FiiO has quickly become a major force in the headphones and desktop audio space, consistently churning out products that are both practical and well-received. We’re barely halfway through 2025, and they’ve already launched a slew of gear—including the S15 music streamer, FT7 planar magnetic headphones, FX17 IEMs, M21 DAP, K17 headphone amplifier, and the new FiiO K15 DAC/Headphone Amplifier.
With this many products hitting the market, you’d think they’d be ready to call it a year. But despite the announced price hikes, FiiO’s not slowing down. Instead, they’re pushing forward, continuing to meet demand and expand their lineup, even in the face of tariffs and rising costs.
The K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp: Affordable Power in a Compact Package
FiiO has launched the K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier, offering a more affordable alternative to the higher-end K17, which is priced just shy of $1,000. The K15 retains much of what makes the K17 a strong performer but comes in at a more approachable $600.
This full-system desktop DAC/amp is tailored for music lovers and works seamlessly with the FiiO FT7 headphones or powered speakers like the FiiO SP3. While it’s optimized for these products, it’s versatile enough to pair with any headphones or powered speakers of your choice. But if you’re considering an upgrade, FiiO’s own suggestions could be worth a look.
At its core, the K15 features dual AKM AK4497S DAC chips from AKM’s ‘VELVET SOUND’ series. These high-end chips are designed to deliver precise digital-to-analog conversion, maintaining clarity from low to high frequencies with minimal distortion and a broad dynamic range. The K15 is one of the first products to implement these flagship AKM chips in a dual configuration, resulting in a rich, immersive sound signature. Plus, for those who like to fine-tune, a 10-band parametric EQ via the FiiO Control app allows users to adjust the sound to their personal preferences.
Amplification
The K15 features a discrete Class A/B amplifier circuit that delivers up to 3000mW per channel through its balanced output. This allows it to effortlessly drive both sensitive IEMs and high-impedance over-ear headphones, providing low-noise, high-current performance across the board.
Playback
The K15 provides several input modes for playback.
- USB DAC (XMOS XU316, supporting 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512, MQA)
- Bluetooth decoding (LDAC, AptX HD, AAC)
- Streaming (Roon Ready, AirPlay)
- Local playback via USB storage
- Audio decoding via Optical and coaxial Audio Connections
- Single-ended and balanced analog inputs – single-ended input ideal for turntables (the K15 has a ground connection for traditional turntable phono outputs).
Whether you’re playing back your personal library or streaming high-resolution music wirelessly, the K15 adapts effortlessly to your preferred ecosystem.
Fully Balanced
From the DACs to the amplifier stage, the K15’s audio path is fully balanced and differential. This design improves channel separation, minimizes distortion and noise, and maximizes overall fidelity.
For added signal stability, the K15 incorporates a tri-board design, which isolates the digital, analog, and power supply sections into separate PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards). This layout helps reduce crosstalk and electrical interference, resulting in a noticeably cleaner sound.
Precision Power
The K15 features a high-efficiency 30W internal AC power supply, with an additional 12V DC input for users looking to upgrade to an external linear power supply. It also incorporates independent digital and analog power rails, along with a multi-stage analog supply that uses multiple dropout regulators. This ensures a consistent flow of ultra-clean current to each audio stage, maintaining optimal performance throughout.
Touchscreen
To facilitate easy operation, the K15 features a 3.93-inch color LCD touchscreen. The screen supports intuitive visual control, while tactile knobs provide quick access to key functions. For hands-free operation, an infrared remote and FiiO Control App (Android, iOS) connectivity are included.
Wired or Wireless Network Connectivity
The K15 is equipped with Gigabit Ethernet and 2.4G/5G dual-band Wi-Fi for seamless network streaming, ensuring high-speed, stable connections for your music sources.
Comparison
| K15 | K17 | |
| Product Type | Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp | Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp |
| Price | $549 | $989.99 |
| Remote Control | Supports IR remote (only the included accessory) | Supports IR remote (only the included accessory) |
| DAC | 2 x AK4497S | AKM flagship DAC chips (AK4191 + 2 x AK4499EX) |
| USB | XU316 | XU316 |
| Headphone amplifier transistor | MJE243G/253G | MJE243G/253G |
| Display | 3.93-inch LCD | 3.93-inch LCD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive/LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| MQA | Yes | Yes |
| Equalization | 10-band parametric EQ accessible through the FiiO Control app. | Global 31-band professional-grade high-precision lossless parametric EQ |
| USB DAC | 768kHz/32bit; DSD512 (Native) | Up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD512 (Native) |
| Coaxial input | 192kHz/24bit; DSD64 | Up to 192kHz/24bit, DSD64 |
| Optical input | 96kHz/24bit | Up to 96kHz/24bit |
| Local playback | 384kHz/32bit; DSD256 | Up to 384kHz/32bit, DSD256 (DOP) |
| Streaming playback | 384kHz/32bit; DSD256 (DOP) | Up to 384kHz/32bit, DSD256 |
| Gain Setting Modes | Ultra high gain Super high gain High gain Medium gain Low gain | Ultra high gain Super high gain High gain Medium gain Low gain |
| Headphone Output (Ultra High Gain Mode) | Output Power 1: L+R≥1400mW+1400mW (32Ω SE, THD+N＜1%) Output Power 2: L+R≥3000mW+3000mW (32Ω BAL, THD+N＜1%) Output Power 3: L+R≥180mW+180mW (300Ω SE, THD+N＜1%) Output Power 4: L+R≥700mW+700mW (300Ω BAL, THD+N＜1%,) | Output power 1 L+R≥1800mW+1800mW (16Ω, THD+N＜1%) Output power 2 L+R≥1850mW+1850mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%) Output power 3 L+R≥240mW+240mW (300Ω, THD+N＜1%) |
| RCA Output Level | L+R=2.4Vrms+2.4Vrms (1kHz@10kΩ) – Gain Mode Not Specified | 2.5Vrms (1kHz@10k) |
| XLR Output Level | L+R=4.8Vrms+4.8Vrms (1kHz@10kΩ) – Gain Mode not Specified | Ultra High Gain Mode Output power 1 L+R≥1800mW+1800mW (16Ω, THD+N＜1%) Output power 2 L+R≥4000mW+4000mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%) Output power 3 L+R≥950mW+950mW (300Ω, THD+N＜1%) |
| Frequency Response (All Outputs) | 20Hz~80kHz, attenuation＜2.8dB | 20Hz~20kHz: attenuation＜0.05dB 20Hz~90kHz: attenuation＜3dB |
| SNR | ≥122dB (A-weighted) | Gain Mode Dependent |
| Noise Floor | ＜5.3μV (A-weighted) | Gain Mode Dependent |
| THD+N | ＜0.00054% (1kHz/-12dB@32Ω) | Gain Mode Dependent |
| Color | Black/Silver | Black/Silver |
| Dimensions | 244.6x213x66.8mm | 244.6 x 213 x 66.8 mm |
| Weight | 2100g | 2750g |
The Bottom Line
The K15 DAC/Headphone Amp is a solid addition to the FiiO product lineup, offering much of what the flagship K17 provides but at about half the price. With a reasonable $549 price tag, it faces some interesting competition. For example, the newly released Schiit Audio Asgard X, priced at $399, offers a great headphone amp solution but lacks features like a touchscreen display, balanced audio connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. For $200 less, it could be a solid choice, depending on your priorities.
Another competitor at $399 is the Shanling EH2, which provides balanced headphone output via a 4.4mm connection and Bluetooth. However, it lacks a screen and Wi-Fi.
For those who want to keep things “bare-bones,” FiiO also offers the K11R2R, priced under $200. It skips Bluetooth and the touchscreen but still delivers 4.4mm balanced, 6.3mm unbalanced, and line outputs.
All things considered, the K15 strikes a strong balance between price, audio decoding and processing, connectivity, and the added bonus of a front display—making it an excellent option for music enthusiasts.
Price and Availability
The K15 will be released on August 1st with a $549 (£499 / €599) price tag.
The K15 will be shown at CanJam London on July 19th, 2025. Attendees and press will be able to listen to the K15 with FiiO FT7 headphones.
The K17 is available for $989.99 at Amazon.
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