Some notes on Fiio KA17

[jkim]

It is a misunderstanding that pre-amp gain reduction equals the highest point on the EQ curve. For IIR EQ, phase rotation can cause larger peaks. Even enabling a 1000Hz -6dB EQ can cause the peak to increase (originally 0dBFS)View attachment 491810

That is why having some (a few dBs) headroom in DSP is wise because it has multiple benefits. Not many devices pay careful attention to this matter...

 

[reallystate]

It is a misunderstanding that pre-amp gain reduction equals the highest point on the EQ curve. For IIR EQ, phase rotation can cause larger peaks. Even enabling a 1000Hz -6dB EQ can cause the peak to increase (originally 0dBFS)View attachment 491810

Thank you for your clarification. What software do you use in this example for calculations?

 

[OHtaru]

Thank you for your clarification. What software do you use in this example for calculations?

iZotope RX Editor.

 

[AGT]

Damn, was eyeing-up the QX13 for it's desktop-mode, 4.4mm + 3.5mm connections + switchable EQ on the device itself.

Is there anything similar with the same features more or less?

I'm using 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2 IEMs and Moondrop Para 2 headphones for context.

I already have a DX5II (just for its headphone capabilities) but it seems overkill given the size, etc -- looking to downsize and get some cash back.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

There are some conflicting info on Fiio KA17, so I'm providing these for those who may get confused about Fiio's KA17 features and limits:

1. It now has a web interface you can control on your computer, Mac or PC, which lets you customize the PEQ. There is still the Android app too.

2. You can only update its firmware using Windows, so far its web control panel doesn't offer this feature.

3. After one of the firmware updates, you can use both UAC V1 and PEQ.

4. You can use PEQ on the SPDIF Coaxial output too.

5. You can't use UAC V1 with SPDIF out, that's very frustrating, I needed to use it as digital out for my PS5, and now I see it doesn't work.
When you turn on the SPDIF, it switches back to UAC V2.

6. For SPDIF out they provide a schematic here:

11.How to use SPDIF output in KA17?-FIIO---BORN FOR MUSIC

www.fiio.com

And the ready made cables for that 3.5mm to RCA Coaxial cables are hard to find.
What I have found is you can use a simple 3.5mm to RCA adapter, just don't insert it all the way in, use it like this:

View attachment 436549

7. This one is not specific to this DAC, but a limit of macOS, on macOS can only use DSD using DoP, and it can only handle up to DSD 256 via DoP.
Not that I care about DSD, it was just an experiment.

Does spdif out go through PEQ?

 

[CuriousAli]

Does spdif out go through PEQ?

Yes, I just tried and if you enable PEQ and switch EQ profiles or apply a custom one it affects the SPDIF out too.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Yes, I just tried and if you enable PEQ and switch EQ profiles or apply a custom one it affects the SPDIF out too.

Thats a good news actually very very good news. Thanks

 

[CuriousAli]

Thats a good news actually very very good news. Thanks

You're welcome!
Now if only they made this SPDIF out working with UAC 1.0 mode for game consoles too it would be great.

 

[jkim]

You're welcome!
Now if only they made this SPDIF out working with UAC 1.0 mode for game consoles too it would be great.

I am just curious. Unlike the SPDIF out, an SPDIF input is nonexistent (not that I am aware of) on portable DAC/HP amp devices---sure, there's a reason of implementation difficulty. But if either is available, which would you choose? My choice is an input. I believe it has greater utility in general. No?

 

[CuriousAli]

I am just curious. Unlike the SPDIF out, an SPDIF input is nonexistent (not that I am aware of) on portable DAC/HP amp devices---sure, there's a reason of implementation difficulty. But if either is available, which would you choose? My choice is an input. I believe it has greater utility in general. No?

I think Mojo 2 is a rare exception of having SPDIF inputs, although it is not as portable.
I already have two devices with optical input and since they act as my speaker and headphone outputs, I would have preferred this other device which has UAC 1.0 compatibility with consoles to have the SPDIF out to connect it to the one of them. Otherwise I understand the digital input has more utility in general.

 

[jkim]

The SPDIF output on the KA17 is coaxial, isn't it? Or optical?

 

[CuriousAli]

The SPDIF output on the KA17 is coaxial, isn't it? Or optical?

It is coaxial, I use this little box to convert it to optical:

 

[johny_2000]

FiiO has been unstoppable lately! So many updates and new products (DACs, headphones, DAPs, devices with vacuum tubes in the signal path, etc.).

I just ordered their flagship planar headphones, the FT7. In the meantime, I'm using my FT1 Pro and KA17.

An update has been released for the KA17 (and other FiiO's models) with online tools for controlling PEQs, including official headphone measurements from FiiO (and other community members), and AutoEQ tools with direct settings upload to the device and saving to your personal account. There's also a list of recommended PEQ settings and options shared by other users.

FiiO FT1 Pro Open-Back Planar Magnetic

Can the ADI-2 import txt files now? Or why are you writing it as if you were importing it into EQ APO? No, it can still only import proprietary .adieqpr files that were previously saved from the device. I write it this way so I can put them on my desktop ADI-2/4 Pro SE, or on my portable FiiO...

www.audiosciencereview.com