2024 was a very busy year for the headphone and desktop audio categories; the sale of some of the biggest high-end audio brands because of lagging sales, far too many brands and products within the market that don’t offer any genuine points of differentiation, and declining interest in large component systems — it’s clear which direction the market is headed. The new FiiO K17 has been introduced today at CES 2025 and we are more than just a little intrigued based on the price.
FiiO had a very successful 2024 with the launch of over a dozen new products including their first portable cassette player and CD player. Almost all of their new products are aimed at consumers who want performance and connectivity for less money.
With the launch of the K17, FiiO JM21 DAP, and S15 network streamer, it is rather clear what we can expect from them in 2025.
FiiO K17
The FiiO K17 is a headphone amplifier that is designed to provide comprehensive features for headphone fans. The K17 provides custom PEQ (Parametric Equalizer) settings (carried over from the FiiO flagship K19). streaming, Bluetooth and local USB playback is accessible via an attractive, responsive touchscreen.
With an RCA input, the K17 allows connection from a turntable (you may need an external phono preamp), as well as digital and analog sources (including RCA and XLR). A wireless remote is provided for most functions, while the FiiO Control app (iOS, Android) supports the customization of more extensive settings.
The built-in touchscreen provides status information as well as a retro VU meter display option. Of course, the K17 is designed to be ideal as a standalone unit for headphone use but you also connect to powered speakers or an external audio system for room-filling Hi-Fi sound.
K17 Specifications
| Amplification Type | Fully discrete Class-AB transistor amplification circuit |
| Power Output (for Headphones) | 4000mW + 4000mW |
| Equalization | Global 31-band professional-grade high-precision lossless PEQ |
| DAC | AKM flagship DAC chips) AK4191 + 2 x AK4499EX) |
| Oscillators | Three ultra-low phase noise femtosecond oscillators |
| Audio System Architecture | Fully Balanced |
| Power Supply | 35W low-noise, low-frequency linear power supply |
| Display | 3.93-inch LCD touchscreen |
| WiFi | Dual-band 2.4G/5G Wi-Fi + 1000M |
| Ethernet port | Yes |
| Custom remote control | Yes |
The Bottom Line
FiiO has secured a reputation for making great desktop and portable audio products at affordable prices that appeal to a growing consumer base.
The K17 offers both wireless and wired source connection options that provide convenient headphone listening options, and if you are not in the mood for headphone listening, you can also connect the K17 to a pair of active loudspeakers.
Bluetooth support includes SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive.
The K19 offers HDMI ARC connectivity but we don’t think that will be a feature with the K17 based on what we have been able to dig up so far.
The USB Type-C port is likely to support 32-bit/384kHz PCM or higher.
While the K17 is not as compact or as inexpensive as their K11-R2R desktop headphone amp, it is still a lot less expensive than products such as the TEAC UD-507 ($2,000) or the Feliks Audio Envy Meisterwerk Tube Headphone Amp ($10,000) and offers greater connectivity options and flexibility.
WiiM, Schiit Audio, and FiiO seem to be laser focused on what consumers actually need in 2025 and with prices that are under $1,000 for a lot of their components — better positioned for the future.
The only question we have is what the pricing might be should a tariff war start with the new administration and China, Canada, and Mexico. Expect to pay more should that come to pass. Definitely a good time to order now before that happens.
Pricing & Availability
The FiiO K17 is priced at $899.99 USD (999.99EUR / £899) and is expected to become available in late January 2025. Now available for $989 at Amazon.
Related Reading
