FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier from personal audio device specialist FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. is a flexible D/A converter with an integrated headphone amplifier.
- According to FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd., the new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier combines fine sound in a compact form and can be used flexibly anywhere.
Portable D/A converters with integrated headphone amplifiers have established themselves as the ideal solution when it comes to being able to enjoy music playback in good quality anytime and anywhere. Solutions such as the latest from FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd, namely the FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier.
On the inside, this solution offers state-of-the-art features, as the manufacturer promises, while the design is something quite extraordinary. The new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier is designed to look like a retro tape recorder.
Signal processing up to 32 bit and 768 kHz and DSD256
Probably the most remarkable feature of the new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier is that it is a portable solution that can process audio signals in Linear PCM with up to 32 bit and 768 kHz and DSD up to and including DSD256. These are resolutions that are unlikely to be found in practice, so why include them in a portable device…
In any case, D/A converters from Cirrus Logic Inc. are responsible for this, namely two of the CS43198 type, which are also used here in conjunction with two operational amplifiers.
The new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier therefore relies in principle on balanced signal processing, whereby a considerable output power of two times 560 mW is achieved, especially in the so-called desktop mode, which means that any headphones can be operated without any problems. However, there is no balanced connection for headphones here; the new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier makes do solely with a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack.
However, this complies with the so-called CTIA standard, so that control – volume control, playback control – is also supported by means of a remote control implemented in the cable of a headphone.
Microphones are also supported so that you can also make phone calls via a smartphone connected via USB-C.
USB-C can also be used to connect devices such as a Nintendo Switch or a Sony PS5 as well as other solutions in UAC 1.0 mode. The particularly sensitive volume control should be emphasised. The manufacturer speaks of a 60-step Quick Adjustment Mode and a 120-step Fine Adjustment Mode.
Intelligent Dynamic Power Consumption
We have already mentioned that this solution can, in principle, offer a high output power in desktop mode. However, Intelligent Dynamic Power Consumption is used here to minimise power consumption when on the move and to increase the battery life of the smartphone on which this USB dongle is used, for example. This automatically optimises power consumption, as FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. promises.
DSP-based signal processing with 10-band EQ
The FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier features DSP-based signal processing, which offers a 10-band parametric EQ, for those who want to flexibly adapt the performance to their own sound preferences.
This can also be used to optimise the playback for the headphones used, whereby the frequency curves can of course be saved as presets.
The matching FiiO Control app for Google Android and an optional web interface guarantee particularly easy operation.
As already mentioned, the design of the FiiO KA15 is quite unconventional and is intended to resemble a cassette player. It has a 0.96 inch IPS true colour LCD screen and a few buttons to guarantee simple operation.
Prices and availability
The new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier is currently available in both Black and Sky Blue at a price of € 129,-.
Getting to the point
The new FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier is de facto the successor to the FiiO KA5 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier, which is once again characterised by solid features and impressive technical data. However, the unconventional design is particularly striking, as this solution from FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. is designed in the style of a retro tape recorder, according to the specialist for personal audio devices.
| PRODUCT | FiiO KA15 DAC and Headphone Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Price | € 129,- |
| Brand | FiiO |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. |
| Distribution | NT Global Distribution GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
