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FiiO KA17 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black)

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FiiO KA17 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black)
Key Features
  • Audiophile Quality at Home or on the Go
  • Dual ESS ES9069Q DACs
  • Supports 32-Bit / 768 kHz PCM and DSD512
  • Crystal-Clear OLED Display
Enjoy superhigh-resolution audio in your studio or on the go with the black FiiO KA17, a portable DAC and headphone amplifier in a USB dongle format. The unit features two ESS ES9069Q DACs and four THX headphone amplifiers for audiophile-quality sound reproduction. Capable of up to 32-bit, 768 kHz PCM, and DSD512, the KA17 can connect to a computer, gaming device, or other peripheral for an elevated sonic experience. Furthermore, the unit features Desktop mode, which automatically adjusts the DAC, amplifier power supply, and amplifier power output to fully unleash its potential with greater power output.
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FiiO KA17 Overview

Enjoy superhigh-resolution audio in your studio or on the go with the black FiiO KA17, a portable DAC and headphone amplifier in a USB dongle format. The unit features two ESS ES9069Q DACs and four THX headphone amplifiers for audiophile-quality sound reproduction. Capable of up to 32-bit, 768 kHz PCM, and DSD512, the KA17 can connect to a computer, gaming device, or other peripheral for an elevated sonic experience. Furthermore, the unit features Desktop mode, which automatically adjusts the DAC, amplifier power supply, and amplifier power output to fully unleash its potential with greater power output.

The KA17 includes a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and a 3.5mm unbalanced headphone output that doubles as a digital S/PDIF output for converting signals from the USB-C input to S/PDIF. The OLED display is crystal clear in any lighting environment. Multifunctional buttons and convenient Android app support make it simple to control and customize your listening experience. With a sleek, durable aluminum alloy body, the KA17 can survive long listening sessions while on the move. The KA17 includes a USB-C cable, an adapter, and a leatherette case.

Desktop Mode: Taking It to the Next Level
The FIIO KA17 features a special desktop mode, activated using the dedicated D.Mode switch. Enable the desktop mode, and the KA17 will automatically adjust the DAC and amplifier power supply, allowing the amplifier to fully unleash its potential with greater power output.
Parallel Output: Big Boost in Power
With sufficient USB power supply input and desktop mode enabled, the KA17's four THX headphone amps work together in parallel for greater current and overall power output. The result is up to 270+270mW power output for single-ended out, and up to 650+650mW power output for balanced out.
Dual Flagship DACs
The KA17 employs two of the latest ESS ES9069Q flagship DACs, powered by 4th-generation 32-bit HyperStream technology. These chips feature even higher performance, lower power consumption, and less digital noise than previous generations for an absolutely pristine and pure audio background.
Highly Precise PEQ
The XMOS XU316 chip allowed FIIO engineers to develop a highly precise and adjustable PEQ with 10 customizable frequency bands. FIIO's self-developed PEQ algorithm, APP page, and website allow you to fine-tune the frequency, gain, and bandwidth of each PEQ band, letting you dial in the sound exactly how you want it.
Outstanding Performance
Handling USB duties on the KA17, the 16-core XMOS XU316 is rarely found in audio dongles. This chip features lower latency, more stable signal transmission, and better compatibility than is typical for a USB control chip. When paired with the dual crystal oscillators, the KA17 is more than capable of handling various digital audio sources with various sampling rates.
THX AAA 78+ Headphone Amp Design
Inside the KA17 are THX AAA 78+ headphone amplifiers, with eight op-amps working in parallel in a 4-channel fully balanced configuration, allowing for not only greater power output but also more detailed and realistic sound.
Independent USB-C Power Supply
The KA17 features two USB-C ports. One is the typical port used to connect to other devices such as phones, tablets, and computers. The orange port on the side is designed for use with an external power supply, allowing the KA17 to achieve a higher power output and better performance without consuming the battery of your phone or other connected device.

FiiO KA17 Specs

Key Specs
Number of Headphone Channels
Single Channel
Recommended Headphone Impedance
8 to 150 Ohms (Unbalanced)
8 to 300 Ohms (Balanced)
Headphone Output Power
Up to 320 mW (1/8" / 3.5 mm)
Up to 650 mW (4.4 mm)
Audio I/O
1/8" (3.5 mm) / 4.4 mm Balanced Headphone
Digital Audio I/O
1/8" / 3.5 mm Coaxial S/PDIF Output
USB
USB-C
USB-C
Wireless
No
Power Requirements
USB Bus Power
Form Factor
Portable
Number of Headphone Channels
Single Channel
Recommended Headphone Impedance
8 to 150 Ohms (Unbalanced)
8 to 300 Ohms (Balanced)
Headphone Output Power
1/8" / 3.5 mm:
320 mW per Side into 16 Ohms (1% THD)
270 mW per Side into 32 Ohms (1% THD)
30 mW per Side into 300 Ohms (1% THD)

4.4 mm:
650 mW per Side into 32 Ohms (1% THD)
460 mW per Side into 16 Ohms (1% THD)
90 mW per Side into 300 Ohms (1% THD)
Digital Chipset
DAC:
2 x ESS ES9069Q
EQ
No
Display
1x 0.91" Monochrome OLED
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
1x 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Coaxial S/PDIF Output (Shared with Analog Output)
USB
1x USB-C (Digital Input, Power/Charging Input)
1x USB-C (Device Input)
Wireless
No
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz (Damping < 0.1 dB)
20 Hz to 50 kHz (Damping < 0.5 dB)
Maximum Output Level
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone:
3 Vrms (Desktop Mode)
2 Vrms (Non-Desktop Mode)

4.4 mm Balanced Headphone:
4.5 Vrms (Desktop Mode)
3 Vrms (Non-Desktop Mode)
Impedance
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
< 1 Ohms

4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
< 1.5 Ohms
THD+N
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
< 0.0015% (Desktop Mode1 kHz/-15 dB at 32-Ohm Load)
0.0015% (Non-Desktop Mode 1 kHz/-10 dB at 32-Ohm Load 1 kHz/-8 dB at 32-Ohm Load)

4.4 mm Balanced Headphone:
< 0.0004% (Desktop Mode 1 kHz/-8 dB at 32-Ohm Load)
0.0005% (Non-Desktop Mode 1 kHz/-3.5 dB at 32-Ohm Load)
SNR
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
≥ 123 dBA (Desktop Mode)
≥ 120 dBA (Non-Desktop Mode)

4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
≥ 126 dBA (Desktop Mode)
≥ 120 dBA (Non-Desktop Mode)
Noise
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
< 2.1 µV (Desktop A-Weighted)
< 2.2 µV (Non-Desktop A-Weighted)

4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
< 2.2 µV (Desktop A-Weighted)
< 2.2 µV (Non-Desktop A-Weighted)
Crosstalk
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone:
≥ 75 dB (Desktop Mode)
≥ 80 dB (Non-Desktop Mode)

4.4 mm Balanced Headphone:
≥ 114 dB (Desktop Mode)
≥ 110 dB (Non-Desktop Mode)
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
Up to 768 kHz (PCM)
Bit Depths
32-Bit
OS Compatibility
Android Only
Power
Power Requirements
USB Bus Power
Ground Lift
No
DC Input Power
5 VDC at 1A
AC/DC Power Adapter
No
Physical
Dimensions
25.2 x 10.9 x 5" / 64 x 27.7 x 12.7 cm
Weight
1.2 oz / 33.5 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.46 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.9 x 4.1 x 1.5"

FiiO KA17 Reviews

Amazing Dongle

By James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-29

Audio quality is superb with this little gizmo. Typical Fiio solid build quality and easy to use interface. One, caveat...it runs hot and gets there quickly. No issues other than heat.

Nice DAC for Car Audio

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-09-10

I bought it to accentuate the sound of my car speakers when I play music through my phone. You can really feel the impact on high gain, and it's good for drowning out road noise but low gain is where it's at in terms of clarity.

See any errors on this page?

Does 270+270mW power output for single-ended out ...

Does 270+270mW power output for single-ended out mean that it'll give 540 mW for a 3.5mm output or 270mW per channel?
Asked by: Tommy
The rating of 270+270mW on the FiiO KA17 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black) is per-channel.
Answered by: Alex D
Date published: 2024-11-20
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