The world of portable audio has seen significant advancements over the past decade, and one name that consistently stands out is FiiO. Known for its commitment to quality and affordability, FiiO has become a household name among audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The company’s offering, the FiiO K3, continues this tradition, blending cutting-edge technology with an affordable price tag. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the design, build quality, sound performance, and technical capabilities of the FiiO K3, while comparing it with its predecessor, the E10K TC.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification/Description |
| Model | FiiO K3 |
| Price | $119.99 |
| DAC Chip | ESS9038Q2M |
| USB Chip | XMOS USB Chip |
| Crystal Oscillators | Dual Crystal Oscillators |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Improved by 14dB (compared to the previous model) |
| Distortion | Reduced by 13dB (compared to the previous model) |
| Inputs | USB Type-C (for PC/Smartphone connection) |
| Outputs | 2.5mm Balanced, 3.5mm Single-Ended, Line-Out, Coaxial, Optical |
| Switches | USB 1.0/2.0, Gain Switch, Bass Boost Switch |
| Material | Aluminum Casing |
| Dimensions | Compact, portable design with rounded edges |
| Build Quality | Premium with solid, cold-touch aluminum |
| Sound Signature | Clean, detailed, with balanced bass, transparent mids, and smooth, well-defined treble |
Introduction to FiiO and the K3
FiiO is a brand that hardly needs an introduction in the audio world. For over a decade, they have been at the forefront of portable audio technology, producing everything from headphones to DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) and amplifiers. FiiO’s philosophy has always been to provide high-quality audio products at prices that won’t break the bank, and the K3 is no exception.
Released in 2021, the FiiO K3 is the updated version of the highly successful K3 model. Priced at $119.99, the K3 is designed to offer significant improvements over its predecessor, thanks to a new high-quality XMOS USB chip, a flagship-grade ESS DAC, and dual crystal oscillators. These enhancements aim to deliver a superior audio experience while keeping the device affordable.
Packaging, Design and Build Quality
When you first receive the FiiO K3, you might find it difficult to distinguish it from the original K3. The packaging is identical, and even the unit itself bears no distinguishing marks to indicate that it’s the newer model. This might be a bit confusing for consumers, but rest assured, once you plug it in, the differences become apparent.
The design of the K3 is sleek and modern, with a compact form factor that makes it easy to carry around. Its rounded edges contribute to a comfortable grip, and the overall build quality is impressive for a device in this price range. The aluminum casing feels sturdy and has a premium finish, while the volume knob and buttons are well-placed and responsive. The Hi-Res audio print on the device, rather than a sticker, adds a touch of class.
At the front of the unit, you’ll find 2.5mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs, along with gain and bass switches, a volume knob, and an LED indicator. The back of the unit houses a line-out, coaxial and optical outputs, a USB 1.0/2.0 switch, and a USB Type-C port for connecting to a PC or smartphone. The layout is intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that all the essential controls and connections are easily accessible.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the FiiO K3 is where this device truly shines. For its size and price, the K3 delivers an immaculate and detailed sound that will impress even the most discerning listeners. Whether you’re using it with high-end headphones or more affordable options, the K3 consistently provides a rich and immersive audio experience.
Bass Performance
The bass response of the K3 is one of its standout features. It offers a tight, controlled bass with plenty of body and slam without overwhelming the rest of the frequency spectrum. The bass is well-resolved, with a quick attack and precise decay, ensuring that it doesn’t bleed into the mids or highs. This level of control and clarity is particularly impressive given the device’s compact size.
However, it’s worth noting that the bass boost switch, while effective in increasing bass quantity, can detract from the overall sound quality. When engaged, the bass becomes boomy and less defined, which might appeal to bass enthusiasts but detracts from the device’s otherwise clean and accurate sound signature. In most cases, it’s best to leave the bass boost off and enjoy the natural, balanced bass response that the K3 offers.
Midrange Clarity and Detail
The midrange on the K3 is equally impressive, offering a neutral, reference-like presentation that faithfully reproduces the original recording. Instruments and vocals are rendered with precision and clarity, allowing you to pick out even the subtlest details in your music. The device’s excellent background blackness and low noise floor further enhance the midrange performance, ensuring that every note is heard with crystal clarity.
While the soundstage isn’t the widest or deepest in this price range, the K3 more than makes up for it with its transparency and accuracy. Instruments are well-separated, and the overall imaging is excellent, making it easy to place each element within the mix. Whether you’re listening to classical music, jazz, or modern pop, the K3 delivers a balanced and engaging midrange that will satisfy most listeners.
Treble Performance
The treble performance of the K3 is smooth and well-defined, with just the right amount of sparkle and extension. The highs are detailed and clear without being harsh or sibilant, making for a pleasant listening experience even during extended sessions. The treble’s smoothness ensures that it never becomes fatiguing, even when using headphones that are known for their bright treble response.
One of the most impressive aspects of the K3’s treble performance is its control. Even with more demanding tracks, the device maintains a sense of refinement and polish, avoiding the pitfalls of harsh or overly bright treble. This makes it a great choice for listeners who prefer a smooth, non-fatiguing sound but still want to hear all the details in their music.
Performance and Features
In addition to its excellent sound quality, the FiiO K3 offers a range of technical features that further enhance its appeal. One of the most significant upgrades in the K3 is the switch from the AK4452 DAC to the ESS9038Q2M DAC. This new chip provides a significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and distortion, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate sound. According to FiiO, the SNR has been improved by 14dB, while distortion has been reduced by 13dB, leading to an overall performance increase of approximately 12%.
The K3 also features dual crystal oscillators, which help to reduce jitter and improve the overall timing and accuracy of the digital-to-analog conversion process. This results in a more stable and accurate sound, particularly when listening to high-resolution audio files.
Connectivity and Compatibility
One of the K3’s key strengths is its versatility. It offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C for connecting to PCs and smartphones, as well as line-out, coaxial, and optical outputs for connecting to external amplifiers or other audio equipment. The device also includes a USB 1.0/2.0 switch, which allows you to choose between two different USB modes depending on your needs. USB 1.0 mode is ideal for use with older computers or when low-latency performance is required, while USB 2.0 mode offers higher-quality audio with support for higher sampling rates.
The K3 is also compatible with a wide range of headphones, thanks to its 2.5mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended headphone outputs. The 2.5mm balanced output provides more power and better performance with balanced headphones, while the 3.5mm output is perfect for more traditional single-ended headphones. The device’s gain switch allows you to adjust the output level to match the sensitivity of your headphones, ensuring optimal performance with a wide range of headphone types.
Comparison
Comparison with the Khadas Tone2 Pro
The Khadas Tone2 Pro is a higher-end USB DAC/amp priced at $199, offering some advanced features and performance enhancements compared to the K3.
Design
K3: Sleek and compact with an intuitive layout, including multiple outputs and switches.
Tone2 Pro: Features a more sophisticated design with a volume knob that controls multiple functions and the option for an external power supply. It includes a 4.4mm balanced output and a more complex rear layout.
Technical Performance
K3: Uses the same ESS9038Q2M DAC chip as the Tone2 Pro but lacks some of the advanced decoding capabilities and additional features.
Tone2 Pro: Supports MQA files and higher sampling rates. It also has a more powerful headphone amplifier with higher output power.
Sound Quality
K3: Offers a balanced and detailed sound signature with good bass, midrange, and treble performance.
Tone2 Pro: Provides a more tangible and weighty bass response, with slightly less airy treble. It has a richer vocal range and a more pronounced mid-bass hump.
Overall
Tone2 Pro is superior in terms of features, decoding capabilities, and power output. However, it is priced higher at $199. If you are looking for advanced features and slightly better performance, the Tone2 Pro is a strong choice. For a more budget-friendly option with excellent overall performance, the K3 remains a great value.
Comparison with the FX Audio D01
The FX Audio D01 is another competitor priced at $149, offering different features and performance characteristics compared to the K3.
Design
K3: Compact and sleek with a user-friendly interface. Includes various outputs and switches.
D01: Larger footprint with a more standard design. It has an LCD screen and additional input options but requires an external power supply.
Technical Performance
K3: Features a balanced DAC with solid technical performance, including good signal-to-noise ratio and reduced distortion.
D01: Uses a similar DAC chip but has higher decoding capabilities and a more powerful headphone output. However, it is larger and less portable.
Sound Quality
K3: Provides a balanced and detailed sound with clear bass, midrange, and treble.
D01: Has a more colored sound with a cleaner bass response and smoother treble. The soundstage is similar but less vivid compared to the K3.
Overall
D01 offers higher power output and additional input options but at the cost of portability and design simplicity. Priced at $149, it is a good option if you need more power and inputs but may not match the K3 in terms of overall balance and portability.
Conclusion
The FiiO K3 is a remarkable device that delivers exceptional sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and a sleek, modern design, all at an affordable price. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just looking to upgrade your laptop’s audio output, the K3 offers a compelling combination of performance and value.
Its clean, detailed sound signature, coupled with its impressive technical performance, makes it a standout choice in the crowded USB DAC/amp market. The device’s versatility, with its multiple outputs and gain switch, ensures that it can handle a wide range of headphones and audio setups, making it a great all-rounder for music, gaming, and movies.
In summary, the FiiO K3 is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to enhance their portable audio experience. It strikes the perfect balance between quality and affordability, making it a must-have for anyone serious about their music. With the K3, FiiO has once again proven why they are a leader in the world of portable audio, delivering a product that is sure to impress both newcomers and experienced listeners alike.