The new FiiO KA17 offers an affordable and versatile portable DAC/headphone amplifier, making high-quality audio accessible on the go.
As smartphone and tablet manufacturers continue to phase out traditional headphone jacks, external DACs with built-in headphone amplifiers have become more popular than ever. While budget models often compromise on sound quality, better-performing portable DACs are now available at reasonable prices. The FiiO KA17 is a prime example.
At the core of the KA17 is the ES9069Q DAC chip, paired with a THX-powered headphone amplifier. This setup features eight operational amplifiers working in parallel to create a fully symmetrical four-channel configuration. A 16-core processor ensures minimal latency, which is always a plus. The device also includes a desktop mode, which increases output power when connected to a power source.
FiiO BTR17: A Wireless Alternative
Also new is the FiiO BTR17, a Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier. This model is built around Qualcomm’s flagship QCC5181 chip, supporting Bluetooth LE with a bandwidth of 2.1 Mbps. Additionally, aptX Adaptive ensures lossless CD-quality audio transmission. Like the KA17, the BTR17 features a desktop mode for enhanced output power.
The FiiO KA17 is priced at €149, while the BTR17 costs €209.90.