The FiiO K9 AKM is FiiO's flagship desktop headphone DAC and amplifier, combining the acclaimed AKM Velvet Sound DAC chipset with a powerful dual THX AAA 788+ amplifier stage. Built around a pair of AK4191EQ and AK4499EX chips, the AKM Edition is designed for audiophiles who demand the natural, analogue-like presentation associated with AKM's flagship DAC technology.
AKM Velvet Sound DAC
At the heart of the K9 AKM sits the AK4499EX - AKM's current flagship DAC - paired with the AK4191EQ modulator. This combination supports PCM audio up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD up to DSD512, with FiiO's proprietary DWA Routing Technology used to minimise noise in the digital-to-analogue conversion path. The digital and analogue sections are fully separated to prevent interference and preserve signal purity.
THX AAA 788+ Amplification
The K9 AKM features dual THX AAA 788+ amplifier modules, delivering up to 2,000mW into 32 ohms and 780mW into 300 ohms (THD+N <1%), making it capable of driving virtually any headphone on the market. Three gain modes - Low, Medium, and High - allow precise matching to headphones of varying sensitivity. Headphone outputs include a 6.35mm single-ended socket, a 4.4mm balanced socket, and an XLR-4 balanced socket.
Versatile Connectivity
The K9 AKM accepts input from USB-B (UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 compatible), USB-C, optical, coaxial, analogue RCA and 4.4mm balanced, as well as Bluetooth 5.1 via the Qualcomm QCC5124 chip with support for LDAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD. Rear outputs include RCA line-level and balanced XLR-3 jacks for connection to powered speakers or a power amplifier, making the K9 AKM equally suited as a system DAC/preamp.
Build and Design
Constructed from machined aluminium, the K9 AKM has a substantial desktop presence weighing approximately 2.66kg. It can be used horizontally on its integrated feet or vertically using the included stand tray. A stepped volume encoder with 120 discrete levels provides precise control, and the large front display shows input, gain mode, and volume at a glance. Power is supplied via a linear transformer backed by four 4,700µF capacitors for a stable, low-noise power supply.
