Desktop mode brings robust power
The desktop mode has been continually refined with the release of various products, such as the portable yet desktop-grade M17, Q7, M15S, Q15 and KA13. And now the perfected desktop mode has found its way to the KA17.
The FIIO KA17 features a special desktop mode, activated using the dedicated “D.Mode” switch. Enable the desktop mode, and the KA17 will automatically adjust the DAC, amplifier power supply, and amplifier power output to fully unleash their potential with greater power output.
The KA17 is equipped with an innovative Desktop Mode and features an external dedicated Type-C power port. When there is sufficient USB power, or the independent power port is connected to a power adapter, the Desktop Mode will be enabled, and it will automatically adjust the DAC, amp power, and headphone amplifier to a high-performance state, fully unleashing the potential and output power of the device.
As a flagship model, the KA17 is FIIO’s first USB dongle to incorporate the THX headphone amp circuit. It adopts a brand-new THX AAA 78+ headphone amplifier architecture with a configuration of 4 channels fully balanced + 8 channels parallel-connected op-amps. This architecture significantly increases the output power. In Desktop Mode, the KA17’s balanced output power can reach up to 650mW + 650mW, approaching that of a desktop amplifier, with stronger dynamics and better control, and more complete sound reproduction.
Parallel output, Big boost in power
With sufficient USB power supply input and desktop mode enabled, the KA17’s four THX headphone amps work together in parallel for greater current and overall power output. The result is up to 270mW+270mW power output for single-ended out, and up to 650mW+650mW power output for balanced out.
Dual flagship ES9069Q DACs – Two cores power four ways
The KA17 employs two of the new ESS ES9069Q flagship DACs, powered by fourth-gen 32-bit HyperStream technology. These chips feature even higher performance, lower power consumption, and less digital noise than previous generations for an absolutely pristine and pure audio background.
Separate digital and analogue boards, Like yin and yang
The digital and analogue portions of the audio circuit lie on totally separate circuit boards in the KA17, each board equipped with a shielding cover for total isolation. This ensures that the digital and analogue portions of the audio circuit do not interfere with each other, enabling accurate processing of audio signals.
Independent Type-C power supply
The KA17 features two USB Type-C ports. One is the typical port used to connect to other devices such as phones, tablets and computers. The orange port on the side is designed for use with an external power supply. When an external power supply is connected to this port, the KA17 can achieve higher power output and better performance without consuming the battery of your phone or other connected device.
Multiple protection systems
Built into the KA17 are temperature and DC output monitoring systems that ensure both the unit itself and connected headphones won’t be damaged under abnormal conditions. You can also set a maximum volume level to prevent accidental hearing damage to your ears from excessively loud audio.