Fiio K9 AKM - This DAC/Amp is Impressive, A New Favorite of Mine! - Honest Audiophile Impressions
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- A BIG thanks to Fiio Audio for providing the K9 AKM for review, much appreciated. The Fiio K9 AKM is an all-n-one DAC/Amp that has impressed me over the last month plus. Is it my favorite for the $500ish and below price range? How does it compare to the Aune S9C Pro?
Purchase/More Information:
www.fiio.com/K9AKM
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction/Specs
01:18 Build/Design
04:44 Bluetooth/Hi-Res Sticker
05:33 Sonic Impressions
11:02 Power Output Abilities
12:05 vs Aune S9C Pro
13:05 vs Mytek Liebrty DAC ii
13:35 Conclusion
14:33 Exiting
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/thehones...
Instagram: pB4LG7Kqp_...
Twitter: / talkdbs @TalkDbs
Website: www.thehonestaudiophile.com
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
UA-cam membership: / @thehonestaudiophile
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: • Let's Talk - My resear... Tierlist:docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Audio Terms/Definitions: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Test Tracks: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Amazon playlist: music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: mezeaudio.com/products/meze-e...
Hifiman Ananda: hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: en-us.sennheiser.com/best-aud...
Sennheiser HD660s: en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: austrian.audio/headphones/hi-...
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
ADV. M5-12D: www.adv-sound.com/collections...
CTM Da Vinci X: cleartunemonitors.com/product...
Tin Hifi T2: www.linsoul.com/products/tinh...
Sony NW-A105: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Sony NW-WM-1a: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-...
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: www.headamp.com/products/gs-x...
Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789...
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one...
If you like the content of this channel and want to see more like this in the future, please
consider donating. All funds donated to the channel will be used to purchase headphones and audio gear for the channel.
Paypal: www.paypal.me/dbsylvia
Venmo: @David-Sylvia-6
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
If you would like to contact the channel please send an email to: dbstechtalk@gmail.com
Affiliate links:
Drop: click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/...
Apos Audio: apos.audio?sca_ref=45218.8XN5h6dArS
ADV-Sound: adv-sound.com/?mct=8ENJK5lB promo code: DavidS10
HifiGo: hifigo.com/?rfsn=5772588.cbfbb66
Linsoul: www.linsoul.com?sca_ref=910677.dpweP21PzL
Great review. Dave your description of the sound is simply fantastic, accurate,
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the excellent review! I always thought that a device like this needs a screen on the front, but after seeing your review I think it's not necessary. I like your hands-on reviews very much! ❤🙌
Yeah screens are cool but sometimes buttons and knobs are enjoyable.
Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Fiio are killing it these days. Great review. Thanks HA
I agree. Fiio has been coming out with quality products. More to come in the channel, Q15 review soon.
Yes they are thee k11 easily matches this thing for 1/5th the price
Excellent review!
Thank you kindly!
Hi Dave, thank you for your reviews, I am entering further the world of Head-Fi, learning, researching and enjoying. I am torn between the Aune S9Cpro and this Fiio K9 AKM as an upgrade from a K7. Predominantly a listener of Metal and some Jazz/Blues. Watching both your reviews carefully, reading all the comments has left me right on the 50/50 mark of which one to go with. I cannot listen to the Aune here in Australia, the closest store is 1000km away. I have a small (potentially unwarranted) concern from all reviews I've seen the Aune might be too revealing and not leave me enough "meat" on the bone for metal music, that lower end heft might be gone and the top end too clean and sharp - considering not all metal is produced perfectly. That said, I also currently use a M11 Pro ESS DAP so am familiar with the ESS sound.
Keeping that bottom end heft and impact for all that double kick drums in metal is paramount to me, a clean non fatiguing and sweet top end with a wide stage would in your experienced opinion should I buy blind on the Aune or would the K9 be the better route.
Regards from Australia.
Fiio K9 AKM would be the one I'd choose. It's a bit more forgiving for those poorly recorded tracks.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Hi Dave, thank you very kindly for your reply and opinion. I was leaning ever so slightly that way based on research I've done on the K9 but was hoping for a little reassurance based on experience - thank you! My familiarity of the K7 was probably part the reason too - though I expect the K9 to deliver a lot more in all areas, bass, mids, treble, staging and accuracy than the K7.
I have Focal Radiance and Clear and just grabbed the Fiio Jt1, all of which should be easy enough to run. I have the Verum II on order, but again I think from my limited knowledge the K9 will handle them with aplomb. Down the track i'd like some Hifi Man Arya or XS but again should be ok with the K9.
Lastly, your channel, approach and sincerity to your reviews is great. I have not seen any click bait and importantly, I've watched reviews where if you have not been impressed with the product you outright say it - refreshing and true to your channel name! Keep up the great work Dave.
@Boss-wy2ch Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Look forward to hearing about your journey and impressions.
Well thanks Dave for the review.
My pleasure, you're welcome
Here in the US and acquired this unit recently. Paired with Sennheiser 600s2 headphones with the balanced cable and it's fantastic! An amazing listening experience. I use this hooked up to the home PC, the RCA outputs are hooked up to Klipsch The Fives powered speakers and it's very easy to switch between sources with the switch on the front. The only other experience I have with DAC/amps is Schiit Hel 2E that I use for gaming and this is a massive upgrade for listening purposes, everything is clearer and more impactful. I did research on these prior to buying and waited to buy the AKM chips versus the ESS chips. Very happy with the purchase and decision to wait.
Awesomeness 😎 Glad you enjoy the Fiio K9 AKM. Thanks for the impressions.
These units are hard to find to purchase online. Thanks for review! Will have to wait until I can find.
I look forward to hearing your impressions.
Ain't that the truth? Here in India, the retailer has the tag “coming soon” on the webpage of this device for so many weeks that I’ve lost count! But I’ll buy this one for sure. AKM-THX combo would be phenomenal I guess.
Thank you so much for this review! I am in need of a new DAC and was planning to buy an SMSL AKM dac since it meets all my needs. This FIIO would be much more useful for me since it's less expensive and has a headphone amp. I have never heard a THX amp so this will be interesting to try. I tried the S9C pro for a couple weeks but returned it since I wasn't a fan of the ESS sound.
Look forward to hearing your impressions.
5:29 you got it right Dave! I am not going to buy anything without Hi-Res sticker ever! 🤣
As always, a lovely review. Your passion comes across. Thank you. - One question though, the K9 has been out some time now. That of course doesn't diminish its credentials but with the recent release of the K11 and with it, Fiio's new, updated and more modern looking platform with a display, would it be correct to assume the successor to the K9 (K19) will be available imminently? Unfortunately it won't let me enter Fiio's Twitter Account link here but I think it would be fair to say, based on Fiio's comments there (Expected release of the K19 is March), a replacement will be here very soon. Not in itself a reason not to buy a K9 but it may be prudent to wait a couple of months for reductions due to the new model.
Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the review.
I have no idea what Fiio has planned for the future. That would be a good question to ask them, here's a link to their X account: twitter.com/FIIO_official
Can you recommend which filter to select from?
Do the adjustments that are available in the app work without using bluetooth headphones?
The app connects directly to the K9 AKM not headphones. Then you use wired headphone output or the line out to listen to music.
As always, nice review! Did you try pairing the K9 with the FT5? I would imagine they synergize well together.
Of course. The FT5 is a very good pairing with the K9 AKM, does sound a bit darker than on the Aune and Mytek.
@@TheHonestAudiophile can you control the volume from the app?
Unfortunately you can't control volume with the app.
I had one and then got an R9 that sounded significantly better. I returned the K9 AKM and upgraded to a K19 to keep up. It also kept overheating.
Interesting. I've not heard the R9.What do you think of the K19?
Hi, does this sound better than S9c Pro in terme of soundstage, imaging, seperation ?
thanks !
S9C Pro stage width slightly wider, imaging are very similar, separation is slightly better.
Thank you. Have fiio K7BT, adding linear power supply, price nearly equal. I think to buy Aune , but this product make it complicated, much cheaper. And wish Aune make a AKM version.
Totally understand the conundrum. If you need more power the Aune S9C Pro.
How does this compare to Xduoo XA-10 in term of sound? Thanks for the review btw.
I've not heard the XA-10 in a long time. To be honest, I don't recall enough to give fair comparison.
Are you able to use your phone as a streamer via the usb c? And if so will it sound good?
You can connect your phone via USB-C or you can stream your phone connection with Bluetooth.
Please help, what is the difference between it and ESS, which is better, and why all the price differences
Sorry haven't heard K9 ESS variants
For 499 euro?...nothing beats the K9 AKM in my opinion. Nothing come's even close for the price.
I have mine for 3 weeks now and using it mainly for IEM's in the living room.
I'm very satisfied. Also used Arya SE and HEKSE and I have no complains about the sound ( as a reference)
My Violectric sound's better but it is much more expensive and without a DAC...:)
Glad you enjoy it. Thanks for the impressions.
Blind test soundblstser g6 and k11 fiio if you can tell a difference il give you 20k in gold bullion coins..
which one giving bigger soundstage and better imaging K9 AKM(using AK4191EQ+ AK4499EX) or K9 PRO ESS(9038pro chip using) ? My headphone is hifiman edition xs.
Sorry haven't heard K9 Pro ESS.
A great question, I'm in the same situation. I'll be mainly using my edition xs but also my powered Q Acoustics desktop speakers.
How would it compare to a Schiit stack ?
Believe it or not I've not heard much Schiit gear except at audio shows. A few products have trickled in for review but not a complete stack. Sorry.
I just got the K9 OG ess version, I can still cancel the order and get this one later, would that be recommended or should I get something else? I already have the FiiO K7. Would love your suggestion.
Sorry I haven't heard the original K9.
@@TheHonestAudiophile no worries, thanks for the reply!
@naveenmenon9112 my pleasure, you're welcome
Have ordered both for exactly this question. I can confirm what a few have already writen: the AKM sounds a bit more musical and analogue, while the non-akm (and non ESS pro) sounds a bit more precise. I'm really undecided at the moment.
@@shevek9505 well it’s the analog part that makes me want to check out the AKM version! Do tell me which one you end up choosing. I might return it and wait for a bit until i can try both too
Hi Dave. I was planing to buy fiio k9, but i don't know which version to buy ess or akm. Ess tad cheaper, but what about soundwise?
Sorry haven't heard the K9 ESS
Ess will be more colder, more analytical and AKM version is warmer a little and more smooth, but of course it is compared to ess version, overal they both good but akm is more engaging sounding, with more musicality in my opinion.
Thanks for the impressions.
I'm going to give this one a try, originally wanted the Aune sc9 but finding one without a 4 week delivery is a real pain . Always had ESS DACs, but I'm also torn with the topping e70 velvet ..
I don't need the headphone really, always a plus but the e70 velvet is dac, pre .
@Evolved_ue7 Look forward to hearing your impressions.
Is it better than the iFi Phantom that I bought the other day?
Highly doubtful but I haven't heard the iFi Phantom.
@@TheHonestAudiophile, I should have routed my unit to you, for your evaluation, and then you could have shipped it to me. :(
@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices that would've been awesome 😎 Appreciate the thought.
Better than iFi Zen set V. 2?
I haven't heard the iFi Zen Signature V2 since I reviewed it. Honestly I don't recall a lot about the iFi Zen DAC Signature V2 but if memory serves me correctly the K9 AKM is better detailed and resolving, slightly more depth and layering and little better tone and timbre. Here is a link to my review:
ua-cam.com/video/furMY3yv9vw/v-deo.htmlsi=amLdkPLBR6uJeg5T
Perfect for arya organic?
I didn't have the Organic available to me at time the K9 AKM was in for review. But it paired nicely with the Arya Stealth.
I used to have the older ESS version, which was around $900, a few years ago. I really enjoyed it. It was clean, powerful, precise. However, after a few months, it just stopped working out of nowhere. It turned on, but nothing was happening. I changed the fuse, changed cables, tried outputting to a different amp, but nothing. After that, I'm scared to buy another FiiO product. Unlucky, I guess.
Oh wow, that's a bummer. I haven't had any issues with mine and it is used daily. I've had no issues with the K19 and that is used even more than the K9 AKM.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I'm sure FiiO has ironed out their QC and maybe their general internals. I do miss that piece of kit. It was very enjoyable. Not to mention, it looks great on a desk and highly versatile. Thanks for the review, btw. I am considering it for a good all-in-one.
@Rubiks_LIVE you're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.
How does it compare to SMSL DO 400?
Sorry haven't heard the DO400.
Oh, man, it would be great if you could review it. It's selling for the same price as this AKM edition of Fiio K9, too.
Thanks for the suggestion.
@@TheHonestAudiophile You're welcome. If you happened to review DO400, please compare it to this Fiio K9 AKM, too. Other than that, I'm just enjoying your reviews. Keep up the great work.
How would you compare ‘K9 Pro ESS’ to Aune s9c Pro if you have tried it?
Sorry haven't heard K9 Pro ESS.
is k9 akm worth 3x price of k7 that i i have?
My honest opinion is it's an upgrade that's worth the price. The K7 isn't as detailed, resolving, has less options for inputs and outputs. But I didn't have a K7 to do a side-by-side comparison so I'm just going off memory.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Maybe u heard about it, im using fatfreq scarlet mini IEM with k7 and fiio PL50 power supply for about 1 year and 3 months but wondering if i can take out from scarlet even more? currently im stuck on decision k9 akm vs questyle cma18 (friend told be that cma is absolute killer in his price) , i considered fiio k19 but its pricey and would be and overkill for current iem i have i think xD i listen all generes but mostly EDM and electronic music.
I've not heard any FatFreq products but hope to soon. Iveng not heard the Questyle either. Sorry.
@@TheHonestAudiophile ua-cam.com/video/B-uiMpcbRe4/v-deo.html they are basshead dream for sure in 800 $ range , beside huge amount of bass the quality of it is amazing plus ofc mids and treeble far back BUT not that much. With k7 i can hear mids and highs with no problem but i think i will upgrade for k9 akm, for sure it will be upgrade overall.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Just got k9 akm , is it true that it need 50-100h of playing to get 100% of his sound? from the box k9 akm sound kinda meh in some way especially in dynamics and bass. Dont remember if same was with k7 .
Air drummer here! You have this way of making me want to spend money. I have a stupid question. I've always only used daps, but I'm ready to set up a small room system. Can I use my dap as a source with this, and also plug a pair of speakers into this Fiio? Thanks Dave
Yes you can use a DAP as a source as long as it has line out capabilities. Or you can connect it via bluetooth.
@@TheHonestAudiophileCan I plug and play a pair of bookshelf speakers into it?
@markhogquist2000 it has variable and fixed output so yes
Damn I am really on the fence between Fiio K9 AKM and the Aune S9c pro. They are almost the same price at my location. I cannot make my mind.
I look forward to hearing about your purchase and what you pair with it.
AH90 would shock you
Thanks for the suggestion.