thrillmetoo « very nice DAC and headphone amp »
Published on 02/02/25 at 01:08
Best value:
Excellent
Audience:
Anyone
First off I should point out that this review is of the pre-ESS model. The ESS model was introduced because of shortage of DAC chips during and after the Covid pandemic.There is however no other difference in the appearance and workings of both models, therefore this review goes for both.
The Fiio K5 Pro is a DAC with built-in headphone amp. It is also a simple pre-amp for use with powered speakers or power amp. It is an ideal item in a desktop audio setup.
After several years of daily use I can say this relatively cheap item delivers on all fronts. I find it most useful that apart from 2 digital and USB inputs, it also has analog inputs, which most of its competitors lack.
It delivers enough power to drive all headphones on the market and has no noise whatsoever. I’m not familiar with in-ears, so don’t quote me on those. There is also no distortion before my ears give up.
The three gain settings can be useful. To drive an old AKG 600 ohms I needed the highest gain, but in practice I only use the lowest one for all other phones.
In day to day use this is an almost perfect working and sounding product.
Some minor quirks:
- A display for selected input and set volume would be nice
- The power switch on the volume dial is oddly outdated and makes the first quarter of the volume travel not working.
The newer Fiio K7 would be my only next wish because of the balanced headphone output, but doesn’t solve the minor quirks I have with the K5 Pro.
The Fiio K5 Pro is a DAC with built-in headphone amp. It is also a simple pre-amp for use with powered speakers or power amp. It is an ideal item in a desktop audio setup.
After several years of daily use I can say this relatively cheap item delivers on all fronts. I find it most useful that apart from 2 digital and USB inputs, it also has analog inputs, which most of its competitors lack.
It delivers enough power to drive all headphones on the market and has no noise whatsoever. I’m not familiar with in-ears, so don’t quote me on those. There is also no distortion before my ears give up.
The three gain settings can be useful. To drive an old AKG 600 ohms I needed the highest gain, but in practice I only use the lowest one for all other phones.
In day to day use this is an almost perfect working and sounding product.
Some minor quirks:
- A display for selected input and set volume would be nice
- The power switch on the volume dial is oddly outdated and makes the first quarter of the volume travel not working.
The newer Fiio K7 would be my only next wish because of the balanced headphone output, but doesn’t solve the minor quirks I have with the K5 Pro.