FiiO KA13 Portable DAC Dongle, USB-C Adapter

Piccolo,pratico, molto potente e dal buon suono.

This dongle has really impressed me over the past days. I will be using this for the foreseeable future! So what made me want to keep this device? Well this is the first small dongle that I have come across (especially for a reasonable price) that can power many of my full-size full frame headphones.

The “desktop” mode on this dongle works perfectly on my Xperia phone but it (obviously) drains the battery faster than using the “normal” mode. In “normal” mode it can power my Denon headphones as well as all my IEMs way past any volume level I would want to listen to them at. Best of all is that this unit has no sound bias and no sound coloring. It does get a bit warm to the touch (especially in desktop mode) but I noticed that disabling the “status LED” actually helps to reduce some of the heat.
According to FiiO’s own measurement: this unit has a SINAD of 111db which makes it totally transparent.

In critical listening tests; I usually couldn’t tell the difference between this dongle and my desktop setup unless the headphones too power hungry for the dongle to reliably drive them the way they need. In causal listening tests; I wouldn’t hear the difference anyway.
This device has an Android app which lets me control things like when the LED light is on as well as the filter and tuning. I found the app to be “ok” and I mostly just used it to change the filter and turn off the light.
This device can operate in exclusive mode on Android for certain music apps in general. This is a nice feature since Android tends to resample everything into 48Khz for some reason.

In general I am literally blown away with how much performance is available in such a small and affordable package here in 2024. This dongle has better performance and measurements than my first desktop DAC setup 8 years ago. I have ordered a 4.4mm cable for some of my headphones because so far I have only tried it via the 3.5mm output.
I also love the size of this device as it fits into my headphone case along with my IEMs. I used toe carry a Fiio K1 for all these last years but now I will carry this as it is much better.

I will report back if this dongle fails on me; as I have already had another Dongle fail on me within only a few days (not this one or a FiiO one in general).

LOVE The GREEN Color! It actually affected my decision to purchase this device vs some other units in the market with similar specs and price.

The FiiO/JadeAudio KA13 Portable DAC Dongle is a compelling addition to the portable audio market, tailored for audiophiles who seek an enhanced audio experience on their mobile devices. This review explores the design, build quality, performance, and features of the KA13, providing a detailed assessment of its capabilities. The FiiO/JadeAudio KA13 is designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic in a black finish, giving it a premium look and feel. Its compact size ensures high portability, making it an ideal choice for users who are always on the go. The device features a robust metal housing, which not only enhances its durability but also adds a touch of elegance. The inclusion of both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs significantly increases its versatility, allowing it to cater to a wide range of headphones and earphones. The KA13 is equipped with a USB-C interface, ensuring seamless integration with a variety of devices. It is compatible with Android and iOS systems, as well as PCs and music players, making it a versatile accessory for high-quality audio across multiple platforms. The plug-and-play functionality simplifies the user experience, eliminating the need for additional drivers or software installations. This broad compatibility ensures that users can enjoy superior audio without any compatibility issues.

At the heart of the KA13’s appeal is its outstanding audio performance. Supporting PCM audio up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD256, the KA13 delivers a rich and detailed sound experience. The high-resolution audio processing capability ensures that every nuance of the music is captured, providing an immersive listening experience. With a power output of 550mW, the KA13 is capable of driving a wide range of headphones, including those with higher impedance. The sound signature of the KA13 is well-balanced, with a clear emphasis on delivering accurate and natural sound reproduction. The bass is tight and controlled, the mids are smooth and detailed, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. This balanced sound profile makes the KA13 suitable for a variety of music genres, from classical to rock to electronic, ensuring a versatile listening experience. One of the standout features of the KA13 is its dual output design. The 3.5mm single-ended output is ideal for standard headphones and earphones, while the 4.4mm balanced output provides a superior listening experience with balanced headphones. This flexibility allows users to switch between different listening setups based on their preferences and needs, enhancing the overall user experience. The KA13 also boasts a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and low total harmonic distortion (THD), ensuring clean and precise audio output. These specifications highlight the DAC’s capability to maintain audio fidelity even at higher volumes, which is crucial for an authentic listening experience. The device’s ability to deliver high-quality sound without distortion makes it a reliable choice for audiophiles.

The KA13 has several notable advantages. Its support for high-resolution audio (PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD256) and powerful output (550mW) allows it to drive high-impedance headphones with ease. The dual outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm) offer versatility, catering to a wide range of headphones and earphones. The robust build quality, sleek design, broad compatibility, and plug-and-play functionality further enhance its appeal. Also it is very cost effective given its performance and feature set. However, the device does have a few minor drawbacks. The absence of a USB-A adapter can be inconvenient for users with older PCs or devices that lack USB-C ports. Additionally, the compact design, while convenient, might make the device easy to misplace. Finally, the metal housing can become warm during extended use, which could be uncomfortable for some users.

The FiiO KA13 Portable DAC Dongle is an impressive device that significantly elevates the audio experience for both mobile and desktop users. Its high-resolution audio support, powerful output, and versatile connectivity make it an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking portable high-fidelity audio. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of a USB-A adapter and potential for warmth during prolonged use, these do not significantly detract from its overall performance and value. The KA13 is a well-rounded DAC dongle that combines excellent build quality, versatile functionality, and outstanding audio performance. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience across multiple devices, offering a perfect blend of portability and high-quality sound.

This little dongle can certainly upgrade the quality of what you’re listening to, however the device can get very hot. Especially when using the 4.4mm balanced output. I’ve found that it has no impact on the device, but can be quite concerning if you’re not expecting it to heat up. Just an observation.

Nonetheless I’ve been using it with my S24 Ultra and Beats Studio Pros to improve the quality of the tracks I stream on apple music. This device bypasses the internal processing in most android devices that can impact the quality of the tracks and makes the music sound great! I’m sure it would be even better with a more expensive pair of headphones to go with it but I’m very happy with how it performs with my current setup.

£70 is slightly more than I would have liked to pay for a portable DAC amp, however in the long run I’m sure the price will be worth it, as long as the device lasts long enough.

It’s very small and will fit in your pocket no problem. Just be aware of how hot it can get.

It connected to my phone via the usb-c port no problem. Virtually plug and play, however there is a companion app downloadable from the play store that provides additional EQ modes if that’s what you’re into.

Overall a great option for music lovers who want an upgrade in clarity to their earphones/headphones on the go.