Summary
A: Have you heard of the FiiO KA5?
B: No, what is it?
A: It's a portable headphone amplifier and DAC with some pretty impressive features.
B: Like what?
A: It has both a 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone port, flagship dual DACs, and high-res decoding up to 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD256.
B: That sounds pretty good. What else?
A: It also has ultra-low noise op amps for better audio performance, and you can connect it to a higher-end external decoder using the SPDIF output.
B: Wow, that's impressive. Is it easy to use?
A: Yes, it has an OLED display and physical buttons for easy and intuitive operation, and you can even use the FiiO Control App to control it.
B: Cool, and is it compatible with various platforms?
A: Yes, it has UAC 1.0 support, so you can connect it to the Switch and other devices for immersive sound effects during gaming sessions.
B: Nice, where can I get one?
A: You can get it on the Linsoul website.
Features
- 3.5mm singled-end & 4.4mm balanced headphone port
- Flagship dual DACs for excellent sound
- High-Res decoding
- Serious power for robust sound
- Customizable OLED screen& Multifunction key
- Connect to various devices
- Compatible with various platforms
- App controls
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- Output power 1: L+R≥122mW+122mW (32Ω single-ended/THD+N＜1%)
- Output power 2: L+R≥265mW+265mW (32Ω balanced/THD+N＜1%)
- SNR 1: ≥124dB (32Ω/A-weighted/single-ended)
- SNR 2: ≥128dB (32Ω/A-weighted/balanced)
- Noise floor: PO＜1.6μV (A-weighted); BAL＜1.8μV (A-weighted)
- Output impedance 1: ＜0.3Ω (32Ω load/single-ended)
- Output impedance 2: ＜0.35Ω (32Ω load/balanced)
- THD+N: ＜0.00037% (1kHz/32Ω/single-ended)
- THD+N: ＜0.00037% (1kHz/-6dB@32Ω/balanced)
FiiO KA5 and Q11 specs comparison chart
| Specification | KA5 | Q11 |
|---|---|---|
| Headphone outputs | 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced | 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced |
| DAC | Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 | Cirrus Logic CS43198 |
| Max Sampling Rate | 32bit/768kHz PCM, DSD256 | 32-Bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256 |
| Power Output | L+R≥122mW+122mW (32Ω single-ended), Output power 2: L+R≥265mW+265mW (32Ω balanced/THD+N＜1%) | Up to 165mW(32Ω/3.5mm), Up to 650mW(32Ω/4.4mm) |
| SNR | ≥124dB (32Ω/A-weighted/single-ended), ≥128dB (32Ω/A-weighted/balanced) | 122dB(3.5mm), 125dB(4.4mm) |
| Noise Floor | PO＜1.6μV (A-weighted); BAL＜1.8μV (A-weighted) | <1.8uV(3.5mm), <2.4uV(4.4mm) |
| Output Impedance | ＜0.3Ω (32Ω load/single-ended), ＜0.35Ω (32Ω load/balanced) | <1.2Ω(3.5mm), <2.0Ω(4.4mm) |
| THD+N | ＜0.00037% (1kHz/32Ω) | <0.0006% |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | N/A | >13 hours |
Flagship dual DACs
The KA5 features dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, known for their efficiency and their ability to sound good with a wide variety of music, to give you a serious upgrade to your sound.
High-Res decoding
The KA5 supports up to 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD256 decoding, allowing you to really dig into and listen to the heart of your music, no matter what device you may have it connected to.
Ultra-low noise op amps
For better audio performance, the KA5 utilizes a 6-layer immersion-gold PCB as well as high-performance ultra-low noise op amps for powerful, robust sound.
Connect to a higher-end external decoder
The KA5 is an all-metal construction with front and rear tempered glass. With a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and a 3.5mm single-ended headphone output. The 3.5mm output also supports SPDIF output so after enabling the SPDIF output in the settings menu, you can connect the KA5 to a higher-end external decoder.
Easy and Intuitive Operation
The OLED display and physical buttons make navigating the settings menu and looking at the playback display more straightforward and intuitive. In addition, the KA5’s built-in MCU processor handles complex operations with ease, further making the KA5 a joy to use.
Portable but powerful
Despite the KA5’s compact size, it packs a ton of functionality – such as high and low gain, 5 selectable filters, L/R channel balance, and screen flip. Let the KA5 redefine what a tiny audio dongle can do for you.
FiiO Control App
Besides the local KA5 operating system, you can use the FiiO Control App to control the KA5. Use either method to conveniently dial in the KA5 exactly how you want it.
UAC 1.0 support
With the UAC 1.0 mode you can connect the KA5 to the Switch and other various devices, allowing you to experience rich and detailed sound effects that make your gaming sessions much more immersive.
Compatible with various platforms
The KA5 features a detachable cable design, which allows you to switch between the included custom Type-C and Lightning OTG adapter cables.
