THEY ALSO ADDED VENTED SIDES TO THE ESS VERSION.. MORE WEIGHT SAVINGS FOR GT3 Analogy! ⚔️www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Subscribe Star 🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Check out the Patreon
To anyone who bought the AKM version and is watching this because you are worried you bought the wrong product, here is your answer @ 7:27. Thank you Z for the review. Cheers.
K9pro with the AKM4499 is just great! I deliberately bought this because of the Fiio M15 dac, so also with the AKM4499 chip. Since I mounted the Z5500 from Logitech THX. "Total match" I'm done and enjoying it to the full!!!! Headphones: Audeze lcd2 Ears: Campfire Vega 2020.. Yess I'm a bass head banger!
I got the akm about 6 months ago, no regrets, it’s great. It was it’s 650€ worth then, and still is and the ess is probably its 850€ worth just as much. There will always be a next best thing. :)
@@ployth9000 Different things sound different, given your hearing, headphones and maybe the source music file. If it’s going to be better, depends, you can only really try it before you know. Synergy. You have to try with your existing equipment or the stuf you want in the future to see if it works. The one headphone amp and dac combo slaps, the other sucks. So if you can, always demo your stuff before you commit to the purchase. Difference? Probably. Good difference? Idk. And zeos is your tool, zeos should be used by you, try to figure out how your preference of the sound delivery differs to that of zeos. This man is consistent in his preferences, (thats why he is good,props to zeos), but also dont rely on zeos. Watch joshua valour, dms, the headphone show and figure out what they like. That should help point to certain equipment. If zeos likes something But, too bright, might be totally your cup of tea, the best there is for you.
The AKM version is sold out (at Apos) and discontinued. Topping did the same as Fiio: replaced a single AK4499 chip in the D90 and D90 MQA with dual ES9038Pro chips in the D90 SE. I'm guessing that the AK4499 chip supported balanced output with a single chip where two ESS chips are needed for balanced output, hence the price increase. Even the Topping D90 increased $100 from the D90 MQA ($800) to the D90 SE ($900). I don't think Fiio is trying price gouge on their new products. Fiio actually dropped the price on the M11 Plus DAP by $200 ($900 to $700) when the dual AKM chips (AK4497ES) where replaced by dual ESS chips (ES9068AS).
Actually, the AKM version was intended to have two dac chips as well, but that plan changed when the factory that produced these chips burned down, so they resorted to making single-chip AKM version instead, to increase the amount of units they could produce. The AKM version is discontinued, because apparently, they're not repairing the factory, so the chips themselves are discontinued. Which means the AKM version of the FiiO K9 Pro, is about to get real expensive in the future, lmao. I bough it early a few months ago, and it's already increased in price by roughly 100 dollars from the place i ordered it. I bought it for 8990 NOK, it currently sells for 9990 NOK. :P
Just purchased yet another dac based on ZeosPantera review. Got damn z I love ya brother. Keep them coming. This and my Willsenton will make beautiful music 🎶 together.
@@ZReviews The insta360 One R 1" sensor action cam he has real nice quality compared to gopro because of the bigger sensor. Just thought I would mention it.
Got to love Zeos’ reviews. The difference between them is the dacs, which I’ve said multiple times doesn’t make a difference. That being said, there’s a bit of a difference. All kidding aside, I love the reviews.
well... as always Zeos makes me spend money. Been using my lovely Sony Tazzy DAC AMP for years.... 5 hrs ago, I hooked up the K9 Pro ESS... and Wow. Just wow. Been doing some A/B switching between the two, mixing up headphones. Even my Z1R headphones sound so much better, the resolution, sound stage and crispness in the vocals and strings. Wow. I need to put away the boxes before my wife gets home.
I'm thinking of getting this for my Z1R as well, the Tazzy is pretty expensive on my area, and at this point I think my WM1A is actually better sounding than my Topping DX7s. Now a question, do you still prefer the K9Pro over the Tazzy? I'm planning to use ADX5000 and T1 also on it, but they shouldn't be that much harder to drive, many iem also including the IER Z1R
@@MuhammadKharismawan 100% love the k9 over my beloved Tazzy. The tazzy is overdue for an update from Sony in terms of technology and more importantly price. I kept it for about another month and sold it on kijiji for an ok price.
Been watching your channel on&offfor some time and still haven’t gota clue what you’re saying. I just watch you switching cables hee and there and talking ‘chinese’. But listening to clever people make me feel smarter too. Thanks for trying to explain this to newbie’s.
I'm using the AKM version with my LCD-X, I think it's a fantastic DAC/AMP combo, if I want more soundstage, I would probably just upgrade to a Hifiman Arya on sale than going for the ESS version for a slight upgrade
What nobody talks about, which I don’t get, is that you can be happy with a good transparent DAC and then just play with different colored Amps and/or headphones to get some different flavors. Am I missing something? Can’t I achieve similar sound by changing headphones or going tube amps as if I change my DAC to something like an r2r DAC such as Ares II? It’s confusing. 😅
I have a choice between both the AKM 4499 and the ESS Version of this Dac/AMP. I have owned many AKM dacs in the past and never had a single hiccup with em. I have also owned a lower cost Dac which used the ESS 9016 chip I believe which was in the Schiit Modi 3e, and that Dac could NOT handle a stable Optical Connection, if I were to pull the Trigger on the K9 I am leaning towards the ESS version but I hope my Optical signal won't drop like the cheaper ess chip dac I own (edit) and they are both identical in price
The guy I talked to from Apos about my AKM was telling me that they actually lost money on the K9 Pro AKM because they didn't foresee the cost of the chips and that one of the reasons that the ESS is more expensive is because they realized they couldn't go that low on the price. Which I believe after looking at the product and watching your review lol. I don't know how reliable his information is but I know that he's right that they won't be making the AKM anymore so it's kindof a jewel that you should hold onto. (guy was a bit of a nerd, like me haha). I still hate that sensitive HP/PRE/DAC out switch btw smh.
@@ZReviews They're not rebuilding the factory, well not as it was, anyhow... the AKM chip in question is discontinued by AKM, entirely... That's why FiiO had to discontinue the AKM version. The FiiO K9 Pro, is the last amplifier in history that will have those AKM chips... Hold on to them, because they're going to get real expensive in the future. :P The AKM version was also meant to have 2 dac chips, but they resorted to only using 1 dac chip, in order to make more units... Specifically because AKM was discontinuing the 4499 chip.
@@MyouKyuubi if AKM version would include like ESS ones then it would be on par for comparison, using one AKM vs 2 separated ESS pro is definitely different in channel separations as well as clarity. Luckily, I got ESS version with the price of AKM.
I think there is a value in AKM4499 due to the scarcity, especially most future models and competitors will be using ESS DAC's. I also don't believe you are going to get the incremental utility of additional $150. I think it comes down to the preference as Zeos already mentioned. Lastly, the ESS version has been out for a little while now (outside of Apos).
@@swiftshinobi8337 I did not mean the resell value or future value. I just meant people who enjoy the AKM4499 sound. Value in being able to obtain the DAC before it gets any harder. I agree that, in the future, the preference might change or new DAC chip that will blow people’s mind. However, “old amp/dac” does not equal to old technology or obsolete. People will enjoy what they enjoy. Do we think record players are “old” and has no value in use? People have tube amps that are well over 10 years old that they still enjoy and take care of.
It still blows my mind how you can enjoy or hate the headphones/amps ect while having the headphones on and music playing (white noise in this case) and still be able to say everything you want to say. LOL might be my adhd brain but I find it impressive
Wanted to get the K9 to replace my K5... but it wasn't in stock anywhere so i got the K9 ESS instead. I see what you did there FiiO.. buttering everybody up with the K9, thinking it's great value.. to then force them into an upsell simply due to a lack of availability. >_>
I actually like the 4:3 z, it's unique and different. it sets you aside and when doing vintage things it makes far more sense but it's so cool either way.
Good video. I'm trying to find out how this DAC/amp compares with the very old but good Asus Essence One. The Essence one provides a big quality jump when compared with my decent/modern onboard audio. Will I notice any quality improvement by going to the Fiio K9?
Finally someone acknowledges that. Next try to compare the K9 Pro ESS with the TA-ZH1ES, if you're able to detect the difference between the AKM and ESS, this will be a day and night difference to you. And after you A/B that, you either throw the TA-ZH1ES out the window, or the K9 For me it was the K9. Switching to that felt like switching from an Desktop amp to an smartphone. Bass was slow, soundstage collapsed instantly, instrument's went into the same layer and so on. The TA-ZH1ES is so highly underrated in terms of sonic performance, it needs someone with an Waifu Wallpaper and an switch box to finally show that this amp makes pretty much everything on the market bite dust... If you like it's sound signature.
I love this ratio a lot more. You can see so much more and it doesn't shake when you talk as much as before because of the stabilization. I love how much better the colors look.
I mean... It at least seems like they have discontinued the AKM model here in China, hence the AKM model being sold gets more and more scarce on the online stores, cuz the lack of those 4499eq chips, and it may be so for the foreign market as well
Z, while listening with the Stellia, do you think the synergy was great, or does it double down on almost "too much" clean and should I look for something slightly, ever-so-slightly, warmer. Thanks, man.
I love you Z Reviews! How does the K9 compare to the discontinued Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology (Dual AKM 4493 DACs & Dual AAA-788 Modules)? Thanks!
Can it give 3 + watts for a (Adorama NY exclusive version-) HiFiMan He 6 V2 (impedance of 50 Ω and a sensitivity 83 dB)? I want the features of that K 9 pro2 but I don't think it would be right match. To have a one piece DAC-Headphone amp.
does Skedra make those switch boxes for the general public too? I don't Need any more anything audio. That said, those T60 are gorgeous ps. you can blind test yourself Z, you've done it before. mix the cables or hide the units... ETA: that's Cayin iHA-6 money. Sure, the Fiio got dac (2) but sound wise? Comparable? detail, warmth? Waterfall glitter?
I'd really like see something like skedra/golden's Switchbox to become more mainstream. And if so, less expensive. I remember Mailing Skedra about it and him telling me something on the lines of 600 gbp. Make it happen guys!
Sorry, I'm unclear... That USB C on the side is input I gather? I am currently running a Schiit Hel2 and considering this as an upgrade. I use a very expensive wireworld starlight 8 usb C cable from a laptop source.... So If get this, I'm good to go? I was considering the AKM as my Hel 2 has AK4490. But you are saying get either... And be fine...
I listening both ESS and AKM versions, and IMO doesn't wort the $150 difference. You're "right", but maybe the 90-95% people won't notice this. With $150 upgrade your headphones, you will win more than buying one of the two Fiio K9 pro version. Peace
thanks Z i used your link to purchase from Apos if they still made books and people read em i’d encourage you to write a book on the hobby/culture/industry/audiophile world. I wonder what hp’s under 💎💎 I should get to pair with the k90? take care see ya next video 🤘🏼
With owning a pad rolled TH900mk2 and soon wanting to buy an Atrium i have to also send my Fostex HPa4BL into retirement. Planning to buy either the Fiio K9 Pro ESS (currently found on "sale" for 799€) or the xDuoo TA-22 (about 500€ in Germany). Which one of these would you recommend for my Headphone Lineup?
@@ThisIsNotJP meanwhile owning a lovely stabilized Atrium with K9 AKM and TA20+ (with Psvane 12au7 tubes) and it's a 10/10 for me :) i've ordered the K9 Pro ESS first and saw that the K9 AKM is much cheaper but with nearly the same internals (except the DAC tho). i've then canceled the K9 Pro order and went for the other one.
@@sameh9310 honestly smart move and if I hadn’t already owned the ESS I would’ve done the same! In Australia it’s almost a $600 price difference between the two units
Strangest abnormality I found with my fiio k9 pro ess is sound problem on TV each HD channel. There is no normal sound, it’s only noise kind of flickering. Normal channels run fine. I connected my TV via optical. Turned fiio off/onn, problem still persists. Any similar experience?
I bought a Meze Lirics, do you recomend this amp/dac for those headphones (Lirics dont really need an amplifier) or would you recomend to buy just a DAC. I saw you have also the Meze lirics thats why the question :) PD: I really want to buy this because ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, and im searching for some to tell me that is a good idea :P
For those that own either the AKM or the ESS version... How do you deal with the fingerprint on the top of that shiny knob? It is bothering me to no end :/
This review doesn't make you sound crazy. I bought a gustard x26 pro which uses 2 transformers for analog and digital and uses 2 es9038 pros and the sound is like you described. Sabre chips are great. I heard a bunch of stuff years ago about them and then I tried it and love it. The sound is probably better than akm.
hi z reviews I have my hd 650's senns plugged in on my k9pro ess and I am not getting any sound out of my headphones what do I have to do to get the headphones working on the fiio
I keep hearing you talk about paving your driveway. I do paving for a living (I have to, to be able to afford this damn hobby) and honestly wish I was closer to you because I'd make for damn sure you got hooked up. I'm no Mexican stomper either, we got contracts paving highways for the state. Got any questions hit me up.
Its roughly 10,500 square feet of 3.5" compressed to 3 Penn-Dot spec 9.5mil (so never needs sealing) done seemlessly in 1 day after a day of prep. $23,000 is the contract I signed.
@@ZReviews yeah when it's done right it gets pricey and that's a good size driveway. But that price it's good it's 2 day job. I would still seal it ( atleast if you live somewhere where it snows)tho you never want to seal until atleast 2-3 years after its paved. 5 years is fine, unless it's starts cracking before but it shouldn't. Sealing is much cheaper also, I would seal that job for about 3-4k in one day for a price idea. I know the mix is named never seal but it's a lie, the mix does have more tar in it to hold together stronger but over time it does leak out on its own and if you don't seal over time water will Penetrate and in winter it will freeze underneath and push up. Hence cracks. Also if their are any mega boulders underneath the driveway as they are digging make sure they remove them and fill the hole with good gravel because if the mega rock stays and the rest of the ground settles, the rock doesn't settle with it and it will push up over time making a lump in the driveway. Even rocks a foot or 2 in size can do this that's why it's important to do an even gravel base underneath. I'm sure they told you most of this, but keep in mind what I said. If you have problems with it after they pave it I'm open for questions with how to help.
Color correction is good. And sure the Gopro throws away 43% of the sensor but who cares if i watch this on my monitor i also lose 23% of my screen space to black bars.. And with black bars it looks worse. I don’t care about the surrounding, i care about what’s in the middle of the screen Cropping is not just BAD.
Just to make you aware. The guy who measured that is called goldensound. Golden one is a right wing fascist body builder from Sweden that used to make antisemitic UA-cam content. 😂
I'm seeing a lot of artifacting in the background. Maybe it's just me but I like to look at the room while you do these reviews, not just focus on what's on the table. It's a bit vaseline-y for my taste, I can't see how you think this is higer-res. Does it look sharper on your CRT than your other vids? Edit: to be clear the 4:3 aspect ratio doesn't bother me though.
The only thing I dislike about my K9 Pro is how it always seems to default to unicorn puke RGB instead of staying on off as I set it. It sounds amazing. Completely happy on the sounds front.
hello! may i bring a problem i have with the K9 PRO ESS? K9 PRO ESS distorted my Speakers (AirPulse A300) but Topping D90SE not. at topping i can select 4v and 5v, at 4v all works clean, at 5v i have distortion at my speakers with K9 PRO ESS i have the same distortion i had with 5v at topping d90se, cant select 4v or something to fix it at K9 PRO ESS im using bitperfect excluvise mode asio and wasapi.... the only way to hear normal audio is to put 50% volume at windows from and to player when i use bitperfect or use eq and change the gain to -4.0db that i dont like and trust the only workaround is to low the volume but this is not a fix... topping gives us options and works out of the box as it should! cant even enjoy the producy i buy to the fullest with this issue The K9 PRO ESS uses for sure 5V for output xlr and rca, fiio didnt ever consider that 5V is not compatible to all devices? hope they release a firmware to fix this issue and use topping aproach! FiiO K9 PRO ESS Single-ended line output performance parameters Line Level 2.5Vrms Balanced line output performance parameters Line Level 5Vrms Τopping D90SE RCA LINE OUT 2.1Vrms (Mode 4V) 2.6Vrms (Mode 5V) XLR LINE OUT 4.2VRMS (MODE 4V) 5.2VRMS (MODE 5V)
IF the amp hasn't changed its the dac but more likely the DUAL dacs. Separating the whole thing into separate left and right circuits vs the single stereo dac from AKM.
ADI-2 doesn't have a balanced output and that was a dealbreaker for me. It also doesn't have bluetooth. Got K9 Pro AKM which was also significantly cheaper (3000 PLN vs 4500 PLN). Was considering A90/D90 combo but as it was over twice the price (~6300 PLN) I bought the FiiO with no regrets - love it! Saved money will go for a headphone upgrade (using Oppo PM-3 atm) that I believe will make a bigger difference after all. Thinking about LCD-XC.
Btw I want to point out that me being a mobile user, I can't see shit on your desk in the video because everything's so small and narrow and I can't see that goddamn beautiful headphone wall!!!
@@krayozmines I dunno... being a pretentious hipster? I do understand the reasons for 4:3 in movies. but here what do we actually get? more basement ceiling and legs. wow. any perceivable benefit is lost on mobile anyways.
1. This video is posted 4 days ago. It's not in the channel uploads for some reason. 2. If I wanted the widest soundstage setup on my head what would I need? I'm guessing iFi Zen DAC and idk about the specific headphones or earphones
Well, this version costs more, because it has an extra dac chip in it. the AKM version was meant to have two dac chips as well, but the burning of the factory, and the permanent discontinuation of the chips in question being announced, caused them to only put a single dac chip in them, in order to sell more units. The extra dac chip was never a crucial part of it's design, it was just over-engineering, to satisfy the more demanding customers... The K5 Pro is still very much for the customers who aren't super picky, but still want quality sound... The K9 Pro is more for studio work, and posh people, AKA, audiophiles. The ESS version was planned alongside the AKM version, and since the factory making those is perfectly fine, it's going to launch as originally planned. Originally, both units were going to have the same pricing... But since the AKM factory burned down, and took that incident as an opportunity to discontinue the 4499 chip entirely, that caused a change of plans... The AKM version got cheaper, as a result of having less dac chips, but the scarcity of the 4499 chips, is going to increase it's price again. Since the AKM version was released, it has already increased in price by 100 dollars, in my country. :P So atm, the ESS is only 50 dollars more expensive than the AKM version... And as time goes on, the AKM version is eventually going to be more expensive than the ESS version, entirely due to scarcity. I bought the AKM version before i knew this, so... i've accidentally EARNED money on this thing. xD I've debated eventually selling the AKM version, and using the profits to buy the ESS version. :P It pays for itself at this point. :P
Really? Never had any issues like that from their stuff. Does it do it with nothing plugged in? Because I would assume there is a short on something you have plugged in first before blaming a very cool running amp.
@@ZReviews No , I run my Hifimans off it primarily, and it does not shut down while its cool , it takes around a half hour or longer and the shell heats up semi hot. I have the gain on , usually volume maxed since hifimans are harder to drive and yeah after its hot enough it shuts down entirely. I sent it in and got it back 3 weeks later , they didn't charge anything to have it fixed but I think they mis diagnosed the problem is all. I could try sending it back in but to be honest I kinda want more power anyways , been having to fall back on a chrome add on to boost gain for my music to get it up to where I am feeling it. Im runnin a SMSL dac with it too , and some wire world aftermarket cables.
THEY ALSO ADDED VENTED SIDES TO THE ESS VERSION.. MORE WEIGHT SAVINGS FOR GT3 Analogy!
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🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Check out the Patreon
White noise is the bomb..I prefer white noise while watching porn hub.
What is better? Т60rp vs d5000?
Pls.
would it handle the dt880 600ohm alright out of the balanced ports? asking caus im planning to get a balanced pair
To anyone who bought the AKM version and is watching this because you are worried you bought the wrong product, here is your answer @ 7:27.
Thank you Z for the review. Cheers.
New video format is almost solidified. Have a few practice runs up. So enjoy the last few of the 4:3 and then a half-good one on the 27th.
the 4:3 aspect honestly works great for the content IMO but the black bars get me. Fits great on my secondary dell office monitor though
K9pro with the AKM4499 is just great! I deliberately bought this because of the Fiio M15 dac, so also with the AKM4499 chip. Since I mounted the Z5500 from Logitech THX.
"Total match" I'm done and enjoying it to the full!!!!
Headphones: Audeze lcd2
Ears: Campfire Vega 2020.. Yess I'm a bass head banger!
I got the akm about 6 months ago, no regrets, it’s great. It was it’s 650€ worth then, and still is and the ess is probably its 850€ worth just as much. There will always be a next best thing. :)
is no audible difference , so you had the same thing cheaper
I am coming from soundblaster X7 with sparkos op amps will I notice a difference in sound going with the ESS
@@ployth9000 Different things sound different, given your hearing, headphones and maybe the source music file. If it’s going to be better, depends, you can only really try it before you know. Synergy. You have to try with your existing equipment or the stuf you want in the future to see if it works. The one headphone amp and dac combo slaps, the other sucks. So if you can, always demo your stuff before you commit to the purchase. Difference? Probably. Good difference? Idk.
And zeos is your tool, zeos should be used by you, try to figure out how your preference of the sound delivery differs to that of zeos. This man is consistent in his preferences, (thats why he is good,props to zeos), but also dont rely on zeos. Watch joshua valour, dms, the headphone show and figure out what they like. That should help point to certain equipment.
If zeos likes something But, too bright, might be totally your cup of tea, the best there is for you.
The AKM version is sold out (at Apos) and discontinued. Topping did the same as Fiio: replaced a single AK4499 chip in the D90 and D90 MQA with dual ES9038Pro chips in the D90 SE. I'm guessing that the AK4499 chip supported balanced output with a single chip where two ESS chips are needed for balanced output, hence the price increase. Even the Topping D90 increased $100 from the D90 MQA ($800) to the D90 SE ($900).
I don't think Fiio is trying price gouge on their new products. Fiio actually dropped the price on the M11 Plus DAP by $200 ($900 to $700) when the dual AKM chips (AK4497ES) where replaced by dual ESS chips (ES9068AS).
Yes, the AKM version does have balanced output from the single chip.
Actually, the AKM version was intended to have two dac chips as well, but that plan changed when the factory that produced these chips burned down, so they resorted to making single-chip AKM version instead, to increase the amount of units they could produce.
The AKM version is discontinued, because apparently, they're not repairing the factory, so the chips themselves are discontinued.
Which means the AKM version of the FiiO K9 Pro, is about to get real expensive in the future, lmao. I bough it early a few months ago, and it's already increased in price by roughly 100 dollars from the place i ordered it.
I bought it for 8990 NOK, it currently sells for 9990 NOK. :P
The D90 SE only has one 9038 Pro chip.
@@Mad.Maxx.77 Thanks for the correction.
@@keithjohnson2863 No prob! 👍
Just purchased yet another dac based on ZeosPantera review. Got damn z I love ya brother. Keep them coming. This and my Willsenton will make beautiful music 🎶 together.
i scrolled the page down a little bit so i could watch the video in 16:9
Can’t get it to work :(
That is LITERALLY what the gopro does.. Throws away 43% of its image sensor.
@@ZReviews The insta360 One R 1" sensor action cam he has real nice quality compared to gopro because of the bigger sensor. Just thought I would mention it.
LoL at Zoes calling everyone who owns an iPhone dumb, that’s great
I’m watching on an iPad so it’s perfect
Got to love Zeos’ reviews. The difference between them is the dacs, which I’ve said multiple times doesn’t make a difference. That being said, there’s a bit of a difference. All kidding aside, I love the reviews.
The treating every video like there are new people here is nice. I’m no expert, still very new to this world but always trying to learn more.
Is this the Snyder cut?
My Videos have been getting longer...
@@ZReviews that aspect ratio 🖤
@@YoussefShawky fuck that ratio
well... as always Zeos makes me spend money. Been using my lovely Sony Tazzy DAC AMP for years....
5 hrs ago, I hooked up the K9 Pro ESS... and Wow. Just wow. Been doing some A/B switching between the two, mixing up headphones. Even my Z1R headphones sound so much better, the resolution, sound stage and crispness in the vocals and strings. Wow.
I need to put away the boxes before my wife gets home.
Anyone have a Speaker Amp via XLR to recommend? they will be powering SVS bookshelf speakers.
@Marius Sandu My kid disapproved of me being a second used pair of cans (Fostex TH900). LOL
I'm thinking of getting this for my Z1R as well, the Tazzy is pretty expensive on my area, and at this point I think my WM1A is actually better sounding than my Topping DX7s.
Now a question, do you still prefer the K9Pro over the Tazzy?
I'm planning to use ADX5000 and T1 also on it, but they shouldn't be that much harder to drive, many iem also including the IER Z1R
@@MuhammadKharismawan 100% love the k9 over my beloved Tazzy. The tazzy is overdue for an update from Sony in terms of technology and more importantly price. I kept it for about another month and sold it on kijiji for an ok price.
Been watching your channel on&offfor some time and still haven’t gota clue what you’re saying. I just watch you switching cables hee and there and talking ‘chinese’. But listening to clever people make me feel smarter too. Thanks for trying to explain this to newbie’s.
This unit is soooo good, amazing, off. the charts. Sleeper for now.
I'm using the AKM version with my LCD-X, I think it's a fantastic DAC/AMP combo, if I want more soundstage, I would probably just upgrade to a Hifiman Arya on sale than going for the ESS version for a slight upgrade
What nobody talks about, which I don’t get, is that you can be happy with a good transparent DAC and then just play with different colored Amps and/or headphones to get some different flavors. Am I missing something? Can’t I achieve similar sound by changing headphones or going tube amps as if I change my DAC to something like an r2r DAC such as Ares II? It’s confusing. 😅
According to Mouser, the ESS chip used alone costs $90, so i guess that's a big part and maybe the rest of the layout might be the reason
I have a choice between both the AKM 4499 and the ESS Version of this Dac/AMP. I have owned many AKM dacs in the past and never had a single hiccup with em. I have also owned a lower cost Dac which used the ESS 9016 chip I believe which was in the Schiit Modi 3e, and that Dac could NOT handle a stable Optical Connection, if I were to pull the Trigger on the K9 I am leaning towards the ESS version but I hope my Optical signal won't drop like the cheaper ess chip dac I own (edit) and they are both identical in price
The guy I talked to from Apos about my AKM was telling me that they actually lost money on the K9 Pro AKM because they didn't foresee the cost of the chips and that one of the reasons that the ESS is more expensive is because they realized they couldn't go that low on the price. Which I believe after looking at the product and watching your review lol. I don't know how reliable his information is but I know that he's right that they won't be making the AKM anymore so it's kindof a jewel that you should hold onto. (guy was a bit of a nerd, like me haha).
I still hate that sensitive HP/PRE/DAC out switch btw smh.
AKM needs to get their shit back together. Its been over a year now since the fire I think.
@@ZReviews Easier said than done.
@@ZReviews They're not rebuilding the factory, well not as it was, anyhow... the AKM chip in question is discontinued by AKM, entirely... That's why FiiO had to discontinue the AKM version.
The FiiO K9 Pro, is the last amplifier in history that will have those AKM chips... Hold on to them, because they're going to get real expensive in the future. :P
The AKM version was also meant to have 2 dac chips, but they resorted to only using 1 dac chip, in order to make more units... Specifically because AKM was discontinuing the 4499 chip.
@@MyouKyuubi if AKM version would include like ESS ones then it would be on par for comparison, using one AKM vs 2 separated ESS pro is definitely different in channel separations as well as clarity. Luckily, I got ESS version with the price of AKM.
@@Kryptonitetay The difference isn't that big, but yeah the ESS version is slightly better, due to having 2 dac chips.
I think there is a value in AKM4499 due to the scarcity, especially most future models and competitors will be using ESS DAC's. I also don't believe you are going to get the incremental utility of additional $150. I think it comes down to the preference as Zeos already mentioned. Lastly, the ESS version has been out for a little while now (outside of Apos).
@@swiftshinobi8337 I did not mean the resell value or future value. I just meant people who enjoy the AKM4499 sound. Value in being able to obtain the DAC before it gets any harder. I agree that, in the future, the preference might change or new DAC chip that will blow people’s mind. However, “old amp/dac” does not equal to old technology or obsolete. People will enjoy what they enjoy.
Do we think record players are “old” and has no value in use? People have tube amps that are well over 10 years old that they still enjoy and take care of.
The management always delivers
4K really improved the highs
Thighs*
It still blows my mind how you can enjoy or hate the headphones/amps ect while having the headphones on and music playing (white noise in this case) and still be able to say everything you want to say. LOL might be my adhd brain but I find it impressive
Wanted to get the K9 to replace my K5... but it wasn't in stock anywhere so i got the K9 ESS instead.
I see what you did there FiiO.. buttering everybody up with the K9, thinking it's great value.. to then force them into an upsell simply due to a lack of availability. >_>
I actually like the 4:3 z, it's unique and different. it sets you aside and when doing vintage things it makes far more sense but it's so cool either way.
I will be moving to a 16x10 format soon. Its sort of a compromise.
Good video. I'm trying to find out how this DAC/amp compares with the very old but good Asus Essence One. The Essence one provides a big quality jump when compared with my decent/modern onboard audio. Will I notice any quality improvement by going to the Fiio K9?
I oddly like this ratio more. Less cramped, and I never felt like the previous 16:9 was cramped.
See that is how i feel. You see more and it looks better. It will take some people a while to get it.
@@ZReviews It looks fine full screen desktop but I can see why it can be annoying on mobile
Finally someone acknowledges that. Next try to compare the K9 Pro ESS with the TA-ZH1ES, if you're able to detect the difference between the AKM and ESS, this will be a day and night difference to you.
And after you A/B that, you either throw the TA-ZH1ES out the window, or the K9
For me it was the K9. Switching to that felt like switching from an Desktop amp to an smartphone.
Bass was slow, soundstage collapsed instantly, instrument's went into the same layer and so on.
The TA-ZH1ES is so highly underrated in terms of sonic performance, it needs someone with an Waifu Wallpaper and an switch box to finally show that this amp makes pretty much everything on the market bite dust... If you like it's sound signature.
I love this ratio a lot more. You can see so much more and it doesn't shake when you talk as much as before because of the stabilization. I love how much better the colors look.
Need asap your thoughts about topping a30pro/d30pro and fiio k9 pro!!!
I mean... It at least seems like they have discontinued the AKM model here in China, hence the AKM model being sold gets more and more scarce on the online stores, cuz the lack of those 4499eq chips, and it may be so for the foreign market as well
Z, while listening with the Stellia, do you think the synergy was great, or does it double down on almost "too much" clean and should I look for something slightly, ever-so-slightly, warmer. Thanks, man.
That is a per person analogy. BUT I think the ESS version of this is that little bit warmer then the rest of the THX line
I love you Z Reviews! How does the K9 compare to the discontinued Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology (Dual AKM 4493 DACs & Dual AAA-788 Modules)? Thanks!
Those older THX amps were sterile, It did its job but this is all next gen sounding.
Hello Zeos, where do i get the switch box ? I would like to try comparing output sound from an amp or two at the same time from single source. Thanks
Can it give 3 + watts for a (Adorama NY exclusive version-) HiFiMan He 6 V2 (impedance of 50 Ω and a sensitivity 83 dB)? I want the features of that K 9 pro2 but I don't think it would be right match. To have a one piece DAC-Headphone amp.
does Skedra make those switch boxes for the general public too?
I don't Need any more anything audio. That said, those T60 are gorgeous
ps. you can blind test yourself Z, you've done it before. mix the cables or hide the units...
ETA: that's Cayin iHA-6 money. Sure, the Fiio got dac (2) but sound wise? Comparable? detail, warmth? Waterfall glitter?
This looks like a mobile phone video, circa 2002.
I'd really like see something like skedra/golden's Switchbox to become more mainstream. And if so, less expensive. I remember Mailing Skedra about it and him telling me something on the lines of 600 gbp. Make it happen guys!
That's the cost of the parts mostly. Shiiiiit was expensive. I paid for just the parts and it was $$$$$
Hmmm very interesting duel dac but at almost $900 think I would rather spend that on a cheaper dac/amp and headphones.
Sorry, I'm unclear... That USB C on the side is input I gather? I am currently running a Schiit Hel2 and considering this as an upgrade. I use a very expensive wireworld starlight 8 usb C cable from a laptop source.... So If get this, I'm good to go? I was considering the AKM as my Hel 2 has AK4490. But you are saying get either... And be fine...
As someone that bought the AKM version, I'm really only bothered I didn't get the fifth foot.
Then this will really kill you - the ESS version actually comes with 6 feet.
I listening both ESS and AKM versions, and IMO doesn't wort the $150 difference. You're "right", but maybe the 90-95% people won't notice this. With $150 upgrade your headphones, you will win more than buying one of the two Fiio K9 pro version. Peace
would you say the FIIO K9 PRO is worth upgrading from Zen Dac v2 + Zen Can? im using Hifiman anada nano and R70x
thanks Z i used your link to purchase from Apos if they still made books and people read em i’d encourage you to write a book on the hobby/culture/industry/audiophile world. I wonder what hp’s under 💎💎 I should get to pair with the k90? take care see ya next video 🤘🏼
With owning a pad rolled TH900mk2 and soon wanting to buy an Atrium i have to also send my Fostex HPa4BL into retirement. Planning to buy either the Fiio K9 Pro ESS (currently found on "sale" for 799€) or the xDuoo TA-22 (about 500€ in Germany). Which one of these would you recommend for my Headphone Lineup?
I hope you went with the K9 ESS as I was rocking that with the Atriums and it was 10/10
@@ThisIsNotJP meanwhile owning a lovely stabilized Atrium with K9 AKM and TA20+ (with Psvane 12au7 tubes) and it's a 10/10 for me :)
i've ordered the K9 Pro ESS first and saw that the K9 AKM is much cheaper but with nearly the same internals (except the DAC tho).
i've then canceled the K9 Pro order and went for the other one.
@@sameh9310 honestly smart move and if I hadn’t already owned the ESS I would’ve done the same!
In Australia it’s almost a $600 price difference between the two units
Strangest abnormality I found with my fiio k9 pro ess is sound problem on TV each HD channel. There is no normal sound, it’s only noise kind of flickering. Normal channels run fine. I connected my TV via optical. Turned fiio off/onn, problem still persists. Any similar experience?
I bought a Meze Lirics, do you recomend this amp/dac for those headphones (Lirics dont really need an amplifier) or would you recomend to buy just a DAC. I saw you have also the Meze lirics thats why the question :)
PD: I really want to buy this because ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, and im searching for some to tell me that is a good idea :P
I literally just watched your review of the previous version and was sad when I relized its no longer available
Did you level match the DACs?
If the motion stability is an issue why not just put the camera on a tripod and be done with it
I have hd820. I can't decide between Fiio K9 pro ESS or Sennheiser Hdv820 Dac. Which one you recomend ? Thanks
For those that own either the AKM or the ESS version... How do you deal with the fingerprint on the top of that shiny knob? It is bothering me to no end :/
I don’t see the fingerprints because I don’t sit right over the unit (like Z is doing in this review) and because my room isn’t so brightly lit.
I have an Xduoo XA-10. Would the K9 be an upgrade? or would it sound the same?
Nice review. But how can you afford all of this nice hifi gear?
With the new price tag it starts to get close to the A90/D90 combo. Is it that good to ignore that? Can it compete with it?
It's still going to appeal to people who desire an all-in-one device, not everyone wants a stack.
Fits perfect on a z fold 3 👍
Shot with GoPro? Stabilization using gopro or post?
GP
This review doesn't make you sound crazy. I bought a gustard x26 pro which uses 2 transformers for analog and digital and uses 2 es9038 pros and the sound is like you described. Sabre chips are great. I heard a bunch of stuff years ago about them and then I tried it and love it. The sound is probably better than akm.
Any chance we might a comparison video - Fiio K9 VS K9 Pro?
Hmmm. This or Audio-gd D28 ? Any thought?
Thought you had identical pairs of Geshelli dacs?
Not of the new breed.
@@ZReviews gotta get them all :D
Man already got the sticker certification on it
It's weird because in this aspect ratio you can watch the video with your phone vertically and still see everything
hi z reviews I have my hd 650's senns plugged in on my k9pro ess and I am not getting any sound out of my headphones what do I have to do to get the headphones working on the fiio
can these be high end dac/amp combo? if it wasn't can u mention some dac/amp the K9 ESS can do better or comparing to him
They are high-end, not the highest end, technically, but, trust me, your ears aren't going to know the difference. :P
World's Best Cables or BUST. What you get for your $ is Ridiculous. They are all offered in short runs.
Be honest, what do you think I'd need to best listen to something like Meze Liric's?
Because I'm thinking of getting those, but i only have a fiio Q5s
Liric hardly change on most decent amps. I had them get the bass a bit warmer with a Class A but thats it.
@@ZReviews that's great to hear.
Wait, does this mean a Liric review is coming up?
Your fucking phone lmao. An Apple dongle will power efficient headphones like the Liric easily, with audibly perfect fidelity
Meze Lirics are expensive garbage, if you're gonna waste that kind of cash, buy Meze Elites instead.
@@MyouKyuubi boss if you’re burning Meze Elite levels of cash then just buy a Stealth and be done with audiophile
I keep hearing you talk about paving your driveway. I do paving for a living (I have to, to be able to afford this damn hobby) and honestly wish I was closer to you because I'd make for damn sure you got hooked up. I'm no Mexican stomper either, we got contracts paving highways for the state. Got any questions hit me up.
Its roughly 10,500 square feet of 3.5" compressed to 3 Penn-Dot spec 9.5mil (so never needs sealing) done seemlessly in 1 day after a day of prep. $23,000 is the contract I signed.
@@ZReviews yeah when it's done right it gets pricey and that's a good size driveway. But that price it's good it's 2 day job. I would still seal it ( atleast if you live somewhere where it snows)tho you never want to seal until atleast 2-3 years after its paved. 5 years is fine, unless it's starts cracking before but it shouldn't. Sealing is much cheaper also, I would seal that job for about 3-4k in one day for a price idea. I know the mix is named never seal but it's a lie, the mix does have more tar in it to hold together stronger but over time it does leak out on its own and if you don't seal over time water will Penetrate and in winter it will freeze underneath and push up. Hence cracks. Also if their are any mega boulders underneath the driveway as they are digging make sure they remove them and fill the hole with good gravel because if the mega rock stays and the rest of the ground settles, the rock doesn't settle with it and it will push up over time making a lump in the driveway. Even rocks a foot or 2 in size can do this that's why it's important to do an even gravel base underneath. I'm sure they told you most of this, but keep in mind what I said. If you have problems with it after they pave it I'm open for questions with how to help.
Can the human ear really hear the real detail difference in 6db reliably?
I think 3db is a stretch, 6db for sure.
Color correction is good.
And sure the Gopro throws away 43% of the sensor but who cares
if i watch this on my monitor i also lose 23% of my screen space to black bars..
And with black bars it looks worse. I don’t care about the surrounding, i care about what’s in the middle of the screen
Cropping is not just BAD.
Just to make you aware. The guy who measured that is called goldensound. Golden one is a right wing fascist body builder from Sweden that used to make antisemitic UA-cam content. 😂
.... close enough
What replaced the "permanent setup" of the rebel amp then???
Does this provide more copium than the good ol' K5 Pro?
I'm seeing a lot of artifacting in the background. Maybe it's just me but I like to look at the room while you do these reviews, not just focus on what's on the table. It's a bit vaseline-y for my taste, I can't see how you think this is higer-res. Does it look sharper on your CRT than your other vids?
Edit: to be clear the 4:3 aspect ratio doesn't bother me though.
It is definitely sharper, I can read text on things there would be no way to do in 1080p and cropped. But thanks for the insight.
Honestly I’m seeing the same stuff
That is likely the software stabilization smearing the pixels a bit with movement.
The only thing I dislike about my K9 Pro is how it always seems to default to unicorn puke RGB instead of staying on off as I set it. It sounds amazing. Completely happy on the sounds front.
You can turn that off, you know. :P
what's the name/link to that switcher?
hello! may i bring a problem i have with the K9 PRO ESS?
K9 PRO ESS distorted my Speakers (AirPulse A300) but Topping D90SE not.
at topping i can select 4v and 5v, at 4v all works clean, at 5v i have distortion at my speakers
with K9 PRO ESS i have the same distortion i had with 5v at topping d90se, cant select 4v or something to fix it at K9 PRO ESS
im using bitperfect excluvise mode asio and wasapi.... the only way to hear normal audio is to put 50% volume at windows from and to player when i use bitperfect
or use eq and change the gain to -4.0db that i dont like and trust
the only workaround is to low the volume but this is not a fix...
topping gives us options and works out of the box as it should!
cant even enjoy the producy i buy to the fullest with this issue
The K9 PRO ESS uses for sure 5V for output xlr and rca, fiio didnt ever consider that 5V is not compatible to all devices?
hope they release a firmware to fix this issue and use topping aproach!
FiiO K9 PRO ESS
Single-ended line output performance parameters
Line Level 2.5Vrms
Balanced line output performance parameters
Line Level 5Vrms
Τopping D90SE
RCA LINE OUT
2.1Vrms (Mode 4V)
2.6Vrms (Mode 5V)
XLR LINE OUT
4.2VRMS (MODE 4V)
5.2VRMS (MODE 5V)
Honestly to me the colours seem off I don’t know why that is
Does the Soundstage increase because of the dac or the amp?
They said for a while an ESS version was coming due to AKM shortage.
IF the amp hasn't changed its the dac but more likely the DUAL dacs. Separating the whole thing into separate left and right circuits vs the single stereo dac from AKM.
How does the K9 compare to the Shanling EM5?
Way more power. EM5 is softer.
when I hear high gain, I always say high back.
What do you do for living? apart from cursing
Swearing and Hand Waving.
FiiO K9 ESS II or the RME ADI-2 DAC FS? I'm leaning towards the RME. Anyone heard both (FiiO AKM version in this case).
ADI-2 doesn't have a balanced output and that was a dealbreaker for me. It also doesn't have bluetooth.
Got K9 Pro AKM which was also significantly cheaper (3000 PLN vs 4500 PLN). Was considering A90/D90 combo but as it was over twice the price (~6300 PLN) I bought the FiiO with no regrets - love it! Saved money will go for a headphone upgrade (using Oppo PM-3 atm) that I believe will make a bigger difference after all. Thinking about LCD-XC.
Are the Stellas naturally and fully French ?
Day 2 of staning 16:9 with soul until it makes a comeback
Btw I want to point out that me being a mobile user, I can't see shit on your desk in the video because everything's so small and narrow and I can't see that goddamn beautiful headphone wall!!!
Alot of zeos' belly in 4:3. Great 😂
More of me to love bb
Can anyone help me how do I get zeos' wallpaper these days? It keeps sending me to download something first. Instead of direct link like back then.
It will be nice if you can make review of amp bryston bha-1
I have a ess version,but when it work a few moment ,it become hot! Is it normal?
Warm is fine. Too hot to touch is not fine.
How do I get zero loss with fiio k9 ess?
Why 4:3?
The camera is capturing more vertically
@@mitsuracer87 and what benefit is that for us? Im fine with the previous aspect ratio
@@krayozmines I dunno... being a pretentious hipster? I do understand the reasons for 4:3 in movies.
but here what do we actually get? more basement ceiling and legs. wow. any perceivable benefit is lost on mobile anyways.
the heightened color saturation is fun
Was to help with the motion smoothing. Can't crop a crop. you end up with nothing left.
Kitagawa-san!
1. This video is posted 4 days ago. It's not in the channel uploads for some reason.
2. If I wanted the widest soundstage setup on my head what would I need? I'm guessing iFi Zen DAC and idk about the specific headphones or earphones
Unlisted and only for patrons.. Headphones make soundstage rarely the dac or amp. Next it is up to budget and the ability to use open-backs.
@@ZReviews is there any evidence of soundstage changing due to anything else then the headphones itselves (and maaaybe pads)?
Maybe a R-R dac?
I really hate when companies do this
Bring one version the another one just a little later and try and squeeze more money for it
Well, this version costs more, because it has an extra dac chip in it.
the AKM version was meant to have two dac chips as well, but the burning of the factory, and the permanent discontinuation of the chips in question being announced, caused them to only put a single dac chip in them, in order to sell more units.
The extra dac chip was never a crucial part of it's design, it was just over-engineering, to satisfy the more demanding customers... The K5 Pro is still very much for the customers who aren't super picky, but still want quality sound... The K9 Pro is more for studio work, and posh people, AKA, audiophiles.
The ESS version was planned alongside the AKM version, and since the factory making those is perfectly fine, it's going to launch as originally planned.
Originally, both units were going to have the same pricing... But since the AKM factory burned down, and took that incident as an opportunity to discontinue the 4499 chip entirely, that caused a change of plans... The AKM version got cheaper, as a result of having less dac chips, but the scarcity of the 4499 chips, is going to increase it's price again.
Since the AKM version was released, it has already increased in price by 100 dollars, in my country. :P
So atm, the ESS is only 50 dollars more expensive than the AKM version... And as time goes on, the AKM version is eventually going to be more expensive than the ESS version, entirely due to scarcity.
I bought the AKM version before i knew this, so... i've accidentally EARNED money on this thing. xD
I've debated eventually selling the AKM version, and using the profits to buy the ESS version. :P
It pays for itself at this point. :P
Zeos darknight reviews
8:16 who does Zeos sound like?
My fukn Geshelli Archel keeps overheating and shuts down. Sent it in once already. Pissed
Really? Never had any issues like that from their stuff. Does it do it with nothing plugged in? Because I would assume there is a short on something you have plugged in first before blaming a very cool running amp.
@@ZReviews No , I run my Hifimans off it primarily, and it does not shut down while its cool , it takes around a half hour or longer and the shell heats up semi hot. I have the gain on , usually volume maxed since hifimans are harder to drive and yeah after its hot enough it shuts down entirely. I sent it in and got it back 3 weeks later , they didn't charge anything to have it fixed but I think they mis diagnosed the problem is all. I could try sending it back in but to be honest I kinda want more power anyways , been having to fall back on a chrome add on to boost gain for my music to get it up to where I am feeling it. Im runnin a SMSL dac with it too , and some wire world aftermarket cables.
How does AKM compare to ESS K9
That is literally the whole video
How 'bout you watch the video before you comment? Bruh... xD
4:3 is the best ratio for photos and videos.
no. go back 25 years
the hecc is that aspect ratio