#donglemadness
Вставка
- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- Full review of FiiO KA5 and comparisons with popular Cirrus Logic Dongle DACs
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:16 Contents & Build
01:42 Configuration
03:40 Foreword & Equipment Used
05:58 Features and FiiO Control
11:16 Sound Analysis
15:30 Sound Score
17:40 Comparisons
23:39 Conclusions
Shot On:
- Canon EOS R6 Mark2
- Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L USM (Primary)
- Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM (Secondary)
- ATOMOS Ninja V (Canon CLOG3 BT2020 ProRes 4.2.2 4K50P)
My Tidal Version Playlist:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/ba3... - Наука та технологія
For someone who doesn't understand the technicalities of these and who just enjoys a good sound your reviews are priceless to me. Thanks ever so much just pulled the trigger on one.
My pleasure. Enjoy your music!
You have an amazing channel, filled with useful information. Thank you for your work!
I appreciate that!
Great review as always, sir.
If anything, this video vindicated my choice to get the Shio with my Hari Raya bonus lol. Absolutely no complaints with my unit.
I'll be traveling to Jakarta in 2 weeks and I'll definitely make time to demo this KA5.
Safe travels!
Thanks for the review Andy, you are the no#1 source of dongle reviews, without a doubt.
Learnt a lot Sir, I blindly hit order button for FIIO KA 5 today 😊😊
LOL. Enjoy! And please don't address me with a sir, thanks
Very precise content Andy!
Thank you!
Thank for this great review. Seems to be a good compromise in terms of sound, features, power and price.
Well balanced indeed
Great review
Thank you! 😁
Muchas gracias por la revisión hermano, me acaba de llegar el Dc04 pro y el Xduoo Link2 Bal MAX (Este último tengo la versión Bal y si se nota una mejora, espero puedas hacer una revisión muy pronto). Esta semana me llegan los dongles de Fosi Audio y Truthear Shio gracias a tus recomendaciones. :). Estoy ansioso por testearlos.
Gracias Juan ¡Espero probar xDuoo LINK2 BAL Max pronto!
Can you please update back on your findings between the 3 dac/amp's ? I am similarly torn between these specific ones to choose from.
@@vinayaknair3228 I can only speak for DC04Pro and KA5, I don't have Link2 BAL MAX. And from that standpoint and my personal preferences, I prefer the more analogue sounding DC04Pro
@@donglemadness Thanks very much sir for your findings. May I also ask if the dc04 pro include both UAC 1.0 and 2.0 mode specs, similar to KA5 ?
@@donglemadness With analog, do you mean tube sound? If so, how close is ibasso dc04 it to shanling ua2 and ifi go link? They say it sounds like a tube amp.
Thanks for the review, between tanchjim space and KA5 in terms of value to performance and neutral sounding. Got discounts for both of them and i cant decide which is better for me.
For the same money, KA5 is a clear winner between those two
Very interesting review and comparisons. Have you tried the Qudelix? I have it and am very happy with it, but curious how it compares mostly regarding sound with the ones you mentioned.
Thanks. I haven't tried Qudelix 5K yet. Been focusing too much on non BT and non battery powered dongles. Hopefully one day I can try one
@@donglemadness fair enough. I mostly use the 5K plugged directly into my phone. You can just plug and play if you want and it doesn't need BT except to use the app. The extent of technical options in the Qudelix app is amazing if you want to delve into it.
@@MartinitraM Yes I heard that too. Tweaks on 5K seems to be quite abundant, The only issue is, I practically never use any sort of EQ haha. So I probably gonna use it as it is
@@donglemadness haha yeah, I only occasionally have a play with the EQ or try preset EQs, but generally just plug it in and the default is excellent quality anyway.
you are so helpful!
my pleasure
Great review, thank you. How does the Fiio KA3 compare to the KA5? I already have the KA3, wondering if the KA5 is a worthwhile upgrade.
KA3 sound wise is close enough to KA5. But I do feel that KA5 offer a bit more resolution and wider soundstage (depending on what you drive them with). Not forgetting that KA5 has double the power and the best with extra features
@@donglemadness please advise. I am interested in the 3.5mm performance of DC04 Pro, DC03 Pro (I have this) and Fiio KA5.
Planning to buy KA5.
Hi,sir. I bought fiio ka5 a week ago and I am so glad that I have found this informative video of yours. Thanks for your time and efforts.
Well I also bought Meze Audio Classics 99 headphone together with ka5. I mainly listen classical rock music. Classics 99 has a bassy sound signature which I hated. Vocals and guitar solos fall behind that bass. What is worse is that the headphones make me feel like the band is playing behind a wall. I want the band to play right in front of me. I am tellin all these because you mentioned some modes and filters that ka5 has. İs there any filter/mode that can help me with these problems? If yes, what filter/mode should I choose? Again thanks a lot🌸
I know 99 Classics very well. I owned it for a while and then decided that I can't stand the too bassy nature of it. So I sold it off. Unfortunately no amount of filters can fix the issue you describe. Your only option now is either to EQ it down like crazy or do some mods like what I did here:
www.head-fi.org/threads/meze-99-classics-discussion-impressions-thread.794593/page-478
You could have been better served with something like Grado SR200 which is super excellent for Rock/Metal, even FiiO JT1 would have been more preferable unless of course you are a hardcore Basshead that listens to Hip-Hop/Techno stuffs, then 99 Classics would have been perfect
@@donglemadness First of all, thank you for reading and answering me. I will definitely check the web site and try to adjust my headphones like you did. I have spent all that money and I am so sad to be disappointed.
I have just checked the two headphones that you advised but none of them seems available here. Maybe I can find them as a second-hand but I doubt it. What about in-ear iems for my music taste? If you have any to recommend,I would be so happy to hear,sir.
Thank you for the detailed review. One question please: is the Fiio KA5 good enough for my IEMs: Beyerdynamic Xelento 2nd generation?
My pleasure. More than enough for the IEMs you mentioned. KA5 has no issues driving full sized much difficult than any IEMs - so no worries
thanks for the review 😊
My pleasure :D
Hello Andy. Love your reviews.❤ I want to buy a portable dac for my IEMs in my collection. I have few IEM's with 4.4 connectors. Please suggest me which one to buy between KA5 and D04 pro.
Thanks Subash. You can't go wrong with either KA5 ot DC04Pro, both already amongst the best of many dongles available now. It is just that I personally prefer DC04Pro more over many others as it offers better synergy with my listening gears and my personal preference, which is neutral analog sound. KA5 is less analog
Hai Andy, if i have 32 and 80 ohm headphone which is better fiio q11 or ka5? Great review by the way
Q11 will have outright loudness but really quality wise both are pretty much similar for anything under 300 Ohm
Great cover as always
What do you think compared to dc03 pro or the dc04 pro
Thanks. Personally I like DC04Pro and DC03Pro more
great review
I love your malaysian english.... Greeting from indonesia....
Thanks Kiki. You have a good day there!
i hope next time using questyle m12 as comparison, i need to know the detail score of it, thank you 🙏
I try to do that, but mostly the best way to gauge how the grading on this element is to look at the ranking order on my primary site and see where they are placed. I can say that for anything rated 4.5 Star and above, details handling factor are pretty much even
Details are objective, they can't go beyond what existed in the source. What will influence them is the characteristics of the sound of being organic or digital-ish and may impart perceived resolution of the output
Still can not decide if KA5 is better from iBasso dc04. I want a portable dac/amp so as to drive properly my HD600 and AKG K701(a bit difficult headphone.). Thank you!
For HD600 and K701, my vote goes to DC04Pro. But really power wise both DC04Pro and KA5 are pretty much on similar territory, but I will say that DC04Pro has slight edge on headroom expanse and dynamic richness for those harder to drive partners
hi Andy what do you think about Hifiman's iems (specifically RE800 silver)
I wish I know! I haven't tried one. I am as curious as you are. LOL
Hey great review brother pls suggest whether to get btr5 2021, ibasso dc04 pro or q11 I am new in my audiofile journey and want a versatile product.
Thanks. Between the three you mentioned, iBasso DC04Pro is what I personally would recommend. It's simply an amazing dongle
@@donglemadness thanks a lot:)
I am deciding which to get... DC04 PRO or FiiO KA5? I got them on a sale rn and if possible (sorry for the rush) I want to get your opinions on this as this will be my pause-game dac for a while...
I personally prefer DC04Pro over KA5. But really both are already excellent and you can't go wrong with any of them
@@donglemadness I ordered the DC04 pro
Alongside Hexa and a balanced cable.
I hope I didnt do the wrong choice
Very nice and detailed review, I am planning to buy Beyerdynamic dt770 pro, which dac would you suggest between truthear shio or Fiio ka5? Would any of these be able to drive the 80 ohm version?
Thanks Dhammil. Between SHIO and KA5, I would say you get the most out of KA5 because of the additional features. Both SHIO and KA5 is pretty much on equal terms when it comes to sound. DT770 80 Ohm is not as hard as Sennheiser HD650 or HiFiMan HE400SE which I used to test KA5 or SHIO, so you have no issues at all there for sure.
Oh I am sorry, I was supposed to ask between shio and KA3, typing error, as I am constrained with the budget, can't really afford KA5, if you've tested KA3, would you say they deliver the same neutral sound signature as KA5? Or am I better off with the shio?
@@dhammilshah269 SHIO then, I have tested KA3 of course. You can check my primary site at andyaudiovault.com/dongle-reviews/ for everything that I have tested so far
@@donglemadness ok, this was very helpful, thank you so much.
Under 150$, which dac dongle would you recommend for high impedance full size headphones without issues like soft sounding or anything like that?
iBasso DC04Pro, iBasso DC03Pro, Ovidius B1, HiBy FC4, Tempotec Sonata E44 all great with headphones
Can i still use Wavelet EQ when plug the DAC? My iem have balance cable so i need DAC for my phone.
Yes. Assuming you do that in UAPP or any other App that has EQ, it will work
Hi, thank you for your review. May I know the output power of iPhone 13 pro is able to “push” or supply this dongle or not? Thanks again😊
My pleasure. I am not privy to the power details of iPhone 13 Pro, but I reckon that it should be enough to operate this KA5, I am sure there's already many users on iPhones
Hye andy, can u suggest which dongle pair best with moondrop aria? I enjoy avani more but misplace it, currently using abigail on iphone, planning to buy new dongle probably step up from avani and not breaking the bank
Step up from Avani would be iBasso DC03Pro, you will love it with Aria
@@donglemadness thanks andy, saw on red ape, seems affordable, will try it!
How does it compare with KA13? Using Sen HD650?
I wish I know, haven't tried KA13 yet
KA5 is better overall than Shio surely, but it's still quite impressive that Shio can offer the same power at even better efficiency for half the price.
This set is still out of my reach, but it's always fun to follow this hobby,
Nice review and keep advancing, Andi.
Thanks ivn!
@@donglemadness please advise. I am interested in the 3.5mm performance of DC04 Pro, DC03 Pro (I have this) and Fiio KA5.
Planning to buy KA5.
The Ka5 isn't audibly netter than the shio. You're paying for the app amongst other things
@Andy please advise. I am interested in the 3.5mm performance of DC04 Pro, DC03 Pro (I have this) and Fiio KA5.
Planning to buy KA5.
To get DC04Pro and not using the 4.4mm BAL is not the best of way to appreciate what DC04Pro has to offer, especially if you have IEMs that can scale well with power. But if you keep it to relatively efficient high sensitivity IEMs under 16 Ohm, then yes the 3.5mm of DC04Pro is as good as the 4.4mm BAL, perhaps more suitable to use 3.5mm for those type of IEMs since they are crazily sensitive. The same can be said of KA5
its great, put simply dx9 is the mini tt2
hugo 2 abit better in amp area but very rec to add another
I am returning my KA3 because I'm getting a lot of radio frequency interference (RFI) when my phone is *not* on airplane mode. I intended to use the dongle when connected to my phone, and being constantly in airplane mode is not a solution. Any idea if this KA5 will have the same issue with RFI?
As far as I observed, my KA5 does not exhibit RF noises when attached to my phone (not on AP mode)
@@donglemadness Wild. Do you recall any RFI with the KA3? I have mid to poor signal on my Pixel 7. I wonder if your signal is better or otherwise different.
@@TheSilentknyght I can't remember because I gave away my KA3 last year
Hello. If I select the SPDIF option on the Fiio Ka5, will I be able to take my music directly from the tablet/laptop to an external amplifier (non-Fiio) without the need for any additional cables? Thank you
SPDIF is a digital feed for another external DAC, what you need if you feeding an external amp is an AUX interconnect cable and you don't need SPDIF to do that
@@donglemadness Will my amplifier not suffer any damage? Thank you.
@@ignacio.youtube Why would it be damaged? If you use proper AUX interconnect cable to connect the KA5 to an external Amp line in, then it will work perfectly just like any other DAC
@@donglemadness Thanks!
I have a pair of Denon D9200, torn between this and the Questyle M15. Any preference?
Can't go wrong with any of those two. But if you want slightly crisper resolution then M15 it is, KA5 however offers more options and independent volume adjustment
@@donglemadness thank you!
Hello, I am looking for my first DAC and I wanted something that sounds very natural and clear, especially for the voices, is there anything in the price range of this KA5 that you would recommend?
There's a lot of choices for transparent neutral DAC now, more than anyone can count haha. KA5 is one of the many, or you can also try FiiO BTR15
@@donglemadnessthank you, I just saw the KA13 review you posted a few weeks ago and I was wondering, which one would you recomend better? This analytical KA5 or the more analogue KA13? I am looking for the most natural sound, brighter in the mid frequencies or voices, thanks in advance for you time, I love your videos!
@@AMGAMGAMGAMG I would say that very close between those two, both are tuned by the same manufacturer, KA4 of course will have a bit more options and KA13 have bit more power, can't go wrong with any of them
Hi Andy , Does the Fiio Ka5 get hot when in use?
I should have mentioned this. KA5 just emitted normal heat to the touch as per expected of 4 Vrms dongles, at least not as warm as Hidizs S9 Pro
@@donglemadness Thank you so much. 🥰
What would you suggest a dongle for bright sound iem like JVC fd01.
iFi Go Link or Hidizs XO
which is better out of these three? Link 2 Bal \ iBasso DC04 Pro \ Fiio KA5
DC04Pro
Hola amigo, buen video.
Si pudieras comparar este Dongle DAC con un DAP cual sería?.
Este KA5 suena igual que un DAP entry-level?. Poseo un Shanling M3X Y quisiera saber si será una actualización.
I have owned $1300 Cayin N6ii and $500 N3 Pro DAP, and I will say some dongles perform as great as well built DAPs. I never tried M3X so I don't know how it compares against KA5
What dongle would u choose KA5 or dc04 pro, i prefer the KA5 design but what about sound quality between 2 of these ?
For me personally it is DC04Pro for analog sound and wider soundstage
@@donglemadness is there anything that ka5 do better ? i just went to store and compare 2 of these, surprisingly that i prefer the ka5 sound, i have try dc03 pro dc04 pro lotoo paw s1 s2 xp2 pro but the sound really similiar (i dont know why) the feeling when i tried ka5 similiar to the first time i heard luxury precision w1, feel like it flattery my ear i dont know how to explain @@ (my friend said that w2 much better but the price also double my budget), and last question is what the best dongle do you recommended to go under 200 ? Thank you very much!
P/s: i'm using moondrop kato to test and still a newbie so my feeling maybe not so right ...
@@phamhoang2415 For under $200 the best is definitely DC04Pro. You must understand how I tested dongles, extensively under different synergy partners and how consistent and dependable the results are with every type of IEMs and Headphones, and DC04Pro proved its versatility better over many other dongles. KA5 is still great and you already have an amazing unit in hand, you are not losing anything. If you really like W2 sort of sound, Colorfly CDA M1 can give you that at much lower price
Здравствуйте. А как по вашему мнению FIIO KA5 и Ovidius b1 с наушниками FiiO FH3 гибридами. Hello. And what do you think about FIIO KA5 and Ovidius b1 with FiiO FH3 headphones, hybrids.
Hey. I never listened to FH3 so I would not know how it will perform with either B1 or KA5. Sorrry
@@donglemadness Yes, I don't. Just a big difference between these two DACs
For wider soundstage and lower noise/hiss, fiio ka5 or fiio Q11? I know q11 has battery and ka5 is not, but if my priority is wider soundstage and lower noise, which one should I get?
Both KA5 and Q11 are super silent with the most sensitive IEMs I owned, which is 5.3 Ohm. Soundstage, I would say that KA5 has slight upper hand because Q11 has a bit more frontal presentation
@@donglemadness oh.. so ka5 has slightly wider soundstage, but only slightly😂. For other option of dacs (other brand maybe), what will you recommend for the soundstage (and still very silent)? A bit more pricey is ok but still under $250. Cuz i really need soundstage 🥲
@@watchHalaziabyAteez Then look for iBasso DC04Pro if soundstage and open sound is what you are after (for under $250)
@@donglemadness dc04 pro also very silent, right? Ok,thank you again for your help!! I love your channel❤️
¿Where i can see complete list?
The complete lisy of over 140 dongles I have tested were hosted on my site but now I will be setting up a new list soon on free Google platform
Hi tuan, any comment on the Hiby FC4?
I have reviewed FC4, please check this: ua-cam.com/video/_UfCl5_HoFQ/v-deo.htmlsi=Kc3Lu0oQeWglLURr
Thanks!
Cual tiene más potencia de sonido, DC04 pro o Fiio Ka5
DC04Pro has a bit more power than KA5
please review fiio ka 13
I hope so too. Thanks!
hello have fiio ka5 UAC1 mode to play with gaming consoles like nintendo switch witch need usb uac1 standard to work properly?
I don't have Nitendo Switch so I hope someone experienced with this can answer you
Hello Andy..can you tell me which is better for you xduuo link2 bal or fiio ka5? Which have more body more forgiving dense lush sound of this two?
@@nikokomac3185 Then I would say KA5 have slightly a bit more of density
Bought FiioKA5 yesterday. Sounds nice and definitely an upgrade over apple dongle. But on my iPhone Apple Music doesn’t stream hires lossless through KA5. Also drains the battery very fast. It is driving my 250ohms bayerdynamic without any issues
Update: Apple Music hires lossless actually works on KA5. Just that not all hires songs are 192Khz in Apple Music and it’s hard to find one
I'm planning to buy and use with my iPad with apple music lossless. Any workaround for this problem?
@@mr_5htman it is working beautifully on my iPad and iPhone also my laptop and android phone. Excellent device
Mas bien te quería pedir un gran favor: Yo tengo un canal de UA-cam (lleva 2 años inactivo por el covid) y en este 2022 me compré muchos dongles entre 70 a 250 usd y me estoy animando volver a hacer reviews, quisiera pedirte un favor, si pudiera tomar como referencia tu cuadro de análisis para analizar los dongles que tengo (claro está que te daré los créditos). Espero se pueda y éxitos en tu canal y tu vida audiofiila. :)
No hay problema Jhon! Sería un honor si se refiere a mi sitio y canal. estoy feliz de estar ayudándote
hey Andy just to confrim is this more powerful the the questyle m15?
Yes
@@donglemadness Andy have you tried the xudoo link2 bal Max version?
@@cxmxc Nope
Does this Fio software control bit perfect audio instead of uapp?
No it does not. FiiO App only allow you to toggle features, for Bitperfect you still need HIBY Music App USB Exclusive Mode/USB Performance mode or UAPP Bitperfect
@@donglemadness Thanks Andy..Just read that with Android 14 bit perfect audio playback is gonna be supported..hope our ordeals come to an end
You haven't even tried to compare it with dc04pro so I will go with dc04, thanks a lot. Another dongle that seems to be very competent is fiio btr7 with thx op amp, is this on your list?
Thanks for this review, I have to admit the spdif feature is a must but for me sound is more important, for the spdif conversion ddhifi do a specific mini dongle usb spdif.
Have a nice day
In fact I did. I spent the whole of Sunday comparing A-B with DC04Pro and FC6. You have a great day there
@@donglemadness wich are the conclusion of your test between dc04pro and fc6?
@@fioreinforma-pilates-bisceglie FC6 is No.1 dongle for #donglemadness and superior than both DC04Pro or KA5. DC04Pro in fact slightly better than KA5 in terms of dynamic presentation, tone and timbre balance and technicalities
Can't decide between this or the KA1. Their main purpose is to drive my Sennheiser IE400 Pro via my iPhone (I might occasionally use the HD650 and PC360)
Considering you have HD650, then KA5 is a clear option to go for over KA1
@@donglemadness Thanks for your reply. O don't per se want to use the HD650 on-the-go, I was just flabbergasted that such a small amp is capable of doing so. I will purchase a dac/amp to get the best out of my IE400. Do you think there's a noticeable difference in sound quality/ presentation?
Thanks in advance (and subbed)
@@peaceupmtown Yes, the recent releases of dongles especially those rated up to 4 VRMS all more than capable driving hard to drive headphones like HD600 or HiFiMan Sundara, they actually compete with entry level desktop DAC/Amp. Anything I rated 80/100 and above will exhibit this power, the only thing that separates them would be synergy factor and sound timbre. KA5 is one of those many dongles that can do this
@@donglemadness You made my choice easy, thanks for that.
How does the KA5 compare to the questyle m15, Hiby FC5/6, Shanling UA5 and dc04pro?
FC6, DC04Pro and M15 all 5 Star rated dongles. FC5 4.5 Star rated, UA5 4 Star, In that order, KA5 is in the same grade with FC5. All good dongles in their own respective ways
@@donglemadness which of those would you say has the most technicalities and best resolution/details?
@@prosnapple FC6
@@donglemadness if you had to grade KA5 based on sound on these dongles, where will it be :) ?
@@donglemadness please advise. I am interested in the 3.5mm performance of DC04 Pro, DC03 Pro (I have this) and Fiio KA5.
Planning to buy KA5.
Why it is double the price of ka3 although power output is almost same
Sometimes the specs on paper don't tell the whole story. KA3 is in fact in reality one of the dongles that I consider being suitable only for usage with readily efficient partners, it is not that powerful as the specs suggests. KA5 on the other hand is legitimately powerful as the specs claimed. Also consider the tuning aspect and features of KA5 which is undoubtedly an improvement over what KA3 started
Is this better than the hiby fc4?
Technically equal I would say. FC4 has crisper tuning and KA5 a bit more on smoothness
Man it’s frustrating that this dac that’s more expensive than some other fiio dacs does not support mqa. Why did they do that?
Tidal is no longer doing MQA when this dongle was released
Are you sure because my iPhone app still shows mqa playing some songs.
Between KA5 and ibasso DC04pro which one have more bass and more analong sounding?
Both DC04Pro and KA5 does not boost Bass beyond what is neutral and transparent. Tonal wise, DC04Pro is more analog
@@donglemadness thank you 🙏🏼
Ibasso app is not available for iPhone
Can I set the gain and filter on android phone and use it on my iPhone?
@@S7M7N I am not sure about iPhones as I stopped using them since 2021. You may need to ask iBasso support directly
@@donglemadness thank brother
Last question
When you apply the gain and filter on ibasso app is atach to the DC04pro or you need to apply it again after you connect it to another device?
@@donglemadness sorry if I ask to many questions
Microphone support?
Like most other full sized dongles, KA5 does not support MIC
Next time for Kz pr 2 x hbb 😁
How is the KZ PR2 after the KZ PR1 PRO?
Those were my 2nd 'chi-fi' purchase after 'the obvious ones' & for amp/dac dongle, I grabbed the iBasso DC03 PRO upon Andy's recc. Have an ifi hip dac 2 on the way as I love the aesthetic and heard the sound will suit my taste - I like heavy bass.
My Truthear Hexa's & Duru Kima just arrived & I don't have an opinion yet (neither are immediately bad after a quick listen)... I'm stopping here because this is a slippery slope 😂
Next purchase will potentially be the Blessing 3 Dusk... and maybe a better dongle. I'm a serious basshead so def passing on Blessing 3 reg.
Has MQA suport?
No it does not support MQA
fiio ka5 vs Truthear SHIO ? need warm sound
Neither are warm sounds, both are neutral and transparent. You want warm, you get iFi Go Link or Hidizs XO
@@donglemadness thanks what more good fiio or shio?
@@lior3385 Both equally good, buy the one that's easy on your pocket. But if you want a bit more of features, KA5 has a lot to offer
thanks you!!
I think it needs to be said that the FiiO app DOES NOT work the same on iOS as it does on Android. You can not change the filters or any other setting from any Apple device!
I thought so. The same situation with iBasso UAC app which only available on Android
@@donglemadness I have yet to find a DAC or DAP control app that works on iOS. Shanling’s is the same. I don’t get it. It is not like Apple is a small player in the phone or tablet space…or in music for that matter. ???
@@StephenIngraham The reasons behind that is simple, Apple is not as open when it comes to auxiliary external device support at which one need to pay Apple to get certification to do anything with iPhones. Then the USB power feed from iPhones are notably weaker in delivery that it will exhibit issues driving more demanding DACs, like CEntrance DACport HD, Ovidius B1 and even E1DA9038 will not work properly with iPhones due to USB power limitations and throttling from iOS. DACport HD outright will not work at all on iPhones. So, simply put, it is easier to develop audio gears around Android rather than Apple closed system
@@donglemadness Undoubtedly…but another way of describing a “closed” system is one that is closely integrated…the advantage of Apple…all the devices work together in a way that no other system emulates. The first DAC/DAP maker who takes the plunge to get inside that circle, will, I think, make a killing! :) In the meantime, my iPhone and iPad drive every dac/dap I have tried just fine. The control apps are the only issue I have seen. Apple lossless music is a big deal.
@@StephenIngraham Sorry, the power delivery is a problem. My wife has a 14 Pro and my dongles don't sound as good from her phone as from my S22 Ultra. You are imagining a future product that gets around that. But Apple is not trying to satisfy the people who care about such things. They will not change their power delivery any time soon.
Akliam pd4?)
Still testing
The PD4 has exaggerated dynamics, like turning the contrast too high on a TV. It can be impressive and exciting, but you also lose some detail, and I found that disappointing. Also I think it has a bit of missing energy in the lower mids somewhere. After I wrote these things in my review they took the product off of AliExpress haha (they wanted to promote the PD4 Plus anyway). Now I'm using it as a desktop replacement for my dead iFi Micro iDSD, as it's good enough for general listening, movies etc., but for headphones I found it very annoying that it always turns on at max volume.
I asked a question to ANDY about dongles. And he gave me a long answer.
I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT ANDY:
In my country there is a story:
Jim sits on the outer part of the branch and with an axe in his hand cuts the branch from where it attached to the tree. A passer by seeing shouts at him "hey jim u r cutting the branch u r sitting at. You will fall down!"
Jim doesnt listen to the warning and continues. When the branch cuts of the tree they both fall down.
He runs after the passer by and shouts: "hey you knew i was going to fall and i m sure u know when i m going to die, tell me?"
We ask many questions to the ANDY and he replies almost all of them (patiently and with a lot of sacrifice)
ANDY
Helps
Teaches
Guides
Solves our problems
In the future i will not be surprised if we begin to ask questions like:
"Hey Andy when i m gonna marry?"
"Hey Andy when i m gonna be rich?"
naturally because we begin to think he knows everthing 😊
(And i cant think of what happens if he begins to give
us correct answers about when we r going to marry, be rich.....😂😂😂)
THANK YOU MAN! GLAD THAT YOU EXIST! AND YOU R DOING A GREAT SERVICE
LOL, thanks Erhan!
THIS OR TANCHJIM SPACE ??
I would choose KA5 over Space for the additional features. Otherwise both are on equal terms with sound quality
ANDY HELP:
need your guide to choose a dongle:
I m new. I dont have enough experience to correctly understand and evaluate terms like: analog, organic, neutral, timbre etc.....
I bought HIBY FC4
You stated it as "neutral"
On my SAMSUNG S9+(will call it s9)
Iem connected to S9 over 3.5mm port
Sound was Richer, denser, deeper
Sounded thicker
Compared to fc4 connected to s9 over usb and iem to FC4/3.5mm
FC4 thins out the sound
Sound is dryer, leaner, less dense, shallow on fc4.
On the s9 vocals r peaky+splashy compared to fc4. Fc4 tames the edge of peakiness on vocals and no splashiness/vocals sound tight (maybe sounding like less forward also)
(I also have Apple Ipad Air 2019(will call it ipad) which i assumed to be neutral (compared to s9 which is more v-shaped) which appeared to me very colored compared to Hiby Fc4!!??
I realized that assuming ipad neutral is like assuming moondrop Chu neutral. When u say "neutral" u mean tanchjim Zero :-)
So i dont have the concept/experience to understand ur terms; so dont tell me to check ur reviews: it doesnot work)
What i understand is
1ST AXIS
Sound is
Thinner vs Thicker
2ND AXIS
Sound is
Richer, denser, deeper vs dryer, leaner, shallower
3--Vocals sound better(fuller and/or forward)
Can you list/rank the dongles:
--Hiby fc4
--Ibasso dc04pro
--Ibasso dc03pro
--Xduoo bal
--Tempotec E44
Accirding to:
1st axis
Thicker e44>dc03pro>xduoo bal> dc04pro >fc4 thinner
2nd axis
Richer e44>dc03pro>xduoo bal> dc04pro >fc4 less rich
3rd axis
Better vocal e44>dc03pro>xduoo bal> dc04pro >fc4 less better vocal
I m asking for the next dongle i m going to buy but I m sure this will be a
GOOD GUIDE TO FOLLOWERS who read this evaluation/listing of yours.
Thank u. Glad that u exist ❤😊
That is what neutral mean = uncolored and does not add any boosting/flavoring to any frequencies. So if you are familiar with enhanced sound, FC4 would appear flat. I think your S9+ have some sort of hard preset DSP to make it more vibrant, as such it is highly colored. FC4 is pretty much as neutral as it can be, similar to the likes of HIBY FC5, FiiO KA5, iBasso DC04Pro, Questyle M15. E44 and DC03Pro on the other hand are boosted/colored. It is not about right or wrong, what matters is what your listening senses prefer more. Some people like it rich and vibrant, some people like it neutral/uncolored, go for the one that gives you the satisfaction, it is your ears after all. Having said that, being neutral does not necessarily mean being totally flat, the likes of CEntrance DACport HD, HIBY FC6 and Ovidius B1, all three of them my personal favorites, offer rich body of sound while being neutral
@@donglemadness thank you very much for your long and enlightening answer.
Against any kind of misunderstanding that might have tok place:
I ve a limited budget(cant buy fc6, b1...) and the only dongles i can think of buying are:
--Hiby fc4(i ve already and here as a reference point)
--Ibasso dc04pro
--Ibasso dc03pro
--Xduoo bal
--Tempotec E44
And i asked you to compare oly these(not all dongles) according to the below format(this is not my ranking/listing; i wrote it just to make it easier for u to list and easier to understand for me
1st axis
Thicker ?e44? > ?dc03pro? > ?xduoo bal? > ?dc04pro? > ?fc4 thinner?
2nd axis
Richer e44>dc03pro>xduoo bal> dc04pro >fc4 less rich
3rd axis
Better vocal e44>dc03pro>xduoo bal> dc04pro >fc4 less better vocal
But i think u dont find it right to make such a list. And suggest me to go figure it myself: Actually your guide would have been much cheaper compared to my buying each of them and finding which one i like : - )))))).
But still i get a lot from the long answer u wrote back and thank you very much
Do you have power issues to your fc4 on iPad? If my iPad is below 50% battery it will stop powering fc4.
@@ralphbrewster3241 i dont think so. 1st i dont use ipad for dacs. 2nd i used for testing dacs but didnt check battery level. 3 rd i tested "fosi audio ds1" with ipad it did not work: not even led turned on :-). but i did not have any isuue with fc4 on my use.
BEWARE: if u purchased ur fc4 later 01.2023 then its with "es9...19" chip then it must be with firmware 1.08 which is a disaster: average sound over 3.5 and horrible sound over 4.4. update it to latest firmware 1.12 then u get great sound. write to me if so i may write a guide to describe how to update. or watch andy s "hiby fc6 firmware update video to figure it out.
if u bought it before 12.2022 its with "es9...18" chip and there is no problem.
peace
Dear Andy, thank you for your review. it done well and full of useful details. it's not easy. But you should be more careful in your verdicts.
i bought KA5 for my TRN Kirin cause of your positive review.
Initially I want to buy shanling ua3 because of AKM.. but i saw your reviews and decide to buy KA5.
especially because you said in your review that UA3 didnt support hardware volume control - it's like a fake..
But you were wrong. Shanling UA3 has a hardware volume control and it's perfect. (you just need to hold stop button to switch between hardware and software vol control) Shanling UA3 with AKM sounds much more interesting to me. I've send the KA5 back!
KA5 is good and functional because of screen but to me it sound is much more simple then UA3.
Dear Andy. As soon as you are respectful reviewer you have to read manual more careful before making a judgment.
All the best to everybody !
Regards.
I think you missed my point. UA3 does have volume adjusters on the body, but it is not independent. Which means you adjust the volume and it act as a remote control to the host. And independent volume adjustment is like on DC04Pro or KA5 which operates independently from the host and will have their own volume steps. I personally prefer independent volume adjustment especially when connecting to Android host because the volume steps on Android is not refined. An independent volume adjustment can mitigate that. If you like UA3 more than KA5, it simply means your preference is for more digital sort of sound, KA5 is more on being natural and organic, nothing wrong with that, what your senses like and prefer is all that matters yes?
@@donglemadness Dear Andy. One more time. UA3 has independent volume control! That’s what I was talking about. You are wrong :) and to me ua3 sounds more analogue.