The FIIO KA17 features a special desktop mode, activated using the dedicated D.Mode switch. Enable the desktop mode, and the KA17 will automatically adjust the DAC, amplifier power supply, and the amplifier power output to fully unleash their potential with greater power output.
Parallel output - Big boost in power
With sufficient USB power supply input and desktop mode enabled, the KA17's four THX headphone amps work together in parallel for greater current and overall power output. The result is up to 270mW+270mW power output for single-ended out, and up to 650mW+650mW power output for balanced out.
Dual flagship ES9069Q DACs Two cores power four ways, Excellent performance
The KA17 employs two of the new ESS ES9069Q flagship DACs, powered by fourth-gen 32bit Hyper Stream technology. These chips feature even higher performance, lower power consumption, and less digital noise than previous generations for an absolutely pristine and pure audio background.
Handling USB duties in the KA17 is the 16-core XMOS XU316, rarely found in audio dongles. This chip features lower latency, more stable signal transmission, and better compatibility than typically used USB control chip. And when paired with dual crystal oscillators, the KA17 is more than capable of handling various digital audio sources with various sampling rates.
Independent Type-C power supply
The KA17 features two USB Type-C ports. One is the typical port used to connect to other devices such as phones, tablets and computers. The orange port on the side is designed for use with an external power supply. When an external power supply is connected to this port, the KA17 can achieve higher power output and better performance without consuming the battery of your phone or other connected device.