The FiiO K17 DAC/Amp is a compelling new offering that significantly departs from its predecessor, the K19. This review delves into the K17's strengths, exploring its retro-inspired design, robust build quality, and extensive connectivity options. We'll examine its impressive internal components, including the dual AKM AK4499EQ DACs and fully discrete amplifier, and analyze its impact on sound quality. Expect a detailed exploration of its performance with various headphones, its streaming capabilities via Ethernet and AirPlay, and a comparison to the K19's sonic signature.This in-depth review assesses the K17's user interface, its extensive sound customization options, and its overall listening experience. We will highlight both its advantages, such as its dynamic and impactful sound, and address any minor drawbacks encountered during testing. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the FiiO K17's capabilities and its position within the competitive landscape of high-end DAC/Amps, determining whether it truly surpasses its predecessor and justifies its place in the audiophile market.
Pros And Cons
- Fully discrete unit with linear transformer.
- Includes overload, over-current, and temperature protection systems.
- Features a 7.8-inch touchscreen display.
- Offers extensive connectivity options (digital inputs, USB Type-C, eARC input, AirPlay).
- Versatile functionality: can be used as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamp.
- Straightforward UI with digital filters, EQ options, and custom EQ presets.
- Supports driverless USB 1.0 protocol for gaming console connectivity.
- High-grade components used throughout (capacitors, transistors, AKM AK4499EX DACs).
- Substantial power output, described as 'higher quality watts' compared to the K19.
- Three separate boards minimize channel crosstalk.
- Rune and AirPlay enabled for seamless streaming.
- Dynamic and lively sound with a natural and organic tonality; described as 'punchy'.
- Improved sound compared to K19, with more detail and less harshness.
- Low noise floor.
- Generates significant heat.
- Fire Control app not yet updated for full functionality.
- Fire DSP software installation issues with certain antivirus programs.
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Design and Build Quality
The FiiO K17 boasts a retro-inspired design with analog switches, a large display, two knobs, and multiple headphone jacks. Its metallic casing houses a fully discrete amplifier, generating noticeable heat, addressed by ample ventilation holes on all sides. The build quality is excellent, featuring robust protection systems against overloads, overcurrents, and overheating, all uncommon in units at this price point.
The 7.8-inch screen is a pleasant surprise, providing easy navigation and control. Convenient USB Type-C ports are strategically placed on both the front and back panels. Clever placement of antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth contributes to the unit's clean aesthetic.
Connectivity and Features
The K17 offers extensive connectivity, including virtually every digital input except for AES/EBU and BNC. A notable inclusion is an Ethernet input, enabling its use as a Roon endpoint or AirPlay device. The USB Type-A port supports USB flash drives and external SSDs for offline music playback.
The user interface is intuitive, using the touchscreen for easy navigation. Six digital filters, various EQ options, and ten customizable EQ presets provide extensive sound customization. The driverless USB 1.0 protocol allows for high-quality audio connection to gaming consoles.
Internal Components and Sound Quality
The FiiO K17's internal components are noteworthy, featuring a linear power transformer, eight transistors for the current buffer stage, and dual AKM AK4499EQ DACs. This departs significantly from the THX AAA circuitry found in previous FiiO models. The resulting sound signature is dynamically different from the K19.
The four-watt output, while seemingly less powerful than the K19's eight watts, delivers a more powerful and impactful sound due to increased current flow through the transistors. Three separate circuit boards minimize crosstalk and ensure a cleaner sound. High-quality capacitors are used throughout the device, further enhancing audio quality.
Headphone Amp Performance and Comparisons
The K17's headphone amplifier section offers five gain settings for compatibility with various headphone impedances. The sound is described as dynamic, lively, and organic, unlike the more linear and somewhat lifeless sound of the K19. The bass response is fuller and more impactful, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Comparisons were made with several high-end headphones, including the Hifiman Susvara and the Audeze LCD-4. The K17 successfully drives these demanding headphones with exceptional power and control, offering a noticeably more engaging and dynamic presentation compared to the K19. However, at extremely high volumes, some slight dimensional limitations were noted.
Streaming Capabilities and Soundstage
The FiiO K17 excels at streaming, supporting both wired Ethernet connections (up to 1Gbps) and wireless AirPlay. Both methods produced exceptional sound quality, with Ethernet via Roon and AirPlay proving superior to other digital inputs. The setup process for AirPlay is particularly simple and user-friendly.
Soundstage performance is impressive, delivering excellent stereo separation, especially when used as a Roon endpoint. While not quite as airy as some competitors, the K17 still offers pinpoint accuracy in note placement and a wide soundscape that is enjoyable and well-defined
Conclusion
The FiiO K17 is a significant improvement over the K19, delivering a more engaging and natural sound signature. Its fully discrete design, linear power transformer, and high-quality components result in a dynamic, punchy, and organic listening experience. While the K19 might offer slightly greater clarity and detail, the K17's warmer tonality and reduced listening fatigue make it a superior choice for many.
Minor drawbacks include the currently unsupported FiiO Control app and some installation challenges with Fire DSP. Despite these minor shortcomings, the FiiO K17 is a high-value DAC/amp with outstanding performance for most headphones. Its powerful yet nuanced sound, along with versatile connectivity options, makes it a compelling choice for both music lovers and gamers.