high output power.
FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. also promises an exceptionally detailed, distortion-free performance for the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier, as well as an output power of up to 780 mW at 300 Ω and even up to 2000 mW at 32 Ω.
It doesn’t matter whether you use low or high impedance headphones, the FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier will always drive them with flying colours, the manufacturer promises.
Furthermore, the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier processes audio signals at up to 32 bits and 768 kHz in Linear PCM as well as DSD up to DSD512, thanks to the so-called Dual Clock Management Technology, and does so with such detail and precision that a particularly natural, musical performance is guaranteed.
Most notably, the FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier uses the same six-stage audio circuitry as the high-end FiiO K9 Pro DAC or amp, and the aforementioned fully balanced design is instrumental in greatly reducing crosstalk and achieving more authentic sound performance.
High-quality power supply
With the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier, the greatest care has once again been taken with the power supply. For example, the digital and analogue parts are powered separately, says the manufacturer, who in this context refers to linear power supplies with four massive 4700 uF capacitors with high capacity and long life, as well as power stabilisation and sophisticated filters.
Numerous sources
First and foremost, the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier offers digital inputs, namely an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface and a USB port for direct connection to a PC or Mac. It goes without saying that a module based on XMOS technology is used for the best possible signal transmission.
In addition to a pair of unbalanced RCA jacks, there is also a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn as analogue inputs. Likewise, in addition to an unbalanced analogue output in the form of a pair of RCA sockets, there is a pair of XLR connectors as a balanced analogue output.
For the connection of headphones, a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack as well as a 4.4 mm Pentaconn and a 4-pin XLR are available here, so headphones can be connected unbalanced as well as balanced.
Bluetooth from Qualcomm Inc.
The new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier can be used particularly flexibly via the integrated Bluetooth 5.1 module from Qualcomm Inc. This is a QCC5125 Bluetooth chip that supports the codecs SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive and LDAC.
The FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier can also be controlled via the FiiO Control App for Apple iOS and Google Android, which also provides a parametric equaliser and allows the filter characteristics of the DAC to be selected.
The new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier measures 200 x 224.5 x 72 mm and weighs in at 2.66 kg, a clear indication of the solid housing that the developers have fortunately provided for this new desktop audio solution.
Prices and availability
The new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier should be available from specialist dealers immediately. The recommended retail price for this exciting solution is listed at € 449,-.
Getting to the point
It is the affordable alternative to the FiiO K9 Pro ESS Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier that is now to be available with the new FiiO K9 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier, says FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. about its latest addition to the Desktop Audio Solutions range.
| PRODUCT | FIIO K9 DESKTOP DAC AND HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER |
|---|---|
| Price | € 449,- |
| Brand | FiiO |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. |
| Distribution | NT Global Distribution GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
