FiiO - KA3
Ultra-Portable USB Amp & DACUnfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Customers praised this portable DAC/amplifier for delivering excellent sound quality with enhanced detail, balanced output, and powerful amplification despite its compact size. Many noted improved soundstage and clarity. However, some experienced heating issues, battery drain, connectivity problems, and a few felt sound quality didn't meet expectations.
- Made a world of difference in my daily listening experience
- Clean, clear, effortless, lively sounding voice presentation, tighter bass
- Blown away! Exceeded what my LG phone could pull off
I purchased the FiiO KA3 after some research and watching videos on the Headphone Zone channel on Youtube. I also purchased the Blon Bl03 IEMs to go along with it and together I must say it has made a world of difference in my daily listening experience. The first song I put on was November Rain by Guns N Roses and I heard it in a way that I had never heard before. Overall a really great experience and hope to experiment more in my audiophile journey.
Hey there, thank you for the great review and ratings! So delighted that you are loving your purchase. Hope you had a comfortable shopping experience. Cheers!
The way this dac make the audio quality live sounding is just amazing....i tried using my older setup with 7hz 71..and the difference is absolutely noticeable..more clean ,clear ,effortless, lively sounding voice presentation, tighter bass with significant improvement in the spatial layering of the music, better resolution..youll literally feel the intruments are being played just by your side..its just pure bliss to listen to ...
Hey Chakkunny, thanks a lot for this lovely review and we are glad you are enjoying it! Keep the music playing.
Hassle free plug and play for easily one of the best sounding dacs in the price range. Get yourself a good bit-perfect audio playing app on the play store( i use hiby music ) and you have an awesome setup. Eq is also easy with any app like the aforementioned (hiby music) or wavelet or plexamp. Cheers and happy listening. 👍
Hey Shubh, thank you so much for the amazing feedback! It means a lot to us. We are so happy to hear that you are loving our products and services.
I purchased a 4.4mm balanced cable for HD560S along with this from The Audio Store. The balanced cable + KA3 has a significant difference to the original. I use Oratory EQ settings for my headphones which lowered the volume a bit. But the KA3 has done wonders to make up for it. If I was 8/10 on the HD560S, now I’m 11/10 happy. I listen to mostly Pink Floyd and other Classic Rock, Jazz, Classical gems from the 70s and 80s on Apple Music.
Great review! Thanks for taking the time to write it. We're glad to hear that our product has helped you improve your sound quality.
I just loved it , works so well with my ie 600. This is the first time I am using a dac and have to say it really makes a difference. I can't explain you what felt different, but my ears like the music more with using the dac then without it. Music just feels peaceful, clear and soothing. You may not find the difference instantly but if you give it 1-2 days and after that you listen to music without fiio ka3 , I think you will notice the difference. It is so small that you can fit it anywhere easily. For me it's a value for money product.🖤
Hey Createn, thank you so much for the amazing feedback! It means a lot to us. We are so happy to hear that you are loving our products and services.
I was about to start my audiophile journey and as everyone else, I was super confused with al the available options. Then the gurus at Headphone Zone came to my rescue and suggested the FiiO KA3 as I was looking for a DAC with balanced output. Got the shipment in due time and man! I was blown away! Coupled this little thing with the IEMs and a balanced cable and I was in a complete different world of the audiophile universe! This instantly made me think why didn't I think of becoming an audiophile even earlier! Nevertheless, better late than never! I had the opportunity to work on audio productions and I have always wondered why no other earphones or headphones aren't able to reproduce the sound we hear in the studio. FiiO KA3 answered that long awaited question. What is even better is the balanced 4.4mm output it has. the FiiO app allows control of the low-pass filter types and that helps too. My journey as an audiophile has just started. Hope to walk a long path ahead with Headphone Zone. Thank you Headphone Zone. You guys opened the portal of a whole new world for me.
Hey Arghya, thank you so much for the amazing feedback! It means a lot to us. We are so happy to hear that you are loving our products and services.
One of the best.. powerful and fantastic sound..
Hey Neel, thanks a lot for your amazing review!
Fiio Ka3 is a perfect if u have iems like 3.5mm and 4.4mm which will be perfect combo
The output soundstage is neutral nothing is modified if u are planning to use 4.4mm like myself best use it for planar iems which will benefit a lot from 4.4mm balanced output
For longer usage it might get warm not hot but warm don't get worry read the manual if u any doubt it will mostly solve most of the issues if u have. For me it doesn't have any issue it's just perfect thanks headphonezone for awesome delivery
This makes us really happy and we really appreciate the genuine feedback! We're glad that you have such positive thoughts about our team and the company.
Using it to drive Truthear Hexa. This is seamless amp and levitate the already great sound from the IEMs. One of my concerns is whether it's coloring the audio to be a tad too bright. (I don't know, feels like it). And it does heat up pretty quickly and drains the phone battery soon(which is expected).
Love the design, quality, packing and the sound is good but not that great feel like something is missing in it.
Hi Public
The Fiio KA3, This is my 1st DAC, i am totally blown away, at the same time fallen in love with the sound this DAC gives, it was like Woow.
Hats off to Headphone Zone team, just love u guys for suggesting this product.
Special thanks to RAGHAV Sir.
and Public bhai log, u cant know the real taste until u hear it....
Hey Nimit, this makes us really happy and we really appreciate your genuine feedback! We're glad that you have such positive thoughts about our team and the company.
This ultralight dac+amp is working so well that I ordered one more my family! That’s it.
Only thing to watch : how long it withstands daily wear and tear.
As an aside it’s not a bad idea to supplement it with BT cousins, BTRS5 / BTRS7. They are equally good.
UTWS5 line is not recommended. It’s got functionality issues (ergonomics and quality of connectors), hence much less value for money.
Hey there, thank you for the great review and ratings! So delighted that you are loving your purchase. Hope you had a comfortable shopping experience. Cheers!
Pro :-
1 rgb indication
2 compact
Con :-
1 c to c cable prone to damage
We really appreciate the genuine feedback, we'll share your thoughts with the brand as well!
I bought KA3 and tested on different IEMs like my Moondrop Starfields a nd Tin Hifi T3 Plus.
It sounds great and it powers them without any difficulty.
Love it.
This is THE PERFECT portable unit one can buy.
Audio devices are like family heirloom that you pass down to next generation. That can't be done with battery operated devices.
This DAC on the other hand is powered over TypeC, and supports all the uncompressed audio goodness you need, upto DSD512 and 32 bit PCM @ 768KHz
It doesn't support MQA and I don't care less for such closed source compressed audio format.
Hey there, nothing makes us happier than knowing you loved your purchase, hope you had a comfortable shopping experience & thank you for the great review & ratings!
It's good adaptor but it only works great Android.
When connected to windows the audio drops for 1 sec every half a minute.
I have upgraded the firmware and also Installed drivers from official sources.
I tried usb 2 , usb 3 and even type c port but the problem is same.
Hope Fiio resolve this issue in firmware upgrade or else this is waste of money.
Chi-Fi
Excellence
Ideal for Audiophiles
Best Suited for Portable Use
Ideal for Commuting
4.4mm
Balanced Output
DAC Chip
You may not even realise it, but most of us use a digital-to-analogue converter (commonly known as a DAC) daily. Built into your computers, tablets and smartphones, a DAC is fundamental to unlocking the convenience of digital music. Any device that acts as a digital sound source will need a DAC to convert digital audio to analog. A DAC converts the digital information stored in “0s and 1s” into an analog signal that's passed to speakers or headphones and ultimately our ear. In short, DACs play a large part in making digital music hearable.
While this technical process is undoubtedly impressive, the DAC embedded into your smartphones or laptops is nowhere good enough to listen to your favourite music recordings in high quality. So, if you want to listen to music in high quality, an external DAC is essential to allow headphones or speakers to perform at their potential. An external DAC, first and foremost, will improve audio quality dramatically.
Pair with Laptop via USB
A majority of people use a laptop as the primary source device to listen to music or watch movies. Since the laptop is an essential part of the audio chain there are headphones and devices designed to work a laptop or computer system flawlessly. With the availability of USB connectivity, it becomes easier to pair various devices like an Amp, DAC or even headphones without worrying about drivers or any additional piece of software.
Upto 240mW@32Ω
Power Output
Metal
Build
Super Lightweight
Design
The FiiO KA3 is a remarkable DAC, known for its exceptional build quality, connectivity, compatibility, and notably higher power output than its peers in the same price range. Additionally, it operates efficiently with relatively low power consumption. If you're looking for an affordable DAC and Amp combination, it's challenging to find another dongle that can rival the KA3 in terms of technical performance.
About RAGHAV SOMANI
Raghav Somani is the Founder & CEO of Headphone Zone. An avid audiophile and musician since 2008, his choice of headphones include STAX Electrostats, Audeze LCD 3, and for music on the go, the JH Audio Roxanne + Astell&Kern SP1000 is never too far away. On his playlist, you'll find A.R. Rahman, Michael Jackson, and the Eagles.
DESCRIPTION
FLAGSHIP-GRADE ES9038Q2M DAC CHIP OFFERING PCM AND DSD SUPPORT
FiiO has designed the KA3 USB DAC/AMP in collaboration with their sub-brand Jade
Audio. In terms of the processing audio signals, the tiny body of the KA3 features an independent
high-performance flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip, which supports a sampling rate of up to 32bit/768kHz and
DSD512 decoding natively. The ESS Sabre DAC chip delivers unmatched sound decoding with ultra-low distortion
and high SNR ratings bringing high-resolution support to your pocket.
AMPLE POWER WITH DUAL HIFI OP-AMPS AND DUAL HEADPHONE OUTPUT PORTS
FiiO KA3 features two independent HiFi op-amps for the final analogue amplification circuit that helps it produce powerful output thrust. FiiO has featured both single-ended as well as balanced headphone output ports on the KA3. This compact device houses a 3.5mm single-ended as well as a 4.4mm balanced connection port. The 4.4mm output port provides up to 240mW of power at 32Ω load while the single-ended port delivers up to 130mW of power. This is more than enough to power earphones and over-ear headphones with ease.
TUNED TO DELIVER A NATURAL SOUND WITH RGB INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR PLAYBACK
FiiO has tuned the KA3 for a smooth and natural sound. It provides an immersive experience for the users with a detailed and immersive sound field. FiiO KA3 delivers ample power to the connected earphones to bring the best out of them. The FiiO KA3 has also been equipped with RGB indicator lights and these cool and visible RGB indicator lights are not only attractive but also can indicate the sampling rate of the currently playing song, helping to tell audio formats conveniently.
FULLY VERSATILE DEVICE WITH MULTI-PLATFORM SUPPORT FOR CONNECTIVITY
The FiiO KA3 offers unmatched versatility in a small form factor and can be paired with smartphones and desktop systems. The FiiO KA3 is compatible with multiple operating systems with straight out-of-the-box support for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac OS systems providing you with high-resolution audio capabilities anywhere you want. All you need to do is connect the FiiO KA3 to your smartphone, tablet, or even desktop PC/laptop and open the doors to the hi-res audio realm.
ELEGANT AND DURABLE ALL-METAL BUILT WITH SUPPORT FOR FIIO CONTROL APP
FiiO KA3 is a well-built ultra-portable USB DAC/Amp. It has an elegant look with an all-metal chassis. The materials utilised to build the KA3 are of high quality and offer a premium feel to the device. In addition, the KA3 can be controlled by the FiiO Control app where you can enable more functions, such as 7 filters, low and high gains and channel balance. You don't need to install any software or application to use the KA3, though using it with the FiiO Music application or FiiO Control application you can access multiple settings on the KA3.
SPECS
| MODEL | KA3 |
| COLOR | Black |
| FIIO CONTROL | DAC: ES9038Q2M |
| COLOR | Yes |
| WEIGHT | 17.5g |
| SIZE | 56.3mm x 20.2mm x 12mm |
| USB PORT | Type-C USB |
| EARPHONE PORT | 3.5mm |
| BALANCED OUTPUT PORT | 4.4mm |
| DSD | DSD64/128/256/512 |
| FIRMWARE UPGRADE | System firmware and Bluetooth version can be upgraded via USB |
| SAMPLING RATE INDICATION | Blue ≤48kHz Yellow ＞48kHz Green ＝DSD |
| CHANNEL BALANCE | PO: <0.004dB(32Ω/THD+N<1%) BAL: <0.046dB(32Ω/THD+N<1%) |
| RECOMMENDED HEADPHONE IMPEDANCE | 16~300Ω(PO) 16~300Ω(BAL) |
| MAX SUPPORTED SAMPLING RATE | 768KHz/32bit |
| OUTPUT POWER | 120mW (16Ω,THD+N<1%) 130mW (32Ω,THD+N<1%) 14mW (300Ω,THD+N<1%) 7mW (600Ω,THD+N<1%) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz to 20KHz, amplitude of variation 0.2dB 20Hz to 50KHz, amplitude of variation -1dB. |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜1.7uV（dbA） |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | 2V(32Ω/THD+N<1%) |
| CROSSTALK | ≥ 76dB(1Khz, 32Ω load) ≥ 118dB(1Khz, no-load) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | <0.5Ω (load 32Ω) |
| SNR | ≥ 122dB(32Ω A) |
| THD+N | <0.0008% |
| OUTPUT POWER | 120mW (16Ω,THD+N<1%) 240mW (32Ω,THD+N<1%) 56mW (300Ω,THD+N<1%) 28mW (600Ω,THD+N<1%) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz to 20KHz, amplitude of variation 0.2dB 20Hz to 50KHz, amplitude of variation -1dB. |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜2.9uV（dbA） |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | 2.7V(32Ω/THD+N<1%) |
| CROSSTALK | ≥ 106dB(1Khz, 32Ω) ≥ 115dB(1Khz, no-load) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | <0.7 Ω (32Ω) |
| SNR | ≥ 119dB(32Ω dbA) |
| THD+N | <0.0010% |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. FiiO KA3 |
| 2. USB Type-C to Type-C Cable | |
| 3. Type-C to USB-A Cable | |
| 4. Quick Start Guide |
Quick Start Guide | KA3
Ultra-Portable USB Amp & DAC
|
FLAGSHIP-GRADE ES9038Q2M DAC CHIP OFFERING PCM AND DSD SUPPORT
FiiO has designed the KA3 USB DAC/AMP in collaboration with their sub-brand Jade
Audio. In terms of the processing audio signals, the tiny body of the KA3 features an independent
high-performance flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip, which supports a sampling rate of up to 32bit/768kHz and
DSD512 decoding natively. The ESS Sabre DAC chip delivers unmatched sound decoding with ultra-low distortion
and high SNR ratings bringing high-resolution support to your pocket.
AMPLE POWER WITH DUAL HIFI OP-AMPS AND DUAL HEADPHONE OUTPUT PORTS
FiiO KA3 features two independent HiFi op-amps for the final analogue amplification circuit that helps it produce powerful output thrust. FiiO has featured both single-ended as well as balanced headphone output ports on the KA3. This compact device houses a 3.5mm single-ended as well as a 4.4mm balanced connection port. The 4.4mm output port provides up to 240mW of power at 32Ω load while the single-ended port delivers up to 130mW of power. This is more than enough to power earphones and over-ear headphones with ease.
TUNED TO DELIVER A NATURAL SOUND WITH RGB INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR PLAYBACK
FiiO has tuned the KA3 for a smooth and natural sound. It provides an immersive experience for the users with a detailed and immersive sound field. FiiO KA3 delivers ample power to the connected earphones to bring the best out of them. The FiiO KA3 has also been equipped with RGB indicator lights and these cool and visible RGB indicator lights are not only attractive but also can indicate the sampling rate of the currently playing song, helping to tell audio formats conveniently.
FULLY VERSATILE DEVICE WITH MULTI-PLATFORM SUPPORT FOR CONNECTIVITY
The FiiO KA3 offers unmatched versatility in a small form factor and can be paired with smartphones and desktop systems. The FiiO KA3 is compatible with multiple operating systems with straight out-of-the-box support for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac OS systems providing you with high-resolution audio capabilities anywhere you want. All you need to do is connect the FiiO KA3 to your smartphone, tablet, or even desktop PC/laptop and open the doors to the hi-res audio realm.
ELEGANT AND DURABLE ALL-METAL BUILT WITH SUPPORT FOR FIIO CONTROL APP
FiiO KA3 is a well-built ultra-portable USB DAC/Amp. It has an elegant look with an all-metal chassis. The materials utilised to build the KA3 are of high quality and offer a premium feel to the device. In addition, the KA3 can be controlled by the FiiO Control app where you can enable more functions, such as 7 filters, low and high gains and channel balance. You don't need to install any software or application to use the KA3, though using it with the FiiO Music application or FiiO Control application you can access multiple settings on the KA3.
| MODEL | KA3 |
| COLOR | Black |
| FIIO CONTROL | DAC: ES9038Q2M |
| COLOR | Yes |
| WEIGHT | 17.5g |
| SIZE | 56.3mm x 20.2mm x 12mm |
| USB PORT | Type-C USB |
| EARPHONE PORT | 3.5mm |
| BALANCED OUTPUT PORT | 4.4mm |
| DSD | DSD64/128/256/512 |
| FIRMWARE UPGRADE | System firmware and Bluetooth version can be upgraded via USB |
| SAMPLING RATE INDICATION | Blue ≤48kHz Yellow ＞48kHz Green ＝DSD |
| CHANNEL BALANCE | PO: <0.004dB(32Ω/THD+N<1%) BAL: <0.046dB(32Ω/THD+N<1%) |
| RECOMMENDED HEADPHONE IMPEDANCE | 16~300Ω(PO) 16~300Ω(BAL) |
| MAX SUPPORTED SAMPLING RATE | 768KHz/32bit |
| OUTPUT POWER | 120mW (16Ω,THD+N<1%) 130mW (32Ω,THD+N<1%) 14mW (300Ω,THD+N<1%) 7mW (600Ω,THD+N<1%) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz to 20KHz, amplitude of variation 0.2dB 20Hz to 50KHz, amplitude of variation -1dB. |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜1.7uV（dbA） |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | 2V(32Ω/THD+N<1%) |
| CROSSTALK | ≥ 76dB(1Khz, 32Ω load) ≥ 118dB(1Khz, no-load) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | <0.5Ω (load 32Ω) |
| SNR | ≥ 122dB(32Ω A) |
| THD+N | <0.0008% |
| OUTPUT POWER | 120mW (16Ω,THD+N<1%) 240mW (32Ω,THD+N<1%) 56mW (300Ω,THD+N<1%) 28mW (600Ω,THD+N<1%) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz to 20KHz, amplitude of variation 0.2dB 20Hz to 50KHz, amplitude of variation -1dB. |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜2.9uV（dbA） |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | 2.7V(32Ω/THD+N<1%) |
| CROSSTALK | ≥ 106dB(1Khz, 32Ω) ≥ 115dB(1Khz, no-load) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | <0.7 Ω (32Ω) |
| SNR | ≥ 119dB(32Ω dbA) |
| THD+N | <0.0010% |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. FiiO KA3 |
| 2. USB Type-C to Type-C Cable | |
| 3. Type-C to USB-A Cable | |
| 4. Quick Start Guide |
|
Quick Start Guide | KA3
Ultra-Portable USB Amp & DAC
|
Don't sweat it, this
FiiO - KA3 comes with a 1 Year warranty
from FiiO that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about FiiO's warranty in India.
"For the price, the KA3 seems like a no-brainer for those looking for a simple DAC dongle for their smartphones or laptops. The crisp and meaty midrange is definitely its biggest standout."
Read More
"A dongle with fantastic technicalities, an analytical sound but with a lot of power , cleanliness, softness, soundstage, separation, detail and much more."
Read More
"It handles sensitive IEMs with finesse, so you don’t need to worry about having enough power or dealing with background noise. Wrap that up in a handsome, rugged body and FiiO has got a winner."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
How is the overall build quality of the FiiO KA3?
How to use the KA3 as a USB DAC for mobile phones?
Use the TypeC-TypeC data cable to connect the KA3 to a mobile phone. So you can directly enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.
【iPhone/iPad】
Please buy an extra Lightning-TypeC OTG adapter to connect the KA3 to an iPhone/iPad/iPod. So you can directly enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.
How to use the KA3 as a USB DAC for computers?
1. Before first connecting, please go to our website to download the DAC driver, and install it as the instruction to enable the USB DAC function. Click here.
2. Use the TypeC-TypeC data cable to connect the KA3 to the computer.(If the USB port of your computer is USB A, you could use the Type C to USB A cable for help instead)
3. Select the KA3 as the audio output on the computer.
[Macbook]
Macbook does not need to install the driver. Directly choose the NEW K3 as the output device.
Does KA3 support in-line remote control in the headphone or phone calls answering with headphones?
2. When an incoming call comes in, the sound is still transmitted through the phone's speaker and microphone. You can pick up the phone and make a normal call.Whether unplugging the KA3 will not affect it.
KA3 indicator light description
Sampling rate (digital input): ≤48kHz - Blue light constantly on
Sampling rate (digital input): ＞48kHz - Yellow light constantly on
Sampling rate (digital input): DSD - Green light constantly on
When the color of the indicator does not correspond to the sampling rate of the track , please check whether the playback device or software setting is correct and check whether there is SRC.
What is the warranty like and who should I contact?