FiiO - New K3
Desktop DAC & AmplifierUnfortunately, 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
Chi-Fi
Excellence
Ideal for Audiophiles
Ideal for
Indoor Use
2.5mm
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.
Aluminium
Build
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.
Connect With
USB-C
Upto 220mW @32Ω
Power Output
Volume Controls
DESCRIPTION
UPGRADED WITH XMOS USB RECEIVER CHIP AND DUAL CRYSTAL OSCILLATORS
The new FiiO New K3 has been upgraded with an XMOS USB receiver chip that enables high-resolution PCM and DSD decoding support. FiiO New K3 supports PCM decoding up to 32-Bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256 over the USB connection. Elevate your computer audio performance with the advanced USB decoding from the new K3. It also has dual crystal oscillators ensuring quality performance. The New K3's dual crystal oscillators ensure that any digital audio signals being fed into the DAC are precise and clean for further enhanced sound quality.
NOTE: Due to limitations in engineering, only two-bit depths could be supported, and their engineers chose the 16-bit and 32-bit.
FLAGSHIP GRADE ACOUSTIC ARCHITECTURE FOR TOP-NOTCH PERFORMANCE
The new FiiO New K3 employs the flagship-grade portable ESS DAC chip, the ES9038Q2M. Compared to the previous versions AK4452, the signal-to-noise ratio has increased by 14dB and distortion has reduced by 13dB. The circuit design implemented in this DAC has been optimised for a low noise floor and clean sound. The ES9038Q2M DAC is matched with the mature OPA926 OP-Amp in a re-optimised LPF circuit for lower distortion and higher resolution. The New K3 has noticeably improved various performance indicators and the overall sound quality so you can get immersed in your music.
EASY AND RELIABLE CONNECTIVITY WITH THE UPGRADED USB TYPE-C PORT
The New K3 adopts the modern USB Type-C input interface for a more reliable and stable connection, including the power supply. However, measures to ensure an uncompromised power supply doesn't stop there - the New K3 implements over-voltage protection (OVP) and a double-filter circuit to ensure power supply stability. The digital and analogue audio circuits each get their power supply to reduce crosstalk. The New K3 supports both USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 modes selectable via a switch.
ADC VOLUME CONTROL WITH TWO-LEVEL GAIN SWITCH AND BASS BOOST SWITCH
The new FiiO New K3 is equipped with an ADC volume control wheel on the front. It allows for fine, easy, and precise volume adjustment. It enables you to use headphones/IEMs with different sensitivities with the New K3 2021 without any trouble. FiiO New K3 has a two-level gain switch and bass boost switch to enhance the sound experience for its users. With the hardware bass boost option, you can elevate the lower frequencies, adding more punch to your music. The high gain mode is perfect for high impedance headphones that benefit from higher output power.
PRECISION-MADE ALL ALUMINIUM BODY OFFERING DURABILITY AND ELEGANCE
The black, all-aluminium body of the new FiiO New K3 is precision made with a CNC machine and is further anodised and sandblasted for a durable and textured feel. The small and compact size of the New K3 makes it highly portable so that you can carry it around easily. If you don't have access to a device that connects to the New K3 via USB Audio Class 2, you can seamlessly shift to USB Audio Class 1 mode using a switch. You need to download and install the FiiO USB driver to use the 2.0 mode. Once you switch the USB modes you will have to either turn the New K3 off and on or unplug and plug in the USB cable.
UNIQUE TACTILE AUDIOVISUAL EXPERIENCE WITH RGB LIGHTS AND VOLUME KNOB
The volume knob integrated into the FiiO New K3 comes with 45° notches and is designed perfectly to aid one-hand use. The design of the volume knob complements the design of the New K3 perfectly. Right next to the volume knob you get an RGB light that shows digital audio currently being used. You get multiple connection options allowing you to connect the New K3 with your desktop computer. While during the business trip you can use the New K3 in driverless 1.0 mode.
OFFERING MULTIPLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS FOR CONVENIENCE AND EASE OF USE
The new FiiO New K3 is optimised for indoor desktop use and equipped with 3.5mm single-ended and 2.5mm balanced headphone jacks. Both these outputs have audio jack detection capabilities, which means that when headphones are inserted into the balanced out, the balanced boost feature automatically activates, resulting in about a 50% output power increase compared to the single-ended out. The 3.5mm line out is driven directly by the OPA1612 OP Amp to ensure high-quality sound. The line out output is also adjustable with a maximum power output of up to 2Vrms, to ensure compatibility with a wide variety of active speakers and external amplifiers. It is advised that when using the line out, please disconnect any connected headphones. The XMOS USB receiver chip in the New K3 directly converts any USB audio input to digital signals output via the coaxial and optical connectors, allowing you to connect to speaker systems, amplifiers, or other external decoders.
SPECS
| MODEL | New K3 |
| COLOR | Black |
| WEIGHT | About 82g |
| GAIN | L/H |
| MAX SAMPLING RATE | 384kHz-32bit/DSD256 192kHz-32bit/DSD64 (coaxial) 96kHz-32bit (optical) |
| HARDWARE SCHEME/td> | XMOS: XU208, DAC: ES9038Q2M, LPF: TI OPA1612, AMP: OPA926×2 |
| VOLUME CONTROL | ADC analog potentiometer |
| FIIO CONTROL | Not supported |
| SAMPLING RATE INDICATOR | Supported |
| FIRM UPGRADE | XMOS edition supports upgrade via USB |
| RECOMMENDED HEADPHONE IMPEDANCE | 16~150Ω |
| BALANCED HEADPHONE OUTPUT PORT | 2.5mm |
| USB | USB Type-C (USB 1.0/USB 2.0) |
| ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT PORT (LO) | Standard 3.5 mm |
| HEADPHONE OUTPUT PORT | Standard 3.5 mm |
| POWER SUPPLY | DC5V 500mA (recommended) |
| THD+N | ＜0.0012% (1kHz/10kΩ/A-weighted) |
| CHANNEL SEPARATION | ≥94dB (1kHz/10kΩ) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz~20kHz (-3dB) |
| SNR | ≥121dB (A-weighted) |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜1.8μV (A-weighted) |
| LO OUTPUT LEVEL | 2.0Vrms (1kHz/10kΩ) |
| OUTPUT POWER | ≥220mW (16Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥120mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥13mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) |
| THD+N | ＜0.0012% (1 kHz/32Ω/A-weighted) |
| CHANNEL SEPARATION | ≥80dB (1 kHz/32Ω, USB DAC) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz~20kHz (-3dB) |
| SNR | ≥121dB (A-weighted) |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜2μV (A-weighted) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | ＜1.0Ω (32Ω) |
| PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE | ＞5.6Vp-p |
| OUTPUT POWER | ≥344mW (16Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥220mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥26mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) |
| THD+N | ＜0.0014% (1 kHz/32Ω/A-weighted) |
| CHANNEL SEPARATION | ≥113dB (1 kHz, USB DAC) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz~20kHz (-3dB) |
| SNR | ≥119dB (A-weighted) |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜3μV (A-weighted) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | ＜2Ω (32Ω) |
| PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE | ＞7.9Vp-p |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. FiiO New K3 |
| 2. USB data cable | |
| 3. Anti-slip tape | |
| 4. Quick user guide | |
| 5. Warranty card |
Quick Start Guide | New K3
Desktop DAC & Amplifier
|
FAQs
What is the warranty on the FiiO New K3?
All FiiO products come with a year warranty. You can simply get in touch with us to claim the warranty.Click here.
Differences between the New K3 and K3
1. Basically similar appearance design: both of the two models have a classic all-aluminum alloy body with a distinct volume knob.
2. Replace the original DAC chip with the better ES9038Q2M
3. The combination of the mature OPA926 op-amp and ES9038Q2M DAC chip with re-optimized LPF circuit provides sounds with lower distortion and higher resolution.
4. Compared with the AK4452, the signal-to-noise ratio has been increased by 14dB, and the distortion has been reduced by 13dB. In addition, the circuit design implementing this DAC has been optimized for a low noise floor and clean sound.
Can I use the NEW K3 as a USB DAC for mobile phones?
There is no battery in the New K3. Connecting to a mobile phone will consume the power of the mobile phone. Therefore, it is recommended not to connect it to a mobile phone. Here's the usage method attached. Whether to follow depends upon users' needs.
[Android-based phone]
Use the included Type C-Type C data cable (follow the arrow direction at the cable) to connect the New K3 to a mobile phone. So you can directly enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.
[Notes]
If no sounds out after connection, please check:
1. Settings of the music app on the phone: turn on the USB output if the music app has one. For some devices, the USB output needs to be shut down.
2. Make sure the USB debugging is enabled in the developer mode.Go to the settings menu -> developer mode on the mobile phone to enable USB debugging and or OTG. (Those without this function are free of this setting.)
3. Make sure to use the included Type C- Type C OTG cable correctly (follow the arrow direction on the cable if it has one).
4. Since the USB audio of various brands of mobile phones is not standardized yet, FiiO cannot guarantee full compatibility. If it fails to connect even following the above instructions, please try other mobile phones or connect to the computer DAC to rule out whether the hardware of individual devices is detective (the probability of such a condition happening is low). If it still cannot work, you may consider sending it back for repair or replacement.
[iPhone/iPad]
You need to buy a Lightning-Type C data cable to connect the New K3 to an iPhone/iPad/iPod. Then you can enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.
Notes:
*It only supports iOS10.0.2 and above. Apple devices below this version cannot be supported because of the iOS itself.
*When decoding the iOS, the volume adjustment of the iOS device is unavailable.
Instruction for the indicator light of the New K3
The New K3 adopts RGB indicator lights. When it is powered by a USB with the power switch on, a red or yellow light may be displayed if there is no music playing.
The current sampling rate can be indicated only if the device is identified and in a normal playing state.
1. ≤ 48kHz sampling rate: blue (The K3s does not support songs with a sampling rate lower than 44.1kHz.)
2. >48kHz sampling rate: yellow
3. DSD: green
Is the volume adjustable in Line-out output?
The volume of the New K3's Line out output can be controlled. When outputting signals through Line-out, please disconnect the headphones off the New K3. Because both the line-out and headphone output will work at that same time, while the high volume will damage the headphones.
UPGRADED WITH XMOS USB RECEIVER CHIP AND DUAL CRYSTAL OSCILLATORS
The new FiiO New K3 has been upgraded with an XMOS USB receiver chip that enables high-resolution PCM and DSD decoding support. FiiO New K3 supports PCM decoding up to 32-Bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256 over the USB connection. Elevate your computer audio performance with the advanced USB decoding from the new K3. It also has dual crystal oscillators ensuring quality performance. The New K3's dual crystal oscillators ensure that any digital audio signals being fed into the DAC are precise and clean for further enhanced sound quality.
NOTE: Due to limitations in engineering, only two-bit depths could be supported, and their engineers chose the 16-bit and 32-bit.
FLAGSHIP GRADE ACOUSTIC ARCHITECTURE FOR TOP-NOTCH PERFORMANCE
The new FiiO New K3 employs the flagship-grade portable ESS DAC chip, the ES9038Q2M. Compared to the previous versions AK4452, the signal-to-noise ratio has increased by 14dB and distortion has reduced by 13dB. The circuit design implemented in this DAC has been optimised for a low noise floor and clean sound. The ES9038Q2M DAC is matched with the mature OPA926 OP-Amp in a re-optimised LPF circuit for lower distortion and higher resolution. The New K3 has noticeably improved various performance indicators and the overall sound quality so you can get immersed in your music.
EASY AND RELIABLE CONNECTIVITY WITH THE UPGRADED USB TYPE-C PORT
The New K3 adopts the modern USB Type-C input interface for a more reliable and stable connection, including the power supply. However, measures to ensure an uncompromised power supply doesn't stop there - the New K3 implements over-voltage protection (OVP) and a double-filter circuit to ensure power supply stability. The digital and analogue audio circuits each get their power supply to reduce crosstalk. The New K3 supports both USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 modes selectable via a switch.
ADC VOLUME CONTROL WITH TWO-LEVEL GAIN SWITCH AND BASS BOOST SWITCH
The new FiiO New K3 is equipped with an ADC volume control wheel on the front. It allows for fine, easy, and precise volume adjustment. It enables you to use headphones/IEMs with different sensitivities with the New K3 2021 without any trouble. FiiO New K3 has a two-level gain switch and bass boost switch to enhance the sound experience for its users. With the hardware bass boost option, you can elevate the lower frequencies, adding more punch to your music. The high gain mode is perfect for high impedance headphones that benefit from higher output power.
PRECISION-MADE ALL ALUMINIUM BODY OFFERING DURABILITY AND ELEGANCE
The black, all-aluminium body of the new FiiO New K3 is precision made with a CNC machine and is further anodised and sandblasted for a durable and textured feel. The small and compact size of the New K3 makes it highly portable so that you can carry it around easily. If you don't have access to a device that connects to the New K3 via USB Audio Class 2, you can seamlessly shift to USB Audio Class 1 mode using a switch. You need to download and install the FiiO USB driver to use the 2.0 mode. Once you switch the USB modes you will have to either turn the New K3 off and on or unplug and plug in the USB cable.
UNIQUE TACTILE AUDIOVISUAL EXPERIENCE WITH RGB LIGHTS AND VOLUME KNOB
The volume knob integrated into the FiiO New K3 comes with 45° notches and is designed perfectly to aid one-hand use. The design of the volume knob complements the design of the New K3 perfectly. Right next to the volume knob you get an RGB light that shows digital audio currently being used. You get multiple connection options allowing you to connect the New K3 with your desktop computer. While during the business trip you can use the New K3 in driverless 1.0 mode.
OFFERING MULTIPLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS FOR CONVENIENCE AND EASE OF USE
The new FiiO New K3 is optimised for indoor desktop use and equipped with 3.5mm single-ended and 2.5mm balanced headphone jacks. Both these outputs have audio jack detection capabilities, which means that when headphones are inserted into the balanced out, the balanced boost feature automatically activates, resulting in about a 50% output power increase compared to the single-ended out. The 3.5mm line out is driven directly by the OPA1612 OP Amp to ensure high-quality sound. The line out output is also adjustable with a maximum power output of up to 2Vrms, to ensure compatibility with a wide variety of active speakers and external amplifiers. It is advised that when using the line out, please disconnect any connected headphones. The XMOS USB receiver chip in the New K3 directly converts any USB audio input to digital signals output via the coaxial and optical connectors, allowing you to connect to speaker systems, amplifiers, or other external decoders.
| MODEL | New K3 |
| COLOR | Black |
| WEIGHT | About 82g |
| GAIN | L/H |
| MAX SAMPLING RATE | 384kHz-32bit/DSD256 192kHz-32bit/DSD64 (coaxial) 96kHz-32bit (optical) |
| HARDWARE SCHEME/td> | XMOS: XU208, DAC: ES9038Q2M, LPF: TI OPA1612, AMP: OPA926×2 |
| VOLUME CONTROL | ADC analog potentiometer |
| FIIO CONTROL | Not supported |
| SAMPLING RATE INDICATOR | Supported |
| FIRM UPGRADE | XMOS edition supports upgrade via USB |
| RECOMMENDED HEADPHONE IMPEDANCE | 16~150Ω |
| BALANCED HEADPHONE OUTPUT PORT | 2.5mm |
| USB | USB Type-C (USB 1.0/USB 2.0) |
| ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT PORT (LO) | Standard 3.5 mm |
| HEADPHONE OUTPUT PORT | Standard 3.5 mm |
| POWER SUPPLY | DC5V 500mA (recommended) |
| THD+N | ＜0.0012% (1kHz/10kΩ/A-weighted) |
| CHANNEL SEPARATION | ≥94dB (1kHz/10kΩ) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz~20kHz (-3dB) |
| SNR | ≥121dB (A-weighted) |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜1.8μV (A-weighted) |
| LO OUTPUT LEVEL | 2.0Vrms (1kHz/10kΩ) |
| OUTPUT POWER | ≥220mW (16Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥120mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥13mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) |
| THD+N | ＜0.0012% (1 kHz/32Ω/A-weighted) |
| CHANNEL SEPARATION | ≥80dB (1 kHz/32Ω, USB DAC) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz~20kHz (-3dB) |
| SNR | ≥121dB (A-weighted) |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜2μV (A-weighted) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | ＜1.0Ω (32Ω) |
| PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE | ＞5.6Vp-p |
| OUTPUT POWER | ≥344mW (16Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥220mW (32Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) ≥26mW (300Ω/THD+N＜1%, USB DAC) |
| THD+N | ＜0.0014% (1 kHz/32Ω/A-weighted) |
| CHANNEL SEPARATION | ≥113dB (1 kHz, USB DAC) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz~20kHz (-3dB) |
| SNR | ≥119dB (A-weighted) |
| NOISE FLOOR | ＜3μV (A-weighted) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | ＜2Ω (32Ω) |
| PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE | ＞7.9Vp-p |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. FiiO New K3 |
| 2. USB data cable | |
| 3. Anti-slip tape | |
| 4. Quick user guide | |
| 5. Warranty card |
|
Quick Start Guide | New K3
Desktop DAC & Amplifier
|
What is the warranty on the FiiO New K3?
All FiiO products come with a year warranty. You can simply get in touch with us to claim the warranty.Click here.
Differences between the New K3 and K3
1. Basically similar appearance design: both of the two models have a classic all-aluminum alloy body with a distinct volume knob.
2. Replace the original DAC chip with the better ES9038Q2M
3. The combination of the mature OPA926 op-amp and ES9038Q2M DAC chip with re-optimized LPF circuit provides sounds with lower distortion and higher resolution.
4. Compared with the AK4452, the signal-to-noise ratio has been increased by 14dB, and the distortion has been reduced by 13dB. In addition, the circuit design implementing this DAC has been optimized for a low noise floor and clean sound.
Can I use the NEW K3 as a USB DAC for mobile phones?
There is no battery in the New K3. Connecting to a mobile phone will consume the power of the mobile phone. Therefore, it is recommended not to connect it to a mobile phone. Here's the usage method attached. Whether to follow depends upon users' needs.
[Android-based phone]
Use the included Type C-Type C data cable (follow the arrow direction at the cable) to connect the New K3 to a mobile phone. So you can directly enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.
[Notes]
If no sounds out after connection, please check:
1. Settings of the music app on the phone: turn on the USB output if the music app has one. For some devices, the USB output needs to be shut down.
2. Make sure the USB debugging is enabled in the developer mode.Go to the settings menu -> developer mode on the mobile phone to enable USB debugging and or OTG. (Those without this function are free of this setting.)
3. Make sure to use the included Type C- Type C OTG cable correctly (follow the arrow direction on the cable if it has one).
4. Since the USB audio of various brands of mobile phones is not standardized yet, FiiO cannot guarantee full compatibility. If it fails to connect even following the above instructions, please try other mobile phones or connect to the computer DAC to rule out whether the hardware of individual devices is detective (the probability of such a condition happening is low). If it still cannot work, you may consider sending it back for repair or replacement.
[iPhone/iPad]
You need to buy a Lightning-Type C data cable to connect the New K3 to an iPhone/iPad/iPod. Then you can enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.
Notes:
*It only supports iOS10.0.2 and above. Apple devices below this version cannot be supported because of the iOS itself.
*When decoding the iOS, the volume adjustment of the iOS device is unavailable.
Instruction for the indicator light of the New K3
The New K3 adopts RGB indicator lights. When it is powered by a USB with the power switch on, a red or yellow light may be displayed if there is no music playing.
The current sampling rate can be indicated only if the device is identified and in a normal playing state.
1. ≤ 48kHz sampling rate: blue (The K3s does not support songs with a sampling rate lower than 44.1kHz.)
2. >48kHz sampling rate: yellow
3. DSD: green
Is the volume adjustable in Line-out output?
The volume of the New K3's Line out output can be controlled. When outputting signals through Line-out, please disconnect the headphones off the New K3. Because both the line-out and headphone output will work at that same time, while the high volume will damage the headphones.
Don't sweat it, this
FiiO - New K3 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.
"The new FiiO K3 is a very clean-sounding and very impressive device in terms of sound. The performance is simply excellent for the price."
Read More
"Being a refresh of an older product, the new K3 does a great job by updating most of the internal components to compete with the market in 2021."
Read More