... On Fiio's website, the K3 is shown exclusively with Macs in a desktop use scenario!! When not testing audio equipment or writing, you'll find him taking photographs or fiddling with circuit boards. What you’re getting with both devices is a clear and clean window to your music, and for me with the right headphones, both are perfect examples of top notch and affordable audio devices. I tested these two side-by-side earlier and I couldn’t tell a real difference. For me it is a good boost, adding volume / headroom if required, yet still having a usable range with the volume pot. The Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier is listed as a balanced version of […], While the DAP (portable player) market has taken away much of the market for them, there is still some interest in portable […], FiiO’s new flagship IEMs, the FH7, featuring 4 balanced-armature drivers and one dynamic driver, have arrived in for review. On the receiving end, the K3 utilizes an XMOS XUF208 chip enabling it to decode up to 384kHz 32 bit PCM and native DSD256. To others this may be a handy feature. Check out FiiO K3 DSD USB DAC and AMP 3.5mm Single Ended/2.5mm Balanced/Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs (Black) reviews, ratings, features, … than different. Sennheiser HD820 – Closed Dynamic Headphone Review, Apogee: Unfiltered and straight from the source, Audeze – Interview with Sankar Thiagasamudram, As a desk-top DAC at home with my lap-top and also my PC, As a desk-top DAC at work with my lap-top. If you’re adding the K3 for the specific task of having an easily transportable DAC/amp (especially for a laptop, or for a space limited desktop situation), it really is a lovely little device. To test tonality, I usually compare (using the same source) with my E17K. Both are USB powered when used as a desktop device, but the X1 can also be used portably with its own power (built in battery). Our take? Both are much more alike (identical?) The rear of the device (again from left to right) has a 3.5mm line-out, switch for USB (1.0 or 2.0 standard), USB-C power/data input, coaxial digital out, and optical digital out. Sadly, for the past years FiiO forget about this segment … Packaged in a low-key cardboard box, the K3 comes with a USB-C cable and some rubber feet for the bottom of the DAC. These two DACs differ mostly in their applications. The K3 has a variable line-out where the E17K is fixed. But the K3 looks better in your hand. Me, I would sell off the DT770 and put the whole audio budget for better headphones. Both are light-weight (82 vs 110g), and very portable (hand sized). Both have gain, but the K3 also has significantly better overall volume control (more range). Both are light-weight (82 vs 101g), and very portable (hand sized). (From left to right): Shanling M0, FiiO K3, M-Fidelity SA-50, Sony NW-ZX300; Internals. Portably I switch between a few dedicated DAPs, of my iPhone + Bluetooth DAC/amps. The Q1ii does come with more accessories – but thats because its primary role is more aligned as a portable DAC/amp than a desktop device. This will come down to intended personal use. The good news is that even with the 1 standard at 24/96 video syncs almost perfectly with audio and the quality is very good. You can contact him at [email protected]. Where the K3 does shine though is in its extremely quiet operation, and very low noise floor, making it ideal for those with more sensitive IEMs. K3 is capable of decoding up to 384kHz/32 bit PCM and native DSD256, easily reaching the highest standard in the category. Personally, I have a desktop set-up mainly centered around an iFi stack (iUSD, iTube, iDSD) – which powers my headphones (HD800S, HD600 + others) as well as my active speakers (LSR 305’s). Both are excellent devices. Designed to provide a hi-fi audio experience, the K3 accurately presents your … Both are USB powered when used as a desktop device, but the Q1ii can also be used portably with its own power (built in battery). Comments? So we have that out of the way how does the K3 perform sonically? A large volume knob on the right side of the K3’s front faceplate seems to draw attention. When combined with the two step gain, it allows fine adjustment of a wide range of headphone / earphone types. I’m going to preface this section with a little critique I received a while ago, and my answer to it – so that you can understand why I don’t comment on some things, and why I do comment on others. iFi Neo iDSD – Did one retailer let the cat out of the bag? My advice is to try up sampling to 24/194 or 24/96 if this happens as it does seem to solve any latency issues. But I’ll try with what I have, and the devices I’ve chosen are: I used the devices with the HM100, and all testing was performed single ended. The K3 has two digital outputs – Coax and Optical – both effectively passing digital audio from the USB stage as a direct stream to another DAC/amp. The K3 DAC/amp that I’m reviewing today was provided to me freely as a review sample. MAJORHIFI may get a commission from retail offers. I don't know if these pops are present when attached to other devices like phones, but would … Whilst both are targeted toward easier to drive headphones/earphones, the K3 does have considerably more SE power, and slightly more balanced output. Fresh from the folks at FiiO, the K3 offers a small but competent USB DAC for serious listeners. Note that 107 dB is still quite loud imo. The K3 carries a set of dual crystal oscillators to enhance digital signal processing. On the exterior, FiiO includes a dedicated … FiiO’s products have followed a very simple formula since 2007 – affordable, stylish, well built, functional, measuring well, and most importantly sounding good. Einen schalter am fiio k3 umgelegt, und schon tut er genau das, was Sie von ihm möchten. FiiO recently released their new K3 – replacement for the ageing E10K. FiiO has published the output levels (SE 220 into 16 ohm, 120 ohm into 32 ohm / Bal. First up – both devices sound really good, but there is no doubt that the X1 is the warmer of the two, and I can pick this one blind. One of the features with the K3 is being able to switch between the USB 1 and 2 standards. I’m usually impressed by FiiO’s solid bang-for-buck ratio, and the K3 is no disappointment in that regard. Fiio K3 vs Fiio E10k: Design and Outlook: As you have seen that the weight of the Fiio K3 is slightly more than E10k so you might be thinking it will be tough to carry around. Astell & Kern SP1000 vs SP1000M Comparison Review, Cyrus Audio Announces the New XR Series Amplifiers, decent power for even 250-ohm headphones like the Beyerdynamic Amiron. That Good Good I hope you enjoyed this FiiO K3 vs. E10K Review and Comparison, and came away with some valuable insight. This effectively bypasses the K3 DAC (which is its best overall feature), and turns the K3 into a USB to Optical (or Coax) converter. Both are USB powered when used as a desktop device, but the E17K can also be used portably with its own power (built in battery). Its just a thought for future development – interested to see if anyone else sees this as a good design option? Even the notoriously harder to drive MEE P1 (50 ohm, 96 dB/mW) were easily handled at 2-3pm on the pot on low gain, and again the overall dynamics were everything I expected froma well driven pair of IEMs. One issue with this though is that The X1 can distort if the valves are over-driven (this can be fixed easily by attenuating the input signal). The thing I like about the line-out is that it is variable, and thus the pot can be used as a volume control with active monitors. So far the amp has never run above slightly warm, regardless of the load or power level. They support up to 384 kHz / 32-bit audio and discrete high-performance headphone driving. They debuted their first DAP (the X3) in 2013, and despite some early hiccups with developing the UI, have worked with their customer base to continually develop the firmware for a better user experience. I wonder if an option might be to mount both the volume control and/or switched on top of the device? Thanks once again to Lily and the team for allowing me to review this little device. Looking like about 107 dB with DT770 vs 120+ dB with M50X. Internally, the FiiO K3 utilizes an XMOS USB receiver chip, allowing it to decode 384 kHz/32 bit PCM and Native DSD 256. Of course, the biggest competitor here would probably be FiiO’s own Q1 Mk II DAC/amp. The bass boost is a 2 option switch (on or off) and provides an ~ 6dB boost which is centered at approx 40 Hz (sub-bass), but the effect is noticeable from 800Hz down. It also has high bandwidth capability (including being able to pass DSD via DoP or natively), and using dual crystal oscillators for seamless pass-through of different sampling rates. 0 oder uSB 2. They both sound neutral to me, and isn’t that the way a good solid-state DAC and amp are supposed to be? The XMOS USB receiver chip in the K3 directly converts any USB audio input to digital signals output via the coaxial and optical connectors, allowing you to connect to speaker systems, amplifiers, or other external decoders. It provides PCM sampling rates up to 32/384 and DSD up to DSD256. Because it is such a light-weight and small device, when changing the volume it is quite easy to knock it. The FiiO K3 is a compact desktop headphone amplifier and USB Type-C DAC designed for use with any compatible USB device and supports USB Audio Class 1.0 (up to 96 kHz/24-bit) and 2.0 (up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256). It also supports lineout with either single-ended or balanced coaxial and optical outputs. In this article we look at the newest FiiO USB DAC . The E17K has the option for digital input as well as USB (via coax), but is limited in out to 24/192 PCM and does not have DSD decoding support. FiiO is a well-known brand in audio and the features of this DAC definitely show it. If you plan to use big cans or drive planar headphones, I think you’ll feel more comfortable with an additional headphone amplifier connected to the line-out.” Vocals sound precise and articulate – as much so as my usualy go-to midrange DAC, the FiiO Q5. They geared in many new features to K3, including a Type-C USB Port, USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility, basically driverless operation for Windows, and even a bass and a gain switch, and to not finish the … Still, even in balanced mode, the output power isn’t very high with 200mW @ 32ohm. For desktop use, the ability to have a variable line-out with powered amplifiers is brilliant, and its ultra portability makes it an ideal companion for work lap-tops (especially with driver-less 1.0 USB, or even 2.0 with Win 10 if you don’t care about DSD). My final test was with the highly sensitive SE846 (9 ohm and 114 dB/mW) which apparently hiss monsters with a lot of sources (I can’t hear this because of my permanent tinnitus). Because, just like any good DAC, the FiiO K3 seems to do its job and get out of the way. Likewise the switches for gain and bass boost are quite difficult to access with a headphone plugged in. With easier to drive full sized headphones (HD630VB, HM100, and MS Pro), there were no issues, and that was on low gain – achieving my normal 56-75 dB average listening level (pot at 2-3 o’clock, or about 1/2 way). As far as preference goes, I’m petty biased here. My daughter – with her highly sensitive hearing helped me with this one, and even with the volume at max (low gain, single-ended) the K3 was extremely quiet – nice job FiiO. On the front face (from left to right) is a 2.5mm balanced socked, 3.5mm single-ended socket, bass boost and gain control switches, and digital volume knob. The lift in the lower mid-range is pretty benign (only about + 1-2 dB) and increases as it nears the sub-bass region. I use it a lot for testing, and its tone controls are brilliant. For a desktop setting, I’d take the K3. It supports USB Audio Class 1.0 (up to 96 kHz / 24-bit) and 2.0 (up to 384 kHz / 32-bit and DSD256). The E17K does come with more accessories – again because its primary role is more aligned as a portable DAC/amp than a desktop device. So this flaw is quite unacceptable. Alongside the usual 3.5mm headphone out port, there’s also a 2.5mm balanced output. A switch on the rear of the unit allows the user to set the player to USB 1.0 or 2.0 connection, depending on their setup. Please remember that these comparisons are completely subjective and are my biased view of the differences. 0 nutzbar. Currawong's Headphone & Earphone Reviews – Anyway – back to transparency – all the micro details are present, and transient notes are very clean and clear – this is particularly noticeable with the HM100. Starting with DAC and AMP, it began to develop MP3 players of an inexpensive budget, but high quality, for this many people like FiiO. Do be aware that the gain has to be on and you’re pretty much maxing it out, but it does get loud enough. FiiO recommends up to 150 ohm headphones for the K3 and this makes sense given the relatively weaker expected output into 300 ohms (I would guess at single figures for the SE, and approx 20 mW or less for the balanced – calculated from similar devices). 1 x USB mini to USB-C data and power cable. Performing DAC duties is the AKM AK4452 which is some impressive hardware for such an … I've got a FiiO X1 and HD600 headphones and that does a commendable job, despite only outputting 8mW into 300 Ohms, which is certainly less than the F10K and K3. I also tried the HD800S balanced, and again while volume wasn’t an issue – they sounded decidedly flat, and this was far more noticeable than with the HD600s. With earphones and IEMs, the K3 was pretty impressive. I can’t really fault the overall build, and my only comment is more on the basis of usability. And IME an amp does not affect sound-stage (unless there is DSP or cross-feed in play) – that is solely the realm of the transducers and the actual recording. How about something for the frequent traveller? 2018-07-10. Both are again immaculately built devices, with clean lines, feel good in the hand, and appear to be made from quality materials. The build quality is very good (as most of FiiO’s products are), and the feature set for such a cheap device is pretty good – both bass boost and gain are well implemented. With Linux, I can seamlessly move from one DAC to another with just a few seconds delay, so it was easy to switch back and forth (the test was sighted though). Linux (and presumably OSX) need no drivers installed, and support on my Linux box was instant, and I was able to play DSD and highest sample rates (up-sampling using Jriver Media Center). Both are capable of DSD output and same PCM sample rates. However, here’s our quick breackdown of the most importance specs: If the FiiO K3 seems impressive on the surface, it appears even more so once you’re listening with it. Fault2: Small sound I do use RMAA (v6) for a simple frequency response + gain + bass boost measurement just to check FiiO’s measurements. But is there a downside to this diminutive device? This time the X1 (with DAC) weighs in at considerably heavier (82 vs 150g), but both are still very portable (hand sized). K3 vs. K5 Pro? The X1 also passes all audio via twin Raytheon 6418 valves (tubes). "FiiO Q series" Check whether the ‘FiiO Q series’ in the "playback device" is the default device Check whether the headset is plugged in totally. Opening the box reveals an inner box with foam insert which holds the K5, and adjacent is a smaller box with the other accessories. USB input is provided via the XMOS XUF208 – which provides excellent stability and reliability. Input comes only in the form of USB-C, but the K3 includes outputs for optical, coax, and a standard 3.5mm line out. Carroll is a headphone junkie residing in Brooklyn. Both have the same DAC and OP amp combination. It still sounded pretty good though, and if I was on a really tight budget, the K3 could suffice in a pinch. The recessed LED light – which changes depending on audio source or lack of signal – helps with this effect. $179.00. Add in the balanced output (with additional output power), and the ability to cover virtually every sample rate up to double DSD, and you have a truly versatile device. I’d been asked a […]. With each test – the same files were used, volume was set and matched with test tones and a calibrated SPL meter. I’ve never had much luck measuring DACs with my equipment – its just not good enough to measure what I’d need to for the purposes of an objective review (especially THD / THD+N). The added outputs and the ability to decode up to Native DSD256 makes the K3 a potent hub for inexpensive audio setups, too. But I’d imagine my preferences will be different to most people’s. FiiO K5 PRO vs FiiO K3 (150 USD vs 110 USD) – K3 works from a smartphone though, especially if it is one of those smartphones that can act as a battery, but something like the Huawei P20 won’t do, and K3 would drain it way too quickly. Topping DX7s & Audio-GD NFB-11.28 & Dark Voice 336SE Beyer T90, HD58X, Fostex T-X0 Essentially wire with gain – which to me is everything I want a DAC/amp to be. Buy 4-Driver FH5, the Best FiiO IEMs Ever, Win a Gift Worth $32.99! Always a difficult topic with DAC/amps, and especially when you have a device which is desktop oriented, but your comparable devices are mostly portables. K5PRO has a much better DAC inside and a lot heavier “cojones” in terms of power delivery. Questions? When engaged it adds some richness and warmth to the lower mid-range, and quite a lot of impact and punch to the sub and mid-bass. At work I take my portable solutions. With a variety of headphones and earphones including the HD630VB, Brainwavz HM100, Alessandro MS Pro, SE846, 64 Audio U10, VE Zen and many others. Disclaimer: The Fiio K3 was sent to us for the purpose of this review.The unit doesn’t need to be returned and Fiio … FiiO are quite conservative with their specs of output power. For portable lap-top only – it would be the K3. The major difference between the two apart from form factor is the built in battery of the Q1ii. Perhaps an opportunity missed rather than a feature. I am an old-school guy and I like the simplest DAC/Amp units, especially desktop ones that can be wall-powered. Because of the very clean background (which in my opinion aids a feeling of depth or space if its in the recording), I’ve been captivated and gone on little journeys of discovery. F10K can drive the Sennheiser HD600/650 and AKG K702 pretty well and they are harder to drive than the 250 Ohm DT770/990. All the IEMs we tried with the M3K were adequately powered, though some 25- and 32-ohm headphones needed to crank the M3K up to about 75% of its max for the … Requests? Accessory package is similar for both, although the X1 does have extra cabling due to its design for portability. Despite this bit of extra attention to detail in the lows, the highs retain the usual amount of detail – sparkling and clean, with a natural glow that heightens strings and vocals. For its intended use, the K3 does a much better job, and for less than half the money – for desktop and transportable use, the choice is obvious. I was told my review on another amp was poor because I didn’t include sections on bass, mid-range, treble, sound-stage, imaging etc – yet referred to an amp as warm, full, or lean. FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC/AMP – Good DAC/AMP for 250 ohm Headphone Read Verified Customer Reviews FiiO is one of the most experienced companies in portable audio. I do think FiiO could have squeezed more value out by dropping the digital outs and having either fixed RCA line-outs, or possibly an alternative digital in – but for the overall price and features offered, the K3 really does offer some pretty good value. FiiO K3 is a new product from FiiO, a small DAC/AMP to replace their older, yet extremely successful FiiO E10K DAC/AMP. The FiiO E17K is one of the most linear devices I own, and is essentially ruler flat from 20Hz to 20kHz. Both have a variable line-out controlled by the volume pot. I tried the 300ohm HD600s and while volume was easy enough to achieve (SE) with the pot at 3pm (so a little over 1/2 way), it would be fair to say that music was not quite as dynamic out of the K3 as it was out of my iFi rig. IMO this would have been a better use of the real estate than the current coax and optical outputs. It doesn’t have enough power to use with passive speakers, but with my JBL LSR305’s it is a really handy feature. As far as preference goes – mine depends on the use. The K3 also has a bass boost, where the X1 has none. Integrierter kopfhörerverstärker - Mit bis zu 320 Milliwatt Leistung Empfohlen von 16 bis 150 Ohm … Styled in a titanium finish, the FiiO K3 is a compact desktop headphone amplifier and USB Type-C DAC designed for use with any compatible USB device. How did the pocket sized DAC/amp stack up? Secondly, there is a bass boost which is far superior to that of the E10K and good enough to not just be a simple gimmick. Once installed, the FiiO K3 supportss audio stream up to 32bit / 384kHz and DSD256 which is pretty rare even now. Its almost impossible to pick a preference here either as the K3 shines for desktop use and the X1 for portable. Now I can understand the reference to warm / full / lean – as they are very subjective terms, and whilst I’d like to avoid their use, they are invaluable to convey true meaning. My Review on the Fiio K3 Dac. Its why the review has also taken a little longer. Check whether the volume is too low, increase the volume of the connected device or adjust the volume knob of K3 to increase the volume of the unit. The other major difference between the two devices is in power output. For headphones – I used the HM100 – mainly because they are easy to drive, quite neutral. Mine aren’t balanced terminated, so it was hard to say if the extra power balanced would have helped. But is there a downside to this diminutive device? FiiO FH5 is on the way to our worldwide sales agents! Both devices were volume matched and had my PC as source. Your email address will be kept private and you can unsubscribe any time. Alongside that, I […], I was contacted by Ausdom to ask if I was interested in reviewing their ANC7 wireless Bluetooth headphones. The matte black and smooth finish of the body of the amplifier really seems pretty elegant. The Q1, on the other hand, is ideally designed for on the go use with your mobile device… K5PRO FTW! If anything I sometimes hear very slight warmth in the Q1ii, but I’d be the first to admit that it could be subjective sighted bias. The analog signal is then amplified by an LPF/voltage and current drive combination consisting of the TI OPA1612 and dual OPA926. The X3 was followed by the X5, X1, X7 and most of these DAPs are now into their 2nd or even 3rd generations. The K3 outer body consists of a one piece aluminium casing (CNC machined, anodised and sand-blasted), book-ended front and back by single aluminium face plates. One thing is sure – if you’ve heard and liked the tonality of the Q1ii – you’ll feel right at home with the K3. Using, DT770 pro at 100.4 dB/V and M50x at 114.6 dB/V from "reference … Purchase it off amazon; link below https://amzn.to/2VWGh6n This is a fantastic budget Dac that offers-- … And imaging is very clean and consistent. For $109.99, the FiiO K3 amounts to an impressive bargain. But what about those who are looking for a budget solution (desk-top or lap-top), or cheaper and more space-efficient work solution? “The Fiio K3 supports both single-ended and balanced output. And of course the E17K has the portability being battery based. Sign up for our monthly newsletter plus the occasional special announcement. Possibly the only thing I would have also liked was a fixed line-level out (preferably rear RCAs) which could have been used to go to a powered amp (eg tube amp) – utilising the very good DAC on the K3. He's a huge fan of Grado, UK hip hop, and the English Language in general. The low end seems a little bit thick for a FiiO DAC, but refreshingly so, with just a little extra warmth. The gain, like the original signal is very linear, and from my measurements adds about 6.7-6.8 dB to the overall volume. FiiO was first founded in 2007. Power is pretty good for a device with such a small footprint, but don’t expect miracles – you won’t be properly driving 300 ohm headphones or anything which needs a strong current input. It has no internal battery, so it will need to be powered from your computer. The K3 has grown on me over the last few weeks of use, and especially in its intended use – as a simple desk-top DAC/amp. In subjective comparison, the K3 sounds exactly the same (to me) as the E17K, quite flat, and very clean. If you’re in the market for a $100 DAC/amp, the FiiO K3 probably gives you the best sound in that price range. As far as supported formats go, the K3 does have a wider overall range (up to 32/384 PCM & DSD) where as the X1 is little more limited (24/192 and no DSD). The Naming Rules of FiiO Earphones 2018-07-03. K3 was one of my favorite things back when I reviewed it, and for good … The other major difference between the two devices is again in power output. It’s the nature of the DAC and amp which is used. Once again FiiO proves that a device does not have to be expensive to deliver good features and sound. Frequency response curve 1 (Headphone output) Test condition: USB DAC input, play -5 dB sinusoidal signal, 192kHz 5-92kHz, 32Ω loaded All of these ports are located on the back of the unit, while the front of the K3 features headphone outputs and a volume knob. Many of us (who are looking at using more than just our smart-phone for audio) will be looking for solutions for particular circumstances. While the K3 is quite neutral, the last thing I would call it is harsh or clinical, and during my tests with the HM100 and RE2000 this week, I’ve been surprised how many times I’ve drifted away from critical listening to be sidetracked into simply browsing my music library. DISCLOSURE: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com, affiliated sites and sponsors. Again – two examples of brilliant devices – each with their own strengths. A DACs job is to decode the signal in as linear fashion as possible, and the amp’s job is to amplify the signal with as low distortion as possible. Snag the FiiO K3 and start enjoying this impressive DAC as soon as possible. If you are running Windows 10, even plugging the K3 without the driver still loads generic support with USB 2.0, but the driver is required for DSD.
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