FiiO has established itself as one of the premier manufacturers in the high-end headphone space with a focus on DAPs and headphone amplifiers that offer excellent sonic performance and value for the money. The past 12 months has seen them pivot somewhat with the release of loudspeakers, headphones, network players and portable Cassette and CD players that deliver a rather unique retro look aside from their technical capabilities. The new FiiO KA15 USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier offers a little of both.
Building on its previously released USB DAC products such as the KA13 and BTR13, the KA15 is for anyone seeking improved audio quality on the go with wired headphones. Just connect it between a smartphone, tablet, laptop or gaming device and a wired headphone.
The KA15 transforms any mobile device into a high-end audio system with enhanced features, premium components, and cutting-edge technology.
FiiO claims that KA15 takes portable digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and headphone amplifiers to a higher level. Featuring dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip architecture and a high-performance THX AAA-78 amplifier, the KA15 is designed to deliver elevated sound quality with clarity, detail, and wide dynamics that meet the demands of both professional and enthusiast listeners, all in a pocket-size device.
The KA15 features a 0.96-inch LCD IPS display screen that not only displays status information but has a retro look reminiscent of the tape window on a portable cassette player. It also has an RGB LED indicator, which changes color based on the audio file’s bitrate or format being played. This provides users with instant feedback on their listening experience.
Key Features
Powered by two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, the KA15 is designed to deliver digital audio conversion for hi-res audio up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, native DSD512, and MQA decoding.
The KA15 incorporates a THX AAA-78 amplifier, which provides near-zero distortion and high output power for clean, uncolored sound.
The KA15 is equipped with USB-C input and a variety of output options, including a 3.5mm single-ended jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones and earphones, from casual to high-end models.
The KA15 features multiple gain settings (low, medium, and high) and a low-power mode, allowing users to adjust the output depending on their headphones’ impedance or to conserve battery life during mobile use. For further sound tweaking a 10-band parametric EQ is accessible via the FiiO Control app for iOS and Android.
Tip: At this time, the KA15 Control App is only available on Android version.
At just 50 grams, the KA15 is one of the most compact high-end DAC/amps available, making it perfect for users who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance.
The FiiO KA15 is designed to work with tablets, laptops, and game consoles. It works with both streaming content (via USB-C connection from a smartphone) and local files. The KA15’s power management system supports the delivery of high-fidelity sound without draining the battery of connected devices, extending the battery life of your phone.
Adjustable gain settings allow fine-tuning of output to match different headphones and earphones. The 4.4mm balanced output provides the highest possible sound quality for those using balanced headphones, while the 3.5mm jack ensures broad compatibility for most users.
Comparison
| FiiO KA15 | FiiO BTR13 | |
| Price | $109.99 | $69.99 |
| DAC | Cirrus Logic CS43198 x 2 | Cirrus Logic CS43131 x 2 |
| Bluetooth Chipset | N/A | Qualcomm QCC5125 (CPU + DSP Dual-core Architecture) |
| Bluetooth Version | N/A | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | N/A | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Display | 0.96-inch 80×160 color IPS | 0.96-inch 80×160 color IPS |
| Headphone Outputs | 4.4mm Balanced 3.5mm Single-Ended | 4.4mm Balanced 3.5mm Single-ended |
| Output Power (Single-ended) | L+R≥180mW+180mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%, USB IN) | L+R≥100mW+100mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%) |
| Output Power (Balanced) | L+R≥560mW+560mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%, USB IN) | L+R≥220mW+220mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz~20kHz | 20Hz~40kHz (-3dB) |
| Output Impedance | <0.8Ω | ＜0.6Ω |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) | ≥122dB (32Ω, A-weighted) | ≥128dB (A-weighted) |
| THD+N | <0.0004% (-4dB, 32Ω) | (1kHz/-4dB@32Ω) |
| Noise Floor | 1.7uV”A” | ＜1μV (A-weighted |
| Power Supply | USB Bus Powered, Low-Power Mode | USB Bus, Battery |
| Charging Time | N/A | ≤2 hours |
| Battery Life | N/A | 8 hours |
| Dimensions | 65 x 24 x 13 mm (2.56 x 0.95 x 0.51 inches | 63.2 x 30 x 18.8mm (2.49 x 1.2 x 0.75 inches) |
| Weight | 50 grams (1.8 oz) | 28.6 grams (1.1 oz) |
| Colors | Midnight Black Sky Blue | Black Blue |
The Bottom Line
The FiiO KA15 portable Headphone Amp/DAC stands out in a field of rather plain looking dongle DACs. Its cool factor alone makes it worthy of a closer look, and it is likely to capture the attention others when used in public.
Ultimately, its sound quality will determine its viability. There are other less expensive options — even from FiiO itself — such as the aforementioned BTR13 as well as the Questyle M12i which may sound better.
Either way, we applaud FiiO’s innovation in the portable DAC/Headphone Amp product category and think the KA15 could make for a great stocking stuffer this holiday season.
Price & Availability
The FiiO KA15 will be available now in sky blue or midnight black for $109.99 at Amazon.
For more information: fiio.com/KA15
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ORT
October 7, 2024 at 6:53 pm
So then…MQA is on the gnu FiiO KA15? When they announced the KA5 as being free of the gluten that is MQA, I immediately purchased one.
I was ready to buy the K15 but since they decided to pack it with MQA crap (as opposed to Schiit!) I ain’t gonna do dat. I just checked FiiO’s own website page on the KA15 and found no mention of MQA.
If they made a mistake and it doesn’t have MQA then I shall reign down upon them the munificence of my forgiveness. And purchase one.
If it really does have the turd known as MQA I suggest they change the model designation to KAKA15.
ORT