| ★★★★★ | Tiny and portable, but still sounds great. DOES work with phones, but... | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | I got the K3 because I was looking for a good DAC/AMP unit around the $100 mark. I saw many recommendations, and the both the FiiO Q1 Mk2 and the FiiO E10k came up quite a bit. I was mostly looking for something to use at my desk at home, but the portability of the Q1 Mk2 in particular appealed to me, since being able to take it with me to use with my laptop or even my phone would be a huge bonus. The K3 is (or at least WAS when I bought it) very new and has few reviews, but based on the recommendations of FiiO's other products, I decided to give it a try.
My initial impression after opening it was that it was WAY smaller than I expected it to be. The K3 is barely any bigger than a container of Tic Tacs (see my second picture for a size comparison). It feels to be very well-built. The body is metal with a nice matte finish, the switches all have a satisfying click to them, and the volume knob spins smoothly with just enough resistance to avoid accidentally being changed.
I first plugged the K3 into my PC using the USB 1 mode and windows immediately saw it and set it as my default output device. I then installed the drivers (they were kind of hard to find at first, but FiiO has a link to them on the K3's FAQ on their website). The driver didn't install properly on my first try, but I tried again and it worked right away, so I won't fault FiiO for that. Compared to the output on the headphone jack, the sound coming out of my headphones when connected to the K3 is worlds ahead. Not only is the overall quality better, but the volume can get SO MUCH higher. Previously, I could set my volume to whatever I wanted in windows and listen to music that way with no problem. But with the K3, I'd definitely hurt my ears if I set my volume to 100% on both it AND my pc at the same time. I tried it once just to see how loud it could get, and I was able set my headphones down on my desk since the sound coming out of then was easily loud enough to pass for being a decent set of desk speakers if you didn't know better. Given, these results are with Audio Technica M50x's, which are not hard to drive at all, so take that with a grain of salt if you have headphones with significantly higher impedance. That being said, I'm inclined to believe FiiO when they say these are fine for anything in the < 150Ω range.
Despite FiiO's FAQ saying "Mobile devices are not recommended." I couldn't resist giving it a try anyway. I figured that it's more than small enough to take with you, uses USB Type C, in USB 1 mode it's supposed to be driverless, and they weren't explicitly saying it WOULDN'T work with a phone anyway, so there's theoretically no reason why it shouldn't work. I plugged it into my phone (a Galaxy S8+) using a USB C to USB C cable and set the K3 to USB 1 mode. I was expecting to have to put in some effort to get it to function, but surprisingly it just started working immediately. Now, to FiiO's credit, I can understand why they say that the K3 is not recommended to be used with phones. Unlike the Q1 Mk2, the K3 does not have a battery, meaning that when plugged into your phone, it is draining your phone's battery for power. But if battery life is not a concern for you, then it DOES seem to work with android at least.
Next, I decided to see if I could solve the problem of draining the phone's battery. I got out a USB C hub that I had laying around (an Insignia one I got from Best Buy if anyone cares) and plugged it into my phone. I plugged the K3 into the hub's Type A port using the cable that came with it, and plugged my phone's charger into the Type C port of the hub (see picture 3). That seemed to accomplish what I was going for. The K3 output my music as normal, and my phone was charging at the same time (see picture 4). Of course this mess of cables isn't exactly an elegant or ideal solution, but it does work. I could see this being useful during long trips when you're going to be sitting in a vehicle for a long time, but it's probably not a good idea for just walking around. Also keep in mind that you could easily swap the wall charger for a battery bank and achieve the same effect if a power outlet isn't available.
Overall, I'm very happy with the K3 so far. | | | | ★★★★★ | Tip for using with LINUX | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | If you use the K3 on Linux w/ PulseAudio and use sample rates between 48kHz and 96kHz (where the light is yellow), by default Pulse will resample it down to 44.1kHz or 48kHz. Here is how to turn that off, and allow audio to play back at it's native sample rate:
1. Use a test editor like Nano and open up /etc/pulse/daemon.conf (remember to use sudo).
2. Go down to the line that says "; avoid-resampling = false"
3. Remove the semicolon [ ; ] from the beginning of the line, and change the "false" to "true", and save the file
4. Restart your computer, or enter "pulseaudio -k" in a terminal to restart the pulse daemon and apply the change
Now when you play high sample rate music, it will play at the native rate and you will see the light on the K3 turn yellow to signify that! | | | | ★★★★★ | A solid quality DAC that fits me | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | I just built a new desktop PC. Unfortunately, there is some interference from my GPU, which is making some annoying static noise to the audio on the motherboard when I was playing games. So I decided to get a USB DAC/AMP to solve this issue.
In my $100 budget range, I found Schiit Fulla with AK4490 solution and Fiio K3 with AK4452 solution. Compared with those two AKM chips, AK4490 has better specs, but I found some reviews and comments complaining about the unpleasant sound from some other players with AK4490 solution. So I decided to give K3 a try since it's a new model.
Received it yesterday, connected it with my Windows 10 PC, the system directly recognized my device without any driver installation. Then I installed the Fiio DAC drivers, and there is a control panel to come out in my taskbar.
I played some music in Spotify, I can suddenly tell that the sound out of my Bose companion 2 speakers is much better compared with a direct plug-in to the motherboard.
Then I decided to try my full-size headphone AKG 7xx (62 ohms), connecting with earphone port. It has no issue driving it; the pot needs to be set at 2.5 o'clock (gain set to HIGH) to get enough volume. I compared it with my X7 with AM5 module that I bought two years ago. After listening to a few songs on both devices. I can tell that X7 still has a thicker and crispier sound due to much greater power output. This doesn't mean the sound of K3 is unpleasant; actually, I am pretty satisfied with the sound of it with only USB driving.
It has a very short and unnoticeable delay which is good for gaming and video watching, the delay of X7 DAC mode is unacceptable in those scenarios. Not to mention the inconvenience with the mode switching on X7.
I tried some DSD sampler files on my computer, no issue with DSD64 and DSD128, only the DSD256 file somehow can't play in foobar2000. In JRiver Media Center 24, when 1xDSD encoding is set, DSD256 can be played but with sound stutters. This is not a problem for me since I don't have any DSD256 file to play.
In conclusion
I like K3 because:
1. Great build quality. Good-looking rounded-edge shape, compact design, doesn't take much space on my desk.
2. Much better sound quality comparing with my motherboard rear output.
3. Low delay, good for gaming and video watching.
4. DSD decode which Fulla doesn't have.
Minors that could be fixed:
1. When playing DSD files, the volume is about 3 dB lower than the PCM files.
2. DSD256 play issue.
3. After installing the Fiio driver, the device name in windows audio setting became "Fiio Q series".
| | | | ★★★★★ | Huge step from onboard | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | The Fiio K3 is my first experience with an external DAC or dedicated headphone amplifier.
I have tried it with:
Koss KSC75
MassDrop Sennheiser 58x Jubilee
Takstar Pro 82
Grado SR80
Quick summary: Everything sounds better through the Fiio than either my phone or the built-in audio on my computer. I haven't had to use high gain on any of them.
All of the headphones sound more full at the low end, and the high end is more clear than just using motherboard audio.
I have mostly used my headphones when gaming, but have listened to some music as well. Most of my gaming I've been wearing the 58x, and a lot of times the bass boost has been welcome--don't use it much for music, but when playing something like Wreckfest where I want some low end thump it's pretty nice. I usually use the Takstars with the bass port in the center position, and that generally becomes too bassy if I turn on the boost on the Fiio. That's to be expected though, as the Takstars are kinda bass heavy anyway.
I hadn't used my Grados much in the time before I got the Fiio, because the highs are a bit fatiguing to my ears. They become *much* more to my liking when run through the ap with the bass boost turned on.
I have not yet had the chance to try the balanced output, or use any of the outputs other than headphone.
I only gave it three stars for portabiity because yes, it is very light and easy to move from place to place, but it doens't have a battery and can't be used with a phone, so it isn't a portable amp. With how good this is though, I'm planning to get the Fiio Q1 to carry to work and to use with my phone.
The unit is so light that it does move around when you go to adjust the volume if you don't hold it down. Attaching the rubber feet would probably ameliorate that somewhat, but I didn't put them on because I am planning to velcro it to the bottom of my desk.
Installation on Windows 10 is completely painless-just plug it in and it works. No need to hunt down drivers, it will install them completely by itself. I have used it in USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 mode and both were equally worry-free.
If you are currently using the onboard audio from your computer and want an upgrade, I definitely recommend this. | | | | ★★★★★ | Sounds Good | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | Bought to give my new DT 770 Pro 80 ohm headphones a bit of a boost, and I prefer a physical volume control rather than software.
Sounds fantastic. Really brought out some nice qualities in the DT 770's that I wasn't getting a few days ago when I got them. I was underwhelmed coming from my Senn HD598's, but now I can hear some distinct strengths in both cans.
Seems to be solidly built and aesthetically pleasing.
Only minor gripe that I can come up with are that the attachable adhesive feet are quite slick, not really going to keep the device in place, but may keep it from scuffing on a desk. I also wish it was a bit heavier to help keep it in place, but it is supposed to be a fairly portable device, so I can't really complain. | | | | ★★★★★ | It's a FiiO- Do you expect anything less? | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | FiiO has been, for years, making audio magic in absolutely minuscule form-factors that greatly enhance the sound of any headphones, whether or not they require an amp due to high impedance. This specific DAC+Amp meets or exceeds all of the standards that I expected. It runs using both power and audio outputs from your computer (or whatever you plug the USB-A end into. I haven't tried experimenting with other sources using adapters but I'm sure a newer smartphone could easily run these.)
Sound Review: Incredible. There really is no other way to describe this tiny little aluminum box. It acts as a replacement/brand new sound card for your computer (with on-board LED to show sampling rate and WORKING VOLUME/POWER KNOB). It is night and day with and without the k3 on almost any headphones over $50. I even noticed an improvement on the incredibly inexpensive and highly touted Koss KSC-75. With bass boost off, the sound stage opens and widens-for closed back headphones this is a nice touch, but for open backed cans this is absolutely game-changing. My Grados, Fidelios and AKGs all receive and absolutely marked improvement in overall soundstage size and instrument separation. Turning on the bass boost keeps these same improvements, while increasing low-end response and not sacrificing any audio quality for higher-end cans. I highly recommend pairing this with Philips Fidelio X2s, they compliment each other like dinner and wine at a high end steakhouse.
I have also used all line out options (3.5mm, optical, coax) to run my 5.1 surround setup with Sony receiver and active subwoofer. I am glad to say all of the audio enhancements that the k3 brings to headphones it also brings to any low-to medium grade surround system. I use this mainly with my Grado SR125e and Philips Fidelio X2HR, and they are a bit better fit for the Fidelios. For higher demand or very high impedance cans, a dedicated amp and separate DAC are most likely required. To that point, the max impedance I would use the k3 for is around 300 ohms- it is not the loudest (even with gain on) or most powerful when returning audio to headphones. The DAC inside is, in my opinion, much better than the internal amp.
All of that said, I highly recommend this little piece of magic to anyone who already has higher end audio equipment and is looking to get more out of it, or those with an underpowered stereo receiver without being forced to buy a new one. This thing is, as I mentioned, magical. I can't listen to music without it now. It also made me get a subscription to Tidal to allow hi-res, master quality streaming from my PC to take full advantage of the high sampling rates this allows. I got a 25' coax cable to be able to use this from my coffee table when running my surround system.
My only complaint is the lack of on-board settings and switches, but this is all taken care of with the FiiO app for mac or windows, which will automatically detect, integrate and use the k3 as your new sound output card. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Completely transforms headphones/speakers into an incredible listening experience for the entry-level audiophile. Make sure you have some high sample rate or lossless audio files to make it run at full potential, especially because they can run 32-bit, 384kHz sample rate (much above the resolving capability of the human ear and that of CD quality sound (16bit,44.1kHz) . It is worth the effort and small price tag. Don't let it's stature fool you, this thing is powerful and versatile. | | | | ★★★★★ | Best used on a PC | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | Overall I'm happy with this product. But there are some facts I wish I knew before I bought it.
I cannot hear any difference with/without it on a macmini using Foobar player (except it has no noise).
But I can clearly hear the difference on a PC with a Foobar 2000 player.
It is quiet. I'll give it that. I cannot hear noise even at high volumes on either platforms.
The USB2.0 mode works on both PC and mac. But on macmini (m1 version), I have to unplug and re-plug the USB connector EVERY time after the computer woke up from sleep.Annoying.
The light indicator does not work on either PC or mac. It's always blue when turned on.
The 2.5 mm balanced output sounds louder than the unbalanced one. But I cannot hear other differences. BTW, the 4.4mm connector seems to be the future standard for balanced outputs.
The build is solid. The volume wheel control feels good at the beginning. But it is not very accurate for fine controls. It does not feel continuous for fine controls. | | | | ★★★★★ | GREAT DAC / AMP for a MacBook Pro | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | | Excellent DAC / Amp! I use a 2018 MacBook Pro 15" to produce music using Pro Tools 12. At home, I use the Apollo Twin Duo interface to power Focal Trio monitors. Away from home, I use the AKG ATH-m50x headphones (for sub bass levels) and the Sennheiser HD650 headphones for more precise mixing (flatter frequency response). The FiiO K3 provides a substantial amount of extra gain for the headphones, and the clarity/definition and the dynamic range improved compared to the built-in soundcard (which is already pretty good for a laptop!). I noticed the Bass Boost switch gives me a similar frequency response that the built-in soundcard provided, and with the Bass Boost switch turned off, a slightly flatter response. Extremely happy with this purchase! – DJ AFINO | | | | ★★★★★ | Very impressive bang for buck performance | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | FiiO managed to impress me with their little dac/amp.
First of all, the build quality is great. I never expected something this compact and relatively cheap to be this well-built. The K3 has a smooth metal feel all over its tiny build, and it looks and feels premium. The material can pick up some fingerprints, but not as bad as some other surfaces I've tried. And the feeling of the volume dial is just awesome. Very tactile and smooth, with the textured grippy feel to it. You'll love adjusting volume on this thing. I have no fear that my K3 will stop working due to some mechanical failures, it feels like it's built to last.
Secondly, the audio quality. I'm no audiophile, but to me it sounds very good. I tried the bass boost on and off, but it is so fun and adds just the right amount of low end "OOMPH" to my HD6XX that I just leave it on all the time. I keep the gain on high, and it I've yet to run into a source that would require me to turn the volume up all the way. FiiO is loud enough.
Lastly, the inputs. There are so many of them. I haven't tried them all, and honestly, I don't need most of them, but hey option I guess? This device certainly leaves you room to grow if you wish to diversify your equipment in the future. Oh, and USB-C is such a nice thing. More companies should do it.
In conclusion, the K3 is an awesome product, that I feel very good about purchasing, especially given the top notch build quality and beginner friendly price. Good job, FiiO. Would buy again. | | | | ★★★★★ | Great DAC/Amp for my Chromebook! | | Size: K3 black | Verified Purchase | I'm a bit of an audophile who has only in the last year transitioned over to streaming audio.
Using this DAC/Amp with my Pixelbook Go, works great (although the included cable isn't compatible, needed to buy a short USB C to USB C cable). I've been listening to Amazon Music HD with an external Headphone Amp (Fiio A3) with a number of different headphones and wasn't quite getting the sound quality I wanted.
Realized that I probably needed to get away from the internal DAC in my Pixelbook Go and I was right! Current running this with some Beyerdynamic DT990 Pros (80 ohm). Only nits with this setup are:
- volume just barely reaches the level I like (loud but crystal clear).
- believe its only compatible with USB Audio 1.0 for Chromebooks (hopefully will implement an app for USB 2.0
soon).
In short highly recommended! Wish I had bought this first instead of the two Fiio headphone amps that I have. | | | | See more reviews |
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