i just got them and they sound good. better than my 660s. will get this fiio k9 soon. using a $300 amp/dac at the moment but the hifiman xs sounds good. i am happy .
Not to go off topic but I upgraded to the XDuoo TA-30. It's awesome and a HUGE upgrade over the K5 Pro. It sounds incredible with all my of headphones (HD800S, HD660S, HD6XX, DT1990 Pro, Shure SR1540 and a variety of KOSS) Same price as this new Fiio K9 but a totally different tech being tubed. I'm wondering if I should add the new Fiio K9 to my collection. Not sure if there would be any improvement in sound. Plus it's a little less powerful than the TA-30 with 3 watts vs 2 watts for the Fiio.
To get this to work with an iPhone over Lightning, you’d need Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter - I’ve experienced the same issue with my dac/amp. Or just use Bluetooth 😜
Hey Josh, based on your recommendations I'm running the k9 pro with the Edition XS. I'm extremely happy with this combo. I'm kind of considering getting a second, sonically different headphone to switch things up and supplement this setup. What would you recommend? I'm thinking hd650. Thanks for great reviews!
Hi Josh, I've just got this beauty 5 days ago, by the recommendation of a friend who selling audio equipment and I can say it is a marvel . Exactly as you say , liquid and warm, but spacious . Also gives vocals a better ,,taste" and made me change my mind about selling my Focal Elear with Clear pads, which now , by magic, sound incredible. It does an even better job with purifier 3 and DC Blocker + GND Defender, from IfI Audio. I have connected my iPhone 13 mini with an OTG camera short cable + usb to usb C cable. For me , this sounds better for my taste, than my Topping D70 + A90 combo, plus Schiit Lokius . People who love vocals will love this one . Great review as always ! Keep up !
"liquid" and warm.......hmmm.... so it means the opposite would be "dry" and the middle "wet", right???, i wonder where my headamp stands here; liquid, wet or dry,? what the h.. liquid sound mean anyway!? 🤨
Interesting you talked about wanting to sell your Focal Elear. I felt the same way about my Elex. Paired with the SMSL SH-9 and SU-8 it always seemed a bit harsh and tiring with some songs. Now, I'm definitely keeping them. More space, more details with better positioning. It's been a revelation. I also love the bluetooth connectivity option too. Super happy to have got it.
I wonder how this DAC/Amp would compare to the RME ADI-2 DAC fs... I mean, if it delivers 80% of the result for 50% of the price, I'd gladly return the ADI-2 I picked up last week... I can always use 600.00 towards the HD 800S I've been wanting to buy...
Many users told its kind of same sound but fiio dont give that much flexibility like RME does. But I dont trust most people on Head fi as they tends to act like a salesman more than give subjective comparision. I dont have any desktop class dac/amp to compare with. I had zen combo, mojo, tramp to compare with k9 sound better in all departments than them. If you ever get to compare these with RME let us know as well.
@@theduke4214 well I can only compare with them so bear with me: Compared with chord mojo: on line out k9 pro amp section i was hard pressed to find any difference other than chord sounded bit narrow and in front of me. Mid were more clear and luss in k9 as while. With chord amp section k9 pro was more punch and rumbling and adequate amout of space and depth. Sound quality wise both were very similar but I enjoyed k9 more. Compared with tramp: tramp on itself sound very v shaped and had more presense in highs which was periecing at times. Tramp on line out to k9 amp was less detailed and bit v-shaped but was more enjoyable on k9 amp than tramp its self. Over all I have decided to sell tramp as it kind of obsolete for me in term of use case. With zen v1 combo: well ifi combo was less detailed and had no to none depth compared to k9,mojo or even tramp. Zen was laid back but never felt like audiophile equipment to me as I was only using them for movies and animes. I never got to test zen dac on k9 as I already sold them to save up for k9 pro. Overall k9 pro is good upgrade for me over chord mojo with similar sound signature and functions. However I do crave for some very detailed musics so am planning to get some amp which is not as warm as k9 pro. It gave a new life to my sundara 2020 which I thought was very analytical and periecing at times on tramp, zen can or mojo. Sundara on these sound like perfect not there is enough details as per my liking and no fatigue with periecing mids. Used fiio fd5 and blessings 2 in k9 pro directly in low gain and was amazed how well and refreshing they sounded. However i do prefer my hd 560s on tramp at time for its v shaped sound signature.
It is rumored that Fiio only made a few thousand units of the K9 Pro because of the AKM fire and they only had a limited chips. I saw a variant of the K9 Pro on sale in China with ES9038Pro chips instead of AK4499. The AKM version has silver detail on the volume ring, and the ESS version has golden detail on the volume ring.
Well yeah except this costs more than a lot of pretty nice stacks from schiit or topping. I do see what you’re saying though I don’t really think of them as more than value amps.
@@jeremywilliam79 nah but even if this costs more than some "pretty nice stacks from schiit or topping" it's still a great value when you consider that the topping D90SE dac is roughly the same price as this for just the dac.
The K9 pro also features Bluetooth, so you can stream Apple Music , Tidal from your phone/ tablet whatever to the K9 pro and use the AMP or DAC -> output to an external AMP. Great function.
Dont get why this amp/dac is hype alot. It sound similar like any other amp/dac, pretty much can power every headphone apart from Susvara, etc. Nothing revolutionary about it.Nuetral and powerful. Only up to DSD 256 compatibility.
Hi Josh. Dumb question. Regarding the voltage switch at the bottom, the selection is based on the value that's VISIBLE on the bottom, correct (e.g. If I'm using in USA, I want the 115 value to be visible on the bottom, like the way you have it at the 1:23 mark)?
Hi, sorry to spoil the party, just my few cents of opinion. Didn't like K5 pro, just didn't play music , more sounds without realism. For the same money, you can get ifi combo, zen One dac+zen can Signature, connect them with short 4.4mm balanced cable and enjoy.
All good, afterall we have all have different tastes and experences with instruments. Personally I just cant get into Zen DAC+Can Signature because of the way they romantise the sound by boosting the upper bass and upper mids as well as smoothing out the upper mids to make a very lush and relexing listen that just sounds wrong with brasswinds.
Took them too long to come out with this. They announced it before you could even get your hands on the Topping a30/d30 pro stack and I couldn't wait any longer. Oh well.
Nice video There seems to be a weird stereo image thing happening with your dialogue in the video. I found that on my phone (rotated on its side), laying on the table, the sound had a really weird phasing issue that was enough to mess up my sense of balance a little bit, depending on how far to the side my phone was laying on the table. Not sure if it's something weird on my end, or if it's something you'd be able to replicate and resolve Anyways, very interesting video. I love your review videos
sure wish fiio would up their game on output wattage.... for people who use more than one headphone and some being harder to drive we need more power...
I unironically hate "audiophiles" like this. I swear they just pull nondescript adjectives out of a hat to sound cooler to the ignorant, and it works because their audience just laps it up. "Liquidy" and "milky" to describe an amp LMAO. Yeah I can safely ignore his entire video catalog now.
You have to take into consideration this guy is a consumer audio hardware reviewer. He's basically a glorified stereo salesman. He's reviewing this for normies who don't know how to interpret graphs, measurements, frequency responses, etc. He has to keep things simple, understandable and romanticize the products a bit through good production quality and rosey words (and he does that very well, in my opinion). He also makes money through views and people are more understandably more interested in watching a video with nice shots and enthusiastic adjectives (even if they are non-descript) than a bunch of measurements and objectivist data.
For its price, it's unbeat. I still decided for a used TA-ZH1ES in the end because there were several songs that just performed so much better, especially with the MDR-Z1R. But still, used, the TA-ZH1ES was 1300€. For 800€ (New!) the K9 Pro is pretty much the best you can get for that money
I have the same dilemma here. Thinking of getting an amp for the z1r as I needed a close back at the office. Its the only close back I have besides the noise canceling Sony. Since u tested both, is the TA much better?
Hey Man, i absolutely can no decide which device i should get........ Topping DX3 Pro+ FIIO K5 Pro ESS Ifi ZEN Dac or the "Gaming" Creative Sound BlasterX G6. My research told me that G6 is bad in comparison to the real audio-devices... For Ifi-Zen-Dac i found some things about "ofen not enough power" - just "40mW at 300 Ohm" .... As Headphones im in choice between HD58X // HE4XX // DT990 Edition 600 Ohm Regards, Benny
Bro I just watched a old video from three years ago. How the heck did you get your hairline to stop receding and look so good now?? I’m 27 years old and my hair is completely falling off my head driving me absolutely batt poo. It’s degrading and super bothersim and if I could just ask for a moment of your time to reply when you can, you have no idea how much I would appreciate it! Thank you again if you read this!
The app and Bluetooth features seem subpar if you ask me. Also the RGB ring only able to be blue as a static option is a pretty disappointing oversite. Putting those things aside this product sounds amazing, although at that price range I question if it is what I would personally choose. But as always, incredible video quality Josh, and keep killing it.
Holy cow you just shared an amplifier I am excited about. Great Job Fiio. I am not really worried about USB switching to Bluetooth and back. Par for the course. Would love to try this with my new Sundara. I am glad I have been patient. Awesome review.
Joshua when you talks about interaction with PC and mobile could you include normal, widely used, operating systems as well? You do know that on desktop Windows have 73% market share world wide and on mobile Android have 70% ?
Yes, sure, now show me a blind test with a volume matched comparison between this and a 8 dollars dongle day on a sufficiently easy to drive headphone...
I have the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire and I have to choose between the K9 Pro, the Matrix Audio Mini-I Pro 3 or a Topping stack of D30 Pro and A90. Which would you prefer for the Noire?
Did bought fio k9. It is very good dac/amp Sound stage is vide and 3D Female Voices sound marvelus. But! It is not hi-fi dac/amp Just Play track 6 "Presto" Four Seasons Vivaldi. Then to to The Filharmony and listen The same track in real. YOU WILL NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE IMIDATELLY. K9 pro just makes that Violin attack soft and delicate. It doesn't sound right.
Hey Joshua, been watching your videos for quite some time now, but have yet to see one specific topic I've been hoping to see. Well I, for one love wearing headphones much more than using airpods/earbuds/iems/etc, but I've been looking for a workout worthy "audiophile" grade headphone for a while that I could use at the gym for good bass heavy sessions. Any recommendations even just in a comment form *don't need to make a whole video unless you want to, haha*... but I'd love some personal recommendations if you have any. I use a pair of 6XX's daily so I definately am leaning more towards closed back and heavy bass reproduction. If that helps you make a decision.
Yes, its a DAC+AMP all in one, with Bluetooth input as well. I have it and it sounds awesome. Hook it up to ifi pro iCan signature when I need more POWERRR
Good video. One nit is that the lighting on your right eye (or the left side of the screen) makes it look like your eye has a sty or a wart. Found it distracting.
Awesome and awesomely made vide as always, love the DMS collab, hoping to get your thoughts on hifman XS, especially against the ananda, cheers!
I am interested in this as well
Ananda is better overall. XS has bumpier bass.
The intro skits are great, I like when you include them
I was expecting DMS to sit up in that roll with his head exposed and say, "hey Josh, I got an amp you gotta check out, man!"
xD
Same
FINALLY a review of the FiiO K9 Pro... IN ENGLISH. xD
Hey Josh I am curious if you have seen the newly released HIFIMAN Edition XS headphones? I would love to see a review from you on them.
i just got them and they sound good. better than my 660s. will get this fiio k9 soon. using a $300 amp/dac at the moment but the hifiman xs sounds good. i am happy .
I'm surprised you haven't checked out the Fiio K5 Pro yet. One of the best value DAC/Amp combos on the market.
Completely agree. That little K5 Pro is what launched me into this world of headphones and amps. I'm very intrigued by this K9 model
k5 pro works pretty nice with Sundara
Agreeeee
I have the K5 pro and the zen dac v2, sundura and tygr, K5 with Sundara is okay, but it's missing soul, the zen dac add some liveliness to the sound
Not to go off topic but I upgraded to the XDuoo TA-30. It's awesome and a HUGE upgrade over the K5 Pro. It sounds incredible with all my of headphones (HD800S, HD660S, HD6XX, DT1990 Pro, Shure SR1540 and a variety of KOSS) Same price as this new Fiio K9 but a totally different tech being tubed. I'm wondering if I should add the new Fiio K9 to my collection. Not sure if there would be any improvement in sound. Plus it's a little less powerful than the TA-30 with 3 watts vs 2 watts for the Fiio.
Are we just going to pretend that intro skit didn't happen? lol
🕵♂️ Is that Randy "The Cheapaudioman" wrapped up in that rug? LOL.
I like the theatrical intros to your reviews and great review too.
I would be happier with Zreviews
well he's recommending a 700$ amplification-fier because Josh and Co. hate normal people so...i guess kinda warranted
@@sogeking9395 That's a two man job.
@@EverythingisFire You killed me 🤣🤣🤣
To get this to work with an iPhone over Lightning, you’d need Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter - I’ve experienced the same issue with my dac/amp. Or just use Bluetooth 😜
Or just buy Fiio's own LT-LT1 cable
Bluetooth LUL
I need to know what Mic you use ;p.
Its not in your gear links.
And do you use a task cam? Or straight into the camera?
when it started, i thought DMS was in the rug.. but then I realised it was not flat
Hahaha. Comment of the day!
really happy for Fiio to be getting a slice of the upper desktop tier, especially with such a solid product!
Hey Josh, based on your recommendations I'm running the k9 pro with the Edition XS. I'm extremely happy with this combo. I'm kind of considering getting a second, sonically different headphone to switch things up and supplement this setup. What would you recommend? I'm thinking hd650. Thanks for great reviews!
HD6XX. 🎧
Any chance we might a comparison video - Fiio K9 VS K9 Pro?
K9 sounded more like chord mojo on striods, it was more open and detailed with desktop class power.
Agree with more open and detailed. Both have different qualities that suit different genres.
That being said, K9Pro has the most playtime for me.
Love your channel for it's content, but I'd watch it just for the intros.
Hi Josh, I've just got this beauty 5 days ago, by the recommendation of a friend who selling audio equipment and I can say it is a marvel . Exactly as you say , liquid and warm, but spacious . Also gives vocals a better ,,taste" and made me change my mind about selling my Focal Elear with Clear pads, which now , by magic, sound incredible. It does an even better job with purifier 3 and DC Blocker + GND Defender, from IfI Audio. I have connected my iPhone 13 mini with an OTG camera short cable + usb to usb C cable. For me , this sounds better for my taste, than my Topping D70 + A90 combo, plus Schiit Lokius . People who love vocals will love this one . Great review as always ! Keep up !
"liquid" and warm.......hmmm.... so it means the opposite would be "dry" and the middle "wet", right???, i wonder where my headamp stands here; liquid, wet or dry,? what the h.. liquid sound mean anyway!? 🤨
Interesting you talked about wanting to sell your Focal Elear. I felt the same way about my Elex. Paired with the SMSL SH-9 and SU-8 it always seemed a bit harsh and tiring with some songs. Now, I'm definitely keeping them. More space, more details with better positioning. It's been a revelation. I also love the bluetooth connectivity option too. Super happy to have got it.
@@Lauren080508 don’t fret.morons like Joshua valour should never be trusted.
Which one is better sound you think?
FiiO k9 Pro Ess or Topping 90s stack?
I wonder how this DAC/Amp would compare to the RME ADI-2 DAC fs... I mean, if it delivers 80% of the result for 50% of the price, I'd gladly return the ADI-2 I picked up last week... I can always use 600.00 towards the HD 800S I've been wanting to buy...
Many users told its kind of same sound but fiio dont give that much flexibility like RME does.
But I dont trust most people on Head fi as they tends to act like a salesman more than give subjective comparision.
I dont have any desktop class dac/amp to compare with. I had zen combo, mojo, tramp to compare with k9 sound better in all departments than them.
If you ever get to compare these with RME let us know as well.
@@moonabhinav Will do 👍
@@moonabhinav Hi, to clear all misunderstandigs, you prefer the K9 over zen, mojo, etc. Right ? Thanks
@@theduke4214 well I can only compare with them so bear with me:
Compared with chord mojo: on line out k9 pro amp section i was hard pressed to find any difference other than chord sounded bit narrow and in front of me. Mid were more clear and luss in k9 as while.
With chord amp section k9 pro was more punch and rumbling and adequate amout of space and depth. Sound quality wise both were very similar but I enjoyed k9 more.
Compared with tramp: tramp on itself sound very v shaped and had more presense in highs which was periecing at times. Tramp on line out to k9 amp was less detailed and bit v-shaped but was more enjoyable on k9 amp than tramp its self. Over all I have decided to sell tramp as it kind of obsolete for me in term of use case.
With zen v1 combo: well ifi combo was less detailed and had no to none depth compared to k9,mojo or even tramp. Zen was laid back but never felt like audiophile equipment to me as I was only using them for movies and animes. I never got to test zen dac on k9 as I already sold them to save up for k9 pro.
Overall k9 pro is good upgrade for me over chord mojo with similar sound signature and functions.
However I do crave for some very detailed musics so am planning to get some amp which is not as warm as k9 pro.
It gave a new life to my sundara 2020 which I thought was very analytical and periecing at times on tramp, zen can or mojo. Sundara on these sound like perfect not there is enough details as per my liking and no fatigue with periecing mids.
Used fiio fd5 and blessings 2 in k9 pro directly in low gain and was amazed how well and refreshing they sounded.
However i do prefer my hd 560s on tramp at time for its v shaped sound signature.
It is rumored that Fiio only made a few thousand units of the K9 Pro because of the AKM fire and they only had a limited chips. I saw a variant of the K9 Pro on sale in China with ES9038Pro chips instead of AK4499. The AKM version has silver detail on the volume ring, and the ESS version has golden detail on the volume ring.
What a perfect timing. I just discovered this DAC/Amp just because of DMS' latest Sundara review. & you reviewed it.
so this will reduce sibilance with its milky top end huh? nice no tinnitus
I am listening your video via Fiio K9 Pro. Very clear audio recording!
The way you were struggling to drag that shit was one of the least manly things I've ever seen, & hilarious 😂
Didn't expect that much of price jump from the K5 pro tho
Have a look at the Topping MX5, looks like an interesting device. DAC, Headphone Amp and Speaker Amp in a small device.
When will you make a real crime movie?
Surprising considering Fiio being a "entry" audiophile piece. I like it when I can see a curveball like these.
Thanks, Great Review!
Well yeah except this costs more than a lot of pretty nice stacks from schiit or topping. I do see what you’re saying though I don’t really think of them as more than value amps.
@@jeremywilliam79 nah but even if this costs more than some "pretty nice stacks from schiit or topping" it's still a great value when you consider that the topping D90SE dac is roughly the same price as this for just the dac.
The cheapest DAP FiiO sells right now is the M11 Plus. It's no longer every level since quite some time
Is it good for music only? or for movies games etc also?
What's......what's in that rug Josh?
The K9 pro also features Bluetooth, so you can stream Apple Music , Tidal from your phone/ tablet whatever to the K9 pro and use the AMP or DAC -> output to an external AMP. Great function.
But blutooth is lossy tho. :(
Is there an audible difference between the AKM vs ESS chip version?
Better be really careful with those lcd5s. I saw the connector on multiple of them break recently.
Dont get why this amp/dac is hype alot. It sound similar like any other amp/dac, pretty much can power every headphone apart from Susvara, etc. Nothing revolutionary about it.Nuetral and powerful. Only up to DSD 256 compatibility.
So no more Zeos?
Hi Josh. Dumb question. Regarding the voltage switch at the bottom, the selection is based on the value that's VISIBLE on the bottom, correct (e.g. If I'm using in USA, I want the 115 value to be visible on the bottom, like the way you have it at the 1:23 mark)?
TIL Doug is DMS's first name
Hi, sorry to spoil the party, just my few cents of opinion. Didn't like K5 pro, just didn't play music , more sounds without realism.
For the same money, you can get ifi combo, zen One dac+zen can Signature, connect them with short 4.4mm balanced cable and enjoy.
All good, afterall we have all have different tastes and experences with instruments.
Personally I just cant get into Zen DAC+Can Signature because of the way they romantise the sound by boosting the upper bass and upper mids as well as smoothing out the upper mids to make a very lush and relexing listen that just sounds wrong with brasswinds.
Both of your comments are interesting hmm
what about Burson conductor 3x performance?
If it came in silver, i would have considered it for a future upgrade.
Silver & non-MQA for less money would be fantastic.
One of the blandest DAC/amp (combo)s i've ever listened to.
Ah. Now we know how you can afford all the cool gadgets around your house, Mr Cleaner
So DMS must have been paid...this amp is nothing special at all...
smooth top end? sounds like a good pairing for beyerdynamics ?
Took them too long to come out with this. They announced it before you could even get your hands on the Topping a30/d30 pro stack and I couldn't wait any longer. Oh well.
How does it do with sensitive Iem's? Say compared to the Topping A90?
Is there a non MQA version as well? Would rather not let $30 of my money go to a shitty company.
Hopefully in the future cause I'd want to do the same. As of now, no.
Choose this or the Topping E50&L50 stack?
I'd love to see a Topping MX5 review...
been thinking of letting my Topping PA3 + magni/modi/loki schiit stack go for an all in one.
Damn Joshua! That intro though was epic. I loved it. Great video review as always. 🤘
Are your favorite products in your description not updated yet?
Nice video
There seems to be a weird stereo image thing happening with your dialogue in the video. I found that on my phone (rotated on its side), laying on the table, the sound had a really weird phasing issue that was enough to mess up my sense of balance a little bit, depending on how far to the side my phone was laying on the table. Not sure if it's something weird on my end, or if it's something you'd be able to replicate and resolve
Anyways, very interesting video. I love your review videos
sure wish fiio would up their game on output wattage.... for people who use more than one headphone and some being harder to drive we need more power...
Bold move. The serial killer demographic is severely underrepresented.
I unironically hate "audiophiles" like this. I swear they just pull nondescript adjectives out of a hat to sound cooler to the ignorant, and it works because their audience just laps it up. "Liquidy" and "milky" to describe an amp LMAO. Yeah I can safely ignore his entire video catalog now.
You have to take into consideration this guy is a consumer audio hardware reviewer. He's basically a glorified stereo salesman. He's reviewing this for normies who don't know how to interpret graphs, measurements, frequency responses, etc. He has to keep things simple, understandable and romanticize the products a bit through good production quality and rosey words (and he does that very well, in my opinion).
He also makes money through views and people are more understandably more interested in watching a video with nice shots and enthusiastic adjectives (even if they are non-descript) than a bunch of measurements and objectivist data.
For its price, it's unbeat. I still decided for a used TA-ZH1ES in the end because there were several songs that just performed so much better, especially with the MDR-Z1R. But still, used, the TA-ZH1ES was 1300€. For 800€ (New!) the K9 Pro is pretty much the best you can get for that money
I have the same dilemma here. Thinking of getting an amp for the z1r as I needed a close back at the office. Its the only close back I have besides the noise canceling Sony. Since u tested both, is the TA much better?
Hey Man,
i absolutely can no decide which device i should get........
Topping DX3 Pro+
FIIO K5 Pro ESS
Ifi ZEN Dac
or the "Gaming" Creative Sound BlasterX G6.
My research told me that G6 is bad in comparison to the real audio-devices...
For Ifi-Zen-Dac i found some things about "ofen not enough power" - just "40mW at 300 Ohm" ....
As Headphones im in choice between HD58X // HE4XX // DT990 Edition 600 Ohm
Regards,
Benny
Bro I just watched a old video from three years ago. How the heck did you get your hairline to stop receding and look so good now?? I’m 27 years old and my hair is completely falling off my head driving me absolutely batt poo. It’s degrading and super bothersim and if I could just ask for a moment of your time to reply when you can, you have no idea how much I would appreciate it! Thank you again if you read this!
I wasn't expecting that intro lmao!
The app and Bluetooth features seem subpar if you ask me. Also the RGB ring only able to be blue as a static option is a pretty disappointing oversite. Putting those things aside this product sounds amazing, although at that price range I question if it is what I would personally choose. But as always, incredible video quality Josh, and keep killing it.
Are the XLR and 4.4mm true balanced? Some Toppings and other amps only supply regular unbalanced power through those connectors.
I love this intros
Holy cow you just shared an amplifier I am excited about. Great Job Fiio. I am not really worried about USB switching to Bluetooth and back. Par for the course. Would love to try this with my new Sundara. I am glad I have been patient. Awesome review.
Is that normal behavior for DACs to drop USB when switching to BT? I feel like that's less than ideal and putting me off on this a bit.
How are you going to talk about tonal balance on amps with flat frequency responses???
But what was rolled up in the carpet though
The question is who ;)
@@hartyewh1 probably zeos, he’s been dark for a couple weeks now lol
I have hd820.Cant decide to get between fiio K9 pro ESS or sennheiser hdv820. Which one would be best ?
DMS? the guy that classifies "best headphones" per year like if they were phones? pfffff..
I liked it but it stopped working a year in sadly
Mine doesnt even power on :(
Would this be an upgrade vs SMSL SU-9 SH-9 Stack? Which version is better, standard or ESS?
Looks like a very good and complete product... But $799 is a lot. Hard to justify
So it's a preamp with built in DAC and headphone amp?
Not a regular integrated amp.
Joshua when you talks about interaction with PC and mobile could you include normal, widely used, operating systems as well? You do know that on desktop Windows have 73% market share world wide and on mobile Android have 70% ?
how is this vs the SA-1?
Yes, sure, now show me a blind test with a volume matched comparison between this and a 8 dollars dongle day on a sufficiently easy to drive headphone...
I have the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire and I have to choose between the K9 Pro, the Matrix Audio Mini-I Pro 3 or a Topping stack of D30 Pro and A90. Which would you prefer for the Noire?
What about Pro ESS version?
Iphone is trash. Android is better. Android works via usb according to other reviews.
Hi Josh, thanks for all your videos. They’re great!
Just wandering if it would be possible for you to review Bottlehead Crack?
Thanks!
Mine already died.. m11 3.5 mm also died .. worry bout buying fiio again
Did bought fio k9.
It is very good dac/amp
Sound stage is vide and 3D
Female Voices sound marvelus.
But!
It is not hi-fi dac/amp
Just Play track 6 "Presto" Four Seasons Vivaldi.
Then to to The Filharmony and listen The same track in real.
YOU WILL NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE IMIDATELLY.
K9 pro just makes that Violin attack soft and delicate.
It doesn't sound right.
your advice in this price? thanks
Joshua... Your production quality is next level!!! And love your channel though my wallet hates you haha
5:30 This explains why I couldn't find the Monoprice THX DAC/amp on their website recently.
I confirm you can connect an Iphone to the K9, using DDHiFi TC28i lightning adapter and a simple USB C cable. working great.
Just..... Cinematic.
Hey what brand case are you using on that iphone? is it a battery case? Lol can't believe this is the 1st question that came to my mind.
Please make review on Ifi Gryphon and Centrance Hifi M8 V2
Hey great review thank you again really enjoy your channel. Do you think This would be under powering something like the arya type of headphone?
can the fiio k3 or focusrite 2i2 power the dt 770 pro 250 ohms?
Will the K9 Pro be a good match with HD 800S headphones?
If I didn't just drop the dinero on a new laptop, I would have bought this DAC/amp. Hopefully it sticks around until my funds recover.
FYI, if you care XLR inputs are 4.4mm :| meh
How would you say this compares to something like the Schiit Asgard 3 (with either DAC onboard), which comes in at around half the price?
isnt this the second time youve started a video with hiding a body? getting a little concerned here...
Dexter vibes 🩸
Hey Joshua, been watching your videos for quite some time now, but have yet to see one specific topic I've been hoping to see. Well I, for one love wearing headphones much more than using airpods/earbuds/iems/etc, but I've been looking for a workout worthy "audiophile" grade headphone for a while that I could use at the gym for good bass heavy sessions. Any recommendations even just in a comment form *don't need to make a whole video unless you want to, haha*... but I'd love some personal recommendations if you have any. I use a pair of 6XX's daily so I definately am leaning more towards closed back and heavy bass reproduction. If that helps you make a decision.
Hey Josh good vid. Might just be me but I think the links to your amp/dac recommendations are no longer existing.
isn't this a dac amp?
I had the same thought
Yes, its a DAC+AMP all in one, with Bluetooth input as well. I have it and it sounds awesome. Hook it up to ifi pro iCan signature when I need more POWERRR
Good video. One nit is that the lighting on your right eye (or the left side of the screen) makes it look like your eye has a sty or a wart. Found it distracting.
Thanks but I think i’ll stick to my $10 dongle