After impressing music lovers with the vintage-styled FiiO K17, the Chinese brand now presents its latest addition: the FiiO K15. It offers the same all-in-one formula, with an ultra-powerful headphone amplifier, dual Hi-Res DAC and hi-fi preamplifier, in a more affordable, but still seductive and comprehensive package.
A philosophy inherited from the K17
Over the past few years, FiiO has established itself as one of the most dynamic players in the audio sector. Far from contenting itself with portable music players and small DACs, the brand has carved out a solid reputation for itself regarding desktop products, with numerous headphones, headphone amps and USB DACs. The FiiO K17 launched mid-year symbolized this ambition. A true audiophile powerhouse, it combined the latest-generation AKM double conversion, 4,000mW class AB amplification, a color screen, full connectivity and even advanced network functions (AirPlay, Roon Ready, Bluetooth LDAC…) in a single chassis. The K15 continues in this vein, but takes a more focused approach: taking up the technical DNA of the K17 while optimizing value for money. The goal: to make high-end sound more accessible, without compromising the fundamentals that made its counterpart such a success.
Fully balanced architecture
Like the K17, the Fiio K15 adopts a fully balanced architecture, with total separation of digital and analog circuits, each benefiting from its own power supply. The conversion stage uses a dual AKM AK4497SVQ DAC in a dual-mono configuration for better stereo separation and an optimized signal-to-noise ratio. The signals are clocked by two ultra-low jitter Accusilicon AS318-L oscillators, ensuring perfect synchronization and drift-free playback. This ensures perfect playback of the majority of audio formats up to a very high resolution of 32-bit/768kHz, as well as native decoding of DSD up to DSD512. This exhaustive compatibility means it can handle both local Hi-Res files and lossless streaming streams (Qobuz, TIDAL, Apple Music via AirPlay 2, etc.).
An ultra-powerful headphone amplifier
As with the K17, FiiO has opted for fully discrete class AB amplification. The heart of the circuit is based on the same MJE243G and MJE253G transistors, power models renowned for their robustness, thermal stability and excellent current handling. Power is slightly lower, but still more than sufficient for most headphones, with 2,800mW per channel into 32 ohms on the balanced 4.4mm jack and XLR outputs, and 1,400mW per channel on the 6.35mm jack output. Five gain settings make it easy to adapt the amp to any headphones or in-ear monitors.
Comprehensive connectivity
The FiiO K15 is designed as a true digital and analog hub that can be inserted into any hi-fi system, allowing all sources to be centralized. This is reflected in its connectivity, with three front-panel headphone outputs covering all needs:
- 6.35mm jack
- 4.4mm jack
- XLR 4-pin
On the rear panel, FiiO has integrated a dual line output: RCA for unbalanced connections and XLR for balanced connections. These outputs can be configured as fixed level (pure DAC mode) or variable level (preamp mode), depending on whether the volume is controlled by the K15 or an external amp.
The inputs are just as numerous, with:
- A USB-C port to connect a computer, smartphone or tablet;
- An optical and coaxial input for a CD player, TV or console;
- RCA and 4.4mm analog inputs that let you use the K15 as a simple headphone amp;
- A USB-A port for direct playback of files from a USB stick or external hard drive.
When it comes to network connectivity, the K15 inherits its big brother’s ecosystem, with countless options for enjoying music wirelessly:
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 / 5GHz) and Gigabit Ethernet port for network integration;
- AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready compatibility;
- Bluetooth 5.1 module supporting LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC codecs.
The K15 can be used as a hi-fi DAC, a preamp for a home installation, or a stand-alone network player. Its versatility is one of its greatest assets: it can do it all.
A modern, intuitive interface
FiiO has always taken great care with the ergonomics of its products, and the K15 is no exception. The device intelligently combines physical controls, a touch-sensitive interface and mobile control. The front panel features a bright, responsive 3.93-inch color display that shows metadata, stream format, output level and attractive analog VU meters. Two backlit rotary knobs control volume and navigate menus. An infrared remote control is also supplied. Finally, the FiiO Control app (iOS and Android) lets you remotely control all parameters: input selection, volume control, digital filter management and 10-band parametric equalizer.
A new standard in its category
FiiO offers an almost universal solution, combining a dual AKM DAC, discrete class AB amplification and ultra-comprehenive connectivity. This configuration, combined with a modern interface, makes it possible to listen to music in the best possible conditions, whether through headphones or a hi-fi system. It is aimed at discerning music lovers looking for a refined, powerful and versatile device, all for under €600. Pre-orders are now available on Son-Vidéo.com.
