The product featured in our FiiO K9 Pro review is the flagship desktop DAC/AMP FiiO. It uses THX AAA 788+ tech, Qualcomm QCC5124, and many other advanced features to deliver high-quality audio.
It also comes with other notable features that will surely pique your interest. Other than its elements, our will look into its design, specifications, functions, and how it works.
FiiO K9 Pro Review – Design and Functionality
The K9 Pro is a compact DAC/AMP with a black textured finish, plus many convenient connectors and controls.
The front panel features the volume control knob at the centre. On the right, you will find the power button and toggle controls for the output, input, and gain. The left portion features the XLR connector, a 6.35mm single-ended jack, and a 4.4mm balanced connector.
Its right panel features a USB-C port. The layout made connecting devices easy and more convenient when we tested the product for this FiiO K9 Pro Review. It made our mobile devices more accessible and prevented us from having unorganised cables.
The rear houses more I/O ports while having an AC input and power switch. Its I/O audio ports are digital inputs and analogue.
Digital inputs include BT, coaxial, USB and optical input. The analogue section features a 4.4mm IN, two RCA connectors, and two XLR balanced output connectors.
Continue reading our FiiO K9 Pro Review to learn what makes the product worth considering.
Key Features of the FiiO K9 Pro
The Legendary AKM AK4499
FiiO equipped the K9 Pro with the AKM AK4499, which supports up to 384 kHz and native DSD256 audio. It is a renowned DAC in the audio industry for its top-notch performance and unparalleled decoding capabilities.
THX AAA Amplifier Technology
With the THX AAA 788+ module, the K9 Pro can deliver excellent dynamics and detail. Whether you use low or high-impedance headphones, this DAC/AMP combo provides outstanding audio quality.
The product has up to 46 Vpp transient output when driving high impedance loads. For low-impedance loads, it can deliver up to 2W undistorted audio.
The K9 Pro also has 50% better heat dissipation efficiency than its predecessor, allowing it to perform better.
Partitioned Layout for Seamless Signal Transition
The PCB of the K9 Pro has a partitioned layout with a separate power supply, signals, and analogue signal loop. Each part has an independent section to ensure the integrity of audio signal processing.
Linear Power Supply
The linear power supply of this DAC/AMP has a low-frequency transformer and high-capacity Nichicon capacitors. These provide adequate clean power for the entire system.
Isolated Digital and Analogue Power Delivery
The digital and analogue portions of the K9 Pro acquire separate power for effective blocking of audio interference. Its design results in pure and clean audio.
LDOs for Each Audio Circuit Stage
FiiO paid attention to power stabilisation by employing ultra-low noise LDOs in each audio circuit stage to regulate voltage. As a result, the K9 Pro ensures a clean power supply with 20 LDOs.
Dual Femtosecond Clocks
The latest XMOS chips support dual-mode clock management technology. This DAC/AMP uses dual asynchronous fem-to-second clocks under USB & Bluetooth decoding while employing automatic PLL clocks for coaxial decoding. With a more precise clock management system, the DAC/AMP makes handling any audio source and maintaining quality possible.
Quick and Convenient Switching
The metal switches on the K9 Pro adjust the input section and gain. These controls make the DAC/AMP more user-friendly and intuitive, ideal for different listening methods.
Lossless MQA Decoding
The K9 Pro supports MQA Renderer, allowing you to listen to reasonably sized high-resolution audio files that retain master-level quality.
Precise Design for Demanding Needs
Fully differential signals pass through a four-channel DAC, amp, and volume adjustment. With this design, there is minimal audio interference between components. It also maintains all details and dynamic swings for unparalleled sound quality.
Six-Stage Audio Circuit
The audio signal passes through a six-stage circuit to faithfully reproduce music with every detail. Its six stages include I/V conversion, LPF filter, volume control, buffer amplifier, pre-amplification, and output amplification.
When we tested the product for this FiiO K9 Pro Review, we enjoyed the audio delivered by this DAC/AMP. The quality was excellent, with all details present,
App-controllable
The K9 Pro has built-in Bluetooth Low Energy technology, allowing you to control the K9 Pro via the FiiO Control app. It lets you conveniently control functions like sleep timer, channel balance, etc.
RGB Indicator Light
The stainless steel volume knob blends perfectly with the aluminium alloy front panel, offering a luxurious experience as you control your audio. There is an RGB indicator light surrounding the knob that emits lights depending on the playing sample rate.
Fast and Reliable Bluetooth
The K9 Pro uses Qualcomm QCC5124 to handle Bluetooth connectivity. It supports LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive.
This chip guarantees the reliability and speed of Bluetooth connections to meet the low latency needs of games and videos. Plus, it satisfies the high bitrate requirements to reproduce high-resolution audio.
A Well-Designed DAC/AMP
The K9 Pro has a simple and elegant exterior with its anodised and sandblasted aluminium. It has a luxurious textured feel, which makes it an excellent inclusion to your audio gear.
This DAC/AMP has intuitively laid out controls for seamless adjustment and management. It enhanced our user experience when we used the product for this FiiO K9 Pro Review.
Essentiality of Volume Adjustment
ADC curve reconstruction method of volume adjustment in the K9 Pro reduces left-right channel volume imbalance and noise. As a result, it offers a smooth volume change across all levels.
Enhance Your Headphone Audio With a Good Source
Adjust your gain with low, medium, and high levels to suit your needs. The hardware gain circuit offers uncompromised dynamic range and musical fidelity, even when listening at low gain with high-sensitivity headphones.
Hands-on with the FiiO K9 Pro
The K9 Pro has a plug-and-play design, making it simple to use. After plugging the adapter into a power outlet and switching it on, the LED ring emitted a light.
Controlling the K9 Pro was also straightforward since it only took a few minutes to familiarise ourselves with the controls. With its broad range of connectors, using it in different ways was possible. Its ease of use also made our user experience more enjoyable during our tests for this FiiO K9 Pro Review.
The performance of the FiiO K9 Pro is nothing short of exceptional, making it a standout DAC/AMP in its class. Throughout our extensive testing, it consistently delivered high-quality audio that impressed even the most discerning audiophiles.
At the core of the K9 Pro’s performance is the renowned AKM AK4499 DAC chip. This high-performance DAC supports up to 384 kHz and native DSD256 audio, providing top-notch decoding capabilities. The result is a sound that is remarkably clean, detailed, and accurate across all frequencies. The treble range, in particular, stood out for its clarity and precision, free from any unwanted noise or distortion.
Equipped with the THX AAA 788+ amplifier module, the K9 Pro ensures excellent dynamics and detail in the audio output. This technology is known for its ability to deliver high power with low distortion, and the K9 Pro is no exception.
Whether we used high-impedance or low-impedance headphones, the audio quality remained consistently high, with a transient output of up to 46 Vpp for high-impedance loads and up to 2W of undistorted audio for low-impedance loads.
The THX AAA technology also contributes to the K9 Pro’s impressive heat dissipation, which is 50% more efficient than its predecessor, ensuring sustained performance during extended listening sessions.
Power stabilization is a key feature of the K9 Pro, achieved through the use of ultra-low noise Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs) in each audio circuit stage.
With 20 LDOs in total, the K9 Pro ensures a stable and clean power supply, further enhancing audio performance. The dual femtosecond clocks used in the DAC/AMP provide precise clock management, reducing jitter and ensuring accurate timing in audio playback.
The FiiO K9 Pro’s performance is marked by its outstanding audio quality, advanced technological features, and user-friendly design. Its ability to deliver clean, detailed, and dynamic sound makes it a top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Whether used as a DAC or an amplifier, the K9 Pro consistently provides a superior listening experience, making it a highly recommended product for those seeking the best in audio performance.
Conclusion
The FiiO K9 Pro stands out as a flagship desktop DAC/AMP that offers exceptional audio quality and functionality.
Its compact design, coupled with a wealth of advanced features such as the AKM AK4499 DAC, THX AAA 788+ amplifier technology, and dual femtosecond clocks, ensures a top-tier listening experience. The meticulous layout and isolated power delivery enhance signal integrity, while the user-friendly controls and versatile connectivity options add to its appeal.
Throughout our testing, the K9 Pro consistently delivered superior audio performance, characterized by its balanced, detailed, and noise-free output. Its plug-and-play design and intuitive control scheme make it accessible to both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your headphone audio or seeking a reliable DAC/AMP for your audio setup, the FiiO K9 Pro is a highly recommended choice. For more details, visit the official FiiO product page.
Visit the official product page of FiiO for more information about the K9 Pro.
