Nice little unit though it’s pretty lame that the only way to adjust its various internal settings is with an android device. Also for anyone that gets one of these, be warned that mine randomly reset its volume to max (which can be headphone-destroyingly loud) one time that I plugged it into my ipad. Always check the volume of before you start playing, even if you’ve previously set it.
sounds like it's a very balanced dac with no obvious boost in any range? that's actually pretty good. i mean i found the perfect soumdomg IEM for myself already so the last thing i want is for the dac to change its tuning. i might try it myself if my local shop carries it.
@@PortaFi I tired it. It sounded great with my IEM but a bit thin on my 80ohm headphone even when using the balanced jack. I mean 80ohm is still considered low and 4.4mm port should supply more than enough power but somehow it’s still doesn’t sound great.
Did you notice any notable difference between High and Low gain? I'm comfortable at 70-80% volume in low gain an on high gain maybe 50-60% (DAC volume is kept at 120 only). Maybe I should stick with low gain then?
gains is "convenience" feature, created to let you to adapt to earphones you're using. select one that gives you more volume adjustment space, based on the volume you prefer
@@PortaFi Can you please? Tempotec e44 is priced exactly the same and usually gets highly recommended by audiophiles even though this fiio dac has higher spec on paper.
Hello, i want to buy a dac. Im considering fiio ka1 or ka3. Wich one will be better for android phone? For me important are sound quality and power consumption. Maybe you can advice other dacs? Thanks in advance for answers.
Hello, unfortunately, I didn't test KA1, so I can't comment here. From other brands, I can recommend iBasso, HiBy, and Shanling. But to simplify choice you need to decide what representation you'd like to achieve
balanced output doesn't and shouldn't give you a better sound. it the same sound, just with more power. the more power can mimic as it sounds better, but in reality not.
it depends on what you want to achieve and what earphones you have. in general, KA3 is a good "balanced" option, but with more expensive IEMs it won't be enough also, as far as I remember, it will require lightning adapter for usage with iPhone
well… KA3 is like some top-end car by some "regular" brand, it's good, but RU6 is "Bentley" or something like that: luxerous, sophisticated, etc :) sorry for this analogy, maybe it's silly, but I wanted to say that it's just a different devices with different goals. Ru6 is better, but it's created to be this way )))
sorry, I don't remember specs, so not sure who is more powerful I tried it with Timeless and P1, it was OK from balanced out as an alternative you can consider E1DA 9038, it's pretty powerful
Puedes descargar la aplicación Fiio Control desde un dispositivo Android y configurar el DAC desde ahí. El ajuste que debes realizar es desactivar la primera opción, esta se encarga de cortar la alimentación cuando no se reproduce música, eso disminuye el consumo, pero, por contra, provoca ese “pop”. Yo no tengo problemas en W10 desactivando dicha función. Saludos.
unfortunately I don't have Dragonfly Red for comparisons. I tested it long ago, but it was a loaner unit and so many time passed since then, so I can't say anything by memory
first of all, you need to think about usage scenarios. if you need Bleutooth, BTR5 will be your choice. if you want to listen on the go, but don't need wireless, then KA3. for desktop usage - K3
I had similar question. Is the sound quality of KA3 better than BTR5? I have Fiio FD3 and want to enlarge the soundstage and want to hear at low volume with more details.
@@syedhateem4498 I won't call KA3 sound better than BTR5. It's slightly different in representation, but doesn't offer a big step ahead. If you need more details, then BTR5 is a better option, it's dryer and more focused on microcontrast
sorry, I don't know and don't have a console to test :) I think you can ask this on Head-Fi.org, it's big forum with lots of active users, most probably someone did try it )))
probably my answer won't surprise you :) HIP DAC is better, slightly tighter, with a better expansion. And with tough to drive headphones that will be more noticeable, as it has own battery
@@PortaFi согласен. Тупанул как-то, извиняюсь. Музыка: металл, альтернатив рок, шансон. Фильмы: второй план. Игры: фпс и атмосферные, где важно позиционирование и качество окружающих элементов. Прочая деятельность: возможна полупрофессиональная или любительская обработка как звука, так и голоса. Подходит ли данный цап под какие-либо из данных пунктов? В какой степени? Заранее благодарю за ответ и извиняюсь за навязчивость. А, точно, ещё и за то, что пишу по-русски под англоязычным видео😃
@@_uzverg_2222 на счёт игр не знаю, не играю в такие, но в целом оба цапа одинаково подходят под эти критерии. они оба хороши для этого сегмента, а в остальном это исключительно вопрос ваших вкусов. нет ЦАПа "для рока" (или любого другого жанра), есть ваш вкус. iBasso более "энергичный", больше подчёркивает эмоциональную составляющую. FiiO делает это меньше. Ценителей есть много у обоих вариантов, поэтому тут вам надо выбрать куда тут вы относите себя
@@_uzverg_2222 понимаю, но уж точно не возможно сделать выбор за вас. точнее возможно, но это равносильно подбрасыванию монеты. в целом - берите любой, тут нет "неправильного" выбора
@@johnmcfads5304 As he said the hidizs one is more analytical and focus more on the detail, but fiio has more musical things and sound way more energetic & fun. If you like more warmer sound signature with emphasize on the bass i think shanling ua1/ua2 can suit your preference better
as you'd like to get warmer sound, KA3 will be your choice, it's not warm itself, it's less cold compared to S9/S9 Pro but if you want an additional warmth - consider Shanling DACs, their signature sound is a bit of added weight and warmth :)
FiiO KA3 has a ComTrue CT7601PR Audio USB Bridge which has a very bad performance. Therefore snap, crackle and pop can be experienced several times during the playback. I don't recommend the FiiO KA3 at all!
@@PortaFi I have tested the FiiO KA3 with 3 different laptops and with various DSD Processor, Output Type, Buffer Size, Sample Rate settings and experienced the same issue with all of them. I used foobar2000 for testing. It doesn't matter whether ASIO or WASAPI output was used as the output device. In terms of the Sparrow I didn’t experience any issue using the same settings that were used with the KA3. KA3 compared to the Sparrow the USB audio bridge implementation is the key difference. -FiiO KA3 has an ES9038Q2M DAC with a separated USB audio bridge: ComTrue CT7601PR -Earmen Sparrow has an ES9281PRO DAC which has an integrated USB bridge within the SoC So it seems that the KA3 suffers from the bad performance and bad implementation of the inter-chip communication between the ES9038Q2M DAC and the separated CT7601PR USB bridge.
Excellent and thorough analysis. I appreciate the quick but useful comparisons at the end!
Nice little unit though it’s pretty lame that the only way to adjust its various internal settings is with an android device. Also for anyone that gets one of these, be warned that mine randomly reset its volume to max (which can be headphone-destroyingly loud) one time that I plugged it into my ipad. Always check the volume of before you start playing, even if you’ve previously set it.
ну да, а почему бы нет
Mine doesn't have that issue. It actually defaults to lower volume after long periods of sitting.
Nice review....next hot dongle would be Cayin RU6...the small R2R dongle. Not widely available though but seems very interestimg
waiting for it's delviery
Does the 3.5mm out function as a line out? meaning can it be used as a standalone DAC and be plugged into an external amplifier?
there is no LO mode, but you can connect amp through headphones output. it works for almost any device
@@PortaFi OK Thank You very much.
sounds like it's a very balanced dac with no obvious boost in any range? that's actually pretty good. i mean i found the perfect soumdomg IEM for myself already so the last thing i want is for the dac to change its tuning. i might try it myself if my local shop carries it.
yes, I think you'll like it
@@PortaFi I tired it. It sounded great with my IEM but a bit thin on my 80ohm headphone even when using the balanced jack. I mean 80ohm is still considered low and 4.4mm port should supply more than enough power but somehow it’s still doesn’t sound great.
@@Ballacha I don't think it's a matter of power
@Vittoria what does size have to do with anything? The rated output of ka3 is 235mW, more than enough for an 80ohm headphone.
Great in-depth review as always. Viewer from India here. Will it be suitable for use as a desktop DAC?
thank you! sure, you can use it as a desktop DAC for IEMs or sensitive headphones
@@PortaFi Thank you!
Which one would you recommend between UA2, KA3, DC05 in terms of sound quality?
all of them are good, so choice here is first of all a matter of your preferences in sound
Great review. Much better than the btr3k (as wired dac)?
noticeably better, but I won't call difference huge
will it pair nicely with 7hz ? or do you have another dac to recommend for such planar iem ?
yes, it plays nicely, but in general, it's a matter of tastes, what you want to change in sound
Did you notice any notable difference between High and Low gain? I'm comfortable at 70-80% volume in low gain an on high gain maybe 50-60% (DAC volume is kept at 120 only). Maybe I should stick with low gain then?
gains is "convenience" feature, created to let you to adapt to earphones you're using. select one that gives you more volume adjustment space, based on the volume you prefer
When u will review the imr acoustics stingray iem & their horizon headphone
as soon as I'll get them :) but currently they aren't released yet
TEMPOTEC - SONATA HD PRO or FIIO KA3?
sorry, didn't have a chance to test Tempotec
@@PortaFi Can you please? Tempotec e44 is priced exactly the same and usually gets highly recommended by audiophiles even though this fiio dac has higher spec on paper.
@@Thoughtflux unfortunately I can't. Due to war in my country, it's impossible to get anything for reviews so far
@@PortaFi no probs bro. Are you in Russia?
@@Thoughtflux no. I’m Ukrainian
Hello, i want to buy a dac. Im considering fiio ka1 or ka3. Wich one will be better for android phone? For me important are sound quality and power consumption. Maybe you can advice other dacs? Thanks in advance for answers.
Hello, unfortunately, I didn't test KA1, so I can't comment here. From other brands, I can recommend iBasso, HiBy, and Shanling. But to simplify choice you need to decide what representation you'd like to achieve
Is the sound quality great in the balanced 4.4mm output ? Or better than the 3.5mm
it's better if the load needs higher power, in rest of situations difference isn't huge
balanced output doesn't and shouldn't give you a better sound. it the same sound, just with more power. the more power can mimic as it sounds better, but in reality not.
If I only wanna used for hi res Apple Music it worth it?
it depends on what you want to achieve and what earphones you have. in general, KA3 is a good "balanced" option, but with more expensive IEMs it won't be enough
also, as far as I remember, it will require lightning adapter for usage with iPhone
Can i use this with hometheater via 3.5 to RCA cable .... Dose it cos any problem in DAC or hometheater
not sure about what hometheater is, but usually it's possible to connect 3.5 mm out to some source with dual RCA, just start with a low volume
Hi maybe it’s stupid question… but now when you have tested the Cayin RU6… how is that comparison 😊
well… KA3 is like some top-end car by some "regular" brand, it's good, but RU6 is "Bentley" or something like that: luxerous, sophisticated, etc :)
sorry for this analogy, maybe it's silly, but I wanted to say that it's just a different devices with different goals. Ru6 is better, but it's created to be this way )))
Great analogy Thank you… Iam enjoying Moondrop Blessing 2 these days… really like them…. Happy New Year❗️🙏🙋♂️❤️
@@jaroslavfricek7772 happy holidays to you too! all the best wishes!
Is this more powerful than the iBasso DC03 and DC05?
And can this drive planar iems?
Like Tin P1, P1 Plus, Shouer S12, Timeless...
If not, could you recommend an dongle good enough to drive these under 85U$?
sorry, I don't remember specs, so not sure who is more powerful
I tried it with Timeless and P1, it was OK from balanced out
as an alternative you can consider E1DA 9038, it's pretty powerful
@@PortaFi Thank you.
My Fiio KA3 makes pop sounds. under windows 10. All drivers and firmwere updeted. Randomly ? Help please
unfortunately, I can't suggest anything here, as I'm not a windows user. maybe you should contact FiiO support, they'll definitely be more helpful
Puedes descargar la aplicación Fiio Control desde un dispositivo Android y configurar el DAC desde ahí. El ajuste que debes realizar es desactivar la primera opción, esta se encarga de cortar la alimentación cuando no se reproduce música, eso disminuye el consumo, pero, por contra, provoca ese “pop”. Yo no tengo problemas en W10 desactivando dicha función. Saludos.
Do you think worth it to change my lotoo paw S1 for this one?
no, I don't think it'll make sense
Would this dac sound better then the audioquest dragonfly red
unfortunately I don't have Dragonfly Red for comparisons. I tested it long ago, but it was a loaner unit and so many time passed since then, so I can't say anything by memory
No way it sounds better than AD Red ..
@@afico6172 that's what I thought being the red is 200 lol
None of the AQ Dragonfly units go above 24/96, they're some years old now in terms of their technology.
This or K3 or BTR5? I think the internals for this are exactly the same as the 2021 K3?
first of all, you need to think about usage scenarios. if you need Bleutooth, BTR5 will be your choice. if you want to listen on the go, but don't need wireless, then KA3. for desktop usage - K3
I had similar question. Is the sound quality of KA3 better than BTR5? I have Fiio FD3 and want to enlarge the soundstage and want to hear at low volume with more details.
@@syedhateem4498 I won't call KA3 sound better than BTR5. It's slightly different in representation, but doesn't offer a big step ahead. If you need more details, then BTR5 is a better option, it's dryer and more focused on microcontrast
@@PortaFi Thank you for the quick and helpful response.
@@PortaFi is that realy true ?
Fiio ka3 or xduoo link 2?
I'd prefer FiiO, but it's a subjective choice
this or ua2 for aria/tin t3+ ?
if you want a warmer sound, then UA2, otherwise, this one
Hi do you know if this works on a ps4/5?
sorry, I don't know and don't have a console to test :)
I think you can ask this on Head-Fi.org, it's big forum with lots of active users, most probably someone did try it )))
how to compare with hip dac2 ?
probably my answer won't surprise you :) HIP DAC is better, slightly tighter, with a better expansion. And with tough to drive headphones that will be more noticeable, as it has own battery
Стоит ли оно того?
Или стоит присмотреться к iBasso DC05?
странный вопрос. для кого-то стоит, для кого-то вообще нет
у разных людей разные потребности
@@PortaFi согласен. Тупанул как-то, извиняюсь.
Музыка: металл, альтернатив рок, шансон.
Фильмы: второй план.
Игры: фпс и атмосферные, где важно позиционирование и качество окружающих элементов.
Прочая деятельность: возможна полупрофессиональная или любительская обработка как звука, так и голоса.
Подходит ли данный цап под какие-либо из данных пунктов? В какой степени?
Заранее благодарю за ответ и извиняюсь за навязчивость. А, точно, ещё и за то, что пишу по-русски под англоязычным видео😃
@@_uzverg_2222 на счёт игр не знаю, не играю в такие, но в целом оба цапа одинаково подходят под эти критерии. они оба хороши для этого сегмента, а в остальном это исключительно вопрос ваших вкусов. нет ЦАПа "для рока" (или любого другого жанра), есть ваш вкус. iBasso более "энергичный", больше подчёркивает эмоциональную составляющую. FiiO делает это меньше. Ценителей есть много у обоих вариантов, поэтому тут вам надо выбрать куда тут вы относите себя
@@PortaFi достаточно сложно сделать выбор, не имея под рукой ни одного из данных устройств)
@@_uzverg_2222 понимаю, но уж точно не возможно сделать выбор за вас. точнее возможно, но это равносильно подбрасыванию монеты. в целом - берите любой, тут нет "неправильного" выбора
Comparison to hidizs s9 pro and hidizs s9?
Trying to decide which one to get, I like bass and warmer sound
@@johnmcfads5304 As he said the hidizs one is more analytical and focus more on the detail, but fiio has more musical things and sound way more energetic & fun. If you like more warmer sound signature with emphasize on the bass i think shanling ua1/ua2 can suit your preference better
they are mentioned in comparison section, but in general, Hidizs offers dryer and more focused on microcontrast sound
as you'd like to get warmer sound, KA3 will be your choice, it's not warm itself, it's less cold compared to S9/S9 Pro
but if you want an additional warmth - consider Shanling DACs, their signature sound is a bit of added weight and warmth :)
thank you, Andreas, that's exactly what I wanter to write :)
¿Vs lotoo paw s1?
Paw is more dynamic, energetic and highlighting emotions
FiiO KA3 has a ComTrue CT7601PR Audio USB Bridge which has a very bad performance. Therefore snap, crackle and pop can be experienced several times during the playback. I don't recommend the FiiO KA3 at all!
I didn't experience any of this problems during a week of tests. But it's not enough for statistics of course
@@PortaFi I have tested the FiiO KA3 with 3 different laptops and with various DSD Processor, Output Type, Buffer Size, Sample Rate settings and experienced the same issue with all of them. I used foobar2000 for testing. It doesn't matter whether ASIO or WASAPI output was used as the output device.
In terms of the Sparrow I didn’t experience any issue using the same settings that were used with the KA3.
KA3 compared to the Sparrow the USB audio bridge implementation is the key difference.
-FiiO KA3 has an ES9038Q2M DAC with a separated USB audio bridge: ComTrue CT7601PR
-Earmen Sparrow has an ES9281PRO DAC which has an integrated USB bridge within the SoC
So it seems that the KA3 suffers from the bad performance and bad implementation of the inter-chip communication between the ES9038Q2M DAC and the separated CT7601PR USB bridge.
@@guanoida9462 I used it with MacBook Pro 2016 and a bunch of DAPs.
@@PortaFi did you notice any of this
@@mdk12172633sg friend, please read my answers above in this thread
Hello brother, ive recently bought the monarch mk2 and want a dongle to maximize the performance of it, my budget is 150$ what do you recommend?
hello, friend. unfortunately I didn't test this earphones, so I don't know. also it depends on what you want to achieve in terms of presentation