FiiO K15: A New Standard in Headphone Amplification

FiiO is set to unveil the K15 at the upcoming CanJam trade show in London, marking an exciting addition to the headphone amplifier market. The K15 is designed to cater to both analog and digital inputs, enabling it to operate effectively in symmetrical and asymmetrical modes for various headphone types. Drawing from the advanced technology of the FiiO K17, the K15 promises to deliver high-quality audio performance.

The front panel of the K15 boasts three headphone jacks: a 6.35 mm jack, a 4.4 mm jack, and a mini XLR jack, with the latter two designed for symmetrical headphones. Users can easily adjust volume and select from five different gain levels, allowing for a tailored listening experience. Beyond its function as a headphone amplifier, the K15 also serves as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a preamplifier.

This class AB amplifier is capable of delivering an impressive 3 watts of power through its balanced output. Two rotary knobs with LED rings provide intuitive access to the volume control and the menu system, complemented by a 4-inch touch-enabled information display.

On the rear panel, the K15 includes a variety of digital and analog inputs. When utilized as a preamplifier or DAC, it can output analog signals through both RCA and XLR outputs. Additionally, it features Bluetooth connectivity with support for aptXHD and LDAC, along with options for network connections via an RJ45 Ethernet cable or dual-band WiFi (2.4G/5G). The K15 is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2 and supports Roon for seamless streaming.

The DAC capabilities of the K15 are powered by two AKM AK4497S DAC chips, part of the renowned Velvet Sound series from Japan. This dual mono setup ensures a fully balanced and differential analog signal path, with careful separation of analog circuits from digital ones on distinct circuit boards. Users can also enjoy a ten-band parametric tone control through the FiiO Control app, offering additional customization for their audio experience.