As we speak, James opinions the FiiO K17, a brand new retro-inspired desktop twin DAC and balanced 4000mW succesful headphone amplifier with Bluetooth assist. It’s priced at $899.
Disclaimer: I acquired this pattern in trade for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or providers. I thank FiiO for his or her assist.
You’ll be able to click on right here to study extra in regards to the FiiO audio merchandise 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 K17 Assessment
Abstract
Coupled with PMEQ, a number of achieve ranges and different options, akin to native playback, makes the FiiO K17 a satisfying and versatile desktop DAC and headphone amplifier expertise. I discover it in all probability probably the most enjoyable and constructive providing from FiiO so far and a cool improve from the K9 Professional.
Professionals
Excessive output energy for demanding headphones.
Native playback options provides some rewarding versatility.
Pretty retro design stands out from the group.
Cons
Vents might accumulate mud.
The brand new $899 FiiO K17 is an built-in decoder and streamer and the successor to the K9 Professional collection of desktop amp/DACs.
Just like the full-size S15 streamer or the flagship K19 amplifier, the K17 has some distinctive options, akin to native playback and a brand new progressive touch-capable management interface.
It is a cool retro-designed piece of substances that capabilities with rather more versatility than anticipated. To focus on its key strengths, the K17 is a superb match with FiiO headphones such because the FT5 and varied third occasion open-back designs resulting from its full-bodied tuning.
This is likely one of the most tasty designs from FiiO so far, however how does it stack up towards the older K9 Professional ESS and the flagship K19? I came upon in my full evaluation under.
Options
The K17 options a variety of bodily knobs and an enormous display to show present modes and settings. Contained in the retro and techno-styled housing, FiiO makes use of an AK4191 and AK4499EX*2 DAC combo.
It’s able to decoding as much as native DSD512 and 32bit/768kHz in its USB-DAC/amp mode and might playback native recordsdata at 384kHz/32bit and DSD256 through a USB-A port on the again for flash drives and powered laborious drives.
The amplification is a discreet design as an alternative of THX 788+ and relies on OP + transistor present amplification that includes the ON Semiconductor MJE243/253 transistors.
It is a design for prime present output with low output impedance and might ship as much as 4000mW output energy per channel in its balanced output.
The totally balanced decoding and amping design additionally options 3 ultra-low part noise femtosecond oscillators and a linear PSU rated 35W.
One other essential characteristic is the 31-band parametric equalizer as featured on the K19, powered by the M21586Q DSP chipset and an ES9821Q ADC devoted to this part.
Design
To date, this is likely one of the most interesting designs from FiiO, not solely due to the cool and smooth retro model but in addition as a result of the UX that’s friendlier than on the K19, as you may very intuitively use the knobs to modify between modes on the machine inside a sec or two.
The K17 is available in two colours, a lighter silver and extra discreet black, with my pattern in black. Both coloration compliments the classic coloration scheme on the three.93” contact display.
There are some openings on the highest and sides which makes it seems cooler, although its nonetheless very FiiO to have avolume/multi-function knob with a hoop of LED round it that matches the theme coloration. All of those accents look very cool, even at midnight.
Additionally, extra nuanced etails such because the markings and the small red-light dot on the on/off button indicating energy is related, in addition to the graceful suggestions when twisting the knob give the K17 a really passable visible and tactile consumer expertise.
I/O
On the entrance facet, you will discover 6.3mm, 4.4mm, and XLR outputs. There may be additionally a USB-C socket to connect with different USB sources while not having to succeed in round to the again of the machine.
The I/O design is sort of just like the K19, and on this set, you’ll even discover 4.4mm and RCA line-in sockets to make use of the K17 as an analogue amplifier or pre-amp, which differentiates it from the K19.
As normal, it helps coaxial and optical in/output, RCA and BAL XLR out, a ground-loop breaking swap, an antenna jack, and USB and LAN sockets.
Controls
With loads of knobs plus a contact display, the UX will get much more intuitive on this one as the important thing capabilities and connectivity can all be managed with out accessing menus.
With the bodily knobs, you may toggle on/off, change between PO, pre-amp and LO, additionally switching between completely different achieve ranges. The settings are displayed on the standing bar on the display and are available into impact instantly.
The multifunction knob is just like the one on K19 or the S15, which might enable customers to entry detailed settings, and the quantity knob on the precise is properly stepped for superb output degree management.
The contact display means that you can choose completely different modes, EQ, and different settings, together with altering the theme, configuring the trigger-in possibility, and controlling native playback.
You’ll be able to swipe up and down to pick out show themes after future upgrades and swipe left and proper between settings and varied capabilities.
You may also use the distant management within the package deal, which is helpful for switching between songs and for quantity management when listening over on the couch throughout the lounge.
Native Playback
Since this isn’t an apparent and normal characteristic for a decoder/streamer, I’m bringing it up right here once more. You’ll be able to plug a USB-thumb drive or a powered laborious drive to the K17 and playback native recordsdata.
It is a nice characteristic, contemplating you may hearth up the K17 and play some songs with out the necessity to hook it as much as a participant or a PC. Nonetheless, please bear in mind to improve to the newest firmware for canopy artwork show and extra tagging choices.
PMEQ
The K17 comes with 31-band high-precision lossless PMEQ working at a excessive 360MHz clock pace and based mostly on 64-bit floating level calculation, similar to the K19.
This enables correct tuning to repair room acoustic points or alter the output curve of gears being paired with it. As anticipated, the characteristic can bypass SRC for PCM indicators and be utilized globally.
To additional improve the PMEQ efficiency, this part is paired with a further ES9821Q ADC and a customized ultra-low part noise femtosecond crystal oscillator.
Customers can obtain the management UI for tweaking the equalizer on Mac or Home windows PC, related through the RS232 port USB connection. The tuned profile can then be saved on the machine and on the PC for sharing.
Wi-fi Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.1
The K17 has the same antenna design to the K19 and R9, with the QCC5125 chipsets inside. It helps aptX HD/aptX Adaptive/LDAC codecs that may be chosen for varied utilization situations.
For gaming or video content material, I desire to make use of aptX Adaptive each time doable, however LDAC supplies greater high quality and a fuller sound over a shorter transmitting distance.
WiFi
The K17 is designed to be Roon Prepared with Airplay assist. Merely hook it as much as your private home community, and you may choose the K17 as an output machine. The expertise is just like different FiiO units that assist Airplay and is fairly just like Bluetooth connection when it comes to delay.
One other benefit for Airplay over Bluetooth is that the duvet artwork can even be displayed, which feels a lot cooler. And in case you are tied to Bluetooth solely, then I like to recommend to swipe to the VU meter visualizer.
Wired Connectivity
You’ll be able to hook up your Laptop computer, iPad, or different audio units that assist USB audio output straight to the USB socket on the entrance panel of the K17.
No USB driver is required for Mac customers, however for older variations of Home windows, you have to to obtain it from the FiiO web site.
Do notice that in the event you join units to each of the USB ports on the similar time, the one within the entrance panel will likely be prioritized, and the one on the again will likely be quickly disabled.
Packaging & Equipment
The K17 is available in a foam padded field with a plastic deal with, just like these while you purchase a 24” pc display at house.
Contained in the field, there’s an infrared distant, an additional fuse, two USB A to C cables, a 6.3mm to three.5mm convertor, and a mud cowl for the balanced XLR output.
Since there’s a USB-C port on the entrance panel, it will be nicer if a type of USB cables may very well be swapped for a USB C-C one.
Sound Impressions
I gave the K17 per week of run-in time with a USB supply, primarily utilizing its balanced output, which is probably the most highly effective output for headphones.
Within the under take a look at, I paired the K17 with headphones such because the FiiO FT5, MOONDROP COSMO, Meze Audio 105 AER, Sennheiser HD 800s, the Palma DHS-1, and a few IEMs to see the way it synergizes with gears with completely different powering necessities.
Abstract
Positioned between the K9 Professional ESS and K19, the K17 switches from THX amplification to discreet circuitry and 4000mW max output per channel, giving it loads of energy for varied headphones.
It sounds dynamic, with loads of headroom whereas sustaining good tonal stability and determination alongside an in any other case full-bodied presentation.
Not like the cleaner sounding K19, the K17 is extra intimate than impartial throughout the mids. It places extra stress on the treble on the upper achieve modes whereas sounding fuller in bass and fairly rounded in treble with the decrease achieve ranges.
Timbre
I’ve tried varied gears utilizing the AK4191EQ and twin AK4499EX combo, which leaves a constant impression that’s refined but wealthy and dense within the mids. The K17 isn’t any exception, but it surely additionally maintains a swift response within the mids, asd properly nearly as good separation and weight for devices and vocals
There are some large 4700uf caps carried out, and that is probably the explanation why the bass on the K17 punches deep and recovers with nice agility. It additionally helps form an impactful, ethereal, and prolonged soundscape. When the BPM is quick, the bass influence sounds highly effective and articulate.
With simpler to drive headphones such because the Palma DHS-1, the K17 sounds revealing, with good brilliance within the treble on excessive achieve and fairly rounded on decrease achieve ranges.
I discover the excessive achieve degree enough, balancing dynamics and vocal transparency. When pushed to the very best achieve degree, the vocal degree is extra upfront, but the dynamic vary is barely suppressed, probably because of the excessive sensitivity of those headphones.
Some fast tweaks with PMEQ to carry up the basic bass frequencies for higher tonal stability would assist it sound rather more euphonic.
Testing with the FiiO FT5, which has thicker and extra highly effective bass, I get a extra balanced sound, working properly with the upper achieve modes to sound ethereal and impactful within the decrease finish whereas delivering pronounced but rounded vocals.
Acquire Ranges
Pushing to greater achieve ranges, the bass assaults firmer, and the treble will get sharper. It sounds extra thrilling with woodwinds and violin solos by stressing the transients and doesn’t recover from the sting to sound piercing.
This works properly with open-back headphones such because the HD 800s, notably with Classical music, brass devices, and male vocals, which sounds properly separated from the combo and has enough penetration energy and brilliance however with the sibilance zone dimmed.
On this sense, tweaking the 5 achieve ranges with the knob on the enjoyable panel may very well be a simple technique to swap between a softer, hotter timbre, or to make it extra aggressive, cleaner at greater achieve ranges.
The decision, then again, is passable, with mid-bass having enough weight and energy so it really works fairly properly with varied genres. The marginally warmish tuning is nice for vocal works and solos and when enjoying greater bit-rate masters.
Staging & Dynamics
Being extra rounded than the K19 within the higher finish and bumping up the mid-bass gently, the K17 has a extra intimate stage rendered, but there’s enough layering and depth in house to make it structured, layered, and reasonably expansive.
It sounds energized within the low finish, which is nice for reside recordings. The perceived house is akin to the scale of a lecture corridor that’s properly dampened.
The heat additionally helps planar headphones to sound extra holographic, darker, and extra layered within the mids, and better impedance cans could make use of stronger achieve ranges to sound extra opened and improve vocal penetration energy.
The tuning is sweetening vocals, however on the similar time, it takes away some air, so if you would like it to sound extra thrilling and ethereal, PMEQ may very well be of fine assist.
Transients efficiency on the K17 can be respectable, which helps outline instrument positioning clearer. On the highest achieve mode, extra particulars will be heard for strings, trumpets, and woodwinds, and the vocal place is clearer. Whereas on decrease achieve ranges, it sounds much less outlined.
Click on on web page 2 under for my really helpful pairings and chosen comparisons.
