Just got my Fiio KA5 in the mail today, bought it for $116 during Fiio's anniversary sale. Took me a while to figure out the volume buttons are reversed (in revelevance of the default screen orientation). I gotta thoroughly go through the manual to understand all the menu options. Not quite sure what the differce between AB or H work modes. Wish there was a Fiio Control app for macOS. With the new Macs, you can run iOS apps. Sadly, the Fiios Control app for iOS on macOS does not work. Anyways, I can finally use 4.4mm balanced headphones on the go. I love the included short lightning cable, fits perfectly in my pocket next to my iPhone.
If you're considering the iFi GO Link, I'd recommend the Truthear Shio for $10 extra. I was pathologically careful with my last dongle-dac (Sonata HD II) and the thing is - those attached cables will give out (mine lasted just under three years daily use, never in my pocket, never wrenched it even once by mistake). For myself, replaceable cables are a must now. For something as cheap as the Apple dongle or the Moondrop Click, I get it. But for $60... uh-uh. This advice is for budget shoppers.
Im running Hexas at home and Holas on the go rn... thinking to go full package truthear with the shio but I am a bite worried about the pleather on the outside? How does it hold up?
@@X3RUBIM I don't own one, at the time I'd just watched a about 20 reviews of dongle-DACs (and as many Shio reviews as I could find) and the Shio seemed like the best bet. It's inevitable that the PU leather will eventually wear out, but I'm sure you could get it re-covered if you wanted to (with real leather). I think Dave's new recommendation for this price range is the Tsanjim Space. Check out the review for that. He doesn't even mention the Shio anymore.
... and when what he loves doing is not audio. That's why, just like with Joshua Valour, I tend to not trust a single thing this man has to say about audio quality and performance. Too much effort put into his visuals. Feels like he might be trying to compensate for something more important he knows he doesn't have.
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
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
I just purchased the ka3 because it was on sale (71€). If you would compare ka3 and ka5 on percentage, how much it would be the gap in improving quality? 10%? 15%? But mostly: would I hear any difference using old klipsh x10 earphones and sennheiser hd599 headphones? Or it is an overkill with my equipment? Thank you for your reply in advance! ☺️
I don't think you need a new dac/amp while having Ka3. I would save some more to get a different headphone/iem instead of buying a new dac that would make almost no difference.
I plan on getting the KA5 to drive my Sennheiser IE 400 Pro. What is your opinion about that? I want something that doesn’t colour the sound so that I can judge the sound of my in-ears rather than the amp. Thanks in advance
FiiO products in general are known for natural sounds, I got K7 for a while and it pretty outputs the sound as it is. I sold it to get a portable one and am now considering Ka5.
So soundwise, the Q11 has more power, better dynamics and costs $50 less? Also is self powered and good looking. I think Q11 is the real best value winner. If size is not a problem.
IEM sound difference being minimal comparing the Go Link to the Dawn or other usb dacs is a pretty big understatement lol Something I will also mention to others that I dont believe was mentioned in the review for the dawn is that due to the permanently attached cable to the dawn being flat, it is prone to twisting and causing LOUD bursts of distortion. This basically has rendered the device useless for me, as if Im walking and using this thing I need to constantly carefully make sure my phone isnt moving at just the wrong angle to get the cable to twist. This is not an IEM or phone specific problem (tested it with 4 IEMs and 2 phones). Go with the Go Link or anything that has that kind of braided cabling
I agree. I'm very happy after 3 months with the Go-link and Stennheiser IE200s. Device volume is now down near 40% on a Pixel 7 Pro phone or Lenovo tablet compared to their native outputs around 2x that.
I wish this had MQA decoder. So many DAC/amp dongles have MQA decoders, even in FiiO's own lineup, a lot of which are cheaper than the KA5. I know some very loud and vocal audiophiles hate MQA but I use Tidal and use it frequently.
I have the LGV30,came out in 2018,it has a quad DAC,32 BIT,MQA,and headphone jack,75 ohm,I bought another one for back up,it has eq settings,a beast,Ali Baba has them,ant it's a phone,bloody steal at 315 bucks,org was 1200.
Un reviu trágico!! En titular se supone que se va tratar de ifi go link y k5 y resulta que de ifi 2 pobres minutos. Incluso mencionas algo de q11 - con un sonido aburrido, con recortados agudos y sonido bastante oscuro - "acabo de devolver!! K5 no conosco pero no me engañara su displey en pantalla ni mqa ni potencia. A final lo que Más importa es sonido y la sencillez de ifi go link con un DAC de alta clase debería valer mas dinero.
None taken, and I always appreciate the communities feedback. Unfortunately, that's one I haven't heard and I just don't feel like its good practice to compare devices I haven't heard. Thanks for checking out the review!
@@Gizaudio it's a pretty popular bluetooth dac, I might say that it's MORE recommended then any Fiio's similar class dac (which can brick themself by the user changing the PEQ in the app). At least according to /r/headphones. Q5K run circles around any of these DACs you've mentioned in this reviews. Obviously this bold statement depends on what you're looking for in a bluetooth / dongle DAC.
wow, you somehow able to help to make decision for my next purchase, i was looking at ibasso dc04pro, link2bal and hiby fc4 and tanchjim space, i bet ka5 wins over those for you.
![iFi Go Link: A $60 pocket DAC/Amp that’s actually GOOD?! Yes, BUT… [REVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/puJ7kOdI9es/mqdefault.jpg)
![iFi Go Link: A $60 pocket DAC/Amp that’s actually GOOD?! Yes, BUT… [REVIEW]](/img/tr.png)
Just got my Fiio KA5 in the mail today, bought it for $116 during Fiio's anniversary sale. Took me a while to figure out the volume buttons are reversed (in revelevance of the default screen orientation). I gotta thoroughly go through the manual to understand all the menu options. Not quite sure what the differce between AB or H work modes. Wish there was a Fiio Control app for macOS. With the new Macs, you can run iOS apps. Sadly, the Fiios Control app for iOS on macOS does not work. Anyways, I can finally use 4.4mm balanced headphones on the go. I love the included short lightning cable, fits perfectly in my pocket next to my iPhone.
I use the LGV30,quad DAC,32 BIT,MQA,75 OHM,AND A HEADPHONE JACK,2018 IT CAME OUT,BOUGHT A SECOND FOR BACK UP,EQ SETTINGS,AND ITS A PHONE
If you're considering the iFi GO Link, I'd recommend the Truthear Shio for $10 extra. I was pathologically careful with my last dongle-dac (Sonata HD II) and the thing is - those attached cables will give out (mine lasted just under three years daily use, never in my pocket, never wrenched it even once by mistake).
For myself, replaceable cables are a must now. For something as cheap as the Apple dongle or the Moondrop Click, I get it. But for $60... uh-uh.
This advice is for budget shoppers.
Agreed. Even worse when the attached cable stinks or is flat
how is the sound? iFi go link and truthear shio
im just looking for dongle dac/amp
Im running Hexas at home and Holas on the go rn... thinking to go full package truthear with the shio but I am a bite worried about the pleather on the outside? How does it hold up?
@@X3RUBIM I don't own one, at the time I'd just watched a about 20 reviews of dongle-DACs (and as many Shio reviews as I could find) and the Shio seemed like the best bet.
It's inevitable that the PU leather will eventually wear out, but I'm sure you could get it re-covered if you wanted to (with real leather).
I think Dave's new recommendation for this price range is the Tsanjim Space. Check out the review for that. He doesn't even mention the Shio anymore.
How does the KA5 compare to the L&P W2, Cayin RU6 and Questyle M15?
Very quality video and effects. That's what you get when a man loves what he's doing.
... and when what he loves doing is not audio.
That's why, just like with Joshua Valour, I tend to not trust a single thing this man has to say about audio quality and performance. Too much effort put into his visuals. Feels like he might be trying to compensate for something more important he knows he doesn't have.
Image is pure perfection. Which camera has been used?
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
I feel like a wired/Bluetooth DAC is a wiser choice no?
Like the Qudelix5k which lands in the same money region and has so much more to offer.
It looks like you could build a birdhouse with a dongle DAC.
lol, thanks for watching!
for iem exclusively is the difference in sound between go link and ka5 that noticeable ?
Hello there! How is it compared to Luxury & Precision W2 and Questyle M15? Heard good things about them.
nabbed the S12 pro for $135 and KA5 for $129.. Looking forward to getting back into HIFI listening :)
How are finding this setup? I'm looking at the exact same gear.
I will stick to Qudelix 5K (AKM), got 240 mW in balanced mode btw.
How could you justify the price difference between UA5 & KA5?
which is best for instrumental separation,open balanced sound (xduos basic,fiio k3, fiio q11,fiio k5,zen air dac) reply me bro🤔🤔🤔🤔
These usb style which one give best sound quality? I don’t really have any budget. However, I don’t really know much about these devices so… thank you
How about compared too the Shanling UA5? That's $199. Thanks for the video review.
What do you reccomend for S12 paired with Windows and Android/MIUI?
For all those asking the IEMs in this video are the THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII
is the display on KA5 ment to be unable to wake after first time going black after each plug in?
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
Thank you for the detailed review. One question please: is the Fiio KA5 good enough for my IEMs: Beyerdynamic Xelento 2nd generation?
It will easily run all your IEM. Makes my hifiman Ananda headphone sound way louder and better.
I just purchased the ka3 because it was on sale (71€). If you would compare ka3 and ka5 on percentage, how much it would be the gap in improving quality? 10%? 15%?
But mostly: would I hear any difference using old klipsh x10 earphones and sennheiser hd599 headphones? Or it is an overkill with my equipment?
Thank you for your reply in advance! ☺️
I don't think you need a new dac/amp while having Ka3. I would save some more to get a different headphone/iem instead of buying a new dac that would make almost no difference.
@@ibrahimsincap3705 that's really a good advice! Thanks!
What iem/cans would you recommend me?
The ones with attachéd cables make me want to put shrink tubing on it
Thanks man 😊
KA5 OR TANJIM SPACE ??
The go-link is pretty neat, but how does it compete to the shio?
Unfortunately, I don't have one on hand for comparison. Thanks for checking out the review!
I plan on getting the KA5 to drive my Sennheiser IE 400 Pro. What is your opinion about that? I want something that doesn’t colour the sound so that I can judge the sound of my in-ears rather than the amp. Thanks in advance
FiiO products in general are known for natural sounds, I got K7 for a while and it pretty outputs the sound as it is. I sold it to get a portable one and am now considering Ka5.
@@ibrahimsincap3705 Thanks for your reply. I do want to use it on-the-go that’s why I want a portable device
Sir what is the name of the IEM you used with FIIO KA5..???
Which one is better? The fc04 pro or the ka5?
You cannot compaire those devices. You have to compare Ka5 vs ifi go bar
If only there was one that was compatible with my inline mic IEM cable
Have you tried KA5 with high impedance headphones? Is it good?
I tried it with my 470 ohm Audio Technica R70X, I got enough volume and the performance was quite good
I’m wondering if the app is as good on IOS as it seems to be on Android?
This one or moon drop dawn pro
im wondering the same
Is it enough for dt770 and hd560s?
more than enough
Dco4pro or KA5????? 🙏🏻
So soundwise, the Q11 has more power, better dynamics and costs $50 less? Also is self powered and good looking. I think Q11 is the real best value winner. If size is not a problem.
A valid argument for sure! Not everyone's requirements are the same so for many, no doubt, the Q11 could be the better option. Thank you for watching!
@@Gizaudio Thank you! You always make great reviews.
No!! Sound is not good!!!
IEM sound difference being minimal comparing the Go Link to the Dawn or other usb dacs is a pretty big understatement lol
Something I will also mention to others that I dont believe was mentioned in the review for the dawn is that due to the permanently attached cable to the dawn being flat, it is prone to twisting and causing LOUD bursts of distortion. This basically has rendered the device useless for me, as if Im walking and using this thing I need to constantly carefully make sure my phone isnt moving at just the wrong angle to get the cable to twist. This is not an IEM or phone specific problem (tested it with 4 IEMs and 2 phones). Go with the Go Link or anything that has that kind of braided cabling
What are those iems?
Go link is good enough
Agree! Thank you for checking out the review!
I agree. I'm very happy after 3 months with the Go-link and Stennheiser IE200s. Device volume is now down near 40% on a Pixel 7 Pro phone or Lenovo tablet compared to their native outputs around 2x that.
can that DAC kills battery performance in Phone or Tablet?
ofc
I wish this had MQA decoder. So many DAC/amp dongles have MQA decoders, even in FiiO's own lineup, a lot of which are cheaper than the KA5. I know some very loud and vocal audiophiles hate MQA but I use Tidal and use it frequently.
I have the LGV30,came out in 2018,it has a quad DAC,32 BIT,MQA,and headphone jack,75 ohm,I bought another one for back up,it has eq settings,a beast,Ali Baba has them,ant it's a phone,bloody steal at 315 bucks,org was 1200.
The q11 fio drives my beyer dt880 600 ohm strong fact
Hi Marc
Happy with your Q11 in term of song quality? Could you please describe it in few words. Very thanks
@@arnaudbaudon845 for the price the songquality is the best
@@arnaudbaudon845 tight sound
Thank you for your answer 😊
What cable is that on the Aful Performer 5??
That's monarch mk 2 and cable is stock one
FH7, DO FH7, YOU DO FH7, YOU DO YOU BUT ALSO FH7
THIS DAC HAS MORE POWER THAN THE QUESTYLE M15 AT 300 OHMS L+R≥54mW+54mW (300Ω, THD+N
Un reviu trágico!! En titular se supone que se va tratar de ifi go link y k5 y resulta que de ifi 2 pobres minutos. Incluso mencionas algo de q11 - con un sonido aburrido, con recortados agudos y sonido bastante oscuro - "acabo de devolver!! K5 no conosco pero no me engañara su displey en pantalla ni mqa ni potencia. A final lo que Más importa es sonido y la sencillez de ifi go link con un DAC de alta clase debería valer mas dinero.
No offense, but these reviews are useless without even mentioning the Qudelix 5k.
None taken, and I always appreciate the communities feedback. Unfortunately, that's one I haven't heard and I just don't feel like its good practice to compare devices I haven't heard. Thanks for checking out the review!
@@Gizaudio it's a pretty popular bluetooth dac, I might say that it's MORE recommended then any Fiio's similar class dac (which can brick themself by the user changing the PEQ in the app). At least according to /r/headphones. Q5K run circles around any of these DACs you've mentioned in this reviews. Obviously this bold statement depends on what you're looking for in a bluetooth / dongle DAC.
@@Gizaudiohighly recommend the 5k
Hi! How does it compare to the KA3? Is it any better?
HiBy HC4 🤘
wow, you somehow able to help to make decision for my next purchase, i was looking at ibasso dc04pro, link2bal and hiby fc4 and tanchjim space, i bet ka5 wins over those for you.
It drains your phone's battery like crazy