Fiio KA15 Review

In the world of portable audio equipment, the Fiio KA15 DAC/Amp stands out for its compact design and impressive performance features. With its combination of modern aesthetics and vintage flair, the KA15 is not only easy to carry but also enhances your audio experience in a remarkable way. This review dives into the build quality, design intricacies, and sound performance of the KA15, highlighting why it could be your next go-to device for high-resolution audio. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, the KA15 offers versatility and quality that promise to elevate your music experience to new heights.

What You Get

• KA15
• USB-C to USB-C Cable
• Leatherette Case
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Build

The KA15 is a small device that is similar to other portable DAC/Amps from Fiio, but this might be the smallest. Nothing about it feels cheap though, as its chassis is made from premium metal with a polished finish. It actually reminds me more of Questlye’s current M12i without the transparent glass. Instead, the KA15 features an LCD screen with its own minimal UI. While the screen gives the KA15 a modern look, it also features a retro aesthetic with its cassette tape design for the background. Simple buttons make navigating the menu easy, even though cycling through all the features is a linear experience. It’s hard to complain about for such a small, inexpensive device though. You get both balanced and unbalanced headphone ports that are 4.4mm and 3.5mm, with a USB-C connection that allows for detachable data cables.

Design

Under the hood, the Fiio KA15 utilizes dual CS43198 DACs and SGM8262 op-amps. These components are flagship, high-performance pieces of technology that make the KA15 that much more valuable for its price. You can expect it to decode up to 768kHz/32bit PCM and DSD256, while also supporting real-time voltage that will help reduce strain on your phone battery when listening to hi-res audio.

Sound Impressions 

I tried out a few different headphones/IEMs to get a good sense of the KA15’s sound signature. For this review, the KA15 was tested with the MEZE 105 AER, Focal Hadenys, and Sennheiser IE 600. Using these headphones with the KA15 revealed a couple of common characteristics that best sum up the quality of the DAC/Amp. The most immediate aspect was its drive and the way the KA15 powered each headphone pairing.

I was expecting some significant power from the adapter, but what the KA15 gave me was quite surprising. Tidal’s exclusive mode made it so I barely needed to touch the platform’s volume controls. Low-impedance IEMs had the most impressive drive, reaching a comfortable gain with massive amounts of headroom. Using the 105 and Hadenys allowed for more playful gain that felt like they were expanding the sound effectively rather than just adding loudness. Ultimately, the KA15 makes your headphones a lot more sensitive to gain, but it can also bring out sound elements and project them forward in the mix.

Tonally, the KA15 can be hit or miss, especially with bass response. While the KA15 doesn’t do anything destructive to the overall timbre of the lows, it never seems to enhance them either. The KA15 keeps the bass in a steady position with enough clarity to satisfy listeners. Of course, there are the EQ presets that change up the bass timbre of your headphones, but I don’t think they complimented the sound signature as much as the KA15’s factory setting.

What does seem to have an effect on the sound more efficiently is the switchable amp setting that switches the KA15 from class H to class A/B. Class H mode ended up being my preferred setting, as the sound appeared more detailed to me. These amp modes affected the midrange the most for me, especially when using the Hadendys. The midrange gained a lot more finesse, with more note velocity and crispness. This affected the 105 as well, adding more balance to its warmth, with more striking vocals.

Summary

The Fiio KA15 DAC/Amp delivers exceptional sound quality in a sleek, portable package, making it an excellent choice for music enthusiasts on the go. With its premium build, advanced DAC technology, and user-friendly design, the KA15 showcases how affordable devices can still pack a punch. While it may have some tonal nuances, the ability to switch between Class A/B and Class H amplification allows for a customizable listening experience that caters to individual preferences. For those seeking a compact yet powerful audio companion, the KA15 is undoubtedly worth considering, providing both performance and style that enhance your overall listening journey.

The Fiio KA15 is available at Audio46.