James critiques the FiiO K15, a brand new built-in desktop twin AK4497S DAC and discrete Class AB headphone amplifier with WiFi and LAN functionality. It’s at present priced at $549.
Disclaimer: I obtained this pattern in trade for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or providers. I thank FiiO for his or her assist.
You possibly can click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the FiiO audio merchandise we’ve got beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This put up follows our present scoring tips, which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
FiiO K15 Assessment
Abstract
Total, the FiiO K15 distinguishes itself as a versatile and well-rounded desktop DAC/amp. It supplies a satisfying entry level for customers with entry-level to mid-tier headphones and IEMs, providing easy streaming capabilities and strong amplification at an approachable value.
Professionals
Engaging retro design
Native playback, Roon prepared.
Versatile capabilities and connectivity.
Cons
Panorama orientation placement solely.
Weak inventory energy provide.
The FiiO K15 is the youthful sibling to the beforehand launched K17 desktop built-in DAC and headphone amplifier.
Whereas retaining the visually interesting retro design, a number of inside elements have been revamped, notably with the elimination of the devoted DSP chipset to place the K15 in a extra aggressive value vary.
One different distinguished alteration lies within the selection of DAC chips, resulting in the FiiO K15 being priced extra affordably at simply $549. In case you respect the options of the K17 however want to keep away from equalizing, then the K15 may even be a good choice.
How does it carry out and evaluate to the K17, and will homeowners of the older K9 ESS put this on their demo record? I discovered in my full evaluation under.
Options
Decoding
FiiO changed the AK4191 and AK4499EX*2 DAC on the K17 with twin AK4497SVQ DAC chipsets contained in the K15.
These are newer and superior variations of the extremely regarded AK4497 chipsets, which even have DWA (Knowledge Weighted Averaging) Routing Expertise from the AK4499EX and produce a better 129 dB SNR ranking.
Much like the K17, the K15 can decode as much as native DSD512 and 32bit/768kHz and assist native information playback on a USB drive. There are additionally two ACCUSILICON AS318-L crystal oscillators for jitter management.
With the much less stringent energy necessities from the DAC chips, FiiO has swapped out the ability provide unit for a brand new 30W PSU whereas supporting an exterior 12V 2.5A linear model.
The K15 has an identical discreet energy provide for decoding and amplifying levels because the K17. Its energy provide, decoding, and amplifying circuitry are separated into 3 boards with OFC jumpers connecting them.
Amplification
The K15 incorporates discrete amplification circuitry using Class-AB transistors and an OP+Transistor current-boosting design, using the ON Semiconductor MJE243G/253G transistor pairs for high-current output and a low output impedance design.
Whereas the elements talked about mirror these discovered within the K17, the K15’s output energy is barely lowered to a most of 3000mW per channel (32Ω load balanced).
This adjustment may be attributed to the altered powering situations because of the switching transformer inside the system.
Design
The design of the K15 intently resembles the K17, solely this time, I obtained a silver unit, which seems extra refreshing in comparison with the skilled black K17 I beforehand reviewed.
As soon as once more, this system is well some of the trendy and glossy retro designs accessible in the marketplace.
One function I like is the inclusion of bodily knobs, which allows swift switching between achieve ranges and I/O choices with out the trouble of navigating by a number of menus.
The quantity knob options an LED ring with a small LED indicator, reinforcing the retro aesthetic whereas additionally offering customers with a handy technique to find the amount management in darkish listening environments.
The three.93-inch contact display and UI are properly custom-made, that includes appropriately sized icons that permit easy navigation and clean swiping actions. The colour scheme additionally blends seamlessly with the general design.
Warmth dissipation, however, is managed with facet and high vents protected by metallic meshes. It performs nicely and solely will get heat after an hour of playback, so the measures are enough.
I/O
Much like the K17, the entrance panel of the K15 options 6.3mm, 4.4mm, and XLR sockets.
Customers can leverage the USB-C connection to interface with different USB sources for decoding, and the USB-A socket on the rear is greatest for native file playback if you’re utilizing thumb drives and transportable onerous drives.
In step with the performance of the K9 Professional ESS and K17, the K15 additionally helps analog enter for amplification or pre-amplification, with 4.4mm and RCA line-in sockets positioned on the again.
Extra I/O choices embody coaxial, optical in/output, RCA, and balanced XLR outputs.
Past these, the system is provided with LAN sockets for a extra secure connection to the native community, alongside an antenna jack for stronger sign reception throughout longer distances.
Controls
The K15 follows within the footsteps of the K17 by incorporating a mixture of bodily knobs and a touchscreen interface. This mix of old-school knobs and fashionable gesture controls is enjoyable and sensible, making it simple to change between key capabilities effortlessly.
The bodily knobs permit for seamless biking by varied outputs and achieve ranges, offering a tactile and intuitive person expertise, whereas superior options could be accessed with the on-screen menu.
In dimly lit environments, you will discover the present settings displayed on display, so there isn’t a must depend on markings across the knobs to search out out data like present achieve stage.
Navigating by the contact display interface is easy, enabling customers to swipe between playback screens and menus to entry playback modes, equalization settings, themes, and a number of different configurations.
Swiping up and down adjustments the theme, including to the user-friendly design, though further visible cues for menu navigation could assist improve the general person expertise.
For added comfort, the K15 features a distant management, preferrred for customers trying to place the system in a lounge setting or for many who want to navigate the system from a distance.
That is additionally nice for desktop utilization, as you don’t want to achieve out to the system or management apps each time you need to change the amount or bounce to the following music.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Following the K17’s QCC5125 resolution, the K15 additionally options the identical receiver and antenna modules and helps aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC codecs which might be optimized for varied utilization situations.
As traditional, I’d advocate utilizing aptX Adaptive for gaming and lip-synced efficiency, whereas LDAC will offer you one of the best perceived high quality, rounded treble, and a barely fuller physique, regardless that the transmitting vary will likely be restricted.
WiFi
The K15 is a sensible streamer that options Roon Prepared and AirPlay 1 assist, much like the S15, giving it a aggressive edge over different streamers on the identical value bracket, contemplating its general package deal.
By merely connecting the K15 to your house community, you’ll be able to simply designate it as an output system. The operate is seamless with cowl arts displayed, and there’s little to no delays.
USB OTG assist
Similar to connecting to dongles, you’ll be able to plug your telephone or gamers that assist USB output to the K15 and benefit from the larger playback high quality on the K15.
Mac customers can seamlessly join with out the necessity for extra drivers, whereas Home windows customers would require the USB driver accessible on FiiO’s web site.
Much like the performance on the K17, in case you join two units concurrently to the K15, the entrance panel enter will take precedence, routinely disabling the rear enter.
Options
Yow will discover an entire rundown of how you can function the FiiO’s K15 options within the person handbook hosted on the corporate’s web site.
Native Playback
One of many standout options that units the K15 other than its rivals is its assist for native playback, permitting customers to get pleasure from music with out relying on exterior sources for a minimalist setup.
This functionality allows music lovers to take care of a private library of songs even with out web entry, making certain entry to tracks that is probably not accessible on streaming platforms.
This function blurs the excellence in positioning the K15, virtually reworking it into a totally functioning participant, albeit with out a big display.
Whereas the tagging and filtering choices is probably not as in depth, the simple person interface is especially well-suited for people accustomed to searching by folders.
PEQ
The K15 has undergone a big value discount in comparison with the K17, and one of many noticeable options that has been eliminated is the 31-band equalizer with devoted DSP chips.
Nonetheless, regardless of this variation, the K15 nonetheless presents assist for a 10-band Parametric equalizer for all digital inputs. Which means that except you might be using the RCA or balanced analog enter, you’ll be able to nonetheless profit from the DSP changes.
To configure the Parametric Equalizer (PEQ), you’ve gotten two choices: you’ll be able to both use the FiiO Management App or join the K15 to a PC by way of the RS232 USB port positioned behind the system.
Then, by accessing the PEQ internet management hyperlink, you should utilize the management panel for adjusting the equalizer settings.
Packaging & Equipment
The K15 arrives securely packaged in a well-padded field, making certain its safety throughout transit. FiiO maintains its fame for professionally designed packaging, which features a vary of further equipment.
The packaging content material consists of an infrared distant management, an additional fuse, two USB-A to USB-C cables, a 6.3mm to three.5mm converter, and a mud cowl for the balanced XLR output.
Sound Impressions
After roughly two weeks of burn-in, primarily using the balanced output, the next impressions had been gathered with headphones such because the Meze Audio 105 SILVA, the Sennheiser HD 800s, FiiO’s FT7, and the HIFIMAN ISVARNA.
Abstract
The K15 serves as a powerhouse for planar and dynamic headphones, with a strong 3000mW output pushed by a discrete class AB amplifying circuit.
This circuit design maintains a low output impedance, permitting it to match delicate headphones just like the Meze 105 SILVA and sound commendably dynamic and layered.
Outfitted with newer era AK4497S DAC chips, the K15 reintroduces a tad little bit of analog heat into the mids whereas mixing it with enhanced transients in a balanced but participating method.
Compared, the K17, using the AK4499EX and a stronger inbuilt PSU, has stronger technicalities, firmer assaults, and sounds extra managed.
As a result of comparable amplifying circuitry design, there are noticeable resemblances in tonality and response pace between the K15 and K17.
The bass on the K15 feels very punchy however isn’t as agile in response, leading to a neutral-warmish, stress-free, and smoother presentation which will enchantment to these in search of a extra relaxed signature expertise in comparison with the K17.
Timbre
Whereas the technical points, such because the agility in its bass response, are good, it can not match the K17; the K15 is tuned to concentrate on musicality.
My first impression is that it sounds extra ethereal and uplifting within the mid-lows than the K17, which makes use of the AK4499EX, a DAC that has superior element, weight within the mids, higher treble extension, and management.
Decoding with the K15 by way of USB connection ends in a well-defined, reasonably responsive presentation that’s textured within the lows and clear articulation to the vocal vary. The signature barely leans in the direction of the bass finish, offering a mellow but outlined presentation.
Testing with bigger ensembles and instrumentals, the bass stays managed and impactful with satisfactory thickness. Whereas the treble has just a bit little bit of crispiness and management, which works nicely for retro pop and jazz.
With Techno and Home tracks, the K15 can ship respectable depth and air with the subs extending fairly low. Paired with the FT7, it achieves a very good stability between pace, readability, and energy in bass. The treble can be extending pretty nicely and is free from sharpness whereas having good brilliance.
With the Meze 105 SILVA, it sounds much more elaborate within the low finish, which permits cleaner voices to chop by properly.
Presumably due to the single-ended connection, it sounds much less separated and layered than on a balanced connection, however nonetheless maintains a definite stereo picture and satisfactory separation.
Total, the decoding and amplifying high quality is passable, with good density and particulars all through the spectrum.
The fairly impartial signature with pure articulation, good agility in bass, and polished treble permits it to sound clear and dynamic throughout the assorted entry to mid-tier headphones examined.
Staging & Dynamics
The K15 has good air and energy within the bass, which brings bass devices and darker voices nearer to the listener, enhancing their presence and depth.
Highly effective voices can lower by simply and sound nicely textured and layered from the bass line, though softer voices is probably not as distinctly portrayed.
Together with enough sub-bass rumble, depth is properly rendered, which helps image a deeper, pretty expanded lecture-hall-sized stage. The width is reasonably giant when testing with string quartet recordings, and the vocalist has enough physique to remain separated from the backing.
The higher vocal zone is energized to strengthen penetration energy, adopted by a mild roll-off within the larger frequencies. In consequence, percussions and voices lack any harshness and are clearly and precisely imaged.
At larger achieve settings, the vocal picture turns into clearer and firmer, woodwinds and higher-pitched devices sound extra energetic, much like the expertise with the K17.
Decrease achieve ranges could end in a softer and fewer tightly outlined sound in transients, affecting the 3D picture of vocal and bass devices barely.
When paired with planar headphones just like the FT7, the K15 delivers higher layering and airiness, which helps outline devices’ place clearly.
Switching to dynamic headphones, nevertheless, ends in a stronger coloring impact and tilts extra to the lows. This variation brings a couple of extra vigorous, deeper, and layered soundstage because of the fuller low-end attribute.
On one other word, the K15 does fairly nicely to sound managed and dynamic at completely different achieve ranges, even when the paired gear could be very delicate. There may be enough room for equalization with out sounding compressed or unnatural.
Click on on web page 2 under for my advisable pairings and chosen comparisons.
