New player in the dongle DAC scene. FiiO KA3 Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 лис 2021
- The FiiO KA3 is FiiO's first dongle USB DAC to date. As expected, it's a good one. Check it out.
Get it here... Using my affiliate links helps support the channel:
AliExpress s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AolCLe
Amazon amzn.to/318Nvvz
Written review: primeaudio.org/fiio-ka3-usb-d...
Join my Discord channel: / discord
SOCIAL
Facebook: / primeaudioreviews
Twitter: / crabbosm
Instagram: / cbzprimeaudio
Show your support by giving a donation paypal.me/primeaudio
Top 5 Sub $100 Earphones:
Whizzer HE01 s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AlK9Ob
KZ ZS10 Pro amzn.to/39H5mbq
Hidizs MS2 amzn.to/3gwsYoB
KZ ZEX amzn.to/2YWwMdM
Moondrop Aria s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9xtURA amzn.to/323Q5jz
Hall Of Fame Earphones:
Moondrop Aria amzn.to/323Q5jz
iBasso IT01s amzn.to/2xLSN1h
FiiO FH3 amzn.to/35Rxmdb s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9GUCkR
NF Audio NM2+ s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9HSgKI
IKKO OH10 amzn.to/3iACVSs s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A0ebJJ
DUNU DK-2001 amzn.to/3bT5mq9
DUNU DK-3001 Pro amzn.to/3dY5dn1
FiR Audio 5x5 www.firaudio.com/store/5x5
Fearless S8F amzn.to/2Rexk7R
Sennheiser IE800S amzn.to/2UWeGm8
Hall Of Fame Headphones:
Superlux HD668B amzn.to/2JHmHXa
Meze 99 Classics amzn.to/3aKMIke
Hifiman Sundara amzn.to/2XbK5UG
Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro amzn.to/3aLsQgT
iBasso SR2 amzn.to/36lPnjp
Need A Review?
📧Email Me - crabbos@primeaudio.org📧
Great review, i still waiting for mine (ordered on 11.11) alongside shozy BK. cant wait
Thanks for the review, comparisons are never boring, may be you could done more than one.
Fair enough!
Thanks for the time invested.
Might have to pick this up!
all dongle dacs should have removable cables. we know these cables will be busted after prolonged bending.
This is the exact reason I'm planning to purchase FiiO KA3 instead of iBasso DC-05!!!
Good decision?
And secondly I am gonna pair FiiO KA3 with Moondrop Aria!
Will I get better results from KA3?
Yeah, it's a good combo.
@@PrimeAudioReviews am I right to choose FiiO KA3 over iBasso DC-05?
@@Shraavaan i got the moon drop kato
@@Shraavaan i just booked KA 3 ... But i am in no condition of buying good iem ... I am at KZ ZSN PRO X but will shair my experience with KA 3
Interesting. Thanks
Awasome detailed review 👍
Please try to review Nicehck DB1.
Got this yesterday.
Difference was pretty much night and day, showed me how insanely bright the Jade Audio EA3 is to the point of torture.
Moar powah!!!
Just bought these on Ali after buying 18 IEMs. (I sadly forgot to use your affiliate link.)
I'm no stranger to IEMs at all but have never bought any DACs/AMPs as I thought they were snake oil.
Hope these aren't a waste of $$$, I have a couple of 4.4 mm cables to try out.
Enjoy the extra power and quality!
You've sold me bro, just bought mine, i have e1da which use the same dac, but it lacks on versitality
Any idea if these would have good power output for a Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro? My motherboard audio is not powerful enough for them.
Can the 4.4mm balanced entrance run the Sennheiser HD600? (with an adapter)
Thanks so much for the review I really enjoyed it! You’ve got yourself a new sub :) I was wondering which dongle dac you would reccomend for the dunu sa6 please? What complements it best? I’m torn between the ka3 and e44 (unless you have any other portable recommendations in the price range). I mainly listen to pop, 70/80s, jazz, classical and funk through my iPhone. Thanks a heap in advance!
Hi. I don't think there is a lightning version of E44 so it won't work with iPhone. KA3 doesn't come with a lightning adapter either so you'd have to buy one separately. It sounds fine with the SA6 - the only issue is that the volume steps are quite drastic so it's hard to dial in the volume precisely. For that reason, I think the Hiby FC5 would be better, (but it's double the price) - FC3 if you don't mind using unbalanced or something else with onboard volume control. Of course, if you're not worried about the volume steps, KA3 is still a good choice.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I appreciate the detailed reply and thanks for the recommendations. I think precise volume control is quite important to me so I think I’ll avoid the KA3. It sounds like the E44 pairs well (sound-quality wise) with the SA6 too? Unfortunately the FC5 is out of the budget for me (unless the sound quality improvement is drastic). Anyway, from one Aussie to another thanks so much for the help 👍
Hidizs S9 Pro or FiiO KA3?
Which is better for you,hidizs s9 pro or fiio ka3?
Is there much difference with the Hiby fc3? Which is better ?
How does it compare to something like Tempotec Sonata E44?
did you try it connected to your Sundara?
Hi :) can u compare it to the hidizs s9pro? Technicalities
Great review. I have the btr3k. Which would you add: btr5 or ka3? Planning to use btr5 as wired dac. Thabks
For desktop only? Actually I'd recommend the xDuoo Link2 Bal.
Is this powerful enough for the Beyerdynamic MMX300? I've never used amp dac before so... Was wondering if it's worth buying to unlock the headset's full potential. Some say that the MMX300 doesn't require amp dac while some disagree. What are your thoughts and advice?
It doesn't need extra amplification but this DAC will sound better than the on board sound on a pc or phone. However, you wouldn't be able to use the microphone.
Hi. Did you try this with any planar headphone? Interested in the power output.
It's got sufficient power for planars when using the balanced output. The single-ended output isn't really optimal for planars though.
Looks like it’s a direct competitor of the new Shanling UA2 dongle ($85), which has identical design but with 3.5 mm and 2.5mm balanced output.
I will choose E44 over UA2 anyday.
This is what I am wondering as well, this or Shanling UA2?
I didn't try UA2 so not sure. I am, however, a fan of the Shanling sound.
@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you
Exactly the ideally question ❓
Its a DAC, not IEMs.
It supposed to be "neutral", so it'll bring IEMs sounds without coloring it.
Personally the DAC game should be, resolution, soundstage, and imaging.
Transparency is given and if you wanna something else in sound, hardware eq should be great.
There are many dac and amps that dont have neutral tonality for instance all class A amplifiers and many dacs and dac/amp combos. Uncolored dac is even more rare than colored one.
@@matusjurcik6974 Most topping and smsl products are uncolored, but they sound so lifeless compared to ifi audio products imo
@@BobMarley-zu5sc I am lover of the centrance dacport HD and shanling m8. Yes I like tastefully done colored sound, myself :)
@
Prime Audio Reviews what model are those earbuds? (non in ear) thank you.
It's the new Khunpol x Apollo White Wizard.
WOW!
Does anyone know if the KA3 works with the Nintendo Switch? I couldn't find any info about it online so I'm considering the Shanling UA2 Plus instead since it's confirmed to have a Nintendo Switch mode.
Did you test this on Windows? I mainly use a dongle dac for my laptop as my LG V50 is fine on its own.
I have a ddHiFi Tc44b, and I was thinking about returning it to get this.
Yep, I did 90% of my testing on a Windows 11 PC and Windows 11 laptop.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks!
My TC44b has a problem with a very small range of usable volume on Windows. It's too loud. I've been told certain devices have this issue.
@@TheDodgefan9 You might find the same issue with the KA3 too but if it happens, just turn down your Windows volume to 90-95!
first ! thanks for the review
Is there a bright sounding usb dongle you'd recommend? The connection on my Hiby FC3 is on the fritz and would like to upgrade to something similar, if not better.
Yes, I'd recommend this or the Hidizs S9 Pro. They sound pretty similar so choose the one you like by design or which termination is more useful for you - 2.5mm or 4.4mm.
@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks so much for the recommendations
would you consider using this dac in combination with a desktop amp? for example ifi zen can
I probably wouldn't use it in that way. The ka3 is powerful enough for a lot of stuff already and you would only need the Can for really demanding headphones.
If you wanted a simple dac to pair with the Can, I'd look at something like the fx audio dac m6 mkii.
can u make tier dongles where the most clear and detail dongle
How does it compare to L&P W2?
Is this just for headphones? How might it sound if connected to a pair of loudspeakers? 🤔
Sounds great connected to my Audioengine HD3.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I just picked one up and can't wait to try it. The thing that I'm still not quite understanding is why many of my high res files seem lower in volumne even though it is set to max particular when it is above 48000khz.
@@Chinese080808 I don't know why that would happen. The bitrate doesn't affect the loudness. You should use maximum volume at the source (phone, PC etc) and control the final output level from the speakers or amp.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I don't know why either however the KA3 is freaking awesome. I love it and I can definitely hear the difference. Now, I almost don't ever want to listen to my music without this device. 🤭
Is it a good one for a Beyerdynamic DT-880 in 250ohms version with flac music? I'm hesitating with ibasso dc03 pro...
I'd say only if you have a balanced cable. If stock cable shoot for something like the iFi hip-dac 3.
If i have that Fiio KA3 is there a solution or aa adaptor for for the phone usb c is turned into two usb c where one i can plug the fiio and the other i can plug a charger so i can charge and listen to music at the same time.
Sorry for the stupid question, but I have fiio ka3 dongle dac/amp and fiio Q5 dac/amp. Can I connect both of them together and use Q5 just as an amp?
Yes, you could do that if you have the right cables.
I'm only getting into this hobby, I barely know any terms. I was thinking of buying the HD600's, would it be good for those?
I don't have HD600 to test but I think you might want something more substantial for those. There are some good and affordable desktop DAC/amps if you're stationary. If you want to use something on the go, something like the new TOPPING G5 would be ideal.
Hey dude, does this pair well with Sennheiser 599 for laptop?
Yes, it's ideal for a 599.
Does this drive planar iems?
Like Tin P1, P1 Plus, Shouer S12, 7Hz timeless...
If not, could you recommend an dongle good enough to drive these under 85$?
It can drive all of those with ease with the exception of the P1 original. However, if you have a balanced cable - P1 is not a problem.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks.
This drive tin hifi p2?
Nice review...I know you dont like 7hz timeless...but i love them with my Sonata E44. Looking at your interesting observation on KA3 do you think it will pair better with timeless...since timeless lacks stage depth but KA3 is good at...and because KA3 lacks bass extension..will it tame down bass on timeless for a balanced sig...in short which one has the edge for pairing with Timeless....Thanks
I prefer the KA3 but the difference is extremely subtle. I don't think it's worth paying for another DAC just for that but if you really love the Timeless it could totally be worth it.
@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you for the suggestion.
Can i just ask coz im just new here in music things... Does this dac improve the quality of the downloaded music on my android phone??
A DAC will slightly improve the over all sound of pretty much anything, but more specifically it allows for the highest resolution sound quality to be played where applicable; apple’s high resolution lossless for example
hello, which is better in terms of sound, the fc3 or the ka3? I am going to use them with a tripowin olina, I would also like to know if you can make calls with either of the 2
There's little separating them when it comes to sound quality. My choice would be the FC3 for its smaller size and discreet onboard volume controls.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks, I had that question for a while
How does it compare to the KA1?
Is it better than Shanling UP5 soundwise? Can you compare it briefly?
UP5 sounds a little fuller, smoother. KA3 less bass extension but great overall resolution and imaging.
What wired dac that is like that Fiio KA3 but fast charge the phone is plug to while an IEM is plug in to i?
can u compare to hidizs s9
Hi, does it have any issues like disconnections, cracking and popping. And does it have a bright or warm sound signature? Which one is better ibasso DC05 or ka3?
I haven't had a chance to try the DC05 so I can't say.
@@PrimeAudioReviews oh ok. But can u tell does ka3 fair well for long run. And does it have any disconnections issues or cracking or popping sounds when listening to music?
@@lantern054 I haven't heard any cracking or popping.
@@PrimeAudioReviews good to hear that bro. Just for audio quality alone which one shall I pick ka3 or qudelix 5k. Bluetooth optional 🙂
If I only wanna use it for hi res music on Apple Music it worth it?
If you're running straight out from your phone now then - yes.
I'm planning to purchase FiiO KA3 instead of iBasso DC-05!!! Good decision?
And secondly I am gonna pair FiiO KA3 with Moondrop Aria!
Will I get better results from KA3?
I don't have to the DC05 to compare.
Hello friend, I am thinking of buying this dac to use it with the tri meteor, is it a good decision?
Hi, absolutely. I recently got the Meteor myself and it's a good match.
Could you please write the name of the earbuds on the table?
Khunpol vs Apollo White Wizard.
Hello! I have kz zs10 pro x, a usb c to 3.5mm with DAC, a phone with with downloaded lossless in the phone and I want to try the balanced cable thing to improve my music listening and what I do to start using the balanced 4.4?
Can I still use my kz s10 pro x?
Will I just get that usb c dac with balanced 4.4mm and replace the unbalanced 3.5 mm cable that came with my IEM and get a replacement bslanced 4.4mm for my IEM?
Yes, you just need a balanced cable and a DAC with a 4.4mm output.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Hello again! thank you for your reply. Is there a balanced 4.4 mm for my KZ ZS10 pro x ? I am confused about the pin that connects to the IEM's. I'll be ordering a balance 4.4mm for my KZ S10 Pro X in what pin would that be? This my first entry to IEM's and lossless music using DAC USB c. I would have just ordered the a regular usb c to 3.5mm ( no DAC) if I have not seen that using it with a DAC will be way better.
Does this support microphones?
for balance 4.4, compared to moondrop dawn, which one is better for neutral bright..?
Dawn.
@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you
Does this work on the ps5/ps4 do you know? I literally can’t find any information online saying if it does or doesn’t
I don't have a PS to test!
Which one suits me? Fiio ka3 or hiby fc3, I will use it with the blon bl01 of 16 ohms and some audio status cb 1 of 32 ohms
Save some money and get the Hiby FC3.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I went for the fiio since the hiby was at $59 and the fiio at $63. I feel that the fiio will serve me more in the future if I buy more demanding headphones
Wow I would have suggested the FiiO if I knew they were almost the same price. Good choice!
I keep saying this, but if a company made this with built in ANC and Bluetooth they would sell like hot cakes.
FiiO BTR5 MKii (minus the ANC)!
Quedlix 5k or ifi go blu is also a great option
You are asking for nonsense.. do you really think a DSD 256 file ..Bluetooth and ANC work together?
How does this compare to cx31993 dac/amp? I want to change it and just use it for my phone. Im currently using it for my pc
I might buy a new iem too. But im currently using salnotes zero 1s
I haven't tried the cx31993 but the FiiO will likely sound better. Check out the Moondrop Dawn Pro too.
@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks for this reply. Ill definitely check them as sometimes i hear sudden cracking sounds on my cx31993 when im not playing any sounds from my iem. Im afraid that it might damage my iem. It is my only iem tho as im only new on this hobby so im torn between buying a new dac or buying a new iem lol
Can I use it with powered speakers or only with headphones ?
You could use it with powered speakers. You just need a 3.5mm or 4.4mm to dual RCA cable.
I got this with the Moon drop Kato
Bangin' combo!
@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks 🥲
@@PrimeAudioReviews i ended buying 2 of this using my for my speakers xD
@@ashwin.unlead Bro how does ka3 hold up? Does it have any issues after all these days u have used🙂
@@lantern054 nope nothing as of now...
How would you compare it against dragonfly blue?
I haven't tried the DF.
Hallo, Hidizs S9 pro vs FiiO KA3 ? what is better?
Read/watch the reviews.
Actually the BTR5 could also be used as a dongle DAC.
So if BTR5 can be used as a dongle DAC, then I think FiiO BTR5 2021 Android Edition probably better option being an all-rounder performer.
@@Shraavaan Yes. It’s a 2-in-1. However, when you use it as a dongle DAC, and let it hang from your phone, the BTR5 could be knocked around when you are walking. That could scratch or damage the glass.
@@zeissiez I think you mean, *DON'T LET IT HANG*
Right?
@@Shraavaan Yes Shraavaan, don’t let it hang when you are moving
@@zeissiez btw how is the performance of BTR5 2021 edition, especially USB C as I'll mostly be using it as USB C dongle DAC most of the time as currently I am on WFM.
My Fiio KA3 makes pop sounds. under windows 10. All drivers and firmwere updeted. Randomly ? Help please
Have you tried a different USB port or different music player software?
@@PrimeAudioReviews Yes, no results :(
I wanna sell my Dragonfly Red, do this thing can compete with it?
dragonfly red isnt anything special on the dac. the special part is the amp (and even that, not anymore by today's standard. but then again, its still clean.). So if you dont have anything that's power hungry, this should compete just fine.
which one of these two better compared to B1??
I am not impressed with the B1. Either of these is better IMO.
should i go for this or the fiio k3s?.
Get K3s unless you want something you can use on the go.
I tried connecting this to my car.just to see and the sound was terrible. Made all my hi res tracks sound like ultra low res tracks. 😔
Max out the volume on your source first and then adjust with car stereo.
@@PrimeAudioReviews i did! Didn't help much but i realize for car audio a dedicated amp is what's needed. Thanks for your feedback. However, the KA3 sounds freaking awesome on IEMs.
The removable cable is major. It is doomed to fall apart at some point so you will need a new cable in the future. New cable, not new DAC :)
Problem is I cant find the damn thing anywhere.
Guessing you aren't in the US, it's on Amazon here
Does it have single DAC chip or dual chip.
Single.
The K1 is not a dongle DAC?
Yes, it is. There's simply too much Chi-Fi for me to keep up with - sometimes I miss things.
xDuoo Link2 is so much better. Bigger power output, more controlled highs and gives you control buttons for volume, play and pause
and yes twice the price
If KA3 is their first dongle DAC, then what is K1?
K1 never had official Android support. It was designed primarily for computers. But I guess you could still call it a dongle DAC.
Comment for da algorithm
Streak count: 84
Happy past thanksgiving!
Only 84? Feels like more.
They had the K1 before that one
How does it compare to the K3 sound-wise? (Laptop user, with a 560s if that's important and only going to use the unbalanced output)
Thanks allot!
Edit: Only going to be using it for music, UA-cam, tutorials (/lectures) and maybe a bit of gaming.
This one is not an upgrade over the K3 IMO (at least not for the 560s).
@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks!
Edit: it feels like all the good budget recommended dac amps are running out these days (i.e. original zen, original k5), could I ask for your recommendation for the 560s? Thanks in advance!
Will this drive my stax electrostats ????
I see what you did there...
Fiio k1 1st
How does it compare to s9 pro
Thought I replied to this query already but: I think KA1 is a better value option.
Name of the earbuds ?
Khunpol x Apollo White Wizard.
Ua2 or the ka3? Thanks..
I haven't tried the Ua2 D: I still think KA3 is nice though.
which one did you buy. both are of exact same price.. i am so confused myself
@@rimmigoyal5020 Don't buy both..go for tempotec e44 or link2bal..e44 I'm using and it's amazing..ua2 I have, it's not as powerful as e44.. planning to sell it
But does it support the new AptX-HD LOSSLESS?
Aptx-HD is a bluetooth thing. KA3 is a wired DAC with hi-res playback capabilities.
Imagine this + BTR5
Epic
why do you want this AND the BTR5?
@@Dan-vv5kl dunno, uh.. thicc 4.4?
Are you dank pods?
Last time I check I wasn't! 😄
Does this work with iPhones
Yes, but you need a MFI lightning to USB-C cable.
The 4.4mm balanced connection will most definitely clip at high volumes on an iPhone. You’ll get maybe 60% of full volume before it craps out. The 3.5mm will go a little louder.
Sadly, the balanced connection will most definitely clip on an iPhone.
iPhone audio r ghey 😢
why would u even need this if phones come with dac built in? Samsung S10
Because phone DACs suck (in general) and they have inherent noise and low power output. If you're only using an efficient IEM the phone is probably good enough...
Were all going to die
That's a bit dark for a DAC review video bro
💀💀💀
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!
Gee, strange how I didn't hear any of those in my 50+ hours of testing. Maybe check your source?
I have the new Hibizs S3 Pro which is excellent considering its tiny size. This looks cool as well. And yeah, please stop with the plastic boxes, plastics are destroying the planet. 🌎
Its junk.. WAY TO BRIGHT. I lasted 3 songs and that's it, sent back. A lot of noise don't help. Headphone IKKO OH10.
Just 3 songs and you made your mind ? You should have use it for 3 days atleast then send it back if you dont like it
so which one did you go for after this?
Ibasso dc03 will be better? for metal music
I haven't tried the iBasso.
@@PrimeAudioReviews shanling ua1 pro maybe?