FiiO KA5 Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier

The FiiO KA5 is a high-performance portable DAC and headphone amplifier (dongle style) designed to elevate your listening experience on the go or at your desktop. With dual flagship Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, support for up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD256, dual headphone outputs (3.5 mm single-ended + 4.4 mm balanced), and a built-in OLED display with dedicated control buttons, the KA5 delivers both audiophile class sound and portable convenience. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Key Features

• Dual CS43198 DAC chips: Enables very high-resolution decoding up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD256. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Dual outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced headphone jacks allow flexibility for both regular and higher-end headphone sets. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• High output power and ultra-low distortion: For example, balanced output: ≥ 265 mW + 265 mW into 32 Ω (THD+N < 1%). Single-ended: ≥ 122 mW + 122 mW into 32 Ω. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Compact yet rugged design: Dimensions approx 56.3 × 22 × 12 mm, weight ~19 g. All-metal body with OLED display and physical buttons. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Feature-rich control & connectivity: Detachable USB-C cable, USB-C to Lightning OTG adapter included, supports Android/iOS/Windows/macOS. App support via FiiO Control allows adjusting gain, filters, channel balance, display behaviour. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Additional utility: The 3.5 mm output can also function as an S/PDIF coax out mode (selectable) allowing connection to external decoders. USB UAC 1.0 mode support for gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Specifications

• Supported Sampling Rates: Up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM; DSD256. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Ungrounded Output Power (32Ω): Single-ended (3.5 mm): ≥ 122mW + 122mW. Balanced (4.4 mm): ≥ 265mW + 265mW. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• THD+N: < 0.00037% (1 kHz, 32Ω). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio): ≥ 124 dB (single-ended 32Ω), ≥ 128 dB (balanced 32Ω). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Output Impedance: < 0.3 Ω (single-ended 32Ω); < 0.35 Ω (balanced 32Ω). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Dimensions / Weight: Approx. 56.3 × 22 × 12 mm; ~19 g. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• USB Interface: USB-C input (digital audio + power); detachable cables for USB-C, Lightning, USB-A adapter included. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Package Contents

• FiiO KA5 Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier
• USB-C to USB-C OTG cable
• USB-C to Lightning OTG adapter cable
• USB-A male to USB-C female adapter plug
• User manual & warranty card
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Recommended Use Cases

• Mobile listening on smartphones/tablets: Use with high-quality IEMs or headphones via USB-C or Lightning.
• Desktop computer setup: Use as a high-quality external DAC and amp for laptop/PC, without bulky equipment.
• Gaming console audio: With USB UAC 1.0 mode support, connect to devices like Nintendo Switch for improved sound. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Balanced headphone setups: With 4.4 mm balanced output for higher-end gear needing more current.

Why Choose the KA5?

If you’re looking for a compact dongle-style USB DAC/amp that offers near-top-tier specs (dual flag DACs, balanced output, OLED display, full control via app), the FiiO KA5 delivers serious value. It bridges mobile and desktop usage with ease and remains one of the more feature-rich options in its price class.

Keywords

FiiO KA5, USB DAC headphone amplifier, dual CS43198, 32bit/768kHz PCM, DSD256, 4.4 mm balanced output, 3.5 mm single-ended output, high-resolution mobile DAC, portable headphone amp.