FiiO KA15 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier - Sky Blue

Portable Hi-Fi Performance in Your Pocket

The FiiO KA15 is a compact USB DAC and headphone amplifier dongle, designed to transform the audio output of your smartphone, laptop, or tablet into genuine hi-fi quality sound. The KA15 is the successor to the popular KA5 in FiiO's 5 series, pairing dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs with dual SGM8262 op-amps to deliver a level of audio performance far beyond what is typically possible in a device of this size.

Dual CS43198 DAC Architecture

At the heart of the KA15 sits a dual CS43198 DAC configuration, paired with dual high-performance SGM8262 op-amps. The result is an exceptionally low noise floor and very low distortion: a signal-to-noise ratio of 123 dB and total harmonic distortion below 0.0004% on the balanced output ensure every detail in the music is reproduced cleanly. Support for PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD256 covers virtually every high-resolution audio format you are likely to encounter.

Patented Desktop Mode

The KA15 features a patented Desktop Mode that significantly boosts output power. With Desktop Mode engaged, the 4.4 mm balanced output delivers 560 mW per channel into 32 ohms, a 207% increase compared to the KA5, giving the KA15 the headroom to drive demanding, higher-impedance headphones. The single-ended 3.5 mm output rises to 180 mW per channel into 32 ohms in the same mode. In standard portable use the dongle delivers 50 mW (single-ended) and 170 mW (balanced) per channel into 32 ohms, keeping current draw manageable on battery-powered hosts.

Ten-Band PEQ and Smart Power Management

An audiophile-grade DSP provides a ten-band, high-precision lossless parametric equaliser. Curves can be created, imported, exported, and shared through the FiiO Control app or via FiiO's web interface, making it straightforward to tailor the sound signature or to correct the frequency response of a specific headphone. The KA15 also features intelligent dynamic power management: it monitors real-time voltage and current to scale consumption based on playback status, helping to preserve the host device's battery life.

Retro Display and Tactile Controls

The KA15 is one of the first USB dongles in its class to incorporate a 0.96-inch IPS colour LCD screen, complete with a retro dynamic interface inspired by classic cassette tape recorders. Physical volume controls offer two modes: 60-step quick adjustment or 120-step fine adjustment. An A/B button configuration lets you choose between volume and track-navigation assignments to suit how you listen. The 3.5 mm jack also doubles as an S/PDIF coaxial digital output, enabling connection to an external DAC or decoder.

Wide Compatibility and Premium Build

The all-metal body is precision CNC-milled, anodised, and polished to produce a refined finish in midnight black. A detachable USB-C cable provides compatibility with Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, and macOS. UAC 1.0 mode enables plug-and-play use with gaming consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Microphone support via CTIA-standard 3.5 mm ensures hands-free calling works alongside music control. The KA15 is Hi-Res Audio certified.