I prefer AIO DACs instead of separates. Separates can be cool but if your going for a clean desk look an Aio DAC is the way to go cause it's just far less clutter.
Even though it’s just through Bluetooth, I love how there is an eq with this amp, I wish more companies would do this. And streaming services like Tidal.
@@neighborhood_k Are you talking about MQA or their "hi-fi" which is just 16 bit 44.1? I can hear some of the weird artifacts from MQA when it's decoded via software on certain tracks but the hi-fi playback is generally pretty good in my experience.
I got a package deal off headfi for a Grado gs1000x, the hemp, and this amp came with it. Honestly I wasn’t even wanting the amp but accepted it as a good deal and figured it would be another typical topping/thx-like boring chifi product. I was shocked at how syrupy, smooth it turned out to be that it ended up being the star of the whole combo.
I got the Fiio k5 pro and i love it, i know it's absolutely in another league but i think it's worth the money. If i ever upgrade i will consider this!
Was looking forward to this review as I was looking for an All in One. K9 pro looks to be the move but the Chord Mojo 2 is coming out on the 31st. Will wait on the release and see how they compare.
I have ot since november ,incredible value and sound get better and better. Not harsh clear, smooth and neutral like i like from AKM and that topology in this amp make the best of both world.
K9proEss+Sundara2021 sounds goooood! Went to the shop to bench listen this k9 vs Ifi Zen Signature HFM. Took my Sundara with me. The Zen showed a soundstage waaaay too weird :vocals and base to the front and guitars very recessed to where they nearly dissapear... However, from memory, the Ifi xCan on neutral settings showed an identical sound presence as the K9proEss and is portable and much cheaper. K9+HFM Arya = identical sound but less mass+more comfort, Edition XS= lower gain on vocals, less base Grado Hemph= veiled, litle bass Ibasso SR2= veiled Sundara2021+xCan seems to be my endgame.
My favorite DAC for now too. Great value product. Except the totally "invisible" text when any light source is not in front of it. Just keep monitoring head-fi to keep all firmware that fixed minor issues up to date. And I hope you got your free DAC stand from Fiio too.
@@sundinfan9745there was the limited offer in January (to send the serial number of the device and the cash receipt from the store and to pay a few bucks for the delivery only). I got mine in January.
I just bought this Fiio today. Then came home to see this video. It was thanks to your original quick head’s up on another video that caught my attention, so I went to audition one and… wow! Totally blew me away with how good it is. So thank you so much for the recommendation and now for this glowing review.
I'm happy so far with my K9 Pro ESS, haven't had it too long. I do think Topping E70/L70 is slightly better, but it's a stack and it gets tiring having to deal with several devices. So I think this Fiio is good for people who just want a single box solution.
I bought this after this review. I had already been eyeing it and pining for it, and this was the push I needed. (yes I used the affiliate link ;D) Though a bit annoyed that Apos created a shipping label for it 3 days ago but still hasn't actually put it in the mail.
I actually ordered these the other day and they should arrive on monday! I have used the Fiio k5 pro for a while but wanted a multi use upgrade as I listen to vinyl as well. Personally all in one units are best as I don't have a designated listening room with proper acoustics I just live in a two bedroom apartment and have one bedroom set up for my computers/vinyl/storage. I am happy to hear that you find them more neutral, I can't wait to play around with it.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the difference between this and the k5pro. I have the k5pro and love it and I don't need Bluetooth are all the other connections on the k9 so I feel like I wouldn't be getting the most bang for my buck. I'd love to hear if it's that much better than the K5
@@chrisbianchi8876 I listen to a lot of heavy metal, metalcore so my experience thus far is based on genre preference. Guitar tones are more clear and you definitely get a lot more clarity in mixes when it comes to separation from fast shredding and solos. Low end its a lot better and cleaner sound than the fiio k5 pro imo but it stands out in a few spots of certain tracks. I think if I had a pair of headphones that did bass very very well it would be more noticeable. Treble response are about the same with eqing the k5 pro but without eq the k9 is 10x better at handling treble from my experience. If you like brighter treble this could a con. Mids is where it stands out over the k5 pro pretty much anywhere vocals/ drums/ guitar tones would overlap it just handles it way better than k5 pro between detail, speed, separation. Personally it's exactly what I was hoping for, more neutral and so far I have not touch EQ settings. Now if only I could hook this up to my car's stereo system everytime I drive to and from work.
@@ExiledVessel thanks for that, sounds like it's a really noticeable upgrade. My 560s can get a little bright so it sounds like it would be perfect with that.
I got the Fiio Q5S AM3D which is the type C THX amp as a portable and it's phenomenal. Love it on the go and honestly I can say it performs better than most of my desktop stand alone units, I can not doubt this unit is outstanding XD
i`ve got the same Fiio Q5S and i agree. However i also have this K9 PRO with AKM DAC and you`ve got better soundstage on the K9 and also some clarity improvement. At least this is what i hear on my HD660s
And that's how limited 2000 units were sold. Really though, if its dac part is any better than other AKM 4499 based DACs like SMSL M400 or Loxjie D50, I might jump on it. In MSRP, it is cheaper than both and stacked more.
Its replacement got 2 ESS9038PROs, I mean it would sound better to most people (more clear sound, probably) Just not sure if that's available outside of China tho
@@zamedoeswtever5267 I've seen it in aliexpress at one vendor. Maybe it will be available after akm units sell out. Though I know it's stupid, but since akm units are limited it makes it more tempting. Still, I doubt two variations would have noticable sound differences and If that is the case I don't want to pay more. And If there is a difference I think most people will claim akm sounds better, true or not.
@@fahryst I don't think there's any official price difference, so that should be fine The preference to ESS maybe is just me then, so it doesn't really matter
@@zamedoeswtever5267 if I remember correctly, in the thread in head-fi they announced ess version will be 100 or 200 dolars more expensive. I will check later. The vendor I mentioned was selling ess versions for more too.
Oh ok, I saw a 500 rmb increase for the duo 9038Pro ones, I would think it's still a good deal cuz other components besides the DACs are harder to get as well
Great job as always! Wish you reviewed more stuff more often! But, I understand. I have about 6 favorite reviewers, and your one of them. I am certain you know the other 5 reviewers better than I. Your most likely friends with them all! But, anyways....TY!
Hi! Have you ever tried new MacBooks headphone jacks ? Because they support high-impedance headphones up to 1000 ohm. Currently, I drive my HD600 with MacBook Pro directly. Instead of using MacBook headphone jack, If I use fiio k7, will I have considerably better sound from my HD 600? Or difference will be just negligible? Thank you!
It’s not like they wanted to. The AKM chip factory burned to the ground. Many manufacturers had to scramble to find another DAC chip supplier that they could use. ESS 9038 is the next best thing to the AK4499 Chip that is no longer available due to the fire
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the K9 Pro. Just wondering that would the specific difference be between this and the Topping E50 & L50 stack? You mentioned in your review video of that combo that all good amps have reached a high point that they are all more of less the same
Hi, I enjoy your videos a lot, I was ready to buy the K9 for use with my Sundara, but Fiio have switched to using a pair of ESS DAC chips, It would be really cool if you could get hold of one of these to see if the change has affected the synergy you liked using it with the Sundara. In my opinion, the AKM 'Velvet' chips do sound very nice, and the ESS Sabre Chips I have, tend to be very clean, but with a little more treble glare. Anyhoo.. a comparison between the new version and the older one would be of great interest. Thanks
Hey DMS. Do you still recommend this today especially now that there is the k9 akm for 499.99. Thanks for your content and passion for audio. Much appreciated.
My Sundara sounds bad on my Powernode N330 headphone output. Havind watched the "The problem with Amps…" from Abyss headphones, this vid and Zeos "K9pro ess vs AKM" he liked the ESS even more. Below you mentioned JDS Element3 as well for Sundara. I am not able to demo listen this at my local dealer (EU based) but I am leaning towards the IFI Zen One (BT)+ Zen Can signature HFM versus the K9proESS. I guess it comes town to tailored (IFI) or future modularity(going balanced, more headphone options) I'm very confused which route to go especially after seeing the Abyss vdo. My sundara already blew a Dragonfly Cobalt(demo version) and my xCan (BT/amp chip) which shys me away from the xDSD Gryphon. I'd better send an email to IFI for inquiry rather than my local dealer. thx for the review but I'm still confused LOL!!
Hey DMS, You do such great videos , can just tell it over and over again. But now i am hella confused of what i should by myself I want to use it only on my PC-Setup The first question, where peoples opionion splits is -----> DO I WANT DAC+AMP-Combo or is just an AMP enough? Devices i researched and i want to decide between are: DAC/AMP: Creative Sound Blaster X3 Creative Sound BlasterX G6 Schiit Fulla 4 - E Syba Sonic AMP: Schiit Audio Magni // Heresy iFi Audio Zen CAN FiiO K5 Pro Fosi Audio Q4 DAC JDS Labs Atom Amp iFi Hip DAC What would you say i should go for? Regards, Benny
hello! may i bring a problem i have with the K9 PRO ESS? K9 PRO ESS distorted my Speakers (AirPulse A300) but Topping D90SE not. at topping i can select 4v and 5v, at 4v all works clean, at 5v i have distortion at my speakers with K9 PRO ESS i have the same distortion i had with 5v at topping d90se, cant select 4v or something to fix it at K9 PRO ESS im using bitperfect excluvise mode asio and wasapi.... the only way to hear normal audio is to put 50% volume at windows from and to player when i use bitperfect or use eq and change the gain to -4.0db that i dont like and trust the only workaround is to low the volume but this is not a fix... topping gives us options and works out of the box as it should! cant even enjoy the producy i buy to the fullest with this issue The K9 PRO ESS uses for sure 5V for output xlr and rca, fiio didnt ever consider that 5V is not compatible to all devices? hope they release a firmware to fix this issue and use topping aproach! FiiO K9 PRO ESS Single-ended line output performance parameters Line Level 2.5Vrms Balanced line output performance parameters Line Level 5Vrms Τopping D90SE RCA LINE OUT 2.1Vrms (Mode 4V) 2.6Vrms (Mode 5V) XLR LINE OUT 4.2VRMS (MODE 4V) 5.2VRMS (MODE 5V)
Great review. Just like your other video, I recently purchased the Focal Radiance, and was looking at a new Dac/Amp combo. How do you like this unit with the Radiance?
As soon as I can EQ with an amp via USB or Coax/Opt connection via an app. I’m buying it. This is the next evolution. I won’t be tied to my computer or have to default to Bluetooth.
As someone who has bought and got great mileage out of FiiO portable products, I can't fathom having every option in the world for a desk DAC/Amp and going for Class D chi-fi with the sound signature of an extremely controversial more expensive DAC/Amp. Is it genuinely your favourite sound?
Hey man, can you please review Topping NX7 and it's combo with Sundara? Your friend Joshua has already reviewed the NX7, would like to know your view as well. Thanks.
ok I've just read the K5 pro sounds extremely similar to the K9 pro, just has less features and less power. Would that be an alternative ? Maybe even better than the JDS atom? I just bought the sundara.. edit: mkay, watched some videos, read some articles. Seems the K5 is not it. The atom seems to have the much cleaner sound which according to DMS in his sundara vid should be important to run the sundara very well. Atom then for me. Or a very angry wife and water and bread for a month or two..
Oh, not for HE6 (se v2)? Looking for under $1k DAC/ Headphone amp. Just got that and want to connect some digital sources too and RCA in to vintage integrated amp.
My favorite DAC/AMP combo is the audient ID4 or ID14 MKII. It's a great interface in general, but sounds better than most DACs out there. The headphones amp has a bit high output impedance, so it's not that great for IEMs, but if you use high impedance headphones it's amazing.
Agree. Audient ID4 Mark 2 has very nice sounding headphone amps and can power anything. I have the headphones DMS mentioned in this vid and the Mark 2 powers them just fine, ie Sundara, 6xx, etc. I also like how the ID4 is relatively portable and isn't a massive wallbrick and has amazing preamps for microphones as well. Also you'd have $400 more to work with. Imho honestly there's a point of diminishing returns and the ID4 Mark 2 is really all most people need.
I'm not DMS, but probably something [in order of cost/tier] like the Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk, Dunu SA6/Thieaudio Oracle, Sennheiser IE600, Thieaudio Monarch 2.
Nice review! How do you think this would work with Hifiman Arya SE or HE1000SE? I currently have an EF400 and I am looking for an upgrade to get a little more out of those cans. Thanks in advance.
Not sure if you went for the upgrade or not. I had the same system (Arya SE and EF400). The Fiio seems to add more body to the Arya's and a little more image definition in my opinion. For me the Fiio with the Arya's are my endgame system. 👍🏻
Hi, thanks for the review! You mentioned that this can power the Diana’s, do you mean the TC or the v2? And do you think it is sufficient for the TC or is it better to use a more powerful amp? Regards
The lighting/shading really makes your neck plum pop! xD It's an interresting DAC/AMP, but it's strange to me how rare it is for them to have pc software for controls since so many of them are controlled via a digital step in the interface anyway. On top of that they are rarely plug and play. I see they have firmware as recent as november of 2021, have you tested this firmware? Can't find any patch notes for it.
I'm torn as to grab this "limited" version or wait for the review on the ESS dual chip version. It's going to cost $100 more than AKM version from what I read. 🤔
So i had an onkyo dp-x1a years ago (same thing as the pioneer xdp-300r). I actually believed for the first year of having it that balanced did indeed matter because it sounded so drastically different than the single-ended output on that player. Like worlds better. Then I found out that the balanced output used a dual dac, and single-ended didn't. Why the hell they did this, I do not know. Those were sabres btw. Anyway, I've heard a pretty similar difference in single vs dual configurations of different AK449x chips on friends' gear. I do generally lean towards AKM, and my current player uses dual AK4497's, but the perceivable difference of AKM vs newer ESS chips is so small for me that I consider it negligible (and something I'd probably adjust to within minutes even if I did notice a difference). My advice, absolutely wait for the dual-chip version.
@@skengasaurus thank you. I really appreciate the information. My mind wants to be impulsive but my gut says be patient. As far as the extra hundred bucks that is tiny if there is an improvement via dual chip vs single. This AKM version was designed to be dual originally. I currently use an Xduoo TA30. It's sounds awesome and is actually more powerful than the K9 pro. But I've always wanted a solid state for my collection. Based on DMS saying this is his new reference tells me that I should absolutely give it a spin. 😁
@@ClintAvila No problem! And not to go walking back what I said or rant, but i'd feel a bit disingenuous if I didn't say that most engineers will tell you that the output stage is what matters. I mean tbh, I'd be inclined to believe that the only reason we think ESS chips sound "harsher" is because enough of us said they do and there's two sibilant characters in ESS, whereas AKM just has one fricative in the middle...and I'm dead serious too lol. Anyway, in my case, the onkyo/pioneer DAPs could've just done some really odd shit and had different circuit topologies in their balanced and single-ended stages, regardless of the single/dual chip aspect. In the case of the other gear i referenced, it could be that the gear with dual-chip DACs were designed by ppl who also put a lot of care into the output stage(s), and this is a correlation over causation instance. I still am keeping my bias with dual-chip DAC's here lol, just am playing devil's advocate with myself
I'm hoping it will pair well with the Arya stealth, the HD6xx, HD 380 pros. Just ordered one and the Arya stealth and I'm eagerly anticipating trying both units out! So I have to rewrite my opinion here. The unit seems to be working MUCH better after having it since Friday of last week (it 02-15-2022 now). I'm not sure quite why this is but I did test single-ended on the quarter-inch for my initial testing and now I have been using balanced cables now. One from Hart audio and one from Periapt. The sound is definitely improved on my HD6xx and the Arya Stealth. The HD 380s work fine with the quarter-inch but they are also built to need way less power. I spent a ton of time using PEACE and Equalizer APO to customize things and I have some nice presets now but I'm really trying to force myself to listen to the raw output un-touched to see how the synergy is with the Arya Stealth. Early on some music sounded shouty in the treble and upper mids. I know the Aryas are neutral-bright so I am still trying to see if they will pair well. Initially, I was thinking about exchanging the K9 pro but I am taking some time to give it more of a chance. One thing that has not changed is that I hate how hard it is to read the text on the unit. The App works OK but I really wish they enabled the EQ for everything, not just Bluetooth. Overall though the K9 Pro feels well built and the unit as a whole has a very good feature set. Overall if I do exchange it I may go for the iFi neo iDsd. I prefer their sound signature and I think it may have better synergy with the Arya's though the Sennheiser headphones may work better with the K9 pro.
I hate to be churlish since I love this channel, but I fail to understand how you can review your "favorite" DAC/Amp and not tell us what DAC it is using. FWIW, it is using an AKM 4499 DAC, a chip which is sort of a unicorn at the moment because the AKM factory in Japan was destroyed by fire. Is this implementation any better or worse than other 4499 DACs? It sure is a great value packaged in a single chassis with a quality amp, since most 4499 standalone DACs (like my original and now discontinued Topping D90 MQA, not the current ESS equipped D90SE) cost as much or a bit more than the K9 Pro.
You once recommended it as the best synergy for the Sundara for a combo under $1k, but considering the price jumped up to $849.99 with the discontinuation of AKM chips and the switch over to ESS chips, do you still recommend it? Do you think the chip makes any difference to the sound? Is there anything else you'd put in place for a high end synergy with the Sundara?
I have one of these and I'd like to add a Lokius EQ. But how would I wire the "stack" with the DAC/AMP combo that feed via USB from my PC? Would it go USB> K9pro > out thru balanced cables to Lokius > back into K9 Pro via Balanced> headphones? Would that work?
For almost 1000 bucks...What makes it better than the RME ADI-2 DAC fs (apart from bluetooth that could be added with a bluetooth receiver very easily)?
I prefer AIO DACs instead of separates. Separates can be cool but if your going for a clean desk look an Aio DAC is the way to go cause it's just far less clutter.
Also not to mention they are alot easier to set up and manage
@@henrychen8755 and no cables everywhere
Even though it’s just through Bluetooth, I love how there is an eq with this amp, I wish more companies would do this. And streaming services like Tidal.
EQ capability is built into the Bluetooth chipset used, wonder if it works in LDAC as it dosent in some of the other Fiio units like the btr5
Why add those features, when you can just use other software that can do it better? Like the Wavelet app on phones or Equalizer APO with Peace on PC
I'm starting to think it is something to do with the MQA certification. A lot of MQA certified gear doesn't have any EQ.
I assume you've already heard all the issues with Tidal and its "lossless" format right
@@neighborhood_k Are you talking about MQA or their "hi-fi" which is just 16 bit 44.1?
I can hear some of the weird artifacts from MQA when it's decoded via software on certain tracks but the hi-fi playback is generally pretty good in my experience.
Ooh that little bit where the video was playing through your MacBook was COOL, love that
Got the ESS, love it. Has exceeded my expectations in the category that matters the most, the sound.
Damn audio equipment is getting value. Hearing you say you used to use a 10k+ amp and now prefer a 700$ one is pretty sweet!
To be fair said amp was famously pretty awful sounding for its price.
This is one I have my eye on. I am using the FiiO K5 pro now and it really is great for that price. Nice review dude.
Favorite DAC/amp ends up being a Fiio. Didn’t see that coming.
Me either
@@DMS3TV Hey there, how would this do powering the Abyss 1266 PHI TC? Btw, awesome content, I've been following you for a year!
I got a package deal off headfi for a Grado gs1000x, the hemp, and this amp came with it. Honestly I wasn’t even wanting the amp but accepted it as a good deal and figured it would be another typical topping/thx-like boring chifi product. I was shocked at how syrupy, smooth it turned out to be that it ended up being the star of the whole combo.
I got the Fiio k5 pro and i love it, i know it's absolutely in another league but i think it's worth the money. If i ever upgrade i will consider this!
Was looking forward to this review as I was looking for an All in One. K9 pro looks to be the move but the Chord Mojo 2 is coming out on the 31st. Will wait on the release and see how they compare.
I have ot since november ,incredible value and sound get better and better. Not harsh clear, smooth and neutral like i like from AKM and that topology in this amp make the best of both world.
Mine is coming in tomorrow! Pairing it with some Audeze lcd-2's. Can't wait.
K9proEss+Sundara2021 sounds goooood! Went to the shop to bench listen this k9 vs Ifi Zen Signature HFM. Took my Sundara with me. The Zen showed a soundstage waaaay too weird :vocals and base to the front and guitars very recessed to where they nearly dissapear...
However, from memory, the Ifi xCan on neutral settings showed an identical sound presence as the K9proEss and is portable and much cheaper.
K9+HFM Arya = identical sound but less mass+more comfort,
Edition XS= lower gain on vocals, less base
Grado Hemph= veiled, litle bass
Ibasso SR2= veiled
Sundara2021+xCan seems to be my endgame.
My favorite DAC for now too. Great value product. Except the totally "invisible" text when any light source is not in front of it. Just keep monitoring head-fi to keep all firmware that fixed minor issues up to date. And I hope you got your free DAC stand from Fiio too.
How do you get the free stand??
I didn’t get one with mine either. I guess you need to ask Fiio for it. Shame it wasn’t in with the packaging
@@sundinfan9745 Yeah, I agree. Oh well….
@@sundinfan9745there was the limited offer in January (to send the serial number of the device and the cash receipt from the store and to pay a few bucks for the delivery only). I got mine in January.
I just bought this Fiio today. Then came home to see this video. It was thanks to your original quick head’s up on another video that caught my attention, so I went to audition one and… wow! Totally blew me away with how good it is.
So thank you so much for the recommendation and now for this glowing review.
I'm happy so far with my K9 Pro ESS, haven't had it too long. I do think Topping E70/L70 is slightly better, but it's a stack and it gets tiring having to deal with several devices. So I think this Fiio is good for people who just want a single box solution.
I bought this after this review. I had already been eyeing it and pining for it, and this was the push I needed. (yes I used the affiliate link ;D)
Though a bit annoyed that Apos created a shipping label for it 3 days ago but still hasn't actually put it in the mail.
Whoever didn't mail that is A POS...
Can you share your view bout the K9 AKM just released Dec 2023? Is it a better value than this K9 Pro AKM?
I actually ordered these the other day and they should arrive on monday! I have used the Fiio k5 pro for a while but wanted a multi use upgrade as I listen to vinyl as well. Personally all in one units are best as I don't have a designated listening room with proper acoustics I just live in a two bedroom apartment and have one bedroom set up for my computers/vinyl/storage.
I am happy to hear that you find them more neutral, I can't wait to play around with it.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the difference between this and the k5pro. I have the k5pro and love it and I don't need Bluetooth are all the other connections on the k9 so I feel like I wouldn't be getting the most bang for my buck. I'd love to hear if it's that much better than the K5
@@chrisbianchi8876 I listen to a lot of heavy metal, metalcore so my experience thus far is based on genre preference.
Guitar tones are more clear and you definitely get a lot more clarity in mixes when it comes to separation from fast shredding and solos.
Low end its a lot better and cleaner sound than the fiio k5 pro imo but it stands out in a few spots of certain tracks. I think if I had a pair of headphones that did bass very very well it would be more noticeable.
Treble response are about the same with eqing the k5 pro but without eq the k9 is 10x better at handling treble from my experience. If you like brighter treble this could a con.
Mids is where it stands out over the k5 pro pretty much anywhere vocals/ drums/ guitar tones would overlap it just handles it way better than k5 pro between detail, speed, separation.
Personally it's exactly what I was hoping for, more neutral and so far I have not touch EQ settings. Now if only I could hook this up to my car's stereo system everytime I drive to and from work.
@@ExiledVessel thanks for that, sounds like it's a really noticeable upgrade. My 560s can get a little bright so it sounds like it would be perfect with that.
I got the Fiio Q5S AM3D which is the type C THX amp as a portable and it's phenomenal. Love it on the go and honestly I can say it performs better than most of my desktop stand alone units, I can not doubt this unit is outstanding XD
i`ve got the same Fiio Q5S and i agree. However i also have this K9 PRO with AKM DAC and you`ve got better soundstage on the K9 and also some clarity improvement. At least this is what i hear on my HD660s
And that's how limited 2000 units were sold.
Really though, if its dac part is any better than other AKM 4499 based DACs like SMSL M400 or Loxjie D50, I might jump on it. In MSRP, it is cheaper than both and stacked more.
Its replacement got 2 ESS9038PROs, I mean it would sound better to most people (more clear sound, probably)
Just not sure if that's available outside of China tho
@@zamedoeswtever5267 I've seen it in aliexpress at one vendor. Maybe it will be available after akm units sell out. Though I know it's stupid, but since akm units are limited it makes it more tempting. Still, I doubt two variations would have noticable sound differences and If that is the case I don't want to pay more. And If there is a difference I think most people will claim akm sounds better, true or not.
@@fahryst I don't think there's any official price difference, so that should be fine
The preference to ESS maybe is just me then, so it doesn't really matter
@@zamedoeswtever5267 if I remember correctly, in the thread in head-fi they announced ess version will be 100 or 200 dolars more expensive. I will check later. The vendor I mentioned was selling ess versions for more too.
Oh ok, I saw a 500 rmb increase for the duo 9038Pro ones, I would think it's still a good deal cuz other components besides the DACs are harder to get as well
Great job as always! Wish you reviewed more stuff more often! But, I understand. I have about 6 favorite reviewers, and your one of them. I am certain you know the other 5 reviewers better than I. Your most likely friends with them all! But, anyways....TY!
Hi! Have you ever tried new MacBooks headphone jacks ? Because they support high-impedance headphones up to 1000 ohm. Currently, I drive my HD600 with MacBook Pro directly. Instead of using MacBook headphone jack, If I use fiio k7, will I have considerably better sound from my HD 600? Or difference will be just negligible? Thank you!
Fiio discontinued the original K9 PRO and now all K9 PROs come revised with ES9038 chip. You might want to test that version as well,.
It’s not like they wanted to. The AKM chip factory burned to the ground. Many manufacturers had to scramble to find another DAC chip supplier that they could use. ESS 9038 is the next best thing to the AK4499 Chip that is no longer available due to the fire
Hi! Should do a comparison between Fiio's K9 and AudioQuest M15, since it has taken over... BTW Fiio just launched a newer K9 with AKM.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the K9 Pro. Just wondering that would the specific difference be between this and the Topping E50 & L50 stack? You mentioned in your review video of that combo that all good amps have reached a high point that they are all more of less the same
Hi, I enjoy your videos a lot, I was ready to buy the K9 for use with my Sundara, but Fiio have switched to using a pair of ESS DAC chips, It would be really cool if you could get hold of one of these to see if the change has affected the synergy you liked using it with the Sundara. In my opinion, the AKM 'Velvet' chips do sound very nice, and the ESS Sabre Chips I have, tend to be very clean, but with a little more treble glare. Anyhoo.. a comparison between the new version and the older one would be of great interest. Thanks
Hey DMS. Do you still recommend this today especially now that there is the k9 akm for 499.99. Thanks for your content and passion for audio. Much appreciated.
your videos never fail to amaze me, makes me feel like I'm watching a movie
Quite enjoy watching your vid via my new Fiio K9 Pro DAC. It's really a good all-in-one DAC. Have good dynamic, imaging, smooth as well.
Will you make video comparing this K9 Pro (with single AKM AK4499) vs the upcoming K9 Pro ESS (with dual ES9038Pro)?
My Sundara sounds bad on my Powernode N330 headphone output. Havind watched the "The problem with Amps…" from Abyss headphones, this vid and Zeos "K9pro ess vs AKM" he liked the ESS even more.
Below you mentioned JDS Element3 as well for Sundara. I am not able to demo listen this at my local dealer (EU based) but I am leaning towards the IFI Zen One (BT)+ Zen Can signature HFM versus the K9proESS.
I guess it comes town to tailored (IFI) or future modularity(going balanced, more headphone options)
I'm very confused which route to go especially after seeing the Abyss vdo. My sundara already blew a Dragonfly Cobalt(demo version) and my xCan (BT/amp chip) which shys me away from the xDSD Gryphon. I'd better send an email to IFI for inquiry rather than my local dealer.
thx for the review but I'm still confused LOL!!
Hey DMS,
You do such great videos , can just tell it over and over again.
But now i am hella confused of what i should by myself
I want to use it only on my PC-Setup
The first question, where peoples opionion splits is -----> DO I WANT DAC+AMP-Combo or is just an AMP enough?
Devices i researched and i want to decide between are:
DAC/AMP:
Creative Sound Blaster X3
Creative Sound BlasterX G6
Schiit Fulla 4 - E
Syba Sonic
AMP:
Schiit Audio Magni // Heresy
iFi Audio Zen CAN
FiiO K5 Pro
Fosi Audio Q4 DAC
JDS Labs Atom Amp
iFi Hip DAC
What would you say i should go for?
Regards,
Benny
I also love it… there is a Shanling EM5 for about the same money same kind of thing… would love to see comparison….✌️😁
hello! may i bring a problem i have with the K9 PRO ESS?
K9 PRO ESS distorted my Speakers (AirPulse A300) but Topping D90SE not.
at topping i can select 4v and 5v, at 4v all works clean, at 5v i have distortion at my speakers
with K9 PRO ESS i have the same distortion i had with 5v at topping d90se, cant select 4v or something to fix it at K9 PRO ESS
im using bitperfect excluvise mode asio and wasapi.... the only way to hear normal audio is to put 50% volume at windows from and to player when i use bitperfect
or use eq and change the gain to -4.0db that i dont like and trust
the only workaround is to low the volume but this is not a fix...
topping gives us options and works out of the box as it should!
cant even enjoy the producy i buy to the fullest with this issue
The K9 PRO ESS uses for sure 5V for output xlr and rca, fiio didnt ever consider that 5V is not compatible to all devices?
hope they release a firmware to fix this issue and use topping aproach!
FiiO K9 PRO ESS
Single-ended line output performance parameters
Line Level 2.5Vrms
Balanced line output performance parameters
Line Level 5Vrms
Τopping D90SE
RCA LINE OUT
2.1Vrms (Mode 4V)
2.6Vrms (Mode 5V)
XLR LINE OUT
4.2VRMS (MODE 4V)
5.2VRMS (MODE 5V)
I’ve got the 1990 pro with velour pads & this dac/amp inbound
stellar as usual and I love the new thermoviews!! why the fiio when the shanling em5 is same price with more power and is also a player?
Thanks for the review! Love this DAC. Would it be able to power the Modhouse double sided Tungsten?
Great review. Just like your other video, I recently purchased the Focal Radiance, and was looking at a new Dac/Amp combo. How do you like this unit with the Radiance?
My guess is that the EQ is done on the phone and the changed signal is sent to the device. If that's the case no software update will change that.
As soon as I can EQ with an amp via USB or Coax/Opt connection via an app. I’m buying it. This is the next evolution. I won’t be tied to my computer or have to default to Bluetooth.
As someone who has bought and got great mileage out of FiiO portable products, I can't fathom having every option in the world for a desk DAC/Amp and going for Class D chi-fi with the sound signature of an extremely controversial more expensive DAC/Amp. Is it genuinely your favourite sound?
You mentioned a recommendations list. Where can I find that? Thank you!
Had 2 sounds great .. both faulty.. about the send 2nd back.. won't be a 3rd try!
Hey man, can you please review Topping NX7 and it's combo with Sundara? Your friend Joshua has already reviewed the NX7, would like to know your view as well. Thanks.
ok I've just read the K5 pro sounds extremely similar to the K9 pro, just has less features and less power. Would that be an alternative ? Maybe even better than the JDS atom? I just bought the sundara..
edit:
mkay, watched some videos, read some articles. Seems the K5 is not it. The atom seems to have the much cleaner sound which according to DMS in his sundara vid should be important to run the sundara very well. Atom then for me. Or a very angry wife and water and bread for a month or two..
Give a chance to matrix mini-i 3 pro? That's really good too!
maybe that's a stupid question. can I let Amplifier (Brooklyn Bridge) play for 20 hours? (This is about headphones burn in)
Would you use it for gaming with the HD800s? Or match it up with the JDS labs element III?
Oh, not for HE6 (se v2)? Looking for under $1k DAC/ Headphone amp. Just got that and want to connect some digital sources too and RCA in to vintage integrated amp.
Outstanding DAC/amp, my new Sennheiser HD 560 S performed better on the K9 Pro than my Focal Elex did. Very surprised.
I agree 👍🏻. If you get the chance to try a good pair of planars you'll be even more impressed 😁
My favorite DAC/AMP combo is the audient ID4 or ID14 MKII. It's a great interface in general, but sounds better than most DACs out there. The headphones amp has a bit high output impedance, so it's not that great for IEMs, but if you use high impedance headphones it's amazing.
Agree. Audient ID4 Mark 2 has very nice sounding headphone amps and can power anything. I have the headphones DMS mentioned in this vid and the Mark 2 powers them just fine, ie Sundara, 6xx, etc. I also like how the ID4 is relatively portable and isn't a massive wallbrick and has amazing preamps for microphones as well. Also you'd have $400 more to work with. Imho honestly there's a point of diminishing returns and the ID4 Mark 2 is really all most people need.
what would you choose for someone who don't want to spend every x year a new amp dac ?
TOPPING E70 DAC+ L70 AMP VS Fiio K9 Pro Ess
Great review! I was wondering if you've had an opportunity to try the new Fiio m17? If so how does it compare to a k9 soundwise? Cheers!
Great video! ❤️
review the k7 (even tho it might make me sad because i have one)
you might try comparing to VMV D2/THX-888 combo ; that will be on your desk next :)
Any chance we might a comparison video - Fiio K9 VS K9 Pro?
Hey DMS what’s the best iem for gaming? Imaging, Soundstage and trebles. I don’t care about bass. Thanks
I'm not DMS, but probably something [in order of cost/tier] like the Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk, Dunu SA6/Thieaudio Oracle, Sennheiser IE600, Thieaudio Monarch 2.
Hey DMS! Can you recommend a power cable to pair with these? The stock one is fine enough but a little short. What cable are you using here?
Would you recommend the ESS over this version?
Nice review! How do you think this would work with Hifiman Arya SE or HE1000SE? I currently have an EF400 and I am looking for an upgrade to get a little more out of those cans. Thanks in advance.
Not sure if you went for the upgrade or not. I had the same system (Arya SE and EF400). The Fiio seems to add more body to the Arya's and a little more image definition in my opinion. For me the Fiio with the Arya's are my endgame system. 👍🏻
@@nativeenglish2u Arya SE with k9 pro is a horrible combo.Its amp is just too cheap for a headphones like this.
@@tamach3ck1Hi. Which amp would you recommend? I'm open to suggestions 😊
You’re saying this is better then the Matrix Mini i 3 Pro?
Wondering the same.
Hello, the question is, how do they sound on this Audeze LCD-2 amplifier? Did the power cord improve the sound? Best regards from Poland 🇵🇱.
Hi, thanks for the review! You mentioned that this can power the Diana’s, do you mean the TC or the v2? And do you think it is sufficient for the TC or is it better to use a more powerful amp?
Regards
@DMS3TV How do you feel about the newer Fiio K19?
Curious how this compares to other DAC/AMPs under $2k like the RME, or to dac/amp stacks in a similar combined cost
Not sure if anyone else noticed (might just be me) but your vocals sounded off. A little resonate, distorted.
The lighting/shading really makes your neck plum pop! xD It's an interresting DAC/AMP, but it's strange to me how rare it is for them to have pc software for controls since so many of them are controlled via a digital step in the interface anyway. On top of that they are rarely plug and play.
I see they have firmware as recent as november of 2021, have you tested this firmware? Can't find any patch notes for it.
You should get your hands on a Burson Playmate 2 or Conductor. Try the Op Amp rolling thing.
I'm torn as to grab this "limited" version or wait for the review on the ESS dual chip version. It's going to cost $100 more than AKM version from what I read. 🤔
So i had an onkyo dp-x1a years ago (same thing as the pioneer xdp-300r). I actually believed for the first year of having it that balanced did indeed matter because it sounded so drastically different than the single-ended output on that player. Like worlds better. Then I found out that the balanced output used a dual dac, and single-ended didn't. Why the hell they did this, I do not know. Those were sabres btw. Anyway, I've heard a pretty similar difference in single vs dual configurations of different AK449x chips on friends' gear. I do generally lean towards AKM, and my current player uses dual AK4497's, but the perceivable difference of AKM vs newer ESS chips is so small for me that I consider it negligible (and something I'd probably adjust to within minutes even if I did notice a difference). My advice, absolutely wait for the dual-chip version.
@@skengasaurus thank you. I really appreciate the information. My mind wants to be impulsive but my gut says be patient. As far as the extra hundred bucks that is tiny if there is an improvement via dual chip vs single. This AKM version was designed to be dual originally. I currently use an Xduoo TA30. It's sounds awesome and is actually more powerful than the K9 pro. But I've always wanted a solid state for my collection. Based on DMS saying this is his new reference tells me that I should absolutely give it a spin. 😁
@@ClintAvila No problem! And not to go walking back what I said or rant, but i'd feel a bit disingenuous if I didn't say that most engineers will tell you that the output stage is what matters. I mean tbh, I'd be inclined to believe that the only reason we think ESS chips sound "harsher" is because enough of us said they do and there's two sibilant characters in ESS, whereas AKM just has one fricative in the middle...and I'm dead serious too lol. Anyway, in my case, the onkyo/pioneer DAPs could've just done some really odd shit and had different circuit topologies in their balanced and single-ended stages, regardless of the single/dual chip aspect. In the case of the other gear i referenced, it could be that the gear with dual-chip DACs were designed by ppl who also put a lot of care into the output stage(s), and this is a correlation over causation instance. I still am keeping my bias with dual-chip DAC's here lol, just am playing devil's advocate with myself
Can you do a video and compare FiiO K9 Pro and IFI Pro iDSD?
I liked K9 Pro but it didn't even last a year, my first DAC/AMP that ever broke
Hop on folks. The hype 🚂 is leaving the station. 💸💸
How about this with the HD800s? Would you use this over a tube amp?
I'm hoping it will pair well with the Arya stealth, the HD6xx, HD 380 pros. Just ordered one and the Arya stealth and I'm eagerly anticipating trying both units out!
So I have to rewrite my opinion here. The unit seems to be working MUCH better after having it since Friday of last week (it 02-15-2022 now). I'm not sure quite why this is but I did test single-ended on the quarter-inch for my initial testing and now I have been using balanced cables now. One from Hart audio and one from Periapt. The sound is definitely improved on my HD6xx and the Arya Stealth. The HD 380s work fine with the quarter-inch but they are also built to need way less power. I spent a ton of time using PEACE and Equalizer APO to customize things and I have some nice presets now but I'm really trying to force myself to listen to the raw output un-touched to see how the synergy is with the Arya Stealth. Early on some music sounded shouty in the treble and upper mids. I know the Aryas are neutral-bright so I am still trying to see if they will pair well. Initially, I was thinking about exchanging the K9 pro but I am taking some time to give it more of a chance.
One thing that has not changed is that I hate how hard it is to read the text on the unit. The App works OK but I really wish they enabled the EQ for everything, not just Bluetooth. Overall though the K9 Pro feels well built and the unit as a whole has a very good feature set. Overall if I do exchange it I may go for the iFi neo iDsd. I prefer their sound signature and I think it may have better synergy with the Arya's though the Sennheiser headphones may work better with the K9 pro.
Anyone can advice me what will be the best high end dap player for metal/ rock music ? And the best headphones to pair it with ?
Wait, I thought the Woo WA22 was your favorite Amp
Now all fiio has to do next is slap a screen on top of this add battery if possible and voila. You have the best dap/amp in the world.
Fii0 no EQ for usb this device and no EQ for Bluetooth on the BTR5 WTH...
Bro, pls make review of ess version as well, now that this one aint available no mo’
Hoping forcthe k19 Review soon
1st song:
Boss at Nova - Viriya
Hello DMS!
Can you give me an advice ? Can I buy something around 150$ with compared "sound quality" ? For HarmonicDyne Zeus.
Try the k5pro. I have one and love it with my hd600 and HD 560s
For a bit more cost how would this rate against the rme adi-2, as I’m very interested in this as well
Hi! will it be good choice for Focal Clear? :)
Are you planning on reviewing the Woo Audio WA7 Fireflies?
I hate to be churlish since I love this channel, but I fail to understand how you can review your "favorite" DAC/Amp and not tell us what DAC it is using. FWIW, it is using an AKM 4499 DAC, a chip which is sort of a unicorn at the moment because the AKM factory in Japan was destroyed by fire. Is this implementation any better or worse than other 4499 DACs? It sure is a great value packaged in a single chassis with a quality amp, since most 4499 standalone DACs (like my original and now discontinued Topping D90 MQA, not the current ESS equipped D90SE) cost as much or a bit more than the K9 Pro.
4:18 what do you mean by "thicc cheap power cable meme on amazon btw"? Do you have a link or at least a name?
How would this sound as a dedicated dac for a home stereo amp class A/B would be be overly bright or true to the source?
You once recommended it as the best synergy for the Sundara for a combo under $1k, but considering the price jumped up to $849.99 with the discontinuation of AKM chips and the switch over to ESS chips, do you still recommend it? Do you think the chip makes any difference to the sound?
Is there anything else you'd put in place for a high end synergy with the Sundara?
That’s a big price jump. Element 3 is a better value, but I do still love the K9 pro. That price is harder to stomach.
Could you do a comparison of the K9 and k9 pro please ?
I have one of these and I'd like to add a Lokius EQ. But how would I wire the "stack" with the DAC/AMP combo that feed via USB from my PC?
Would it go USB> K9pro > out thru balanced cables to Lokius > back into K9 Pro via Balanced> headphones? Would that work?
Is this still on your desk today ?
Does this have enough power to drive the AB1266 TC?
For almost 1000 bucks...What makes it better than the RME ADI-2 DAC fs (apart from bluetooth that could be added with a bluetooth receiver very easily)?
I've been sitting here since three days trying to hear the differences from the DX3 Pro. It is not possible for me. using the Focal Radiance.
hope you'll review fiio k5 pro ess . i got it today!
i have magnius and modius. what you recomend for the Hifiman sundara and sennheiser 6xx?
I'm looking for a Amp/DAC and have been interested in the Topping DX7 Pro. Would like to know how does it compare, if you have tried it. Thanks.
For me the sound of dx7pro is more analytical compared to k9pro. K9 kind of lean towards warm and more musical sound.
@@RainbowSun0529 thanks. That's a plus for the Fiio in my book.
Wonder how this compares to the mighty Xduoo XA-10? That little Amp/dac can power my Argons at 11oclock on high gain no problem