FiiO KA15 Review

FiiO KA15 Review
Introduction:
The FiiO KA15 is an ultra-compact USB DAC/Amplifier with a design that incorporates retro elements reminiscent of cassette tapes. It features an all-metal body and is equipped with hardware that includes dual CS43198 DACs, a high-performance SPV5048Pro USB chip, and dual SGM8262 op-amps, supporting high-resolution PCM and DSD audio signal processing up to 768kHz/32bit and DSD256. The device also provides flexible output options with 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, with an impressive power output of 560mW+560mW in desktop mode.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank FiiO for providing me the KA15 USB DAC/Amplifier Dongle as review sample. I am not affiliated with FiiO beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price of the FiiO KA15 is 109.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The FiiO KA15 arrives inside a rectangular box with a minimalistic design. The box features some product-related brandings and an illustration of the device on the top.
Inside the box are the following items:
- 1 x FiiO KA15 Portable USB DAC/Amplifier Dongle
- 1 x USB Type-C to USB Type-C Cable
- 1 x Leather Case
- 1 x Print materials (User Manual, Warranty Card)
Design & Build Quality:
The FiiO KA15 USB DAC/AMP is a compact device, measuring 52 x 25 x 11mm and weighing 21g. Its design incorporates retro elements, reminiscent of cassette tapes. The all-metal body is meticulously crafted after undergoing multiple processes including precision CNC milling, anodizing, and polishing. The result is a smooth and refined texture that fits comfortably in the hand. The all-metal construction also effectively reduces external interference, resulting in purer and improved sound quality.
The device is available in Midnight Black and Sky Blue. Especially the Sky Blue version evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the first Sony Walkman TPS-L2 released in 1979.
The front of the FiiO KA15 includes an informative 0.96-inch color LCD display that provides various details about the device’s operation. The display shows the current volume and adjusting mode, the current digital filter, the SPDIF working state, the actual UAC version, and the desktop mode if activated. It also shows useful information like the present voltage, current, and the music format/sampling rate of the currently playing song.
The displayed theme and the shape of the glass panel on the front showcase a unique design that mimics a retro cassette tape, adding a touch of nostalgia to its modern functionality.
At the bottom of the device are two analog outputs: a 3.5mm single-ended jack and a 4.4mm balanced audio jack. The 3.5mm jack also functions as an SPDIF output, allowing connection to an external decoder.
The top of the FiiO KA15 houses the USB-C port, which is used for connectivity to various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. This placement ensures easy access and convenience when connecting the dongle to your preferred device. Additionally, this side includes a small strap attachment point, allowing users to easily carry the dongle with them on the go.
Moving to the right surface of the device, you will find a well-organized button layout. At the top is the Desktop Mode (D.MODE) switch with two positions: ON and OFF. Below it, the “+” button increases volume, navigates to the previous track, and selects submenu options, while the “-” button decreases volume, skips to the next track, and also selects submenu options.
The play/pause button, marked in red and labeled with an “M” for multifunctional use, is at the bottom, controlling playback and allowing menu access.
The left surface of the dongle maintains a clean and minimalist design, with some product-related branding.
The rear surface of the KA15 features the FiiO branding embossed in a subtle and sophisticated manner. The branding blends into the surface with the letters “FiiO” appearing in a slightly darker shade, maintaining the minimalist and sleek aesthetics of the device.
Measuring 52 x 25 x 11mm and weighing 21g (without cable), the FiiO KA15 USB DAC/AMP Dongle combines a retro design with modern audio technology, making it both a functional and stylish accessory for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Its thoughtful design elements and robust construction ensure a great user experience.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : KA15
- DAC Chip : 2x CS43198
- USB Chip : SPV5048Pro
- Op-Amp : 2x SGM8262
- Sampling rates : 768kHz/32bit, DSD256
- Display : 0.96-inch color LCD
- Headphone output : Single-ended 3.5mm + balanced 4.4mm
- Output power 1 : L+R≥180mW+180mW (32Ω/THD+N <1%/SE/desktop mode)
- Output power 2 : L+R≥560mW+560mW (32Ω/THD+N <1%/BAL/desktop mode)
- Output power 3 : L+R≥50mW+50mW (32Ω/THD+N <1%/SE/non-desktop mode)
- Output power 4 : L+R≥170mW+170mW (32Ω/THD+N <1%/BAL/non-desktop mode)
- SNR : ≥123dB (A-weighted); BAL <3.2µV(A-weighted)
- Noise floor : PO < 1.7µV(A-weighted); BAL <3.2µV(A-weighted)
- THD+N : <0.0004% (-4dB/32Ω)
- Dimensions : approx. 52 x 25 x 11mm
- Weight : About 21g
- Colors : Midnight Black/Sky Blue
A. Hardware:
The FiiO KA15 USB DAC/AMP Dongle features advanced hardware designed to deliver high audio performance. It includes dual CS43198 DACs and a high-performance SPV5048Pro USB chip. Additionally, it has dual SGM8262 op-amps that contribute to its high-quality sound output in a compact form factor.
Digital to Analog Converter:
The dual CS43198 DACs inside the FiiO KA15 facilitate high-resolution PCM and DSD audio signal processing. These DACs support sampling rates up to 768kHz/32bit and DSD256, enabling the KA15 to efficiently handle a variety of lossless audio formats. This technical capability ensures that the device maintains the integrity and quality of the original recordings, providing detailed and accurate audio reproduction. The incorporation of these advanced DACs underscores the KA15’s design focus on delivering exceptional sound across different listening scenarios.
Amplifier and Output Interface:
In terms of amplification and output, the KA15 offers a flexible setup. Users can choose between single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs. When desktop mode is activated, the device delivers a balanced output power of 560mW+560mW, an increase of 207% compared to the KA5, providing ample headroom to drive both low and high impedance headphones. In non-desktop mode, the output power is still impressive, with the balanced output providing 170mW+170mW and the single-ended output offering 50mW+50mW.
The KA15 also supports in-line controls through its 3.5mm jack, which adheres to the CTIA standard, allowing users to utilize microphones and control music playback and volume, although some limitations may apply with certain devices. The KA15 offers a pretty clean output with an SNR of ≥ 123dB (A-weighted), PO noise floor of < 1.7µV (A-weighted), and balanced noise floor of < 3.2µV (A-weighted). Its THD+N is < 0.0004% (-4dB/32Ω), ensuring high-fidelity audio with minimal distortion.
Power consumption:
The FiiO KA15 demonstrates efficient power management through its intelligent dynamic power consumption features. It is equipped with a high-performance, low-power processor and high-precision chips, allowing real-time voltage and current monitoring for dynamic power adjustment. This setup helps the KA15 optimize its power usage based on the playback status of the connected device.
When audio playback is paused, the KA15 reduces its power consumption by 80% compared to the previous KA5 model. This significant reduction in power usage helps to extend the battery life of the connected device. Additionally, in standby mode, the KA15 uses 93% less power than the KA5, enhancing its efficiency when not actively in use.
The KA15 also includes a feature for night-time usage where, after a timer for music playback ends, the device enters an ultra-low power sleep mode.
Compatibility:
The KA15 is designed for broad compatibility, featuring a detachable cable and support for multiple operating systems including Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, and macOS. This ensures that users can enjoy a true HiFi experience across a wide range of devices without any restrictions. Additionally, the KA15 includes a COAX output via the 3.5mm jack, enabling connection to external decoders for enhanced audio versatility. For gamers, the UAC1.0 mode provides plug-and-play connectivity with devices like the Nintendo Switch and PS5, offering a more immersive gaming experience.
Overall, the FiiO KA15 USB DAC/AMP Dongle combines high-performance components with versatile output options and broad compatibility. As a budget-friendly solution priced at $109.99, it offers a compact and portable design, making it an accessible option for both audiophiles and gamers seeking quality audio performance in a small form factor.
B. Software:
The FiiO KA15 USB DAC/AMP Dongle offers intelligent app control through the FiiO Control app, allowing users to fully customize and manage their device settings. FIIO’s capable software team has developed the app to provide comprehensive control over various aspects of the KA15, ensuring an enhanced user experience.
With the FiiO Control app, users can adjust a wide range of settings including PEQ (Parametric Equalizer), channel balance, UAC (USB Audio Class) mode, volume, button mode, screen brightness, screen sleep time, and theme. This level of customization allows users to tailor the KA15 to their specific preferences and needs.
Additionally, the app is designed to support future firmware updates, which means more functionality can be added over time, keeping the device up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
Please note that the FiiO Control app’s control over the KA15 is currently supported only on the Android version of the app. This intelligent app control feature adds a significant layer of convenience and flexibility for users, enhancing the overall value of the KA15 USB DAC/AMP Dongle.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- DAC/AMP’s : FiiO KA15, FiiO KA5
- IEM’s : FiiO FP3
- Headphones : FiiO FT1
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Deezer HiFi)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Deezer HiFi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The FiiO KA15 offers a moderately warm, smooth, and forgiving sound signature. It features mildly emphasized bass, providing depth and richness to the lower frequencies. The midrange is smooth and natural, ensuring vocals and instruments sound engaging and authentic, while the treble is relaxed, reducing listening fatigue.
Let’s take a closer look at the sonic characteristics of the FiiO KA15 ultra-portable DAC/AMP dongle.
This FiiO KA15 review is based on listening sessions after a burn-in period of approximately 50 hours. My sound impressions are primarily based on listening with IEMs such as the FiiO FP3 and headphones such as the FiiO FT1.
Bass:
The FiiO KA15 distinguishes itself with a controlled and articulate bass response. When coupled with the FiiO FT1 headphones, the KA15 delivers a punchy yet balanced low-end presentation. The bass frequencies are rendered with precision, avoiding excessive emphasis that could overshadow other parts of the sonic spectrum. This balanced approach results in a textured and impactful bass experience, providing a solid foundation for various musical genres. The sub-bass extension is noteworthy, adding a tangible sense of depth and rumble, particularly noticeable in genres like electronic dance music and hip-hop. This extension enhances the overall listening experience by providing a visceral low-end presence.
Furthermore, the KA15 maintains its bass control and definition when paired with the FiiO FP3 planar IEMs. The planar magnetic drivers of the FP3s contribute to a tight and accurate bass response that synergizes effectively with the KA15’s sonic signature. This combination creates an engaging and grounded sound profile, characterized by a neutral to slightly warm bass presentation. This ensures a full-bodied low-end without compromising clarity or detail in other frequency ranges. The synergy between the KA15 and FP3s is particularly effective in showcasing the nuances of bass instruments, providing a detailed and textured low-frequency response.
Midrange:
The midrange performance of the FiiO KA15 is a standout feature, particularly when used with the FiiO FP3 planar IEMs. The combination delivers exceptional clarity and detail in the midrange frequencies, resulting in lifelike and engaging vocal reproduction. The planar magnetic drivers of the FP3s allow the KA15 to showcase its capabilities, presenting instruments with realistic timbre and nuanced details. Acoustic music and vocal-centric tracks benefit significantly from this pairing, offering a balanced and immersive listening experience. The transition between the bass and midrange frequencies is seamless, contributing to a cohesive and natural sound signature.
When paired with the FiiO FT1 headphones, the midrange maintains its natural and detailed character, providing clear and engaging reproduction of both vocals and instruments. The FT1’s design contributes to a natural and engaging midrange presentation, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Whether reproducing the warm tones of a jazz saxophone or the crisp notes of an acoustic guitar, the KA15 consistently delivers an impressive midrange performance, characterized by accuracy and detail.
Treble:
The FiiO KA15 shows a clean, extended, and well-controlled treble response, resulting in airy and sparkling high-frequency reproduction. When paired with the FiiO FT1 closed-bakc headphone, the treble is rendered smoothly and with ample detail, avoiding harshness or sibilance. This characteristic allows for extended listening sessions without inducing listener fatigue. The KA15’s ability to accurately reproduce high frequencies contributes to a sense of openness and clarity, enhancing the overall sonic presentation.
The FiiO FP3 planar IEM further complement the KA15’s treble performance, offering a refined and articulate high-frequency response. The combination of the KA15 with both the FP3 IEMs and FT1 headphones provides a versatile high-frequency presentation suitable for various listening scenarios, from casual listening to critical analysis. The detailed and clear treble reproduction contributes to a sense of airiness and spaciousness in the overall sound.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The FiiO KA15 provides an expansive and immersive soundstage with precise instrument positioning. The imaging is accurate, enabling listeners to easily identify the location of instruments within the audio field. While it may not match the capabilities of high-end desktop systems, the KA15 performs admirably within its compact form factor. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking quality soundstage and imaging in a portable DAC/AMP.
Comparison:
FiiO KA15 versus FiiO KA5:
When comparing the FiiO KA15 to the FiiO KA5, I’ve noticed several differences in their sound characteristics and overall performance.
The FiiO KA15 offers a warmer and smoother sound profile, which I find more forgiving across various audio content. On the other hand, the FiiO KA5 provides a neutral and analytical sound, offering more detail and precision. This makes the KA15 more suitable for those who enjoy a relaxed and pleasant listening experience, while the KA5 is ideal for users who seek accuracy and detail. The KA5 also has a more clinical and sharper sound character, which may feel less forgiving and somewhat more digital in nature.
Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage & Imaging:
In terms of bass response, the FiiO KA15 delivers a more emphasized and warmer bass with deeper sub-bass capabilities. This creates a fuller and richer bass experience, which is particularly enjoyable for genres like electronic and hip-hop. Conversely, the FiiO KA5 offers a tighter and more controlled bass response with greater accuracy, making it the better choice for listeners who prioritize precision and control in the lower frequencies.
The midrange performance of the FiiO KA15 is characterized by its smooth and natural sound with a slight warmth. This enhances the overall listening experience, making vocals and midrange instruments sound more engaging. The FiiO KA5, however, provides a more detailed and transparent midrange with higher precision. This makes it suitable for those who appreciate clarity and intricacy in the midrange frequencies.
The FiiO KA15 offers a smoother and more relaxed treble, which reduces listening fatigue over long sessions. This treble response is ideal for listeners who prefer a gentler high-frequency experience. In contrast, the FiiO KA5 features a more extended and detailed treble, which can be brighter. This makes the KA5 better suited for those who enjoy a high level of detail and brightness in the treble range.
Both the FiiO KA15 and KA5 provide commendable soundstage capabilities. The KA15 offers a reasonably wide and immersive soundstage with precise instrument positioning. The FiiO KA5 can offer slightly wider soundstage with more precise imaging, which may appeal to listeners who prioritize spatial accuracy in their audio playback. However, the difference in soundstage performance between the two is not substantial enough to overshadow the KA15’s strengths.
Conclusion:
The FiiO KA15 effectively combines retro-inspired design with advanced audio hardware to deliver high-resolution sound in an ultra-compact form that offers a smooth yet detailed presentation, providing a balanced and musical listening experience. Its all-metal construction reduces external interference and enhances durability. Equipped with dual CS43198 DACs, a high-performance USB chip, and dual SGM8262 op-amps, the KA15 supports PCM up to 768kHz/32bit and DSD256 for detailed and accurate audio reproduction. Its desktop mode significantly enhances power output, delivering an impressive 560mW+560mW, making it suitable for driving demanding headphones and IEMs.
Pros & Cons:
- + Excellent balance of musicality and technical performance
- + Sleek retro-inspired design (especially the Sky-Blue version)
- + Customization (feature that can be directly adjusted from the device)
- + Small and lightweight
- + Intelligent Power Management
- + Impressive Output Power for its size (560mW+560mW in Desktop Mode)
- + Versatility in terms of outputs (3.5mm SE, 4.4mm Balanced & SPIDF out)
- + Comes with a high-quality leather case
- + Top value for your Money
- – Type-C cable is a bit short
- – USB-A adapter no longer included
Thank you for the Read!